A new chapter...

Last night, Ken and I got the keys to our FIRST HOME. I can't even begin to describe how I feel right now.  I am so excited to be in our home, proud that all of our saving really added up, nervous of the road ahead, grateful for all those who helped us get here, blessed that God has rewarded us, anxious to fill it with memories and love... 

I just have to thank both of our parents for instilling in us the tools needed to make it to this point in life.  Ken's parents have been a great resource for us when it comes to finances.  I know we are both so thankful for the love, support and advice they have given us along the way and know it really has made an impact on how we want to be. 

My parents have also be instrumental to Ken and I, not just in this process, but also in life.  I can't thank them enough for their generosity, love, support and encouragement.  They are always willing to drop whatever they are doing to be there and help.  They have always been my rock and a great example of how after 30 plus years of marriage (wow) there can still be love and respect.  I appreciate them more than they will ever know.

Ok...back to me! So, last night we got the keys to our house. We invited my parents and their best friends-Kevin and Londa over. Kevin is the handiest man I know and he installed a doggy door for us. Londa and Kevin are like second parents to me and I am thankful that Kevin allowed me to pay him in beer and pizza for his service! At this point all of our furniture is still in Arizona so Ken and I ended up sleeping on couches that were in my parent's garage (my dad has been holding them for us for almost two years...he was happy to have his garage space back)! I didn't get any pictures of the fun we had last night and of the handy work the boys did but I do have a few pictures that were taken when the house was put up for sale. I will make sure to post pictures once we have settled and decorated. I can't wait!

This is the front of the house. We have a cute little gate that leads to our courtyard. Don't mind the HUGE tree that needs trimming!

This is the front door and the entry way. I just love the circular entry with the columns. Ken said, the first time we saw this house, that he could imagine these columns at Christmas and how I would have them just perfect. He was right...I'm already thinking of how awesome they will be to decorate.

One of the reasons I fell in love with house was the kitchen/family room.  It is beyond big and open. I can't wait until we can have family dinners and holidays where everyone will gather in the kitchen. I wish the other half of the kitchen could be seen in this picture for the full effect. Oh yeah-see that big rectangular hole-we are without a fridge until next week-take out it is!

This is a view of our backyard.  One of the cool things about our house is that the front courtyard connects to the back (there isn't a gate separating the two). Holly can spend her days running laps around our house.  In one of the side yards we have fruit trees and I eventually be be having a garden to grow some vegetables and herbs. Yum! We also don't have neighbors on one side because we are next to a green belt. So excited for that but we have already found balls from the kids playing in the green belt (Holly will be in heaven with the balls)!

So that's our house in a nutshell. Again, I promise to post pictures as soon we get settled in.