And we have POWER!!

As we approached the house site and we all noticed that there was new limbs on the ground, but didn't really understand why there was more cut.  My mom was able to get into the house and take the nickel tour. It was amazing to be able to show her first hand what she has only being able to see in pictures. Jesse was so excited to show her which room was which, it was neat to feel his excitement too. I didn't see anything "new" that had happened, so we walked around in the back yard and climbed back in the van to crank up the a/c. I was texting Bubba and Jesse was being anxious about leaving. Then my mom gasped and pointed up, it was then that I saw the wires from the road "connected" to the house, and the meter box had a real meter in it. I had to get out and walk up to it and touch it. Sometimes I feel as if this really isn't happening to me, but I am dreaming it all. 

I have asked my kids all to give me a verse which means something to them. Bubba gave me James 1:5, lacking wisdom.  {If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.} Wow, my kids know the right thing to say to me. I remember once when things were very chaotic, and Bubba wrote a note and tacked it to the bulletin board, Thanks Son! 

More cut limbs

Wires to the house

Its a REAL Electrical meter

I have had two dear friends that have offered to help me raise the funds for the appliance fund. Corrina and Amy, all I can say is THANK YOU!!

Corrina Langworthy is an Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay, she will be taking orders and 100 % of the profits through this link ( as long as you mention my name), will be going into a fund that will be helping me with the purchase of my appliances. You can call her, email her, or go directly to the website and order- www.marykay.com/clangworthy make sure you mention that it is for my appliance fund, and she will take care of the rest. Corrina has also provided me with a few books that you can order from. 

There is 100 squares, selling for $5 each. When the 100 squares are sold, one square will chosen randomly, & the lucky winner will get $200 worth of 31 products. If we are able to fill this board completely up, $300 will be put towards the family appliance fund. 

I LOVE 31 bags!!

Please let me know what numbers that you would like?

31 Products Fundraiser

Please remember this is written by me, as our families personal journey. This is not an official habitat for humanity blog. Any questions of volunteering for the North Tonawanda or Niagara Falls job sites, please call the office at 716-285-2877. You can also follow the facebook page at Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, or www.niagarahabitat.org 

It doesn't look like much is happening-but it is!

This week has seemed a bit off. Jesse is now done with school, and the weather is not being a friend. The house looks on the outside just about the same but there is lots of changes on the inside, but only a few things that can be seen. There is lots of work being done in the basement, which I cannot see yet, because there is only a ladder to to get down there . These are a few ways that you can tell that things are changing. 

Heat register 

Thermostat

This doe walked from two houses down, and then between the neighbors house and our place, towards the backyards. 

Doe

Pieces and parts

I had said that if ever I had a house I would be writing God's words on the walls, well, I am starting with his words IN the walls. 

Psalms 46:10

Jeremiah 29:11

When I had mentioned the cost of appliances in a previous post, a cost friend asked me if she could help. All I could say is THANK YOU. Corrina Langworthy is an Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay, she will be taking orders and 100 % of the profits through this link ( as long as you mention my name), will be going into a fund that will be helping me with the purchase of my appliances. You can call her, email her, or go directly to the website and order- www.marykay.com/clangworthy make sure you mention that it is for my appliance fund, and she will take care of the rest. Corrina has also provided me with a few books that you can order from. 

Please remember this is written by me, as our families personal journey. This is not an official habitat for humanity blog. Any questions of volunteering for the North Tonawanda or Niagara Falls job sites, please call the office at 716-285-2877. You can also follow the facebook page at Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, or www.niagarahabitat.org 

This afternoon the BIG Machines were in the back yard

This morning the place looked a lot like last night but today there was a crew there working on the HVAC systems. Nice guys and I was able to tell them a bit about Habitat for Humanity and that this house wasn't going to be just given to my family. As I was leaving the area, I saw that Bush Topsoil was arriving. I so wanted to turn around and sit there all day and watch the work being done on the house, but I knew that I couldn't. After getting Jesse from school, we did go by. My mom was able to walk with us to the back of the lot and even look in the house, there isn't a "real" step to get into the house yet. I am so hoping that she will be able to walk through the house before she leaves next week. 

Big Machines in the back yard, sand & dirt

Little boy had to play in the dirt

Vent holes

Side of house

I was standing at the back of the lot and was just overwhelmed with emotions, this is such a wonderful blessing for my family. This house will give my family "roots", it will give my older children a place to come home to, it will be a place that we won't have to be paying someone else's mortgage, nor will be have to be wondering when we will have to move, and it will be a place that I can finally decorate. I can't remember a place that I was able to hang all my families photos. I just can not wait.  So, if anyone is good at decorating, please let me know, because I haven't got a clue. 

Please remember this is written by me, as our families personal journey. This is not an official habitat for humanity blog. Any questions of volunteering for the North Tonawanda or Niagara Falls job sites, please call the office at 716-285-2877. You can also follow the facebook page at Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, or www.niagarahabitat.org 

Big Machines in the front yard

Last night on the way to church, we made a loop and drove by the house. At first we just pulled up to the curb, in front of the house and saw those two big machines. Now, I know very little about construction and even less about big machines, so I could only imagine what these two monsters could do.  

