We bought our first home!!!

A year ago, August, we saw this house as a short sale, but the previous owner had given up and it went into foreclosure so we didn't have a chance to bid on it.  We waited for it to come back on the market and it did in May.  We jumped on it and submitted a strong bid on the foreclosed H.U.D. home and were out bid.  So I moved on saying, "well, it must not have been meant to be" meanwhile Doug was pretty bummed.  The market here is challenging as what I like is $100,000 more than the foreclosure home but we aren't willing to pay that much more on a house.  So we felt it a tender mercy when the house came back on the market in July.  We again submitted our original bid and got it!  It was quite a process working with H.U.D. to purchase the home, especially when they would not take responsibility for the vandalism that occurred after our house inspection and the week before we were supposed to close.  The dishwasher, blinds, some lighting fixtures, smoke & carbon monoxide detectors, towel and towel paper racks, and one of the railings were stolen.  But we felt peace through the roller coaster (maybe I should say we felt peace to move forward with the purchase despite the stress of it all) and couldn't wait to get in, re-key, and start our projects.

First thing was paint, fix leaky toilets, buy a dishwasher and fridge, fix garage door, clean carpets, clean the whole house, put in two doors, fix broken window, etc.  Slowly we are working on revitalizing the yard, getting window treatments, replacing lighting fixtures, etc.  And we have a list of projects to do next summer or when we have the funds.  

I wake up every morning so grateful for this beautiful house to live in and that I don't have to stare at peach walls any more.  Here's what our rental looked like.  I asked if I could paint many times and they never approved it.  I learned I'm highly affected by my surroundings (visually) and had to try to get over my distaste of the rental property.  The pictures don't do it justice as I edited them to give more light.  It had a tuscany/southwest feel with peach, terra cotta, and gold walls.

 Entry way

The one room in the house that made me happy was Ezralee's room.  I found much joy rocking/nursing her while looking out the window at the sunset.  Her room made me happy and I spent much time there.

 Guest room

 Master Bed/Bath

 

 Boy's bedroom...peach walls with blue...bleh!  And their bathroom.

Dinning Room...I think they were a mustard yellow walls with texturing...or baby poop color.

I did like the greenery in the backyard and the fun flowers that would blossom.  But it was way too high maintenance for me.

Now I get to enjoy the light, airy, open feel of our new home and rejoice in having space for my boys to run and play.  Also, we are within walking distance of the elementary, middle, and high school...can you say hello convenience!!!  After a year relationship with this house, it feels amazing to call it ours!  Thank you Heavenly Father for this wonderful house we get to make our home!!!

Before pics:

 See the "M" on the fireplace?  We knew it was supposed to be ours =).

 We wish the cute bear was still there but these pics are from when it was a short sale a year ago.

I will say choosing paint was stressful!  Thankfully, it turned out beautifully!