share post

The New Home Adventures

by | Jan 5, 2009 | Authentic Living

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

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.

98 Comments

  1. CC

    Yeah! Melissa, what a beautiful house. I can’t wait to see how you make it your home!!! :)
    Blessings~

    Reply
  2. Kathy

    It looks beautiful Melissa! Now you can show us all the ways you will add old fashioned charm and hominess to your blank slate. Starting over sounds like such fun. You really do have a fresh start this New Year:>) God bless you in this new adventure and your New Year!

    Kathys inspiring blog post..A sweet update…

    Reply
  3. Vee

    Despite all the challenges you’ve already faced (still praying), that is one very charming home, Melissa! It’s so darling that I’m praying that sleeping on the floor will seem like a vacation. ;>

    Looking forward to the next installment in the Washington story.

    Vees inspiring blog post..Wax Paper Tip

    Reply
  4. Emily

    Melissa, your new home is gorgeous and I know just by you and your family being in it, you will make it even moreso. I think it’s wonderful you found a place you can just move into! I can’t wait to do the same someday! Best of luck to you on this new journey. It looks like you’re off to a great start!

    Emily@remodelingthislifes inspiring blog post..Photo Tiles

    Reply
  5. Astrid

    Your new house looks lovely (from the outside). I can’t wait to see photos of the interior! Good luck moving in and getting your stuff. We drove through blizzard-like conditions right before Christmas- it was no fun. We also saw many, many over-turned vehicles too (mostly suvs and trucks!). Scary stuff!

    Astrids inspiring blog post..Monster in our pot

    Reply
  6. Penny

    What a beautiful home! I look forward this year seeing seeing how you make it yours.

    Reply
  7. Becky K.

    First, I am glad you made it safely. That would have been very scary!

    Secondly, the house is so cute! I think it must be strangely wonderful to not have all of those usual chores to accomplish…but you will be so busy with the new church that you have shown much wisdom….

    Hope your things arrive soon!

    Becky K.s inspiring blog post..An Honor…and a Kindred Spirit

    Reply
  8. Jan

    What a lovely house, Melissa!!! I can’t wait to see the inside, too!

    We’ll continue to pray, til your Moving Van makes it to your place with everything!! You’ll continue to remain on our Prayer List, too!

    ~Blessings, Sweetie…
    Jan

    Jans inspiring blog post..Our Friday and Saturday Get-Away…

    Reply
  9. Laryssa

    Melissa,
    It’s beautiful! I’m so glad you got there safely. Hope your things get there soon too! See you soon at BlissDom, I’d love to get to meet you. You are one of the sweetest gals I’ve “met” in blogdom. Have a blessed day!

    Reply
  10. Rosie's Whimsy

    Ah, Melissa, It is gorgeous!! Oh but you seem to be in a real moving adventure. I sure hope the moving van comes soon.

    Rosie’s Whimsys inspiring blog post..A New Toy

    Reply
  11. Terri Steffes

    I cannot wait to see more. As someone who was considering buying a 75+ year old home.. I am starting to hesitate!

    Terri Steffess inspiring blog post..Eagle Watching

    Reply
  12. Kristen

    It’s beautiful! I love it. Can’t wait to see what you do on the inside. I’m sure it will be lovely. I hope you can get your things soon and we’ll be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as you continue your move in crazy, snowy weather!

    Kristens inspiring blog post..I’m A Proud Wife

    Reply
  13. Kasey

    You house looks beautiful. Has a lot of character to it.

    Kaseys inspiring blog post..Need a Laugh?

    Reply
  14. Liz

    Hi Melissa,

    Your new home is fabulous! I know what you mean about not wanting to clean 75 years of someone else’s dirt! My home is 80 years old and having spent 5 years of cleaning up previous owner terrible DIY and decorating I’m determined to have a newish home next time :)

    I hope your furniture turns up soon and that it’s not causing too much inconvience. Enjoy your new home and I look forward to seeing photos of the inside of that gorgeous house!

    Blessings
    Liz

    Liz@VioletPosys inspiring blog post..Vegetable Gardening the Easy Way

    Reply
  15. Jinx

    Glad you made it safely “home”!

