We have gotten 4 estimates on the fallen tree and after some sticker shock of what it will cost to cut up and haul away just the stuff on the ground, we decided to do as much of it ourselves as we could.
We got out there yesterday after throwing a party for 9 little girls in the morning and worked in the rain. Needless to say, we are TIRED. But we are also blessed. My parents came to help. Our next door neighbors came out to help and so did the neighbor behind the tree.
We used up one chain saw yesterday until it locked up and now needs some repair. And this morning a neighbor went and rented another one so we could work some more. We worked again for hours this morning and afternoon. Kids, grandparents, moms and dads all working together. It felt a little like an old fashion barn raising. Neighbor helping neighbor. What a beautiful and unexpected blessing after a tragic tree day.
The news so far is to try and save the rest of the tree. It will cost quite a bit to thin it out and lessen the weight of the top of the tree. Again, not money we were looking forward to spending, but it is all God's money and we are following where He leads us.
After the kids were done working, they played in the creek. With all this rain, we have quite a little creek forming at the back of the yard. We were all drenched after working so hard and it was good to go in and get some homemade potato soup. Recipe HERE.
I did manage to come in this afternoon and sleep for about 4 hours on the couch. I guess I was pretty tired. Yep...tired and sore...but grateful and blessed.
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