We're catching up on construction right after Thanksgiving. While a lot of people are still off today, including some of our company, we're taking advantage of a clear day while the weather allows it to finish up the pad site for this special barndominium project in Midlothian, Texas.

This build is an accessory dwelling unit—a kind of grandparent suite—being constructed on an existing property. Before we could get to the dirt work, we had to make a temporary passageway and install a culvert to protect the homeowner's driveway and paver stones from the trucks bringing in material.

The main reason this dirt work didn't get finished the other day was waiting on dirt, but now there is plenty available. The goal for today is to level the pad up to the white line.

The day got off to a slow start when our machine struggled to fire up on the cold morning, leading to some embarrassing moments and a quick trip to McCoy's for jumper cables. It's a good thing about building in the city, but it's something you can't be caught without out in the middle of nowhere where we often work.

Beyond the construction challenges, this time of year always brings a deeper level of reflection. As a contractor, we often scurry to get as much done as possible before the year closes. But this season is really about counting our blessings and acknowledging what God has done.

We look back on tough seasons—navigating COVID, the pandemic's crazy material prices, and personal challenges like my wife Brandi's chronic back pain over the last five years. She recently had back surgery and is doing remarkably well, with minimal pain since.

We are so thankful for this, for our healthy children (with Jensen now working with TBC!), and for the grace that has sustained our company, Texas Best Construction, through so many challenges.

Thank you for being part of our journey! We couldn't do it without all of you who have subscribed, liked, shared, and commented.

If you enjoy content like this—barndominium builds, dirt work, and honest reflections—let us know in the comments below!