Progress has been made- THANK YOU!

Jer. 29:11

Jesse didn't want to wake up this morning

 We knew that today was going to be a LONG day, just didn't think this long. We arrived at the house around 830 am, and started some cleanup and sweeping. Jesse is not very good at waiting, but I don't know a young kid that is.  

He doesn't like waiting

Jesse 

 Jesse and Ms Claudia working in his closet. He wore his tool belt with pride, now I need to find one that doesn't pull his pants down, and he has requested his own tape measure too. 

Jesse & Ms Claudia

Ms Claudia & Jesse

Kyle, George, & more

As you can see from the pictures, a lot got done. I meant to take more when we were ready to leave, but that just didn't happen. So what all is done? The drywall has been hung in master bedroom & bathroom, Jeremy's & Jesse's room, the linen closet, the hallway, and the living room. The main bathroom still has some work to be done for the drywall, two more pieces need to be hung in the kitchen, and the stairway to the basement. I am just in awe walking around looking at the "walls", just feels good. Jesse helped with several things, took his breaks, had lunch, played in the back yard, got really dirty, made friends with three kids that live behind the house, and by the end he was a bit of a handful, but I will take those whines anyday. We had first time workers, some seasoned workers, a few visitors, some guys working off community service, and as far as I know the biggest injury today was a few scraped arms. Some workers came for a few hours and others stayed all day with us. We were blessed with a wonderful lunch, and those that left early missed out! Thank you Schultz family! Jesse and I finally left the house around 330 pm. 

Mr Dan

So many are still asking the tough questions, the ones that I can't answer, but since the countdown is happening, we know it will happen just not know when. When will we paint? When will you get sewer hook up? bathrooms ? move in ? dedication ? Well, today made a big dent in the timeline, but still not enough. Once the drywall is finished, someone is coming in to do the taping and mudding of the wall, and then we can paint. Once the painting is done, then the floors, plumbing and electrical will be done. But we are also waiting on the the city to tap into the main sewer line. Once that is done then the cabinets and appliances will be brought in and then we can move. My deadline is October 31st. So tonight, as we settle, I am choosing to believe in 34 days!! 

~~~If you have any questions or would like my information on volunteering for this house, you can contact me directly and I will pass your name on to the main office. I can be reached jmlisanby@gmail.com or 716-939-0837 ( call or text) ~~~

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

36 Days.... Can you help ?

Believing in the power of prayers & the labor of volunteers.... 36 days

The drywall is getting closer to being done. One room at a time. This morning I spent an hour picking up and sweeping the bedrooms, while at least 8 guys worked on drywall. I had appointments so I couldn't stay. It does appear that the bedrooms, living room and hallway are completed, with the exception of Jesse's closet. The kitchen ceiling is about half finished and the ceiling above the stairway to the basement is done. I know that both the bathrooms still need to be done, but the "green board" is needed for that, not much on the site. I am believing that if the materials are on site on Saturday, then it will be done. Jesse closet will be done by him and Ms. Claudia ( this is something that she does with the little ones so they feel like they have helped with the building of "their" house). 

We need help on Saturday hanging drywall & cleaning up in preparation of the taping and mudding of the walls. 

Lunch is also a need for this Saturday. It can be as simple as ordering pizza or subs, or fruit and veggies cut up, or chili. Anything that you would eat for lunch, they will eat. We aim to feed 12-15 people, but this is an average. Also drinks, or water. We do have paper products and some plasticware.

I am not in panic, but to help others understand, I have 36 days to be out of the rental that we are in. My recent visit to the doctors, reminded me that this house is making me sick, making my mito symptoms worse, and also causing issues with Jesse. The sooner we are out of here, the better. 

Living room

Kitchen

Stairway to basement

~~~If you have any questions or would like my information on volunteering for this house, you can contact me directly and I will pass your name on to the main office. I can be reached jmlisanby@gmail.com or 716-939-0837 ( call or text) ~~~

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

Praying for God's will

The beginning of the driveway. There is two piles of millings from local streets now at the end of the driveway. These millings will go down as the base of the driveway. Thank you, North Tonawanda. 

