Our NEW, OLD Life.

We're here. In the US again. Back in our old house. Back in our old lives.

Sort of...

We've changed.

Our home has changed.

Yet things are the same.

It's weird. Surreal even.

Regardless, this is our new chapter. With a new chapter comes a new blog.

It didn't feel right adding to the "Adventures in Chile" blog. That adventure has come to an end and new ones await us.

We begin our final year with our oldest son. As a senior in high school, he is preparing to start a huge new chapter in his life. We are leading and guiding him, but know the next few months bring lots of large decisions that he must make for himself. The direction that his life will take must be his decision. How exciting for him! I find such joy in watching him grow and decide. We are so proud of him and know that he will find success in anything that he does.

We see our baby blossoming. He's growing like a weed. Pants that fit him a little big the last week of June no longer will work. Not even close - and it's only like 7 weeks later! His voice is deep, his feet are huge, and his heart is still as big as ever! I love that he's transitioned into his 2nd new high school so easily.

I'm finding my way here. Learning patience with my home. I would love to run out and buy everything I want, but I really, really don't want to settle on just anything. So I must be patient. When something comes along that is perfect, I'll know it. Until then, we can do without.

Greg is happier here. His load has lessened. His commute is a fraction of what it was and he's home at a decent hour. He's had to travel most of the time we've been here, but promises that it will slow down. He's just trying to get caught up from our time abroad.

Scooter is thrilled to be home. He loves the big yard and doggie door. He's a happy old dog.

So yes. We are all happy, healthy, and adjusting to our newly remodeled, old home. It's new and improved but maintained all the charm it had that we fell in love with when we first walked in 13 years ago. I guess it's kind of like us. This experience has left us all a little "remodeled". We're essentially the same, but a little bit of us improved. We're all a little better. Wiser. Kinder. More Patient. A little less cluttered mentally, a lot more empathetic toward others, and much more grateful for what we have. We see the world through different eyes. It's a shiny new finish to our old selves. A new-and-improved version.

At least that's how this mama sees it! :)