Go Big Red! This week's gig takes us to Lincoln, Nebr., home of the Huskers. It was a little cold, but absolutely beautiful. After getting to know this community, I understand why it's called the heartland of America.
We're here for a very special purpose — to unite two families into one and build them their dream home. We have Mom, Teresa Fullerton, and her three children — Tucker, Brianna and Chelsey — and Dad, Kenny Machacek, and his two — Erika and Justin. Kenny and Teresa desperately want to be married and create one big family. But for the last four years, they have been splitting their time between Kenny¹s very cramped house and Teresa's even more cramped apartment. They tried to sell Kenny's house to buy a bigger one; however, there are serious structural and foundation problems with Kenny's home, making that option impossible.
It's pretty cool if you think about it; so many families are always going in separate directions with soccer practice, baseball practice, ballet, whatever. They take family for granted. And here are two families who just want a home that can bring them together. They just want to be able to eat a meal together.... It's a rare thing to see.
On the morning of the demolition, Preston and I are packing up the families' belongings. As we're packing and chatting, we both hear this music off in the distance, and it's getting closer. Turns out it was a marching band.
Well, not just a marching band, the marching band. It was the University of Nebraska Huskers' marching band, with Ty Pennington leading them, of course. The whole band just comes rolling up, playing the fight song trailed by all the volunteers and the construction crews! It was incredible.
Arriving with the band were our builders, Duane and Betty Hartman of Hartland Homes. We began talking to these two, and it turns out they've got a very similar story to the Fullerton-Machacek family. Duane had a family of his own, and Betty one of hers. They got together and raised their families as one, under one roof. When they heard the Fullerton-Machacek story, they immediately understood what these two families needed, 'cause they've been there, done that. Great synergy.
The special project I took on this week was 17-year-old Chelsey's room, which was cool; it was my first girl's room. In the little time I had to get to know her and what she loves, I tried to envision what she would want in her room. A name for what I came up with doesn't really exist — it's more of a potpourri, mish-mash, and has a kind of eclectic thing going on. I called it the Art-Chelsey-Deco Room. How about that?
Believe it or not, I still feel like the new guy. But that's a good thing. I get to travel the country helping families. My personal favorite time of the week is always the reveal. The day we bring that family back to experience their new home for the first time, when they come home, and we "Move that bus!" That's when I love this gig. I love hearing the stories and helping these families, because it's what drives me all week. We build in just seven days; it's really hard, with the setbacks, the weather, in the dark, with little rest. But, when I find myself tiring, I just think of the expressions on the families' faces, and those expressions drive me to finish.
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We're your biggest fans! Hope you come to Lincoln again!