In the past year, we have found a house, put an offer on a house, closed on a house, started tearing apart a house, filled that house with wedding decorations, emptied the house of wedding decorations, painted walls, fixed more leaky pipes than we can count, and tried day after day to turn that house into a home.
If you had told me last year, on January 8 that we would have a house that we not only got a great deal on, but a house we can afford, a house we can afford to fix, and a house that really does feel like home, I would've assumed this house was in the worst part of town. But God had the perfect house for us in the perfect place for us at the perfect time for us. And in the last (almost) year of this house adventure, I've learned a few things...
1. If this is the house God wants for us, the inspector and appraiser will give the go-ahead, no matter what issues come up.
2. It's okay to have a house that isn't finished. There's a reason it's a "fixer-upper."
3. Fixing things the right way by yourself takes time, and that's okay.
4. Sometimes the budget doesn't allow for the prettiest option.
5. Temporary solutions are just fine. And they are just that, temporary.
6. Even unfinished homes can feel cozy. When people walk into our house, I don't know what they think about our flooring issues (that melted carpet padding that looks like mold), or the rooms that aren't finished (or even started). But when they come into the living room, I know they can feel comfortable in the warmth of the space and the hospitality we offer.
7. It's okay to "undo" the finished things that were waiting for us in the house, like the basement. The house just becomes more "us" every time we do.
8. Painting isn't as easy as it looks. And it is ALWAYS more time consuming that you plan.
9. When house issues come up, sometimes you have to prioritize. Not everything can be fixed every time.
10. Always look around at the store. You might be surprised to find a $400 10x12 rug that's in the $80 bin because it has a tear. Or a $20 coffee table because it's "out of season" (whatever that means).
11. The sooner you quit being a perfectionist, the easier it will be to finish a project.
12. Kids are messy. Let go of how "nice" things should look now. That will make sharing life with children so much more enjoyable. Besides, kids spill milk and vomit on couches sometimes, that's just life.
13. DIY blogs often have big budgets. DIY doesn't necessarily mean "inexpensive."
14. Sunlight can make any dull space spectacular. Just open the blinds already!
15. Don't compare your house or your stuff to others'. Comparing yourself to others only leads to arrogance or shame, but never happiness.
I'm sure 2015 will bring LOTS of lessons. Here's to hoping that I will add to the lessons learned instead of starting over at square one.
