We were fortunate to have only had to live the Vagabond lifestyle for about three weeks before our furniture arrived at our new home in Tennessee. I keep praying for our friends who went off to Belgium and Korea - who probably still don't have their things - imagining them sitting at a laundromat trying to figure out how to ask for the American equivalent of a quarter. This is just military lifestyle. It's got it bonuses. But it's got its downsides. A perk is that it makes you really appreciate things like having a roof over your head and having a bed to lie on...air mattress or otherwise! We are grateful for a loving God who uses things like this to show us our materialism and teach us one again to treasure our home in Him.
My mom and stepfather were gracious enough to come stay a week with us before furniture finally arrived. When the Army says furniture will arrive Monday, what they really mean is FRIDAY :). But we were prepared for this (not our first rodeo anymore), and expected delays. We were able to get other things done around the house such as cleaning, installing fans, toilet seats, additional lighting, new hardware, new sink (except new countertop was cut too large for it, so back to old sink until another counter is cut), etc. It's been fun taking this charming layout of a house and adding a few things to update it from the 1980's to the 2000's. We are learning a lot about DIY house-reno and enjoying the process. My mom is great at envisioning while Paul is great at the hands-on technical part of renovation, so they were a huge help to us!
During the week of cleaning/reno, we celebrated mom's birthday and also got to see my cousin, Janet, who drove over from Murfreesboro! Janet is getting married in November, and I am SO excited for her and that Trevor will be a part of the family!
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| Our bed next to piles of laundry |
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| Living lightly |
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| "Furniture" :) |
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| My mama cleaning gunk off of refrigerator |
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| Temporarily without a sink, so washing dishes in the tub! |
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| Countertops have to be re-cut for new sink. Paul is re-installing the old one so we don't have to use our bathtub for dishes! |
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| William loving all the extra attention and cuddles |
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| Happy as a clam! |
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| Talking to Yaya |
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| The things you do for the man you love! |
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| Celebrating mama's bday |
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| William growing into Papa's work hat |
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| Both are enjoying some tummy time |
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| Fan installation complete thanks to Paul! |
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| Movers arrive Friday afternoon, Aug. 3rd |
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Honorary Aunt Janet came to visit!
Background shows what the entire house looked like just after movers finished unpacking all our boxes. Oh boy! |
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| He LOVED her! So smiley and giggly for Aunt J. |
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| Bath time - just started splashing and loving it! |
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| Did some yardwork and added a new light fixture - instant update! |
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| Favorite view to left of house. We love Tennessee! |
One smile from Sweet Cheeks and one hug from Baby Girl made all the sweat and toil worth it! We had fun working alongside you and Matthew and helping the potential cuteness (and cleanness!) of your first place come to life. Love your colors and flooring--looks so fresh ("minus" all the clutter, of course)! Bet it's looking even cuter with all the modifications you two are continuing to make as you sort, stow, remove, replace. May your sacrifices and patience during the transition period ultimately be rewarded with joy in the new home. (So glad "Lil'Dubya" finally has his nursery back!)
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