Friday, June 29, 2012

Moving On...

I haven't been around lately. If you've even noticed. :)
But, between a two-week trip to Alberta ( me and the kiddo's) and now, a crazy two-week reno's on our new-to-us home, it's been full.
Yup, a new house. We're moving. :)
It's exciting, and yet I know - everyone is, or has already gone through this stage of life. Buying their first home, or moving again. So, even though I'm a bit consumed with my life right now, (naughty, naughty) I know that many of you are in the thick of these challenges/ joys. :) So here's just my little take on this time in our little lives, and how God led us, thus far.
We've been looking for a few years to buy a home, and we finally found one that works for us. It is a very pratical home, even if it's a cookie cutter house. :) (at least it's a well-built one)
It's actually not in Mount Pleasant, but in Brantford. As much as we love the country life, it seems like God is leading us out for a bit anyways. James is going to be switching from the Windmill, to a different family company - probably in the fall, and this home will be abit closer to work, as well, as to our church (building :) and the people we seem to rub more shoulders with in life. :)
The whole process happened rather quickly, which is actually pretty neat - tiring though. :) During the course of the whole house looking over the last while, I began praying for some specific things about a home. (and I have to add - I didn't pray this much, but this was is my heart)
I prayed that it would have a few things.
1. A laundry room
2. A ensuite
3. A garden
4. Pretty house (I know, that was a bit vain)
5. Not too close to neighbors.
6. A fenced in backyard.
And maybe a few other things, but those were the main hopes. :) But God answered the prayers of what I needed, and didn't make all make dreams come true at the same time. We're fairly close to our neighbors, but as I keep reminding myself, God didn't make us to be hermits. He wants us to be involved with others, so this is an easy way for me to reach out, even if I'm in my back yard. (which is fenced in by the way. :) I also have a garden!! And an ensuite. Pretty amazing, in my opinion, because with all the homes we looked at, there were very few that had any. And we also have a linen closet - albeit small, but that means I don't have to store my blankets in totes anymore. :)

My emotions right now...
I'm excited. We have only 3 more days til we're in this place. And it has lots of room.... 4 bedrooms, a laundry room, (used to be a second kitchen) office area, rec room, and two bathrooms. :) (I get a nursery and a guest room!!)
I'm nervous. It's the city - small as it is, and even though we're at the very edge - a block away from the fields - it will be interesting to see how it goes. I'm going to learn the city ways. :) The neighbors are friendly, especially the ones to the right of the house. And it's a super quiet neighborhood.
I'm tired - we've been painting the entire house: walls, ceilings, trim, doors, etc. One wall has been torn out, and we're putting all new flooring in. Because.... the pink carpet there did not inspire me. :) Nor did the pink walls. But, we're almost done the late/early hours, and then we can get mostly settled in.
But, I'm super grateful, as many people have helped us, almost every day for the last couple weeks. Family, friends from church, (they did a work day for us), and friends from other places...and we appreciate that a lot. I've had help babysitting, as I don't think I could manage children and painting in my 21-week pregnancy stage. It has been amazing to watch God bring people to sacrifice their time.

There will be lots of things to do, when we're in, - some touch-ups, eventually the kitchen will need some face-lifts, and the landscaping needs help. (watering for starters) But even there, are special gifts from God. A grape arbor (the man before us, made his own wine) and a row of hydrangeas, (terribly excited over that one!)along with tons of other perrinals.
So that's the scoop lately. I have more pictures to put up eventually, especially of my trip to Alberta to see my precious family. And then there will be more house pictures - can't wait to show you, what we've been doing, and all... :) It will be a bit before I'm back on here. Not that you're worried or anything. :) (are you ever worried?)

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Four Lovely Years

Four wonderful years.

Every day with him is a gift.
I love him.
I'm so thankful that I get to cry with, laugh with, (and he laughs at me which I absolutely love) parent with, and learn with my best friend, James.
Truly, being married to your best friend and lover, is awesome. Cause, when things aren't always romantic - which they can't be - you're always best friends.
One thing about James, that I think about so often, is how he has kept his vows to me, and loves me with an amazing unconditional love like Christ has for us.
Happy Anniversary Sweetheart.