April 26, 2011

The Waiting is the Hardest Part

 We are here. All the waiting and sacrificing is over. We are in love. Head over heels in love. This swing was one of our first purchases. Emma and I sat in it for an hour yesterday talking and dreaming. I think it might be one of the most important things I've ever bought.

 The last week and a half has not been without it's overwhelming moments and unpleasant surprises...but...it's all worth it. We LOVE this house. We are thrilled with our choice. Yes, we have work to do around here, more than we even realized, but we are so excited about bringing our cottage up to its full potential. We keep repeating this phrase to ourselves "One room at a time". It's our mantra. Of course it is nearly impossible for me to focus on one room at a time. I'm not really built that way.

I have managed to paint the trim and walls in both of the girl's rooms and I will share pictures when we get some little things wrapped up. Today I start painting the family room. Don't normal people finish unpacking before they paint? Not me apparently. I just slide the boxes out of the way and paint around them.

I hope you are all well. I hope to be around much more. There is so much I want to share with you.

35 comments:

  1. I'm off to work but I just wanted to say, congratulations and welcome home. I look forward to seeing you progress (love the swing). May God bless you with many happy, memory filled years in your new home.

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  2. Congratulations on your move! What an exciting time. Enjoy the process--and that swing!

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  3. So very happy for you and your family! I look forward to seeing your beautiful cottage unfold with each new post. The swing is absolutely perfect!

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  4. Why unpack when you can paint!!??
    Have fun! Enjoy!

    xo Jeanne
    http://beeskneesbungalow.blogspot.com/

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  5. Not only do I paint before I unpack, but I hang pictures BEFORE the paint is dry. There is no cure for this type of illness.

    I like your mantra. When you are feeling overwhelmed because you want to do more than one room first, go grab Emma and head to the swing.

    I eagerly await pictures of your precious new cottage.

    xoxo, Julia

    http://mizjuneytalks.blogspot.com

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  6. Nice to hear from you today! Love that swing!
    Happy painting!
    xo~Jill

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  7. I am so happy for you and your family. I am looking forward to seeing your home and changes as you progress...
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  8. i am so happy for you. i would paint first too and then unpack. i can't wait to see the rooms as they get their special touches. the swing it the perfect spot for talking and dreaming.

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  9. How wonderful and exciting! Your dog is gorgeous and your swing wonderful. Blessings to you.

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  10. keep calm and carry lilacs! mmmmm! i love to read your writing. happy you "checked in"

    as my mom would say, mazel tov! which means good luck, good health.

    xo
    elyse

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  11. Can hardly wait to see the cottage become YOUR cottage :)

    And of course you paint before you unpack! We did that in our last place, painting the spare bedroom that was to become the library because it made no sense to unpack a room's boxes of books only to move them to paint, later.

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  12. a swing like that is the best....whenever i go to my moms in the summer, that is what i do.........we so need one {worth every penny!}......love to swing!!!

    xo

    have fun!!

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  13. that is awesome my friend!!
    & your photos are rockin gorgeous!!!

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  14. I am excited for you ! I can't wait to see how you transform your cottage !

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  15. I'm so glad the waiting is over. It sounds like you intend to enjoy the nesting process. When it gets overwhelming...go sit in the swing!

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  16. It's so gorgeous and green! Spring is just the perfect time to start your new life in your cottage.
    Can I make a reservation for some swing time? Looks dreamy, JJ!

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  17. What a beautiful area to add your swing! Cannot wait to see more pictures of your home redo. We will be in the process of a bedroom redo ourselves next month...more like the end of May, early June and will start posting before and after pics. Take care, Janice

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  18. hurray for you!!!

    it's much more exciting to paint than unpack boxes....paint now while you have the momentum going. the boxes will still be there.

    can't wait to see pics!

    nanne in columbus, indiana

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  19. Yea and Congrats! I love getting into a new home...all the possibilities. Have fun with the decorating. It's all about the creative process! Look forward to you sharing the steps.
    Blessings,
    Courtney

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  20. I can't wait to see the pictures! How fun and the yard looks great with the flowers. I love to sit and listen to the birds and talk with my kids and husband.

    ~Shanon

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  21. Can't wait to see things progress. Don't rush and fret too much over all the work. Enjoy each piece of it and things will all come together. And when all else fails, pop some ibuprofen when the painting starts to hurt your back. :)

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  22. I feel so excited for you. I could almost smell the lilacs. So pretty!

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  23. May your new home be filled with laughter and joy and the love of a generous family! (I think you might already have that.)

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  24. knew you were nesting...making this house your home. good for you. be in the moment, Jen, you are realizing a dream come true. so happy for you!

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  25. Hi Jen! Your swing, and the setting, are beautiful! What a lovely spot to sit and wile away the afternoon with your sweet girl.
    I think now is a great time to do your painting. You don't have to worry about getting paint on any of your things. And your going to have it done. That is going to feel good!
    I can't wait to see how everything is going to look! How exciting!!
    Hope you have a wonderful day!
    Beth.

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  26. tell me about it. ;o) love that you have flowers ... we're still waiting for green things! enjoy your spring!

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  27. I'm so happy for you that your dream is coming true, I also believe that swings and porch rocking chairs are one of the most important investments (not just purchases)! Congrats on everything, and I'm just dying to see pics, but take your time and just enjoy!! :)

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  28. Love the swing...flowers...yard. Can't wait to see the pics of the inside.

    Congrats :)

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  29. Many many congratulations on this dream come true, wishing you all lots and lots of happiness and fun times in your new home.

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  30. How exciting to finally start the nesting process. It will be fun to watch you put your own stamp on your vintage cottage.

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  31. I'm so happy for you Jen!! We are like on the same page...we are moving into our li'l cottage home this weekend and I'm so very excited it is our first home...I do still hope you have that ball jar I sent you...along time ago. Congrats...would it be ok to post a picture of Maddie's old room? I wanted to give an example of quiet moments on my blog.

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  32. This place looks gorgeous already! It's so exciting to put your stamp on a new home. It is looking dreamy.

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  33. beautiful! stunning! I love the swing. i can not wait to see what you are up to in the house!

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  34. sooooooooooooooooooooo happy for you!!!! YAY!!!! and I LOVE LOVE LOVE your swing!!!! I am buying a VERY similiar one for my wrap porch!!! Great minds think alike :)
    xoxo
    Kristi

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