Home, sweet (cozy lovely) home

My girls are "camping out" tonight-- in the backyard, that is. It is SO nice to live in a neighborhood where such things are possible! Something so simple that lots of kids do, but back in Warren, in that apartment, there would have been no way. I am so thankful that God opened up the doors to this house for us. Every time I step out onto my front porch, push Erin on the swings out in our yard, sit outside at night and actually hear silence, I just feel like I'm dreaming. Is this really where I live?! It can't be... It's such an adorable house! A little small, but I think it's cozy, and there's plenty of room for us. The yard is huge and there's just so much beauty everywhere; bushes right outside TJ and Karry's bedroom window that get gorgeous pink flowers in the spring, and lilac bushes in the back, and a cute little shady corner with a white picket fence that's perfect for sitting with a book and watching the girls play. And the girls have had such a wonderful summer here, riding bikes, running around in the yard, making new friends. We were able to get them a swingset and a kiddie pool, which we were never able to do at the apartment either. Being so close to church is really a blessing too. I'll be able to go to Dare to Care and take the girls to Discovery Club this fall without having to worry about using too much gas, or being so constrained for time, since it's now a 5 minute drive instead of 20. We are right down the road from Jeff and Karen too, who are probably our closest friends. I am just so happy here! And I feel so blessed. So many of my dearest prayers have been answered. I feel like I don't deserve any of this. Why is God so good to me? But I guess no one deserves the good things God gives them. We all sin and fall short. I'm glad that I love and serve such a kind and loving God. I am more determined than ever to be obedient to Him, and to keep reading His word every day so that my faith will grow even stronger.