Starting from Scratch

So many things have transpired since I last posted in May it seems that the most efficient thing to do would be to write an outline:

June-We moved into a small space in order to save money for our move in the summer of 2011
July-Try as we might the space did not feel like home. My dearest husband was truly unhappy in his job therefore things were more stressful at home.
August-My husband came home and said that things were not working out at his job as we planned.. What to do?? We wrote a long pro/con list and realized we do everything in a crazy manner. Why not move in three weeks.. Not across the street or to a new local town. From ALASKA to wherever in the world God wants us to be. There were many tears, sleepless nights and finally the decision to jump in full force and see where God would lead us.
In three weeks we sold almost everything we owned and were able to have the funds to put the rest in a 5x8 trailer and drive thousands of miles.
September-September found us driving through the Yukon Territory, Calgary, Alberta, Edmonton and ending up in Osburn, Idaho to spend time with my in-laws. We then traveled to Colorado for job interviews.
October-Then to Midway, Utah to spend time with my best friend of 20 years. We are now in Idaho packing up our things here. Blessings beyond belief came in the form of a job offer for myself in Fort Collins, Colorado. My husband and I are in amazement that we will get to live in the place we love so much once again. I can not wait to decorate our new home and settle in!
There will be many posts to come of all the wonderful things we have found a long our journey
Ov

Almost There

Tomorrow we will be picking up keys to our new place!! There has been so much going on to get ready for this move that sitting down and blogging seems to be last on the list.. The next post will be a look at the realities of moving.. My house looking like a bomb has gone off in it, pictures of myself and family laying around looking like zombies since the flu has descended upon us. Yes, the flu right now. seriously?? I don't have time for this!! So I am going to take a picturesque vacation through things that will be inspiring our new place :)

~Erika Ann

The house that built me

As excited as I am about moving on part of this journey is that my parents will be selling my childhood home. Then moving into the one we have been renting from them so that they can downsize. Growing up as a military brat I had never realized until now how hard it would be to let go of the one space that has always felt like home.



~A picture of our porch~




I am very excited as I know that it's time for all of this to happen.. So as we say goodbye to this chapter in our lives and start a new journey this song seems fitting..

The House That Built Me

Tom Douglas / Allen Shamblin

I know they say you can’t go home again
I just had to come back one last time
Ma’am I know you don’t know me from Adam
But these handprints on the front steps are mine

Up those stairs in that little back bedroom
Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar
I bet you didn’t know under that live oak
My favorite dog is buried in the yard

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

Mama cut out pictures of houses for you
From Better Homes and Gardens magazine
Plans were drawn and concrete poured
Nail by nail and board by board
Daddy gave life to mama’s dream

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

~Erika Ann

Boys in Blue

Here are a few ideas which will inspire the room we will create for our two boys...

I am certain that I want to put in rain gutter bookshelves so that they will have easier access to their books. I love what Beth of The Stories of A to Z has done with her boys room



We aren't sure if we will be able to paint or not although I really "Bluebell" by Serena and Lilly for the room..




One of the blessing in disguises with moving into a smaller space is that our boys will have to share a room.. Blessings??? I am certainly hoping so, perhaps it is wishful thinking that this will teach them lifelong lessons about being organized...

~Erika Ann

Sweet Saturday

What a beautiful day out!! The boys and I assisted at a local 3k race by handing out water and snacks at the finish line. I couldn't help but snap a few idea photos from the hotel it was held at..


-This is in an entry way.. I love how it is paper however it looks like 3D.



Leaves layered beneath plexiglass... Sure I need one more craft project!!!



I couldn't resist this reminder that yes, we do in fact live in Alaska

We also played with making mini cupcakes.. Here are our rainbow cutecakes :)








Have a wonderful weekend!!

Starting over is simply a new begining ~ Erika