Sometimes, you don't always get what you want.

I stole the title of this post from my 8-year-old self. This was sort of a mantra in my family as I was growing up--a silly thing us kids would say when things didn't go our way. Well, I've been thinking about it a lot lately because it sure is true. Sometimes things just don't happen the way you planned--or even the way you hoped. And that is definitely the case as we continue our adventure in house hunting. Last week, we made our tenth offer on the tenth house we imagined calling "home." It's a weird thing because after, say, offer number 4 or 5, you want to become calloused to making offers (since we do it more often than we shower some weeks), but you have to take each one just as seriously as the first. So every time we go through the process: plotting where we'd put our furniture, listing out the projects, talking through the pros and cons, seeking advice from my parents, and talking to our friends about the possibility that perhaps this could be the one. And every time it's ended in disappointment. A roller coaster, yes. A process MUCH longer, harder, and more exhausting than we ever imagined, yes. A reminder that God is in control of every detail of our lives; a challenge to trust Him completely and not rely on our own understanding--YES. But here's the thing: I really, truly believe that it is in the hardships that we can best glorify him. In our attitudes, in our perspectives, and in our gratitude when he answers long-awaited prayer. Yes, sometimes we don't always get what we want, but that is what gives us an even deeper appreciation for all of the lavish blessings God does choose to pour upon us.

So, in the spirit of thankfulness, here are some things I am grateful for during this season:

• My kids are thriving at grandma and papa's house. They are forming bonds that will last their entire lifetime.
• My parents are so, so gracious to us. We have been here 5 months. They continue to make us feel welcome, to consider our needs ahead of their own often times, and to pray with us as we search for our next house. It's sort of hard to imagine, but I really think they mostly enjoy having us here (even though we have basically taken over their house!).
• Even though my parents' place is under construction, it is really like staying at a resort. We are LOVING the pool, the playground, and all the room to play outside. It's really not such a bad way to spend your day.
• Back to the construction: Miraculously, my daughter can sleep through pounding nails, sledgehammers, and table saws. It's amazing. There are moments when I'm frustrated by the noise or mess, but then I remember that I had plenty of moments of frustration with my old home, and it wasn't even under construction!
• Kevan and I are doing GREAT as a couple through this time of transition. Lots of good things happening there, and I am so thankful for that.
• Kevan is loving the opportunity to glean from my dad. Dinner together every night, late night discussions, Saturday work days...plenty of opportunities to talk and learn.
• And I love hanging with my mom so much. It's like living with your best friend. I know I will miss this A LOT when we are (finally!) gone.

Wow, I am just getting started! But that's good for now. I write this so that, in my moments of discouragement, I am reminded of all that GOOD that is taking place during this season of unknowns.

I leave you with some long overdue pictures of us moving out. I miss you, Southgate house. But, as we moved out our furniture and toys and pictures, I realized that you are just a shell. A cute shell, but no longer our home. We will find a new place and fill it with memories and all the things that make up "us"....and it will be home.

Kevan packing up our "PODS"

The kids hanging on the porch while we packed boxes

One last chance to play in the yard (Vic is on his way to pick up the keys!)


Saying goodbye to their room

Silly family pictures (I love you, french doors)

Bye-bye to our first home! You were so good to us...we look forward to seeing where we will plant our roots next!