LINDA PAYNE

A dream has come true this Christmas for one woman who wanted nothing more than to own her own home.

With the help of Caldwell County Habitat for Humanity and countless hours of dedicated service, Amanda Fleming and her two sons, Gabriel and Maddox, have done just that.

"It is a dream come true and a fresh beginning for my family," Fleming said. "I wanted nothing more than for my boys to wake up in their new home on Christmas morning."

Wanda Ellis, director of development for Habitat for Humanity, said the Flemings started their journey in January 2008, and construction on their home began this fall. Ellis said final inspections were made on the home just days before Christmas, giving Fleming the ability to move in at her convenience.

"Each one of our families have their own amazing story to tell, but Amanda amazes me," said Ellis as she placed the final touches on the Christmas tree she provided the family. "She is an amazing woman who has been a worker and fighter through this entire process. She wants to provide the best life she can for her two boys, and it just touches my heart that she was able to move in her house just in time for Christmas."