We really struggled to figure out what to do for a long term place to live. We looked at living in a trailer (I wasn't thrilled trying to fit 3 kids in a trailer!) and for the price it just wasn't worth it. Then we thought we found a house in Hidden Valley, it wasn't the best house or the best location but it was a house. In the end it fell through, the owner decided to rent it to a friend instead. While I was very disappointed it turned out to be for the best. The rental market is incredible competitive right now with so many people looking for a place without moving too far away. Thankfully I have lots of good friends who kept looking and asking for me and it finally paid off!
I took this picture while we were waiting for the realtor to show us the house. I was so worried we had the wrong house, it was so much nicer than the last place we saw. Before I even got out of the car I knew we wanted this place.
I am not the biggest fan of Hidden Valley but this house is really private, has a fenced front and back yard and couldn't be more perfect. It is a really cute house with LOTS of space. The owner had just closed on the house the day before the fire, he planed to move here a part of his retirement. Thankfully he decided he wanted to help and offered his house as a rental until we could rebuild.
I love how the kitchen looks out into the living room, and I love having a bar for the kids to sit at.
The living room even has a fireplace.
The dining room has an amazing view of Mount Saint Helena. And the floors, while it looks like wood floor it is actually tile that looks like wood. So much easier to take care of, and it should stand up to the abuse of 3 kids a lot better than wood. We are not the biggest fan of the tole painting around the house but we really can't be too picky.
Probably one of my favorite parts of the house, the bonus room! While not the cutest room it is perfect for a play room. I love that we have a designated place for toys and there is a door to close if I need to ignore the toys at night.
It was a harder process than I had imagined to move in. We had to gather so many things, furniture, dishes, pots and pans, bedding ect. We had so much help and people were so generous. Still it was an overwhelming process. It isn't easy to think of all the basics a family of 5 needs. Emotionally it was really hard, I wanted to move so we could move forward but it was a very hard step to take. As I shopped for things we needed in the house I would get so overwhelmed. I would keep thinking of things, little things, that we needed and the list never ends. I almost started crying in Wal Mart with my cart filled to the brim with household goods, it was just so overwhelming and stressful. Thankfully that is happening less and less as time goes on.
Some great friends, Julie and Sue, organized a pantry party for me. I thought everyone was bringing one spice or one bag of flour/sugar etc. Instead people brought grocery bags filled with pantry staples. I was literally able to fill almost all my cupboards from the party. I can't even express how grateful I am to have so many wonderful friends, I felt so very loved.
We have been so blessed to have found such an amazing place so close to Ally's school and to my parents. We are glad to have our own space while still close to all that is familiar and our amazing support system of friends and family.
1 comment:
What a blessing! Sounds like this was supposed to be your temporary home, for sure. And I LOVE the wood tile. If we hadn't already had wood floors in this house I would have done the wood tile. So pretty and less stressful than the wood with kids!! Hope this is a great place for your family!
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