Another summer, another move

Well, we're moving. Again. 

Apparently I need to blog more often. Or move less. Maybe both!

We moved last summer into a tiny rental house that my mom had so we would be closer to my parents while Jason was in Montgomery. Then, about a month ago, lightening hit that tiny house. Thankfully, the kids and I were at home. I know that sounds weird- yippee the kids were there when our house caught fire!-  but, really, if we hadn't been there, we likely would have lost everything to the fire. As it was, we just lost the electronics that were plugged up at the time. 

Well, that, and a place to live.

We've been crashing with my parents since. I'm beyond thankful, but I'm also ready to have my own space again. 

We are in the process of buying a manufactured home and having it put on our land. Not glamorous, but surprisingly beautiful! Hopefully we only have a few more weeks to wait, and I'll have pictures of our new (and hopefully final) house!

Life changes

This book is making me very uncomfortable. And challenging everything I am, everything I have ever done.

And it is wonderful and refreshing!

Backstory: a few weeks ago, the Hubby got a job offer that would require moving to Marion, Alabama. We had been toying with the idea of moving into my aunts old house that was currently empty. Another major downsize. Roughly 800 square feet for a family of four. But financially, the best move. 

Then the job offer. Marion doesn't really have the best schools, and with James getting ready to start kindergarten, it didn't seem like a good idea for all of us to move. So the little house made much more sense! It's small, yes, but it would just be me and the kids! And it's right across the road from my mom and dad. 

But here's the problem- it's a little single wide mobile home. It's old. And it looks just like an old single wide trailer. I'm pretty house-proud. I want curb appeal. I love driving through neighbor hoods looking at beautiful homes and landscaping. And this little house really hurt my pride.

Enter 7.

Jen Hatmaker has both convicted me and validated the decisions we've made. It's not about who has the cutest house- but who opens their doors to the lonely. It's not about who has the cutest clothes- it's about clothing yourself with humility and clothing the homeless. It's not about the stuff- it's about the Savior!

I'm not saying I'm there. Two bedrooms for a family of four can be challenging. And right now- what with improvement projects in both houses and getting Jason ready to go to Marion, we are not even seeing the financial benefits. But I feel that this was the best decision for us, and I feel that God is really trying to teach me something big.

So my house might be tiny- but the doors are open! Feel free to come by for coffee! :-)

The only thing constant is change

Big changes are in the works for the Bennett clan.

We are moving!

No panic- we are just moving across town. No PCS, no moving company. But the move does entail another downsize. This time to a two bedroom, 870 sq ft house. I am both thrilled and terrified! I have always loved the idea of small living. I love the idea of a sustainable, off grid tiny house.

The idea, anyway.

The reality- well, we will see. 

The truth is, we are a family of four, with two large dogs. I am an only child and an introvert, who requires alone time to keep my sanity. But the opportunity is there, and financially, we just can't say no! I'm not exactly sure when the move will happen, but I know it will be sometime before August! So, stay tuned! :-)

Moving... for real this time!

The Bennetts are moving! Again. For real this time!

I realize that I made this same announcement this time last year... but I'm serious this time! Well,I was actually serious last time, but we couldn't sell the house. We still can't, but this time, that's OK!

We have decided to rent our house in Mobile, and we will be renting a house in Oxford. It's the best decision as long as the housing market is like it is. The best part is, we won't actually be paying rent! The house in Oxford needs a lot of work, mostly aesthetic, and we're going to be doing the work in leu of rent. Pretty cool, huh?

It's going to mean downsizing, and a lot of work, but it is the same stuff we've been doing to the house in Mobile, just without that pesky mortgage note!

I'm really excited to be going back home. Except...

I'm a little sad. This is the only house my kids have ever known! This is where we brought them home from the hospital. They both took heir first steps here. We worked ridiculously hard to make this house a home for our family, and now we're leaving it behind! That's difficult for me to wrap my brain around.

But I'm still going home.

And we'll make that house a home too... until we're ready to build our dream house! And then, we'll do it all again! :-)