The House that Chan's Built

We had a little scare when they first started putting the roof up it looked very light! But it's coming together nicely.

I am learning that the subs want to get in- do their job- and get out. They don't want to give a whole lot of advice or lead you by the hand too much. That's what general contractors are for!! But we have been very blessed by honest hard working men- I can say that because there have been no ladies as of yet working on our house!

A lot going on today- plumber finishing up, electrician almost done, pouring garage slab, HVAC starting! Phew! What a process- what a blessing. It seems like it all happened so fast- because a lot of it did. Like selling our house in a day (even though the move out process took three months ) and selling our land to the first people we mentioned it to. But in reality we've been planning this for 3 or 4 years now. In fact I was remembering the other day as I vacuumed my constantly disgusting van- about two years ago I was begging Ted for a new van- a Toyota Sienna. And we actually test drove a few and went to the car dealership to buy one and at the last minute he said, "I just don't feel right about this." And we left- I was embarrassed because we had the guy convinced we were going to buy one. A month later we found and bought the land in Cottonwood Springs- it proved to be a much better investment! So yes- there are moments when I feel this has been rushed- like when Ted called this morning and said I had until noon to decide if I want stone around the front or not because he needed to order the lap siding---- but it is a dream we've had for a while. I feel silly even saying that though- because I realize that a lot of people have a dream home for years without it coming to realization- if ever and I know I'm so young.

I'm not one to publically gush over my husband either- but he has been an incredible manager through this. One of our subs said the other day that he can't believe how quickly we've moved along through this process- and I can't give credit to anyone but him. I try to remember that when I never see him at lunch anymore- he's out in the mud and cold building me a house.

Also at this point home has so many meanings- so many levels. Home is truly where my family is. We've been staying at our friends house this week and it has been a little hard on the younger kids- but they have a hard time sleeping no matter where we are these days. Adam just wants to go home somewhere- he keeps saying. Emma was crying this morning and said she just thinks it's hard sometimes to not have a real home. Kyle always asks why we don't live in the blue house anymore. Last night I was asked by someone, "Where are we going now?" And I said, "Home." James then yelled out, "We don't have a home!" But we do- we have each other and a warm place to lay our heads down at night and food to eat and health and the gospel and that's all that really matters. Home sweet home- in the arms of my loved ones.

ps dorothy and mike and the girls and grandparents and uncle are incredible roommates:-)... really it's been wonderful in it's very own way... i'm certainly not dissing them and we have created home- i hope what i'm saying is not misconstrued:)