    We built new over 20 years ago & I am SO glad we did. Every single memory in this house is ours. I know that sounds kind of funny, but it makes our home very, very special.

    You’ll love it! Especially the “no stripping wallpaper” part.

    Here’s hoping your stuff makes it there soon so you can settle in.

    Jinxs inspiring blog post..Twinkle, twinkle, little light…

    Reply
  16. anne

    Such a gorgeous house, I wish…My house needs lots of money spent on it…..I should of stuck to my guns and bought a new house, but no I listened to my husband…who doesn’t live here half the time..I would like to get a sledgehammer, and knock mine down…

    Reply
  17. Misti

    Old…new… either way, decorating is fun! You will have a blast just being able to play and not work in this home. Hope you guys are not sleeping on the floor for too long! The house looks really cool from this picture. I love a rustic home, it’s my favorite! Many blessings in the new year (and the new home).
    ~Misti

    Misti @ Studio M Designss inspiring blog post..Step Inside my Kitchen: My favorite place in the house

    Reply
  18. Stacey

    I love the outside!! Don’t worry, your new house will feel like a home. We’ve bought new both times…the good thing is that everything about it is yours!!

    Staceys inspiring blog post..A Welcomed Day Outside

    Reply
  19. linda

    Congratulations and best wishes on a beautiful New Year in your charming New, new home!!!

    Reply
  20. Linda

    Wow! What a gogeous new home it is! Consider this little glitch in the beginning like a camping adventure! How fun fo you!

    And…must say i am impressed with how quickly you were able to get blogging again!

    Linda@Lime in the Coconuts inspiring blog post..Barn dreams…..

    Reply
  21. jen

    Yea – you’re in ( you – literally…maybe not the rest of your stuff :)!
    It has so much cozy warmth and charm! Can’t wait to see inside – with or without any decorating. Take us on a tour even before your things are in. We’d love that.

    jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlams inspiring blog post..A Sunday Moment

    Reply
  22. teresa

    You made it! Now lets pray for clear roads so your furniture can get there! {I had to go one night without my blow dryer and I thought I had it bad :}- hang in there} I like your new home- love all the greenery around, the pitch of the different roof lines- and the tall trees in the back- wow-
    It will be fun to see what you do with your new home.
    Hugs

    Reply
  23. My First Kitchen

    Congratulations, Melissa!!! The house is absolutely beautiful. Really. We bought a new house for the same reasons; I’m not into stripping wallpaper. AT ALL. Blessings to you in this new year and new home, and I hope you get furniture really soon! :)

    My First Kitchens inspiring blog post..Ten-Minute Chickpea Salad

    Reply
  24. Michelle

    I love your new house & I hope that your furniture makes it soon! You will have so much fun making this new place a home. Best of luck!

    Michelles inspiring blog post..Goals for 2009

    Reply
  25. Adrienne

    Dear Melissa – Your new home is wonderful. It’s so Pacific Northwest! Just right for Washington. Being a PNW girl myself – born in Washington – there’s something special about the new homes that are built to ‘go’ with the area. Your decision to buy a new home was the best one. As you begin the new church and get involved in your new community you will be busy – much too busy to do the ‘dirty work’ of redoing an older home. Good choice!

    Can’t wait to see what you do with your home. I know it will be just right. In the meantime I’m thinking your view from the floor – until the furniture arrives – will give you a new perspective of just where every piece should go when they carry it through the door!

    Blessings and hugs to you,
    ~Adrienne~

    Adriennes inspiring blog post..On Eagles Wings

    Reply
  26. Rhoda

    Hi, Melissa, glad you made it safe & sound, but oh no on the moving van! At least you are warm & dry, so you can make it til they arrive. We actually slept on the floor at our house for a few days when we first moved to B’ham. My aching back! That didn’t last too long, we hit Target for a blow-up bed & it was actually pretty comfortable until we got a real bed.

    Blessings in your new house!

    Rhodas inspiring blog post..An Organized Life

    Reply
  27. Melissa

    I am glad you made it safe and sound to your beautiful new home.

    Reply
  28. Suzy

    It is a big house and a very beautiful house. I beat it looks fantastic from inside and the view… oh I can’t wait for the photos.

