Quarantine + 7 positive things

Some counties in our state are starting to open back up tomorrow, however our county is not one of them; which honestly I'm kind of thankful for.

How are we doing almost 7 weeks into our 'stay-at-home' as much as possible order?  We're doing okay.  Some days it's a dream, maybe even most days since I'm such a homebody.  However, I feel like we're starting to have a few 'trying' days.  As in, Adam offered to keep the kids last night so I could get takeout dinner and drive around all.by.myself! ha!  In the past 45 days, I went to our local grocery store once, the dollar store once, my sisters garage once, for a car ride to Pella once, and then to Wal-Mart last night.  Definitely a record, and I'm not even a people person!

The kids are really missing their friends and family.  The newness of Mrs. Mom is wearing off and Zoom calls are taking over many evenings.  Let's just say summer may come early for the Hubbard house! ;)  It's getting more and more challenging to get my full time job done {from home} and keep the kids going with all their school.  It wasn't as challenging for the month that Adam was laid off, but he's back to work again {praise God}.

All that to said, we really are enjoying many parts of this 'COVID-19 life'

7 Things Getting Us Through COVID-19 Here At Home...

+ Free nights! || The beginning of COVID brought many family movie nights {Blank Check, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Narnia, Onward, Sonic the Hedgehog, etc}, game nights, and puzzles.  Now that our weather finally got the memo that it's Spring, we are spending so much time outside!  Playing basketball, fishing, taking Ranger rides, riding bikes {Cullyn is now a confident 2 wheel rider!}, taking walks, etc.  I was even able to teach Jordyn cribbage last week!  

+ Home Improvements! || My mother in law and I managed to paint our cupboards and Adam added hardware.  My mother in law and I also painted the elevator and added wallpaper.  The latest project Adam and I did was refinishing the countertops.  Now we just need COVID to end so we can get some electrical work done and add the backsplash.  These little face-lifts have been so fun for me!  We're taking a little breather, but we still have powerwashing and some landscaping on our Spring Cleaning List. 

+ New Recipes || We don't eat out a ton normally, but we're cooking three meals a day at home right now, so I've been digging out our recipe books more than ever before.  Every meal we've made from the Magnolia Table cookbook has been so good, so while I was having a pitty-party at Wal-Mart last night, I grabbed her new one.  I'm super excited go through it and meal plan for next week!  I've also been using this time to work through my recipe box - trying a recipe every night.  I'm keeping the good ones and ditching the once we no longer love.   

+ Book time || I have read/listened to over two dozen books since this started!  I'm not sure if it's because only need 5 minutes to 'get ready' now that I'm working from home or that the days are getting longer, but I'm definitely not getting as much sleep as I was a couple months ago!  I've also been able to spend so much time in the word, 30-90 minutes a day}, and I'm loving it!  The kids have started reading out of their bible each day in addition to us reading together each night.  Speaking of reading together, Adam has started reading Harry Potter to all of us and even though Harry Potter isn't my book of choice, it's been amazing to have something they we're all experiencing together for the first time.  We're excited to finish book one and watch the movie together. 

+ Workouts || For the first time ever, I'm doing an online workout program.  After finishing the marathon last October, I didn't work out at all until the Coronavirus started.  I really don't have an excuse not to workout right now.  I've never had as much free time as I do now, so I'm trying to log into Beachbody and do the 21 day Fix as much as possible.

+ Special Nights || With no distinction between Monday or Saturday, we've fallen into a new rhythm.  Mondays are game night, on Tuesdays we have Mexican food, Friday nights are for pizza, Saturday nights = takeout nights, Sunday evenings are popcorn and ice cream during our family movie.  We're always looking for an excuse for a little celebrating.  Right now we're looking forward to May Day tomorrow, Cinco de Mayo Tuesday, and Lola's Birthday at the end of the month.  We started quarantine off letting the kids sleep on the couch in our room every Friday night and it morphed into about 5 nights a week, lol!  I keep reminding myself {and Adam} that someday they will not want to sleep in their parents room. Right?! ;) 

+ Community || It's been super fun to see the creative ways we've been able to stay connected through all this.  We had such a fun virtual small group.  Every Friday night or Saturday afternoon we've been having a happy hour with my whole family.  Jordyn has had several Facebook Messenger video chats with her friends {and Aunt Alicia} where they all make friendship bracelets while chatting.  The kids have been working on drawing with ArtHubForKids {& competing over Facetime with cousins} and typing with TypingClub.com.  My Marco Polo app has been blowing up with my mom, sisters, and friends.  Finding special ways to celebrate Cullyn's birthday was also memorable.  Friends and family sent video messages that we mashed together to sing Happy Birthday, dozens of people stopped by to sign a huge chalk birthday card on the driveway, and of course he had people calling him all day.  We have several friends with April birthdays, so we were able to participate it a drive by celebration.  People are showing up in so many ways and it's been super fun to see.  Online church has been a great experience, an option I've missed since we've moved to this little town.  The whole family was excited for Drive-In Church on Easter.  Our church is hosting another drive in this week and one next week for Mother's Day.  We can't wait!