As we are coming to the end of this journey, i am still believing that God's plan will all work out. I am reminded of the physical labor that has been done by my family and my friends. The cutting of trees, grinding of stumps, dragging bushes and tree clippings from the back yard to the front, the raking of areas, the writing on the walls, the assistance to the plumbers, the installation of insulation, the measuring and cutting of drywall,the hanging of drywall, the sweeping of the floors, the picking up of trash, the clean up, and even the meeting the need of hunger by providing lunches on Saturdays; have all been done in love by my family and friends. Ys, you can help us, you can help with drywall, clean up, painting, or lunches, let me know.  God is using this time right now, to remind me that I am not in control. He has provided what has been needed when it has been needed. I was urged earlier today that I need to metitate on Matthew 6: 32-34. ( vs. 33 & 34 were highlighted in my bible). But see first his kingdom and his rightougness, and all these thing will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Yes, my mind feels like it is going crazy with all that will happen in th next 37 days. But I am writing it on here, and anyone who reads, is being given my permission to remind me, today I will pick up Jesse, allowing him to play on playground, then home for dinner and chores, and finally to shop in a friends closet. If I contact any of you in a panic, tell me to go read Matthew. 

~~~If you have any questions or would like my information on volunteering for this house, you can contact me directly and I will pass your name on to the main office. I can be reached jmlisanby@gmail.com or 716-939-0837 ( call or text) ~~~

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

Recap- who are we? what we need? how can you help?

Recap- who are we? what we need? how can you help? 

Who are we ? - the family who is being blessed by this Habitat for Humanity house. My name is Julie. I am a single mom of four children. I have three adult children, and my 6 year old. Jean-Marie is my daughter, she has a 5 month old daughter, and will be getting married October 4th. James, my oldest son, lives in Sanborn. Jeremy, middle son, is a full time bakery arts student, studying at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. Jesse, my 6 year old, is an 1st grader at Spruce Elementary, in North Tonawanda. The younger two will have bedrooms at the new house,but others know that the door is always open for them to visit or stay! :-) 

Side note- Jesse and I ( Julie) both have Mitochondrial Disease- for more information www.umdf.org . I am not adding this for sympathy but because a friend asked me about it and this is Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week. 

Julie

Jeremy & Jesse

Jesse & Julie ( on a work day)

James & Jesse 

Ellie & Jean-Marie

What we need ?  

This is copied from the last blog entry with updates :

 HE HAS PROVIDED!!

 GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!! 

So, now unto this request.... or should I say many requests, but they are all tied together.  I believe that God has great plans for my family- the entire family. Please join us as we present these needs/desires before him. 

* We need money for the closing costs... about $1500-$2000  ( my lawyer will be taking the case at no cost to me) 
* We need money for the appliances.. at one time ( two different people from Habitat) told me that the cost of these would be wrapped into the mortgage, but that is not the case..... about $1500- $1800 ( this would cover the washer/dryer., dishwasher, and microwave hood) 
* We need help with the remaining building of the house ( drywall will probably start this coming Saturday)   Drywall is about 3/4 the way installed, the taping and mudding will be next 
* We need someone to provide lunches for the Saturday workdays. ( this can be as simple as pizza, or hot dogs in the crock pot) Thanks Adina & Annemarie & Joanna & the Murphy & the Langworthy family ( forgive me if I missed anyone) 
* We would like someone to provide bottled water and possible coffee in the mornings ( Tim Hortons in just a block from the house) - We are down to just a case of water- seem to go through lots of water
* We need help with the move- Probably mid to late October ( from Lasalle to NT, from storage in NT to the new house) 
* We need help getting the donated furniture & items from 4 different areas, around the time of the move 
* We need help with the open house/house dedication with the unbirthday celebration 
* We need to finish the "thirty-one" fundraiser!  Only 21 squares to sell and then someone is going to win $200 worth of wonderful thirty-one products.  

We have a WINNER!!! Debbie Haseley is the lucky winner of $200 worth of thirty-one products!

Please contact Amy- to place your order  

How can YOU help ?

If there is any of the above list of needs that you feel that you can help with, please let me know. 

You can also pray- this is a request from an earlier post. 

 Please join me in prayer, pray that the house is finished soon, in the perfect time, pray that we get the workers, pray that the city connects the sewer line, pray that we have lunches for the workers, that child care is taken care of so that more workers can be on site, pray for the neighborhood as we make the transition from the rental to the house, pray for all the funds that are needed both for supplies and the closing, and finally I am asking that those that pray, please pray for my family ( for health for Jesse and Julie; for the wedding of Jean-Marie, Tom, & Ellie; for James as he is awaiting mission assignment; and for Jeremy as he is in his 2nd year of culinary school) . Thank YOU!! 

Just for some other information. We will be decorating on a shoestring budget, but I will like to make this special for all the members of my family. We have decided to do the kitchen/dining room in Red, Black, & white- themed as the "Never trust a skinny chef". The living room is warm colors. The main bathroom in Beach theme, and the bathroom off my bedroom in crosses. My room is in crosses and inspirational quotes. Jeremy's room, which will also have a crib in it for Ellie, in hues of Blue. Jesse's room will be done in Lego's and primary colors. I am willing purchase items that you would have in your yard sales or that you would be willing to  donate.


We have been waiting a long time for this house, a place to call home, that we can decorate and make our own. You can learn more about us in the past blog posts, but feel free to ask me about anything.

