Happy New Year! Today is actually my blog-iversary. Our Fifth House (the blog) is a toddler – happy 2 years to me. 😉 I actually started the blog in the fall of 2010. However, it was January 1, 2011, when I decided to make blogging a fairly regular part of my life. That was the day I officially fell down the rabbit hole.
And as crazy as this might sound, blogland is a lot like Wonderland. There have been many adventures, friendships made, and surprises for sure. Who knew you could actually make money blogging? Ummmmm…….definitely not me. Who knew real, hug you around the neck, friendships could be formed online?
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| Andrea and Me |
Who knew creativity could be inspired by something as simple as a blog challenge?
Blogging has been such a wonderful creative outlet that has turned into a part time job in a way, though I hesitate to call it that because it certainly doesn’t feel like work. Committing to this blog was just the inspiration and motivation I needed to create a special place to call home for my family and I. After being on the moving train for quite a while, I was feeling overwhelmed and not just by all the unpacked boxes.
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| last picture at our 4th house |
Making a place feel like home takes love, time and desire. When I started this blog, I was running short on all three. This little blog lifted me up, encouraged me, and renewed my passion for creating a home. You all will never know what a wonderful gift you have been to me.
I spent over 10 years moving around, never living at a single address for longer than 3 years, moving unpacked boxes from house to house, never really feeling settled, and always wondering when we’d be moving again. My life felt very temporary. The crazy, funny, mind blowing thing is over the past two years God has used this little blog to teach me something so awesomely amazing! No matter where I live, no matter what my address, no matter what number house/apt. I’m on, I’ll always be living in my temporary home. Say what?!?!?!?!?!? Yep, that’s right. My forever home is being fabulously decorated in Heaven.
Planning and dreaming about things I want to do to our fifth house is just a part of who I am and yet knowing that a home is created by so much more than diy projects and pretty mantels is something He has really been showing me, especially lately.
I have learned so much through this blog. And I thank you for being a part of the journey. You see projects, rooms being painted, closets getting organized, but what really makes my house a home I’m afraid has not been talked about much on this little blog. The laughter, the cuddles,
the dinner conversations, the random dance parties in the kitchen,
the tears we’ve cried together as a family, and the many prayers we’ve lifted up to Him –
that is what truly makes this house feel like home.
My goal for 2013 is to focus on Him – to let my light shine – to love my neighbor as myself. As cheesy as this might sound – I’m starting with the woman in the mirror. 😉
Of course, fear not, there will be house projects (I’ve already warned/announced to my hub that this will be the year of the bathrooms!) – organization – crafts – I mean c’mon – you know me right?! But, I will seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and He will give me everything I need. I plan to spend 2013 not just believing in Him but believing Him. I give in – He’s always right anyway.
Here’s to 2013!
over and out –
Carmel Latte – (that’s my new nickname – silly story – you don’t wanna know)
Happy Blogiversary! A-men sista! I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in the house we forget the whole reason for our home and also that it is all temporary. Thanks for the reminder today! Love your heart. Blessings to you and your family in the New Year!