We are expecting . . .

. . something big. And I'm going to let it be known now. It's been so very hard for me to keep this in, but I didn't want to jinx myself by telling. So I've been a (fairly) good girl and have not told the whole world (yet). This is why I have not posted in a few days. I knew if I would, I would end up telling before I probably should be doing so.

So what is the big news? Well, I really feel like we have been led on a new wonderful journey. Things have fallen into place way too easily, and with that, I have learned that all this is definitely meant to be.

We are going to BUILD A NEW HOUSE!

How is that for more unexpected news from me?! I don't think I have ever lived in a house newer than 40 years old.

The moment I got the news on the phone from Neil that we were not going to Miami, I was heading, for the first time to my friend, Leann's new home, that she and her husband, Joe, finished building right around Thanksgiving time. When I walked into her house that day, she knew I was upset about something. I told her and then she said "Valerie, you know what? You guys should build . . . right here." Not serious at all, I said "yes, wouldn't that be great?!". Her home was beautiful, and it was her kitchen that I showed here a few weeks ago. My "I'm dreaming of a big kitchen" post.

On my way home that evening, I called Neil. I told him that I think we should maybe consider building because we never had thought about it before. We were already prepared to be selling our house, moving far away, re-establishing our family, work, and so on. Why not? I guess he pondered it the rest of the day at work, because when he got home he talked about it more and said he actually wanted to figure up our budget to see if it's even something we should consider.

The next few days I dreamed and dreamed while he calculated. I even met with a realtor who showed me around brand new homes for sale so I could see what's out there. I saw 4 different subdivisions and kept going back in my mind to this one certain one . . . Leann's, called Walden Pond. It was dreamy and so "me". The homes were spread out well, each were different and not "cookie cutter", the subdivision was away from town making this subdivision like a small town where everyone knew each other (that is how our neighborhood is now and I love it), everyone has kids, everyone's back yards are basically everyone's, there is a big beautiful park across the street, and we already have friends there.

So, then just a few days ago we met with the owner of the lots in Walden Pond. The pressure was on us at that point to buy. I had the thought "let's do it!" and Neil was thinking more logically "can we do it?". So then we met last night with a builder (the first of three to meet with). We sat and talked to him for an hour. He told us we were right in budget for a house the size we want with the rooms and features that we want. He threw out a great pitch! Now we just have to pick the builder with the best bid with best quality for the least amount of money.

I am so freaking excited! What has been laid in front of us is amazing. An opportunity I never thought I would see. Things are just working out so well. Friday night we are meeting with the lot owner to put in our offer and hopefully sign the papers to buy! We will then close as soon as possible! Oh my God, we are going to build!!!!

We will live in this amazing school district. One of the best in Illinois. That is the most exciting part to me. But of course I think about all the reasons why this is meant to be, and it excites me, too. Like my driving to Leann's the moment I get "the Miami news", and the fact that the street we will live on is named after the park next to my grandparent's old home where I grew up going to as a kid, that we would live across from the fabulous park that I can use like it's my own backyard for photo shoots. There's just so much that tells me we are doing the right thing. Yeah, our budget will be tight the first few years, but it's totally worth it, moving from a 70+ year old home where we have put $20,000 of work into (not because we wanted to), to be able to move into a new house. Also worth it because the kids will get an excellent education. And especially worth it because we will still be close to friends and family, and we will be moving someplace where we will be next to people who are already friends and then have the opportunity to meet a whole bunch of new ones. It's just all so exciting. I am PUMPED! Did I say "pumped"?! Yes, embarrassingly, I did.

So here are the very first pictures of our (in 5-6 months) NEW HOME!

I have to end with this - God is soooo good!

This is the subdivision where we will live. I just love the name, "Walden Pond". Sounds blissful to me . . .

Chel, this one is for you. This is OUR LOT where OUR HOUSE will one day sit SO VERY SOON! Isn't it pretty?!?!

It again! We will be on a cul-de-sac. And that is Leann's house (fron the back) that you see! They will be our backyard neighbors!! I have to really quickly explain Leann. She is from my home town. She is about 7 years older than me and she was my babysitter. Not only MY babysitter, but Neil's too! Leann, Neil and I all grew up within a few miles from one another. I never saw Leann again until I was pregnant with my daughter. I was in search of a doula and found Leann. I got in contact with her, not knowing it was her because her last was different. When we put two-and-two together during email, we were flabbergasted! You cannot tell me that was not a true blessing! So it was she that got me through my pregnancy and L&D with Maia. Leann is the best there is, not just as a doula, but as a wonderful friend. We've been so close every since. And now we will be neighbors and friends forever!?! Pure craziness I tell ya but none other than work of the Big Man upstairs!

And this is the entrance of the park across the street. A big beautiful park to house hundreds of fun days for my children and hopefully hundreds of photography shoots for my biz.

I still cannot believe we are going to do this!