Home Sweet Home!

We moved into our new home last week, FINALLY!  This has been such a long process and I still can't believe we are in!  I took a little bit of time off of work, and we have gotten so much done. 

Our builder took this picture of us on our new front porch...it was so cold!

My parents came in town to help us get settled in, and we got so much done.  It was nice to see them too!

Derek and I have been talking about how much we love our gym (CrossFit) and Dad decided he wanted to give it a try.  In true Bob Bass fashion he spent the rest of the day showing off his "muscles" and offering to move things because he is now so "strong" :)

A view of the main living area into the kitchen

Kitchen island and view into breakfast nook

We introduced my parents to the Great Lakes Christmas Ale beer!

Had to snap a picture of my Dad in action in the even that some of his family members didn't believe he was handy!

Master

Another view

One of the walls in the living room

close up of couch in living room

behind the couch

Pardon all the junk, but a view of kitchen island with our new pendant lights

kitchen nook

My parents left just in time....this was my view on the way into work after they left...holy cow! 

 

We love our new home and I love all of the décor my friend Megan did, all the way from Texas.  She has a design business and did such a fabulous job!  If you want to check out her work you can visit her website at www.alivedinhome.com She's awesome! 

When in Cleveland.....

On Sunday we got DUMPED on!  It snowed all day long!  So pretty to watch falling from the sky, not so pretty on my Monday morning commute!

We just had to get the kids all bundled up and go play in the snow....when in Cleveland...do as the Clevelander's do! :)

snow angels

my sassy little snow bunny

we put her to work pulling brother...they slept like champs!

Our Apartment is on the corner so when the snow plows come through they pile up all of the snow right out front...makes for a good sledding hill!

My loves!

Thank goodness for camera timers!  This is the only way we can get family photos, but it works!

love this picture!  they had so much fun.

Jocelyn played for a solid hour, Grayson lasted about 20 minutes :)  Still a good time!

Our tiny corporate apartment

When we moved to Ohio we decided to build a home, from the ground up.  So, while this was happening we have been living in a furnished corporate apartment.  Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful that my family has a place to go...but there really is no place like home and having "your" stuff.  Since this was a furnished apartment, we literally brought some of our clothes and some of the kids toys.  There are many "things" I have missed that are "oh so inconveniently" sitting in storage, and I will be SO glad to have back: muffin tins, my clothes, filtered water from the fridge, diaper pail, a comfy couch, throw pillows on the couch, our mattress, measuring cups, a normal size baking sheet...I could go on, but I will spare you.  All I can say is I am over this "simple living" experience, and I want my stuff back.  Had we of known it was going to take 5 months to build this house, we would have planned better with our packing :) 

A mud room is a must up here with all of your winter gear

It would be an understatement to say that I am obsessed with my new kitchen

Dining room

Now this is a laundry room!

Master bedroom

Master bath

We will have a basement now, so exciting!

Derek's future man cave!

 

My very sweet friend, Megan helped me pick out everything for this house...and she lives in Texas!  When we went to the builder's showroom, I would call or text her pictures and she quickly helped me narrow it down.  Then she also made 4 design boards for me to decorate 4 spaces in the new house.  I literally gave her the floor plans, measurements and my initial ideas.  She emailed me the design board with all of the specifications (where to buy and how much), and I bought it all within a week (because I am crazy like that).  If you are in the need for a designer who is fast, organized, detailed, fair and most importantly LISTENS to what you want, I would highly recommend her.  And, as I explained, you don't have to live in the same city to use her services.  You can check out her website by clicking on her name, it is hyperlinked to her company website. 

 

The one positive of living in our tiny corporate apartment is that we have gotten some quality family time.  As much as we are cramped, we really have gotten closer as a family and I have enjoyed that.  Now...I will continue to count down till move in day! :)