Feels Like Home....

After several requests for photos of our new house, I've compiled some snapshots taken during the past month -- some from right after we bought it, before moving in...and some in recent days, as we gradually furnish the house. We've acquired some lovely "new" things, either from very generous friends and family, or from craig's list online, to help "fill up" our new, significantly larger home.

Kitchen shots, taken before moving in -- We love the sun room off the kitchen. This is where the boys can often be found, either doing art projects or having a snack.

This first photo below shows the living room and the area we've made an office, by the double doors.

Another glimpse of the living room, prior to moving in. I love the light that shines in during the afternoon.

The next several photos below are of some of the furnishings we've added since moving in. Dave and Myra Thompson graciously gave us a lovely sectional couch (we've separated the sections to make a couch and love seat). Here, Gordon and Gary relax on the couch.

Gary found this dining room table with chairs and hutch on craig's list for a great price. The sellers included an older, large screen television for the low, low price of $0! And to our surprise, it works. The boys enjoy watching movies on the big screen. I love our dining room now -- we finally have a home large enough to host dinner parties. This furniture is Scandinavian; the table extension slides out from under the table to allow seating for six.

Our dear friends, Shawn and Alicia Rosti gave us a nice, gas grill and this lovely patio set. I've lost count of how many times we've grilled...and nearly every meal has been enjoyed outside, on this table and chairs ~ we love it! The blue kids' picnic table in the background was given to us by Ryan and Kelly Richmonds a few years ago ~ also a well-loved, much-used gift.

Gary found another great deal on craig's list ~ this full size bed for Gordon. We decided to buy a larger bed for him so his room can serve as a guest room when friends and family visit from out of town. It's a nice bed, in great shape -- though it appears to have originally been the lower bunk to a twin/full bunk bed. No worries; it's very comfortable and clean.

Gary and Gordy, ready to read bedtime stories.

Another fantastic craig's list bargain: this desk is a great place for me to keep all my "clutter," and allows work space for the day when I find time to draw and paint again. It was made in France ~ the woman who sold it to us was moving back after living here for a year, and didn't want to have to haul it back overseas. I love it.

Here are photos of the master walk-in closet and bathroom. Gary and I love all the space in our room! The master bedroom, closet, and bathroom together equal more than half the size of our entire old house. The bathroom has a large shower and two sinks, with ample natural light from the skylight ~ love it!

The master bedroom is so spacious ~ we still pinch ourselves daily that we now have so much room. We enjoy a nice view of the foothills, and our neighborhood is noticeably quiet, with only the sound of crickets and the ceiling fan at night.

The stairwell is very open and light, with the "Romeo & Juliet" window providing additional light into the master bedroom, as well as a nice view of the driveway and cul-de-sac out our front door.

The boys' bathroom also has a skylight and full bathtub/shower.

Here's another picture of Gordon's room. We've yet to buy blinds for any of the windows yet, but that's among many chores on our 'to do' list.

And finally, here is Grayson's bedroom. All the rooms upstairs have vaulted ceilings, which provide an even more spacious feeling throughout.

Not much has been hung on the walls, and we've only started to decorate beyond basic furnishings, but we are definitely feeling at home in our new house. The previous owners put in new carpet, painted inside and out, put in a new water heater, and re-shingled the roof prior to our purchase. We are so very fortunate and thank God for blessing us with our beautiful home.