Five Years

Five years ago tonight, we spent our first night in this crazy house.

We'd had the keys for 3 weeks.  Those weeks were spent cleaning, then painting and carpeting and unloading. 3 weeks of hard work.  3 weeks of incredible help from our family and friends. 3 weeks of dreaming.

And here we are, 5 years later. Still working. Still getting help. Still dreaming.

We never wanted to imagine that this crazy house would still be unfinished 5 years later.  And in some ways, it's frustrating. And discouraging. And overwhelming. But it's real life. And I can say with certainty that these 5 years have been plenty full of life and love and the Lord's provision.

2 more sweet girls added to the bunch

3 different jobs for James, in addition to almost 18 months of unemployment

1 incredibly obnoxious corner sink

(almost) 5 years spent at home for Jana!

numerous birthday parties, holidays, church get-togethers, playdates, dinners

1 exciting concrete delivery

1 house fire next door -- way too close

1 tornado -- again, way too close

1 storm shelter provided by the Lord

lots of $$ and hours spent on renovations

2 beautiful French doors

1 little oak tree

1 rotting old shop torn down

Incredibly large numbers of chocolate chip cookies baked (and consumed)

4 rather ugly dormers torn off

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2-1/2 years of homeschooling

1 full dumpster and 5 big junk day pickups

4 more wedding anniversaries (and counting!)

And the fun hasn't stopped.  There is much to do.  Just this week, James ordered windows to finish the back wall of the dining room.  There are estimates coming for insulation.  Roof shopping. Furnace shopping. Another ceiling about to be torn out.

We can't even begin to guess how long it will be before we have a kitchen without brick wallpaper.  How long it will be before the girls are moved upstairs.  How long it will be before we can host friends and family in the guest room.  how long...

But we are overwhelmed with gratitude for God's provision through it all.  The lessons we've learned, the trials we've endured, the joy of raising our girls here.  We wouldn't trade it for the world (or even a move-in ready house).  Through it all, we've seen God at work, we've gained deep appreciation for each other, and we've had opportunities to teach our girls some unique lessons. Who else could list "itchulation" as one of their first words??

We're grateful, also, for our family and friends who have not only spent countless hours helping, but have also joyfully spent time in our home. Not (visibly) afraid of wires and sheet rock and holes and nails.  But comfortably hanging out, content to ignore the peeling wallpaper. Graciously climbing the step ladder to see the latest updates upstairs. Genuinely rejoicing with us over new windows, or sheet rock, or porch lights. (finally!)

Most importantly, I'm grateful for my James. The first time we saw the house, our awesome friend and realtor, Kim, (call her!) told me, "If you were married to anyone but James Brown, I'd say run. But you guys can do this."  And he has. James has worked long hours in record heat and freezing cold to make the money for, and then do the work on the house.  He has learned new skills, practiced old ones, and called for help when needed. And through it all, he's been focused on the big picture. And somehow -- well, by God's grace, he has been a present, loving, involved, and faithful husband and daddy.

No matter what happens -- whether we ever finish this house or not -- we are grateful. And hopeful. Hopeful that on our 10-year house anniversary, we can host a party in our new kitchen.  :-)