Discouraged...ready to be done...

This is not a sprint, but more like a marathon!  We were pretty discouraged a few nights ago when we came over to check on things...this is what we found.  We thought demo was done, but the drywall guys pulled down more...

When the drywall crew pulled down the bathroom ceiling, nothing was left to hold up the insulation -- insulation that we just paid to have put in...I want to cry...Renovations are sooooo much HARDER than new construction.  I'll build a new house any day!  I don't see how we can ever move in here in just 3-1/2 weeks!

Someone broke one of the step treads off that we can now not find...this looks like such a disaster.

Upstairs hallway ceiling...nice...

More new insulation that we just paid to have blown into the ceiling that got ripped out...

This place is such a MESS....but....we really do like the drywall crew.  They did work for us before on our last house and they did an EXCELLENT  job.  Seamless.  But...they found additional parts of walls and ceilings that needed to come out which means more work and money for us...We have no idea how all of this is going to get done.  Crying out to God for help and strength.  We are so, so tired.  This has been a physically exhausting year!  Praying for favor from the rental house owner and a two week extension (he hasn't responded to Scott's two emails).  We passed our last inspection until the final one - praising God for that.  We haven't seen any snakes in the last month I think.  I just recently spread a 40 lb bag of pelletized lime around the backyard and house.  We've heard from a few people that snakes don't like the lime.  It's cheap - I think I'll go get a few more bags! 

We finalized the trim and picked up the kitchen sink today (Friday).  Scott ordered the hardwood floors (white oak).  The cost we've gotten on the wood floors is not much more than decent carpet, so we've decided to do hardwood flooring upstairs too (even though it's plywood and particle board for the subfloor - the floor guy said it would be OK especially since it's upstairs).  We didn't want to rip out any more of that particle board flooring - been there, done that on the first floor!  We have a friend coming tomorrow to help us paint with a sprayer...yea!  We need to cover and tape all the windows tonight.

One more thing - the original owners stopped by yesterday while Scott was there!  We heard they were still in the area, but were too scared to invite them over because we didn't want to offend them with all of our demo/changes!  We didn't know how they would react to all that we've done.  However, they drove out to see what was going on and were so positive and encouraging.  I'm sorry to have missed that!  Scott said they stayed for an hour and a half telling him the history of the property and stories.  The husband and wife are 88 years old and doing great!  Scott also said they were so happy that a "young" (are we still considered "young"?!  ;-0  ) family bought the place and were sad when they saw it deteriorating with the last owner and then go into foreclosure...We look forward to getting to know them and thank God for their unexpected and encouraging words - we needed it after the discouragment of the night before!

This was from my reading this morning...so timely...

"Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me...I trust in the LORD...(you) have set my feet in a spacious place...Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress...But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, 'You are my God.'  My times are in your hands...Let your face shine on your servant...How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you...Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD."  ~ Psalm 31