So Where Are We

I haven't written for so long I don't know where I am.

We have been very busy going nowhere it seems. Things have taken so long because of waiting on others to do there job (electrical, heating and cooling system etc.). We have finished the sheet rock, taping, texturing, cutting out basement windows, putting in basement windows and window wells, most of the siding, sofiting, upstairs doors, molding, and new garage.

Upstairs Dinning and Kitchen

Upstairs Living area

Much needed Union Break.

Not only has it taken forever but the weather has been a bear!!! Hot 90 to 100+ degrees and humidity higher then usual. The cooling and heating guy has been off doing other jobs leaving us without air-conditioning. It just hasn't been pleasant. The Dustins are great people but aren't craftsmen so Randall has spent most of his time teaching Elder Dustin what to do, so things have gone slow. Sister Dustin is more receptive and knowledgeable then Elder Dustin. Kinda funny!

We said we would stay another 2 weeks so the couple replacing us could get up to speed since the Dustins wouldn't know what will be needed in the future. So we still have a few weeks left, we are expecting them to come sometime around August 15. I wish we could be here when this house is finished but I do want to go home.

I have gained a great respect for my husband and the things he can do. I always knew he would be able to do anything we needed as a family, but watching him work is amazing. He really should have his own reality TV show. Elder Dustin is an outdoors man and likes to bike, hike and climb. He is put out because he keeps saying he can't keep up with Randall. Between the work and heat we have all been having a hard time! Elder Dustin keeps telling Sister Dustin “I can't keep up, it makes me so mad, I'm in shape and I can't keep up”. Rand kicks butt, even for a younger man, which he's not. Another impressive thing is how he always knows what needs to be done. He can put in a beam to hold up the house and act as bearing wall. He knows how to extend roof-lines, build staircases, cut basement windows, he knows what can be replaced and what can't. The list goes on and on. He gets it done and is 67 yrs old, and works like a 30 yr old. He's amazing to me. I just hope in this heat he doesn't over do it and keel over on me because he is also stubborn and won't stop when he needs to.

I also love my dear sweet children for all they have done for us. Our house has had some major issues since we have been gone and the kids have had to deal with them. I know it's been hard since they live so far away (We had to go through that with my parents). But we have appreciated everything they've done. Gordon had also been wonderful taking care of things while we have been gone. Going on a mission is more than two old people leaving home for awhile. There are so many other things involved, most people aren't even aware of. It will be nice to get home and give everyone a break.

Add on to this going to church and church jobs! But God keeps us going, we would not be doing this if not for him. I think our health would have given out long ago without all his blessings, I have to admit. With him around I can do anything, it may take awhile but I have done things I thought I was way to old for. I have more confidence in myself with the blessings he has given me. My testimony of the gospel and in Heavenly Father has grown since I have been out and of that I'm very thankful.

Love you all, Happy Birthday Ivan! ann

Good Day!