42

 I turned 42 this year! Last year we went roller skating. This year we celebrated Chinese New Year at Tu's popup, went out for sushi, went out for pizza, and started working on our house.

Yes, we will be moving....again.

When we moved to Miss Halls last year, it was not only a requirement of Matt's job. It was an opportunity to save and build a dream home. So we started the process and did not get very far lol

The land was a beautiful spot with a stunning view. However, there was a small length of wetlands that completely changed the buying process. We had never done this before. There is no helpful guide on how to do this. We were stumbling through multiple inspections, ambiguous town codes, and contractors who don't call you back for small jobs. Our was considered not worth the effort by the first 5 builders we spoke with. We wanted a small, 3 or 2 bed, 2 bath home under 1300 sq ft. We did end up connecting with a really cool modular builder and started down that road. However, we never actually closed on the land. After many months, bleeding cash, we called it quits. It was sad, and it was such a relief! 

We got some of our deposits back from the engineer, architect, home builder, realtor, town, wetlands engineer, and lawyer. Then we said, let's look one more time. And look at God! Won't He do it? We drove by an open house, walked in, and said, yes, this can be home for right now. Not a forever home, but a home while the girls finish high school. I cannot ignore the privilege inherent in our ability to have these choices. And, I won't ignore the work on our end it has taken to be able to buy a home (We both recently joined the 800+ credit score club! woo!) 

On my actual birthday, we worked on the house as a family. Ripping up carpet and nails, painting, and celebrating this space we are lucky to call home.

During birthday weekend, the girls and I had a great time at the R.O.P.E. mtg, I had dinner with two dear friends who also have February birthdays, and I read two books. A wonderful way to kick off my new year!