You might remember that in December we moved into a new (to us) home, an hour south of where we had been living. We’re on the outskirts of San Jose, California, now, which means tire swings to borrow, hills to explore, a Walmart in the vicinity, and the earthy, familiar smell of livestock drifting through the neighborhood. 🙂
It’s definitely a big change of pace compared to apartment life in the dense suburbs of San Francisco. Our kids play with neighbors after school, and we’re spending more time than ever outdoors (even in January).
The change has been HUGE for our family, but probably better for me than anyone else. I’m reveling in the freedom (especially emotionally) of no longer managing a building of 53 units. We can walk through the parking lot with our heads held high, instead of ducking to avoid the ten-minute trap that is a resident complaining about his plumbing. 🙂
On the home front, we have space to spread out, so it no longer feels like the kids are on top of me ALL. the. time. (Just most of the time.) 🙂
There’s no longer a baby sleeping in the bathroom or a bike in the shower! We finally got that garage we dreamed of for years…and a real-live bedroom for the little lady.
We lived here for five weeks without a couch, but we have one now! We brought barely any furniture with us from our old place (after seven years of heavy abuse, it was done for), so we’ll be furnishing our new home slooowly, over the next year and probably longer. Luckily (for our bank account?), I like white walls and clear spaces, so I’m not dying to fill this place up.
Trenton has adjusted really well to the new school, which was my biggest worry before moving, and even the early start-time hasn’t been as hard as I imagined! (It helps that we can walk.)
Plus, when I asked y’all on facebook about what time you’re out of the house, I learned to be really, really grateful for 7:35. 🙂
Sunrise this morning from my bedroom window
That’s pretty much it. I felt stuck for most of 2014. Then 2015 brought a whole new chapter, and I’m so grateful. Funny that just last summer, I could never have seen this coming. Sometimes life just happens that way, doesn’t it?
(Read: If you’re feeling totally stuck, there’s hope. I promise. You never know what’s around the next corner. Also, email me. I love to listen.)
PS. Join us for the world’s most relaxed book club?!
This month I’m reading 10 Mindful Minutes
As you furnish and decorate post more pictures! I love your sense of style and I want to see what you do!
Thanks, Katie! I feel a bit self-conscious showing my style (whether it’s clothes or interiors), but I will try to keep it up! Seems like a good exercise in wholehearted living. 🙂
I love knowing that the way we feel today isn’t the way will feel forever. The possibility of change is ever before us and it makes life so exciting. Congratulations on your changes…I would love the direction that your life is pointed.
Enjoy the space within and without.
Thanks so much, Missy! “The possibility of change ever before us” – beautiful!
Oh.My.Gosh. I love the furniture!!! Plus I’m so happy about all your new freedom. Now I just need to get down there and see all of this in person.
Des – Let’s get something on the books!
Erica, I love seeing photos of your new home. It suits you all so well! And that mid-century modern (maybe??) furniture–perfect! I’m so glad you are free from all that comes with managing a big condo building. It must be so nice to be only responsible for your own home and family now (and not 53 units). I was a little envious of all the time you have been spending outside, though. We have not gotten outside much these past two months because it’s been so cold here, but maybe we (I) just need to get out there anyway, because I do miss it! Those hills around your home are gorgeous–have a wonderful time exploring, and I’m so glad you are enjoying being there so far!
Hey Leigh! Just wanted to say thanks so much for your comment yesterday! It always makes my day when I hear from you. And good eye – about the mid-century design! You still reading design books? I love a bit of mid-century modern with just enough classic that I feel like I won’t tire of it in a couple years.
I hope you guys come back to visit someday! You’re definitely going to need to show Clara her birthplace, right? 🙂
So so so happy for you!!! You do have a good sense of style!
So excited for you Erica! And thanks for sharing pics because I was really hoping you would. While we are still renting (in the Bay Area), getting the space and privacy of a house a couple years ago continues to be such a blessing for our family. I too would love to see more pics as y’all get nested in there.
Beautiful home and you do have beautiful style! Congratulations!!
Sounds like such a great, positive change for your family! Our first home was small and when we moved here I remember thinking that it would take us a long time to furnish every room. It didn’t though. 😉 I’m looking forward to seeing more pictures too. Your front door is gorgeous!