Shortly before my last blog, we had decided to back out of signing a contract on the house that is located on Cascade. But after we decided to back out of the deal, we began to wonder if we had possibly made a slight mistake. In fact, I felt more uneasy about backing out of the deal then I did about going forward with purchasing the house.
Some of the houses we did look at in our price range were nearly 30 + yrs old and needed some TLC. One house the realtor told us about was exactly the same in size, smaller lot, 30 yrs older, and more expensive. In the end it just didn't make sense.
We did toss around the idea of building; the Realtor had mentioned (before we backed out of signing the contract for the house on Cascade) that we could build a house for $148,900. But after talking to the Realtor again (this time after backing out of signing the contract the first time), we realized that wasn't an option really, especially since the builders that built and sold a house just last month for $148,900 were not going to be selling that same exact floor plan for that price anymore, in fact it was going to be $10,000 more, plus you add the fact that all the lots are now more expensive, it would have been closer to $15,000 to $20,000 in the end. We would have been in over our heads if we did that.
Oh, and just in case anyone is wondering, you can't get a NEW constructed houses for $10,000 to $15,000 LESS than the asking price, unless of course, the house is on the market for quite some time and the builder/owner just wants to get rid of it, then MAYBE, just maybe. Generally, they will only go down $1,000 or $2,000 dollars off the asking price. Just so you know.
After much prayer and discussing, we came to the conclusion that the house on Cascade in the Reserve was by far the best deal for us, and it had a lot more pros than cons about it. We feel like the Broker was shooting straight with us, especially after talking with the realtor and finding out that there really wasn't anything better on the market.
So, after all that up and down stuff, we changed our minds again. We decided to go with the house on Cascade after all. Thankfully, it was still available. We signed the contract the other night. Phew. Jer and I BOTH feel peace about this pursuit. And that is what is important. Period.
Sure it isn't our exact DREAM house, but honestly, who really lives in their dream house, especially their first home they buy? Okay, maybe some Movie Stars do that, but that really does not count. We are far from being famous...
So now you know the latest news.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
House Hunting Thoughts
Come back soon to read the latest news.
All I can say is that we both have peace about the direction we are taking. Sometimes, weighing the option of others is important, and even more important, is deciding if their option is worth taking or leaving at the table. Find your peace, and don't be swayed by the option of others, unless if they have 100% physical proof that their option is worth following, but still decide for YOURSELF. Confusion is not from our God, but a sound mind is.
And for those of you who read the House Hunting Part 3, you beat me to the delete. ;) It's still on here and still valid, if you know what I mean.
All I can say is that we both have peace about the direction we are taking. Sometimes, weighing the option of others is important, and even more important, is deciding if their option is worth taking or leaving at the table. Find your peace, and don't be swayed by the option of others, unless if they have 100% physical proof that their option is worth following, but still decide for YOURSELF. Confusion is not from our God, but a sound mind is.
And for those of you who read the House Hunting Part 3, you beat me to the delete. ;) It's still on here and still valid, if you know what I mean.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
House Hunting Continues...
In my last blog I mentioned a great house in "The Reserve", which had not even been finished yet. Well today, we backed out. Some of the reason why we backed out was cause some people were saying we could get the house for less, $5,000 to $10,000 less (even though the house was LESS, way less. Although, the amount that we were willing to pay was still close to the amount it was listed for.) So we figured, we could at least try and see if the broker would pay a couple hundred dollars more of the closing costs since we were not going through a Realtor, and in fact, we were actually saving him some $$. But he was unwilling to bend. So, we said our good-byes without signing a contract after all.
So, I am a little disappointed. Okay, so maybe a "little" isn't the right word...I am extremely bummed and sad about the closed the door. A few tears later (okay, a lot), I am pushing more into HIM and His perfect plans for this little family of ours. For about a week there, I was in dream land, and boy, was I loving it. But now it's back to reality. Lord give me grace and a content heart to deal with all the things I currently hate about my current place (like the non-insulated interior door hanging as my exterior door, carpet, cupboards, tight spaces, etc...).
