Welcome to the Pirate House

In June, when I answered the ad for this 3-bedroom house less than half a mile away from where we were living last year, I felt rudderless and adrift. The sense I sometimes have that God was watching over our little family boat had become extremely dim as the silence from Jon's job prospects became louder. The condo where we were living was to be sold, and we had to be out, but in what direction? 

As time went by, this house appeared more and more clearly meant for us. Jon knew the owners. They owned just this one rental property, and their house is in the same land. They cut us a small deal because they actually wanted us to be the tenants. The potential renter ahead of us in line, dropped out of line. The stars seemed to align; it was the only rental we'd looked at that the kids happened to be with us. They adored what they termed "the Pirate House," named for the bohemian pirate flag the previous tenants had on the front windows. It had a big kitchen, a big fenced yard, an office, and just generally more dignity for a family of 4 than the little grad school apartment we'd had. Could it be that we'd earn our own dream bit by bit, by economy rather than by a sudden burst of good fortune? 

All I knew is, I couldn't live in another apartment. And I wasn't sure I could defer every aspect of my dream much longer in safety. We signed the lease. 

After two weeks of increasingly excruciating work, we actually did it. We moved. The rental truck parked and waited for two days while we collapsed at Chris & AK's home (I literally didn't get out of bed until 4pm on Saturday due to an exhaustion/dust-allergy migraine). And then Sunday actually dawned it was move-in day. My strength returned and we began the delightful process of moving in to a much better home.

Despite its being covered with boxes, do you see this glorious kitchen with its TWO windows??

Our room. My sanctuary. Dragon's too. 

Kids also have an enormous bathroom of their own. 

The kids have fulled windows out of which they can actually gaze. 

This living room makes me not hate my couch. Miracle!

Back porch. Perfect for meals and yoga. 

Actual real-live yard!!! Praise God. 

Grandma and Grandpa helped us move in, and to unwind afterwards. 

The kids can both get up into their back yard tree unassisted. It's almost like having our own playground!

They've named it Good Tree. Not terribly creative, but it contains much affection.

Yard is brimming with nature. Look at our new neighbors!

Our landlords live in the front house. Ours is the back one. 

In the past week, we've made ourselves at home, happy pirates in our beloved Pirate House. 

Pirate-Family Selfies. Avast ye! 

In this last week before I start work and Miles begins first grade (eep!) we've been doing some of what we love to do in Blacksburg: being with friends, going to church, and attending events at the public library. Most recently, Miles entered the contest at the library's monthly lego party. The theme?

Dream house. 

He didn't win, but he had a great ethic. I was proud as he described his little ranch. His was the only one to feature a yard. It's clear what's important to Miles in a house. 

Today we attend our 6th Steppin' Out Festival in Blacksburg. This feels momentous. Steppin' Out weekend happened the day after we moved in, back in 2010. It was our introduction to Blacksburg. 

We're grateful for a town which will hold us affectionately for as long as our anchor is dropped here.