We are halfway through January, and I'm so very happy to say that we've had more sunshine around here than clouds so far! If it's not snowing, I want the sun to be gleaming through the house even if the temps are plunging outside. I almost always have a fire in the fireplace or candles going and something hot to drink. Those are some of the lovely things about winter!
Today is another gorgeous day, a bit warmer outside, and the kids and I just got home from a short trip to the mall. This is a rare occasion for the three of us to go to the mall together, but I felt adventurous and we needed to get out of the house for a change of pace. I had heard the sales were great and they were! It was a good time with the kids, and I even snagged a couple of great deals at Gap plus I had a gift card so I really came our on top. If you don't already know, I'm quite the bargain shopper! I don't mind digging for a deal at consignments, thrift stores, yard sales and places like TJ Maxx. It's so fun for me! When I find really great clearances items in the mall I'm thrilled, too. Usually this time of year it's picked over, but I love the cable knit sweater and long sleeve striped t-shirt I found! Yay:)
My sweet little rascals are asleep now (well, one of them...) in their naps, and I'm thoroughly enjoying a moment with a cup of spiced chai tea--I steep it in milk-- and a piece of gingerbread cake! (Tazo and Trader Joes.)
My feet are up and I'm relaxing for a little while. Awwww, this is nice!
It's been BUSY around here these days, if you didn't notice I haven't blogged in a long while! This year is our "big year" we've kept on the shelf all the while waiting and praying for! We're moving this summer back to our hometown after 7 years of living away for Heath's med school and residency! Sometime in March we're putting our house on the market, so that's where this busyness comes in to play. There is so much to be done first before we can sell our house! This is our first home to sell, and we want to do it the right way so it won't sit for months and months. Our realtor came with her interior decorator the first week of January to look over our home, and they recommended several things to get our home in it's best condition. They had so many wonderful ideas I wish we would've utilized earlier! We are painting, sprucing up, de cluttering, organizing, deep-deep cleaning, redecorating and rearranging our entire house over the next few weeks! It's a lot to do, but in only a week and a half we've accomplished so much already, and I have to say our home is looking better than ever!! Just last night Heath hung a gorgeous chandelier in our stairwell. This stairwell was DARK before, almost giving a creep vibe, but now it's bright and inviting! He has proved to be a real handy man!
It's bitter-sweet to sell our charming cottage home since it was our first house to buy and we brought home our children here, but I'm praying the right person will buy it and love it as much as us! There are original details that are so beautiful in this home that you just can't find anymore. Thick mouldings, original hardwoods, glass door knobs, two fireplaces both flanked with built in shelves. It was built in 1945 and has the cozy charm that comes with that time period... Its so me! But we're thrilled to move back close to our family again, and I know we'll find the right home for us there, too. It'll be great being near our parents now that we have children who miss them so much! I downright need my mama some days, and being so far away isn't always easy. I guess we will never outgrow our parent's hugs or meals in their kitchen. I want our kids to grow up in their homes and around their love, too!! It will be hard to believe that our long-time friends and family will be only a short distance to visit instead of an overnight trip. I can already imagine making dinners and having them in our new home!
I feel that God is really directing us through this process of getting ready to sell our home. I have prayed about this for a long time, that He would give us wisdom on even the details and peace in the process. It's feels like a lot to tackle with my little ones at home all the time, but we're figuring it out!
I had better get back to my snack before the kids awake since I have more laundry to do, of course! ;)
I hope you'll stay tuned for more of our selling, buying, and moving journey. And yes... I still cook a lot, I just need to let you in on the recipes.
Like this easy taco soup!
Happy New Year to you all, my friends! I'm believing God that this year is going to be one of our family's best yet!!!
May God bless your family and lead you through the transitions and provide everything you need. I pray it in Jesus' Name. Amen.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to see a new post from you. And what a reason for your break! It is exciting to move, but so much work to get ready. I remember when I moved where I am now I said "Never again!" But now my husband and I are asking ourselves where we want to be when I retire in a few years. I know God already has this all in His hands and the right people will buy your house and He will lead you to where He wants you to live. Moving is bittersweet -- leaving what you love, but excited about what is ahead.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to be leaving your adorable little cottage! But so wonderful to be back with your family!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your posts! You have such a sweet family.
ReplyDeleteLaura, thank you so much for your prayer!!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate all of the support and love from my friends and readers!!! I can't wait to keep you updated on the this journey. If you don't know already, I also have more of a "family" blog called Bringing Home Baby C, so please follow me there, for other posts on personal matters and family pictures. :)
We have been following your blog for a little over a year and absolutely love it! Your home looks truly Cozy and we love your recipes! We hope you will stop by and check us out sometime too. You have a fan here!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like exciting news! We are considering putting our home on the market. It would be interesting to hear of the changes you've made and the things you've done to stage your home. I know things will be so crazy-busy for you. I don't know you, but follow your sweet blogs and would be happy to pray for you about your move.
ReplyDeleteAndrea
So exciting, but a little sad,too. It's always hard to leave a home that has happy memories.But it sure sounds like you will love being closer to family!
ReplyDeleteI'm wishing you good luck with regard to your house. If all its bases have been rigorously covered, and all its nooks and crannies are checked for safety precautions, then that should all go smoothly. You'd have a real good home in your hands, which is what anyone would want, price points aside. In any way, I hope it works out real well for you. All the best!
ReplyDeleteSteve Beliveau @ First Class Inspections