So You Want to See the Inside?

Well, I'm too scared to show it to you!

I'm sure many of you are anxious to see what the inside of our new joint looks like, but I am feeling a bit leary right now.  My home has always been my sanctuary and I'm being stretched in every way possible to get to a good place with my new surroundings. For the past 13 years, I haven't had to worry about someone else's dirt. Even with the country house that we rehabbed, we didn't move in until everything was basically "new." And being the clean freak that I am, I am struggling with the idea that I'm moving into someone else's dirt. We've been here for a week, and I still haven't been able to walk barefoot in the house. Even when getting out of the shower, I go from bathmat to rug to slippers! Pray for me.  I know I have issues!

The cabinets are old and worn. Some are even broken. The walls are in need of fresh paint. The floors need to be redone. The outlets and faceplates need to be updated. The vents need to be cleaned. The window coverings are old and broken. It feels like everywhere I turn, there is something to be done. Plus, the rooms are smaller.  While this house has more square footage than all of the other homes we've living in, our furnishings aren't fitting into to rooms the same. I am having to figure out new layouts and new ways to use what I already have without buying new. (It's my new motto...Save, save, save!)

I am feeling like a failure in so many ways as a result of our last endeavor not working out, but I am trying to overcome these feelings by being grateful for all that God has provided. The country house turned out to be a much larger financial commitment that Mr. Mann and I could handle, and we don't want to get sucked into debt with this one, so I am going to have to be patient, which is my biggest weakness!

I know over time this place will shine, but I am vowing to pay cash for all of our projects.  It took us many years to become debt free, and while we only had our mortgage payment when we moved to the country, it was so high because it included the cost of the home and two major rehab projects. We felt like we were sinking. Not to mention the added cost for gasoline and utilities.  Didn't realize those would be so much higher, but they were.  Live and learn!

Anyhow, I'm going to take a leap of faith, and trust that you won't be too judgemental of my "new" used surroundings!  The pictures I am about to share with you are not my own.  They are ones from the  real estate listing.  I've decided I will post my "original" pictures as we rehab each room.  Mind you, this will probably take me a bazillion years since I've decided to pay cash, but if I've learned anything from the last 3 homes, it's that I don't need to worry.  God will provide for my every need.  I can rest in knowing that He will be there every step of the way. Not to mention, I will get to use my creative talents along the way!

So without further ado...

Home Sweet Home

Living Room and Entry

Living Room

Dining and Kitchen (with a view of the yard...a little smaller than the last one!!)

Tiniest kitchen I've had since since our first year of marriage, but surprisingly easy to work in. Definitely plan on redoing this space one day.  Hopefully sooner rather than later, but remember, I'm going to be patient!

Still somewhat of an open concept which I am happy about.

Master bedroom.  Certainly leaves little to be desired, but I'm grateful for a warm room to put my bed in!

Main and Master Bath
Totally bizarre use of of space, but I've got some ideas for a redo of this area, too!

The loft is actually a great use of open space.  It has new carpet which makes it one of the easiest spaces to rehab.  Just a fresh coat of paint and some new window treatments.

Caleb's Room

Emaleigh's Room.  She's loving the corner window seats!

Kids Bath

Basement Rec Room

Lower Bedroom

Lower Bath

So there you have it.  We decided to move in and rent the place until we close next week.  While we could have saved a little money by waiting to move in until after closing, we decided that is was simpler not to have to load and unload our belongings twice. We took our chances on the appraisal coming in on target, and it did! While we wouldn't usually take a risk like this, we've felt the present of our savior during this whole process, so we took another leap of faith.

While I don't feel like this is even close to our forever home, I am warming up to it, and I wouldn't be surpised if we actually end up living in this house longer than any other house we've owned.  So far that would be our Cabriolet house at 10 years. I know lots of our family and friends aren't going to place bets on that, but trust me when I say stranger things have happened, and one should never say never.  All I can say for certain at this moment, is that we are following God's direction for our life, and if and when He feels like it is time to move on from this home, we will go!

Stay tuned for rehab updates in the upcoming days, weeks, months and years!  Like I said earlier.  I'm not in any particular rush on this house.  Going to live in it and let it speak to me.  I've never let a house do that, so I think I'll give it a try this time!