a house in 8

We all have dreams.

Some big, some small.

Lately, the Mr. and I have been talking about our new dream: a home.  We like to share about what we want our home to become, and more importantly, how to make our dream a reality.

Thanks to Pinterest I can dream away all day long about what I want our future house to be like.

In 8....

I'm a sucker for farm houses and victorian style homes.  Those porches just do me in.

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Jamie on Pinterest

Family and relationships are both things we value deeply, so a cozy and fun back porch where we can entertain is key.  We want a nice sized backyard for not only entertaining but also just lounging around in the grass and hopefully plant a garden.

Source: bhg.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I'm madly in love with farm tables right now.  The rustic look and expansive space to be filled with family dinners, art projects, and little one's homework.

Source: blog.forrent.com via Jamie on Pinterest

An entryway that screams "you are more than welcome to come by anytime" is always key.

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Jamie on Pinterest

Having a giant tub is essential (along with a very expansive bathroom and vanity).  I mean, a girl's gotta dream a little bit...

Source: houzz.com via Jamie on Pinterest

At least three to four rooms to fill with precious little ones.

Source: thebooandtheboy.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I dream of the day where we have a big ol' room that is nicely decorated, but still a "family" room.  Where our kids climb up on bed with us and also a sanctuary for some refreshing time.

Source: flickr.com via Jamie on Pinterest

But the most important piece about our future home is that it will be filled with God's love and grace.  I want it to be a place to brings peace to our lives and reminds us what JOY we have found in God's love.

Source: susieharrisblog.com via Jamie on Pinterest

family is a blessing

Something happened recently that really made me see how valuable and important family is.  It also reminded me that family is more than blood.  If I were to explain my family to you, we'd need to get some paper and pens out so that I could map it all out.  You could say that we definitely put the "FUN" in dysfunctional.  

When I was younger I thought I was one of a kind because my parents were divorced and having step-siblings was a novelty because all of my friends' parents were still happily married.  I grew up with my mom, step-dad, and step brother and sister for the largest majority of my life, but my parents divorced when I was 20.  Now that my step-brother and sister and me were no longer legally related, I knew that didn't matter.  They were my brother and sister, through and through.

My sister lives in Arkansas now but my brother is still here in San Diego.  We both have crazy schedules and are unable to see each other often, but the times we do have together are perfect.  Last weekend a very good friend of my brother took his life, and my brother was shaken.  We sat at my mom's house for mother's day (his step-mom) and were a family, supporting him, loving him.  We spent the night showing his girlfriend embarrassing photos of him when he was little, reminiscing about our matching vests for Christmas pictures, and looking back at when we became a family.  

Family is more than a legal document. 

Family is love.

Family is there for you when you need them most. 

Families will go through trials and tribulations, but relationships will be restored.  

It is crazy at times to think that we are not legally or blood related, but our relationship surpasses all of those things.  And I love my family more than anything in the world!

crossing my fingers I don't get sick

Well...the Mr. caught a bug, and a nasty one at that.  He's been sick since last Wednesday!  Needless to say, we've been laying low all weekend and I've been doing everything possible to not get sick.  I feel so bad for him and have been running to the store to restock up on Gatorade, cough drops, and ingredients for soup.  I can't imagine what it'll be like one day when our kids are sick.  

Even though our weekend was pretty low-key and boring, there was a glimpse of excitement!

I started with some juice, and it was one of the best juices ever!  We just got a juicer about a month ago, and I'm so excited for the summer where I have time to experiment and juice lots.  This juice was so delish, so I tried a different variation on my own: carrot, orange, cantaloupe.  Oh.  My.  Word.  We split the juice in half, I've got to get those vitamins pumped in him!

This sounds a bit crazy, but Saturday night I made my first ever batch of homemade chicken noodle soup.  The magic cure!  It was so easy, filling, and delicious.  I used this cooking light recipe!

Sunday morning I realized that my hair is getting so long!  So I tried out my first ever fish braid.  I have crazy thick hair, and it actually held up for almost the whole day.  This is my new favorite go-to hair style (especially because my hair is in desperate need of a cut/color...but more coming on that later).

My brother had amazing tickets to the Padres game Sunday and invited us to go along.  Holy ta-lee-do!  These were probably the best seats I've ever sat in, and I've been going to Padres games since I was itty bitty.  We pumped the Mr. with antibiotics, gatorade, more medicine, cough drops and crossed our fingers he'd make it through the game.

He had just enough energy for the game and was passed out within the first ten minutes we were home.  My poor guy!  I'm just ready for him to feel better and be himself again.  

My summer countdown is on!  We only have a little over 4 weeks left of school, and it just seems so crazy.  I'm truly looking forward to summer but at the same time I'm not ready for the school year to end.  Things are about to get super busy at work, but I thrive on the high energy and can't wait to share some fun things with you!!!