We did it. Seventeen months after initially listing our house, we moved into a new one of our very own. It has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, two fireplaces and two living areas, a formal dining room and a three-season porch, and five very happy people living inside.
After making six offers on other homes. After living with my sweet mom for four months. After digging all of our possessions out of duffel bags and boxes and toiletry pouches. After uprooting all of our systems and routines, and keeping our house clean for months for drop-of-a-hat showings. After dealing with a crazypants buyer (whom our realtor is STILL dealing with.) After being in awe of our kids and their supernatural flexibility. After all that…
…we have all this. We are in our house and we could not be more grateful. The kids are running around like they own the joint because they so do. The dog is totally freaked out by being outside by herself (on a nice long lead.) I’m spending all the money on shower curtains, silverware drawer organizer things, pantry staples and boot trays.
We moved in just over a week ago, and coming up this month we will host a bachelorette brunch for my sister, Sam’s 5th birthday party (WHAT), and Christmas. Celebrations full of people I love. Home, just the way I like it.
In other news (because the world keeps turning even when huge life changes are in process)… Advent is here!! Two weeks after announcing that my book was printed in paperback, we sold it out. For real. I’m still in shock and awe. Good thing the ebook is constantly and immediately available. And just a little hintyhint – you might want to keep an eye on Facebook and Instagram this week because it’s Advent and we will be celebrating with a giveaway or two! Here’s another hintyhint:
Subtle, right? 😉
We’ve been mailing books like crazy and have another shipment coming our way this week. I’m truly touched and honored by your excitement and support. It’s been incredible, and a very special way to start this season.
I’ll be sure to share the {easy, no-stress, no-frills} things that we’ll be doing as a family this Advent. I’m excited to introduce you to something special that will be a part of our countdown to Christmas. Brand new from my friends at DaySpring, it’s the ‘Shepherd on the Search‘! He’s a great way to remind kiddos about the wise ones who seek the King. Also he’s adorable:
Right?? And he comes in his own box so you don’t have to keep track of him. I’m late in telling you about him, because of Advent being here now and all, but he’s still in the shop and available to make his way to your fam. Not only is he super cute, but DaySpring is sharing an idea every day of things you can do with your shepherd so you don’t have to think of them yourself 😉 WIN.
I’m going to dive back into the mountain of boxes and dig for my kids’ lunchboxes to bring to school tomorrow. Please pray for me. And give thanks for any semblance of organization in your home, and send some of that my way. And also send any tips for unpacking/sorting/throwing stuff away with three kids running the roost. And all the energy. OK thanks!
And happy advent. May you seek hard after the King, born to bring God right down to our mess.
Yay! This is a beautiful post. thru and thru! So happy for you to be able to celebrate being in your new home during the Christmas season!