On The Way In
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I have to tell you that when we first turned down the street towards this house I was overcome with emotion.
There's something about it - a feeling that goes along with the outside and the inside spaces. Maybe it's that there's a bit more room for all of us to breathe and stretch out and grow-into. Maybe it's the yard with areas to play and have adventures and do cartwheels and a spot to sit and eat outside. Maybe it's that I think we'll likely be here for awhile - something I've hoped for in my heart of hearts for a long time.
Chris keeps saying that there's something familiar about it - he thinks it's similar to the house I grew up in south of Seattle. Maybe that's part of it too.
Right now we are living in the middle of boxes and figuring out what goes where and papering drawers and painting cabinets and orienting ourselves. I'm excited to get to that point where I'm ready to put stuff up on the walls - a big part of what will make it all feel "real" to me.
Here's a couple peeks into the house:
This closet in the living room is holding all my baskets. I love "shopping" in there for what I need as I begin assigning homes to things and putting them away.
Cabinets in the kitchen are getting a fresh coat of paint. A couple more days and we can get things put away in there too.
Looking into my office (Chris on the phone with Apple support) which is an upstairs bonus room. Along the right wall in that alcove area are some shelves I had built-in which are designed to hold my 12x12 albums. I kinda also wanted to cry in a good way about those.
Simon working on a lego project in his room. He's done really well with this transition. He's been sleeping in our room until we get a new bed for him and I think he likes that too. I'm excited to get things organized in his room to be able to give him space to create with his legos. Seeing him sitting at that table working away is a really good feeling.
Anna's room is currently a lovely bright mint green that will be painted later this week. She's been all over the backyard - an outdoor toddler for sure.
Overall I'm just feeling really thankful and excited about this next chapter in our lives. Moving is such an in-your-face delineation of change. I'm taking lots of deep calming breaths and keeping a long-term perspective in mind - it doesn't all need to happen at once.
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118 comments
So happy for you! :) We just started saving for a downpayment, so in a year or so I will hopefully be moving into a new house too!
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Congrats on your new home Ali. I think the best thing about moving is cleaning, organizing, purging and starting out fresh. I think it's better to take your time and do things right, although that can be hard because living in a house full of boxes can get old fast.
Can't wait to see it once you are done - thanks for sharing your world with us!
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Due to a military move, I once had everything ready for a visit from my Mom in a week. Of course, only 1 kid then {now 3}. And I don't think that I could ever do that again. It will get better and you will be so happy for the momentary pandemonium!
Home is where you hang your heart!
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Oh it looks like a wonderful home to grow into with your family, the kids will love that yard! When we bought our house, it was a bonus having a fenced in back yard, it's like an extra room for all of us to enjoy! Have fun settling in. Cheers:)
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Love that you created a space for your past and future lives by making room for your 12x12 albums. A special area just for that is a testament to your strength/heritage as a young family and serves as a visible reminder to everyone that your documenting work is an essential, almost breathing part of your lives.
Thanks for sharing, Ali.
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Thank you Terri - it was the very first thing I had done as soon as we had the keys.
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Congratulations on your new home! It looks beautiful!
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Just incase you didn't know about these: http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/giant-lego-storage-boxes-124077?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+apartmenttherapy/ohdeedoh+(Ohdeedoh)
might be a good gift for simon...
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So happy for you and your family! The house looks great with all that extra space. I love those built in shelves for your albums. I too would probably cry.
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Forty one years ago I stepped into my house and fell in love. I knew that it was home. I knew it was supposed to be mine. I was right. I still love it and it loves me. I've thought about leaving it, but just couldn't be serious about it. My family speaks of it as the one thing in their life that they can depend upon to not change. They sleep better here. They laugh about things that happened here. Sometimes we cry when we remember. Ali, I wish you and yours the love and contentment that comes with being in a place you love for a long period of time. Change may be good, may offer learning and growth, but there is a time for love of the ordinary and comfortable. Best wishes. Cindy
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Wow--it looks like your new home gets some amazing light! I look forward to seeing your personal touches. Congratulations!
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that porch photo looks amazing and the yard for the kids and the picket fence.........no wonder you are emotional about it. Take your time, sit down and have a rest and a coffee every now and then and before long things will be put away. Look forward to your "reveal" pics in due course. Kathy (Australia)
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I'm like, so happy for you!!! "Moving is such an in-your-face delineation of change" wow - that is a perfect observation. Spot on. Thanks for sharing!
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So, so beautiful! I'm glad you are all settling and it feels like home.
Between you and Kelly Rae, I have new kitchen lust!
Can't wait until your settled and more pics are shared.
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Hi Simon,
This is Conor in Maryland. I am 7.5 and I love love love Legos. What set are you working on?
Conor
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It looks like a wonderful space. Have fun making memories in your new home.
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We moved last November from Florida to Cincinnati Ohio. We have lived here for 8 months and have just been transferred again. I am overwhelmed to say the least. My hubby got called on a Friday and was gone by Tuesday. Our son is flying down Saturday to start school on Tuesday. I am staying behind to get the house listed and everything in order. It is so much but I am taking it a day at a time. I feel everything that you are going through. Congrats on your new home. You will make it lovely!
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Sweet Home Sweet in no time!!
Glad you found this place.. give time to get all settled in.. can't wait when all completed where you can show with new home.. to us.
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Ali I have lived in the same home since I was marred, 35 years ago. Seeing your pictures and reading your words makes me feel like moving. I have never felt that way before.
Keep taking deep breaths. I am sure you will feel a deep dense of belonging.
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Gorgeous! When I grow up I want a front porch to watch the storms roll in on :) We have a big yard and with four boys, it gets used a LOT :)
What color are your cabinets? I am ready for a change and this color is fabulous!!
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