Not a positive, but also noteworthy, I managed to contract Shingles during this crisis.  I can only assume it was triggered by the unknown from the Coronavirus and then Adam being furloughed.  Luckily, it's on my leg and not on my face!  It's a different kind of pain that I've ever experienced before, but I'm just thankful I didn't have to go to the hospital during this pandemic. Also noteworthy, the nursing home my grandma is in had it's first confirmed case of COVID-19 yesterday, so we've been praying extra for her and everyone that works or lives there. 

Stay well friends!

5 Things

5 Things I Miss

1. Family.  I honestly don't know how much longer the kids can go without seeing Gram & Papa.  It's a daily topic, if not more. :(
2. Traveling!  Adam and I were supposed to be at the Kentucky Derby this weekend.  We had to cancel our Memorial Weekend trip to Nashville with my family.  At this point, we're just hoping to salvage our RV trip this summer.
3. Just being able to walk into a store without debating if it's worth it, finding a mask and gloves, etc. 
4. The kids being able to play with their friends. 
5. Date nights with Adam.

5 Things I Don’t Miss

1. Rushing from activity to activity. I can't stress this one enough, and yet when I think about when we could not pick back up I don't know what it would be. :(
2. Spending money.  Aside from our grocery bill {OMG!!!} we really did cut back a lot when Adam was home.  It's crazy to see how much money you squander away every week. 
3. Makeup. I mean I'm going to start wearing it again someday, I think...
4. Jam packed weekends. I still wake up every Saturday and think, 'This is the best'.  Two entire days with zero commitments!!
5. Deciding what to wear.  I'm pretty sure I have worn the same three outfits this entire quarantine and I don't even care!  It has really made cleaning out my closet so much easier!

5 Things I’m Grateful For

1. Technology.  I can't imagine living through this 10, 20, 50 years ago!
2. The sunshine and temperatures in the 70’s.  Finally!
3. Being quarantined with my favorite people.  It's honestly been pretty fun!
4. The ability to work from home.  It hasn't been easy, but I really appreciate their flexibility! Also, after Adam was laid off, I was reminded how lucky I am to still have my job and that I carry our insurance!
5. Our health. It’s a good reminder why we're even enduring all of this.  Bonus :: being able to lock into a 15 year mortgage at 2.625%
   
   Inspired by Sarah and Brittany

What's Up Wednesday

1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
M: Chicken Bacon Ranch + Steamed Veggies
T: Enchiladas @ Burger Night {Thanks Brooke!!}
W: French Onion Sliders + Green Beans
Th: Pork Chops + Potatoes
F: Out!
S/S: Grilling!

2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:Our trip to the Ice Castle last weekend.
I hope to post about it tomorrow.

3: WHAT I’M LOVING:The warm weather last Sunday {60!} & anticipation of warm weather this weekend!

4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:Soaking up the last of the winter fun {skiing, ice skating, ice castles, etc.}

5: WHAT I’M DREADING:Photobooks -- I am sooooo behind! :(

6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:Painting the AV closet & trying to find wallpaper for the elevator project, sigh. 

7: WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:My sister found out she's having a boy!!  & Spring is coming!

8: WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:Watching - The Pharmacist {I didn't know it was a series when we started it!}
Reading - The Other Woman

9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:Marc Broussard, JJ Gray, & Amos Lee

10: WHAT I’M WEARING:These leggings {always & forever!} and this top 

11: WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:Date night, possibly drinks with friends, J has a birthday party, taking the kids skiing, shooting a few photos for my sisters company, & church

12: WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:Dare I say starting our kitchen cupboard project??

13: WHAT ELSE IS NEW:Jordyn is starting girl scouts -- I finally caved! Because we totally need one more thing on our schedule...