~~~If you have any questions or would like my information on volunteering for this house, you can contact me directly and I will pass your name on to the main office. I can be reached jmlisanby@gmail.com or 716-939-0837 ( call or text) ~~~

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

Countdown continues - Can YOU help ?

THIS WEEKS NEED-

Lunch 

( pizza, sandwiches, fruit, chili, or soup)

Help with hanging drywall

Child care

Prayers

42 Days

We are currently in a rental. I had planned to only be here a few months. So much for my plans, well the months are getting close to a year. I have shared with many of you that this is not the greatest rental, but God continues to bless us, and others, since we have lived here. Earlier this year I had packed all the long sleeved items and winter warm, thinking that we would not be needing them. I had turned the thermostat down to 64, thinking that it wouldn't get that cold in the house, well this morning I heard that unmistakable noise of the furnace blowing in the vents. Every time I start doubting that the new house will be done by a date that I have put on the calendar, I am reminded that it isn't "my" timetable. So as we prepared for today, we started going through the packed boxes looking for heavier clothing. It was 45 when we left to take Jesse to school today. Please join me in prayer, pray that the house is finished soon, in the perfect time, pray that we get the workers, pray that the city connects the sewer line, pray that we have lunches for the workers, that child care is taken care of so that more workers can be on site, pray for the neighborhood as we make the transition from the rental to the house, pray for all the funds that are needed both for supplies and the closing, and finally I am asking that those that pray, please pray for my family ( for health for Jesse and Julie; for the wedding of Jean-Marie, Tom, & Ellie; for James as he is awaiting mission assignment; and for Jeremy as he is in his 2nd year of culinary school) . Thank YOU!! 

Bedroom walls

Master bedroom walls

~~~If you have any questions or would like my information on volunteering for this house, you can contact me directly and I will pass your name on to the main office. I can be reached jmlisanby@gmail.com or 716-939-0837 ( call or text) ~~~

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

45 days..... and counting!!

Today was not a "planned" work day but it turned into a long work day. Three friends messaged me and were available today, but they would not be available on a Saturday work day. So we made it work. The drywall for the ceilings of the boys two rooms are completed. I had never given much thought into how ceilings and walls are made from. Special thanks to Pat for providing lunch and coffee today. There was two gentlemen from the Niagara Area Habitat that stopped by to lend a hand, and also one brought a step for the side of the house, makes getting into the house much safer. 

I was told this afternoon that another crew will be there on Thursday during the day and also the normal Saturday work day. Who is available to help ? Who would be willing to stop at Tim Horton's for some coffee ? Is there anyone willing to bring lunch down for 10-12 people? 

Everyday as we are there we are covering up more and more scriptures, for those that have never walked inside, you have missed it, but I think there is scripture on every board. We have been blessed. I personally am honored that so many have chose to "write on the walls" of this house. We will surrounded by God's word. If anyone is in the area, and would still like to write His word in the house, you will need to come soon. This is one verse that made me stop, read, think, pray and pray some more. 

Ephesians 6:12King James Version (KJV)

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

As much as that verse made me stop and read. This is a verse that made me stop, put the book that I was reading down, look up the verse, and then I wrote it on the wall. ( sorry no photo yet) 

Galatians 5:1New International Version (NIV)

Freedom in Christ

 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

God is so good to us. I am thankful that He continues to teach me daily. I am blessed by the others that He has put in my life to help me along this journey.  Thank You God!! 

Jesse helping

~~~If you have any questions or would like my information on volunteering for this house, you can contact me directly and I will pass your name on to the main office. I can be reached jmlisanby@gmail.com or 716-939-0837 ( call or text) ~~~

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

Drywall started- 48 days left

I knew that today we would start the drywall. Do you know how many people it takes to hang drywall ? I didn't know either, but in the beginning we didn't have enough. When I got there, there was not many workers, I got my phone out and started texting, and put messages up on facebook, and we had answered prayers. At one point in the day, we had a few leave because at the time we had too many. I am truly blessed by all the people who showed up today and were able to help.  The ceiling in the living room, the master bedroom, and the master bathroom are done.There is also two wall pieces up in the master bedroom. The drywall lift came in very handy in helping get the pieces in just the right spots. 

First piece 

Lots of helping hands

Living room ceiling

Bedroom ceiling

Chalk line

Master bathroom

Side wall

Thanks for the lunch Joanna!! The chili & gf cornbread/rolls were a perfect combo on a chilly day, the leftovers made for an easy dinner for Jesse and I. Thanks for the sandwiches and fruit also.  Jesse was excited that someone brought him some of his favorite juice. 

