Buddy Christian Family Home: Week 10 & 11

Weeks 10 & 11

The Firemen are here!! Wow…what a great 2 weeks we have had with the interior and exterior of the home. If trucks count…we win…for the yard has been full! Let’s get started introducing you to all of these wonderful men!

The Firemen took over the house and headed up the interior trim to start off Week 10. They have been like termites plowing through the material, and thankfully we have had an abundance to work with! These guys were mostly friends of Buddy’s, and he had already spoken to them about helping with the trimming of his new home when it was time. I know they feel his presence as they get to work each and every day. They are mindful of the craftsmanship that he expected and have gone above and beyond in showing respect for his wishes. I am so thankful to have met them and marvel at their talent as individuals. These guys include: Michael Tolbert and his Dad Lawrence Tolbert, Billy Wilkinson, Tim Taylor, Greg Pruitt, Stan Michael, Philip Hansford, Jamey Bramlett, and Neil Mathis. These same men will be back the week of Christmas to run the judges paneling in the study and build the staircase. It has been my pleasure working with each of you.

The trim material itself was an amazing story. I knew that VNS Corp., Mark Haney had volunteered the interior doors and some casing, but it wound up being the entire interior trim package! Remember….they also gave the windows!!! The downstairs casing sent out is just incredible and gives a grand and unique look for the home. The storage trailer for the doors and windows to stay in during the construction has also been a wonderful plus. I am so thankful for the support that VNS Corp.,Choo Choo, Mark Haney and Mitch Malcom have given to this project. It truly has been a blessing to have them on board with us from the beginning!

The interior beams for the great room were installed in Week 11. This incredibly beautiful White Pine was brought in from Cosco, Maine from a 6th generation family mill by Water’s Edge Woods, Chris Colter in Comer. Chris was one of those last minute calls who didn’t hesitate and stepped right in to help. L & L Construction, Eddie Luther was back for this install and did a wonderful job. I also want to thank Leon Daniel of Leon Daniel Construction. Leon did the interior trim material take-off for me up front. This was necessary to start rounding up the materials to be able to start.

Week 11 brought the beautiful cabinets by Webber Coleman Woodworks, Dan and Jessica Webber. They provided the cabinets for the kitchen, breakfast nook window seat, den entertainment units for each side of the fireplace, and the downstairs bath vanity. I do hope that each of you will be able to see the craftsmanship and detail that has been put into these. Buddy was a huge fan of oak and Jessica worked extremely hard with Melissa to honor this and design an incredible kitchen and living area. I will always remember Dan standing in line in the Homebuilder meeting back in April that started this great adventure. It has certainly been a pleasure to work with this fine family and business.

While the trim was going on inside, we had the septic tank being installed outside! D. J. Backhoe, Dale Johnson was our installer and did a fabulous job. The Madison Co. Health Dept., of course paid a visit and declared us legal! Again, I thank them for waving the local fees for this service. I also want to thank Jeff Bell of Bell Construction for the use of the equipment, truck and hauling. The septic tank was donated by McDaniel Concrete, Phil McDaniel from Winder. The pipe, paper, and labor for the trenches, were donated by Armour Plumbing, Gary Armour. Hanson Aggregates, Jeff Redmon donated the gravel for the system and Harris Trucking, Teri Harris Joiner again delivered it. I continue to thank these companies for they are always there to deliver. What a blessing each and every one of you have been for this install.

The Christian farm has a well on the property. Gary Armour also assisted with checking the well and procuring help with a water filter system. This was supplied and installed by Metro Water, Doug Davidson. It is so important when using well water to filter and protect the consumer as well as the new plumbing fixtures. I thank you Doug for your amazing contribution. Gary, you are also one of those guys that has been with me from the beginning of this home. Your contacts and encouragement has been tremendous and priceless.

We had another feast last week. Jerry Craig of Prudential Blanton Properties, brought out a lasagna lunch to “feed the troops” that was just delicious! These expressions of support are so welcome and refreshing for the boys and myself as we work. I will always be grateful to those of you who have contributed nourishment for our bodies as well as for our souls.

The same day that we were having our feast, Jerry Carnes with Channel 11 also came out to visit our build and interview Melissa. He said that with all the negative news going on in this world, it was nice to see a community working to give back. You can view this interview at:

http://www.11alive.com/news/article/216566/40/ATHENS--Slain-officers-dream-comes-true

As we approach Christmas, we will take a short break to celebrate with family and friends. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas…but especially to those who have shared so much with us this year. Just as the Wiseman brought gifts…you have brought your gifts to this home and family, and we are blessed because of you.

May we all remember the families of those who will be missing someone this year as they celebrate under their tree. Buddy, I pray that somehow you know and feel the kindness of so many reaching out to your family at this time and that it gives you peace. Melissa, may you, Callie and Wyatt look up on the hill and see His Mighty Hand upon you…for “He knows the plans He has for you.” …and that even with Buddy gone, you feel his legacy of “caring for others” providing a true Christmas gift for you now.

Merry Christmas and Holy Night Blessings to all,
Karen