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Friday, April 27, 2012

Our Dream Home

 One of the topics I plan to write about regularly is the process of building a house.  At this point, we are still in the very beginning of the process.  We have an idea of what we want, and are attempting to find a builder who can do it with the budget we have.


The concept:  What the Europeans call a Generational Home.  Basically it is a house for us, two adults and two small kids, with an apartment type section to house the Grandparents.  We have our space, they have their space, and we are still under one roof.  Apparently this is not common in North Dakota, because those we have discussed it with are not following the concept.

Now I know what you are thinking, “Oh…she’s going to live with her in-laws?!?!”  Yes I am brave, and almost a saint of a wife, but my in-laws really are awesome.  And besides, the two areas of the house will be separated with a door that locks…on my side.  It will be totally doable.  Plus, live in childcare…who can say no to that?!

So, this is the synopsis of what we are looking for in each area of the house:

Family Area:
·         Master bedroom, with 2 sink master bath
·         2 small bedrooms, one for each child
·         Small room for a home office – if we are unable to fit this into the initial house plan with our current budget, we would like to plan for a future addition that would act as this space
·         Full bath (for the kids)
·         An extra powder room (toilet and sink) would be much appreciated on the main level if it will fit
·         Living/Dining room
·         Kitchen
·         Laundry

Grandparent’s Area:
·         Main bedroom
·         Small home office room
·         Living/Dining
·         At least one ¾ bath
·         Kitchenette – this can be the size of a “basement bar” and needs to include:
o   Medium size refrigerator
o   Small stove with oven
o   Small counter with some cabinets
·         This level can be in the basement, but would require a walkout to the yard.

Shared:
·         3 Stall garage (4 would be ideal)
·         Both areas need an entrance from the garage

We feel the best layout that would work for us is probably a split level, with the Grandparents in the basement.  But we are very open to suggestions. 

http://www.hbafm.com/events/parade-of-homes1.html
So what do you think?  This weekend is the Fargo Parade of Homes.  O and I will be going around to the homes on the Parade to see what kind of houses each builder has to offer, collecting business cards, and checking out the quality of their houses.  Hopefully we will come home with some great ideas and a couple of prospects.

On our to do list for next week:  Pre-approval!  

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Welcome to Katie's Craft Nook!


Welcome to my blog!  Are you ready to get crafty?!?!  I am excited to begin!
My name is Katie, and I live in West Fargo, ND with my family.  I am the proud mommy to two beautiful girls (the chicklets), and a wife to a wonderful husband.
I work full-time outside the home.  I tried to do the stay at home mom thing…and more power to all the women who can do it and enjoy it…because I just couldn’t hack it!!  You have my most profound respect!
I absolutely LOVE to craft.  It is borderline OCD…it’s like my therapy.  When I get stressed out, I have the intense need to craft.
You know how men have the “nothing box” in their brains that allows them to just…I don’t know…totally space out and not think about anything.  Apparently women cannot do this. Well I found a way!  CRAFTING!  Just don’t go too far into the “crafting box” in your brain and slice off the tip of your finger with a rotary cutter.  Cuz it hurts…trust me…3 stitches later, lesson learned:  CURL YOUR FINGERS WHEN USING A ROTARY CUTTER!!  My pain is your gain…and your welcome :P
Anyway, I created this blog to share my crafty projects, favorite recipes, and funny things my kids say and do.  We are also about to start the house building process.  I will be tracking our process here!  Along with the decorating that goes with it!!
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoy!