That is what I have said to Mike all along. Poor man. There is no doubt the thought probably crossed his mind to just steal away in the night and leave me in good ol' Georgia. But, thankfully, if that thought did cross his mind, he didn't pay it any attention.
Because he delivered me and Jack and Amelia in Texas.
To be more specific ... Dallas.
It had been our plan for months to settle in a small town outside of Austin, but at the 11th hour (literally), our stars realigned and led the way to Dallas. At the risk of sounding premature, I must declare that I am falling in love with this city! I keep fighting the urge to pinch myself. Because, just in case this is all a happy dream, I sure don't want to wake up from it. We were blessed to have found a little house in one of the old neighborhoods right in town. It is the best of both worlds. I have everything that downtown Dallas has to offer, but I feel like we are living on a quiet, little street in some quiet, little town.
Our neighborhood has turned out to be nothing but wonderful. On the day we moved in, I met more neighbors than I have ever known in all my life. Everybody came over with offerings of help, advice, cookies, dinner, and wine. According to the life-long Dallasites I have met, that is very typical of this area.
Packing up our Georgia home was surprisingly easy. I only cried at the very end when all of the rooms were emptied, and I was doing the last (of at least 5) final walk-throughs.
Just before we rode away, I drug Mike up into the attic to help me write each of our initials on a rafter. I, of course, chose an inconspicuous spot on a rafter way in the back ... but a place that would eventually be seen. Seen, Lord willing, by someone who loves that house as much as we did.
As for our new little abode, I am finding it suits us very well. The first time I saw it in person was just before the moving trucks arrived. I was happy to see I had inherited twelve rosebushes and the most gigantic rosemary plant I have ever seen. The roses are scraggly as all get out, but by nature I am attracted to diamonds in the rough, and I wouldn't have been near as happy about those roses had they been perfectly manicured.
Like the outside, the inside of the house has proven to hold other little pieces of charm...
I also happened to inherit a pink kitchen. Yes, pink. Mamie pink. A 1950s Mamie pink kitchen, y'all. And well, it just deserves a post all it's own.
As for Jack and Amelia, they have handled the move without any hiccups. They have big neighborhood full of sidewalks, a backyard with a great climbing tree, and they are sharing a room with twin beds. And they are as happy as clams in butter. As a mother, I don't guess there is anything I need beyond that.
Welcome to Dallas. We moved here from Florida alittle over a year ago and must say we LOVE the area too. People are so friendly. We moved due to my husband's work and chose the north dfw area of Colleyville then Flower Mound due to the schools. We have good friends in Highland Park that made the move the same time as us that work with my husband. Hope you continue to enjoy the area.
Posted by: Debbie | December 07, 2011 at 08:50 PM
Yay! A post from Katie! So glad to see you finally arrived in Texas, and that the neighbours are so friendly.
Loving the pretty little details you have shared from your new abode!
Bless you all
Claire
Posted by: Heart Reflections Live | December 07, 2011 at 08:52 PM
Welcome to my home town. I've lived here almost all my life. We are in Lake Highlands area...if I had to guess you might be near Lakewood? Glad to know you settling in. Email with any questions... pediatrics referral etc...
Posted by: lucinda | December 07, 2011 at 09:02 PM
I am so glad you updated! I have been wondering where you went! :) I can't wait to see more pictures of your precious little home! The kids are getting so big! Are there any good thrift stores or Goodwill stores around y'all?
Posted by: Hollie | December 08, 2011 at 05:05 AM
So glad you posted! I miss your blog!! Please post more - it can be your Christmas present to all of us! lol
Posted by: Jessica @ This Blessed Life | December 08, 2011 at 05:10 AM
SO glad your back. I LOVE reading and I've missed your posts. So glad you're all settling down nicely in your new home. I love the pictures. It looks so peaceful there. I'm sure much different than Atlanta. :)
Posted by: Ashley Alford | December 08, 2011 at 06:13 AM
Oh my goodness, look how your babies have grown! I'm very glad you got your wish and that you have a home there before Christmas to make as lovely as your last one. If I remember, didn't you take the tile off of your old kitchen? Maybe this one will be losing its pink tile soon? :o) Congratulations on your move and Merry Christmas. Good to "see" you again here!
Posted by: Karen | December 08, 2011 at 07:39 AM
Welcome to Dallas!! I've been here since I was in 2rd grade. I live in the Rockwall/Rowlett/Mesquite area. Hope you and your family continue to enjoy the area.
