Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Trading Spaces

In December we said "so long" to warm winter days in the Lone Star State and "hello" to frigid arctic temps in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Our move from Houston to Minneapolis would bring many changes, no doubt. None more dramatic than our "new" house. We were going from a newly built, 4600 square foot, 4 bedroom home with a pool to a circa 1941 cottage complete with one bathroom and 1300 finished square feet. Our house is in a perfect location ~ a charming neighborhood where we can walk everywhere: school, the bank, post office, grocery store, parks and ice rinks. While we love our "little house" we knew it might cramp our lifestyle a bit. All five of us ~ dad, mom, big sis (14), big bro (11) and little sis (5)~ one big happy (most of the time) family.

How could we survive in such tight cozy quarters? It's not easy...a teenage daughter and one bathroom...need I say more??? Fortunately, this is only temporary as we have just begun the process of a home (and lifestyle) renovation. Although challenging, I must admit this "exercise" in "not so big house" living is teaching us a lot and giving us a real sense of our true needs (like a really big mudroom with benches to sit and take your wet, snowy boots off).

As we embark on this journey, I thought it would be great to keep family and friends updated on the ups & downs and ins & outs of managing a major home renovation all while trying to lead a somewhat "normal" lifestyle. Should be interesting?!?!?!

5 comments:

  1. Wow! I can't wait to see the progress. I think one bathroom would do me in. (boys are so messy, ha) Good Luck!

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  2. Oooh, I can't wait to see what you do! Hopefully I'll be doing the same thing soon, if we ever sell our house.

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  3. Wow, good luck. I'm anxious to watch our progress.

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  4. Oooh remodeling is tough. We signed the papers to start a remodel, and about 2 weeks later I found out I was pregnant.

    44...pregnant...tired...nauseated....hammers banging....dust flying....mood swings = NIGHTMARE..

    It will be better for you... : )

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  5. P.S. And due to the bad economy and Hubby losing his job in about a year (long story)...Hubby warns me that we may have to sell the house.

    "After all the hell I went through?" I said. No Way Jose!

    Lol.

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