The House

I just realized that it has almost been exactly a year since we first started building our house.  Wow.  It sure did seem like a long year in so many ways - and so short in others.  Jeff was gone all the time working so hard to build a perfect house for his family.  And, little Gage was experiencing his first year of life. Autumn changed schools yet again - as soon as we knew where we would be building (and the boundaries for the elementary school).  And, Gavin started preschool at the local elementary.

Now, I'm sitting at a computer at our desk in the new house.  And, it seems like the year just flew by and we've been here forever.

My completely blank walls tell a different story.  And, the boxes and bags still lingering in my closet betray me.  It's only been a few months since we've moved in.

Some could argue that it's plenty of time to hang a picture or two.  But, man . . . I'm just so happy to be here . . . with my family.  Settled.  With Jeff back at home with us.  And, the busyness never stopped.

Sadly, the pictures we took of the building process don't paint the full story.  And, at the most exciting time . . . when everything was finishing . . . we were far too busy focused on finalizing the details that were required for us to move in . . . including packing.  So, we don't have pictures of the finished product pre-move-in-date.

But, these pictures do paint a bit of the building story.

I am so very glad that while we were in Canada - and we were in the process of bidding on houses - that I didn't sign and fax the papers to accept the bank's counteroffer on a house that is now around the corner.  I told Jeff that I wanted to bring home the contract to review everything one more time.

That night, Jeff had a hard time sleeping.

When we woke up the next morning, Jeff told me that he had been running figures through his head and drawing plans for hours in the night.  And, that he was convinced we should buy a lot and build our own house . . . one that was totally suitable for Gavin.

Jeff is one of the smartest and most talented people I have ever met.

I fully supported his decision.  He was 100% right.

Gavin has a better life because of that night.

I am so happy to be here.  I'm so lucky to have Jeff.  I am so happy to have my family.

And, I love this house.

 

Presenting Gage: The World's Cutest Baby

The Little Moments

This morning, I had one of those moments when it felt like something was squeezing my heart, constricting my throat, and pushing water out of my eyes . . . 

I had just given Autumn a big goodbye hug and then I watched her walk down our driveway with her backpack on and a little bounce to her step . . . on her way to the bus stop . . . a big girl . . . all by herself.

She turned, waved again and yelled that she loved me.

And, I yelled back again that I loved her even more.  And, then I stood there motionless, watching her walk away . . . trying to capture the way she looked with her not-fully brushed, long hair, her shorts (even though it's not quite time for them), and her carefree little hum. 

Not understanding how it all happened so fast.

I was literally torn between watching that moment in real time and running to grab my camera.  I know it was a simple thing. But, those little things mean so much.

So, I stood there watching.

Then I turned to Jeff and asked him how and when our little girl had grown up so suddenly.