This & That

Did this:
Met old coworkers for dinner
Got my phone screen fixed!!
Picked up the kids new glasses
Spent the weekend with friends
Played in epic game of Monopoly
Took the kids ice skating
Watched the SuperBowl with the kids

Instagrammed {@MurdocksMamaBlog} that:

Scheduled this:

M: This & That
T: February Goals
W: South Carolina
T: Valentine Favorites
F: Friday Favorites

This & That

Did this:
Took Lola to the vet
Celebrated a friend's birthday
Went to a bunch of appointments
Finally put our Christmas decor away!
Built an igloo with the kids
Made a fry board
Watched Jordyn & Cullyn's basketball games
Had a late start & a snow day
Watched my dad work on several little projects around the house :)
Took the kids & Lola tubing/snowmobiling/ranger riding in the snow

Instagrammed {@MurdocksMamaBlog} that:

Scheduled this:

M: This & That
T: Sundays
W: Charcuterie
T: Colorado

F: January Goals Accomplished

A Day In The Life | Cell Phone Edition

I'ts been soo long since I posted a day in the life post -- mainly because the second I get to work, I forget to keep taking photos!  So here is a snapshot of Tuesday.  It wasn't a 'normal' day because there is never a 'normal' day it feels like.

12:00a | I finish my book and go to sleep.  Already not a typical day as I'm usually in bed by 10.

12:15ish? | I was too tired to look, but I know I had just fallen asleep.  Jordyn busts the door open and tells me she's going to puke.  Never the words a parent wants to wake up to!  I take her to our bathroom and hold her hair.  Thankfully she never ends up getting sick!  I get her to sleep on the couch in our room and lay down myself.

3:30a | Cullyn barges in the room completely distraught.  What in the world?!  Two interruptions in one night is so rare -- thankfully!  As it turns out he is burning up and has a barking cough that came on suddenly in the middle of the night.  I get him situated on a blanketfort beside my bed and lay back down.  Jordyn is now awake and tells me she feels fine, so that's a bonus!

3:45-5:45a | Lay in bed completely awake, unable to fall asleep, mentally preparing for the change of plans for the day.  Think about work, kid coverage, my to do list, pray nobody else 'catches' it, etc.  Of course I end up dozing off around 5:45a.

6:00a | Snooze alarm.

6:15a | Snooze alarm again.

6:30a | Snooze alarm again.  Oh boy.

6:45a | Pry myself awake.  Take a shower, should be quick, but it's not because I'm still trying to wake up.  I don't do well with less than 8 hours of sleep, so I give myself a pep talk in the shower that I will not let it affect my mood today - ha!  Didn't wash my hair, so I throw on a hat with my leggings and hoodie.  No makeup today.  Thank goodness I'm not a beauty blogger!

7:25a | Wake Jordyn up to see if she's still feeling okay.  She is and wants to go to school, so I help get her ready & email the school to let the know Cullyn will be out ill today.

7:45a | Drop Jordyn at school at go to work.

8:00a | Get to work and clean up my office.  My meeting last night went until almost 8p, so I threw everything in my office and walked out, leaving a mess to deal with this morning.

8:30a | Work on grants all morning.  I had 5 to write and had been so busy preparing the budget that I hadn't even started them.

11:00a | Leave work and surprise Jordyn for lunch quick.



11:30a | Arrive home and chat with Adam quickly before he goes to work.  I check on Cullyn who is living his best life.  He no longer has a fever and spent the morning {& afternoon} watching TV & playing on his iPad.

12:00p | Continue working on grants from home.  I realize how much I miss working from home on Wednesdays.

3:30p | Load up Cullyn and head to town to grab Jordyn from my in-laws {that's where the bus drops them everyday} when I get a call from Jordyn.  There was so miscommunication today as to where I was going to pick her up, so she ended up staying at the school.  A first, and hopefully last, but I was thankful she had her phone to get a hold of me.

3:45p | Piano lessons, only for Jordyn tonight since I don't want to chance Cullyn bringing sick germs into their house.  Cullyn and I stay in the car.  I read and Cullyn plays on Snapchat on my phone.

4:15p | Head to Grinnell to take Cullyn to taekwondo and drop Jordyn off at our friends house on my way.  If he wants to test he has to go to class {he missed week 1 for basketball & week 2 because my car broke down on the way there}

5:30p | Taekwondo is done and I should stop and get groceries since I'm in Grinnell, but I don't want to drag Cullyn through the store and I'm not super motivated, we just head back home.

6:00p | Home.  Adam got home at the same time.  He and Cullyn change clothes and head to 'Burger Night' at our friends house {where Jordyn already is}.  I don't have the grants ready for tomorrow yet, so I stay home to work.  I work from the theater room tonight so I can catch up on Chicago Med, Fire, & PD.

8:15p | Adam and the kids arrive home, later than expected, but that's common on Burger Night.

8:30p | Kids are in bed and I work/watch TV for another hour before going to bed.

__________________________________________________________________
Previous DITLs
July 2013 | Maternity Leave
March 2014 | Friday
January 2015 | Friday
May 2015 | Workday {Monday}
July 2015 | Workday {Wednesday}
November 2015 | Working from home
May 2016 | Hour by hour

Life Lately

I feel like life has been moving at 2x since December...where has the time gone?!  We're on our second No School day for snow in as many weeks, and I'm here.for.it!  If only I got the day off, too!  I'm itching to get on the lake this weekend!  My parents are also coming to help me work on a few projects around the house -- fingers crossed!  They were supposed to come down last weekend, but I made them stay home because we got a huge ice storm. :(  Anyways, here's a little recap of what we're all up to these days...

Jordyn

She's in second grade now & loving her teachers.  She's had a little bit of hurt feelings with her two best friends being together in the 'other' class, but it's been a good learning experience for her and overall she's handled it well.  She's doing piano each week and is doing really good!  She's also in basketball which she enjoys.  Other than that she's in Clover Kids {4H} and loves youth group at our church.  Additionally, she's been begging me to let her do Girl Scouts -- I wouldn't mind, I just don't know that we {I!} can handle one more thing logistically on Thursday evenings right now.

Cullyn

He's in first grade already & doing really well.  He loves the social side of school, but could really do without the actual learning portion! ;)  Wrestling season is almost over for Cullyn, but he has done so well this year!  It's been super fun to watch him excel in this area.  In addition to wrestling, Cullyn is busy with basketball, taewkondo {another huge passion of his!}, Clover Kids, youth group {he refuses to miss!} & piano {the one thing he could ditch and not think twice about -- also the one thing I actually feel passionate about him doing, sigh.}

Lola

She's 2 1/2 already -- how is that possible?!  She is such a good girl for the most part!  She now roams the house when we leave.  She loves playing in the snow as much as she loves swimming in the water!  Unfortunately, she currently has a yeast infection {in her ear} and a staph infection {on her tummy} so we're treating those and giving her some extra love right now. 

Adam

He's enjoying a little reprieve from the crazy-busy year he had at work in 2019.  Appointments are slowly picking back up and he's been able to do some speaking for his new job.  The job change last year was such a great decision for our family and I couldn't be more proud of him for it.  We just got back from Las Vegas, a trip he earned through his company for their performance in 2019.  Unfortunately, with work being so full, the band has slowed down a bit, but he's getting back into it.

Me

I still feel super thankful to work in the same town as the kids' school.  Dropping them off and picking them up is gold!  My position at work has stretched me a lot this year -- I can't believe I've almost been here a year already!  At times it's been stressful, and demanding, but I am loving it!  It's fun to learn new things.  A bonus to me working in finance now, I am super driven to make more aggressive financial decisions at home, so that's been fun!  Traveling is still my most favorite thing in the world {behind family!}.  I just booked our RV for this summer {eek!}  My only hobby these days {besides reading & driving my kids everywhere} is small group.  It's been life-giving to me when I feel like Adam and I are ships passing in the night. Which reminds me, the thing I'm most excited for in 2020 -- Adam and I are bringing back weekly date nights!  Whoop Whoop!  I've also committed to keeping this space better updated now that the kids aren't as needy at night.

Photo of our lake from the first snow of the season -- we're on like our 7th now! ;)

This & That

Did this:
Alll the after school activities
Wallpapered my bathroom{!!}
Read 'Winter in Paradise' & 'What Happens in Paradise' by Elin Hilderbrand {now I have to wait for book 3!} But a super fun series and we've vacationed to the little islands she refers to in the books!
Had my car break down on the side of the highway -- sigh
Paid $500 to fix the car -- ugh!
Spent much of the weekend working in preparation for meetings last evening.
Survived an ice/snowstorm
Learned how to run the snow blower -- & only fell on the ice twice
Let the kids have a big sleepover {6 plus our 2}

Instagrammed {@MurdocksMamaBlog} that:

I'm hoping to do this:Finish putting my Christmas bins away
Create a photobook from our Jamaica vacation
Take the kids ice skating {now that we finally have ice

Scheduled that:

