Photo by Tara Behnke

From the overwhelmingly beautiful moment when Ty, Paige, Ed, Jeff and Pauly (and the entire EM:HE crew) knocked on our door, to the emotionally surreal "reveal"... I feel like I have been asking God one question... Why us?

     I got to witness a miracle this week.  It had nothing to do with a house built in 5 days (although that is unbelievable!), or the famous people milling around with us commoners, it wasn't about the logistics of what it takes to organize 3000 people or the fact that the McPails are blessed more than there are words with this gift of a new home.  What blew me away this week was the fact that hundreds, even thousands of "local" people came together and donated time, money and "things" to build an Extreme Makeover home.  I have been contemplating what would move so many people to give to this cause, to help people that they don't even know...what I am overwhelmed by is  the fact that people do it because they want to be involved, and make something huge happen for the simple reason of wanting to help.  (aside from the ones that were there just to see TY :) ) "OOOOOO" you say..."your deep!  Nice observation dummy".  So it may not be a huge revolution but it is a cool thing to contemplate...You see, I saw Rush from Ark built, hustling around every time I was there, the ladies from Terra Firma were there one night when I left and 2:00 AM and they were already there working away when I came back the next morning.  Four  seasons (and other nurseries) created a landscape fit for a castle, while Food for Less donated crates of water and Gatorade for the workers.  Gates furniture donated so much furniture its unreal (Ill be there next time I need something!!!)  Almost all of the building materials were donated, the vehicles that were used to drive around, and the trailers were loaned, local book stores and toys stores helped out...and honestly there are so many more businesses that donated that it would take days to list!!!  And they all did it just to help!!!  CRAZY!!  One more thing I have to mention...I put a call out to a few women who I knew would pull through and donate an item of something they sell to a silent action to benefit the family build fund...before I knew it, almost 100 "moms" had posted things to auction from their businesses!!!  I am still blown away by the fact that a group of awesome women raised around $7000!!!!  So stinking cool!!!



     I had a chance to get involved in rounding up a few last minute donation needs and what I realized is that it was totally easy to find local business people that were glad to help, but a big corporation??  Their hands are tied.  I was discouraged every time I called a big chain store and got the same answer about the fact that it would have to go to corporate and...bla, bla, bla...but the minute I got a local business owner on the phone, they were excited to help!  This has left such an impression on me that I am giving myself a challenge...



And as a thank you...we are giving you %10 off 

This is Lindsay's aunt Lee, her cousin Jill and her mom Cindy (If I am found dead..they should be considered suspects)

     I am fairly sure that my whopping 5'2" stature would not be intimidating to anyone or anything other than our family guinea pig.  My arms resemble spaghetti noodles (ya know, the angel hair kind, cooked)  and my mean face, well even  my kids laugh at that one.  But even with all of my physical limits, I'm pretty sure the fire that was spewing from every poor of my being was enough to make the two 6' tall men that I launched into quiver...(or at least make them think, "thank God I'm not married to that!")

This is Kara, designer extroadinaire!  And she is as sweet as she is creative! and shoot...Jason maybe (sorry!!!) he plays video games on his lap-top all day! OK, so really he designs some of these crazy cool houses!  Brilliant!

So I wish I could tell you all of their names.. lets just say if you are wearing a black shirt AND black hat...you are super important! ;)

Rush from Arc Built is top dog out here!!!!! (but I bet he wouldn't admit it!)

Mark is a rockin security guard!  Several of these guys stand out in the heat for hours on end, and still smile!!!  and Scott...well, I think he just rides around in the golf cart all day looking cool! a lot of "these guys" travel with Extreme Makeover Home Edition... thats a lot of time away from home!

It's not often that you see this many workers all gathered around, but today, they took a few minutes to honor the fallen, and the families of  9/11.

It was a touching moment!!!

    This could be the most challenging post I have written yet...not because the subject matter is deep, or revealing, but it is that I don't know if it's possible for me to do it justice...



     As most of you know by now, our own Earth Monkey mama, Lindsay and her family we're chosen to receive an Extreme Home Makeover!!! I struggle to even find the words to describe the intense excitement, joy, and amazement that I am feeling about this entire process...it really only pales to the birth and adoption of my children (sorry babe, this is better than our wedding!;) )



     I am hoping today that I can give you a glimpse into the work that is going into the creating, building and fruition of this amazing home! I am going to keep my words few (I know shock hu??) because honestly, I am so tired, and overwhelmed that I feel like my brain is more of a mush ball!