Looking Up

I have been feeling a bit guilty for all the negativity in my last post. It is true that things are not as I would like them, but I should have also mentioned some good things in the midst of this trial. I also should mention that God is still in control and is surely teaching me a lot of good lessons right now. Sometimes it takes awhile to see them, but looking back, we always do. Instead of dwelling on the expectations I had that aren't being met, I choose to look up to God and focus on Him instead.

One of my biggest prayers during the moving process was that the kids, especially Tyler, would have a smooth transition into the new house. I didn't want them to be anxious or fearful being in a new place. I wanted them to know that God would be with us in our new house, just like he was always there in our other house. God answered that prayer. Tyler has been so happy with everything from the first time he saw the house. The things that bother me don't bother him. He doesn't even notice. He loves his room and he loves having stairs. He was never afraid to sleep in a new place or be too far away from Mommy and Daddy. I admire his attitude and his excitement. Allie, too, is still the same, happy little girl she has always been. I don't think she has been affected one bit.

Our new neighbors are so friendly and welcoming. There are lots of little boys for Tyler to play with, and even a cute little girl right next door! He even ended up on a soccer team with an old friend. How fun it is to be close by and see him more often! We now have 3 rooms completely repainted, with furniture where it belongs. More boxes are getting unpacked everyday. Drapes are hung, so the living room is much cozier.

I had to realize that it is going to take longer to get settled than I thought it would - much longer. It is nice to see progress, no matter how small. The carpet issue seemed like such a big deal to me a month ago. The funny thing is that the longer it has been, the less of a big deal it is becoming. We have decided to wait a few months longer, save our money, and get carpet that we really like, rather than settling on something we don't like as much to get it sooner. The smells are fading (or I'm getting used to them) and I know that in a few months time I still have new carpet to look forward to.

Today we were able to join a group of our friends for donuts and time at the playground. It's something we wouldn't have been able to do if we were still in our old house. Times like that make me remember that I am blessed to be here, even when it's a lot of work. Those moments on the playground with sweet friends are extra special to me because I have wanted to be a part of them for so long. I am thankful that God has brought us to a place where we wanted to be, and I will do my best not to complain about an unorganized house anymore. It's a process, and we will get there. In the meantime, I am learning not to make my stuff so important. Thank you all for your sympathy and your prayers during this season of life.

Things are definitely looking up.