Headway

Sorry for the prolonged absence.  My parents are in town and on top of our usual work/family balancing act, we're making as many repairs to the cabin as we can while they're around to help.  So far, it's going well.  As I write this, they're out there waiting to meet a charity that will pick up all the furniture and household items that have gathered over the past three decades. 

So far, we've:

• cleaned out the kitchen cabinets (I shouldn't say "we".  Mom did this solo.)
• blazed a new "drive way" thanks to Dad and his chain saw
• packed up all the old household stuff and sorted into "keep - send back to Grandpa", "donate", and "toss"
• stood around and pondered new furniture configurations
• bought the items necessary to repair the washing machine and the exhaust fan in the girl's bathroom (the old one apparently made quite the cozy abode for a squirrel at some point)
• kept two small children from going crazy from boredom while we accomplished the above

I thought I'd share pictures with you so you can see what we're up to.  First up: "Before: Cabin as Vacation House"

Living

Kitchen

Dining

Soon-to-Be Master

Soon-to-Be Office

Girls' Room

Next up: "Cabin as Empty-But-Promising New Abode"

Comments

[julie]

Okay, I know this isn't what you want to hear but I don't think it looks that bad. Sure, compared to what you have now it will be a huge adjustment but at least this option is available to you.

I'm sure you all will be much stronger and closer as a family at the end of the year.

[Julia]

Julie, you're sweet.

You're right - it's not that bad. But I do want to take a teeny moment and point out that I (intentionally) did not photograph the "trouble" spots. Sorry. I must not be quite ready to let go of the ugh factor just yet. :)

[Kim Possible]

Can't wait to see the "after" pictures Julia. Glad you have some help this week - hang in there. And (even if you are faking it a little bit!) your tone seems a little brighter and more optimistic about the whole deal.

[jen]

I think it looks great! I know I would be SUPER grumpy in the same circumstances and you seem to be handling things well. I think that little cabin has tons of potential and the only thing the girls will remember is what an amazing adventure they had that time they got to live in the woods.

[Natalee]

Good luck! Can't wait to see the "after" pics. I know you'll make this little cabin into a cozy home.

[Kim]

It's adorable. You guys will add your own personal touches and it will be fabulous in no time.

Your girls are in for a great adventure. We ended up renting a farm house, on an acual farm with chickens and cows and pigs, for two years before we settled permanently, and I'm glad we did.
It's a side of life they wouldn't have experienced otherwise.

[Heather Ann]

Julia,
We are currently renovating to try and sell a house that backs unto the backyard of a man who has been exposing himself to my family. We are going to try to sell a property backing unto a man who will soon be labelled as a sex offender - not expecting this to go particulary well - to say the least. We have to leave to keep my kids safe and keep me safe and keep my sanity. I am about as upset as I could be. I so get how you feel right now with the upheaval and loss of your home and the cabin. Please know you are in my thoughts.
Heather Ann

[Stephanie]

I think it looks very nice, and certainly could vbe comfortable- but I can also see where it's not quite what you're used to, and that's always hard to accept and deal with.
Hopefully, though, it will be just the ticket to get you where you want/need to be financially!

[JuliaKB]

That is a lot to get done. So glad your parents could come out and help.

[mpatters]

oh, I think it looks challenging -- it looks like a great vacation cabin, but it will be tight for a family.

But, yes, you can do it and, yes, it can be fun.