Here are some more answers to the questions asked on my blogaversary post.
Tracey and Jess asked about what my dream home would have to include and where I would like to live.
In a lot of ways, my current home is my dream home. It's 83 years old, has a wood-burning fireplace, crown moulding, a screened-in porch, and a small, in-ground pool in the backyard. The only problem is that it's becoming too small for our "growing" family. So, my dream home would be a bigger and "greener" version of what I have now. It would have solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, a master suite with a bathroom (our current bedroom is tiny and our house has only one bathroom), a finished basement for kid paraphernalia, and a huge kitchen (again, our current one is small). And I would definitely want my own Virginia Woolf-esque room of my own in which to read and work. Ideally, I would love to live on the water somewhere too. Something like this would suit me nicely.
Tracey also asked about my favorite book. It's Toni Morrison's Beloved. The book is absolutely incredible, and a testament to the powerful force of motherlove. I wrote my Master's thesis on it.
Finally, Tracey asked about my favorite time of year. Without a doubt, it's the Fall. Here in upstate New York, the colors of the leaves on the trees in autumn are nothing short of breathtaking. It's cool out without yet being freezing cold, and pre-Isabella, when I had ample time to do with as I chose, it used to be my favorite season for baking. I love all the fall spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice. Crap, I'm hungry now.
Sasha asked how many serious relationships I had prior to getting married. The hubs and I started dating when I was 21, but we had been friends since I was about 16 years old and was working with him in the video department of the biggest grocery store chain in our area. Prior to the hubs, I dated my way through the store, which was a popular pastime of many kids working there. I wasn't the store skank, I promise!
I had a year-long relationship with a very nice cashier boy who met with and exceeded familial approval when I was 17. This was followed by a much shorter relationship with a very different sort of boy who worked in the video department with me (and coincidentally, also the hubs) whose approval never really arrived because he was into the goth scene and my very Catholic family no doubt believed he was burning Bible pages in his spare time.
So I guess the answer is two. Maybe 1.5?
More answers coming soon!
I love your idea of your dream home. I hope someday you get it. I must admit, I'm a big fan of small houses--I think shared quarters promote family closeness, but one bathroom would really be pushing it for 5 people! At least it will literally be years before it's a big problem. J&J share their bathroom quite easily. It's just when you throw a 16 year old girl into the mix that we get the long waits to use it!
It's funny that you've know your husband for so long. I'm amazed when I look at Mark and see how much he's changed from the 17 year old I met.
I haven't read Beloved. I'll have to check it out.
Thanks for the little glimpses into your life. Hope you're feeling good and able to rest.
I love love love that house! I would love to move to a coast at some point and be near water. I grew up on the rivers of PA, and I miss water so much here in landlocked CO.
Oh- and you made me hungry too- I'm really craving a piece of pumpkin pie now! =)
My favorite book is Beloved, too! Not that I am surprised that we would love the same book since sometimes I think we share one brain--although, you are a much kinder, more organized person I am learning:)
Your dream house is lovely. It looks like it is on Martha's Vineyard, which would make me very happy. Just a short drive/ferry ride from Boston!
And thank you for answering my boy question. I love pondering the boys of my youth. Sigh.
Awesome house! Your dream house sounds a lot like ours. :-)
And my jaw just about dropped when I read your favorite book is Beloved - it's one of mine, too! I've read all of Toni Morrison's books, and I think Beloved is definitely the best of the bunch.
"These are a few of my favorite things..."
That house looks amazing! A few months ago, I started making a folder of our dream house. We thought we would be moving. The move fell through and I haven't touched it since. Maybe I should get it back out...
Sounds like a great dream home. And so cool that you already live in one so closed to the ideal ... we do too kind of, but smaller than we'd ultimately like as well. Ah well ... dreams are good. ;)
One bathroom, oy. Your home does sound really great, though.
Thanks for yet another book recommendation.
:) Lovely answers!
FAll's my fave, too. The anticipation and smells...
Your current house sounds so pretty!