Our Story

                                                                  Welcome to our story and  thank you for stopping by our page.

We met in elementary school and married in 2002. He was a carpenter and I tended bar. With America, we were deeply affected by the events of 9/11 and though expecting a child, we agreed that him joining the military would be the direction for our family.
Nate enlisted in the U.S. Army where he would then serve four long tours before being medically retired. It was a treacherous transition that would nearly sever our family. After two challenging and dark years, a “spark,” suddenly appeared.

During an unusual break in the day, I discovered a late 1800’s chest. I especially liked the crisp aroma of cedar when the box was opened, and seemingly unused, it was gorgeous. It still had the original paper advertisement for how the cedar deterred moths adhered to the underside of the raised lid. When Nate saw this chest setting in the back of our truck, he immediately spoke of taking it apart and restoring it! Knowing he hadn’t restored furniture, I was startled and truthfully, I silently cringed!

However, I saw a “spark” in a war battered soldier, that was undeniable, and something far greater to preserve than an ol chest.

We carried the antique straight to our garage. A space was cleared on a work table and the chest sat elevated to be “restored.” Nate stripped the chest carefully of small wooden pieces, and the stain, then he sanded for hours, which turned into days. The kids would say, “Dad’s in the garage again, he’s sure enjoying that project.” We were overjoyed to see that after nearly three years, he found something he truly enjoyed in the aftermath of war. It was a delight for him to have a “spark” of hope.

His respect, and appreciation for wood was evident.  Shortly there after we sold most everything in our home in Arizona. Leaving the dusty desert we ventured back to Kansas where he was once stationed at Fort Riley, with the Big Red 1 to enjoy the Flint Hills.  He has since spent hours with various wood projects, sanding, milling, and furniture building. He has earned a certificate in Cabinet and Millwork through Washburn Tech in Topeka, and a certificate in Heavy Equipment Operating.  We are happy to reside near Rocky Ford Fishing area, in the Blue Township where Nate has a beautifully constructed wood shop.

The “spark” chest remains in my office providing proof of new beginnings. He enjoys building tables, cutting boards, fishing pole racks, built in shelving units, and bringing organization to otherwise neglected spaces.