"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

~Proverbs 19:21~

Chris installs the carpet pad in the downstairs guest room.

Ralph and some of his crew install the olive colored carpet in the boy's loft.

Psalm's berry red carpet.

Carpet in the master bedroom.

Relaxing on the newly carpeted loft.

All three colors of carpet meet in the main loft area.

The wood floor gradually covers the floors.

Working on the angles in the hallway.

Chris at work again, this time in the living room.

Jason, Ralph's son, hard at work.

The stairs finally come to rest on the floor.

Finishing up the living room.

Ralph carefully fits the transitions, which fill the gaps between the wood and tile floors.

posted on Monday, January 31, 2011

"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;

for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

~Matthew 11:28-30~

The engineered wood floor waits in boxes in the music room for installation.

In preparation for the installation of the permanent staircase, the temporary staircase was removed. For a short time the only access to the third floor was via the ladder.

Carrying in boards to cover the stairway to the basement.

In addition to having the dependable Duncan, Roger, and Mr. Carl at work, we were joined by Myron who came to lend an extra hand for the unusual task.

Large boards are hoisted upstairs to provide a support for the ratchet straps which are later used to lift the stairway.

The shrouded staircase surrounded by Micah, Kenton, Roger, Duncan, Mr. Carl, and Myron after it was dragged from the garage

The stairway begins its short but challenging journey from the garage to the house.

Mr. Carl and Roger guide it to the front porch.

Myron carefully assists the top through the front door.

The line-up at work

Using the wheeled cart helped at first until its height became an issue.

Excited spectators

Roger expertly mans the first ratchet strap.

Half way point

At one time during the job, three straps were used simultaneously to raise the stairs.

Almost there

Now the boom truck can leave, and the stairway can be turned onto its side.

Micah wields the sawzall as Mr. Carl guides the process.

The handrails are unpacked first.

Once unwrapped, the stairway is lifted to the proper position.

Roger and Duncan install the handrails and balusters.

The first family photo on the new stairwell - We are so used to Mr. Carl, Roger, and Duncan being around that we almost consider them family now - unfortunately Mr. Carl had already left for the day before this photo was taken.