Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Yard Sale Finds - Score!

We are in the 'home-buying' process so I am being very strict with myself on spending money.  We never know what unexpected necessary costs will come up that we need to be prepared for.  (and all the fun things I will want to buy for the new house)  So with that in mind, I had decided to hold off on yard sales until we have signed all the final papers (should be around the end of June).  However, there were a few 'whole neighborhood' sales that were a bit too tempting.  So, I did get out for just a little bit this past Saturday.  And boy and I glad I did.

Look at what I came across.  I have always wanted an old trunk.  I have actually bid on several at auctions but they went for higher than I was prepared to pay.  But this little gem was just sitting there waiting for me to come by.  It is in great shape too. 

 I have always loved baskets.  Especially unique ones.  I love this large round one that I found.  I paid only $3 for it and I think it was well worth it.  The rectangle basket will be great for storage in my scrap room or to hold DVD's, CD's or such. 
 Below is an additional storage container, it's metal and very sturdy.  It even has a place for a label on the front so I can tag it as to what is store in there.  To the left (in the large round basket) is a nice apron that they threw in at no charge. 
 Love, love this basket.  I have many ideas and plans for it in our new home. 
I only made purchases at two yard sales.  The trunk was at one and all the other items were at the other one.  Total spent on all items was $56.  Wow - what a deal.  I am very, very please with my finds. 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

We are buying a house!!!

Just over three years ago, God began nudging us to put our current house, in Western NC, on the market and relocate to Virginia, to be near my twin sister, Terri!, and her family.  You see, we have not lived in the same area since our early 20's.  She moved away for school and I got married and started a family and these things took us in two different directions. 

It just took twenty years for us to do something about it.  Mark and I made the decision to make the move and trust God in 'ALL' things.  Our two biggest concerns were selling our home in a down market and me finding a job in the new area.  I have been with the same company for many years and had worked my way into a management position.  Finding a job and maintaining my current salary could have been difficult.  But God!  That's all I have to say.  The first family that looked at our home made an offer (a good offer) and we accepted it.  The day I gave a notice at work (45 day notice) they came to me with a proposition.  They wanted to create a new position for me, so that I could work from home (no matter where I lived) to keep me with the company.  How cool is that?  Isn't God amazing.  He totally took care of our two main concerns.  It was a no brainer that we were meant to make this move. 


Well, in moving, we left a lot of our family back in Western NC.  My parents, four of our children (grown or living with their other parent), and my brother and his family.  So, in moving here, we weren't exactly sure of how long we would be here.  Would be get home sick for the rest of our family and want to move back.  So, we decided to lease a home instead of buying right away.  That was three years ago, this past February.  We feel like God is showing us that the time is now to put down 'deeper' roots here in this area. 

We began our search about three weeks ago.  We met with our realtor and had a long list of homes that we wanted to see.  Wouldn't you know it.  The very first home was it.  We got back into our car after the walk through and both agreed that we didn't need to see any other houses that this one was IT!!  Now, being the analytical person that I sometimes can be, we did our due diligence and saw the rest of the houses but this one had already stolen our heart. 

So, a week later, after much prayer and many discussions and another visit to the house, we made an offer.  With offers and counter-offers behind us, we have now come to an agreement on a price and the contract has been signed.  We are hoping to close by the end of June.  We are so excited to become home-owners again.  The past three years have felt very transitional.  And I now realize that this has been difficult for me.

Over the next few months, I will document our moving process, decorating process, and the overall making this new home 'our home'.  I am glad that you are along for the ride. 

Blessings,
Cherri
A little bit about our new home.  It is a ranch with a full (completed) lower level.  It has just over 3500 sq ft.  Five bedrooms, three full baths.  Complete mother-in-law suite downstairs with full kitchen.  A beautiful sun porch, dining room, living room, and den on the main level...two fire places all on 1 1/2 acres of land.