Welcome to my new home! We are finally here in our new hometown. We bought a brand new house. Yes, me, the one who LOVES old charming houses bought a NEW house! Well, actually, we haven’t bought it yet. We intend to as soon as our house in Portland sells. For now, we are on the “rent to own” plan.
We decided on a new home because we didn’t want to spend our first few years here cleaning up 75 years worth of other people’s dust and grime, stripping six layers of wallpaper or replacing non-working harvest gold grease filled appliances. We have spent 22 years doing that in several different houses and just decided that this time we were going to give ourselves a break to do other things! And when we found a reasonably charming NEW house, we knew we had found our home.
I seriously might need some sort of counseling to get me through the fact that I didn’t have to scrub down walls and disinfect or anything before we let our kids move in. It feels so, well, wrong. But, I think it will be the right thing for us in this season of life. It fits with all of my goals for the year — I wanted to make a house choice that supported the life I wanted. I’ll share how this home fits into those goals in future posts.
Our move up here was the craziest ever. We woke up to snow (again) in Portland on Friday, our moving day, and all the way up into Washington we watched cars spin out on ice in front of us, landing in ditches. We saw cars turned over on their roofs and accidents every mile. It was SO scary! We couldn’t decide if we should turn around or keep going in hopes of better weather ahead. Even though we had no four wheel drive, no snow tires and no chains, we made it safely.
Unfortunately for us, our moving van turned around (just before the roads cleared up) and went back to Portland! So we have no beds. No chairs. No pans. None of our stuff. And the craziest part is they were going to reschedule the delivery for Monday but now as of Sunday night we have over four inches of new snow on the ground. It might be a long week of sleeping on the floor! And a long week with no washer or dryer for the few clothes we brought with us!
I’ll be getting back to my regular blogging schedule this week with new posts for 2009 (blogging from a bean bag chair on the floor), our Beautiful Life Mr. Linky each Friday to keep us focused on our goals for the year, and of course, I will give you all a house tour. My head is still pondering how to make our new house feel like home!
Thanks for checking on me and all of the support through my move! You are the best! I’m very excited about my new life here and just knowing you all are out there makes me feel like my friends are all next door, even though I hardly know anyone in town.
You’ll have so much fun with it!
Congrats on the new house and Happy New Year to you!! God bless you!
Oh Melissa, your new home is so beautiful!I am sure that you will create a welcoming home for your family. At one time you get the chance to work on a blank canvas and put your best ideas from years of experience renovating as well as things that you’ve always wanted to try, into practice.
I hope the weather gets better soon, but from my experience, those uncomfortable moments are those that offer opportunity for fun beyond imagination!
Wishing you a happy stay in your new home. And yes, I’ll be glad to stop by and visit soon. Your yearly project sounds like a great boost of inspiration.
Congrats on arriving safely. Your new home is absolutely gorgeous. Just think, you can take your new home and make it look “lived in” and cozy. It will be a new kind of challenge. I am sure you will make it beautiful. I hope your things arrive soon!
Karol :0)
Karols inspiring blog post..And the winner is….
I suspect that the Enemy is trying to wear you down and tire you out before you start….. you must be on the right road. I’m excited for you.
Melissa, I’m glad you made it to your new home okay, despite the scary snow! Your home is beautiful…can’t wait to see the inside! Hope all goes well.
Debi
debi@life in my studios inspiring blog post..Making a Plan
well, I am just so happy you have a new place to call home! The house is beautiful, I can not wait to see what magic you spin on it!!
Nikkis inspiring blog post..{A NEW Blog}
melissa, Your new home looks wonderful.It sounds like we are all going to have a new adventure with you.It is always wonderful to come here and see your inspirational ideas and down to earth approach to everyday life.Being a bit Ok a lot older than you I see such wisdom in you.Your life is going to be so much more wonderful because of the balance you are trying to keep.You have your priorities straight, God,family,friends.It is simple in print but not always easy in real life. More power to you my friend, kathysue
Congrats! It looks lovely and I can’t wait to see more of it and hear more of your new adventures.
