Peaks and Valleys

One year ago,

 

I had just completed painting our new house.  

   

And was still doing whatever I could to sell our old house.

 

One year ago we were learning how to swing two houses and their respective payments and upkeeps, while attempting to still have a Christmas.

 

One year ago we were shoveling the snow at our new house, and then at our old house.

 

Six months ago my shock was turning to complete excitement.  

But we were pulling out our hair wondering how we would swing it all, with two houses and a new baby.

 

Five months ago we concocted a new plan. 

It was pretty much our only option, and our hope to climb out of the hole we had been digging.  We were so nervous about whether it would work out, whether it was the right decision, whether we had what would be required of us to try moving forward, second house still in tow.

 

Today we have a happy, chubby-cheeked almost three month old baby who is a dead ringer for her Daddy.  We have spent the last five months re-gaining our footing and taking a breather from the stresses of day-to-day caring for two homes. 

Today we have no doubts that we made the best decision for what has happened with the economy, to hang on to the old house until its value returns. 

Today I shoveled snow at only one house, and I did not give a second thought to how we would afford a nice Christmas this year. 

Today is the first of the month, and when our renter came by to drop off his rent payment in our mailbox, he called from the end of our driveway to ask if I'd like him to run it to the front door so that I wouldn't have to trudge through the snow later, to retrieve the check from the mailbox. 

Several weeks ago they brought home their new baby to our old house-- their current home, and several weeks from now they will celebrate their first Christmas there as a family of four.  Today I realized again, as I have many times over the last five months, that we have been blessed with the absolute best case scenario. 

We really are finally okay.

Comments

[Tina]

Marin is so gorgeous! =) And I cant believe she is almost 3 months old already! yikes! time flies! we have to get together whenever you get a chance before Christmas strikes. I will be in the area on Wednesday, if you want to get together in the afternoon. I am going to Brian's house (Norma's brother-in-law), who lives down the street from your rental property, in the evening. just let me know. later gator! =)

[Alissa]

I have to tell you that it's been a very exciting ride. I started reading your blog right before you put your house on the market. So, I've been along for that whole thing. Seeing Marin makes me positively giddy. So worth it. And knowing you're in a place of happiness (with SUCH a good renter!) makes me tearful with joy.

[Bunny]

What a good feeling! Congratulations on a wonderful year!

[Erica]

That my dear, says it all! Here is to another great year.

[Erica]

Also, those cheeks, those adorable, squeezable cheeks!

[Laylabean]

Wow, you guys have certainly had an eventful year! I can't believe it's been that long already since you moved. Marin gets cuter every time you post pictures, what a sweetheart!

[glamgranola]

I am so glad it worked out for you Molly!

[liz]

happy happy joy joy!

sending love and hugs to all of you. and good gravy, that baby girl is DELICIOUS!

[Jen L.]

Sweet, sweet Marin face! Love the little dimple!

Dear God, woman...you shoveled snow!?!? I couldn't even stand up straight for four months after my c-section.

So glad things are looking up for you.

[Melinda]

Yahoo for feeling OK!!

[debi]

I had a comment but then I saw that beautiful smile on that beautiful baby face and I forgot what I was gonna say. Blessed you are.

[Nikki]

My goodness this year is going fast! Beautiful baby Marin, would so love to kiss the tip of her nose!

[BetteJo]

And speaking from the perspective of someone who rents a home - you have blessed your tenants as well by giving them the opportunity to have their family in a house even though they can't buy one right now.