"The Project"

After many months of work it is time to reveal our fall/winter project….the shed.

First, let me share the story of our beloved shed (reader’s digest version (you’re welcome)). It all started on a Sunday in October 2010. Bryan and I were in Panguitch on our usual Sunday afternoon drive enjoying the quiet when we decided to drive by a family friend’s newly purchased building lot. As we viewed the lot we were instantly drawn to an old building standing in the middle of it. Later at dinner we expressed how lucky our friends, the Gillett’s, were to have that old building. We were then informed that the Gillett’s didn’t want the building and had declared that anyone who wanted it could have it. Immediately Bryan made a phone call.

Let me stop here for a second and explain a little something about me and Bryan. We both love and I mean love old “barn wood”. I can’t explain it, yes we’re a little weird but at least we have each other. Anyway back to the story.

After talking to the Gillett’s they said we could have the old building (we specifically wanted the old weathered lumber from the building) if we would come and help them tear it down. We spent two weekends tearing down a building that had stood for 100 years. We ran into a lot of dust and mice droppings. It was tiring work but satisfying. It was great to work side by side with the Gillett family and I was impressed with the work ethic of their kids and am very appreciative for the generosity of John and Jennifer. I’ll eat Henries hamburgers with them at the picnic table under the tree anytime!

After demo we hauled the wood to Springville, redesigned the building to fit our needs, and then started to build it back up again. It was a long process, every free weekend Bryan had he spent on the shed. At times I got annoyed with “our project” (we had to call it that for a while because I got tired of hearing the word shed!) but in the end I am very proud of it. So here it is……tada!

The most amazing part of this project was Bryan. He did everything from the site work to laying concrete to stacking 100 lb. lumber himself. In some ways I think that the building of this shed could be a metaphor for Bryan’s life. He got an idea, set a goal, and got to work. He worked through wind, rain, snow, and sub-zero temperatures yet the project still maintained structural integrity. It wasn’t easy or fast but he kept focused on the end result and worked very hard.

Bryan will always be the guy in the room that has quiet confidence in himself and his religion. Because of his confidence he is uninhibited by fear or discouragement. He doesn’t brag or complain thus some people think of him as normal or as the guy who has no luck. They’re wrong he is amazing, very blessed, and talented. A few years ago Bryan went through a hard time. During that time my dad approached him, put his arm around him and said “I believe in you”. My guy can do amazing things and yes I believe in him too.