New House Preview

Daniel and I are caught up in a crazy back-and-forth of emotions the past few days.  We are SO excited to be homeowners.  We are SO terrified to be homeowners.

Overall, we are so thankful. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but this house is such a blessing on our marriage.  We can't wait for the intentional together time buying this house promises us--we have so many projects dreamed up! Last night we purchased a few little paint samples--we plan to try them out on the living room wall tonight so we can start painting this weekend. You're going to get tired of home project posts soon! :)

For now, here are a few outdoor photos: 

I'm in love!

-J

We're Homeowners!

Just got back from closing on our house! Eeeek. Excuse me while I go celebrate with my hubs over steak and potatoes :) (This weather is perfect for grilling!)

Happiest of weekends!

-J

Couch Shopping

Since Daniel and I started looking at houses, we've been slowly taking inventory of what we have and trying to decide what our priorities will be in terms of purchasing furniture, decor, etc.  And I'm pretty excited, because one of the first things we've agreed to consider is a new couch!  Our couch now has been with me since sophomore year of college.  It's pea green suede and shows EVERYTHING--it came from a garage sale.  And after two years of college and two plus years with our puppy girls, this means it's looking pretty stinkin' gross at this point.  

So we're dreaming of a couch that doesn't need to be vacuumed twice a day! And one that won't show it every time one of the dogs decides to obsessively lick the arm rest.  And maybe even a couch that'll be crayon and marker friendly when we have crazy little ones down the road!

We're just starting the looking process, and these don't necessarily fit the bill, but here are a few we like so far. And, best part--they wouldn't break the bank!

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Having someone to get excited over a couch with is kind of a lot of fun.  And I appreciate so much that Daniel and I have similar taste.  We agreed we want to make the inside of our new house much classier than our rent house, but we still want it to look a little quirky and young.  Marriage is FUN.  Can't wait to keep you updated on this whole process!

Happy Friday, folks!  Have a warm, cozy weekend!

-J

January 9th

"Currently I'm surrounded by a mountain of boxes and I'm munching on some oatmeal, cheese and crackers, and a left over chicken tender. Yep, we have not closed on our house but we have been boxed and ready for about two weeks.

I thought we were smooth sailing after we negotiated the price and signed the first round of documents. That is not necessarily the case--- I would have gone to the grocery store by now. I will save the details of this prolonged closing situation for another post because today I need to talk about my lack of patience.

I have always viewed myself as a decently patient person but I guess it took a home buying process to let my true colors show. I have been so anxious and frustrated in this whole closing process and there is not a good reason for these feelings except that I am not practicing patience. ---I read that out aloud and I feel like I sound so dramatic! I don't want to mask the emotions I have been feeling but I definitely have not been reacting to them in a positive Godly way---which does not make me a very pleasant wifey."

--The passage above I wrote 2 nights ago and even though I had some sort of realization that I needed to let those feelings go, I was still struggling.

Today my mom sent me this passage and man was it a true eye-opener, it all makes sense now. It speaks for itself so I'll share it with you:

I am with you and for you. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don't be discouraged---never give up! With My help, you can over come any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.
Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing head-long toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.

-Sarah Young, Jesus Calling -January 9th

For so long I have thought that if it was God's will that things should come easier. I don't know why I thought that because it makes sense that there will be struggles and obstacles--God can show himself in those moments so we can learn about Him and cling to Him even more.

-N