I knew our one year anniversary in our house was coming up soon, but I didn't realize it had already come and gone a couple days ago until Jeff said something. This year has flown in our new home. We have been in Branson now for almost a year and a half, but it seemed like life never really began until we had our home.
For the first time I finally feel like I am where I am meant to be. This is the third home we have owned. In all the other homes I always new that we were going to move. I was always on a mission to make sure the house looked organized and clutter free because I knew that we would sell someday, and I figured if I was used to living that way it wouldn't be a big deal when I was expected to do so for showings. It was exhausting. It's interesting how my perspective has changed since we have lived in this home. I still hate clutter, but part of me has relaxed about some things. Once upon a time the only thing that sat on my kitchen counters were my knives and stovetop spoons. Everything else had a hiding space in a cabinet somewhere and I would get it out when I needed it and put it away as soon as I was done. Now I have my can opener, coffee maker, knives, spoons, food processor, flour and sugar out on my counters for whenever I need them. I'm so sick of hauling that stuff out and putting it away all the time. It's nice to have it all handy whenever I need it (which is often). One of the best things about our home is that everything is new and doesn't need to be fixed or redone. Granted we have had our fair share of things that we've had to call the home warranty about, but none of it was a deal breaker and the warranty people had to fix them.
Our neighborhood is probably the best we've ever had. We have become great friends with several of our neighbors. I take the kids to our driveway to play often and it is not uncommon for one of them to pull up a lawn chair and chat for awhile while the kiddos play. We all look out for each other. I know when we go out of town, I can trust one of them to take care of my plants, fish, or get our mail. Some of them are happy to watch the girls when we need a night out. We have even started what we hope will be an annual culdesac BBQ. Although we made connections to some of our neighbors in our other towns, it has never been quite like this. Neighbors can really make your house feel more like home. We had the best halloween we've ever had and we didn't have to go anywhere to create this fun experience except right outside our front door thanks to our awesome neighbors.
The area we live in is so BEAUTIFUL! There are a ton of things to do. Living in a vacation hot spot is a lot like being on a vacation nonstop. I don't feel that badly that we rarely get to go on vacation because we are still in the mode of exploring the community we live in and doing vacation like things. The kids have just as much fun, there is no travel involved, and at the end of the day we get to go back to our own beds in the comfort of our own home. I suppose I even appreciate Springfield more than I used to since living in Branson. Why? If Branson doesn't have it, we know Springfield will. We still continue to use Springfield libraries, parks, thrift stores, and Aldi in Springfield. We get to make a day trip out of it, so it almost feels like another little vacation. In addition to Springfield, there are other national parks, lakes, and area attractions that are only a short drive away for a fun little day trip.
I have heard nothing but good things about the schools our girls will be attending. This is a first for an area that we have lived in. It sure brings this Mama's heart comfort when I think about waving goodbye as I watch my firstborn be carried off by a yellow school bus in less than a year. What a hard moment that will be for me. It helps to know that the school she will be attending has gotten rave reviews.
So as I reflect on this past year in our house, I can honestly say at last I am home. I belong. It feels good. I am blessed. Thank you Jesus for bringing me home, at last!
