december at the new house

it's officially winter at the new house. the only green left is from the pine trees and holly. 

red noses are part of the work uniform. sunny, windy days are here. i have to be honest. it's maybe my favorite season of this house yet. 

even with bare stud walls, walking inside feels cozy. it's not that much warmer really, and it might just be my imagination. 

but these 4 walls already bring my heart such joy.  

 

paint colors are being tested.

siding is being hung.

measurements are being taken. 

electricity, heating and plumbing are no longer distant dreams. 

it's so beautiful here. 

there are holly groves on 2 sides of the property. even without a tree or lights, it's Christmas here.

baby trees are popping up all over the backyard with pink flags to save them from the mower. 

oh the swings and forts that will happen here... 

we built this house around windows. as many as the codes and laws would let us fit.

there is something so peaceful about a well lit life. especially in the northwest where the sun is shy and the clouds are friendly, it can get dreary here. but even rain and fog are beautiful through big windows. 

every day gets a little closer. it's so easy to see life happening here. i never dreamed that to build your home around your life would be so fulfilling. so rewarding. it's beautiful. and i'll miss it a little. embracing every step we make. 

these are the doors

here it is today, zo.

novemeber 2013. 

here are the walls, and the roof and the boards. all coming together to be your home. 

in go the doors today. 

the doors that your neighbor friends will knock on to invite you to play.

the doors you might try to sneak back into a little too late one night. 

the doors that will always be open to friends in need of prayer, laughter or just a warm muffin. 

your daddy's daddy came to help with this part. boy, are we thankful for him. 

when it's done, this house. it will have been built the way we hoped it would be.

with hands of those who love you. with skills of those who will teach us. 

and with hearts of those who will be with us forever. 

these are the doors we'll lock to protect you. 

the ones we'll shut to keep you warm. 

the ones that will keep the danger out and invite the love in.

this home already has life, sweet zo. 

so much is done, still a little to go. 

house on a hill

foundation

a beautiful mess

what. a. mess.

but it's our mess! 

and it's beautiful. 

a little over 3 weeks ago this sweet little trailer met it's dirty end. good riddence. 

while jake, zoey and i were off playing in californian sun, my dad, playing the part of ty pennington, was texting photos and videos of phase one of our extreme home makeover. 

(except for the part where we never had to live in this place. praise the Lord.) 

we did get a chance to sneak up late one night for a commemorative picture before it became recycled materials. (please ignore the desperate need for root touch up. it was a busy month and has since been taken care of ;)

since then, we've put in some serious blood, sweat, and muscles.

short of massive allergy attacks i'm still not convinced i'll survive, it has been an incredible experience.

i hate. pulling weeds. i enjoy looking at flowers, i'm not head over heals about planting and tending to them. jake's the yard guy, i'll decorate it :)

but serious property demo? taking unloved land and turning it into backyard? my backyard? that i can get into. 

something changes when you're creating a legacy with your best friend. it means more. 

so, this might not look like much to you. or maybe you're not quite sure what all the fuss is about. but that's okay. it's our home. we're pretty excited. 

before

after

 there is more green in this post than anything i've ever done before :) bare with me. succulents, farmhouse tables, amazing exposed beams in vaulted ceilings, a beautiful little girl room and a bright white kitchen to come.