I wish I could sit here and update you all on the boys , deployment progress, etc., but I only have a few minutes and that could take a novel. But honestly we are all doing great, the boys are absolutely loving having so much space to terrorize, and we are all just anxiously getting ready for Daddy's return in less than two months =D Kane is walking now, and is cuter than ever. Steven has recently became a super hero, literally wearing his mask and cape to bed most nights. Steve is doing as well as he can be for where he is, getting anxious to FINALLY get out of that place though after a long long journey. Anyone that has been around me the past few months knows I was slowly falling apart from the stress of our house hunt, problems in our buying process, and the physicalities of actually MOVING this crew by myself... but it is all behind and I'm definitely feeling mentally strong and at peace. Thank you everyone that listened to my gripes through it all, prayed for us, and gave me shoulders to cry on.
Everyone has been asking for pictures of the house, and now that it is painted and mostly decorated I took some shots this morning for everyone :) So here is the house...
Ok so this was before we moved in, I could go out front right now but with highs past 115 and considering it is noon I'll pass... and it looks the same. I promise.
This is the entry way, the door is actually to the left of this picture. That chevron-y covered canvas is going to be changed, I love the fabric up close but from far away it's not so great. Until I get a giant ladder though it will have to do. That wall is so huge, that was the largest rectangular canvas I could get at Michaels, if that puts it into perspective...
This is the guest bathroom. It is right next to the office/guest room/Apache room ...
This is the office/guest/Apache room. The natural light is great in here when you open the blinds ( you can't see the other window from this angle) so I will actually be able to hang up some backdrops along the closet to do indoor pictures- so add PHOTOGRAPHY studio to it's title. Having a fourth bedroom is amazing !
Past the stairs in the entry way is our living room. Our couch actually FITS in this living room, unlike our past 3 houses. I debated puting a coffee table in but when Steven and our friends son had a wrestling match in there the second night we lived here, I voted it out. Wrestling ring > coffee table. It's so cozy in here, I actually want to go take a nap on there as soon as I'm done writing this if the boys don't wake up...
Just past the living room is the kitchen and dining area. I know I said before how much I hated dark cabinets, but now I actually love them. The paint. I searched and search for the right blue I wanted, I wanted a color to make the kitchen more country and less BLAHH Arizona tract home. This color is exactly what I wanted, I'm so obsessed with it I've been just sitting in my kitchen staring at it. I'm crazy I know, you don't have to tell me. It's called wedgewood grey by benjamin moore but was color matched to a behr paint... incase anyone is interested ;) My stools are going to be painted when I have time, as well as two more lovely mismatched chairs for the table to replace the bench.
Another view of the kitchen. The laundry room is the left and pantry on the right.
Up the stairs there is a great sized loft that is boys' the playroom
Upstairs bathroom, basically the boys' bathroom only. Anyone that has boys knows this will be a godsend in the future- and THEY will be required to clean it. Steven is just thrilled that there is TWO sinks.
Steven's bedroom. We are in the process of removing all his old green/brown bedding and making it an awesome super hero room. Those frames I had in his nursery, and room before, but I bought some old comic books for 1$ each at a comic store up in Show Low, threw them in the frames and made some awesome art for his NEW room. I also have a couple other projects I've yet to hang up, but will get pictures once it's all put together. He keeps telling me how much he loves his new room, so I think it's a success :)
Kane's room. This entire nursery has been set up in three houses for our little 1 year old, but is now here for good. I used all the same stuff he had before but that Navy wall is gorgeous and I'm so please with how it makes everything stand out. I love his room , but I love the smiley face I get to see each morning bouncing in that crib even more!
Our bedroom. Of course the last thing to get put together is the master, isn't that always how it goes?
It's simple and peaceful now though, so maybe it'll just stay like this. Our huge walk in closet that is still full of unpacked clothes boxes needs some attention though ASAP.
Master bath. It's cozy and nice big tub which I love!
I really do love our house, more than any other house we have lived in. Prayers were truly answered in so many ways. My yogi tea right now explains it all... we all are unlimited. After going through a really rough few months I couldn't feel more blessed with how things are turning out, and the fact that this long long path we have been on is about to come to an end.
Speaking of being blessed... one beautiful thing that has come out of this deployment has been my faith, our faith. A year ago I was stumped trying to find a catholic church to attend with the boys. My parents' church had no children's programs, even the ones 30 minutes away had nothing. I took a leap of faith and tried out my Grandparents' non denominational Christian church in the neighborhood- mainly because they had a fantastic children's program. Well one service is all it took and we fell in love with the community at Arizona Hills, and the very 'real' and down to earth pastor. Breaking away from the Catholic church was a huge step for me, but my faith has grown stronger than ever. I've been searching for the perfect place of worship for us to fit into here- not too big, not too far, great kids programs- and I just can't decide where to go. I keep praying that the right place will just become obvious to me but so far it hasn't. So if anyone local has suggestions or recommendations I'd really appreciate it .
Thank you friends for checking out our new home ! And a very special thanks to everyone that has helped us with this move, and helped us survive a crazy couple months.
I think I'm going to try to squeeze in a nap , but let's be honest as soon as I hit "publish" one child is bound to wake up ;) Have a great weekend everyone, stay cool!
