"The greatest question of our time is not communism vs. individualism, not Europe vs. America, not even the East vs. the West; it is whether men can bear to live without God."

— Will Durant

The last window was finally put in place last week.

Alaska winter framed by the new windows

Inside the garage, the showers await their final destination.

The insulators are currently at work throughout the house and plan to be completely finished by Tuesday.

Last week Doug took the three youngest on a quick deer hunt on Kodiak Island.

Pillar Mountain reflections

The highlight for Wynn was catching a 15lb/28.5" Silver salmon after being told by Papa, "Awww, there's nothing in this river!"

Papa was clearly worn out by his job as host.

Grandma and Psalm spent time together baking kitty cookies.

"The Lord gives strength to His people;

the Lord blesses His people with peace."

~Psalm 29:1~

"God is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."

~Proverb 30:5~

In the evening on October 28th the snow began falling in earnest, covering everything with a blanket of pure white.

Micah with Alaska Governor Sean Parnell at a recent Mat Valley event

The view out of the living room windows

Jonathon and Gary continue their electrical work which is now completed on the top floors.

Before the Gyp-Crete was poured Mr. Carl put up this sign to keep people from walking on the unprotected tubing. Anticipating that Wynn would forge ahead despite the warning, Mr. Carl put up another sign (shown below) further down the walkway specifically for Wynn.

On Monday the Gyp-Crete was poured on the main floor.

Amazingly it dried very quickly.

Wynn was especially excited when it was finally dry enough to walk on.

More birthday celebrations for Kenton.

Papa sent his own 4-wheeler over from Kodiak for Kenton's birthday as a special surprise since the one we owned previously had burned in the fire. Now Kenton is ready to plow driveways again just in time.

Psalm 13

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts

and every day have sorrow in my heart?

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.

Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;

my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"

and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

But I trust in your unfailing love;

my heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing to the LORD,

for he has been good to me.

This week brought many changes to the site. In the photos above can be seen the newly painted house from our neighbor's drive and the many vehicles of the workmen. At one point there were twelve people working: one contractor, two framers/carpenters, two plumbers, three electricians, and four painters. We will soon miss the joy of having so many great guys laboring together for a common purpose.

Despite the pesky wind, John covers the roof in preparation for painting.

We thank God for the weather which enabled the painters to do their job. Usually at this time of year we have much colder temperatures and often snow.

While John supports the ladder, Len paints the north side of the garage.

Mr. Steve, the boss, oversees Mark as he paints the back of the walkway.

Mark, Mr. Steve, Len, and John worked well as a team.

Len begins painting the garage front.

Len and John beside the south side of the garage after it has received one coat of yellow.

Mr. Steve's smile is even brighter than the paint.

After the painting was finished, John cut away the plastic from the windows and carefully caulked the frames.

Once the plastic was gone the difference was incredible.

The house was not the only thing that received a coat of paint - John, Mark, and Len looked a bit more colorful themselves.

Psalm and Wynn continue to use the loft daily.

While Gary is busy with electrical work, Wynn watches from above.

Mr. Carl puts a sheet of plastic over the empty window to get ready for the heat to be turned on. The corner window is the only one that is still to arrive.

Sharing a discussion with the electricians - Dakota, Gary, and Jonathan. Whenever Jonathan was working on the wires and saw the camera's flash go off, he thought the wires were sparking.

Gary and Dakota sang along with the radio as they worked.

Kenton observed the talented electrical crew at work.

Gary unrolling wire in the master bedroom.

Jonathan drilling a hole in the boys' closet.

Kenton was given the unique and amazing opportunity to learn about wiring a house and actually take part in the incredible process.

While the painters painted and the electricians wired, the plumbers continued their seemingly endless job.

The in-floor heating tubes were positioned carefully across the main floor.

The framers and plumbers worked side by side in the same close space, each intent on their separate tasks.

The tubing in the music room

Duncan and Roger constructed the wooden frame around the stairway hole in preparation for the pouring of the Gyp-Crete on Monday.

Roger, Duncan, and Mr. Carl consulting with one another.

The snake-like tubes overtake the entryway.

Looking into the pantry from the corner window

Various views of the entryway, living room, dining room, and kitchen after the tubes are all meticulously placed.

The walkway is included.

Adam and Steve finish the job by bringing the ends of the tubes into a common area in the main floor closet.

Kenton discovers a unique observation point.

Meanwhile back at the dog coop, Psalm and Wynn try their skill at painting.

Despite appearances, Wynn is painting while reclining on his back, not sleeping on the job.

Wynn proudly displays his painted clothing and skin.

Micah screws the dog coop door back into place after it has been re-covered by T1-11 and painted yellow inside.

What a way to celebrate turning fifteen years old! Being serenaded by plumbers, electricians, and painters was a memory to be remembered by Kenton for years to come.

From left: Jonathan, Psalm, Gary, Dakota, Mark, John, Len, Adam, Steve, Mr. Steve, Doug, Wynn, Micah (hidden from view), and Kenton.

Mr. Carl, Roger, and Duncan don't know quite what they missed.

Holding Dakota's cute puppy, Rose, was no burden for Psalm, even though it kept her from eating cake and ice cream for a while.