One year

As I look back over the last year, I smile. It has been a good one. We bought our home last June! 

 After renting for three years, we were ready for our own place again. We had one day to look at houses and God directed us to this little cutie. It doesn't have the most personality (pretty plain jane), and it's small to boot, but we call her home and we sure love her and try our best to take care of her. In return she keeps us safe and warm. I think it's a good relationship. 

Moving is always a fiasco right? Micheal had just started a new job and things were hectic. We threw all our belongings into the garage, put the mattresses in the living room and slept together that first night. The new house noises kept me awake most of the night, but it didn't matter because I was overflowing with joy to have our own home again! OUR OWN HOME! 

Although it took just a few days to get things moved here or there, I feel like with a home you are always settling in, making it more and more what you need or want it to be and reflecting who you are as a family. 

We have moved the kids' room around more than a few times and I have lost count on the living room rearrangements! Have I mentioned I love change? 

 There have been two walls painted and pictures hung. There have been three grapes, one raspberry, two blackberry plants, a trumpet vine and our first ever garden, including broccoli, cabbage, sweet peppers, potatoes and tomatoes! There is a new patio out back and the tree we transplanted in the front didn't make it. You can't win 'em all! 

Liam learned to crawl and walk in our living room. The oldest ones have built forts, read books, ran through the house screaming like wild Indians, and we have baked and cooked the most delicious and the most simple of foods. We have fought and made up, laughed, cried, danced, played, and prayed under this roof. We have had dinners with family and friends and celebrated birthday parties. 

It has been a fabulous first year here. We have hearts full of gratitude for all that we have, all that we don't deserve. 

And on we go each day; 

                                   living, 
                                 loving, 
                                        learning. 

Cheers to new homes and old homes and loving the home you are in! 

P.S. Taking photos of a home is hard. I realize that although my walls are calming, they are NOT photogenic! I have so much respect for home interior photographers!