Feeling like a grown-up

I now feel connected to my home. I don't mean to say that I felt like a stranger here before, but I now feel like my home is reflecting me. When Aaron and I were married for about 1 1/2 years, some friends gave us this dining room table...

it has been a wonderful table. We have shared many meals and fun evenings around this table. However, it was falling apart. LITERALLY! The arm chair on the end is pushed under the table because the table will fall down if it is not there. (Please excuse the clutter in the background. All of that "stuff" = Christmas presents that didn't yet have a place to call home in our overly toy stuffed home.) So, after much deliberation, Hubs finally agreed that it was time to buy our own table. I was so excited because we got to pick what we liked!! :) This is what we picked...

Ahhh, that is better! I also bought some sheer panel window coverings and new valances. This truly reflects part of my personality and makes me feel relaxed and at home!

Now onto the carpet! OY!! I am not a person who struggles with not being content, however, I do like things to be clean. I am happy in my home, happy in my neighborhood and do not desire to live in a big house in a fancy schmancy neighborhood. I also do not think it is wrong to want those things, it is just not me. We moved into our house 7 1/2 years ago. Immediately I wanted to replace the carpet, but financially I knew that was not going to happen. Last December we started setting money aside for the purchase and 12 months later we went from this...

to this...

Now I feel like my living room is much more relaxing and clean. The new carpet breathed new life into the room. It is amazing how a couple of changes can really calm your mind and reflect who you are. I have to say buying new carpet made me really feel like a grown up. I am excited to have people over again and that is so refreshing during the winter time. Home sweet home, AHHH now I know what that means. :)