Gidgets inspiring blog post..It’s the Absolute Ultimate!! #15~ Preserving Memories, Part 3
I’m glad you arrived at your destination safely! The weather has indeed been crazy – even here in So California we had nearly a foot of snow. Your house is lovely – it looks perfect with those tall pines behind it! Best wishes for a swift move-in (if you ever get your things!) xoJill
Jills inspiring blog post..2009
Melissa, no matter what age home you buy, you’d have to “make it your own” anyway. It is such a relief to be able to jump right in to the pretty stuff and not worry about plumbing, or roofs or septic tanks. It will be great to watch your progress. Glad you’re back!
Karen Bs inspiring blog post..Magazine Sadness
It is a lovely new home Melissa! You and your family will carry the memory of the old home and start new ones here in this home. Be it big, small, old, new, or even an apartment, it is still home. It is where your love dwells, and that will make it a home.
Gayle at Mountain Momas inspiring blog post..Owl Card
Your new home is beautiful! I’ve never had a new one, but I can only imagine how FRESH everything is! I’m sure you will come up with plenty of projects to keep you busy around the house! It will be cozy in no time!
Kim@ForeverWherevers inspiring blog post..Jeep Adventure in Moab, Utah
Welcome to Washington! We have been having crazy weather here too. Your house is beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you do with it.
Jennifers inspiring blog post..back at it…
Well congrats! I am excited for you – and all I can say about new homes, is that they are WAY easier to keep clean!
They never seem to accumulate dust and crud like the older charmers! Where in WA are you? I live in Lake Forest Park and we also got 4″ of snow last night! And a power outage (which we pretty much expect whenever there’s a storm because of all the trees – your photo looks kind of like our area!)
hugs and stay warm!
Elaine
Elaines inspiring blog post..Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Beautiful home. Looking forward to more pics. Glad you finally made it there safely. Don’t work too hard.
Pat
Pats inspiring blog post..My Year 2008
How exciting Melissa! I love it! How fun to start the year off setting up and organizing in a brand new space!
Jeanne @ Inspiring Ideass inspiring blog post..Happy New Year!
Girl, I slept in our walk-in closet the first night we were in our new home! We had no curtains anywhere and that was the only room I felt “safe” in. We are in the country with no close neighbors but I still felt funny sleeping in a room without curtains. It’s been three years since we moved into our brand new home and I love it. It doesn’t take long at all to make it your nest! Best blessings on your new adventure…
Deborahs inspiring blog post..Kisses From Heaven
Great looking house….I can imagine that there is nothing like walking into a new house and having nothing to do but hang pictures….I wish you all the happiness in your new home in your new state….Hope the furniture arrives soon!!
Sues inspiring blog post..SOPHIE’S 2009 CALENDAR AND A NEW YEAR GIVE-AWAY!! the Oscar goes to……….
Such a charming new house and in no time a HOME. We lived in a new house for 6 years, it’s hard. It gave us time to do things, go places and just relax but eventually it just made us antsy. Sometimes I miss it tho, all those working outlets! Enjoy!
tamis inspiring blog post..Monday, Monday
Welcome to Washington, Melissa! Over here on the other side of the state we’ve had 6 feet of snow in the past month! Craziness!
Your new home is beautiful! Hope you get your stuff soon.
Wishing you much joy and God’s blessing as you embark on this new life and ministry!
Shilo
Shilos inspiring blog post..The Screaming Banshee Meets Baby’s First Christmas
What a beautiful new home you have! Congratulations and enjoy the extra time you have thanks to no cleaning of other peoples grime!!
jenifriend in kansass inspiring blog post..The Way In Which He Speaks
I love your new house! I have been checking in for updates. I can’t figure out how to subscribe and get updates on my blog. I’ll keep trying. I am happy for you that you and your family found a new house w/character. I live in Alabama and they are building a lot of new houses to look old and charming. The only thing is they are way to close together. I love looking at them though. I like privacy and trees and probably hollar to loud at times to live in close quarter neighborhoods. I really enjoy your blog. Hope you get your possessions very soon. Glad you made it safely :}
Amandas inspiring blog post..Children & Politics
I’m so excited that you’d share with us
I love the home..can’t wait to see all your creative touches on the inside…I bet even your bean bag looks great!
blessings…lylah
lylah ledners inspiring blog post..sorry, i’ve been busy lately
Twitter: melissalewis
says:
Love the new house Melissa. I have no doubt you will make it a perfect and “authentic” home for your family! Glad to hear you made it up to Washington safely. Can’t wait for more pics:)
Your new house looks like it has enough charm to make up for it being new. I love it! Oh My! I do hope the movers have made it there. I can’t wait to see the inside. Glad you made it safely. laurie
What a beautiful home! Congratulations and Happy New Year! :0)
Ms.Tees inspiring blog post..Snowball Crisps & an Easy to Make Server
That is the most fabulous house!!! How exciting. You are going to have a great future there. I can’t wait to see more and what you do with it. For now…stay warm and I hope your goods arrive really soon!
Lacys inspiring blog post..A little bit of art….
It looks charming Melissa! I can’t wait to see the insides. It’s pretty terrible, but I want our next house to be new for the same reason. I’m tired of changing everyone else’s wallpaper and decorating choices.
Barbaras inspiring blog post..Invitations – Cocktail Party Basics
What a darling house! And seriously, while I understand about old houses and fixing them up, how wonderful to be in a new house!
I hope your moving truck has arrived by now! Can’t wait to see it all set up!
Deannas inspiring blog post..Perfection or Nothing…
Hi Melissa. Wow, what an ordeal you and your family endured during your move! I hope this week goes more smoothly for you. Thanks so much for showing a photo of your “new” home – how exciting. And I’m looking forward to Fridays with you and everyone who visits The Inspired Room. “A Beautiful Life” is the perfect outlook to have on this brand new year!
~Arleen
Arleens inspiring blog post..Inspiration ~ Window Treatments
Melissa,
I’m so glad that you and your family arrived safely. Your new home is lovely. I live in an old home and understand how you feel. As I get older I keep thinking about something nice and small and new. Can’t wait to see more of your new home! May God grant you many blessings in your new home.
Hugs,
Cathie
Catherines inspiring blog post..Snowman Jack in the Box
That’s so great! We are moving in two weeks from our 1953 home to a brand new home. I look forward to watching and learning from you as we journey into the freedom of new homes together.
Your house is stunning Melissa! Can’t wait for the tour
)
The new house is gorgeous. So beautiful! I cannot wait to see all the pictures I know you’ll share.
Here is to hoping you get all of your stuff. . . . SOON!
Kelly @ Wisdom Beguns inspiring blog post..Kinderbach – Monday Review
It’s beautiful! In my 16 years of marriage, we’ve always lived in an old house, so I know what you mean both ways — it would feel strange not to have to tackle one of the always-emerging old-house problems (new bathroom leak sprung up here this week!), and yet it sure would seem dandy to have a house that, at least for a few years, wouldn’t be quite as needy! I don’t know how it feels not to have several on-going house projects at various stages of completion IN AMID the oh-no!-unexpected predicaments, and I think it may be fun to have that new experience at some point in life. Congratulations on your new NEW home! Spend that bonus time with a cup of cocoa instead of a scrub brush in your hand.
Congratulations Melissa on your BEAUTIFUL new home!! It has tons of charm and I know you will make it all yours in no time… I’m so behind in Blogland so I’m glad that I stopped by this afternoon to see you and read your happy news!! I hope you and your family celebrate many happy days together in your new home! ((((hugs))))
xo,
Kim
Daisy Cottages inspiring blog post..Feeling Blue?
oh, this is a breath-taking house… i can’t wait to see it as your HOME! enjoy and blessings in 2009!!
