Specifically and literally speaking, our transition into a new house is every bit as challenging as the 7 months in trailers because our belongings are still "here, there and everywhere" at this point. While we've gathered many boxes of dishes, clothing, towels and kitchenware into the house, we still have no dressers, shelves, racks or bars up to keep all the little stuff organized. Our clothing is stacked in bedroom corners right now.
Don hung a few coat racks for us yesterday so at least those aren't taking up space on chairs.
Like I mentioned before, I want to downsize the amount of furniture taking up floor space, and utilize our closets better, maybe add some wall shelves, too.
Right now, the intense level of visual clutter is getting to me, though! And, sadly, with this cold/sinus thing that seems to be making another round in our family, plus opposite work schedules, plus this nasty cold weather, Don and I haven't been able to productively join forces and "Git 'r done", like we have with most of our other moves.
Tension is running a bit high at the moment due to all this. Hence, the figurative "messiness"! Priorities differ. Ideas clash. Hurtful words unintentionally escape mouths...I'm sure ya'll have been there, though the circumstances looked different.
We are still not quite through this adventure, either - we have to complete the second floor, which is two more bedrooms and a small bathroom for Grace and Rose! Hoping to start that in another week, as the meteorologists are calling for a nice little warm-up (upper 30's, at least) for the week of January 7th! Nate is close by to help with this and Will plans to visit for a long weekend in mid-January, so here's hoping that project goes smoothly and swiftly!
Christmas was very nice for us, spent with all four of our kids and our extended family. It was great to celebrate with everyone, and take a breather from...well...everyday life!
We experienced another little break from life this week with a visit to Longwood Gardens and dinner with Don's parents! It was lovely, though bitter cold.
And, I had to the opportunity to catch up with one of my best childhood friends, Jen. We spent tons of time together from 6th grade through high school!
Thanks to Facebook, we reconnected about 8 years ago, and it was so great to have dinner with her!
Here are a few of my favorite images captured at Longwood on Wednesday evening:
2017 has been fraught with significant challenges for many of us, family and friends!
It started off rough and raw for our family with the loss of our beloved labs, then the difficulties surrounding our move.
As 2017 comes to a close in just a few days, we plan to sit down together and reflect upon the lessons we've learned and how we've grown...changed.
My hope is that 2018 will be a year of hope and joy. Maybe, more smooth-sailing. A time of peacefully "settling in"...less turmoil...less angst.
We have so much to look forward to, after all! Grace and I have our mission trip to Guatemala in just 6 weeks. Yikes! I'm both nervous and excited for that.
Don is growing in his career. And, he'll begin to explore our "beastie's" racing potential (with Rosie, of course) later this year. Maybe he'll be more than just a pretty lawnmower!
My career and skills of my trade are going to grow exponentially in 2018, I just know it.
Grace graduated from high school this month and will be pursuing her career interests in the coming year.
Both Grace and Rosie will be getting their driver's licenses in 2018. And, much more...
Just as we did in New York, we bought a property with tons of "potential" requiring lots of creativity and elbow grease on our parts. I think I'll continue my regular blog posts for another year, since much will happen 'round here over the next 368 days!
Watch for my first post of 2018 early next week!
Love you guys! It’ll all come together! Tim and I’ll come help when we get back from our anniversary trip.
ReplyDeleteGod is good and He’s got you all in His hands!