New House Pics (Part 2)

It's been 2 weeks since we moved in and I can proudly say 98% of the boxes are unpacked. Now, that doesn't mean the house is anywhere near looking like what I have envisioned. Pictures aren't hung, shelves aren't accessorized, the new paint hasn't been purchased, etc. I feel like I need to plaster BEFORE all over these photos, but that's an extra step and honestly, I'm doing good just to get them posted at this point.

Let's continue the tour of our "Marathon House." I've named it that because I'm taking things slow and steady. No need to rush into things or make brash decisions that I'll have to undo in a few years.

Remember how I told you John and I feel like this is God's house, meaning we intend to use it as a ministry? Well, I love the constant reminder these windows offer.

Both kids have always wanted stairs. Can't say that I shared their enthusiasm but if I have to have them, I'd say these are pretty cool. Their rooms and a bathroom are the only rooms upstairs. It's almost like they've been given the freedom to keep their rooms messy since I don't have to walk past them everyday. Okay, who am I kidding?!

A glimpse from the front door. The previous owners left their tv because it's practically built into the stone wall. John was thrilled. I was not. It's a monster and, hello, can you say focal point?

 Oh, brown couch, when will you die? I'm really ready to replace you with something pretty. And, great, in addition to that monster tv, now you're the second thing that's seen when someone walks in the front door.

I'm digging the angles of these rooms and the open concept. Here the living flows right into the kitchen.

A view of the upstairs walkway. Anyone want to place bets on how long it'll take before Reed is doing something crazy from this space? He's been threatened with his life already. Okay, that's a little harsh but he's certainly been told it would NOT be in his best interest to get any crazy ideas.

The kitchen has a cabin feel, antler chandelier and all. Stained green cabinets won't stay. The kitchen is beautifully designed but not necessarily my taste.

Our 4 seater breakfast table had to be downsized to a 2 seater. It's a funky little space but perfect for a quick bite. The view isn't too shabby, either.

All that's left is a handful of bedrooms, horrendously wallpapered bathrooms and the man cave. Stay tuned...

New House Pics (Part 1)

Holy smokes, life's been anything but interesting around here lately, friends! For those of you following along, we finally closed on our house then moved in only to find out our air conditioner didn't work. Let me tell ya, unpacking boxes in an non-air conditioned house in the middle of July in Texas is NOT a good combo. Fortunately, our 5 days without air happened to be overcast and unseasonable cool. Thank you, God!

Then, we found out the house was burglarized before we moved in and the sellers' agents lied to our face about the situation. What'd they take? The 3 televisions and outdoor furniture the sellers were leaving us. We reached a settlement and the agent's broker came over to apologize to me in person. Glad that's behind us.

Onto the good stuff...ready to see the house? Well, I decided you need to see the exterior first so you'll know why we bought the house. The lot sold us!

This is technically our backyard. The house is oriented "backwards" on the lot so this view is enjoyed from our back porch instead of the front door. It's really confusing to people when they first come over because they feel like they're driving to the back of the house.

There are lots of cute little seating areas. Love this bench but it's not too comfy. Looking forward to adding some color in the planters to break up all the green.

Also, as you walk around the pond there are interesting finds at each turn. Check out these roots!

We have a duck! I named her Sally. I tell her every morning as I'm feeding her, that she needs to find a husband and make us some ducklings. ;)

Think Reed's enjoying this little area? He may or may not wake up and go directly to this spot in his undies and start fishing. Priceless!

The entrance faces the back of the lot. I'm guessing the previous owners chose paint colors that would enable the house to blend in with the surroundings. I think they missed the mark a little bit but that's an easy fix.

Think these doors will stay this color? I'm up for suggestions, no decisions have been made just yet. The inside of the doors are already painted white.

Okay, now for a few shots of the inside. Feast your eyes on our dining room. The only thing that's staying in this room is our awesome new table. I'm still deciding on chairs. They definitely need to be low profile and unassuming so the gorgeous live edge on the table can become the star of this room.

What's that...missing wallpaper? Yes, that happened the very first day we moved in. I couldn't wait to get this stuff off the wall. Bye, bye Tommy Bahama palm trees.