Two BIG Machines

But then after making a U-turn, yes, scaring my mother. When we past the driveway, we noticed some work was done in the back yard, so then another U-turn, and I got yelled at this time. I got out of the van and walked into the back yard and saw how much work had been down. The swamp, wet, high weeds and lots of overgrowth now looks like a big sand box!!

Pile of dirt in back yard

 I can not believe all that is flat ground now. The back yard looks so much bigger now. It is so unbelieveable. There was work done at the neighbors house too, I am unsure what happened with that area. This is all such a blessing. God is working out all the details. 

Back of the house

Please remember this is written by me, as our families personal journey. This is not an official habitat for humanity blog. Any questions of volunteering for the North Tonawanda or Niagara Falls job sites, please call the office at 716-285-2877. You can also follow the facebook page at Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, or www.niagarahabitat.org 

This week it had seemed as if nothing was going to happen at the house site. I was quite surprised this morning as I looked down the street. Thank you to J-D Electric for starting the electric service. I spoke to Jim and Jake, both super nice guys. They were able to tell me that the basement was dry, something they normally don't see when they start the electric process & that the house looked like it was progressing quickly. 

I am so thankful for every little thing that is being done on the house. I have referred to the house many times as God's, not mine. The reason I have said this is because He continues to bless my family. I want to use this house in whatever way that He wants. I want to share my knowledge of coupons, I want to have small group meetings, I want friends and family to feel welcomed and loved. I am not trying to preach, but I will say that He loves me and you.  Ps. 69:30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

J-D Electric Inc. THANK YOU

Power box

Please remember this is written by me, as our families personal journey. This is not an official habitat for humanity blog. Any questions of volunteering for the North Tonawanda or Niagara Falls job sites, please call the office at 716-285-2877. You can also follow the facebook page at Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, or www.niagarahabitat.org 

Patient- something I am not good at being

759 E. Robinson St. 

According to the Merriam- Webster  online dictionary; Patient is defined as: able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people. 

I am not sure about any of you but most the time that doesn't seem to fit me, but that is what is happening right not. I am trying to be patient, as it seems like nothing is happening on the house. I know that many things can happen behind the scenes and not be seen. I am trying very hard not to be upset daily as I drive by this rough framed house. I will not pray for patience, because I know what happens when I do. I will pray for peace and understanding. 

I have begun the journal on my packed boxes, it worked so well this past move, I am using it again. I have tossed more things, and found some lost treasures. I have begun sorting the older kids stuff out. I started this journey with four kids living at home, three at home at time of interview, and will only have the two living with me, and one will only be there full time. I have been asked if I need anything along the way. I have now been blessed with a antique dresser and chest of drawers ( Thank you L), a mattress and box spring ( Thank you L), a bed frame with drawers for Jesse's room ( Thank you A), and some lights and ceiling fans ( Thank you B); so if you are getting rid of household furniture please let me know. 



Please remember this is written by me, as our families personal journey. This is not an official habitat for humanity blog. Any questions of volunteering for the North Tonawanda or Niagara Falls job sites, please call the office at 716-285-2877. You can also follow the facebook page at Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, or www.niagarahabitat.org 

Moving along, one day at a time

Everyday there is changes, some we can see and others we cannot. I have yet to go into the basement of the house, but I am told that the main concern is to keep the water out of it now. The electrician has not started work on the house, but I am sure has a plan in place.  The plumbers from Huron Plumbing have been working on the house off and on all week, doing both the plumbing and the gas line work. As we stopped by the house yesterday, I was looking around, and then realized that they roof was done.

View from edge of lot of the front of the house

View of roof from back yard

Rough plumbing of master bath

Shower of master bath

Rough plumbing of main bath

Tub/shower of main bathroom

I was also reminded this week that I need to begin gathering the funds for the four "extra" appliances. I have been given a "rough" idea of that cost about $1500. That is for a new washer and dryer, a dishwasher and a microwave/hood. Remember I will be blessed with a new fridge and stove with the house.  I know that I could get used for cheaper and I am sure that craigslist is full of "used" stuff BUT is it WRONG of me to want the new stuff for the new house ? When looking into used fridges this past couple weeks, I saw the price of used appliances, I can't even get used washer/dryer, dishwasher and microwave/hood for $1500, let alone new.  So, if you or anyone have any ideas about how you can help me please feel free to let me know. Please don't take this wrong, I am not asking anyone to get their check book out and write me a check for the total amount. I am looking for ideas. 

Please remember this is written by me, as our families personal journey. This is not an official habitat for humanity blog. Any questions of volunteering for the North Tonawanda or Niagara Falls job sites, please call the office at 716-285-2877. You can also follow the facebook page at Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, or www.niagarahabitat.org 

As the work continues, one step at a time.

This week it is the week of several things going on. Earlier in the week it was the roofers to start the process, then yesterday it was the plumbers to start the rough plumbing, and today the plumbers are back continuing to run the plumbing and starting to run the gas lines. As much progress that is happening, this muggy weather is playing games with the mood of my family as well as the workers when I have stopped by the house.  A true blessing is that a friend has found us a fridge, praying that this set- up lasts us till Monday evening. Thanking God for all the blessings. 