    I am sorry that your things didn’t arrive but otherwise it wouldn’t be so interesting LOL.

    I am so happy for you, what a great start of the year with a fulfilled dream.

    Suzy

    Suzys inspiring blog post..Sunday breakfast

    Reply
  29. Sheryl

    Melissa, so good to hear that you made it safely, despite the snow. Yep, we’ve had crazy weather here in Portland. We had more snow last night, but it’s now gone. Your new home is beautiful! I hope your Portland home sells quickly in this market. I can’t wait to see the house tour!

    Reply
  30. pam

    Good luck in your new home, and sorry to hear about the crazyness, that reminds me when we moved to vegas from Germany, all our stuff went to New Mexico where we were going to go but orders got change and I guess they forget to change the shipment, so our stuff was lost for 3 months, we had no bed, nothing and we had a new baby, life was good, those were the good old days. Hope you get your stuff soon, we are getting snow today, what is up with all this snow. Have fun with your new home.

    Reply
  31. Hope

    Enjoy this new season of your life.

    Hope@Monkey Giggless inspiring blog post..Long Foggy Path

    Reply
  32. Maven

    What a beautiful house! And it has all the charm and appearance of an older home with none of the work. I can relate to that. All the best in 2009 in your new home and hometown!

    Mavens inspiring blog post..The Day in Photos…Home Renovations and A Second Wave of Neighbours In My Business

    Reply
  33. clarice

    Welcome to WA, you will love living here. Beautiful new home. Clarice

    clarices inspiring blog post..Organized Chaos

    Reply
  34. Claire (Little Miss Sew N Sew)

    Beautiful home. I’m in Washington too. (Snohomish County) I bought a brand new home seven years ago and I tell you, being the first to put anything in the cupboards, use the shower, and so forth, really makes a difference in how I feel about the home.

    And.. at least you have internet, right? What’s a few nights without pots and pans when you are stranded in inches of snow. (Kidding!)

    Congratulations on your move.

    Claire (Little Miss Sew N Sew)s inspiring blog post..Run, don’t walk.

    Reply
  35. Jen

    Congratulations! The new home looks amazing and I think going with a new home was a smart idea.

    Jens inspiring blog post..Update on Baby C

    Reply
  36. Aimee

    Congratulations on the new home! It looks amazing and so “you”!!

    Aimees inspiring blog post..Well…

    Reply
  37. lisa

    Melissa, I have been stopping by for about 2 months now. I’m so excited to be part of your new move. Your house looks lovely, and I’m so glad your drive went well! God bless you all and sleeping on the floor together can be part of the kids adventure!

    I so enjoy your site….Lisa

    vintagesweetpeas.blogspot.com

    lisas inspiring blog post..WE WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

    Reply
  38. Julia

    Melissa, so relieved you all made it safe and sound to your new home!
    I know you will make your new place just as spectacular as the last and look forward to sharing in the journey! Hope the rest of your belongings arrive soon!!! although indoor camping can be fun short term :))
    xo
    julia

    Julias inspiring blog post..Heading into the sunset…

    Reply
  39. Sara

    Moving! Yup….I’ve done it a million times too. You’ll do great. For now, enjoy the empty house with the kids, do things you can’t do in a furnished home. There are a lot of games to be played in that empty house.

    Thank you for fininding time to blog from your bean bag. I’ve moved into 2 brand new homes and am still trying to figure out how to give it character without the years. I look forward to learning from you and sharing anything I’ve learned.

    TIP: Paint. Cheap….and the colors can reflect you. It helps until you can make a brand new house feel like home.

    Saras inspiring blog post..Merry Christmas

    Reply
  40. {this is glamorous}

    Oh my goodness, Melissa! It’s beautiful! Can not wait to see what’s inside once you’re set up!

    Happy, happy New Year!
    xo

    Reply
  41. Amy

    It’s so pretty!!! congrats. And I am sorry about the snow. We’d share the nice weather with you if we could. Good luck!

    Amys inspiring blog post..Color Scheme

    Reply
  42. Melissa

    I am very excited to tour your new home – it has lots of character from the outside.