Next thing to be removed...heavy, very dated drapery. I didn't even get a shot of the long panels that adorned each side, but you can use your imagination.

Honestly, I don't even have a plan for this space yet. I simply needed to remove things so my brain could start with a blank slate. Now the fun begins!

More pics to come, friends.

Idaho is pretty...who knew?

Thanks so much for your sweet comments yesterday. We indeed closed on our house but had to wait for the keys until today. Movers are scheduled for tomorrow! I can't wait to have my clothes actually hanging in a closet. This is definitely something you take for granted until you've lived out of a suitcase, my friend.

Since I don't have fun house photos to show yet, I'll share some of the gorgeousness we soaked up last week in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Seriously, I had no idea Idaho had anything to offer besides potatoes (yes, I was being judgmental). But, much to my surprise the northern region is beautiful.

Take a look for yourself...

The first two shots were from Spokane, Washington where we stayed one night before driving to our cabin in Coeur d'Alene.

Reed's idea of a perfect day...shirtless, shoeless and fishing pole in hand.

I would rename this tree, "Puzzle tree" if given the pleasure. Such amazing texture found in nature!

Our daily view from the back porch. Did I mention we didn't have a single television or any cell coverage? It was amazing to completely unplug.

Never knew dandelions grew this big!

Bryn took this shot. She's got quite a creative little eye. I'm so looking forward to watching her talents continue to develop.

This shot was her idea too!

Showing off her souvenir, a toe ring.

I love nature walks with my camera. Finding cool shots is a rush for me.

I learned how to play horseshoes, then had fun arranging them in a graphic design to make for a cool poster.

A little slice of heaven.

I could get used to this...dinner on the screened in porch = no bugs, beautiful view and cool breeze.

The Fab Four: John, the kids and my father-in-law.

Who won this race?

Just in case you need a laugh today...

Does this picture even need a caption? ;)

How's this for perfect timing? I happened to catch a spark from the fire in this shot and it looks like a shooting star over the kids' heads. And, yes, Reed's leaning over to give Bryn a kiss on the cheek. It was a perfect moment from every angle!

Guess what I'm doing today?!!!

It has been one crazy ride, but today's the day...we're closing on our house! Let me remind you that this was suppose to happen over a month ago. We've literally been living out of suitcases and crashing my parent's brand new house. They're the best for letting 4 extra bodies, 2 dogs (that shed excessively) and a hamster invade their space for an undetermined amount of time.

I've questioned God's reasons all along the way and I have to say, His ways are not my ways, and thank goodness for that! Our month delay has ended up saving us tons of money due to a lower interest rate than our previous deal and another huge financial mistake that just happened to be in our favor!

One of my prayer warrior friends prayed this prayer at the beginning of our journey and her words have stuck with me..."God, you do not provide vision without provision. We thank you in advance for the things you have planned." His provision is definitely the reason we've been going through these bizarre circumstances that people involved have "never experienced before." Thank you, God!

Fiddle Leaf Fig Love on Houzz

I had a fun little surprise this week when Houzz reached out and let me know they used one of my photos in an article this week. This one to be exact...

Click here to read the entire article. They give great tips on how to care for these beauties too!

We're in need of a little rest (with all the insane house stuff happening these days) so we're off to enjoy this scenery for the next week...

I can't wait! Enjoying God's gorgeous creation is just what we need. And, hopefully, we'll have a closing date set when we return. Praying hard!

Another Wood floor alternative

Tile that looks like wood has become a very popular choice these days. It's extremely hardy and looks very much like the real deal.

Such a smart choice in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor spaces since it can withstand water and traffic like a champ.

The main difference?...grout lines. Here's my advice on that topic, have the installer use the smallest spacers available and choose a grout color that's as close to the tile color as possible if you're going for a seamless look. If you like the contrast, then go for the gusto and pick what your little heart desires.

My friend/client has 2 dogs and 3 children (with tons of friends over all the time) so this option was perfect for her. She said she couldn't stand the thought of paying big bucks for hardwood floors then watching them slowly get destroyed by dog and kid wear and tear.

Let me tell ya, friends, it was a smart choice because they're gorgeous!