I will be updating this sometime this week, please if you can help in anyway for next Saturday, September 20th, 9-1pm, let me know. We will need someone to bring coffee, juice, and some donuts. We need someone to help out with the lunch also. It came be as simple as pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches, or even chili. Also easy things like fruit or granola bars for the workers. Can anyone help fill this need ? 

~~~If you have any questions or would like my information on volunteering for this house, you can contact me directly and I will pass your name on to the main office. I can be reached jmlisanby@gmail.com or 716-939-0837 ( call or text) ~~~

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 

Drywall is to begin!! Can YOU help ?

So the news is this, the insulation inspection passed earlier this week and the drywall was delivered on Thursday. The drywall lift was picked up by me, and delivered to the new house Thursday afternoon. The drywall is set to begin on Saturday. With the hopes that we have enough help that the drywall will be finished in a week's time. I am now hoping that we get the help that we need for this all to happen. We are in countdown mode for the time that we have left in the rental. We have 49 days till the end of October and this place needs to be empty and cleaned. 

Please let us know if you can help us tomorrow. We will be working 9-1 , lunch will be provided around 12-1230. Also if you can bring coffee, donuts, snacks, or some drinks for the workers, please let me know. 

Joint Compound

Tape and Compound

Drywall lift

Drywall

Drywall

Curious Doe

~~~If you have any questions or would like my information on volunteering for this house, you can contact me directly and I will pass your name on to the main office. I can be reached jmlisanby@gmail.com or 716-939-0837 ( call or text) ~~~

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 

51 Days... BUT who's counting ?

What does 51 days mean to YOUR FAMILY ??

This is what 51 days means to OUR FAMILY! 

driving Jesse to school and home

weekly saturday work days

getting others to help with lunches for saturday work days

packing lunches 

getting boxes

sorting

meal planning

only shopping for what we need 

school fundraisers

getting "new to us" stove

church

planning and decorating Jesse's room

mailing a few boxes

changing address with post office

packing

school everyday

meetings

dealing with mood swings from anxiety

coupon workshops

paying rent for the last time

medical appointments

daughters wedding

dealing with pets afraid that we are leaving them

raising funds

closing date-new house

deciding what he can dress up as for halloween

MOPS

planing house dedication/unbirthday party

moving

cleaning one house

getting donated stuff from friends

tossing unwanted stuff

returning key to landlord

unpacking

party at school

getting stuff from storage unit

getting candy/stuff for neighbor kids

halloween

find time to relax in the new house

May seem like an overwhelming list... but that is just part of it all. For today, I am calm. I am relaxed. I know that all of this will happen without much thought, and that worrying will not help any of it. I truly believe that God knows how it will all work out. God continues to remind me that HE is in control. Psalm 46:10 still stops me in my steps.

 "BE STILL, and know that I am God." 

I will just keep resting in his word. 

Very special thanks for the crew that came the first weekend of September. Insulation was finished, basement was cleaned, all limbs and branches move from the back and side yard to the curb, and to the family who provided lunch for the workers. 

I received word today that the insulation has passed inspection and the drywall will be starting this weekend. I have been told that they only need about 5-6 people helping this week, but lunch is still needed. I have lunch covered, thanks Joanna. I also need to have someone that is willing to watch Jesse for the few hours. Please let me know if you can, would like to help with drywall. This is hard & heavy work. (sorry no kids this week) 

This is copied from the last blog entry with updates :

 HE HAS PROVIDED!!

 GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!! 

So, now unto this request.... or should I say many requests, but they are all tied together.  I believe that God has great plans for my family- the entire family. Please join us as we present these needs/desires before him. 

* We need money for the closing costs... about $1500-$2000  ( my lawyer will be taking the case at no cost to me) 
* We need money for the appliances.. at one time ( two different people from Habitat) told me that the cost of these would be wrapped into the mortgage, but that is not the case..... about $1500- $1800 ( this would cover the washer/dryer., dishwasher, and microwave hood) 
* We need help with the remaining building of the house ( drywall will probably start this coming Saturday) 
* We need someone to provide lunches for the Saturday workdays. ( this can be as simple as pizza, or hot dogs in the crock pot) Thanks Annemarie & Murphy family
* We would like someone to provide bottled water and possible coffee in the mornings ( Tim Hortons in just a block from the house) 
* We need help with the move- Probably mid to late October ( from Lasalle to NT, from storage in NT to the new house) 
* We need help getting the donated furniture & items from 4 different areas, around the time of the move 
* We need help with the open house/house dedication with the unbirthday celebration 
* We need to finish the "thirty-one" fundraiser!  Only 21 squares to sell and then someone is going to win $200 worth of wonderful thirty-one products.  

We have a WINNER!!! Debbie Haseley is the lucky winner of $200 worth of thirty-one products!

Please contact Amy- to place your order  

~~~If you have any questions or would like my information on volunteering for this house, you can contact me directly and I will pass your name on to the main office. I can be reached jmlisanby@gmail.com or 716-939-0837 ( call or text) ~~~

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