Monday, February 11, 2013

When Dreams Mix with Reality

It was love at first sight 
This past weekend we went to the Louisville Home, Renovation, and Landscape Expo, thanks to Alan's work for free tickets. We went last year and it was huge, this year it was a lot smaller and not as many landscape ideas. However, we did spot a log cabin company and fell in love. I have always wanted to have a log cabin on a couple of acres. So I talked with the people and they gave me some information on it. The downside is it is a bit expensive; however, they said since Alan is handy that he could do a lot of work himself and they could just build the basic home. Good idea, but I know how expensive renovations can be and how much hard work they are. We just (and by just, I mean two months ago) finished our basement.
our backyard when we bought the house.

When we moved into our home, it was in move in condition. A 40 year-old ranch style home, beautiful hardwood floors, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a kitchen, and two living rooms/den upstairs. The house, although not big, but not tiny either at 1,300 sq ft. Before moving in Alan had envisioned how he would take out the second den area that was on the back side of the kitchen and open it up to one large kitchen. Redo the opening for the kitchen and basically move everything around. His brother came up to help us for six weeks.

The kitchen before 
This was the second den. 
Finally, the house was ready. We still had a living room, but now we had a huge five foot opening into the kitchen. The kitchen is large enough for our big farm house style table to fit. This was a huge undertaking and wasn't cheap. In that time we got pregnant, so any major house renovations were completed. We refinished the bathroom floors, put in new closet doors, and did some painting. Fast forward to three babies later, we finally get the basement done in December of 2012. And now we have thoughts on moving?


We are excited over the idea, but then when we got home from the expo and driving around in the country, I walked in and said, "I don't know how I can move from here. This is our home." Maybe I'm being sentimental or maybe finally being done with all the major renovations, that the thought of doing this again is exhausting!
Kitchen after

We have a wonderful back yard and front yard that the kids love to play in, no it's not a couple of acres, but it's not tiny either. Our backyard backs up to a wooded area with a creek so you don't see the houses behind us. We have awesome neighbors, and are close to things we frequently visit like the park, library, Target :) the grocery store, and my parents! Our home is in on the outskirts of the city, five minutes south and your in another county. We've put a lot of love into this home and we aren't ready to give it up just yet. But then we have to think about schools and that was a whole other post.

So for now we will dream of log cabins on a couple of acres, but our home for now is right here at 9613 in a little cul-de-sac in Fern Creek, KY.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Happy {belated} Birthday Meredith!

Meredith,

This is forever late, but better than never...right? Anyway, you turned 2 on January 10th and what a wild ride it's been with you! When I think about you, the first thing that comes to mind is your spunky attitude. You have this wild, curious, determined attitude that you can see in your eyes. Wild child we call you. And that you are. You aren't afraid of anything. You will stand on the couch and say with legs ready to jump, "one, two...." and jump into the air, hoping that someone will have heard your count down and reach you before you hit the floor. You my darling, have no fear.

For someone with so much personality, you sure are a little peanut. Still in 12 month clothes, although we do have some 18 month clothes that we roll the pant legs up on. But you are healthy, despite living off of what seems like just bananas, yogurt, graham crackers, and cheese. And not sleeping. You need sleep to grow little one, so let's work in it, ok?

Sis, you are something else. You rule to roost with two brothers, not backing down when B takes a toy from you. You stand your ground. I hope that you keep your sense of determination, spunk, curiosity, and yes, even your daring, wild side (though, I wouldn't mind if you toned it down a bit).

Meredith, you are an amazing, smart little lady, who always has a smile, is always doing something funny to make us laugh. We love you Sis!

Love Forever and Always,
Mama