It has been sometime since we last posted but much has transpired since then. David has worked relentlessly in the pursuit of finding a perfect rock. I knew it was up there we just needed to find it. Because of the area, which covers all the valley not just the ranch, all the rock lies in layers. Therefore, there are several cracks that run vertically, horizontally, angled, you name it, throughout all the limestone cliffs in the area. With the sculpture having so many protruding features, we have to be very careful. We are trying to avoid a situation where we have been working on the sculpture for quite some time and then the nose slides off or the chin or the entire face.

Recently during our search a little miracle occurred that I'm anxious to share with you. A few months ago, Grandpa and I decided on where we felt the perfect place for the monument should be. So David and the driller proceeded to drill and chip away at the stones there. Only to find unsuitable material. Then about a week ago, the guy who grandpa has had up there drilling showed up unannounced when no one was around and proceeded to drill and chip away and in doing so discovered what we feel is finally suitable material. The interesting part is that when David showed up and saw it he asked the guy why he had decide to drill there, due to the fact that it was about 30 to 40 ft further south from where we had been searching. The guy said, "I just followed the paint line your sister had laid out for me."  However, I had not been up there painting lines, neither had David, nor Grandpa or Ralph, who is a hand of grandpas that has been helping David from time to time. It can only be explained as a tender mercy! We have no idea where the painted line came from!

So that brings us to today....David had an appointment this morning and so for the first ever I found myself alone at the monument.  The day was gorgeous! If only it could be like that through out the entire project but unfortunately it won't! But as I sat there, with the breeze blowing lightly, it was so peaceful, almost sacred. What a special place this will be for this monument. As I gazed over the rock I could see her in it. I placed my hand on the stone and an overwhelming feeling came over me. Not just with the monumental (no pun intended :) task at hand but with the spirit of this project. She's already there...this stone was meant for her...we just need to unveil that precious face lying beneath the surface.

When David and Ralph finally arrived we took measurements and figured out were the nose will go. We've decided to start there. There is one horizontal crack that runs through our canvas but it lands about 17 feet from the top and grandma's chin will hit at 16 feet so we'll barely miss it.(another tender mercy) So it will run through her neck but we think that will work out OK. David is just going to clear some more stone from the south side of her face. And all the rubble you see lying at the base of it and it will be go man go. So so close! Can't wait to get going.

Grandpa is so anxious! When Grandpa and David were trying to talk me into doing this project one of my biggest concerns was time.  I am first and foremost a mother and knew my family and their needs need to be my first priority, but David assured me that Grandpa had said he didn't care if it took me 4 years to complete he just wanted me to take charge of this project. But last week David informed me that Grandpa had told him he estimates we are about 15% behind schedule....WHAT!!?? I told David, "Wait don't I have 4 years if needed?" (although I never intended on taking that long) David laughed and said, "You know Grandpa. You were already behind schedule when you agreed to take on the project." So funny! Sure love that man! This project is all he's thinking about these days! We will definitely be keeping you all posted. And please continue to keep us in your prayers...BECAUSE IT'S WORKING! Love you.