Are we there yet…

Garrett’s return from New York was short lived. After being home for three days, he was off again. This time he was headed to Idaho to a remote wind farm where cell phones and communication were hard to come by.

The day before he left, we headed out with a realtor to look at houses. Because of G’s job, we have never lived anywhere long enough to even consider purchasing a home. We had several houses lined up, but there was one in particular that I was very excited about him seeing. I feel in love with the house a week earlier and hoped that Garrett would like it as much as I did. It had everything we wanted: a kitchen open to the living area, a  playroom on the main floor, a large master, two rooms for the kids, and a guest room for the grandparents. It even boasted a perfect downstairs office for Petey Pie’s.

It didn’t take much to convince G that this was the house for us. By late that afternoon, we were already in the process of making an offer. The next day, G boarded a plane to Idaho. Throughout his 6 day visit and limited cell phone service, we managed to firm up an offer. Papers were signed last Saturday and our closing date is set for the end of March. Although we have a lot to do in a short amount of time, we couldn’t be any more excited!!! 

With the new house on my mind, I almost let Petey Pie’s first birthday pass by. A year ago today, I decided to put my sewing machine to use and start making handmade appliques for children’s clothing. A year later, the shop has sold more than 350 pieces!!! The business has been such a blessing to our family as it has allowed me to set my own schedule and work from home, while also caring for sweet MR. 

God is good and we continue to thank Him for His many, many blessing!

Under Contract!!!

G and I think the house needs black shutters (hopefully they will look better than the ones I made in Microsoft Word!). The builder has agreed to add them per our contract. Black rocking chairs on the porch and potted plants are also in the works.

I love the openness and use of space in the new house.  After spending a year and a half in a home that was built in the 20’s, the fact that it is brand new construction is also very exciting!!!

I’ll be trading in a cramped laundry/tool/fabric room for my own Petey Pie’s space! The small office has lots of storage and counter space for my sewing machine and fabrics. Its right off of the kitchen so I will be able to work while the kids play in the playroom.

Happy first birthday, Petey Pie’s! Please visit my etsy shop to see more of my collection. The shop offers classic, everyday clothing for your little one!

Like most Georgians, we were glued to the tv as we waited for Fridays’ winter storm to roll through…

We did a snow dance and wore our favorite snowman shirt in hopes that the winter weather would not pass us by.

By 3 that afternoon, we were celebrating the snows arrival!

It came down fast and hard and by the time it was said and done, we had a good 4 inches on the ground.

We made a princess snow-queen,

modeled a few of our favorite winter accessories,

and thanked God for blessing the South with such a beautiful gift!  

We did a lot to keep busy…

We spent way too much time on facebook. 

Too much time friendly stalking blogs.

And more time than Id like to admit digging through the pantry in search of sweets.

All of this because we missed G, who spent several days in New York for work. Thankfully, despite another major snowstorm in the North East and hundreds of canceled flights, he made it home safely on Wednesday night.

This “wel-shome” sign, along with two very excited girls, were waiting for him.

It really is. We are just an average, middle class family and for the most part, we are happy. Very happy. We live in a modest home, drive average cars, and try our best to cut corners. We haven’t always lived this way, but learning to do so has brought us a tremendous amount of satisfaction.

Last weekend was perfect example of the simple life…

While G cleaned bathrooms, I got a chance to make Sweet MR a new dress. A day earlier, I had scored a Vive La Fete blouse with a precious peter pan collar at our local Goodwill for $1.50.

An hour of my time and two clean bathrooms later, I was basking in the simple life as MR pranced around the house in her new outfit. The total cost for the blouse and dress– a whopping $5.50.

Later that afternoon, the simple life continued with a short drive to Cumming, Ga to visit family and celebrate a late Christmas. After visiting, we filled our plates with pot roast, mashed potatoes, mac-n-cheese, peas, rolls, and strawberry shortcake. Presents followed. And then, lots of lots of laughter.

On Sunday, we enjoyed another simple pleasure with the arrival of Gran C and Big Daddy. MR colored a Valentines day card, while I baked the last batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies. An after lunch visit from Julie, Bill, Nene, and Boss made the day even more special.

These simple blessings are what we live and pray for. After all, being a parent, having a healthy little girl, and getting to enjoy time spent with loved ones is far better than a big house, fancy cars, and all of the riches in the world.

Thank you God for showing us the joys of the simple life.