Home sweet home? Or not so much....

She is too cute...and getting so big!

going.....

GONE!

Going.....

Drew cleanin' up!


For whatever reason, blogger NEVER uploads my pictures in the order I want them to and it's a whole process to get them switched..but whatever! The house came down yesterday - bittersweet to all. I suppose it's nicer to see it flat than to see it looking fried, burned and disastrous. However, it held a lot of memories not only for my family and myself but for many many of our friends who spent so many days/nights there with us! Anyway, so it's gone and moving forward continues. They are moving along quite well if I must say so myself.

Grandma invited all of her camping friends out and I see from a few pictures that Mom had the best of her friends there too. Such wonderful friends and family we have!

Oh, and because I mainly write this blog as a journal/scrapbook for my kids (I am getting it printed as a book each year) - a funny story.....Grandma got pulled over going 52 in a 35 on the way home from grabbing dinner for everyone before the demolition process. She said her heart was beating fast (I'm sure she's never been pulled over and when Jenna told me she did, I figured she was going TOO slow :) ) - but lucky for her and being "Justin Daale's grandma" she was set loose to continue on her race back home to see the process begin. I mean, really - who could give my Grandma a ticket even if they really wanted to???

Yes Mom, I will post pictures of the kids soon. I just wanted to be sure I had this all documented for the books too!

Daale House Fire 2009

Front of house
View from front door

Kitchen

Family Room

This my favorite. This little guy lived here for 2.5 years of his 5 years of life. I can about imagine what he is thinking. We love you Jake!

Well, most of you reading this already know but last Sunday night my parent's house went up in flames. A bird's nest under the front porch light sparked it so PLEASE be sure to keep your outdoors lights clear of nests!! My Dad was the only one home, it was about 11pm at night and was waiting for my Mom and Stacy to get home with Steph who flew in from Phoenix that night. They arrived home to 8 firetrucks, ambulances, and a house in flames. I can't imagine.

The biggest issue was that it went up into the insulation in the roof/attic area and they had to ax out much of the roof to get it out. You can see from the pictures that there's a foot of ashes and rubble everywhere. No one was hurt so we're very blessed. Even more blessed that my Dad was home (which we all know is RARE) and was able to get the firetrucks there before it literally destroyed everything. Most of Mom's keepsakes and pictures were spared, you know, the "memories" we all cherish. Everything else is replaceable.

They had an outpouring of support the following day! They got the entire house emptied out and gutted. Now they are just sorting and sifting through the remains - getting rid of what's permanently damaged or not needed and restoring everything that can be spared.

A friend that I graduated with was out to quote them a price for building from scratch this morning. So hopefully they can get a move on with the rebuilding process ASAP. My understanding is that they are starting the demolition process today.

Thanks for all the prayers and keep them coming as we will all need prayers to stay sane under one roof for several weeks! Also prayers needed for my parents who have many decisions to make and lots of work still to be done. We really are fortunate as it could have been so much worse.

God is good!