House hunting SUCKS! I commend people for doing it for fun - you are NUTS! After only a few months of house hunting, I am already exhausted, my skin is in full zit, stressed-out mode, and my mind is on the non-stop track, even in my sleep. Oh house hunting, you suck.
So, we are back to square one. Does anyone have any leads in the Spearfish area? We're looking for a 2 or 3 bedroom / 1 or 2 bathroom finished upstairs with unfinished basement, preferably with a 1 or 2 car garage. Okay, God...we trust that you have something even better in mind for us. Lead and direct our steps, please. We cannot do this without you.
Maybe we should build our own place instead of buying from a seller. SO MANY DECISIONS!!! Ugh. I am exhausted already.
So, I am a little disappointed. Okay, so maybe a "little" isn't the right word...I am extremely bummed and sad about the closed the door. A few tears later (okay, a lot), I am pushing more into HIM and His perfect plans for this little family of ours. For about a week there, I was in dream land, and boy, was I loving it. But now it's back to reality. Lord give me grace and a content heart to deal with all the things I currently hate about my current place (like the non-insulated interior door hanging as my exterior door, carpet, cupboards, tight spaces, etc...).
House hunting SUCKS! I commend people for doing it for fun - you are NUTS! After only a few months of house hunting, I am already exhausted, my skin is in full zit, stressed-out mode, and my mind is on the non-stop track, even in my sleep. Oh house hunting, you suck.
So, we are back to square one. Does anyone have any leads in the Spearfish area? We're looking for a 2 or 3 bedroom / 1 or 2 bathroom finished upstairs with unfinished basement, preferably with a 1 or 2 car garage. Okay, God...we trust that you have something even better in mind for us. Lead and direct our steps, please. We cannot do this without you.
Maybe we should build our own place instead of buying from a seller. SO MANY DECISIONS!!! Ugh. I am exhausted already.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
House Hunting
We seem to be in a whirlwind right now (then again, when are we NOT in a whirlwind?), Jer and I are busy pondering, praying and pursuing new housing, but this time, we won't be renting (yes, I know you still sorta rent from the bank until you have it paid off, but we'll still be building equity, and that is important.) Wow, so much thought and prayer goes into this BIG, no, HUGE decision. We know we need God's wisdom and we've been seeking godly advice.
We've found a place that we are pursuing. It's still under construction (to be finished by the end of March, or at least by the first week of April). It's in a nice neighborhood (we have heard great things about it), plus we know quite a few families that live in this housing development. Oh and there are lots of families with young kids. About the house: Upstairs has 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. Unfinished basement will have 2 more bedrooms (one of the bedrooms will have to be finished sooner rather than later), 1 bathroom, family room and the laundry/utility room. It also has a 2 car garage. I love the kitchen (so far), it has a pantry and a raised breakfast bar. The bedrooms are bigger then our current bedrooms. It has a goofy shaped but decent sized yard. Oh, and one factor that I really like about it is the location - it's on a cul-de-sac and it's near the interstate. It's also here in Spearfish.
Right now, we're praying that God would continue to lead and give us wisdom. We're going to continue to pursue this house unless God closes the door or until we have the keys in hand. If you think of us, pray for us as we continue on this housing adventure. Thank you.
We've found a place that we are pursuing. It's still under construction (to be finished by the end of March, or at least by the first week of April). It's in a nice neighborhood (we have heard great things about it), plus we know quite a few families that live in this housing development. Oh and there are lots of families with young kids. About the house: Upstairs has 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. Unfinished basement will have 2 more bedrooms (one of the bedrooms will have to be finished sooner rather than later), 1 bathroom, family room and the laundry/utility room. It also has a 2 car garage. I love the kitchen (so far), it has a pantry and a raised breakfast bar. The bedrooms are bigger then our current bedrooms. It has a goofy shaped but decent sized yard. Oh, and one factor that I really like about it is the location - it's on a cul-de-sac and it's near the interstate. It's also here in Spearfish.