Rough plumbing started in the front of the house

Drainage out the back of the house

Bathroom rough plumbing

Plumbing Permit posted

Digging & covering the plumbing

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope".

Please remember this is written by me, as our families personal journey. This is not an official habitat for humanity blog. Any questions of volunteering for the North Tonawanda or Niagara Falls job sites, please call the office at 716-285-2877. You can also follow the facebook page at Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, or www.niagarahabitat.org 

Well it is a "FREE" house..... NOT!

Habitat for Humanity is GIVING you a FREE house!

Over the past year, I have had many people (including family)make that statement to me. That is a false statement. I will later get information off the Habitat website, but I will say that this is not a free house. First, I had to qualify by going through the process of family selection, which has lots of personal information that I am not going to make public. I was chosen, that is all that matters. I am truly blessed. Next, I had to sign a partnership agreement, which includes the process of monthly payments, (starting as soon as the ground was broke till move in), agreement to put in at least 500 sweat equity hours ( 300 family/200 extended family & friends). I also have to take new home buyers workshop. Next, I will be blessed with the gift of a new fridge and stove through Habitat, but the other appliances I will have the opportunity to purchase at a great discount. I have been given a quote of about $1500 total for the four other appliances I would like to have; washer & dryer, dishwasher, and micro-hood. Then, I will have a monthly mortgage payment. YES you read correctly. Just like other homeowners, a 30-year mortgage including taxes. My family will be blessed with roots! 

I will have a mortgage payment. 

Any questions, please feel free to ask, or go to the Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity website       http://niagarahabitat.org/becoming-homeowner/

This morning I did drive by the house, checking to see if there was any progress. I was pleasantly surprised that there has been some work done of the roof, wondering if shingles will go on before the storms that are rolling into the area. I have also meet another neighbor, Jennifer. I was able to share a bit of our story with her, seems like a very nice lady. Hopefully I will have more pictures to share later. 

Please remember this is written by me, as our families personal journey. This is not an official habitat for humanity blog. Any questions of volunteering for the North Tonawanda or Niagara Falls job sites, please call the office at 716-285-2877. You can also follow the facebook page at Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, or www.niagarahabitat.org 

Waiting "in the hallway"

As the progression of the house continues, I am daily reminded that this is not the timing I want. I want to be living in the house that God is providing for my family. I want to be living back in North Tonawanda. I want to have no worries about plugging in too many appliances in the kitchen, with fear of overriding the breaker. I want the new appliances that will be with the new house ( only the fridge and stove will be blessed with the house), the others I will be given an opportunity to purchase. I want my own space. I want Jesse to have his Lego room. I want, I want, I want. I am also being nudged with a verse that was given to me several years ago, in MOPS. Be Still, and know that I am God. Ps. 46:10 God has a perfect plan for all of this. Being still is the hardest thing in the world for me. I don't wanna wait, I want it NOW. God will provide for my family, in HIS time. God will provide this house with no fear of plugging in two things at once. God will provide the money for the appliances. God will use this time to help prepare my family. I am so looking forward to to sharing this blessing, but for now I am standing in the hallway as he is giving me sneak peeks of the new place. I am so thankful that He is giving me peace during this time. 

Frame of the front porch

Jesse standing in his room

Jesse looking out of the window of his room

Looking out the window of the master bedroom

Back of the house

Front of the house

New sign 

New sign and address sign

Please remember this is written by me, as our families personal journey. This is not an official habitat for humanity blog. Any questions of volunteering for the North Tonawanda or Niagara Falls job sites, please call the office at 716-285-2877. You can also follow the facebook page at Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, or www.niagarahabitat.org 

Looking more like a house everyday.......becoming more real

Yesterday morning we drove by the house and I saw that little had changed but as we were driving away, the site manager waved at me to come back. He meet me at the front door and asked me if I would like to come in. What a birthday gift he gave me, not even knowing it.  He did a walk through with me and asked me about a few little things. There was about 5 guys working on the house, cutting boards, measuring and marking different areas. This house is being built a bit differently than most area Habitat for Humanity houses, this is part professional crew and part volunteer. 

Standing in the "blue room" looking into the master room

Looking through the living room, the boards are laying on top of the opening to the basement

In the afternoon after getting Jesse from school, of course we had to go by again. He LOVES seeing the changes in the house. He is finally getting really excited about it. His room will be a Lego themed room. I just plan on painting one wall, as an accent, if anyone has ideas, please feel free to share with me.

Roof is going up

Kitchen Window & driveway end of the house.

This morning we went by after dropping Jesse at school and it really is looking much bigger.  It is also looking more and more like a "house" also. The site manager asked me to stop back by this afternoon. So we will stop in after we get Jesse. 

Front of house. Lots of morning shade

Back of the house

Overhang

Please remember this is written by me, as our families personal journey. This is not an official habitat for humanity blog. Any questions of volunteering for the North Tonawanda or Niagara Falls job sites, please call the office at 716-285-2877. You can also follow the facebook page at Niagara Area Habitat for Humanity, or www.niagarahabitat.org