We have a fence. And a gate.

And a temporary power pole and paperwork for a permit to hook up the power.

We have a building site with the four corners staked out.

We have a floor plan that I designed, that Patrick and I have nitpicked to death until we’re sure it’s absolutely perfect. And we have a guy to do the blueprints.

We have a vision. And it’s simple and it’s not the norm, but it’s ours.

We started this adventure over a year ago and its been long and hard and scary and frustrating but also exciting and wonderful. We have achieved so much already and know what we want the rest of our lives to look like. We have sacrificed what is easy and convenient to get there. We never thought it would be easy, but we know it will be worth it. And like I said, its hard. I have to stay focused on the big picture – the reason we started this journey in the first place. I try not think too far ahead or I get overwhelmed by the details and I start to panic. Meltdowns have occurred. I am not ashamed to admit it. But I want to document this adventure. The good, the bad, the ugly. Up until now, I haven’t thought it worthwhile to talk much about it because it didn’t seem like we were making much progress; then recently I realized that every step, no matter how tiny, is significant. It all adds up to the big picture.

Bear with us friends, its going to be a long road… but when its finished, we’re having a party and you are all invited!