Okay, this post is a wee bit on the overdue side, but it's actually nice to reflect on the whole new home thing a month after we've settled in. I might have speculated before about what things I would love about living in our new home, but now I can officially and factually report.
So here it is... our little town home coming to life before your very eyes...
6. LOCATION
The other weekend the girls and I went on a walk past the library, through old town, and to the farmer's market, and ended at the walking trail. It was a beautiful sunny day and I was loving the fact that we could get to town by foot. We are two minutes to the grocery store, five minutes to the girls schools, and right around the corner from Old Town. Love, Love, Love!
5. PRICE
We were able to put in a ton of upgrades at half off, and then when the final appraisal came back it was actually under the selling price, so the builder agreed to lower the sales price 20K dollars. Not a bad gig for us. And we got closing costs back so we were able to have a little cushion moving in which was nice. So many little things have happened that have been a witness to me this is where we were meant to be.
4. THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The girls are outside every day on their bikes. They love the neighbors, whether it's the older families with their dogs, or the young families with children their age. They have each made a new "best friend," and nothing makes me happier. Ella has become fast friends with the eight year-old across the street, while Amelia has become best buds with the three year-old boy next door. Their moms are super nice too. We've had one over for dinner, and the other took our girls photos (See last post).
3. IT'S OURS
We don't have to walk through someone else's house to get to our house. Silly little things like being excited to buy a wreath because I finally have a front door. I don't have to worry about the girls going upstairs and disturbing their nana and papa. Nana and papa can come to visit when it's convenient for them. Aaaah, the sigh of relief that comes with this cannot even be quantified.
2. THE GIRLS
Since moving the girls have really come into their own. Ella has truly blossomed. It was almost like she was just waiting for this opportunity so she could spread her wings. It's funny because you'd think in a quiet neighborhood with an acre of land she would love that, but our tiny little postage stamp lot has let her be free more than ever. She's out on her bike every day, and she loves her friends, and she loves school. It's really amazing to see how happy she is living here. This was one of my biggest concerns, so I can only tell you how grateful I am that this has been a smooth transition.
1. DECORATING
Oh my goodness I am in HEAVEN with getting to decorate my own home. For years I have poured over home shows, real estate listings, and more recently Pinterest, to find ideas for a new home. From the home itself to the tiny details inside, I truly have a passion for decorating. The past month I've been able to put many of those dreams into motion. It's way super fun! Why am I not a decorator? I actually know the answer to that question. I have felt inspired to be in social work, and I know it's been good for me but who knows what the future holds? I definitely could see myself doing the decorating thing in time. For now, I'm practicing with my own home. It's soooo nice. I appreciate all the little things, like a bathtub for my girls, a double oven, a dishwasher, a downstairs I can send my children to when I'm ready for a break, a washer and dryer on the third floor. Oh I could go on and on. I LOVE IT! Simple as that.
So I could probably list other things I'm loving about our new residence, but that's a pretty good start. I'm grateful everything has fallen into place so that finally, after seven years, we could make this dream a reality. I'll post photos soon about my adventures in decorating:)
