How My New Home is Deeply Transforming My Family’s Life

 

 

FROM:  my single-story 800 sq. ft. house for 3 people

>>>   TO:  a multistory home specifically crafted for all six of us & our dog, Alice

 

 

 

Over the past 12 years of our relationship, Jen and I each had separate households.  Neither of them was perfect, but we made the best of it throughout the years for our kids.  The homes had character.  There were tons of things that needed to be improved, but we were happy to have those homes.  We were grateful.

We knew that when combining both families we would need spaces to enjoy everybody’s company together under one household, along with giving each child some privacy and space of their own.

 

In 2020 we started imagining what a new home could do for our family.  We were thinking of things along the lines of:

• Us all chatting and laughing together in an “open-concept” kitchen / living space with seating at a kitchen island
• Us sipping drinks in the shade and catching up with each other while sitting on a rear porch with plenty of seating for all of us
• A kitchen that Jen & I could both cook in
• A dining room where we could talk about real-life topics, connect with the kids, and discuss the things that matter to us
• A home that our kids felt comfortable in & where they had their own space
• A place that our soon-to-be college kids would want to come back to (& spend time with us!)

 

 

 I was surprised that the benefits our home brought us surpassed the specific goals I had in mind.

 

FROM:  the kids hardly bringing friends over

>>>   TO:  them having regular get-togethers and even birthday parties at the house

 

 

FROM:  a house that didn’t have space for the kids to hang out with each other

>>>   TO:  dedicated space in the basement away from the parents for the kids to bond with each other.  Even the rear porch is a draw for them and their friends.  They socialize, listen to music through the built-in speakers, and appreciate the doors for privacy.

 

 

FROM:  my being concerned about the kids going off to college and rarely visiting

>>>   TO:  having them want to come back home not only for winter break, spring break, summer break, holidays, but also some weekends!

 

 

FROM:  a house that didn’t have space for anyone to have down-time, truly focus on studies, or pursue individual passions

>>>  TO:  light, bright inspiring bedrooms for each kid with their own dedicated desk space.  Jen & I have tried to instill a strong work ethic (along with the importance of self-care) in our kids.  During college breaks my sons are using their spaces to develop their studies, video editing skills, and build their careers.  They have been entrepreneurial in their pursuits – long before graduation.  My step-daughter has her own suite (with a bathroom separate from the young men) for her own down-time and personal development.

 

 

FROM:  a house that didn’t have storage space

>>>   TO:  having a place for everything – even with combining two households under one roof!

 

 

FROM:  a house that was small, dark, & uninspiring

>>>   TO:  a joyful place to wake up to, that lifts your spirits, allows you to breathe,

supports the goals and wishes you have for yourself, your spouse, your kids, your family & friends!

 

 

It is hard to describe the joy and pride I feel experiencing my family thriving.  I am so glad I took the plunge with taking on a construction loan and GC’ing the construction to now be able to witness daily how our new home is directly benefiting them!

Our home is supporting what we envision for ourselves and each other.  We are connecting as a family, strengthening our bonds with each other, growing relationships with friends, striving towards our goals, staying grounded, pursuing careers/studies, growing and developing as people, maintaining our values, and caring for ourselves and each other.

I am so grateful.  So grateful for the people in my life.  So appreciative of the journey and all of the hard work that has led to this point.  So thankful for my wonderful family and the opportunity to support one another in this adventure called life.