On The Way In

IMG_4233

I have to tell you that when we first turned down the street towards this house I was overcome with emotion.

There's something about it - a feeling that goes along with the outside and the inside spaces. Maybe it's that there's a bit more room for all of us to breathe and stretch out and grow-into. Maybe it's the yard with areas to play and have adventures and do cartwheels and a spot to sit and eat outside. Maybe it's that I think we'll likely be here for awhile - something I've hoped for in my heart of hearts for a long time. 

Chris keeps saying that there's something familiar about it - he thinks it's similar to the house I grew up in south of Seattle. Maybe that's part of it too.

Right now we are living in the middle of boxes and figuring out what goes where and papering drawers and painting cabinets and orienting ourselves. I'm excited to get to that point where I'm ready to put stuff up on the walls - a big part of what will make it all feel "real" to me.

Here's a couple peeks into the house:



IMG_4227


This closet in the living room is holding all my baskets. I love "shopping" in there for what I need as I begin assigning homes to things and putting them away.



IMG_0159


Cabinets in the kitchen are getting a fresh coat of paint. A couple more days and we can get things put away in there too.



IMG_0160


Looking into my office (Chris on the phone with Apple support) which is an upstairs bonus room. Along the right wall in that alcove area are some shelves I had built-in which are designed to hold my 12x12 albums. I kinda also wanted to cry in a good way about those.



IMG_0163


Simon working on a lego project in his room. He's done really well with this transition. He's been sleeping in our room until we get a new bed for him and I think he likes that too. I'm excited to get things organized in his room to be able to give him space to create with his legos. Seeing him sitting at that table working away is a really good feeling.

Anna's room is currently a lovely bright mint green that will be painted later this week. She's been all over the backyard - an outdoor toddler for sure.

Overall I'm just feeling really thankful and excited about this next chapter in our lives. Moving is such an in-your-face delineation of change. I'm taking lots of deep calming breaths and keeping a long-term perspective in mind - it doesn't all need to happen at once.

Related Posts

Sign in or sign up to comment.

118 thoughts

  1. Tona says…
    08/10/2010

    It looks like a wonderful space. Have fun making memories in your new home.

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Melanie says…
    08/10/2010

    We moved last November from Florida to Cincinnati Ohio. We have lived here for 8 months and have just been transferred again. I am overwhelmed to say the least. My hubby got called on a Friday and was gone by Tuesday. Our son is flying down Saturday to start school on Tuesday. I am staying behind to get the house listed and everything in order. It is so much but I am taking it a day at a time. I feel everything that you are going through. Congrats on your new home. You will make it lovely!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Jennifer Camplin says…
    08/10/2010

    Sweet Home Sweet in no time!!
    Glad you found this place.. give time to get all settled in.. can't wait when all completed where you can show with new home.. to us.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Christina says…
    08/10/2010

    Ali I have lived in the same home since I was marred, 35 years ago. Seeing your pictures and reading your words makes me feel like moving. I have never felt that way before.
    Keep taking deep breaths. I am sure you will feel a deep dense of belonging.

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Tina says…
    08/10/2010

    Gorgeous! When I grow up I want a front porch to watch the storms roll in on :) We have a big yard and with four boys, it gets used a LOT :)
    What color are your cabinets? I am ready for a change and this color is fabulous!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Jen Chesnut says…
    08/10/2010

    Ali I am so excited for you!!! Congrats!

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Bonnie W says…
    08/10/2010

    Happy, happy! It's wonderful. I wish you all the best in your new home!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Diane Herman says…
    08/10/2010

    there certainly is something about a "feeling" in a house.
    a year ago we sold our home and moved ...we loved the home we where in but it was a good economic option so we went with it...but it didnt feel right...we decided to move again and as fate would have it our old HOME came back on the market...we moved back and it FEELS perfect to be HOME!!!
    it feels right :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Margaret says…
    08/10/2010

    Your new home looks beautiful. Enjoy the process!

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. Shannon D says…
    08/10/2010

    It is lovely to see into your new home. It looks so light and airy. So glad it feels familiar to you. Love to know what you did about transfering the height marks you had of the kids at the old house.
    It really is the year of the story for you isn't it. Thanks for sharing your stories with us.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Chelle says…
    08/10/2010

    Congrats! I love love love the porch! As a fellow eugene-ian, curious what part of town you're in now?

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Shelly K says…
    08/10/2010

    Very exciting for the Edwards! Looking good!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. jen shears says…
    08/10/2010

    CONGRATULATIONS!!! The happiness is oozing from this post! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Solgunn says…
    08/10/2010

    Congratulations Ali - looks like a very nice house! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Amy K says…
    08/10/2010

    It looks beautiful Ali! Congratulations, and best wishes as you continue on this new family journey!

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. ale says…
    08/11/2010

    looking foward to see more of your new home... the porch is lovely!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Lisa W. says…
    08/11/2010

    Oh can't wait to see it come all together. I am a decorator at heart. But you do have your work cut out for you. Painting is a job, exspecially while living there. Good luck and cannot WAIT to see that new scrap room and all. Thinking of you. Thanks for the pictures.

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Leora says…
    08/11/2010

    Your house looks beautiful. I will be sending vibes as you continue to fill it with love...

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Claire says…
    08/11/2010

    What a beautiful new home. I hope you will all be very happy there.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Debby Schuh says…
    08/11/2010

    Congratulations on your new home! I love all the light and the porch! May you have many, many years of wonderful memories there!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Beth says…
    08/11/2010

    New house but unable to unpack the kitchen?! Oh my! We just moved a few weeks ago too...it's a lesson in patience, isn't it?
    We have big plans for our one-year-old's room; can't wait to see what you do with Anna's!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Marsaille says…
    08/11/2010

    Congratulations on the move. We too are going through a transition like that... only adding a baby and downsizing(?) Take it slow, one thing at a time!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Lori says…
    08/11/2010

    What a beautiful space for you all to grow together! Enjoy making your new house a home!!!
    Just take it one day at a time....

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Amalia says…
    08/11/2010

    Oh Ali, its beautiful!!! Congratulations on this new chapter of your life!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Melissa Mann says…
    08/11/2010

    Looks like a beautiful home!

    Reply 0 Replies

Sign in or sign up to comment.