What a beautiful home. I can see why you chose this one!!!
Jennys inspiring blog post..Pictures
Melissa, the house looks great; congratulations! You’ve been through this big move and new adventure so maybe it’s good that you don’t have to clean up an old house this time. May the Lord bless you and your family in your new home. I can’t wait to see the pictures once you get your furniture.
Debbies inspiring blog post..Laced With Grace Giveaway ~ January
Your new house looks very cute! Sorry that your move went a little crazy, but praise the Lord you made it safe and sound! Looking forward to more about the move and the house.
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolatess inspiring blog post..Tea for Two-sday ~ Teavana
It is absolutely gorgeous! Definately looks like a home, not a house. Good luck to you
CatHerders inspiring blog post..ok ok i will get you breakfast
Although you might not even see this post (I’m No. 90!), I wanted to comment anyway. The house is beautiful! I wish you many years of blessings there and I’m glad God brought you all through a safe journey to your destination. I was born in Washington state, and although not being blessed to get back there yet, I hope to one day see the beauty I’ve heard so much about. I’m in Texas, so any amount of snow is wondrous to me!
When we moved here three years ago, we stayed in the house for over a week with no appliances (Christmas time and Whirlpool’s delivery schedule was ridiculous!), so we couldn’t wash clothes or cook! I feel your pain!!! Anyway, I look forward to hearing more about your new home adventures and I love your blog!
Be Blessed!
~Chondra
Chondra Taylors inspiring blog post..Taking it all Down!
Congratulations and BEST wishes in your new home!!!!! That is SOOOO exciting! I am wishing and hoping for a new home right now. We built this home 25 years ago and it has been wonderful but now I am tired of cleaning up OUR grease and grime:):) I need a fresh start, and now that my DH is retired I think it is TIME:):) Can’t wait to see more, hope your things get there SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pinky
Congratulations on your new home. We still haven’t made the plunge. The only gripe I have with most new homes (at least here) is the lack of a decent size yard. Although it becomes less important as utility costs continue to rise every year. You’ll be happy with your first utility bills compared to your old house I’m sure.
Charless inspiring blog post..The Cosmopolitan beats the Odds
Your house looks just stunning! Are you guys suffering from any of the flooding that we are getting up here in Vancouver, Canada?
Tamaras inspiring blog post..So THAT’S Where My Scrapbooks Are!
Melissa – I’m so glad you bought a new house! It’s so much easier and yours looks adorable and charming. Congratulations on your new life and ministry. Can’t wait to see more — it looks incredibly beautiful – the lot, the house!
Joni Webbs inspiring blog post..Another One Bites The Dust
Wow – welcome to the world of new houses! I wonder if you will ever go back?
I have always loved new houses – the freshness, the newness, the fact that no one (or maybe just one family) has lived in the house before. No mysterious stories or sounds, no person who has died in the bedroom before, nothing like that.
However, last year I was able to see a renovation where the builder had gutted the house and everything felt new inside. It was like the best of both worlds – the charm of an old house, the new fresh feel of a new house.
I must admit, though, given the choice – I would pick a new house every time. My ideal would be to build a new house that was architecturally sensitive to classic and historical architecture, but has all of the bells and whistles of the 21st century!
Enjoy your home. Life is an exciting adventure, isn’t it?
Things That Inspires inspiring blog post..French Inspired Houses (aka, My Dream Home 2009)
Melissa, I’m so happy for you. I hope your life in 2009 will be just absolutely wonderful. I sometimes wonder if I am ready to leave this 105 year old home behind too. We’ve done fixer uppers our whole marriage, (23 years) so I relate to what you say. You can focus on your new church…God bless you! xo rachel