More Pictures from 10-7-06

My apologies, these are not in order. I'm having such a struggle with Blogger Beta right now that I'm just happy these will be posted at all, even if they aren't in order. Things continue to move right along with the house. The septic was mostly installed today (waiting on an inspection). The rough in plumbing and HVAC go in tomorrow. We only have two things we are dealing with right now. We are trying to find someone to finish the roofing (and save us time) for a decent price. I have a call into someone hopeful. I should know more tomorrow. And . . . our stairs are wrong. There is an extra "step" or technical term being "tread." I had the step guy out today to see what he could see. He said he'd check with the guy who built them and get back to me. They won't pass code the way they are built right now, so we are hoping that if fixed quickly and that the framers won't charge us extra to install that a second time! :0

If we find someone to do the roof for the price we want, things will continue to progress rapidly and Andrew could be installing the windows sometime soon. If we can't find anyone, Andrew will continue with the roofing project until it is complete. We think that might set us back two to three weeks. We'll see what happens tomorrow. Ok, now on to the pictures.

Nick handing Wayne a board. Nick did get on the roof but my camera battery died before that. Just wanted to make mention, since Nick witnessed me carrying packs of shingles, which are very heavy, and which Andrew said I couldn't carry! Ha! No pics of that, sorry!

Wayne, Graham, and Andrew working on the felt/tar paper on the roof.

Handy Andy

(only don't really call him Andy, he HATES it . . . I just had to rhyme in this situation)

Garage floor with freshly poured concrete. See the before pictures below.

Pouring the porch concrete!

Starting on the tar paper for the back of the house.

Starting to pour the concrete in the garage. They offered to let me help and now I wish I would have! :(

Looking into the garage before concrete. I told you these were backwards!

The excavation company starting on our septic system (which they finished today!!). The mist was neat.

10-3 and 10-05 Pictures

I am finally putting new pictures on. Enjoy!

Andrew and Wayne putting on the tar paper for the roof. Sorry this picture is so dark but well . . . it was pretty dark outside! Our neighbor, Herb, is watching and helping.

Blogger is being stupid and I can't click where I want to so this is the caption for the picture below. Our house on Tuesday 10/3/06

Our house at lunch today (10/05/06)

The front dormers are in. Now they just have to frame walls in upstairs and finish the dormer in the back.

We're FINALLY backfilled!

I have yet to witness the backfill with my own eyes, but our trusty spy, Grandma Myers, reported to Andrew this afternoon, that there was indeed a "big truck pushing dirt around." It seems like we've waited on this a long time, but in reality it's only been a week since my first call. During our site visit with our consultant this morning, I shared a bit of my frustration with the fact that the excavators have told me that they would be out to backfill but they have not and have not called. One call from him, and we had a definitive time and the carpenters were busily cleaning up the site. We were remarking again today how we only started digging on our house three weeks ago today. Things are going so fast! So, here's an updated schedule:

Today: Backfill and framing
Tomorrow: AM, meeting with the septic excavator and beginning to trench, PM Porch and Garage Concrete poured, steps installed inside
Friday: Finish framing (maybe), continue to work on roof, and septic excavator work
Saturday: Roofing Party!
Tuesday: HVAC and Plumber beginning rough in

That's all for now. Hopefully, I'll get pictures up later today. It's changed already!

We're on the fast track!

We had a great planning meeting with our consultant this morning. I always feel so much better after those. Our consultant has built a lot of houses in his life, and he said that we are on track to be done by Christmas! The timing will mainly depend on Andrew now. These next few weeks are going to be full of jobs that he has decided to take on himself (shingling the roof, installing windows, and the electrical work)! I'm hoping he doesn't wear himself out and I wish there were more physical labor that I could do to help!

