Things I Love About Our House

We are finally settling into our new house. Here are some things I love about it:

-The appliances! We got lucky and all of the appliances conveyed. They are all stainless steel (which we never thought we could afford). I also LOVE my full size washer and dryer. In the apartment we had a small stacking unit and I could only wash 2 or 3 towels at a time. I just love our huge washer and dryer!

-Our pantry! I love all the storage space, I can clearly see what we have and what we need. In the apartment everything was shoved under a cabinet, this is soooo nice compared to that!

-The freedom! I love the freedom of being able to change anything and everything. We have painted (a lot) and I have big plans to change even more (hardware, the bathroom vanities, blinds, etc.)

-The yard! Although we haven't had the chance to plant anything yet I am excited about it. It also nice not having neighbors right on top of you.

-The storage! We have more storage than we need here, and it's great. The attic, the closets, the shed outside, are all so wonderful.

-Our neighborhood! Part of the reason we bought this house was because of the neighborhood it was in. It is right by a park, and there is pedestrian access to it from our neighborhood. People have pride in their homes and it shows. Also, we know some people that live here and it's fun when they stop by.

That's all I can think of right now. I am sure I will think of something else though soon. :)

House Updates

I can't believe how busy I have been the past week. I knew moving would be stressful, busy and a lot but I had no idea what I was getting myself into.I am not unhappy or untgrateful about it just trying to find some order in the chaos. I am a person who likes organization, routines and order. So is my husband. The boxes everywhere are stressful and I want them unpacked!

 Currently we are in the process of painting. Every wall in the house. Well almost every wall. The last owner did not have the best taste in paint colors, to say the least. Most walls were scuffed up and just needed some tlc.

Today we are trying to finish the master bedroom. My wonderful friend Rachel came over yesterday and helped paint most of it. Now all that is left is the trim and closet doors. I am hoping to have my first before/after photos for ya'll soon.

Betty loves the new house. At first she was scared, of course. But now that she is acclimated she loves all the extra space, the big windows (especially the bay window in the kitchen) and exploring. She has managed to get paint on her already, and honestly I'm not surprised.

Well, I am off to paint yet again. :)

Moving Forward

I can't believe this Friday we close on our house. It seems like only yesterday we were going to the bank to see if we could even afford to buy something. Our apartment is all packed up and almost ready to move. (I keep running out of boxes.) Betty is confused about what is going on, she doesn't understand.

The process of buying a house has made me even more reflective than normal. I have been thinking a lot about my life and how far I have come. Remembering the anxiety from college, the immaturity of high school and the uncertainty after college.

I am ready for the next step. So excited and extremely blessed. Sometimes I think how did I get here? I am about to own a house, oh my gosh!

Life is good. God is great. Here we go!

My Small Crisis

This morning as I was getting ready for church I had a small crisis. I went to put on my ring from my grandmother, and it was nowhere to be found. This ring means the world to me, it is just as special as my wedding and engagement rings.

Before my grandma passed away she had two diamond rings made. One for me and one for my cousin, her other granddaughter. She used the diamonds from her mother's wedding ring, her old wedding ring and other family heirlooms.

My ring from her is gorgeous, but that's not why I love it so much. I love that ring so much because it was the last thing she ever gave me. She had it made especially for me, knowing one day she would be gone and I would have it to remember her by.

I was very close to my grandmother, closer than most. She was an inspiration to me. She taught me so much about family, love, faith and perseverance. She overcame breast cancer, she overcame the death of her husband who she loved dearly, she over came lung cancer, and two other kinds of cancer. She never complained about it, never said life wasn't fair.

My grandmother was the type of person who loved life. She did yoga, was involved in 3 different bible studies in 2 different churches, danced, was a great cook, volunteered to feed the homeless, traveled all over the world, went to the gym, read, loved to shop, was a true friend and amazing mother of 3 and grandmother of 4.

My family wearing the t-shirts my grandparents brought us all back from their trip to Australia. I'm in the front row far left. Grandma is the middle row second from left.

Oh yeah she also loved to play golf, like me! I hope me and Clarke play as much golf together as they did.

Us at my graduation from JMU.

In conclusion, I found the ring. I must have set it on the dresser and Betty knocked it off, underneath it. Good thing we are moving and I can just throw everything into boxes, because I tore the place up.

What is something that you own that means a lot to you and why?!?

Saying Goodbye

One week from today we close on our house! We will finally sign even more papers, get the keys and start making it ours. I couldn't be more excited!

Although I am so excited about leaving our apartment, part of me is sad. This was our first home together and where we spent our first year of marriage. This is where we brought Betty home.

This place will always hold fond memories for us. We grew so much as a couple and as adults here.

I am ready for the next chapter though, homeownership! Stay posted as I will be sharing lots of pics of the new place. :)

So with that said, goodbye 2344 Quarterdeck Court. You have been good to us, thanks for all the memories.

Rejuvenated

Have you ever gone on a trip and just had the best time ever? So much that when it was over it was almost depressing to come home.

As many of you know I was in the Outer Banks all weekend for my anniversary. It was so great and much needed.

I worked 18 days without a day off until Friday when we left for the beach, and I have just been so tired.

It was sooo nice to get away and do all of our favorite things and just be with Clarke.

I got the chance to reflect upon our first year of marriage, and how incredibly blessed I am to have Clarke as my husband. Although we have only been married a year, we have been together as a couple for seven.

We have been through a lot together, and this year was no exception. I don't know how I would have gotten through student teaching or what I would have done when my grandma passed away this past August if Clarke wasn't there for me.

He is a godly man. He supports my dreams. He knows exactly how to care for me. He knows just what I need, even when I don't. He challenges me to grow closer to God and be a better person.

I love you Clarke, you are the best husband ever!

One Year Ago

One year ago today...................

What a great year it has been.

Can't Wait

Tomorrow we are off to the The Outer Banks for our anniversary weekend!

I can't wait to relax and spend time with Clarke.

I can't wait to get a pedicure tomorrow morning.

I can't wait to play golf Saturday.

I can't wait to eat at Sam and Omie's!

I can't wait to sit on the beach.

I can't wait to eat the top of our wedding cake!