Drenched and drained

It was the kickoff of the Hammer's and Heels build, or the women's build, and the first house I'm getting to co-lead this summer.   We started the build with another blitz build.  Five days to get as close to siding as we could.  But to get there, we have to stand the walls, sheath, set trusses, blue board, sheet and shingle the roof and get the windows and doors installed. 

Start of day 1

Start of day 3

End of day 4

The build started great...good weather, great volunteers, daily progress on the house, and then we had Friday.  The forecast was for rain but I remained hopeful.  I picked up coffee and donuts for the crew and mother nature actually let the weather man get it right.  I drove out of the down pour in West Des Moines and we waited for it to arrive at the build site.

Waiting for the storm

It arrived all right.  We got drenched...twice.  Once in the morning and then again in the afternoon.  The women who volunteered on Friday were some real troopers.  We tried to get on the roof, but the rain and mud kept us on the ground.  We did what we could on ladders without losing our footing until we called it a day, two hours earlier than normal.  The longer the day went, the slower we kept moving.  Not because we wanted to, but every step tested our balance and agility.  

Drenched...

It was hard leaving the build site Friday without having the things done that I was hoping to accomplish.  But I'm quickly learning that it's all part of the process.  Some days go much better than others and mother nature controls way more than I ever dreamed.  Let's hope she is more cooperative this next week and we can catch up.

Even though I ended the work week a day early, drenched and muddy, the weekend made up for it.  It was time to open the racing season at the Iowa Speedway.  Woo-hoo!!  I spent my weekend in Newton with my nephew who was so excited about his first NASCAR Nationwide race...he was just giddy.  It was awesome!  

Between checking out all the merchandise, throwing the football, grilling burgers and watching the races...I was left drained by my week and weekend but in a very good way. I got to catch up with a good friend I haven't seen since last summer and my nephew is ready for another weekend at the races.  But the next time, he wants to see the "big dogs" of the Sprint Cup.  It might be a while before they ever make it to Newton, but we'll keep hoping.  

First NASCAR Nationwide race...John Deere 250

Thanks for a great weekend, Lil' Buddy!!

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Highlight of the week...

1.  Kicking off the women's build.
2.  Seeing the excitement on my nephew's face at his first NASCAR race.
3.  Winning a coupon for a free Casey's donut!  Sprinkle donut, here I come.  

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Scripture...

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me."

John 14:1

Only in Iowa...

Only in Iowa can you go from the mid-90's at the beginning of the week to the low-50's with the wind blowing hard enough that it feels like it's in the 30's.  That was my week.


I started the week in shorts and a tank top, applying sunscreen, and not being able to drink water fast enough while doing some landscaping.  We also had a day where it rained while we were moving rock.  Thankfully, the sun came out in the afternoon and dried us up.  We also started prepping the site for the next three houses that we are going to start this week.  One of those houses, I'll be co-leading the build.  


The house I'll be working on is the "Hammers & Heels" house, or better known as the women's build, where the house will be built only by women.  The construction team I'm on will be having a friendly competition by competing against the men's build, "Nails & Neckties".  I'll keep you posted on the progress.   


I ended the week back home helping Dad move cows and calves out to pasture.  I went from shorts to layers; coveralls, fleece pullover, sweatshirt, stocking cap, and a heavy Carhartt jacket.  Like I said, only in Iowa.  My "little" brother came home too, so the three of us had a great time working together as usual.  I don't get back home very often to help out but Dad called and I was there. 


I love being back home at the farm where I grew up and love working around the cattle, even in the cold.  We got everything done that Dad was hoping to finish and more.  We had some great laughs (fainting goats) and a few "oops" (sorry, Dad, for the couple of zaps, oops!)


The one thing that is always a must when I go home to help out is chocolate cake and I wasn't disappointed.  I eat so horribly when I go home, but if you can't enjoy yourself every now and then, what's the point???


All-in-all, it was a great week.  I'm really looking forward to the kick-off of the women's build this week.  Sorry, I don't have any photos this week, but I will have something the next time for you. 


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Highlight of the week:
Getting the word that I'll be co-leading the women's build.    
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Scripture...
The hardworking farmer ought to have the first share of the crop.  Reflect on what I'm saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
2 Timothy 2:6-7

Week 1 - Wowza!

What a week.  It was the first week of my volunteer leave and Habitat for Humanity kicked it off with a blitz build...six days straight of construction work.  It was AWESOME!


I was awarded a four month volunteer leave from my employer to work for Habitat for Humanity in Des Moines.  I will be working on the construction side of Habitat for Humanity building homes this summer for some very hard-working and deserving families looking for a place to call home.


I started on Monday, May 2 with a blitz build where we had three homes going up at the same time.  In the six-days that the blitz takes place the goal is to frame, roof, and side a house.  So, with my hard hat, safety glasses, tool belt, and work boots in tow, I reported in and the fun began.

Setting trusses...don't look down!

We started with nothing but a foundation and a floor...and after day one, we ended with the walls being stood and the sheeting was started.  I love the framing process of building a house.  I don't know if it is the hammering or getting to put a giant puzzle together that I like best but this part of the build is probably my favorite...so far.  I may change my mind after the summer.

On day two, the sheeting was finished up and the blue foam was following right behind.  We also had the trusses lifted up on top of the house to get ready to set.  I like being on top of the house setting the trusses.

First time operating the skid loader.

Day two also was a big day in that I learned how to drive a skid loader.  Not the greatest picture, but that is me in the cab buttoning down some equipment before leaving for the night.

Day 3 was setting the trusses day...good thing we had a jump on them before the wind picked up.  But the job was done by the end of the day and we were on to day 4 with installing the windows, doors, sheeting the roof and finishing up the blue foam.


Day 5 we started shingling and put the ladders on the north side of the house.  And by day 6 we were working on getting the dormers put on the roof and prepping for siding.  


The week was wonderful, but my 15 years of sitting at a desk definitely took its toll on me this first week.  Don't get me wrong, it was fun being out there, but my dogs are barking and the fresh air is making me sleep like I haven't slept in years.  I LOVE IT!


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The highlight of the week:
The future homeowner of this house we were building asked me to show him where the kitchen was going to be after we had all the walls stood.  I grabbed the blue prints and walked him through the entire layout of the house.  The smile on his face was priceless and one I'll never forget.  Now you all know why I love volunteering for this organization. 
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Scripture...
Be sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in time of adversity. Cling to him, forsake him not; thus will your future be great.

Sirach 2:2-4

Day 1

Day 2

Day 4

Day 3

Day 5

Day 6