…June 5th! Thanks to the bank for pressing the builder to give us a completion date. He says we should be moved in before that date if our tile layer will press on the gas. We opted for a different tile layer than the one the builder normally uses. He is a perfectionist and is doing a great job. The builder says, “he does excellent work, he’s just very slow.” I guess that’s the price you pay to get it done right. I told my husband I will be at the house in the morning helping him grout the floors to get things moving if I need to.

It will be almost, to the day, a full year from the time the builder broke ground on our home. It has been one of the most grueling things I have ever done. I would not wish this experience on my worst enemy. (it’s just a saying…I hope I don’t have enemies) It really is true what they say about building a home…how difficult it is. I am sure we could have been on the HGTV show Dream Homes. Honestly, I could never watch that show because of the anxiety it gave me. The actual building process is a million times worse. My husband has really been great putting up with me (Thank you, honey!) He keeps telling me over and over, “It will all be worth it in the end.” Sometimes I did not think so. Now that it seems I can somewhat see the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ I am sure he is right. Kids, you will have a more sane Mom once we have moved in…I think LOL

I know being able to build a house such as ours is a tremendous BLESSING. Many people are struggling right now and my heart aches for them. It truly does. Someone at church one day said they wondered if they would be able to keep their home. My husband and I realize the situation of others and have tried to keep quiet. Except for our family and close friends, if anyone asks us we are happy to report our status, otherwise we don’t talk about it.

My heartfelt thanks go to my parents for listening to me whine and cry about all the twists and turns. Emily, thank you for being my long distance decision maker/designer during those times I just couldn’t make one more decision or just needed a friend to bounce ideas with (I miss u!). Sara, thank you for listening to me ramble on about the house…I really needed someone to listen and you did and still do. I know you didn’t know what you were getting yourself into when you called me. Last but certainly not least, I thank my Heavenly Father. My faith is my rock. Besides, ultimately, everything we have is His anyway. I pray that we might be good stewards over this home he has blessed us with. I promise to share it with all my family and friends! I plan on spending lots of time there making memories for an eternity with the people that mean the most to me.

Very Sincerely,