T: This & That 
W: Life Lately
T: Day in the Life

F: Friday Favorites

This & That

I did this:
Took the kids to a Minnesota Vikings football game
Had dinner with old friends
Celebrated a friends life
Hosted friends for NYE
Read 2 books
Went to Cullyn's wrestling meet
Spent a night with my parents, a night in Clear Lake, and a night in Minneapolis
Took Cullyn in to get his new glasses fitted
Cleaned a bunch around the house

I Instagrammed {@MurdocksMamaBlog} that:

I'm hoping to do this:
Put my Christmas bins away
Finish Christmas returns
Schedule all our 2020 appointments
Create a photobook from our Jamaica vacation
Decorate for Valentine's Day
Get packed/find things to do in Las Vegas
Survive our first week back to reality!

I scheduled that:

M: This & That 

T: January Goals

W: 15 Minutes for Me

T: 26.2 - My Marathon Recap

F:  A Few Favorites

Top 12 Memories of 2019

1. Best purchase this year.  Our massage chair.  Someone is always sitting in it!

2. Best binge-worthy show this year. Big Little Lies - season 2!

3. Best place visited this year. British Virgin Islands.

4. A new friend you made this year.  My small group friends.

5. An unexpected surprise this year. New jobs for both Adam and I!

6. Favorite song you heard this year. Old Town Road - Not because I love the song, but it meant so much to the kids! :)

7. Day this past year you'd live over and over.  Waking up in Jamaica with Adam and renewing our vows.  Our trip to Colorado as a family. 

8. Best holiday memory this year. Taking the kids to see the light display linked to music.  Or listening to the kids watch Home Alone -- so many giggles! :)

9. Best movie of the year.  A Star is Born {I finally watched it in 2019!}

10. Something new this year. We went to Oklahoma and stayed with cousins.

11. Most excited for next year.  Our RV trip!

12. Best lesson learned this year.  God provides.  We both took new jobs this year.  He has shown us how to become good stewards of our money with what he's provided.  We feel very blessed to be in the position we are a have big goals for 2020.

This & That + my favorite Open-faced Hamburger Recipe

It's been forever since I did a little recap of the week...

True story in Iowa this week!

Did this:
Volunteered at the concessions stand with the kids
Got my hair did!
Kept my niece, Oaklyn, overnight
Watched my niece's last volleyball game
Let the kids each have a friend sleepover
Made Banana Nut Bread
Hosted {not really!} my parents
Took more of our kitchen cupboards down {yay!}
Pitched our screen door {that broke my new outdoor light, sigh}
Took the kids to a Trunk-or-Treat
Ran 10 miles
Sipped Moscow Mules on the deck with Adam
Caught a cold
Edited a senior session
Skipped church
Had family photos taken {!!!}

Instagrammed {@MurdocksMamaBlog} that:

Ate this: {Spoiler alert -- we ate to survive this week since I didn't feel 100%!}

M: Nachos from the concession stand & ice cream after the kids went to bed {true story!}

T: The best Mac & Cheese ever!

W: Adam got home early and made a super yummy cheesy egg, hamburger, & potato scramble!

T: Gas station food on the way to my hair appointment {just killin' in this week}

F: Pizza & Popcorn!
S: Open-faced Hamburgers -- my mama's recipe!
S: Pirates of the Ponderosa {our local marina} for lunch.  The kids ate popcorn for supper and Adam made me Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
*This week has to be better, right?!  Haha!
--------------------------------------------
Open-faced hamburgers

1 lb. raw hamburger
1 egg
1 cup shredded cheese
ketchup
seasonings {onion powder, Lawry's seasoning, pepper} to taste

Mix it all together and form into patties.
Put the raw patty on top of a halved english muffin
& bake at 350* until baked to your desire.

5 Things We Do In The Car

If you know us in real life, you know I spent a good portion of our limited evening time {4-8p} in the car a few nights a week.  Adam doesn't get home until after the evening activities are done, which leaves me to do 100% of the drop offs/pick ups for piano, taekwondo, gymnastics, 4h, youth group, etc.  Honestly now that I'm using my time more efficiently instead of just wasting it, I don't mind.  Since we live 20+ minutes from several of these activities, we spend a decent amount of time in the car, which I know is not uncommon.  So I thought I would share with you a few of the random things we do in the car.  Some can be done while driving {spelling words} while others are done simply waiting for a child to get out of their activity {reading}

Best of 2018

1. Best purchased this year.  Our house!  & kayaks for the kids. :)

2. Best binge-worthy show this year. The only series Adam and I watch is Longmeier

3. Hardest you laughed this year. Scrolling through RateMyPlate on Facebook with Adam

4. Favorite news event of the year. The royal wedding was on during a work trip to Texas with my Mama.  This may have been the only 'news' I watched this entire year!  

