Ever since we decided to bring GW home, we have wondered if we really have room long term for all of us in our home. We are a modern day Brady Bunch - Mom, Dad, 4 boys, 2 girls and Grandpa! We live in a 4 bedroom 3 bath home with a 2 car garage. The 4 boys have the master suite; the 3 adults share a bathroom and the girls have their own bathroom. Even by American standards, we have a large home - 2300 sf.
But....
In just a few short years (5.5 to be exact), we will have SIX teenagers in our house! And who knows how many cars we will have.
We have been thinking lately with interest rates where they are that now might be a good time to buy. (Though it might not be a good time to sell)
Our problem is - we can't decide
1) Where we want to live. This is a big decision as it can swing the price significantly. We can afford to spend more on a home (thanks to CP's inheritance from his mom), but do we NEED to spend more? Should we save that money for other things in the future?
2) What we really want in a house. We need 5 bedrooms, but we could take a 4 bedroom house as long as there is a room that Grandpa can use for a bedroom. We don't know for sure if we want a pool (we could always add one). They make for cheap entertainment for the kids.
3)How big of a house we need. Can we get by with just a slightly larger home but with a 5th bedroom? Or should we make the move worth the effort and go for something big enough to include a nice room for homeschool and room for a ping-pong table?
Of course, the boys just had a huge upheaval in their lives, so the thought of moving them again so soon is a concern. We have considered a few homes in our neighborhood which should minimize the impact, but this means a more expensive home.
And given this whole idea of living radically, all this talk of "need" just doesn't sit right with me. Should we just stay where we are? My dad grew up in a house smaller than this and there were 8 siblings and his granddad lived with them too.
I have been praying about this, but right now, I just don't have the answers...
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46
7 comments:
Of course we would LOVE to have you in PA...but no surfin' here ;)
Can you add on??
That would be a good compromise maybe.
Turn the two car garage into "Grandpa's place and add a garage?
Just a thought...hope we can bring our Brady bunch to see yours someday....
I love your honesty. I'm heading off to bed and will say a pray for your family. Wisdom, direction, growth and peace.
Kneel at His feet, it's the only thing that is "needful".
Blessings to your beautiful family, and Grandpa!
Laura
Praying that God would lead you in your decision and that you will have a clear answer for your family.
Is there any option to add a room onto your house? If you decide you want to move, I would make it worth your while - significantly bigger house. I would opt for the pool, given where you live. But, if you could add another bedroom/bath combo to your existing house, that might be worthwhile.
I've been a lurker on your blog for a while but wanted to comment on this post.
If you're considering moving to a different city or town, you might want to keep in mind the cultural diversity in the area. I'm thinking you'll want your children to have the option to be involved with a Chinese or Asian American community if they're interested.
You are on the right track. Just keep praying!
Oh Donna, can I just say that I want a SMALLER house. I know our SW would flip out as she does not really like our 4 boys sharing a room, but she goes along with it b/c we have a 4th bedroom that is spare.
We moved to our home from a 1500 sq. ft. home. Our home is twice that size now. The bedrooms are HUGE and the closets all walk-in. S has her own bath as we have an upstairs master (her room) and a downstairs master (The Prez and me:).
But anyway, I can see how you would need more space, especially with your FIL living there too. I mean, you have 3 generations in one home.
Great news about Classical Conversations. I went back and forth but in the end, decided to wait. Truth be told, I'd love to put them ALL in it. Just isn't in the budget this year. I LOVE the program or what I've seen of it.
PRAYERS for you that the door will open clearly to the right way.
Hugs, Leslie
P.S. I emailed you back. Did you get it? BTW, my comcast email is no longer valid; I'm just using the yahoo one.
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