I love my husband

This is one heck of a man. I just love him! I don't know if any of you have moved recently or have had a major shift in your physical surroundings (or other things I'm sure), but it can sure take its toll on your relationships! I had a great friend whom I watched go through such a similar experience moving. Now I really do understand! Other things take precedence over things that are truly important- like edifying and uplifting your husband and being a rock for your children both in discipline and in love. It was a tough transition I will be honest. Not something I want to do for awhile. But back to the main thought.... I love this incredible man God has put in my life. He's taken such a step to regain that excitement and fire that we had as newlyweds! It's taken me a little while (I think just the fact that I am a woman- we're made to proceed with caution when it comes to love and mushy things, especially if we've been hurt in the past...) to really see if all of this was real and not fleeting. The truth is, I have a love that endures such limits...

I know some know, and some probably don't, but I have taken time (on purpose) to post this sad news in our family. Just after we told everyone the news of my pregnancy, I began to bleed. I went to the ER about 2 weeks into it and they "diagnosed" me as having an "incomplete miscarriage", meaning it hadn't happened yet, but it was an inevitable outcome. We obviously did not want to claim that over this child and we wanted to see God's hand do a mighty work in my body. After several more weeks of believing, praying, and waiting, it was evident that I indeed, did have another miscarriage. At times like these, when you pray so hard, and want so bad, and believe so much, it makes so much sense to have a terrible time understanding God and trusting in His omniscience. But the absolute truth is, though it hurt badly to lose another child, and we don't understand why it happened, I can not deny the ineffable peace that surrounds me. God is SO good. And I KNOW He only wants what's best for me and my family. And that's what we hold on to. We are doing very well. We will probably start trying again in the late summer, and we are expecting great and wonderful things!

It is a beautiful day outside! Currently 65 and sunny... and Deron's napping! I think it's time to take my book (Bringing Up Boys) and enjoy the sunshine before it gets cold again!

before and after

I meant to do this before, but I guess now is the nest time as ever to post before and after pictures of the house. Be amazed... Which is your favorite transformation?

and.... all moved in!!

I know everyone has been eagerly anticipating this post. Especially my mother-in-law. :) There are definitely still things that need to be done around the house (like curtains), but we are making this place home. Last night we walked along the property lines and anointed them, consecrating this house and everything we own for God, His glory, and His Kingdom. I will also say, as we began unpacking and setting things up, I was surprised how, over and over, things I have been collecting and acquiring over the years fit perfectly in this house. It was amazing. The blue glass in the bathroom, the CD stands and other things. God is so good. This really is OUR home now. And that feels so wonderful.

The front room. The lighting is poor because I took it last night. Curtains will go up soon. I have to decide now what color I want.

The front room again.

Obviously, the front room again, this is the view from the front door.

Now, looking into the kitchen.

And down the hall.

The master bedroom with our original comforter/sheets. Hopefully we'll get a duvet and really swank sheets sometime.

Ta-da! The super-organized closet! I know this is what you've been waiting to see.. :) Notice all white plastic hangers - well, mostly (truly, the best way to go).

Flowers on the left are from my proposal. Roses on the right are from Jedidiah's birth.

Deron's room. Obviously, we haven't spent too much time in here yet. It even looks much different today. We've moved his crib, changed his sheets, etc.

The office. Again, haven't really touched yet. We're thinking of painting this room next week maybe. Thinking it will be a medium/light gray.

The hall bath. Isn't the soap and mouthwash dispenser cute?!

The kitchen. The island was given to us a few years ago, it's been hanging out in Deron's old room since then. Now it fits perfectly!

Philip brought home those flowers the day after we moved in. What a sweet husband...

I was concerned before we moved that our dining room table wouldn't fit in this space, but it does wonderfully. And it looks great, too! Still haven't found anything to put on this wall though.

And finally, the rack. Much more full now, even more than this picture, mostly with small kitchen appliances and such.

isn't everyone this crazy about shelving?!

The day before we moved in, Philip and I installed this fabulous shelving for our very small closet in our room. Instead of just one bar and one long shelf (completely under-utilizing all of the space), this system almost doubles what we had! Yea!! We also got a stainless steel rack for the laundry/utility/mud room (we still are deciding what to call it). You will see how wonderfully handy that will be...

This makes me a very happy woman.

Deron with the stud finder. Philip must have taken this picture. :)

The rack in the "other" room.