I had the great joy and honor of attending my sister’s second birth. You may recall her first child entering this world, and the epic four-day long labor we spent at the hospital.  This pregnancy, there were many hours lifting my sweet sister and this new baby up in prayer–praying that the Lord would grant her grace, strength, and a much more “simplistic” labor experience. To be honest, my sweet sister was worried. Her first pregnancy she was near fearless, and I’m certain that attitude got her through those extreme four days. But then that first experience caused emotions that really needed to be sifted through. She realized she was afraid this round. We talked through those fears on a rational level. I encouraged her—she’s a machine! Her body performed more amazingly than I imagined humanly possible with her first. We all assured her that this pregnancy would be different. She is not a birthing anomaly! And then there was the conquering of fears on a spiritual level. The Lord was so so good to her…He held her up during that first labor experience (He supported me and Adam as well!) and He brought Lilah safely into this world. He is there. She could could let go of fear, and put it in His hands.

I received the call that she had been laboring perfectly and beautifully for a few hours one Saturday afternoon, and then I received another call that night. Things were really picking up. We were thrilled that her body was doing what it was made to do! The Lord was answering our prayers already. We made it to the hospital around midnight, and my sister beautifully worked to bring her little one into the world. After a couple holdups and bumps in the road, he arrived that next afternoon. It was a long labor, but hey, it was shorted by about 3 days! Praise be to God! Levi shocked us all weighing in around 10 pounds…and what a handsome guy.

Being with my sister and her husband during those long and intimate hours was such a gift, and I will treasure those first moments face-to-face with my nephew. He looked me right in the eyes, and I thanked God for His great mercy that He extended upon us.

Ashley had a certain song on repeat through her pregnancy; a song that brought her comfort and peace as she prepared to face her fears. She requested this song for the slideshow below:

Have you ever had an idea that constantly taps you on the shoulder? Months turn to years, and it hasn’t left you. That tapping has transformed into a dream. It becomes your crazy idea that wakes you up at night and makes your heart yearn from time to time. Finally, courageously, you voice it. In those moments you realize the tapping, the dream, that semi-crazy idea, has now manifested into a true possibility.

But now the question arises–are you prepared to take the leap of faith?

We found the perfect home nine years ago after a grueling 10 month daily search. Finally we found her. She was a gorgeous red cedar home, with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two solariums with giant windows streaming in natural light, a cul-de-sac location on over half an acre. “Pinch us, surely we’re dreaming,” we thought! We had searched for our perfect home–one that boasted character and had the perfect “bones” for what we wanted to make of it. This was it.

We spent months removing wallpaper and painting before moving in, and then life went on. The years went by faster than expected. We welcomed our fourth child upstairs in our bedroom. Our sweet neighbors rejoiced at the news. From this house I began my photography business. Many clients have entered through our door for meetings, sessions, or simply coffee. Wonderful traditions were started with friends. We were the home who hosted eight years of Friendsgiving each fall, and on the fourth of July, our backyard hill can be found sprinkled with children playing games, patiently waiting for darkness to fall. Our hill has some of the best views of the local fireworks. These memories have been priceless to us…

A few years ago it hit us–we are in a unique situation. We homeschool our children, Brett’s work can be done where there is wifi, and I can take photos anywhere in the world. We don’t have to look at local school systems or worry about daily commute. And we crave adventure. Our family loves the outdoors and exploring nature, food, and cultural experiences. While discussing our five year plan together last summer we realized, “Our years with our babies are passing fast. Our daughter may not even be around in five years! Let’s make the most of it. Let’s give them experience.” And that has been the anthem of my heart–less stuff, more experience. Last fall, after hearing me talk about it yet again, Brett looked at me and said, “Let’s do it,” and the wheels were set in motion. We decided to try it out and take the steps towards our next dream. And now, our home we love on the market.

Here’s the kicker…

We are not proclaiming “WE ARE MOVING.” People seemed baffled by this statement, but as God leads our family, we continually remind ourselves, “Is this what He wants? Are we seeking the Lord’s will above all else?” Our constant family prayer has been that He would guide us. We want to bring glory to our Lord. He knows our hearts and desires, better than ourselves. We prayed, as Paul, to remain content in all things.

Here we are, waiting on what may or may not lay ahead. We listed our house over the weekend and took a big gulp.

Now I am here to ask you–Do you know of anyone looking for a wonderful family home in Fairfield, Ohio? It is down the street from a gorgeous park, and sits behind a golf course. It has been loved, cared for, and has hospitably housed many wonderful folks. It has a full finished basement with a guest bedroom and full bathroom. It is the perfect haven for comfort, entertaining, and living a beautiful life. On a side note, nothing can beat the sunsets from up on this hill.

Please feel free to share this post with anyone looking for a perfect family home in the Cincinnati area and email me with any questions!

We LOVE our wood-burning stove. Remember those below zero days we just had? Our heat didn’t even have to kick on during the day. This thing is a powerhouse if you keep it going.

We gutted and expanded our kitchen, opening up walls, making the first floor flow beautifully. Professional appliances were added in: six burner Thermador cook-top, french door refrigerator, double Bosch ovens, and a matching Bosch dishwasher. We removed orange tile from the foyer, parquet from the dining room, and linoleum from the kitchen. We splurged on hickory hardwood flooring that brought a beautiful cohesiveness to our main living area.

Master bedroom with adjoining spa bathroom and balcony:

This BATH…we gutted the small 1980s bath “rooms” (the sink and toilet were divided by doors), and expanded into an empty storage room. This is now my favorite room in the house. Such a retreat after a long day. The barn wood around the tub and window is from a friend’s property. The shower has three heads and is a walk-in. It also has a huge skylight up above it!

The back deck and yard:

What’s our plan you may be asking? Well, if our red house on the hill sells, we plan to travel on wheels throughout the summer. Eventually, our goal is to find a good piece of land and make a new home. If our house doesn’t sell, well, that’s ok too. We’ll just throw a big “Our House Didn’t Sell” party and keep on trucking! Life is good. The Lord is good. He has been merciful and more gracious to us than we can imagine. We are truly at a place of resting in His will for us.