Bitter Sweet Changes

So, I have not blogged in several months and so much has changed since we moved into our new house.

As most of you know, we moved into our new house this past March. I have really enjoyed decorating it and trying to make it our home. I wish it did not take so long! But, I am taking it slow and I spend a lot of time picking out everything! Needless to say, we are really enjoying our home and are so thankful that the building process is over. I was also able to host several parties in May- which was super fun. My brother and brother in law had their graduation parties are my house and it was wonderful. I also had a small "sip and see" for Ms. Madeline Grace Bawcom, which was also lovely. My mom and dad were able to come see my new house and enjoy it with us, which was such a blessing.

June, July and August are three months in my life that I would like to forget. In July, My dad went to St. Lukes/Texas Heart Institute in Texas to receive a Left Ventricle Assist (LVAD)in preparation for a heart transplant. I am not going to go into the details, but we lost him on August 9, 2010. But, I know he is watching down on us and I feel some comfort in knowing that I have my very own guardian angel in heaven.

To mend our broken hearts, God sent us a little angel in September. I know this because Ben and I became pregnant in September. That's right....I am going to have a baby next June. My original due date was June 18, 2011, which was very special since my dad's birthday is June 18 as well. The date has since been moved ahead to June 16, 2011 (but I suppose I could still have this little baby on my dad's birthday). Needless to say, I know that my dad and God have this all worked out for us.

So, as you can see, we have so much to be thankful for and I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family. I cannot even put into words how it feels to lose a parent. But, what I can say is that I am so blessed to have had the time I had with him and I know his legacy lives on through me.

More pregnancy updates to come. Please pray for a healthy, happy baby!

All Moved In....

We moved in last Saturday! I do not have cable or internet yet but will post new pictures soon! Thanks to everyone that helped with the big move in day!

I love my new home!

Coffee and back porch

After all the drama that comes with building a house, I think the worst part is waiting to be able to move in. I come home everyday and see my new house just sitting there. But, because Entergy has not connected my electricity, I can do everything but enjoy my new house.

All I want to do is sit on my back porch and drink coffee with Ben. Is that too much to ask?

Lately.....

Here are some pictures of the finished product. There are small things left to do...like cleaning and installing my mantle for the living room fireplace.


Spice drawer in kitchen...I am super excited about this little addition.


Butler's pantry...aka Ben's Bar


Living room - view from the kitchen. The cypress mantle is not there yet :(


Front/side view of the house


Kitchen


Guest bathroom/Hall Bath


Kitchen with view of living room and computer nook



Fleur de lis nobs for the island


Kitchen


Master bath...mmmm....my side of the bathroom. Ben's looks the same; mine is just bigger.


View of dining and foyer with brick arches


Master Bath tub


Kitchen with fireplace




Front view close up


Front view from the front of the property

Emotions

So, I thought we would have moved in and be settled by now. But, we are not. The good news is.....there is no major work left to be done inside the house. We are waiting on Entergy to hook up the power and gas and expect that to be completed early next week. So, this weekend we are going to finish packing and make a final punch list (who knows how long that list will be). Needless to say I am so over the whole building process and ready to make my new house my home. I will try to post some pictures in the next couple of days, but that will probably be my final post on the house (hopefully).

Maybe the next post will be about something a little more exciting than a house.....:) I mean, every home needs to be filled, right?

Getting to the fun stuff and move in date?

Tyson, the person doing our tile work, has done some pretty amazing work this past week. He installed all counter tops (except for the kitchen) and all flooring. We are waiting for the lighting fixtures to come in so we can have light and we should have some cabinet/door hardware in the next couple of days. My builder says he would like to see the house finished by the end of January (2 weeks from today!)--- however, I know better and think we will be moving in the weekend of Mardi Gras. Here are some pictures of the last week or two. Here are some new pictures...forgive the dirt on the countertops!



This is our Master Shower.....

Tile in the Jack/Jill Bath


Floor in Jack/Jill Bathroom


One of the counter tops in the laundry room with the same tile as in the Jack/Jill Bath


Ben's Bar




My island and kitchen countertops...I love it!