Renovations and updates

I'd been itching to redecorate our living and dining rooms since the start of the new year. Alex encouraged me to do so in a creative way without dipping into our monthly budget, so I purged our nooks and crannies, selling a slew of old furniture and vintage decor from our wedding on Craigslist in order to acquire new pieces for our little home. Nearly five months later, and we have two newly renovated spaces that feel more airy, gender neutral, and kid-friendly. So thankful we have a place we can more enthusiastically call home. Alex loves the renovations, and the kids do too. I still feel like the rooms are not fully finished, but I suppose that is usually the case since homes continually evolve over time. I wanted to incorporate the kids into the making of our new space, so I commissioned Serene to paint on a big white canvas that we hung above one of our couches. She left a bunch of white space though, so I'm thinking once Valor can grip a paintbrush, he can add onto the canvas. Room tours to come in future posts, perhaps.

Really though, I can't believe it is already almost May. Life has been a whirlwind. Alex left for a one-and-a-half week missions trip to the Philippines a couple of weeks ago, which was the longest we've been apart since we've been married. Caring for two kiddos two years old and under without him was no easy task. So blessed by our families, church family, and friends who came alongside to encourage us while Alex was ministering in the Philippines. Thankful for the opportunities God provides for Alex to make Him known at our local church and elsewhere.

Wedding season is here, full force, and I'm blessed to help with our family's finances by coordinating weddings. I love seeing all the details come together and ensuring events run smoothly. Between event planning for our apartment community, loved ones' milestones, and weddings, it is an ongoing rhythm we've grown accustomed to and are embracing. So grateful I get to do what I love with the ability to be home with the kids. The next major milestone for our little family is Valor's birthday. Our littler love turns one next week! Praising God for the abundant grace I cannot fully articulate in a blog post. His kindness knows no end.