Our Soon-To-Be New House...

Most of you know that we've been in the market for a new home. Not because we necessarily WANT to move, but because our landlord is a crook who is going into foreclosure.

Don't get me wrong...there are lots of people who are really struggling, but who are otherwise honest and hardworking, who are stuck in the downward spiral known as the "housing market". They may have a job loss, or wage decrease, or simply be overwhelmed by underwater houses. Those people are not crooks.

But my landlord collected rent from us for 6 months and lined her pockets with it while ignoring her financial obligations on her mortgage. She's losing her house, and trying to evict us because we won't pay her rent while she does.

Some say we're in the wrong because like it or not...we're in her house, and therefore owe her money...no matter if she pays her mortgage or not. Then there are others who say that we're right, and should not pay her to get kicked out of the house we've called home for two years by a bank.

No matter what side of the fence you sit on during the argument...it doesn't change the fact that we need to find a new home, and we need to find one quick.

We've spent the last couple weeks looking at houses, trying to find one in our price range, big enough for our family, and in the area we want to live. It's been a very tall order, and we've had to make some concessions...specifically on location.

After fruitless searching and making offers, we finally found a place in our price range and big enough for our family...but out of our designated area. We're still in the same town, but we'll have to change schools, wards, and even STAKES.

Whoa.

Nevertheless - it's our only choice...and I can't help feel that we were guided to that particular home...though I'm not sure why.

But that's no surprise. I'm never sure why. Heavenly Father and I constantly butt heads over His plan versus mine (well...HE doesn't butt heads...I do. Against big concrete walls. Again...and again...and again. I'm very stubborn that way).

Anyway...we signed the lease this morning, and get to start moving in on the 1st of September. We wanted to start moving in right away, but they wanted to prorate the rent, and it just wasn't worth it, since we have to buy a washer and dryer and are paying a slightly higher monthly amount anyway...

As it is...we start moving in September 1st. I think it will take about a week to move completely in...since Jason has to work, the kids are in school, and we can only afford a truck for one day. it means I'll be driving back and forth with lots of small loads all week long...which might give me plenty of time to clean and organize things the way I want them. I might even get to paint a little (my kids will trash the bright white flat contractor paint that currently adorns the walls in the home).

Here are some pictures of our soon to be new home...

This is the view from our backyard...we are on the water...

The view is equally pretty from the upstairs windows...

This is the little screened porch where we will sit and avoid mosquito's...

This is the front "living room". It's been a while since we've had a living room...it'll be nice to have an entertaining place available that I can keep clean all the time, while letting the rest of the house go to pot...(yah, right)...

This is the formal dining room that is destined to become our office space...

This is the master bedroom. It is downstairs and has sliding glass doors to the little patio and views of the lake...

This is the opposite end...looking into the master bath...

This is the stairs...with Savannah standing at the top...

This is the little alcove at the top the stairs. The owners used it as an office...but we'll probably use it as an...alcove. (Very original, huh?)

This room is destined to be Katies room. She gets it because she is the only one who doesn't have to share, and it is the smallest room. it doesn't have a lake view, though...and she's very put out about that...

This room will be the boys room. it is the biggest...and has a lake view...

This is going to be the girls room. It also has a lake view...it is where I took that picture of the lake from above...ya' know the one with the tacky "Security Device" sticker that gives away that I'm shooting through a closed window?

Oh, yeah...that one.

All the cages belong to the owners...they had a rabbit and two hamsters. The kids are thoroughly disappointed that renting the house doesn't include renting the pets as well.

This is the upstairs bathroom. It's pretty small, and I'm sure that with 5 kids sharing it, there are going to be conflicts. I guess we'll deal with those as they happen...

This is another shot of the front of the house. You'll notice that I didn't take pictures of the kitchen, family room, or casual dining area. that's because these areas are SO SMALL...that I couldn't bear to spend a week stressing about where everything is going to fit. It is the MAJOR DRAWBACK to this otherwise delightful home...and one I will worry about incessantly all week long. *Sigh*

Not being able to use this week to transport our stuff from this house to that one sets us back a bit...we really wanted to be OUT and DONE by the 1st of September...but I'm sure there is a plan in that, too. I just don't see it.