Update...the light is getting brighter :-)

The light at the end of this LONG tunnel is finally getting brighter. We've set the move date with Beth and I moving on Feb. 9 and Janet on Feb. 10. We close on the old house on Feb. 15...can you say perfect timing? There is so much going on at the moment as the builder tries to finish up so many things at the new house.

We're all excited, exhausted and all of the above. It's been a very long journey.

Here are a few of my observations about this journey. We have learned so much over the past 2 1/2 years....yes...you're reading that correctly. The stress has been unimaginable at times. Honestly, there have been times that we've both wondered if this was all worth it. However, the excitement of seeing this project come to life is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Seeing such a special place rise from the ground is amazing...and seeing our thousands and thousands of choices all working together...harmony...it's very hard to explain.

It's comforting to know that we'll have a place that we can all spend the rest of our lives in the security and safety of family together. I see the relief that Beth feels (we both feel) knowing Janet will be with us enjoying her life and new space. Janet has the best of both worlds...her privacy which she so dearly values and our presence just a door away if we're needed. We're looking forward to shared times and family interaction with both families.

And...how about those 3 beautiful dachshunds? Oscar, Felix and Cooper will have their own yard in less than 10 days. They are so unaware of what is about to happen to them. So much adjustment for them (for all of us). I can't wait to see them run around the yard for the first time. No more leashes - - - their free! :-) Or see them...use the doggy door...play ball in the yard...these will be very special times. Our hope is that they do not eat all the pecans from the tree and look like small Goodyear blimps! LOL!

Let's not forget Mr. Max...Janet's beautiful cat who has held on so much longer than anyone ever anticipated...he'll be able to once again spend time outside on the screen balcony like he did on Lake Conroe. He can look down from the balcony and torment the doxies! LOL!

We are so looking forward to getting back to "normal" lives. O.K...."our normal!" No longer consumed with the house build but enjoying the results. No more temporary space for Janet. No more feeling like we're "in between" but finally home. It will take time to settle...boxes...manuals! But...at least we will be finally home. And, we can begin to focus on the future and enjoy the present.

We look forward to sharing our home with so many friends and family. We hope it's a place where people can come and feel warmth, love, friendship and comfort. While everyone will not appreciate the modern elements, it will be a place that invokes emotion, feeling and response. Most importantly it will be a place that welcomes all to enjoy!

I thought this point in the project would feel like such a finality. However, I find myself seeing all of the possibilities and next steps. The new discoveries that will come from living in the space...the new sense of design, interaction, and materials all around us. We do know every square inch of this home...and I have to say that's a very interesting feeling to understand the elements of the home both inside and out.

So...I ramble. The next 15 days or so will be crazy but then we're pretty used to that. My burning question...I wonder what it will finally feel like to look up at the ceiling on the night of Feburary 9th and realize that we made it. I'll let you know!

Thank you all for sharing this journey with us...

T.