Please Buy Our House

 

Okay, cool - thanks!

 

:)

 

 

This is a little bit of a bizarre approach to selling a home (posting it on a blog with 98 readers lol), however, if it saves us $12,000 in realtor fees I will not regret it. (And, it will save you money because we can sell it to you for $12,000 less).

 

So, I'm going to do a bit of a home tour in the hopes that someone, somewhere knows someone, somewhere who may be interested in a house like this. (How's that for a long confusing sentence lol?)

 

So - let.us.begin.

 

This is our entry way - the sign reads "May all who enter as guests, leave as friends." That has been the motto of our home since we bought it in 2009 and I hope everyone who steps through that door, feels that way.

 

 

This is our living room - It's pretty spacious and I love that we added new carpet throughout when we moved in as it is soft and fluffy. :)

 

 

Dining room- this is literally one of my favorite rooms of our house. It's hard to tell from the lighting but the walls are a light, creamy yellow color and it is just awesome to have breakfast in there as the sun streams in each morning.

 

I was having a hard time getting the timing right for the lighting in this picture, but this is our kitchen - the walls are burgandy and cream. We've added brand new flooring and a new dishwasher. We've re-furnished the cupboards and are considering adding canned lighting if the buyer is interested in that.

 

This is the entry-way bath (on the left) guest bath (on the right). Both have brand new everything. The guest bath shower is completely tiled to match the floor so it feels like a fancy hotel. Fun fun! :)

 

 

Here is our guest bedroom (decorating compliments of great friends).

 

This is the baby nursery. However, for anyone without a little one it would make a great office!

 

Here is the master bedroom. It's very spacious but unfortunately that is hard to see at this angle. However, we have a king size bed, a dresser and full desk on the opposite side of the wall and there is still plenty of walking room!

 

Master bath - The previous owners had updated the master bath before we moved in and I absolutely love the black marble flooring. There are separate his & her walk-in closets on the left and to the right of the bath-tub is a separate room with the toilet and shower. We've completely re-done that as well to match the bedroom.

 

And, all of those areas are located in this home.

 

 

This is actually a picture I posted two years ago when we bought it, and I truly just need to step outside and re-take a photo, but it looks about the same...however, we did pull out all the white landscaping rocks and add red mulch which I feel compliments the red brick so I'll probably change this picture tomorrow but for now at least you can see the outside.

 

Here is a link to our home on FSBO.com.

 

http://www.fsbo.com/Buyers/ListingDetail.aspx?id=157724&cntry=US&s=KS&cty=Overland+Park

 

We truly do love our home, but we are moving for many reasons. The main one being that I cannot (because of the sub-divisions rules) operate any sort of business out of our home and I am a piano teacher. I also love helping other mom's with their kiddo's but that is not possible out of this home either so away we go.

 

I am torn whether this was a positive thing to do on my blog, or if it was weird because I have to talk about my home somewhat "braggerly" (sp?)(Real word lol?) but I've seen other girls give "home tours" because it is neat to see where your friends live and their decorating styles, so if anything think of this as my little family's home tour (with the hopes that you would like to make it your home in the future!) :)

 

P.S. I'm going to add Clara's room to this as well, as I think it's so cute but she's sleeping right now, so I can't really make the bed if she's in it. :)

My 8 1/2 Cents

 

I have found a few new favorite things in 2012 and being that 3 kids are sleeping all at one time right now I thought I would share them with my 7 readers lol.

 

You.are.welcome. ;)

 

1st - L'Oreal EverPure Shampoo/Conditioner

 

 

So, here's what happened...my mother-in-law had me try her "Wen" shampoo which is sulfate free a few months ago and I loved it. It's weird because you rub all this mushiness into your hair but it doesn't bubble so it kindof is probably like if you rubbed a big tub of "I can't believe it's not butter" all on 'yohself' and then waited to see what happens...well I'll tell you -  your hair will feel ammmaazzziiing. (With the Wen-not the butter)

 

But here was the problem...Dave Ramsey said I couldn't buy it.

(In a round-a-bout sort of way)

 

So, fast forward some months and Amber goes on a retreat with her friends (during a complete hive/rash swelling body flare up-lucky them lol) and in the process borrowed {previously mentioned} friend's L'Oreal shampoo shown above.

 

And guess what?!? It was like my mother-in-law's awesome shampoo but I wouldn't need to sell any kidneys to purchase it!! WIN.WIN.

 

Long story short - if you hate taking showers always having to wake up early and like to be able to go four two days without washing your hair; this is your solution and my hair seriously stays clean and shiny. It looks like straw on the ends but that's just the type of hair God gave me so unfortunately I can't fix that but it seriously never, like ever, gets greasy anymore.

YEAH! :)

 

Numero 2 - Amethyst Jeans

 

 

 

So, same trip/different friend actually got me hooked on these little puppies. They are about 20 bucks. Not even kidding. I think mine were $25 and I had a coupon so I ended up spending $17.  (And I know faded denim and stitching is leaving this season but I was in a hurry and grabbed the first picture of Amethyst jeans I could find from their company). Sub-add (I actually only knew that faded denim is leaving this season because that is what the nice man at Banana Republic told Dave last weekend so don't think I actually have any idea what I'm talking about when it comes to fashion because as of 2009 (Or better yet - the year of Clara Bear) I do.not.lol.) :)

 

So-if you don't mind shopping at Gordman's for jeans, you can find that fun line there. And, I took a quick peak and Nordstrom's fall line-up and those jeans all start around $168 so I'll be heading my buns to Gordman's here in a few weeks to stock up for fall. ;) (And true story...I have gotten more compliments on my Amethyst jeans than I ever have on any of my other jeans which range anywhere from $60-$120 as that is about the price range of most jeans midwest girls wear!)

