March 24th 2006

March 24th
Hello again,
Since our last update we've been debating back and forth as to whether or not we can/should move before the end of March.On Monday we said, "No way! It's not going to happen." On Tuesday, "There's no way! On Wednesday it was the same story. On Thursday Dad said, "Looks like we're going to do it!"
The Lord brought a bunch of things together that seem to indicate such as providing a place for us to rent a shop/office in an ideal location for our work! It also will have enough space for us to store our extra stuff that will not fit in a 900 square foot house!
Since the debating started we stopped packing boxes, so next week is promising to be crazy!
In the meantime we started our one week kitchen renovation on Monday. Day 1- Demo'ed everything and did most of the rough electrical and plumbing Day 2- Finished the rough ins', patched all the drywall and mudded and textured everything Day 3- Went skiing while Dad and Mom primed the kitchen (Short day) Day 4- Laid a stone floor in a diamond pattern and grouted it Day 5- Installed the cabinets
On Wednesday Dad and Mom met with the county workers again and obtained permission to live at the church property while we build. They gave us one year, which they said was very generous. It's supposed to take 3-6 months still for the conditional use permit to be finished, and then we can start getting our drawing approved which could also take 3-6 months...
Last week 11 of us hit the slopes and went skiing for the first time. We're looking forward to going 2 more times. (It was a 4 week package!) Some of us are getting hooked! Dad says we're on our own with snow skiing.

(L-R)Merrie, Annie, Mandy, Sarah G., Joanna, Chris and Trevor.

Trevor and Jack ride the lift.

A new grinding technique!?

Willie gets some air!

Annie

Trevor tops the jump...

Jack shows us what it's all about.

While we were returning our skis and boots a lady was sitting in the room where we were putting our shoes on. She watched us with open curiosity, and finally asked, "Are you brothers and sisters?" We all smiled and said, "Yep". She asked, "How many?" "14." She gasped! "All from one mom and dad?" We laughed and said, "Yes!" Her next question was almost answered before she asked... "Are you Mormon or Catholic?" We said, "No, and we're not from Arkansas either!" She laughed and continued grilling us with questions, "All from one mom and dad?" was asked at least 3 times! A few minutes later her husband walked in and she turned to him and enjoyed telling him all about us! He had a hard time believing it too! It's so much fun being in a big family!!!
We've been enjoying having some company lately. On Friday we saw John Fiala and his family from Houston. This week we had one friend from KY and one from main land China. We're hoping to see another friend from Oregon soon. Thanks for stopping by guys!
May the God of all peace bless and keep you,With Love,The Dortignac Family
"They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them."- Isaiah 49:10
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