We Finally Made a Decision

After looking dozens of houses that just didn't have what we were looking for we have finally reached a decision.

WE ARE GOING TO BUILD A NEW HOME!!!

Yes, it is quite possible we are crazy. It is strange that after looking for so long we came to the realization it is within our budget to build our dream home, in fact it just might be cheaper than some of the messes we've looked at. We are a little overwhelmed, but so far this just feels right. We will spend this weekend really feeling it over and praying we're not out of our minds. Hopefully Monday we'll get to pick our lot and start the process. YEAH!!!

After going over and over the floor plans we had narrowed it down to Arches. Today we went and looked at a Spec home in Kaysville and decided that it was just what we wanted. (It is almost the same layout as the home we originally put our house on the market to buy, but this is a different builder. And this time we will have control to make sure there is plenty of parking for Nathan's truck. It is so wierd to go into a home and instead of just enjoying it to keep thinking do I want it that way or should we do it different, is that worth the extra money, or what color should we pick for that. It will be great having exactly what I want, within limits, but I think it could get a little stressful for the next projected 6 months. Now, on to the pictures.

We have the choice of a few different design elements for the front of the house including brick and stone in varying amounts, but all stucco for the rest.


This is the cute covered porch for us to watch the girls playing and riding bikes.


This is the view from the front door. The room to the right will be the front room, but we will close off the second archway so there isn't such a big view into the family room area.


Here's a picture of the front window in the front room.


When in the front room, this is the vaulted area. Opposite this wall is the high window you see when looking at the house.


Look at that gorgeous kitchen. It's so big and spacious I love it. We're going to have to decide on what wood for the cupboards, do we want staggered heights, what kind of countertops, what kind of appliances, do we want to have a desk area on the right hand wall just after the opening. This room is my biggest concern about having it nice without going over budget.


This is the place where we'll put our table, since we were already wanting a bigger one we'll just have to make sure it can grow to accomidate Thanksgiving Dinner. We also have to decide whether we want to spend the extra for the bay window.


Here's a look at the great room, opposite the kitchen. The fireplace is an addition we'd definately like, but we're not sure about the placement in the room. The built in next to the fireplace for an entertainment center is also something we are unsure of.


Isn't this a beautiful laundry room. We decided adding the cabinetry in here is a must...we'll have them match the kitchen but probably not be as fancy.


This half bath is located across from laundry room. These rooms are between the kitchen and garage.


Master Bedroom-again we have to decide if the bay window is worth the extra expense. The cost of the vaulted ceilings in here is very minimal so we know we'll have those.


I guess Amy and Allie are going to move into the Master Walk-In closet. It's almost big enough to.


I'll finally get my dream tub. After my little soak this morning I CAN'T wait. We're thinking there might be a waiting list when family comes to visit. Makayla can't wait to get her swimsuit on and go for a dip.


This is the main bathroom. I could actually do the girls hair in this bathroom. YES!!! This house had all kitchen height counters. I guess that's something else we're going to have to decide about...


Here is one of the two bedrooms. Makayla wants to share with Allison. Hopefully by February they'll learn to sleep in the same room. If not, I guess they'll each get their own.


This is one of the plant shelves above the closet in the front bedroom. This room has two shelves and the other none. We're going to have to ask about that.


Here is looking from the family room at the front door. The room to the left is the front room, and the stairs to the basement are at the right.


Look at that huge basement. The basement has room for two bedrooms, family room, game room, bathroom, storage, and fruit room.