Our Castle :-)

Our new home . . . :-) HA!
Okay, our real new home. Our castle. :-)

It has been a funny process, the whole "finding the right home" thing. We have been looking for awhile -- since before we even got here. The timing became right, as our lease in our current home was almost up. The funny thing about the home we bought is, we had made an offer, and originally they did not accept our offer. A month went by and we were ready to offer on a different property. However, our realtor sent the offer to the agent for this home, by accident. As a result, the agent contacted our agent, and asked if we were still interested. We decided we may be, if they were willing to work with us this time. So, we made another offer, an offer that was better for us in every way (including them leaving their movie projector and screen). :-) And, well, they agreed! So, timing turned out to be everything for us! Also, I love the accidental offer from our agent. Accident? I think not!

This was the home that we fell in love with when we first walked through. They had our special music playing (Nat King Cole, Sinatra, etc.) They had it smelling like Christmas and everything. :-) It was the only home that we actually "felt". All the others -- there was nothing. Anyhow, so as you can see, our castle may not be what many might imagine to be a "dream home". But, it is our dream home!! We do plan on expanding over the years. Currently, there are two bedrooms. All of the kids will be in one for now, and us in the other. Yes, they have to share -- can you believe it? Sharing a room! For shame!

Eventually, we will need more room. As Sammi grows into "womanhood", and the boys grow, and more come. :-) For now, I make sure they have their privacy when needed, etc. :-) It will be "cozy" for awhile, but this house is three words to us: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! It is minutes from their school, minutes from Charles work, and around the corner from church. It is only a few streets down from where we are now, same ward, school, etc. We could have moved out in the suburbs, and gotten a MUCH larger home, but we did not want Charles to drive to and from work for 30 + minutes a day -- no way! I will "sacrifice" space, for time with him -- any day! We have done a lot of research as well, and this area has maintained value, while the suburbs are plummeting because of gas prices etc. Location is key! That is the only thing I learned in one of my business classes. :-)

Another funny thing about this house is that our sellers were moving because they did not have enough room (they have one baby). I think they felt a little sheepish saying that after I told them we were moving in with three kids! :-) Ahhhhhh . . . one man's junk, is another man's treasure! This is our treasure, because it will by our own, a place for our family to be, and grow, and love. We will have to be close -- I love being close. We will have to work together, and I will have to learn the art of Feng-shui. We are selling most of our furniture, and cluttery things, and we will keep it simple, clean, and lovely. The way I like it. Less to clean, less to keep track of, less to distract, and more time to play! Hooray! We are very excited. It has been an interesting process, very educational. We have had some friends (who were going to move into a bigger home) change their minds because they said we helped them realize you don't need "more" to be happy. That is one thing I know for sure!

Now to quote my mother, quoting one of her Samoan girls. "You are so lucky, you have everything you need!" This girl lived in a Fale (a Samoan home with no walls) and the whole family sleeps on the floor. That is all they have. Truly, I feel very lucky, we do have everything we need, even want. I thank God everyday, and pray for those who do not have. :-) I think the one thing that you can never have enough of is gratitude. God sure does love a grateful heart. :-)

Picture of my parents standing in front of a Fale, you can see the family inside. :-)

lots of love,

Mari