Sunday, January 3, 2010

Here's What's Been Going On...

Wow! What a whirlwind December! We had a great holiday (our first with two separate houses for the kids, which turned out surprisingly well). The kids left on Christmas day with Dr. Daddy and my brother to ski in Colorado. Apparently, they're naturals. Well, duh!
My family was here to visit, as was a special friend. We spent a week of pure bliss (although I'm sure many of my friends are wondering if I'm still alive). I managed to make the final decision to build rather than buy a home, and I've been working on growing my photography hobby/business and reinstating my nursing license. So...not busy AT ALL. He He.

A few of my faves from a recent twin shoot...







The home I've decided to build is in a neighborhood that has primarily crafstman style homes which is not a style I EVER thought I would embrace but I've fallen in love with. These are some initial concepts I have but I would LOVE to see any photos you have to offer!






My biggest issue now is whether to build on the more expensive lot at the top of the hill but sacrifice some of the details I LOVE, or to build down below at the bottom of the subdivision on a culdesac with less view but more special touches and upgrades. Thoughts, ideas?

Thanks again for all your kind words of support with the ongoing separation and divorce. It's going surprisingly well...I've insisted we have a meal once a week as a family and I think we're all settling in to the idea of the end of the marriage. It's like surviving when someone else has died...but I KNOW in the end that this is for the best and that my children will be happier in the end. Trying to do it right? That's a whole other story!

To add to my family's stress...my oldest little brother deployed to Iraq this month. He left behind his newly pregnant newlywed and a really WORRIED family! Please pray for him. You can track his progress at his wife's blog...The Sand is Different Here.

I look forward to hearing from all of you soon!

28 comments:

Jennifer said...

You certainly have a lot going on in your life. I love the pictures of the houses. Craftsman style is so nice. I'd go with the details but most people would go for the view. It's nice to be on a culdesac with kids. You are doing a great job with your kids. I LOVE the idea of a family dinner once a week. Many families with two parents living in the same house cannot manage to do that. Kudos to you for putting your kids first. I am sure it is challenging! Glad you are back - I missed reading your blog! Good luck crossing things off of your to-do list.

Chasity @ Haute Mommy Blog said...

I am glad to see you had a nice holiday.

We live in a Craftsman built in 1917. It's small but we love it. I'd personally go for less view and spend the $ on the details I love.

Amanda said...

I love the photos of inspiration that you have picked out!! My favorite is the kitchen area photo. My suggestion would be to go with the option that makes you the hapiest, and to not ever just settle. Best of luck!

Preppy Napkin said...

love it all-we have lots to catch up on!

MCW said...

Glad to hear life is settling in with all the changes.

The photographs are amazing!

Ally said...

Thanks for the update! Glad to hear you and yours are doing well. :) I say build where you can have all the beautiful details, however, I am sure whatever you do will be fabulous as I think you have great taste.

Pinot after Playdates said...

I think if you are in LOVE with a lot and plan on this being your forever home then you should go with location and just upgrade over time. We are currently doing the same thing and while its a pain to not have everything the way I wanted upon moving in, it is fun to have new projects to tackle and see how things have changed since we bought the house. Happy New Year! I

Lauren @ Adventures of a Southern Newlywed said...

I am glad all is well! Happy New Year to you and your family!

bevy said...

Hey there... I am new to your blog, but went through all the stinky stuff you are going through now. It does get better - I promise!!!

Anyway, my vote is on the cul-de-sac for two reasons:

1. Cul-de-sacs are great for kids to play in, and there are usually more families there.

2. Upgrades are costly, and you will always want that thick molding and stainless appliances and higher quality paint. I know this as we just built a custom home 3 years ago!

Of course, this is also if the quality of homes DOES NOT change regardless of where you build.

So much for my sermonette! I invite you to follow me as well.

Blessings...
Bevy

Sandra said...

Will definitely pray for your brother and all of you. I would go with the more exp. lot - long term view! You can always upgrade things in the home later, but you can't change the lot later. Just my opinion. So glad things are going so great for you. Your photography is lovely. Happiest New Year ever. xoxo

carolyn said...

I've lurked for a while, but had to post a comment!

Will absolutely keep your brother in my prayers- he is truly a hero!

Am so happy that things are going well with your new family dynamic- so hard, but sounds like you've got the absolute right goals. Yay you!

