The Plans
Our friend Miller has been working hard on our house plans and yesterday he finally finished them. Other than a few little tweaks, they are awesome. I am so excited to see our house on paper. I can almost close my eyes and walk through the halls. Our house has 3 levels about 800 sq. feet each level. Our walk out basement will remain unfinished, but we have plans for a guest bedroom, media room, req room and bathroom. The main floor will have a main entrance (with a place to sit and tie shoes- something I have always wanted), a powder room, playroom, kitchen, dining room, and living room. Off the Dining room will be a small deck with stairs that lead down to our yard. On the top floor, we have 3 kids rooms, a master bedroom and ensuite, kids bathroom, and laundry closet. The garage is about a double size, but length not width. Under the garage is where our suite will be with it’s own private area. It sounds massive and I think it will be, but I am hoping because we are building up rather than out, that the cost will be what we thought.
It is a little bitter sweet. We are also letting go of the thought of Regina by progressing forward with the house. I think it is positive and the right decision, it just is a little hard. We miss everyone there so much. And I think we thought we might move back at one point, but I can’t help but feeling that God has a plan for us here. I know, I have expressed in the past that we felt we made a mistake moving back. Over the last few weeks I have been doing lots of praying, lots of reading, and lots of sharing with family. I have come to this conclusion. God is everywhere. Of course I knew that before, but the difference is now having faith in that. Having faith that God has a grander plan than we ever could imagine on our own. That God knew we would move back and that he has purpose in it all. I am so unbelievably blessed by those who reside on the prairies. They were a gift from above that I will forever be greatful for.
Tonight, Dana and I are going to toast and pray over our lot. We are official owners today. We are praying for wisdom, patience, and memories. And of course are giving thanks for this wonderful opportunity to not only build, but to build with those we love.
House Sitting
For the past week and a half, we have been house sitting for our good friends while they visit the prairies. It was tough letting them go. We wanted to trade and go to the prairies for a visit instead, but then we realised we get two weeks of “regular living”. No suite. No parents (giggle). On our own.
It has been AWESOME. The kids and I have been able to settle into a routine. I started walking with my mother-in-law twice a week. Meal planning. Even doing laundry (my mom doesn’t let me use her washer/ dryer- I have a tendency to overload). While all of this seems normal to the average stay at home mom, it has been heaven to me. I feel more at home, more relaxed, more settled. God truly answered a prayer by making this opportunity for us.
However, it has made me realise as well, how much my parents were doing for us. Not only our laundry, but alot of the cooking, cleaning and even running after our kids. It has opened our eyes a little to how lucky we are to have such loving parents that would essentially put their lives on hold for us. So while it has been nice to be away for a while, I don’t want to take away from the magnificent gift they are giving us.
This house sitting gig will be up on Sunday. I am a little sad, but also looking forward to being back in our own bed. My parent’s were generous enough to let us paint the basement and decorate it more our taste, so it does feel a little more like our own.
We are still working on our plans, then will send it for an estimate, then permits (2months of waiting, and then (if everything goes well) we will be digging by late September. Here’s to hoping (and praying) things go well.
Gotta Start Somewhere
Dana and I moved from a city we love back to our roots to build the home of our dreams. Over the past 5 years of our marriage, we have bought and flipped 3 houses, and enjoyed every minute of it. Now, we are ready to settle and enjoy raising our kids close to family.
We bought a lot directly behind my sister-inlaw’s house. They are just finishing building their own home. Some may look at it as a bad thing, but personally I am excited that we will have such wonderful neighbours. Our neighbourhood has two young families, and of course our own family in our back yard. To To the right the lot has a beautiful view of the infamous, Giants Head Mountain. When the sun is going down, the mountain seems to glow. To the left we have a beautiful view of a fruit orchard. When I visit the lot now, construction going on all around it, I can see our house standing tall amongst it all. Of course this adventure is just beginning and all we have is a pile of dirt and a dream, but we are excited and feel oh so blessed about this opportunity.
Did I mention that we are building the house ourselves? No crew, no company, no timelines, no deadlines. Just us. And the help of our very generous father-in-law and family.
We are truly blessed to be given such a wonderful family who would help us achieve our dreams. Come along with us as this adventure begins.
