A House is a house of couse of couse (my cleverness knows no bounds)

Well friends, here it is, the post about "The house." I know, I know you've been waiting with breathless anticipation for so long. Sorry, it's been a busy and CRAZY couple of months.





Here's the deal....we have needed to move for a LONG, LONG time. We'd long outgrown our apartment. However, if you know me at all, you know that I do not deal well with change. Besides, there always seemed to be some reason we couldn't move. Money, timing, MONEY, something. But, with Max's arrival it was MORE than clear we had to do something. Here is the part where I need to start acknowledging the Lords hand in our lives more. I'm horrible about that, and I need to be better. In January Jere and I sat down and tried to come up with goals. We sort of really suck at doing those too, but hey, we tried. One of the goals that I said was that I'd like to be in a house by Maggies birthday. So, we started looking for houses in the spring, thinking hey, now is the best time. I'm SURE we could find something and make everything work out. When that didn't work out, I was in quite a funk. I just couldn't see how we were ever gonna get out of there. I sort of gave up a little bit. In the mean time, we have wonderful friends who are always looking out for us. I'd get a phonecall here and there from a friend saying, "hey there is this house here for rent, or this, etc." Jenee has been on a serious hunt for the last year. She probably called me at least once a month with a hot tip on a house near her, or near this family member, etc. I always politely listened and then just thought in my head, whatever, it's not gonna happen. We can't afford it, we can't, we can't, we can't. So, at the beginning of July Jenee called again, and she was so excited. "There was this house...." I immediately put up my wall and said, ok Jenee, thanks. But then she told me what they wanted to rent it for and I perked up. Ok I said, I'll go look at it. Her Uncle called and we set up a walk through right away. The minute I drove up I felt happy. Then after walking through it, I felt hopeful. It is truly a sweet little house. It's not all that big, but it's exactly what we need. But, even then I was very cautious. It was a lot of money to come up with, what about this, what about that. So, I told them I was very interested, but would have to show Jere and talk it over. He of course wanted to move in the next day, but I held back. So, for a week I just kept playing it over in my mind. Could we really do this, should we, etc. But in the end, it was all too perfect. The people renting it, the location, the situation, the cost, everything. I don't know where else I'd find people willing to compromise and work with us and be so sweet. They said I could paint it anyway I'd like. Out of nowhere the owner asked if we'd like to pay our rent on the 15th of the month. HELLO, HUGE answer to prayers there. So, obviously we said yes and we started making the transition. I know the Lord is mindful of us, and that he made this possible. He put this house in our path, with these owners, at this time. It is perfect for our little family. It offers us space and room and a yard and a neighborhood and a great ward. And best of all, we moved in just 2 weeks after Maggies birthday. I don't think it's a coincidence. And by saying all this out loud and acknowledging it, it gives me peace. I have to look at it and say, it all worked out, therefore I know that things will continue to work out as we need them too. I won't lie, it's scarey. We're taking on greater financial responsability at a time when Jere is going back
to school. But, I trust in the Lord and I know that all will be well.






With all that said, I thought Maggie might be at least a little confused by it all. But, such is not the case. She has just moved right in and accepted this as home. She loves her big girl bed and all the space to move around in. I can't wait for cooler weather so she can go out and run around and enjoy the backyard. We're so excited about our new ward. The people are so friendly and there are SO MANY kids it's amazing! The nursery is HUGE and Maggie went right in and had a great time.






Moving day was quick. I can NOT say thank you enough to my amazing family and friends. They were all there rarin to go at 7 a.m. We had the truck and other trucks loaded in no time it seemed. Our sweet friend Taylor took it upon himself to pretty much empty our entire shed and deliver it to the house. It took two loads, but he did it. THEN, he organized our new shed and worked tirelessly on trying to fix the doors on it. My sweet, sweet sisters stayed behind and scrubbed my apartment squeaky clean. My Mom watched all the young grandkids so everyone else could work. The Elders Quorum of the new ward showed up to help unload the truck at the new house. Everything was unloaded in no time all with smiles on their faces. The real fun came in putting away and configuring the furniture. Somehow, we got it all done. Peggy brought over a delicious lunch for everyone, which was enjoyed by all. Thank you Peggy for providing that and doing what you could. By Saturday night everything was in place with just a few more boxes to unload. Sunday Lana and Porter came over to help hang pictures and get the place "homified." THANK YOU Porter and Lana!! And a huge thanks to my sisters and sis in laws for coming to help tape and paint beforehand. Like I said, I TRULY could not have done this without my amazing family. By Monday I had everything truly put away and hung. There are some things that are still a work in progress. Like the kids room, it needs bedding and a valance and Max's name. My living room couch wall is a bit bare, need curtains in the kitchen, etc. But overall, it feels good. Now, if I could just get all my lessons scheduled and feel settled on that account, all would be well.







Without further ado, I give you pictures of the humble abode.

Living room view from the front door.

Another view from front door.

View from couch.

New music area. It's nice to have a dedicated little area.

The kitchen is very spacious and open. It's lacking a big in the cabinet category, but it's doable. I didn't take a picture of the laundry room/pantry 'cause it's a mess. But, it's AWESOME and I have so much stored in there.

Our bedroom. We gave up a bit of space and a second closet in our bedroom, but we could at least get all our stuff in there. It's tight, but it's ok. We got that space back in a second bathroom, bigger kids room and bigger kitchen.

Kids room. This was the biggest project. Taping out and painting all those individual stripes, not so fun. But, the overall effect in the end is cute. Note the blanket on the crib, as it is the inspiration. Thanks Melissa for the cute quilt.

I was so happy the the ribbon on Maggies name pictures worked here too. I didn't want to have to replace it. Note the little railing on her bed. She fell out of bed the 2nd night. She was fine really, but it scared Gramma Peg enough that she went out and bought a rail for the bed.

Max's bed. This crib was left here by the previous tennants (the owners son). They were just gonna get rid of it. I was planning on using my beautiful crib, but it's black and this worked out perfectly. So, we have a white crib and I'm trying to decide what to do with my other crib. I just ordered a bumper, since all my other crib bedding was red, cream and black. Poor Max. I woke up 3 times the other night to him screaming out. Each time I'd find him with his leg stuck between the slats. So, the bumper can not get here fast enough. I still need some sort of bedskirt for the crib and for Maggies bed. But, I guess that will all come in time.

And finally.....Maggie has truly known no greater joy than the ability to take a bath in a real bath each and every night. She asks for baths and runs to the bathroom. It is the GREATEST tub. It's seriously so deep that Maggie can sit under the spout with room to spare. I can take a deep soaking bath in it. What JOY!!!

We are thankful for our blessings and for the opportunity to live in this sweet little house at this time.

Movers and shakers,

Allyson