DAY 399: Exterior Color Preview, Au Revior Foam (the neighborhood cheers), and a Baptism

Read while listening to Maya's cello lesson:

It took Michelangelo FOUR years to  paint the Sisten Chapel Ceiling.  However, millions of people have enjoyed it's beauty for FIVE HUNDRED years.  The ceiling fresco was dedicated 1 November 1512 on All Saints' Day.

It was a wonderful reminder to me that good things come from HARD work, dedication and persistence in the face of difficulty.  One thing I love about the Michelangelo story is the scaffolding fiascoes.  Engineers and architects made proposals for scaffolding to reach the ceiling but the plans were wrought with problems.  Finally the Pope told Michelangelo to make his own plan for scaffolding--the one that was ultimately used.  Michelangelo was a sculptor, not a painter and felt like the project would take him from his true passions. He was forced to solve his own problems during the project in addition to doing something he didn't particularly love.  Four years of lying on his back, painting, poor conditions, lead paint, it goes on and on.  

Our project (from conception to "finish") will be close to four years.  However, we have enjoyed many more modern conveniences.  Since our home is made of concrete, maybe it too will last five hundred years.  It's not the Sisten chapel, but it's our little piece of paradise!

Crazy busy weekend....

So, let's start with the good stuff...a preview of our house colors!!!!!

 The white trim details have not been painted yet.  I am THRILLED with the colors.  Brent and I nailed the color choices.  Maybe not for everyone....but it's perfect for us.  I can't wait to post a picture with all the details finished!

And now, perhaps one of the greatest days of our entire journey--the foam is Disappearing!!!! This is my most favorite vanishing act of all time.  No more foam to cut, no more holes to fill, no more channels to grind, NO MORE FOAM!!!!!  I can hear the new neighbors cheering from here--it's going to blend in with the rest of the houses.

Nate, from Good Neighbors LLC, has been meticulous and careful with the exterior details.  He is picky and I really appreciate that.  It took them a moment to work out the kinks with placing the siding (all cement board) on the foam, but now they have a system. 

 Goodbye messy foam!  We have done our very best to seal you up tight!  Hope to never see you again!

It's going to be GREAT!  I can't wait!!!

 

We had a VERY important day on Saturday.  After a busy morning with the house we were able to enjoy a peaceful baptism for Estee.  The last of our four children to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Every member of our family participated in the services.  The meeting was filled with the spirit.  Estee, to my surprise, was very emotional.  It was tender.  I am grateful to have a family that makes and honors sacred covenants. 

 

 Our Bishop Paulson mentioned that Estee looked "Radiant" after her baptism.  It was true!  She had on a perma grin for the entire day, but she glowed.  She said that she felt "lighter than the lightest feather" after she was confirmed. 

We were blessed with the support of many family members and friends.  We had a yummy luncheon after her baptism.  

I feel like we are getting closer to the end of our project.  Well, not the end but to the point that we can move in.  Our home will be a work in progress.  We have things like the fireplace that we will need to tackle once we save some more money.  We want to get details into the home that will make it feel like a "craftsman" home (built-ins, etc.).  Today I just feel grateful.