Right now, we're praying that God would continue to lead and give us wisdom. We're going to continue to pursue this house unless God closes the door or until we have the keys in hand. If you think of us, pray for us as we continue on this housing adventure. Thank you.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Balancing Act
When you have kids life truly does become a balancing act. How do I balance my kids needs, my spouse's needs and my own needs? How can I make it work so everyone gets love and time (and as I type this, my youngest, wants to be held and loved on...he's off exploring once again.) Where in the world do I find time for God and building on this very important relationship?
I don't really have answers; these are just the questions that loom in my mind.
Life is so full sometimes. Lord, help me to balance that which you have given to me.
On a side note: Jer and the boys do an amazing balancing act. Saray and I like to watch while our feet are on solid ground.
I don't really have answers; these are just the questions that loom in my mind.
Life is so full sometimes. Lord, help me to balance that which you have given to me.
On a side note: Jer and the boys do an amazing balancing act. Saray and I like to watch while our feet are on solid ground.
Where Has the Time Gone?
And nearly 10 months after that first car ride, this is the, not so little, boy we brought home for the 1000th time (or so).
Where has the time gone?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
I Need Wisdom, Lord.
"I need wisdom, Lord." This has been my heart's prayer a lot more than usual lately. I really do need wisdom to know what to do in regards to Joshua and his development. I have found that in the last 12 months Joshua (now 2.5 yrs old) has been maintaining his weight (20 - 22lbs), and if he gains, it's very little, only for it to be lost if he gets sick (which seems to be ALL the time).
Most days Joshua has a very decreased appetite. You would think he would be starving and dive right into the food that is before him, especially since I limit his milk/juice & snack intake to certain times and certain amounts. But nope. Most days it's a battle, "Josh, please take a bite", only for him to take a nibble, the smallest nibble imaginable, or he'll just lick something. Talk about frustrating for the parents, especially Momma.
I am learning to surrender my children to the Lord, but at the same time I really need the Great Physician's input and advice on what we should do for Joshua. It tears me up inside to see him lose weight, not be interested in eating (yes I know he is only 2.5 yrs old, you know what I mean). Most kids, eat one decent meal a day, but Josh will go days without eating at least one decent sized meal. I am praying this is just a phase and that we'll figure out how to help him.
I am beginning to wonder if he has an allergy to gluten or dairy, mostly due to the fact that he matches some the symptoms that are mentioned in regards to having a gluten and dairy allergy.
Symptoms he has been experiencing:
I plan on talking with his Doctor sometime in the very near future. In the meantime, I will do some more research. Pray for my sanity & patience in the midst of this season.
Most days Joshua has a very decreased appetite. You would think he would be starving and dive right into the food that is before him, especially since I limit his milk/juice & snack intake to certain times and certain amounts. But nope. Most days it's a battle, "Josh, please take a bite", only for him to take a nibble, the smallest nibble imaginable, or he'll just lick something. Talk about frustrating for the parents, especially Momma.
I am learning to surrender my children to the Lord, but at the same time I really need the Great Physician's input and advice on what we should do for Joshua. It tears me up inside to see him lose weight, not be interested in eating (yes I know he is only 2.5 yrs old, you know what I mean). Most kids, eat one decent meal a day, but Josh will go days without eating at least one decent sized meal. I am praying this is just a phase and that we'll figure out how to help him.
I am beginning to wonder if he has an allergy to gluten or dairy, mostly due to the fact that he matches some the symptoms that are mentioned in regards to having a gluten and dairy allergy.
Symptoms he has been experiencing:
- decreased appetite
- irritability
- inability to gain weight
- thin arm and leg muscles
- growth failure
I plan on talking with his Doctor sometime in the very near future. In the meantime, I will do some more research. Pray for my sanity & patience in the midst of this season.
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