5. Best place visited this year. California

6. A new friend you made this year.  I became close with Jenni and Lauri from work and my relationship with my friend Alicia was taken to a new level. :)

7. Best conversation you had this year.  Any conversation with our 'dance friends group' but specifically all of my Marco Polo conversations with Alicia.

8. An unexpected surprise this year. We picked up and moved to a small town!  

9. Favorite song you heard this year. Probably Speechless by Day + Shay when Adam sang it at my nieces proposal. 

10. Day this past year you'd live over and over.  Taking the kids to California Adventure. 

11. Best holiday memory this year. Christmas Eve church service when Adam sang and the kids held their lights during Silent Light 

12. Best movie of the year.  A Star is Born - heartbreakingly beautiful!

13. Something new this year. We went to our friends 'Last Day of School' party & watched Peter Rabbit on the outdoor movie screen.  Best way to kick off summer!

14. Most excited for next year.  the British Virgin Islands to celebrate 10 years with Adam!

15. Best lesson learned this year.  You never know where God is going to lead your life.  On January 1, 2018 if someone would have asked me if I would ever move to Montezuma I would have laughed at them.  It wasn't even a thought!  Before I knew it we had sold both houses and bought our forever home at the lake.  It's easy to get wrapped up in the day to day tasks of life, but never forget the big picture.  God has big plans for each of us and works in amazing ways. 

Our New House

We couldn't be more exited to let you know we purchased our forever home! 

I'll be posting a bunch more of different areas of the house soon.

An Overdue Update

Life is going at full speed this month!  Here's the full scoop on everything that will hopefully answer some of the questions I've been getting...

ANKENY HOUSE | SOLD {in 11 days - woo hoo!} with a few ups and downs, but we're super excited for the new owners {fellow Cubs fans and owners of a Great Dane & Lab -- what a coincidence!}  We're moving next weekend!

LOLA | Oblivious to everything!  She's finally potty trained -- can I get an amen!  She's the happiest person in this house -- always!  She's a lover of the kids, digging in the mud outside, and eating allll the bones!  She's gotten huge!  Last I checked she was 53 pounds! 

311 HOUSE | Also known as the current lake house.  We had several buyers interested in this property before we put it on the market, but they all ended up falling through for one reason or another.  We thought for a bit we would be moving into this house until it sold, but last week a pre-approved buyer came it and bought it.  We're still waiting on an appraisal of this house, but Lord willing, that will be complete and good to go by the 23rd/24th.

CULLYN | Celebrating a birthday next week {so bittersweet!}  This boy is the biggest lover--so kind to everyone, except maybe his sister! ;)  He's super into spiking his hair and wearing cologne.  Oh, and Pokemon cards {much to his father's dismay}.  He's a little sponge in school and the biggest rule follower they've ever seen.  Perhaps a future police officer? ;)

275 HOUSE | Believe it or not, it's just a few houses down {on the same street} from our current lake house {which can get pretty confusing when you're having a conversation}.  I'll go into more details of the house once it's a done deal, but Adam and I couldn't be more excited to be moving into this house.  So.Much.Space! And Light!  They've accepted our offer, so we're just waiting to close on the other two houses so we can close on this.  If all goes well, we'll be sleeping in this house on May 2nd.  Please say a prayer for us!  

ADAM | More excited for this move than I could ever explain!  He will also be much closer to his work territory once we're in the new house.  He's also been having so many band gigs this year!  Other than that he's just been seeing how much he can watch on our Firestick. ;)

ME | Been purging and packing and like a mad woman!  Ridiculously excited to decorate and design a new house!  This is a long-term move, so we're hoping to make this space exactly what we want for the next 30 years!  Other than that I'm just anxious for the weather to warm up so we can get outside!  I've also been on a mission this past year to detoxify our house, so I've been researching natural replacements for all the toxins.  Other than that, I'm just dreaming of becoming debt free and replacing my Jeep with a minivan. :)  Oh, and our RV trip this summer!!  Last thing, my mama and I are headed to Texas {Dallas, but Waco for a day!}.  Send me all of your favorite spots if you have any!

I think that's it for now.  If I missed anything feel free to ask in the comments!