House Pictures

Just thought I would inform anyone who is interested that my mom took LOTS of pictures of our new house today and posted them on her blog. A few things though, before you take a look. I protested because I had not had a shower but she took them and posted them anyway. Also, there are several things that are not yet finished. (stairs are not completely painted, fireplace and built-ins are not done) So, I will post some finished pictures later. But, nevertheless, this is the house that has absolutely consumed us for the past, well, year really. We broke ground in January but we started planning back in the fall and here it is almost fall again. I think I have said this before, that we have self-contracted it, which means we didn't hire a builder, we just hired out all the sub-contractors ourself. Steven has done most of the work. I want to say that I don't want to sound like I am complaining, because this is an incredible blessing and I am so thankful that the Lord has allowed us to build such a nice house. But it has been an intense year and it has been an incredible challenge to keep priorities priorities (like marriage and family come first-after God, of course). It is something we have prayed about for a long time (what to do about where to live here once we knew we were moving). We were in a situation in Albuquerque where we bought into the market and in the five years we lived there, our house went up in value a great deal. So, with that money, we wanted to invest wisely. We have prayed about this process the entire way. It has truly been a test of our faith and maybe the most stressful thing we have ever done. I'm sorry to say we have failed many times, often resorting to panic instead of prayer. But God has been so faithful to us and has proven Himself time and again. And He is so patient. My prayer is that I would hold everything God has given to me (children and husband included, which is so hard for me to say) with open hands and always be willing for Him to do with my life (and family and earthly posessions) what He desires.