And the house- I'd go for the cul-de-sac. With little ones, they'll adore being able to ride and play and you'll enjoy the peace of mind, lack of traffic and your special details!! You won't regret it.

The photo shoot was darling- as were those twins!!

Happy 2010-

Grove Gal K said...

we have a craftman house and love it! i think with 2 kiddos the upgrades are key. i am so happy you had a good christmas and hope 2010 is a great year for you. your brother will be in our prayers.

Sherrie said...

I'm so glad you are doing well. I have been thinking of you and hoping things are good.

Hokie Girl said...

Wow, so much! I actually like the craftsman style. I'm kind of a sucker for details and having more of the things you want in the house, so I would go with the lower lot! Plus, the culdesac might be nice for kids to play in. Also, I think it is wonderful that you are implementing family dinners and letting the kids adjust this way! It can't be easy for you! Will be praying for your brother and his family! Oh, and your photos are great!

Melissa Marie Head said...

Build in the better lot - you can always updrade and add the special touches to the house later but you can't move to the better view.

I will pray for your brother in Iraq. I have been there so understand.

lizziefitz said...

Happy New Year!!! Good things are coming your way;0

kristi said...

wonderful.....sounds like you are an amazing person with amazing strength. And the ability to put the interest of your children above all else. wish I could learn :)

dmmlandcruiser said...

I say go to the less expensive lot. It's the details that are what will make the house, not the view from it. Also, the kids will have an easier time riding their bike, playing, etc on flat ground!

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear all is well! How fun to build and decorate a new house (especially without having to consult a spouse's opinion on colors, etc.) - I can't wait to hear about the designing, building, decorating.

e.m. said...

I am so glad that the dust is settling well and that you had a nice holiday. Great news about the house! Upgrades are expensive... so much to ponder! You should take a look at my friend's website :http://emaphotography.com/
She turned her love of photography into a thriving busines. Continued luck to all of you!

Lisa G said...

Glad to see you and your children are doing well--We, too, recently divorced and this Christmas was a bit "different". The children also spent their first enitre 7 days away from home and me. We all survived and now back to our routine. Changes are tough but "if it weren't for change there would be no butterflies..."

3 Peanuts said...

Your photo shoot turned out really great!

I have never liked the craftsmen style either but that is exactly what my current house is too and I love it. I have posted some photos. Our entry looks just like the hallway you have posted here. We have beautiful moldings and beams. I have posted some photos on the blog but would share any others. I loved building our last home in VA. I think you will enjoy the process.

I am glad to hear things are going well.

Kim

Tiaras and Timeouts said...

i'd go with the cul de sac lot so you can add all the upgrades!! glad things are going well :)

linda said...

Best of luck to you and your darling children- you sound so much happier already!

Muffy said...

Oh, this post makes me happy. Everything seems to be going so well! I was worried. Craftsman homes are lovely! We have MANY of them in Pasadena. I would probably choose to be at the top of the lot with a view. If you plan to have the home a long time, the view will be so nice when you are older and spend more time there.

It seems the kids are adjusting well and that is really good. I love the idea of family dinners once a week. That will help the kids so much too.

Your photography is AMAZING! I love the pictures of the twins. Just really glad to hear you and your family are doing well!

Lots of love,
Muffy

Julie said...

I would go for the cul-de-sac. Think about how nice it will be to let the minis go out and ride in the driveway without worrying about the traffic sit! Plus, details are so bonus!

Will be praying for your brother. My BIl leaves this summer (June) for a year. He is MP - think patrolling in very very scary places. My new neice will be only 6 months when he leaves and almost 2 when he comes home. We always say thank you to soliders when we see them especially in airports! The princesses made one guy cry in Orlando 2 days ago. He was on his way to Baghdad.

Tickled Pink And Green said...

I remember Michael & Hope Steadman's house in Thirtysomething...wasn't that Crafsman style?

Unknown said...

Wow, it seems like you have so much on your plate, but you're going through it with so much grace and ease. Good luck to a new start.

I would go with the house on top of the hill. That house will appreciate more value than the house on the cul-de-sac. You can always upgrade later.

And by the time you sell your house on the hill, it will be worth more money than the house on the cul-de-sac. That would mean more financial security for you and the kids.