    We’re building and should move in soon – within the month I hope. I am so excited to paint I can hardly stand it!

    Melissas inspiring blog post..2009 Blog Awards

    Reply
  43. LuLu

    I love the outside. I love the Pacific Northwest style homes. I know all about your crazy weather. All my family is in Washington too, so I am hearing all about the snow.. i miss Washington. can’t wait to see all you do.
    LuLu

    LuLus inspiring blog post..Stay-cation Is Over

    Reply
  44. Erin

    Absolutely gorgeous home!! Cannot wait to see the tour inside. No question you will make it incredibly charming.

    Reply
  45. Suzanne, the Farmer's Wife

    I love the style of this home and the touch of shingles. There is no shingle style here in the midwest. This home will be a clean pallette for your talents. I’m excited to see what’s on the inside. Just think of it as a camping adventure until your belongings arrive. Your description of the drive up to Washington sounds like what would happen when it would snow when I lived in Texas. I stayed home because people who are not accustomed to driving in that weather do some wierd things. In Texas it was like a demolition derby. I swear they would SPEED UP instead of slow down.

    – Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wife

    Suzanne, the Farmer’s Wifes inspiring blog post..Monday Morning Staff Meeting

    Reply
  46. Pretty Organizer

    Whoo hoo!! (Happy for you back flip) What a fantastic thing to walk into a house and see that the corners of the baseboards have no dirt in them. What would THAT be like? I dream of new houses…

    You’re looks lovely and I will be back to check out the home tour!
    Good luck getting out of that bean bag!

    Happy housewarming,
    Loves,
    Pretty Organizer

    Pretty Organizers inspiring blog post..Are you TOO Organized?

    Reply
  47. PamperingBeki

    You’ll have so much fun with it!

    Congrats on the new house and Happy New Year to you!! God bless you!

    Reply
  48. Irene

    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.

    Reply
  49. Karol

    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….

    Reply
  50. martha

    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.

    Reply
  51. debi

    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

    Reply
  52. Nikki

    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}

    Reply
  53. kathysue

    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

    Reply
  54. Jill

    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

    Reply
  55. Karen B

    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

    Reply
  56. Gayle at Mountain Moma

    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

    Reply
  57. Kim

    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

    Reply
  58. Jennifer

    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…

    Reply
  59. Elaine

    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!

    Reply
  60. Pat

    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

    Reply
  61. Jeanne

    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!

    Reply
  62. Deborah

    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

    Reply
  63. tami

    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

    Reply
  64. Shilo

    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

    Reply
  65. jenifriend in kansas

    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

    Reply
  66. Amanda

    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

    Reply
  67. lylah ledner

    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

    Reply
  68. Melissa Lewis - Off The Wall

    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:)

    Reply
  69. laurie

    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

    Reply
  70. Lacy

    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….

    Reply
  71. Barbara

    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

    Reply
  72. Deanna

    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…

    Reply
  73. Arleen

    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

    Reply
  74. Catherine

    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

    Reply
  75. Julianna

    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.

    Reply
  76. Lisa

    Your house is stunning Melissa! Can’t wait for the tour :))

    Reply
  77. Kelly

    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

    Reply
  78. Emily-Sarah Lineback

    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. :-)

    Reply
  79. Daisy Cottage

    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?

    Reply
  80. jenniffer

    oh, this is a breath-taking house… i can’t wait to see it as your HOME! enjoy and blessings in 2009!!

    Reply
  81. Jenny

    What a beautiful home. I can see why you chose this one!!!

    Jennys inspiring blog post..Pictures

    Reply
  82. Debbie

    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

    Reply
  83. Lisa

    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

    Reply
  84. Chondra Taylor

    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!

    Reply
  85. Pinky

    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

    Reply
  86. Charles

    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

    Reply
  87. Tamara

    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!

    Reply
  88. Joni Webb

    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

    Reply
  89. Things That Inspire

    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)

    Reply
  90. Rachel Going

    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

    Reply

Leave a Reply to teresa Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

Decor Finds:

browse categories:

browse archives:

let’s stay connected!

Follow for daily
Home Inspiration:

get my free decorating guide

home decor inspiration, free downloads,
and more, straight to your inbox

css.php