I give thanks every day for this house. I have sent up many prayers throughout this whole process (many of them being, "Dear God, Make this cheaper!"). We have both wanted the same things from the start which is a very conservative house, in which we can serve God. We weren't picky about the things we didn't feel mattered much in the grand scheme of things, such as colors, finishes, the size of the house, fireplaces, building the master suite, cabinets, flooring, and other things we consider a luxury! Not to say that there hasn't been stress but I think we'll come out of this process much stronger and more knowledgeable people! One can only hope and pray!



I am usually ready for bed (at about 10:30 pm or so) and think "Oh no, I forgot to post the pictures," so I will run down to the computer and do it then! It is really a pretty quick process.

10/01/2006 Pictures of our trusses

Taken around noon inside the house, looking up through the trusses. Pretty good picture for my cheap camera!


Looking into the garage from the kitchen "door." There are lots of supports in place . . . which is a good thing!


Looking at the house from the north west side. Hopefully, backfill will be done tomorrow.

Pictures from the back of the house.

From the south west side of the house. The workers are waiting for the plywood to arrive!

Slight Delay

We've had our first slight delay. Our excavator went out this morning to try and backfill our house and there was just way too much stuff in the way, such as lumber, trusses, and carpenters(I figured as much and even called him this morning). They are going to backfill tomorrow instead, this also pushes our concrete guy back a day. To be honest, I'm glad that it's slowing down just a little bit so I can get my feet under me. They are still going to set the trusses today, which means like the whole second story of our house will go up. I'm going to race over at lunch to see it. It takes me about 25 minutes to get there (one way) but I like to check on the progress, even if I don't have a lot of time there. I came in early today so I can take little extra time at lunch. Of course, I am teaching voice lessons tonight because . . . I'm absolutely crazy!! Should be more pictures of the trusses coming soon.

Pictures from 9/30/06

Andrew and I spent most of the day just cleaning up around the construction site. We started a fire and burnt a lot of scrap lumber and such. Andrew also saw cut the concrete to control cracking. Sorry, no pictures of that. I was lucky to make it down in the basement just to help, let alone to bring a camera. The framers were there from before 8:00 am to around 5:00 pm. They mainly put up interior walls and framed in the garage. We are pretty sure they are putting up the trusses tomorrow (yes, on Sunday). I am teaching Sunday School both hours tomorrow so I won't be able to be there. Andrew is going to early service so he can be out there to catch the action. We'll post more pictures when we take them. These are the pictures from today.

This is the where the sliding glass door in our kitchen/dining area will go.


Looking into the kitchen. Cabinets will go along both walls.


The kitchen window. Our sink will be below it!


Looking into the basement. No stairs yet. We used a ladder to get down there. You can sort of see what Andrew cut today if you look at the line in the concrete.



The view out of our bedroom window (for now, we may move upstairs once we finish that).

A picture of the whole first floor framed. It is amazing how much different it will look by next weekend, when Andrew will probably be working on the shingles.

The Promised Pictures

The promised pictures are below!

A picture of our basement/foundation before the concrete was poured. We forgot to take a picture of the concrete floor but you can imagine. Picture taken on 9/26/06


A rainbow we saw out by our house one day. Andrew says it's a sign that God will not destroy our house with water . . . high winds or a tornado maybe, but we're safe from the water.


The framers beginning to lay the sub floor. This was taken on 9/28/06 at about 1:30 pm. They work so fast that it makes my head spin!


This was taken about 12:00 pm on 9/29/06. The ground is still too muddy to get close to the house, without the proper shoes.


Taken this evening 9/29/06 (by Andrew, I was at my jewelry party). I can't believe how fast it is going. They are ready to set the trusses tomorrow. You can see them laying on the ground in this picture.

Andrew's dad admiring the framing this evening.

