Monday, January 10, 2011

Yes, We're Alive!

I'm pretty sure I've already had a post with that title. Must be a sign that I am a terrible blogger!! Oh well... one day I will have a real camera again and take nice pictures and then maybe I'll be better at blogging. Maybe.

I wanted to upload SOMETHING of Rajko, but I didn't have any special pictures or videos. I tried to upload a video of him playing, but it wouldn't work. I PROMISE to put some pics and videos of that amazing boy soon.

We have been trying to potty train for a couple weeks now. Rajko was doing GREAT after about 6 days and going consistently and holding it until we took him to the bathroom. THEN he decided that wasn't fun anymore, and he will not even sit down anymore, let alone go in the potty. I have decided not to give up, though. Everyday while I'm home, we still do underwear and go on the little potty (bribed to sit still with t.v.), but once we leave the house for the afternoon, it pretty much seems like a waste. I refuse to quit, though...it just might be a different experience for us than the typical week of potty training and then you're done. Oh well. :(

In other big news, we have a contract on a house!! We have been searching for a house in the ward with my Mom's, Billie Jo's, and Olivia's families, and the pickings have been slim!! We have put in a few offers on houses in the valley, but have either been beaten out by an earlier offer, or weren't able to come to an agreement with the seller on price. But finally, a house we had looked at previously had dropped low enough to be up for consideration, and we put in an offer. The bank countered, and we took the counter - not willing to even risk losing this house to someone else. It's a 4/3 rambler in Wild Willow that is going to be a perfect starter home for us. It's not huge, but it's nice and has room for us to grow, has a great layout, and is just begging for some re-styling and small-scale renovation. Here are a few pictures... the MLS pictures are no longer available since the house in under contract, so these are just a few I snapped on my phone. Enjoy!!

Front of the HouseThere is some landscaping already done - trees in the front and some nice big rocks surrounding the yard in the back. There is a small patio off the dining room that is also accessed from the Master bedroom.

Den/OfficeThis is the first room you see when you walk in the house. It basically is shared with the entry way. It could be a nice piano and formal living room, but for now we will have it as an office. :)

Rajko's Playroom!! (And mommy's sewing/craft/office room)
I believe this was designed as a guest bedroom. It is located on the garage side of the house, and there is a 3/4 bath through the laundry room that goes along with it. However, because of it's proximity to the kitchen and living room area, I want to make it the playroom so Rajko can be close to where I am during the day. I think some magnetic primer and chalkboard paint will make this the perfect playroom for our little tyke.

Laundry Room
Who doesn't love a laundry room with storage and counter space?? I love this laundry room! The door you see leads to the 3/4 bath that I mentioned earlier. You can also see the trap door that leads to the 5' crawl space storage. Maybe the counter space will actually motivate me to FOLD the laundry that I wash constantly. :)

Kitchen
Ah, the kitchen. The first place that will be seeing some makeover, and the place that will receive the MOST make-ing over. Cabinets are in good shape, and they're nice, but I cannot wait to change the countertops. I want new appliances, of course, but we'll see what happens with that. First thing that will happen, though, is to swap out those knobs!! Can't wait.

Sorry, no picture of the dining room or living room, but it is an open floor plan w/ the kitchen in the center section of the house. I will put up more pictures soon, and definitely as we get the decorating done. I'm sure you'll be tired of seeing this house soon.

Wish us luck! We should close no later than February 18th if all goes well.

8 comments:

Stephanie C. said...

That is awesome!! Congratulations! It's so fun to have a house of your own that you can decorate :)

Anonymous said...

I Hope you get the house! And, I also hope that I can see it someday...because I love you and would love to visit you.
I am sure that it is frustrating to potty train when it's not consistent...but great attitude! you're amazing as always!

The Gunnerson Family said...

Yay, yay, yay! We are so excited that you guys have finally found a house close by. I know if feels like there is a lot of work to do, but it will be fun, and make you feel proud of what you have!

Who says they potty train in one week? They must be potty training a 5 year old. In my opionion the younger they are the longer it takes, so with a 21 month old, I would NEVER expect it to only take a week! He'll get it. You just have to wait until he decides that he wants to, then it will be easy. When things are their own ideas, it always go smoother!

Riley and Whittney said...

Giselle!!!
Congrats on the house!!! I will definately be stopping by sometime once you get settled in!!!
Whittney

Khayyam said...

Good luck. It looks like a winner. Although bank owned homes can be trickly to purchase they can be a gold mine of value. Wishing you the best.

Billie Jo said...

SOOOOOO hope you can get it to work out. That would be much easier to come see you than ALL the way to Oakley. And we completely need you and Noah in the ward. I remember the joys/trials of buying our first home. AAAAHHH the good ol days. I am so proud of Rajko and the potty. Obviously the tv is a great resource. Now you can just install a flat panel in the bathroom of your new house like we had at the Waldorf! You can relax for hours that way!

Chelsea Johnson said...

Did Billie Jo not remember that you are not first-time home buyers? Not your first rodeo, sista. Anyway, I hope the house(or some house) works out! This one is darling but I'm glad you are keeping a good attitude about it. I'm proud of you for sticking it out with the potty training. I agree with Olivia...its not easy when they're so young, but I understand the pride that comes from training such a youngster!! Ha ha ha. Can't wait to see you guys!

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