Our Dream Home

Over a year ago, we sold our old house. The little house that we brought two of the girls home to and made so many sweet memories in. Not to mention, we poured our sweat into remodeling it, but it was time to sell it and move on to the next chapter.

Unfortunately, selling our home meant taking a big loss on the house and using up quite a bit of our savings account. So, we have spent the past year or so saving our booties off so we could do what we've dreamed of for as long as I can remember: build a new home on several acres.

In October, we finally had enough money saved to start looking for land. We found a great spot of land right in our price range. As we got prepared to make an offer, we found out that getting easement for a water line across another owners property was not going to happen very quickly or even at all. So, we were heart broken and back to the drawing board.

One Sunday afternoon, after driving around for an hour or so, we ran across 10 acres for sale. Due to land prices up here (not to mention the fact that we just don't have time to take care of 10 acres...or the need for it), there was no way we could buy that land. So, we didn't even call about it.

A few weeks later, that spot was still fresh on our minds. Travis decided to call and see what would happen. We spoke to the land owner and asked if we could buy 3 acres. He took a few days and called Travis back. He said he would sell us 4 at a discount based on current land prices. After some talking and speaking with our banker, we took the plunge! Just three short weeks later, we closed on the land and our construction loan!

We have had a house plan picked out for about six months and found our builder. So, that part was easy. The first three weeks were slow. Bad weather and the LOOOONG driveway that we had to build made it seem like nothing was happening very quickly. It did, however, give me time to pick out everything from cabinet pulls to front doors to mirrors for the bathrooms and keep us from being held up from my indecisiveness.

Our contractor kept telling me to be patient and it would get going quicker once the driveway was finished. One Friday, he sent me a text and let me know they were pouring the slab! I was so excited.

Then, last Friday, we drove out there to see what all had been done and were pleasantly surprised to see this:

I spent a couple of hours this morning meeting with the cabinet maker and the electrician to design the cabinets and place all the outlets and light switches. It was a little over whelming, but so amazing. It's hard to believe that we are watching our dream slow but surely become a reality.

We should move in to our new home in May and I CAN.NOT.WAIT! I plan to document it all on the blog, so stay tuned!

Christmas 2014 and Beyond

Christmas morning, we woke up bright and early to see what Santa left for the girls. They must have been very good girls this year, because they sure were spoiled. I must have been good too because Santa left each of the girls new bedding for our new house (! details coming soon!).

Emma got a bow and arrow set from Travis and they all had fun watching Emma, who as it turns out is a pretty good shot. We spent most of the morning playing with new toys and then packing up to go see Honey and Daddy Brooks.

After we got to Hot Springs, we had a great night of laughs, food and Christmas presents. The next morning, we got up and went to eat lunch with GrandDa and Daddy Ben. It was so great to see them and for them to accommodate our huge group! The girls went on and on about the ice cream machine!

That evening, we decided to all go bowling, then out for Mexican food. We had the best time! Our family as a whole is pretty decent at bowling. But, Catherine came in THIRD one time (with bumpers) and I couldn't believe it.

Saturday morning, we got up and headed home. It was a great trip and I love getting spend so much time with our families!

Christmas Eve 2014

We had this Christmas all planned out like we do every year. Church on Christmas Eve then back to our house for dinner with Travis's mom. Christmas morning just the 5 of us and off to Hot Springs late that afternoon.

So, two days before Christmas, imagine our dismay when Hannah came down with a fever. It was so bad that I finally took her to the MedExpress and couldn't help but think "Oh no! The flu!". After a long wait (and a little vomit in the waiting room floor), we found out good news. It wasn't the flu, but it was strep throat. I hated seeing Hannah sick, but was so thankful it wasn't the flu. I was able to get her on meds and feeling better before Christmas Eve, so all was right with the world!

Then, Christmas Eve came. Travis woke up with a fever and just feeling all around yucky! WHAT!? I tried to send him to the doctor, but he said (and I quote) "There are SICK people there!"

** Um...what Travis? You are SICK PEOPLE! Go to the doctor because I can't deal with your whining self any longer. (kidding...sort of...ok not really!)

He toughed it out and was feeling a little better by Christmas day and much better the day after. But, as bad as he felt, we didn't make it to church Christmas Eve and I was SO sad. Travis's mom did come over for dinner and presents, so at least we didn't miss out on all of our Christmas Eve traditions.

After Travis's mom left, we were all MUCH too excited to sleep. So, we decided to burn a little energy by jumping off of the arm of the couch...

Don't worry, we calmed down and Travis read us the Christmas Story from the Bible. Then, we scurried off to bed!

Stay tuned for Christmas Day and Beyond!

I'm a tree

A few weekends before Christmas, we got together with all of our friends for an Ugly Christmas sweater party.

Travis wasn't into it, so he just wore normal clothes (of course). I put together an outfit that made me look like a Christmas tree complete with brown leggings, a green shirt, tinsel and Christmas ornaments!

We went and at Mexican food, then went bowling. It was so much fun and I cannot wait to do it again next year!