While brisk, Halloween was a great night. Every year brings more cousins and more noise, but what joyful noise it can be. We always go to my parents because the neighborhood is wonderful and simple to trick or treat in. Everyone is friendly and most people still leave their lights on in the hopes of seeing some costumed kids.
This year I opted to make Milly’s costume and purchase Xander’s. I spent a lot of hours on that Anna costume (I now realize that the basket makes her look a bit a la Little Red, but I forgot the candy buckets so we made due with what we had) but I really loved every minute of making it.
The night was fun but brought some mixed emotions for me. We took these pictures on the lot we have been planning to build on. I haven’t talked about our house situation in a while and it’s not that nothing has happened, it’s that everything unexpected has happened. Every step we’ve made has been nearly impossible, yet for some time we’ve managed to make things work, and I can’t tell you how many times we told ourselves this dream was over, only to come out on the other side, forging ahead.
I had no desire to build, but when we didn’t find a house to buy in our price range, I committed to building 120%. I spent hours scheming and dreaming, crunching numbers and collecting information for the bank and city. I put my whole heart into this adventure and it is with great disappoint that I tell you we are no longer building. Door after door continued to close, and although building a home had felt like the right thing to do, it slowly turned into something that felt off. Oh, I fought this feeling, believe me. My stubbornness wanted to stick it out regardless of my gut, but with age hopefully comes a bit of wisdom in that.
So where do we go from here? I’m not quite sure. There isn’t a whole lot on the market right now, and we don’t have as much to bring to the table after putting a great deal into the build. All I can do at this point is be thankful that we have somewhere to live for the time being and try to remember that it’s just a season of our lives.
I know we will be in our own home at some point, and God will provide more than I could imagine, but the interim is tough. Not being under the same roof as my kids and not having a home to call our own (and make our own) is wearing and causing quite a few growing pains – good in the long run, I know. I appreciate you hanging with me in this waiting period. I long for rooms to decorate and the chance to share my love of creating with you!
Catherine Hansen Peart says
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your build. I know it can be so disappointing once the mind is set in one direction. I hope this doesn't sound trite but I bet there is something just great around the corner for you all though! As for your Halloween photos, I have been waiting for a good photo of that Anna costume! Oh, it is gorgeous. I just love every little bit of it.
Beth of designPOST Interiors says
Hang in there! Learning to let go of your original plan is so hard- something I am still learning but things always turn out how they should when you listen to your gut.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
yes, hang in there! you ill KNOW when it's the right house at the right time- don't rush it if you don't have to because you might kick yourself later.
and hello cutest little girls ever.
Haley says
Milly's costume is gorgeous! I'm so sorry to hear about the build.
Kari says
I'm so sorry to hear that, Gwen. It's so frustrating to put so much work into an idea and then not have it work out. It might not make sense now, but I'm sure you'll look back on this time in a few years (from your beautiful house) and see why it had to happen this way. Hang in there:) Milly's costume is absolutely gorgeous! Your attention to detail is phenomenal, and I love that cape! Job well done:)
tomsgirl1129 says
I am so sorry about the build, Gwen. How very disappointing. Wherever you live will be phenomenonal! What a beautiful costume!
{hugs} to you!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Wendy! I appreciate your support!
Sarah @ 702 Park Project says
First of all, those are the cutest kids ever! Second, hang in there. We bought a very old foreclosed home and both the buying process and restoration process seemed to go wrong at every turn. I just know that something will work out…and hopefully soon! Just keep the faith. (Easier said than done, I know!)
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Sarah! It's always good to hear about people who've come out on the other side. π Sounds like you all had quite the process too!
Aleana Balistreri says
So sorry to hear about this. ?I was excited for new neighbors!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Me too! π
The Spencer's says
God has a plan! Prayers you find the perfect home.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Maegan! Can't wait to follow your build!
Rachel Rardon says
Well, first of all, Elsa and Anna could not be any more adorable. Second, my heart breaks for you. I pray that God would continue to grant you perspective, strength, peace, and wisdom – And that He would provide a home for you, and when He does, you would know it's the right decision. I know we've never met, but your perseverance and positive attitude is inspiring. Thanks for sharing your experience!
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're so sweet. This means a lot. Thanks, Rachel!
Autumn Beach says
Oh my goodness, she IS so sweet. And I know this is lame, but everything she said. There is no more.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Love you, Autumn, thanks. π
Julie, Creative Little House says
Listening to your gut can be so heart breaking but is better in the long run. Praying doors will literally be opened for you guys.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Julie! We appreciate it!
Cookie says
http://www.kansascityhomes.com/Lees-Summit/624-NE-COUNTRY-Lane-Lees-Summit-MO_64086/1903680.aspx
This is going to seem weird. This home is super dated, but you guys are handy enough to make it work. Awesome neighborhood with a nice pool, great school district. The price has been dropping. So, I am sure it'd be negotiable. The man that used to live there was an elderly widower. And you'd have great neighbors desperate for more young families nearby! (That is the weird part.) Good Luck!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ah, this is so sweet of you! I'll have to check it out. π Thanks so much! (And I totally relate to the desperate for young families thingβ¦that's part of why we moved in the first place!)
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
I'm so far behind in my blog reading. Just seeing this. So sorry, Gwen π That is sad, I know the house would have been wonderful in your hands. But if I learned anything from our move last year, it's that you shouldn't try to squeeze into something that you know in your heart doesn't fit, and YOUR house is out there, built or unbuilt, and when you find it you will know, and it will be wonderful π xoxoxo
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
I'm so sorry Gwen for the change of plans, but your positive attitude will get you all thru it. And the money lost now is worth changing corse and saving yourselves a lot (more) money and heartache down the road. It will work out for the best!! Stay strong mama and hug those sweet kids.
Bethany DeVore says
I'm so sorry to hear that Gwen, the waiting is always so hard. Praying for the perfect home to come quickly! Love Milly's costume, so adorable!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Bethany. I'm confident it will all work out for the best.