The framers are planning on working tomorrow, so I'm sure we will be out there most of the day to see them work, so we'll get more pictures. Surely these pictures are good enough to warrent several comments from my beloved friends and family! :) :)

Framing Update

Sorry that there are no pictures yet. I didn't get a chance to download from my camera. I drove out there over lunch and they had two walls up, the front and back of the house. Andrew is out there right now and he said that they had some of the interior walls up too. Looks like it should really move along, if they decide to work this weekend. I am still at work at 5:30pm on a Friday. My boss has requested that I make up time missed, which I understand, so I've got to grab every opportunity to do that. I've also been invited to a jewelry party over in this area. I normally despise home parties, they just lead to guilt at not spending money, but all the proceeds go towards helping a couple in our church get started as missionaries in Jos, Nigeria. Also, I've been praying that I would make some friends here. I tend to be slow at making friends, but once I make friends, they are pretty deep and long lasting friendships. So, we'll see how this goes.

I should have pictures to post tonight. I'll try to get my smart husband to help me put a video on here because, I have no idea how to even get it off the camera. We'll see.

So many things to say . . .

The framers started today. I drove over at lunch, and it looked good. The ground over there is so very muddy from the rain, so I brought along some old tennis shoes to wear in the mud. In order to not get my long pants muddy, I decided to resort to the 80s pant roll. I knew that I looked bad but I figured it would be better to look bad infront of our framing crew (who by the way, are all of Mexican decent) than have mud on my pants at work. Makes sense, right?! As I was leaving, I bid farewell to my framing crew and walked back to my car. I heard one of the guys say a phrase in Spanish. Now, I'm not fluent, but I did take spanish in high school and I know enough to know that they were making fun of my pants but not enough spanish to reply! I can't believe that they didn't say, "what a smart woman to bring her tennis shoes and roll her pants so they don't get muddy." I'm glad I could make someone have a laugh today.

On a more somber note, I found out this morning that one of my Sunday School kids (who is 3 years old) is having heart surgery for some major problems in November. She is the sweetest, most precious girl and my heart is broken for her. It helps to put things in perspective (again). Why do I whine all the time that I don't have a house when one is being built for me? And why do I whine all the time about my aches and pains when at least I feel good enough go to work and be productive? I'm just tired of hearing myself complain about such petty things, as I'm sure many of those close to me are as well. I'm tired of just petty things being a big deal.

Ok, so if everything continues to go on schedule for the house, this is what we're looking at for this week:
Friday, September 29th - Trusses delivered and set and sump pump installed
Saturday, September 30th - More framing
Monday, October 2nd - Backfill
Tuesday, October 3rd - Concrete for porch and garage (although they haven't called me back)
Wednesday, October 4th - Shingles delivered (Yeah, Andrew is putting these on!!)
Friday, October 5th - Windows Delivered and installed

Also this week, we may have the HVAC guy and plumber come in for some rough in. We also might be able to start on the septic. We are anxious to get that in before the cold weather starts! Yikes! I feel as if I'm a bit over my head but things keep moving forward and I'm learning slowly but surely, just to trust, and ask for help, if I need it. I've got framing pictures that I'll post later!

I can hardly breathe!

I'm so sore today! I spent much of the evening last night in our new basement (took some coaxing to get me down there with just a short ladder as a means of escape) shoveling rocks, mud, and muddy rocks so that Andrew could put up some screed board (if you need an explaination, email me jaime_schechter@yahoo.com) for the guys pouring concrete today. I also ran by our window place, and picked up some vapor barrier from Home Depot. I must say that I was very impressed with the service from Home Depot. Of course, I was a woman alone, asking about a 20x50 roll of 6 mil vapor barrier. Not your average, run-of-the-mill, female shopping experience!! I was helped by two, yes TWO, employees and then one of them carried the item to the register and then out to my car. That was good, since it was so heavy, I would have struggled to get it loaded up. I would have succeeded but I may have injured myself trying!!

Tonight we have a meeting with our HVAC guy and then home so that Andrew can accomplish some homework! We are having lumber delivered this afternoon and then our framing starts tomorrow! There is an 80% chance of rain and I mentioned it to the framer, but he said he didn't care. Now we just need to get our septic in place and much of our weather worries will be over. Our trusses are being delivered on Friday so that the framers can work all weekend. I hope all that goes well and there are no mix-ups or anything. The guy is from Romania so it is a tiny bit difficult to communicate with him. I've written down all my questions and things I need to tell him, so hopefully it will go smoothly.

I'll try to take some pictures tomorrow of the concrete basement floor and framing.

Foundation Photos!

Here are the pictures from last Wednesday when Superior Walls dropped in our pre-poured foundation. Enjoy!

This is the sign they placed in our front yard!



This is the first wall being dropped into place!


Wall number 3. It was neat to see how the crane lifted and moved the heavy walls! They also worked so fast. They put these three walls together in just a few minutes.


More Walls!


The crane operator let us take a picture from the crane. I let Andrew do it.



Finished foundation that evening!

The foundation is in!!

I'm at work so I can't post pictures. I will try to put them up tonight. I also have video but I will have to bug my hubby to help me do that. I'm not quite that technology savvy! The foundation is pretty cool. Lots of things are going in next week: basement floor, steel beams, lumber delivered, and the framing starts! Yeah!

Footers, Foundations, and I don't know!!

We are having our superior walls foundation set tomorrow morning. I am planning on going in to work late, so that I can watch them get started! We had a UBI meeting this morning (at 7:00 am) and I am pretty overwhelmed now. I'm not sure what all to do when, but I'm sure I can figure it out. The only two things that are scheduled is the foundation tomorrow and the plumber putting in underground stuff on Monday. The rest of it is in the works. It looks like the framer will start next Thursday (the 28th) so we'll see when it gets a bit closer. Sorry this is so short. I'll have lots of good pictures to post tomorrow. I have a few from the excavation company spreading the gravel (not very exciting) but I haven't taken them off my camera yet.

Hole Pictures!

Once again, these are in reverse order but it's 11:00 pm and I got up at 5:45 am so I'm not going to worry about fixing it tonight! The foundation company is bringing in gravel tomorrow and the temporary pole Andrew constructed is being inspected tomorrow. Enjoy the pictures!

The completed hole at 5:30 pm.

This is what it looked like at noon when we came over on our lunch break.

The monster is beginning to dig our basement. This was around 7:15 am.

We've Begun!

We watched the excavator begin to dig this morning at 7:15 am! We've officially started construction. We got video and pictures of the event, which I will try to post later. It was hard for me to go to work and not stay and watch. We watched him dig up some interesting pipes and things. We were hoping he didn't run into a big septic tank, from the old house so we'll see. He said it was an easy dig (hopefully means cheap). We have another meeting with our consultant there at 12:30 pm today. Good thing I've found the fastest route, since it takes me about 30 minutes one-way between work and the lot. I'll keep you posted with pictures and updates on the progress.

Timber and Heavy Equipment

Sorry these pictures are in reverse order. I can't figure out how to get blogger to load one beneath, instead of above. I'll work on that.

I took this picture at work on my way out to the mailbox. The driveway was covered with rain water! I've never seen it rain so hard for so long. It was only a slight drizzle here, which is why I chose this moment to go to the mailbox.

The heavy equipment in our lot, waiting out the rain!!

Dewey is watching and learning how to cut up a tree from Wayne and Andrew.

Unfortunately, this was our favorite tree in the yard. It was just too close to the house site. We'll enjoy the firewood.

Our neighbor volunteered to help us cut down the tree. So . . . we let him!!

New Sidebar Item

I searched today and found this neat little weather channel thing (for lack of a better word) to put in my sidebar. Since the weather is drastically effecting our building, I decided to keep all my family and friends up-to-date on the current weather, using my blog. I took some pictures of the rain today and I still haven't found out when we are going to dig. I would imagine that it would be either tomorrow or Thursday. I spent my lunch hour picking out windows at Pella. I went by myself since it was down in Montgomery (only had to turn around once . . . huge improvement) and it was too far for Andrew to come. We just need to decide on colors and place an order since Andrew and I have agreed all along on the style of the windows. I was shocked to learn how soon we would have to be ordering all of these materials. Also this week, we are picking out lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, roofing color, and maybe appliances. I guess doing all of this while you are waiting on the rain rain to go away, saves time later. I'll should have several boring pictures of rain, and our excavation equipment, later on today for your viewing pleasure.

Our first delay

On my way to our land this morning (at about 6:50 am), our consultant called me and said that he suggested that we postpone the excavation because of rain in the forecast for tomorrow. He said it would also save us money because the excavator wouldn't have to drive out to our place twice (or more). So I'm ok with that. I'm ready to get started but I know it will happen soon. I'll find out more about our new schedule later on today.

We're digging a very big hole . . .

financially and in the ground!! :) I discovered today (long story) that we are breaking ground on September 11th at 7:00 am. Yeah! We're finally building our house! I feel like I'm going on a trip and I have no idea where I'm going.

Unconscious Love

Last night, Andrew fell asleep while I was still up reading my book. Right after I turned off my light, he rolled over and said, "Goodnight my perfect angel." I answered back (jokingly), "Oh, your just talking in your sleep." Well . . . he was talking in his sleep!! I am honored to know that my husband has such nice thoughts of me while he sleeps! :)

Firework Pictures

The banks were crowded. I heard the next day on the news that there was 1/2 million people down at the river for the fireworks.

The "waterfall" fireworks were displayed from a bridge that spans the Ohio River.

Jaime, Jennie, Maggie, Michael, and Andrew (the photographer) at the fireworks last Sunday night. I had a good time, I promise. Not sure why I am scowling.

Weekend and Such

We had a nice relaxing weekend. I really enjoyed my day off! I helped clean the church in Monroe on Saturday, did laundry, had tea (from people who didn't show), and watched a movie. Then on Sunday, we went to a movie, and then we headed downtown to watch some Labor Day fireworks. They are put on by a local radio station, so the station had music playing that coordinated with the fireworks. It was really neat. I especially liked the "water falls" coming off of the bridges. The news channel said that there were 1/2 million people there, and I believe it. It was so crowded! Yesterday, I slept in (very late), went to a movie, and then enjoyed a cookout at my in-law's house. So, we watched lots of movies. We hadn't been to one for several months. It was nice.

We are moving forward with our house stuff. We have appointments this week to pick out windows, and siding. I am working on calling people to talk about shingles, trusses, and lumber. I will hopefully have an official word on our dig date by tomorrow or Thursday. It's nice to have a four day week, and then another weekend. Since I got our building permit on Friday, we are now cleared to begin work. We are just waiting for our foundation to be built. Very important step in house building! :)

We've Set a Date

We've set a tentative date to dig, September 18th. This all hinges on when our foundation will be ready to install. I've been so swamped at work and with the house. Hopefully, I'll write more later.

Pants, Permits, and . . . Umm, Construction?

Pants: I bought myself a new pair of pants last week and decided to wear them today. I must have been bloated or something when I tried them on, because they are HUGE. And, don't ask . . . I haven't lost weight.

Permits: Our Building Permit is still in the works. I called to check on it today and I worked out a few kinks. Who knows what is to come, however? The water department was trying to charge us $3775 water permit fee! Yikes! Anyway, since our water account is active (I've been paying a $5 water bill for a few months), I told them about it. The lady checked on it for me and the water permit was paid in 1980. So . . . . "Dear Old Guy in 1980, Thanks for paying for my expensive water permit before I was even born. I appreciate it!"

Construction: We had a meeting with our building consultant today and guess what . . . he thinks we may have framing, roofing, etc done by the middle of October!!!!! This isn't me talking, folks, it is the expert in the situation. Anyway, we have another meeting on Friday with our consultant and a guy from superior walls, the people who are going to build us a beautiful foundation (as well as some to-do's before then). Hopefully our permits will be done by then, and we can schedule a time to dig a basement!! :)

FourThings

Since our other computer is down, I don't have an email address book, so I decided to just post this on my blog instead. Please feel free to leave your comments and participate. I'd love it!

Things you may not have known about me.....

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Data Entry at First Nat'l Bank, St. John
2. Farm jobs (pulling rye, weeding beans, changing irrigation, driving a tractor, etc)
3. Travel Coordinator for Advancement at Sterling College
4. Admissions Office Manager, Sterling College

Four Movies I would watch over and over again
1. Pirates of the Caribbean (1st one)
2. Catch Me If You Can
3. The Sound of Music
4. One True Thing

C) Four Places I have lived:
1. St. John, Kansas (birth to age 18)
2. Sterling, Kansas (approx age 18 to 23)
3. Manhattan, Kansas (lived here during the summer while in college)
4. Liberty Township, Ohio (present)

D) Four TV Shows I love to watch:
1. 24
2. American Idol
3. Everybody Hates Chris (don't watch regularly)
4. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

E) Four Places I have been on Vacation:
1. Scotland
2. Myrtle Beach
3. Europe (Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic)
4. Wilmington, Ohio (had to mention my wonderful bed and breakfast surprise get-away)

F) Four Websites I visit Daily:
1. mail.theschechters.com (my email)
2. www.53.com (my bank)
3. mail.yahoo.com (my other email)
4. jaimeschechter.blogspot.com (only to check the site meter)

G) Four of my favorite foods:
1. BBQ Pork to Beef (trying to not eat so much pork)
2. Mexican (burritos are my favorite)
3. Chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream at hot caramel sauce
4. Cooked Broccoli (I'm weird, I know) especially with cheese

H) Four places I would like to be right now:
1. St. John, Kansas visiting my family
2. Chicago, visiting my sister
3. Touring Europe with Andrew (I'd like to visit Italy next)
4. San Diego (I loved my visit there, even though it was for training, and I'd love to take Andrew. I think he'd LOVE the weather.)

I) Four friends I think will comment:
1. Graham
2. Carol
3. Susan
4. Anna
(just had to go with people I knew read my blog, although I hope others comment!!!!)

End of the tunnel (or beginning)!

Are we getting close to beginning the actual construction? I think so (although, I've been wrong before). Here are events that lead me to believe and hope we are getting close.

Friday, August 25th, 2006: Closing with the Bank (our construction loan will be in place and ready for us to take a draw).

Monday, August 28th, 2006: Our first officially construction planning meeting with UBI. They will give me this beautiful organized book of people's names I can call to hire for our house.

Tuesday, August 29th, 2006: This is when the county said our building permit would be ready!!

I don't think anything else standing in our way of hiring an excavator to dig the basement and septic system. My prediction is that we will be digging a basement by September 11th. Anyone else want to predict?

Weekend Pictures

I decided to post a few pictures in between lessons (one girl didn't come tonight). I always like other people's photo's so I'm going to try and post more myself.

Andrew in Belmont, Ohio

This is the view from his great aunt and uncle's house!!



Grandpa Schechter comparing Andrew's picture to Grandpa Miller's picture at the Miller Family Reunion on Saturday.


Group Photo at the Miller Family Reunion. Sorry it's so small!

Expensive but Expediting

I just turned in our plans to the township. They are expensive but they said that they would be done with the certificate by tomorrow morning. I can come by and pick it up after 6:30 am! So, while they may be (extremely) expensive, they are very . . . fast.

Minnesota Pictures (I hope)!

I am sitting here waiting for laundry to be done so I thought I'd try to post some pictures from our recent trip to Minnesota.

Schechter Family at Kristin's Wedding

Milwaukee Art Museum


The Field Museum in Chicago

Onward!

So, we are moving forward with house stuff . . . like the tortoise, but that is ok. He eventually wins the race!! :) We are officially "closing" with our construction loan on August 25th. Funny it is called closing since it is more of an opening. Anyway, we also have our first UBuildIt planning meeting that day. In the mean time, we have completed plans. Yeah! I am planning on taking them to the township offices tomorrow to get the zoning certificate! Just waiting on the septic plan. So tell me, why do we have to poop? Nothing has been more frustrating (yet) in this process than the silly ole' septic system. Different opinions (and prices) from everyone! I finally understand people's desire to buy, not build.

