the new house and me, talking.

I'm in one of those blog lulls. Or maybe just an online lull. I have a lot on my mind; some of which I'd love to blog about, some of which I never will. But none of which I feel like writing about, right now.
Isn't that annoying? I think it is.

We've been at the new house a week now and I've not taken one picture with my camera. Sad.
I keep meaning to, but something distracts me, or I just don't feel like it. But because I like you all a lot and some of you have asked "where are the pictures of the new house?" I went ahead and ran outside and snapped a few.

    so that's not our house. This is the view from the front of our house. 

We're liking it here. Jason and the kids love it way more than I do... but I'm learning to love it.
I miss our amazing views at the old house. I miss looking out the windows and seeing over the tops of trees and getting that amazing view of Seattle every day.
I miss knowing what the weather is gonna do, before it does it and I miss being in a home that already has memories in it. Its fun to start over, but its hard to as well.
However, this place is pretty amazing. The kids play outside ALL day long. I have to bribe them at mealtime to get them in here. Its going to be hard on them when we start school next week. Although, I told them I will allow outside playtime after each subject for about 15 minutes. They seemed to like that idea. And since September looks to be full of glorious warm weather, I think we can even venture outside for school!

   one of the loooong driveways. We have one on each side of the house.

The zip line is super fun. Ethan is the best at it, Rachel tries to avoid it {though we've caught her trying it a few times when she thinks no one is looking} and Kara does a great job on it, but needs help to get going. She'll come in the house and say "Hey Mommy... what do you call it again?" and because I know exactly what she's talking about, I say "you mean the zip line?" she smiles, "yes! will you hold the rope and pull me on it?"
The pool looks amazing, but we haven't broken it in yet. The kids don't want to go in unless Jason and I are in it {good rule} and neither one of us have had the hankering to go swimming. I think we'll break it in this weekend though, as temps are supposed to be higher.

Getting used to the sounds in the "country" have been different, but fun. We hear the rooster crow every morning. Thankfully he lives pretty far up the hill, so to us, its a pleasant, faint sound.
We hear the neighbors horses gallop and neigh and make all the noises that horses make. Kara always tells me they're calling her :)
We walk over and feed them apples and visit them. So far Ethan and I are the only brave ones to feed them. The girls watch in awe and tell us how proud they are of our bravery.

this is our home. 

Right now Jason is mowing the front lawn and the kids are screaming with delight. Its funny to me what thrills them. He had horrible allergies in California and never could do our yard work and the two homes we've rented here have had yard service at them. Now we live on an acre of land and its our responsibility to keep the yards up. It would figure ;-)
We have a few painting projects to do, putting up some crown molding in the girl's bedroom and then we want to paint and "remodel" the play house before the weather gets all wintery on us.

I've been reading a lot more and can't figure out why. Maybe the quiet, peaceful atmosphere, I don't know. I've never been a major reader, but lately I finish one book, before anyone even notices I'm reading it.
Kristin Hannah novels have become a favorite "fun read" of mine. I love the way she writes and her books are usually pretty deep for fiction. I'm very picky when it comes to fiction, so I was surprised when I loved hers so much. John Grisham and Tom Clancy are the only other fiction books I've ever enjoyed.
Kristin Hannah's Winter Garden is amazing! I really hope they decided to turn it into a movie. I know who I'd pick to play all the roles too.
I'm reading Jerry Bridges The Gospel in Real Life  which has so far been very encouraging and convicting. I love Jerry Bridges.
For child raising type books I'm reading How to Behave So Your Children Will, too! I'm reading it for the second time and amazed at how much it feels like the first time all over again. Child raising books seem to be that way for me, because our kids change SO much! I really, really love this book and how simple and yet how helpful it is. My friend Gina gave it to me and its been one of the most helpful gifts I've ever received.
I highly recommend it.

these big bushes line the row of our driveways. I love them. 

So we've enjoyed our first week here and we're settling in quite well. Looking forward to our big BBQ on Monday {expecting about 40+ people} and then Jason's old coworker from California and his girlfriend will be up here visiting next week.
Its been a tiring week on the parenting front. I feel like I'm praying more each day for grace and patience than I ever have before. Dealing with some new issues and bad attitudes. Nothing God can't handle ;-)

Mom, you'll be happy to know, I finally put water in the bird bath :) 

my favorite spot on the front porch. 

I hope you've all had a great week 

and enjoy this LONG weekend!