Posted by: Renae | December 08, 2011 at 08:54 AM
I have been thinking about you the past week and wondering how in the world you were! So glad to hear that the move is over and went so smoothly! And that you are loving Texas is just great! So happy for you guys! AK & Jack are getting so big, I cant believe how much they've grown, especially sweet boy! He doesnt look like a baby anymore! Time for another one, dont ya think?!?!?!? :)
Posted by: Annie | December 08, 2011 at 11:43 AM
I was so happy to see that you were back! Jack has grown since August. Keep us updated on your sweet family. Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Kimberly | December 08, 2011 at 11:51 AM
EEEEE....I am so excited!!! When i saw you were moving to texas I secretly was hoping it was DALLAS!!! We are in Plano, but grew up in dallas!!!....
Hope we run into each other!!!!
Posted by: rosemary coursey | December 08, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Awwww.....so, I'm glad you are getting all settled in and all, but the real news is that Jack Jack has done growed up on us. And AK??? Well, get back, Jack. Seriously???? They've both grown a mile in your absence.
And see, that is why you need to blog more often. I'm pretty sure your kids won't grow so fast if you put up more regular pics of them.
Plus, I can't wait to see that pink kitchen! It sounds adorable.
Posted by: Julie, the Mama | December 08, 2011 at 12:20 PM
So glad you are back- welcome to Texas! Sad you aren't joining us in Austin, but you must come visit! I always eat Red, Hot and Blue and Twisted Root Burgers when I visit. TR has the best flavored root beers!
Posted by: Anna Jenkins | December 08, 2011 at 02:11 PM
Welcome to DFW! So fun that you are living in my neck of the woods now! I can't wait to get gardening tips from you now that we are in the same zone! Let me know if you try to plant any peonies! I did last year but, one one came up and it only grew 3 leaves! Sad little thing! :) My sister lives in Dallas near White Rock Lake in a wonderful neighborhood! I'm on the other side of the metroplex! I hope you'll come over this way and check out our FW museums and our downtown (its beautiful at Christmas) one of these days!
~ Ali
Posted by: Ali | December 08, 2011 at 02:36 PM
so glad y'all are getting settled (and so glad you found time to blog!) hope all continues to go smoothly for your sweet family!!
Posted by: Amy | December 08, 2011 at 06:48 PM
KATIE!!!! Oh how I have missed you girl!!! I have thought of you often over the past few months and hoping and praying that you were settling in well in Texas! I have two friends in the Dallas area and absolutely love it as well. Your new home sounds so wonderful and there's no doubt in my mind that the Lord saved that one just for you. I can't wait to hear (and see) more about it!!
And ohhhhhhh my heart sank just for a moment when I read about how emotional it was to pack up your GA house. I remember that feeling so vividly when we moved away from Charlotte.
I am so so so glad you're back and thank you for leaving comments on my blog this week. When I saw your name pop up it just made my day. How wonderful that we've been "friends" through both of our cross country moves in the past couple years. :)
Welcome Home friend!!! Love to the babies!
~Bri~
Posted by: Bri | December 08, 2011 at 06:51 PM
congratulations on a smooth move, a fabulous house and garden, beautiful children, and such a sunny outlook on life!
I'm so pleased you are there before Christmas. Now you can really make it your home.
xx
Posted by: sadie | December 09, 2011 at 01:54 AM
I am so glad you are back! I have always enjoyed reading your blog and have missed your updates. Thank you for the glimpse into life in Texas! Wishing you all the best on your new journey.
Posted by: Laura | December 09, 2011 at 10:47 AM
Welcome Home!!
I have lurked on your blog for quite some time. I was born and raised here, living in Plano now and it doesn't surprise me one bit about your neighbors showering you with love.
Some cute shopping spots to see depending where you live:
*Snider Plaza by SMU [Logos Christian Bookstore, Unmistakably Molly, Hip Hip Hooray, Peek in the Attic to name a few precious stores]
* All the cute shops along Knox and the trendier area along Henderson
*Dougherty's Pharmacy at Preston/Royal NW corner
*The Store in Lake Highlands
*Sample House
*All the cute places in the State Thomas area/Uptown
*Highland Park Village
*West Village
*Christmas lights in Highland Park and University Park
*Chocolate Soup Preston/Royal SE corner
I'm sure your neighbors have invited you to church, but let us know if you suggestions. We are blessed with amazing churches here.
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Beth | December 09, 2011 at 11:51 AM
So glad that you are back posting! Hope you are settled in and have a very Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Kelly | December 09, 2011 at 12:34 PM