House Update #?

I'm losing count on the updates. I'm sure these are fairly boring but it's what is going on in our lives! I committed and purchased builder's insurance today. Actually, I haven't written the check yet, but I will do that tomorrow or Thursday. I have also contacted the septic plan guy (whose computer is in the shop. . . yikes!) to change our plan from two bedrooms to three bedrooms. That should be done by the end of the week. We are getting our house plans finalized (finally!). If all goes smoothly (hmm, when does that happen) I think we should have permits in place by the first of September. That's fairly optimistic, actually. The main hangup right now is with the septic plan. I am just kicking myself for not asking him to draw up a three-bedroom plan initially. I knew better but I just didn't speak up. Oh well, at least all it will cost us is a little bit of time (and maybe a little money to get reapproved). I just wish I could have a vacation from all of this. . . oh wait. . . I just got home from a vacation on Sunday night. I can't wait until the day I can take a personal day to unpack in my house!!! For a while, I could imagine it but now it seems like some crazy fantasy!

I pray every day that this debt will not rule our lives. I trust that God has things in control but as many of you (who know me well) know, I like to be "in control" (if there really is such a thing) so this is difficult for me.

We're Home

We made it home last night around 11:15 pm. Thanks to Maggie who picked us up from the bus stop downtown. The whole trip was very interesting. It got started by Andrew being pulled over about 15 miles down the road. He didn't get a ticket, thankfully! The bus ride home was very interesting as well. It felt just like choir tour. The bus was very similar to the Sterling College bus. The only difference was that we didn't know anyone else on the bus! We ran into some bad traffic coming from Minneapolis to Chicago so our bus was an hour late getting into Chicago!! The bus driver of our bus called ahead and they held our second bus for us! Needless to say, we got some dirty looks while we were loading that bus. I would imagine feeling the same way but nothing could be done to help the situation!!

Well, the house project continues to trudge along. We are now working on getting the septic plan changed and reapproved by the county. By the time we get all the permits done and everything, I am thinking it will be mid-September now. I don't want to build in the cold and snow! :( Anyway, this is teaching me a great deal about patience and trust. I would never have chosen this path to getting a house of my own (again) but I have to trust that it is the best option for us!

Minnesota

We're here in Minnesota. After a whirlwind trip through Chicago, Milwaukee, and now here, we are about ready to attend the wedding of Andrew's cousin, Kristin. We have enjoyed lots of good food (of course, my favorite was Geja's fondue cafe in Chicago) and many good sightseeing spots.

We are continuing to make progress on our house. Right now the main hold-up is that we are adding a bedroom to our house and so we have to change the septic plan, which also means another approval through the county!

Fairchild Family Visit

My parents and siblings were in Ohio to visit this past weekend. I had so much fun with them. I only wish we could have had a little bit more started on the house. Oh well! We enjoyed tea, swimming, a Red's game, visiting, eating (of course), and playing games. I will try to post some more pictures later. Sorry this is short, I'm trying to really get a lot done at work today, because I have a very short week!

What kind of candy are you?

Gummy Bears

You may be smooshie and taste unnatural, but you're so darn cute.

What Kind of Candy Are You?

Take the test and enjoy!

http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofcandyareyouquiz/

Lady in Waiting!

I am waiting. . . . waiting. I am either waiting for God to speak to me and say, "It is not My will for you to build this" or I am waiting from a call from our consultant saying, "You have to spend X amount of dollars extra to get this approved by the bank so we can find a house comparable in your area." I wish you could experience the drastic difference in those two voices in my head!! :) All I am going to say is that it is a wonderful thing that we cannot see the future. I doubt I would have packed a single box (let alone over a hundred), or gotten in the car (if Andrew had decided to pack boxes for me) to move, if I would have foreseen that we would have started on our house eight and a half months later!!