We are building a HOUSE!

So....Justin and I have been looking for a new home since December 2011. Our little home has been good to us for the past 3 years, but we are looking for something with more room and more land. We have looked at some many houses on realtor.com and stalked that app daily, but things would either sell before we could look at it or weren't what we were looking for in a long term home. My mom suggested the idea of building a house, and I didn't really think we could afford to do so. I guess mom's always do know best, because we checked into it, and we can build a home.... it will be brand new for about the same price of buying a house. :)

The key to this being a success was buying land for a good price. In our area, land is NOT cheap and it is very RARE. If lots are available, it will take lots of $$$$ to make it level and liveable. God truly blessed us with our property from one of Justin's customers. We initially purchased another lot that we ended up having to back out of because the estimate to clear the land was outrageous. Getting to a point where we would actually build a house had many ups and downs, and I know the roller coaster has just begun. Even knowing that building a house can be very stressful and trying on a marriage, we are so excited and truly blessed to be given this opportunity!

Flooding....

Just for documentation purposes, I discovered a leak from our bathroom into the hardwood floors in our dining area on Sunday. :( I was vacuuming when I noticed the color change in our floors. I called Justin over to see, and when he stepped on the floors we could hear the water. Long story cut short, the homeowner before us did not properly secure the plumbing causing a to ruin our wall and floor. For now, we are living without a wall and flooring

Here's to hoping for better luck in the future...

SCHOOL is in SESSION!

I started back to work on August 13, and the students joined us on August 17th. I was sad to see summer go, but I am just so grateful to have had a break. I am at a new school this year, so I wanted to document a few photos of my new classroom...

Summer Fun

Have I mentioned how much I am loving being off this summer??? I have been blessed to have some R & R, and I have also traveled to spend time with my friends and family. It has so much fun to just pick and go!

It was so much fun to get together with some of the girls that I graduated high school with eight years ago! Geez...where did the time go?

I traveled with my mom to see my sister, Alycia's, new house in the NOLA area. We had a great time helping her shop for home decor, visting where she works, and meeting some of her friends.

The last stop on the trip was my baby sister, Alexis', cheerleading camp at NSU.

Jody and Ashley's Wedding!

Some of our close friends, Ashley and Jody [now] Smith, got married last night! Here are few pics from the fun night.

I must say I'm pretty proud of myself for blogging much more often! :) Hopefully I can keep it up past the summer!

I'm an Aunt! :)

My sis-in-law, Haley, had her sweet baby girl today!

Introducing Miss Hadley Alyse:

Hadley entered the world at 2:42 PM weighing at 8lbs 1oz and 19 inches long. She's perfect! :)

Cruisin' In Style

My sweet mom decided to take the entire family on a Cruise to Mexico. It was WoNdErFuL! :) It was so much fun to have all of my sisters with us plus all the good food and entertainment. Lots of great memories were made on this trip!

On the ferry ride to the Gavelston Port

About to load the ship

Getting off to port in Cozumel

Passion Island in Cozumel

Captain's Dinner

Mom and her girls