"Once Upon A Time..."

"...there was a Little House way out in the country.  She was a pretty Little House and she was strong and well built." (The Little House, Virginia Lee Burton)
 

I promised a story.  Well, this is good one.  Blood, sweat, and tears, and all that. 

Most of you know that sometime mid-summer Wes and I investigated a non-profit corporation selling reasonably priced lots in rural cities.  Contracted families would work together to build a group of eight homes over the course of 7(ish) months.  Sweat equity would double as a down payment.

Most of you know that after some vacillation we closed the deal and proceeded with the project.  Proceeding was perhaps not the most reasonable choice.  Indeed, there have been stressful weeks, minor injuries (careful with those nail guns, people!), and cold (cold) winter days. 

But there have also been angels. 

And beautiful days when the sun warmed our backs and the time, passed in company of beloved folks, passed quickly.  

Wes and I have spent several days on the site alone together.  We've hauled and measured together.  We've pulled plenty of nails and shared plenty of frustration and laughter together.  And I wonder if there will ever be a place I long to live in more than this little house, way out in the country, made of strong lumber and so much love.   

I'm not exactly sure how this story will end.  But I wanted to at least give you a peek of the pictures (you can browse the archives and pop by for future updates HERE).

In the meantime, Wes and I feel like shouting our gratitude from the roof-top!  Thanks to all of you who've helped (in body or in spirit =)!