2025 Year in Review: Building Four Gables and Life Along the Way
As the year comes to a close, I always find myself wanting to pause and take a look back—not just at what we built or finished, but at what this year quietly held. 2025 was a year of progress and joy, but it also held some challenges for us as well.
Here’s a little reflection on the year that was.
Building a Home, One Project at a Time
Much of this year was spent continuing to shape Four Gables, a place that slowly began to feel more like home as each phase was completed. One of the biggest turning points came the first month of 2025 when the exterior was painted white. That simple change brought everything together and finally gave the house the timeless, finished look we had been envisioning from the beginning.
Inside, progress moved steadily forward. Seeing the drywall hung throughout the house was an emotional moment for me—it’s amazing how walls instantly change the way a home feels, turning open framing into real rooms and spaces you can imagine living in. Painting the whole interior took a while, especially those vaulted ceilings😅, but the finished product made it all worth while!
In the fall, we were able to finish the back porch by staining it, creating a warm and welcoming outdoor space that already holds so much promise for slow mornings and quiet evenings.
Seeing our white oak hardwood floors installed was an amazing process! I couldn’t believe how much the floors made the inside of the house feel warm and grounded. It was at this point I felt like I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
One of my favorite milestones this year was watching the kitchen come to life. With the kitchen cabinets installed and the range in place, the heart of the home finally started to take shape. It was one of those moments where the vision felt real, and I could clearly picture everyday life unfolding there. And having my son, Adam, install them was the icing on the cake!
Pond House Progress & Sweet Little Spaces
The Pond House continued to be a fun and creative outlet this year.
In January. we made some updates to the Pond House kitchenette! We painted the cabinets green, added a sink and faucet, and stained the butcher block. I also installed the tile backsplash and gold hardware (not pictured.) I still want to add shelves above the backsplash, but maybe I’ll do that in 2026?
A few months laster, we wrapped up the Pond House bathroom, adding classic touches that made it feel finished and welcoming. Now our guests had everything they needed to stay there. ❤️
Life Moments Worth Celebrating!
Some of the sweetest posts of the year wasn’t about paint or tools — it was about family.
February brought one of the happiest moments of the year: the birth of our grandson. Welcoming a new little life into our family filled our hearts in ways we could have never imagined! He has made everything just a little bit sweeter this year!
In November, we celebrated a big dream come true when Jonathan played at the Grand Ole Opry. It was an unforgettable night watching him sing on that iconic stage, and so lovely to share that joy with family near and far.
The Year Tested Us, Too
Not every moment this year was easy, and I think it’s important to acknowledge that.
In June, my husband suffered a fall that resulted in fractured vertebrae. It was a season that slowed us down in unexpected ways and reminded us how quickly plans can change. We learned to be patient, to rest when needed, and to lean into grace more than productivity.
December was our hardest month.
We said goodbye to my father-in-law.
His passing marked the end of the year with a heaviness, but also with reflection—on family, legacy, and the importance of being present with the people we love. Pop was always “larger than life” to me! He had a smile that was infectious, and he turned the ordinary things of life into EXTRAoridinary experiences! He is greatly, greatly missed.
Just a little over a week before Pop passed, my dad had a mini-stroke. It gave us all quite a scare, but thankfully he is doing much better with physical therapy! Y’all know I’m a daddy’s girl through and through, so I was so thankful to spend time with him at Christmas and seeing him doing better.
A Year of Gratitude
2025 was shaped by steady progress, meaningful milestones, and learning to hold both joy and sorrow at the same time. And the truth that Jesus is the one constant in my life that gives me the strength to get through it all.
I’m incredibly grateful for this community—for those of you who read along, send kind messages, and follow these projects and stories so faithfully. Thank you for being here and for allowing me to share not just our home, but pieces of our life as well.
As we head into a new year, I’m looking forward to finally moving into Four Gables and making more memories with family and friends. And also…finally DECORATING my home!😂 Can’t wait to share all that with. you too!
With love,
Traci 🤍
Thank you Traci for sharing your life, your children and new grandson, and your fabulous new home with us. Most especially, thank you for your faithful example of commitment to Christ, without whom, we are nothing. I will continue to look forward to your posts in 2026. Y’all have a Happy New Year, and may it be filled with an extra measure of His joy and peace.
I really enjoyed reading this post! I am so glad your family had fantastic moments this past year.
My deepest condolences to Cy and your family during the passing of Pop.
I am glad physical therapy is helping your dad!
Your grandson is adorable!
Many good blessings for all in 2026!!
You have a beautiful family and home.
Happy New Year 🎆
I am sorry for the loss of Cy’s Pops. Loved the photo of the 4 generations.
Cherish the sweet memories.
Have a Blessed New Year.
Isn’t God Good…..Thank you for this message as I remember all these things that had happened this year as I love following you……and your sweet family. I am looking forward to continue watching Four Gables as it all comes together in 2026! Can’t wait to see it all completed! May God truly bless you and your family this coming year and you have good health and many Blessings!
Love~Holly❤️
The time sure does go by, doesn’t it?! I think Eli was only 3 or 4 years old when I first started following you. I’m so glad Cy has recovered from his fall. The house is beautiful, and the grandbaby is adorable! We serve an awesome God! Have a blessed new year!