 

3 -  Clothing Swap

 

This is my favorite thing to tell you about yet!! Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures as that is when I thought (past tense) my camera was missing. However, I mentioned that during supper with grandpa & grandma & Dave (who apparently doesn't read my blog..sadness for amber) this past weekend, and anyways...as I was stating how sad I was that I never found it after World's of Fun he chimed in..."Amber, your camera's in my car." So, I did what any loving wife would do and hit him. :) No, but that was the happiest news of my weekend so now that I'm completely off track...CLOTHING SWAP.

 

I met with some girls in my mom's group and you all bring in-season, laundered, cute clothes that you simply got tired of wearing. Then you lay out the clothes by room, pants, shirts, dresses etc., and have at it. The only rules are that you have to try it on before you can take it, but that's it! It was SO much fun and a great way to "update" your wardrobe without spending any money. (Lingerie is apparently not off limits and hahaha if anyone from that group actually reads this blog - I'm sorry Courtney...that was not a regular shirt). :)

 

4 - "Mourning Becomes Cassandra" followed by "The Tiniest Doubts" (Sequel)

 

 

This is hands down one of the funniest fiction books I've read in a long time...maybe ever. I only bought it because kindle was offering it for like a dollar this summer, but I literally have never laughed harder. It is the most unlikely, funny story line I've came across in a long time.(I'm not kidding when I say I almost liked it as much as Hunger Games just in a reeeallly different way). WOAH.I.KNOW. Christina Dudley is the author and since finding it, the book has picked up tons of steam...it's $16 now on Amazon and she's getting lots of recognition but I totally told Dave I should probably get some sort of award for predicting that book was going to become much more popular than it was when I first read it. :)

 

So, I'm sorry because it's more expensive to buy now but it's truly worth it if...if you're a girl. Not a boy. Just girls will like it. :)

 

Alright so there you have it - 4 things...little Levi is up and hungry so I must close up shop here this afternoon but trust me...this ginourmous list of 4 things I loved in 2012 will really change your world.

 

jk.

 

They probably won't.

 

(But I feel I've been a better friend to you all by sharing them with you). :)

 

BYE!



Jesus Loves Buzz Lightyear

 

Yes he does.

 

 

According to Clara.

 

My sweet girl sang that song at the top of her lungs during one of my latest doctor's appointments.

 

Some people couldn't stop smiling. Others it made uncomfortable (apparently they do not believe He loves buzz lightyear or anyone else but that is a heartbreaking topic and post for another time).

 

 

Regardless; away she sang, flying him through the air - stopping only to fill up with those little triangle cups of water because singing and flying buzz lightyear around can be quite.exhausting. :)

She continued singing this all the way from the waiting area, into the actual exam room.

Here she is, eyes closed, taking it away...you may know notice that Woody (who's legs are seen on the bottom right) was left abandoned - apparently today Buzz Lightyear alone had Jesus's heart lol.

 

 

I know I haven't written in forever. And I really don't even have time to write this now but I want with all my heart to remember these moments because I believe they are certainly precious to me - and hopefully will be precious to her when she's older.

 

I've learned something recently.

 

1) You take your health for granted.

2) You should not do that.

 

Words to live by everyone. ;)

 

No, but in all seriousness - up until 3 months ago - when I felt completely, absolutely and utterly healthy, I didn't realize why sick people always said, "Don't take your health for granted." I truly thought I wasn't.

 

 Okay - so that is not what I want this post to be about and may write about it sometime in more detail, but mostly, and I'm being so serious - if you can freely play with your kiddos without feeling exhausted after 5 minutes, eat without worrying it will send your body into tons of pain, sleep without the fear of your heart stopping...please, please enjoy that.

God's watching and walking through this with me - I know that, believe that and feel that...but it has made me really, like really treasure each and every second with my family.

 

Okay - so back to my sugarbear.

We've been doing lots of playing...

(Who knew laundry baskets work way more efficiently as trains, boats & race cars?)

 

Meeting Lindsay Little

 

 

(Who you may remember reading about here...this time though we joined her at Oak Park and as you can see Clara is trying to contain her excitement). :) (So good to catch up with you by the way Lindsay!!)

 

Making new friends..

 

(It cracks me up that at 3 you can dress up as a dinosaur and a pig and be besties instantly).

 

Trying new things...

 

 (Which as it turns out - Clara loves to dance and wear the outfit...not so much listen to her teacher.Oh wellsies..)

 

I truly didn't blame her for that though - who wants to stand in a line and tap your toes when you could run in circles around the studio? I'm thinking soccer/basketball/track may be more where my daughter's heart lives!

 

So - there you have it. A brief re-cap of all we've been up to. (I lost my camera with tons of pictures from my brother-in-laws recent trip home from Cambodia and World's of Fun with the family which is why I don't have any of those posted here. That makes me cry though so we're not going to think about it right now).

 

So-for the time being I'll be treasuring my phone pictures...please be prepared to be seeing lots of those. ;)

 

I mean seriously...technology these days....look at these two

 

 

Hehe...Jake and Clara consider these their "compupers."

 

So.Cute.

 

And last thing - I PROMISE.

 

Clara's prayer last night: "Dear God, I am SO proud of you - I had such a fun day today! Amen." (hahaha - how cute is that?!?)

 

Okay, now I'm really done - Happy Sunday!