This has been an Easter for our family like no other. You see, we have a very steep roof. We learned just how steep it was 10 years ago when we put new shingles on it. Chad and I did most of the roofing ourselves and for us that was before the day of nail guns - meaning that we didn't own one! It took us 2 1/2 weeks to finish the job. So when we had our major hailstorm two summers ago, the shingles were damaged which meant that they would need to be replaced. We chose to take a payout and do them ourselves so that we could upgrade to a steel roof....
We got the steel a couple of weeks ago (that was when the suburban suffered fire damage - another story for another time). With the kids off school, we took the occasion to work on our roof. Now just let me say, I am so thrilled with the willingness of my children to help with this project. They have been great, and let me tell you, they have worked hard!!! I am so very, very thankful to have such supportive and loving children.
Friday we started tearing off shingles... the forecast indicated a possibility of rain, be we decided to move forward anyway. The day was overcast but not too cold - at least not for most of it. By afternoon we were beginning to put steel on the roof. It is called slate blue, and I must say that I quite like it, even though I had originally thought I'd like something a little darker...
As the afternoon progressed, the skies darkened. By 6:00 we had about half the roof covered and had ripped off a good portion of the remaining shingles, but it was raining and we were concerned about safety. We finished that piece and the rain mostly quit so we did another piece and then another.
While everyone was working desperately to get the roof covered, Beth made supper for the family. She was suffering from the beginning stages of a cold and didn't feel she could work on the roof, so she helped inside instead. At 7:00 we took a break for supper and then went back to work. When we had only two left to place the rain began again, so we stopped one sheet short of completing that surface. By that time it was 9:00 and the lighting was poor anyway.
Everyone was so very tired. My feet hurt and I never went on the roof. I had spent my day working in the yard, digging, cleaning up shingles, nails and tar paper, raking, mowing and shoveling compost.
With the clean up done, we came in and took warm showers, drank hot chocolate and then gathered for a short family scripture study time. Following scriptures and prayer, the kids turned on a movie... to wind down. Yes it meant they would be up late, but, they deserved a little relaxation time. As for myself and Chad, we fell asleep almost immediately.
Saturday morning was a little cold and we found that there was ice on the west side of the roof, so Chad and the kids took the occasion to go in to Bow Island and offered their serviced to a family they knew who was moving into town. By 12:30 we were back to work on our roof. The west side was completed and the larger portion was begun. They ripped shingles and strapped a large portion of the roof before beginning to place metal. After a couple of hours in the hot sun, it was time for a break again. Naomi fell asleep on the floor she was so tired. We were all feeling it. I had aches where I haven't ached for years!
As everyone worked outside Beth boiled eggs and made the meals. At 5:00 we began coloring eggs for our Easter celebration. Once by one, the kids came in and took a break to color their Easter eggs. The only ones that did not take time to do so were Naomi and Myles. They worked so hard. By 8:30, we had prepared the roof for sheeting and placed four or five sheets of metal. We were all tired and ready to call it a day.
Once again, we let the kids watch a movie after a short scripture study and prayer. I fell asleep faster Saturday night than I had Friday night!
I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have a day of rest!!! Sunday - Easter Sunday - loomed glorious and beautiful. But the beauty of Easter Sunday was magnified as we pondered the pains we had endured over the previous two days.
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