So...

...it actually looks a little bit like a house now. With rafter construction underway, the overall shape of the house is starting to become a little clearer.

Hollie and I have really been in a whirlwind of decision-making. The faucets are already in (thanks, Uncle Todd!) so that is one thing out of the way. Lately, we have been focusing a lot on the cabinets & countertops, both in the kitchen and the bathrooms. I'm afraid my brother may be sorry that Hollie and I are the first clients for his new business (Trinity Kitchen And Bath - coming soon!). I can't imagine how frustrating it will be to try to decide where to put all the electrical outlets - that is coming soon.

We did decide to add a (roughly) 12' x 25' deck to the back of the house. We will have to compromise on some of the finer finishing touches we were hoping for to get some of the practicality, but it will all be worth it come November (better be November, right Mark? :) ).

Mark told me they won't build the steps to the second floor until the roof is on. Personally, I think it's just his way of keeping me off the second floor and finding something to complain about. :)

Tragedy

Sorry for the lack of updates, but there is a good reason. We got a call from Mark (builder) on Monday morning to tell us that one of the young Amish workers who are so skillfully framing our house was killed over the weekend on his farm. He was only 14 years old.

Apparently, the family had recently obtained a new horse, and this young man was breaking him in. The horse threw him and dragged him; once he was able to free himself from the reins, the horse stepped on his chest. He was taken to (and actually released from) the hospital, but they did not realize the extent of his internal injuries, and he passed away the next morning.

Rest in peace!