I learned how to operate the skid steer (Bobcat) and that was fun! I scooped some rocks around the front yard and dumped them into the truck. I think dad was nervous I was going to wreck the thing...haha...it's ok, I'll keep practicing. Last Saturday my mom kept the kids so Jonny and I could work together. We rented a mini skid steer to clear out overgrown bamboo on side of house. It took a long time, and it felt like we didn't get much done that day. I hate it when those days happen.

One day I helped dad jack the floor to repair another area that needed to be leveled. He also taught me how to lay field stone on the exterior of the house to patch in a window area we closed up. I enjoyed that actually, it has an artistic element to it, that was a fun work day. Oh, and we FINALLY found a framing crew to help us, what a relief! Things should start moving faster now (THAT will be a nice change of pace!) The new concrete slab for the porch is done, and the framing crew should start next week on building the porch.

Also, I'm getting more comfortable with filming, and more mindful of telling the story of our project. The less I worry about how I look or sound, the more fun I have (and really the more enjoyable the footage ends up being.) I'm starting to spend a lot of time on Pinterest and sketching out ideas for the interior styling. I found some cabinets at the Flea Mall that a local guy builds. They're pretty raw and will need to be sanded some more, but I think I can finish them out nicely and it's going to save us a good bit of money. I would love to do a nice muted green on top and stained wood on base, but not sure it's the best choice for resale, so I haven't decided on that for sure. I sketched it out, and I do like how cheerful it looks!

A PAUSE FOR GRATITUDE

I've praying often that the Lord will send good contractors our way, who are working hard to support their families too. I'm thankful for this framing crew, they seem dependable. I'm feeling more confident to jump into big jobs that I've never done before. I've also been realizing just how much I enjoy hard work. It's never fun when you first start, but there is something so fulfilling about it and afterwards is so satisfying. The Lord did create us to tend and keep. I'm very grateful to have work to do that I enjoy and that will really help my family financially.