New House Soon, hopefully!

Well, when we first decided to move up here Derrick and I came shopping for houses. We decided to build a new house and we signed the papers in August, with the plans saying our house would be finished by the end of February. So, we thought we would save money and get the smallest and cheapest apartment to last us for a few months while our house was being built. Well, here we are in mid-December and they still haven't started on the house we chose to build. The home builder keeps telling us they are waiting for the permits to come back, but we aren't 100% sure what is going on. So, Derrick and I prayed about it and took the time to look around at other houses and other home builders. During that time we found our new soon to be home! It was a home that another family built but they weren't able to sell their current house so they had to back out of their contract. We are scheduled to close on this home in January, if everything goes OK. So far there have been minor things within the house that they have been working to fix, before we can close and move in. This house is big enough for us to grow into and have lots of kids, or guests!! :)
This is going to be the best kitchen ever!
There is one guest room and the other 2 plus the master are right down the hall.
This is the living room with a fireplace
Huge bonus room!

We have been so blessed since we have moved up here. We have a great church and Derrick and I have met some pretty cool people to hang out with! Derrick is doing amazing at his job, when he isn't wrecking a vehicle, blowing a couple of tires, or getting his van broken into (yes- all this happened to Derrick. The poor thing has had some awful luck the last 2 weeks). Now God has blessed us with this beautiful house and we will be sure use it to glorify him. Our doors will always be open to anyone who needs something! There are many times that I drive into work with the radio off and just talk to God. Living up here isn't always easy but it makes me stop and rely on God a lot more. Maybe that is why God moved us up here. I know it is hard for me to let go and trust in God 100%, but since we have been through the whole process of selling a house, moving, buying a new house, and meeting people-- I have had to give it all to God many many times. Keep praying for me and Derrick as we continue our journey up here.

First Snow in Ohio!

So, last night the news was calling for 1-3 inches of snow in our area. I was wondering if I would wake up to snow or if the meteorologists here are like the ones back in TN and we would wake up to nothing but bitter cold weather. Well, to our surprise we woke up to a beautiful layer of snow. It snowed all morning and quit around 2:00 and then started back around 4:00 and snowed for a couple more hours!
My car and Derrick's van covered in snow
A Christmas tree across from our apartment

This was Max's first snow so when we took him out this morning he ran out like normal but when he hit the snow he slowed way down. He walked a little funny and was sniffing around until he got used to it. He would stick his nose in the snow and sniff the ground and when he brought his head up he would have snow all over his nose.
Max playing in the snow!


It took me 2 hours to get to work this morning when it normally takes me around 30 minutes, max! I was the only one who was late- everyone else knew what to expect. Also, I was the only one who didn't wear some type of snow boots and then change into my dress shoes after I got to work. I just wore my normal shoes and had snow all in them as I walked through the parking lot! I guess for Christmas I should be asking for snow boots and a snow shovel!

Derrick and I went out this evening and built a snowman for my niece. It is Frosty the Snowman and he is wearing a "magic hat." It was freezing and our hands are still hurting from the cold! The snow here is beautiful and sparkles but it is a dry snow and doesn't pack very well. We would have to get a handful of snow and hold it tight so it would form a ball. We would make a small ball and then have to run in and wrap our hands in a towel so our fingers wouldn't fall off!
Our snowman!



Enjoy the pictures!!!