All Things Coming Together

So, our house sold about 10 days ago! Woo hoo! And then this past week we bought a house.  Again.  I know I’ve said this before but I never want to do this again. And this time I mean it! My nerves are tore up over all the contracts, inspections, repairs, closing dates, etc. 

Okay, so this new house.  Allow me to tell all of you five readers about it.  First let me just say that we really didn’t think we were going to find something so quickly.  Don’t get me wrong – we had looked at many, MANY houses, online and in person.  My poor, sweet realtor {and FRIEND!} probably wanted to shake us but we were adamant that this time we would be certain this was a good fit. 

It’s not like our current house wasn’t great but we did really have to settle for it and we knew we didn’t want to do that again.  We’ve also just been really convicted in our hearts about what is important to us regarding our lifestyle. 

Now don’t hear what I’m not saying – we don’t live in extravagance.  Those who know me know that my favorite places to shop are Goodwill and  Aldi.  Nothing thrills me more than a score on a Banana Republic tank or a pint of blueberries for under a buck.  We just know that any income we get is a blessing from the Lord.  I used to feel like I had to live in a big house and drive a new car to ‘be somebody.’  Clearly I’ve learned that it’s all a lie.  Maybe it was because I grew up with very little – I don’t know – but I want to teach my boys that those things are all temporary.  We can learn together because I’m still a work in progress in that area. 

Enough of my tender thoughts.  I’ll save those for my journal.  The new house.  So it’s forty-something years old and the seller is the original owner.  Her husband built it all those years ago and they raised children {and grandchildren} in the house.  It is a good bit smaller than our current home but the outside is amazing.  It’s a total 1.2 acre lot with an awesome fenced in backyard.  And by fenced, I mean chain link.  That might be on my update list on down the road as I really enjoy a nice privacy fence but it’s really not a priority. 

This yard – GAH! I’m already envisioning my garden {that Dallas will farm, I’m sure!}, a trampoline, a fire pit, a basketball goal {on the crazy huge paved driveway section} and maybe even a hammock.  The potential is unbelievable. 

Now then, let’s discuss the inside.  All original hardwood floors, real plantation blinds and a pink sink.  Fine, so two out of three ain’t bad, right? Yes, the inside is smaller and, yes, the updates are sure to be lengthy but it’s nothing we can’t fix with a little help from Pinterest and IKEA.  We’ll have this place pulled into the 21^st century in no time.

And it may be that the best part is the price.  Not only did we score a great deal for the property that we bought but the lower mortgage is going to afford me more time at home with the boys.  With the pending arrival of #4, I’m finally getting to the point where I have to throw in the towel and admit that I just can’t do it anymore.  Here’s a little secret of mine - not easy for me to say.  I am a self-proclaimed control freak who wants to have the best of both worlds, whatever that even means.  However, when my 6-year-old son asks me why I never go on field trips with his class and my answer is, ‘Because I have to work,’ it’s a lot easier to concede. 

Now, let me just say this while we’re on the subject.  I fully support working moms.  FULLY.  I have been one since Dagen was 6 months old.  It is challenging but very rewarding.  When my work day is finished, I give everything to them until they go down for the night.  And then I fall on the couch in utter exhaustion. 

Yes, we did daycare centers and, yes, they got sick but that is life.  PS - they can get sick going to the grocery store with me.  Heck, they probably contracted more sickness from the pediatricians office when I took them for well-child-checks.  That.Is.Life.  Do I wish I could have spent more time with Dagen and Davis before they went to K-5? Of course.  I didn’t work because I didn’t want to stay home with them.  We couldn’t afford for me to stay home financially at the time and I love my career choice.  I mean, I work with numbers - who wouldn't love that?!?! 

However, with some lifestyle changes that we’ve made/are making, this is something we’re working towards.  I won’t be a full time SAHM but I hope to be a part-time SAHM and have a better balance in life.  I hope to never have to tell Davis that I didn’t put my name in the chaperone pool because it was my scheduled long day at work.  That just hurts my heart. 

There.  I’m done.  Just please don’t rip on working moms because I can get all sorts of fired up.  Oh wait, you didn’t. 

So here’s one pic of the house….you’ll have to stay tuned for before and after shots in the months to come.  Closing is set for April 15^th.  Please, Jesus, let there be NO delays.