HOUSTON, WE’RE BUYING A HOUSE!

That’s right, it’s finally happening – we finally heard a “yes!”  After seven long months, hundreds of house searches online, dozens of drive-bys, fourteen showings, and four contracts that never came to an agreement, we are getting a house! 

The best thing about all of this is that we are both 100% absolutely positive, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is the house that God wants for us.  We tried so hard, over and over again, to find somewhere to live, only to have it fall through time after time.  I can’t tell you how many times we would compile a list of houses that we’d driven by and liked, only to find out from our realtor that they were all under deposit already.  We’ve been through basically every house-buying situation possible now: estate sale, short sale, foreclosure, 3 bidding wars, you name it.  We keep joking with our realtor that we don’t need him anymore to sign the papers because we have them all memorized. 

So all the credit goes to GOD for making this happen for us.  I am so thankful. 

I keep joking with people (and I said this already on FB, sorry) that this is our “saltine cracker” house.  What I mean by that is, my personal dream house would be a craftsman-style or bungalow home.  Lots of gorgeous built-ins, a big fireplace, tons of hardwood everywhere  – lots of character.  This house is about as complete opposite as you can get from that!  Just a plain ol’ ranch, no hardwoods, no built-ins, no fireplace.  (The listing said wood floors but it’s a mistake – they’re laminate.  Nice laminate, but still.) 

But you know what?  Instead of being bummed about the details I wanted but can’t have, I am choosing to rejoice in the fact that God provided this house for us, in His time and His way.  In fact, it’s not even really a choice – I’m thrilled!  Maybe God knew it would take seven months and four failed contracts to get me to give the up the hardwoods and fireplace that the other houses had!  ha! I’m choosing to see my saltine cracker as a blank canvas that can only improve with creativity and design.  And as Lindsay pointed out, saltines can kinda go with anything. ;)

Anyway, it feels SO good to feel that we’re right where God wants us.  And really, this house’s “pros” list really does outweigh the “cons” by a long shot. 

So without further ado, here’s the pictures of our soon-to-be house!  (All photos are from the ctmls website.  I do not own any of the pictures.) Captions are basically taken right from my FB page, with just a little tweaking  – so if we’re friends in real life this is gonna be boring but I don’t feel like thinking up new ones!  lol

Here is the front of our little house:

The backyard is one of our favorite features of the house! Looks out onto what was previously a farm. Very relaxing and peaceful view.  There's a rock wall on the back, which Chris loves. Really hoping the owners leave the swing-set for Luke!!

I even have a white picket fence! I mean really. haha

This was previously a garage; now it’s a family room. If it wasn't for this extra space, I don't think we would have wanted to buy the house (it would have felt too crowded). But I love how big and open it is – a perfect playroom. It is just off the kitchen/living room.   We also hope to teach lots of music lessons in this room!

Living room. Thankful for a coat closet - I've never had a coat closet before! lol

 

                       

Middle bedroom (will be guest room/office):

3rd bedroom, which will be Luke’s room.  (If you think this is bad, you should see the right-hand wall! It is totally wallpapered with the moon and the stars and the earth.)  But anyone who saw my house in PA and what we had to do to it before we moved in knows this is nothing to me and my husband! ha!

 

Master (another window and closet you can't see):
 

We have big plans for this kitchen! So thankful God gave me white cabinets - my favorite!  

Sliding doors lead out to the backyard. Kitchen table will be moved out to the dining room (which is currently an office, but was previously a dining room so we're converting it back. Make sense? lol) You can just barely see the soon-to-be dining room door in the left corner of the picture.

 

 

The room below is the room that will be converted back to a dining room space.  I’m not a big fan of eat-in kitchens, unless they’re huge, which ours isn’t:

 

That’s pretty much the grand tour, folks!  All that’s missing is the bathroom and laundry room.  When we have inspections on Saturday I’m going to try to take a video so you can get a feel for the layout.  And really, who doesn’t like peering into other people’s houses?  Why do you think HGTV is so popular?!  lol

See you then!  I’M GETTING A HOUSE!! PINCH ME!  :)