To the Future Owner of 515:

This was our first real home. It was almost 10 years ago and when we bought it, we considered all the downsides: the neighbors were (going to be) close, the school would mean a lot of adolescents, and (at that time) there was ALOT of wood paneling and pocket doors and scarlet red carpet and the worst kitchen. Ever. But we moved in. And when we saw them, the neighbors were awesome and the only time we knew we lived by a jr high was when we would hear the distant, joyful cries of track season. And project by project, with all our hearts, we drank beers and painted walls and used a skill saw.

In the 10 years we’ve lived here, we’ve gone from newlyweds and professionals to (almost) 40-year-olds and parents. We brought our babies home here, they took their first steps here and we have done some growing (up) here too. We became a family here. We are excited for our family to have a change but I’m so thankful for our time in this house. This house was HOME.

Here are some tips for loving and living in this house:

The backyard is 10 degrees hotter than the actual temp, tomatoes are meant to be grown in the backyard.

And to that end, use the laundry lines at least once in the Summer. The clothes dry fast and smell good.

Enjoy the crocasmia in August. It lights the front yard up.

Get to know the neighbors. They are awesome.

Smell the roses. No, literally. The rose vine that yields all of those rose was once just a stick and we left it and now it blooms. And blooms. And blooms. And the hydrangea is called ever-summer and it blooms all summer long. May to August.

Entertain here. This house loves a good bbq or party.

Sit out front in the summer and enjoy the front yard and passers-by. My kids have spent a lot of time running through a sprinkler out there and it warms my heart.

We’re taking with us a lot of awesome memories but if you don’t mind, we are probably leaving a piece of our hearts behind here. May it bless your family and give you as many fond memories and fun times as it has for us. Anyway, we will probably see you around. We’re only moving 1.5 miles south.

Best wishes. Enjoy her, she’s been so good to us.

Love, The Svenkeruds

I don’t ever set resolutions but vocalizing intentions at the start of the year isn’t a bad thing. What I intend may or may not happen. I may get derailed but as of now, my plan is:

Be more in the moment with my kids.
Why am I home with them anyway? What am I doing this for? If not to be with them. I hate getting on the floor and playing. But I need to start doing it. Otherwise, I’ll look back and feel like a real asshole.

Be less distracted….
By coordinating adult social activities. By technology. By all I want to accomplish in a day.

Be a badass wife.
Like old-fashioned-1950’s-in-the-service-of-my-husband-kinda wife. Because if we’re not good, our kids suffer, our connection suffers. After all, I have to live with him, travel with him and love him long after they’re gone. More hubs time, little less girlfriend time.

Push myself further.
In mothering, in organizing, in self-reflection, in discipline, in athletics.

Be good with 39.
Marinate in it, give 39 a hug. I have my family and my health and I should be proud of my age.

Look ahead.
To when I’m done with early rearing and being at home. Start to prepare now for what I want to do in 3 years. Which time has proven, will go by in a flash.

Be more faithful, grateful, and in the service of others.
The time is now to set the example for the kids. Honoring God, them and others.