I guess it gets worse before it gets better!

Framers took off the old entry roof today, started framing two closets, and the new foyer.  We wanted additional closet space, a simpler looking front, and to address water that has been seeping in along here during rain events.  We felt that by closing this area in, we could accomplish three things at once.

The framers plan to start building the front porch tomorrow.

Demo material is everywhere!

The framing crew will start removing these two roofs (the newer sunroom roof and the smaller, older front porch roof) in the next day or two.  They will replace the 2x8s with 2x12s to allow for HVAC ductwork (there currently aren't any HVAC vents along the exterior wall) and additional insulation.  The skylights will be removed.  Because of the low slope on this roof, a metal roof will be installed across the school room, foyer, part of the dining room (the peak will be removed), and front porch.

Looking from the breakfast area to the family room and kitchen.

The back is a mess too!  Foundation work on the breakfast room bump.   
The framers removed that huge antenna that was on the roof.

Looking towards the breakfast area, laundry room, and door to the garage.

Kind of hard to see, but piles of debris are everywhere!  We've heard that we can get a little money by recycling the old aluminum siding, so the framers separated that from the rest of the demo material.

One of the new front porch columns/supports needed to go right where the old front porch steps were.

Cherry came to greet us when we were leaving yesterday...

The dogwoods are so beautiful!

*******

So overwhelmed.  While we're trying to keep in perspective that this is only a house, there are still so many decisions to make.  Lots of little things - colors (both inside and out), decking material, number of grids or no grids at all in the windows, where to put doors, type of flooring, etc, etc.  We're worn out from it and ready to be done!  We have so much respect for the construction guys - building a house is much harder than most people realize!  Richard, our framer, has tons of experience and has been very patient with us.  He also makes lots of suggestions.  He took us out to a house this afternoon in an upscale neighborhood that he just finished because he wanted us to see an idea he has for the LVL between the kitchen and family room.  I just laughed when we got there and I was looking up at a gorgeous million dollar house.  I told Richard that we are aiming for more of a farmhouse look - simple, not a Parade of Homes display (literally, this one will be on the P of H in a few weeks!).  The trim package on that house was $38k for materials alone!  Never seen anything like it!  We did however get some good hardwood floor information from the builder. We also met the owner of this gigantic house right before we left and asked her to interpret a block that was beautifully installed in the brick.  It reads "Magnus Opus MMXI".  She laughed and said it means "Greatest work 2011" in Latin and that it was to signify her and her husband's greatest accomplishment or work - this house. 

Wow.  My heart sank.  I've thought a lot about that comment.  I don't want a house or any other material thing to be my greatest work on this earth.  My children know that one of my favorite verses and a frequent prayer is 3 John 4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."  Not to be president, an astronaut, attorney, or whatever, but to fear and love the One true God (and their neighbor) with all their hearts, minds, souls, and strength.  Now that would be a great accomplishment if all four of these children wholeheartedly serve and obey the Lord Jesus Christ.  But, even then, Scott and I could not claim that as our doing - it is the Lord's work in their hearts because of His grace and mercy.  May our family be found faithful to Jesus in all that we say and do, and serve Him and bring Him honor in everything, always doing His will, not our own.

"'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.'"  ~ Matthew 6:21  

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also...No one can serve two masters...You cannot serve both God and Money." 
~ Matthew 6:19-21, 24