A year ago, we found ourselves waking up to an unexpected blanket of snow, a scene that would quickly turn memorable. It was our moving day, a monumental occasion already filled with its own unique blend of excitement and stress. Little did we know, the winter wonderland outside was about to add a dramatic twist to our relocation story, forever cementing this particular anniversary in our memories.
The surprise snowstorm led to an unavoidable moving day mishap: our UHaul truck, laden with all our worldly possessions, found itself gently but firmly ensconced in the gutter of our old driveway. This wasn’t just a minor inconvenience; it was a testament to the chaotic, unpredictable nature of moving, especially when Mother Nature decides to throw a curveball. The memory of that morning, the chilly air, the crunch of snow underfoot, and the slightly absurd situation, remains vivid. You can delve into the full, humorous saga of that fateful Monday the 13th here, a story that still elicits a chuckle and a groan in equal measure.
It truly feels like that eventful day was just yesterday. John and I often recount the exact words of our truck-snafu conversation, a testament to how deeply the moment was etched into our minds. It started calmly enough, as many memorable disasters do:
JOHN: Hey Sherry. Walk-through went fine. They’re off to go close and I’m headed to the new house.
SHERRY: Okay, be very careful. It’s snowy out there so drive as slow as you need, even if people are honking at you. Just take your time.
JOHN: I will. Don’t worry.
SHERRY: Great. I just don’t want you ending up in a ditch or anything.
[The phone call ends, Sherry prepares to put her phone down, but it immediately rings again, a premonition of impending news.]
JOHN: Crap, the truck is in a ditch and I think I knocked over the mailbox.
SHERRY: You’re kidding right?
[End scene, fade to black – a perfect cinematic ending to our moving day drama.]
Yet, paradoxically, it also feels as if we’ve lived in our new home forever. The swiftness with which daily routines erase the memories of previous spaces is astonishing. Sometimes, we genuinely struggle to recall minor details about our old house – the precise location of a particular light switch, or whether a specific door swung inward or outward. This fading recollection of our previous abode makes it seem as though a much longer span of time has passed since we last called it home, highlighting the deep immersion into our new surroundings.
Our current home, while familiar, still holds its own delightful mysteries. There are a few light switches here that remain a complete enigma, their purpose yet to be unveiled. This ongoing discovery prevents the house from feeling too “old” or fully settled to us. We anticipate many more such revelations as we continue to renovate, decorate, and eventually expand into rooms we haven’t truly inhabited yet, such as the sunroom and the playroom, especially as our family evolves. And no, Mom, that’s not a subtle hint about a baby on the way – just an acknowledgment of future family needs and spaces! But returning to nostalgia, it’s truly surreal to delve into our archives from just a year ago and witness what our very first house looked like in its empty state:
A Look Back: Our First Home, An Empty Canvas
Returning to the images of our first house, devoid of furniture, evokes a profound sense of reflection. Each empty room tells a story of memories made and a journey completed. It’s a bittersweet feeling to see the spaces where we built our initial dreams, now stripped bare, awaiting new occupants to fill them with their own narratives. These “before” moments are invaluable, reminding us of where we started and the progress we’ve made.
Capturing images of our first home without furniture allowed for unique perspectives and angles that were simply impossible once our belongings filled the space. For instance, this particular shot was taken from where our media cabinet once stood, providing a clear, unobstructed view that offered a fresh appreciation for the room’s architecture and proportions. It’s a rare opportunity to see a home’s true bones, stripped of personal touches, revealing its inherent character. These “empty” photographs serve as an important visual diary, marking the end of one chapter and the excitement of a new beginning.
For those interested in a deeper dive into our initial home’s empty state, you can explore many more pictures of our first house here. Now, let’s pivot and take a nostalgic look back at how our current house appeared exactly one year ago on move-in day. I remember literally sprinting around, camera in hand, snapping these initial photographs while our rented UHaul patiently waited in the driveway, brimming with our life, eager to be unloaded. It was a whirlwind of anticipation, capturing the raw, untouched potential of our new digs.
Our New Home on Day One: A Fresh Beginning
The transition from our first home to our current one was a monumental shift, and documenting our new house on move-in day was crucial. These images capture the raw potential, the blank canvas, and the overwhelming excitement of starting fresh. Each room, though empty, was already whispering possibilities, hinting at the transformations to come. It was a day of frantic activity, punctuated by moments of awe at the vastness and potential of our new space.
If these initial glimpses have piqued your interest, you can explore a comprehensive collection of empty house pictures of our new home here. The amusing, and perhaps most rewarding, aspect of this one-year retrospective is seeing how dramatically some of these spaces have evolved over the past 365 days. It’s truly inspiring to compare the “before” with the “after,” witnessing the power of vision and hard work in transforming a house into a home.
A Year of Transformation: Our Current Home’s Progress
It’s incredible to reflect on the progress made in just one year. Some areas of our home have undergone significant transformations, moving from empty rooms to vibrant, functional spaces that truly reflect our style and needs. These “after” shots are a testament to our dedication and the countless hours poured into making this house our own, illustrating the profound difference a year of focused effort can make.
While many areas have seen remarkable progress, other spaces remain largely untouched, awaiting their turn in our renovation queue. Our bathrooms, for example, are virtually in their original state, patiently biding their time for a future spruce-up. Similarly, rooms like the sunroom and the playroom have primarily served as temporary storage zones for items destined for a garage sale or Craigslist. They are currently functional, but far from their envisioned potential, brimming with possibilities we are eager to unlock.
For a complete journey through all our “before” and “progress” pictures of our current home, you can visit our comprehensive photo gallery here. And if you’re curious to see the full transformation of our first house, including all its before-and-after moments, that gallery is available here. But enough dwelling on the past; let’s turn our gaze toward the exciting future. We thought it would be fun to share a glimpse of the projects currently brewing in our minds, once we’ve put the finishing touches on the kitchen in a few months. This is just a broad overview, as we’ve received numerous requests for an updated “Listy Mclisterson” post. Rest assured, a more detailed and playfully crossed-out version will be coming your way soon. In the interim, here’s what we envision for taking this still very much in-progress house even further in year two and beyond!
Our Future Vision: Exciting Home Projects Ahead
As we celebrate a year in our new home, our minds are already brimming with ideas for its continued evolution. The journey of transforming this house into our dream living space is an ongoing adventure, and we’re excited to share some of the ambitious projects we have planned for the coming years. From enhancing outdoor living to refining interior spaces, each item on our list brings us closer to our ultimate vision.
- Build a Wooden Deck for Dining: Imagine al fresco dining right outside our kitchen! We plan to construct a spacious wooden deck just beyond the glass sliding doors in the hallway adjacent to the kitchen. This will create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, perfect for entertaining, enjoying family meals, and making the most of warmer weather. It’s about creating a true outdoor living extension.
- Convert the Carport into a Garage: This is one of our larger, more complex undertakings. We aim to transform the existing carport into a fully enclosed garage. This significant structural change will provide much-needed storage, enhanced security, and protection for our vehicles. This project will definitely require the expert assistance of a trusted contractor to ensure structural integrity and a cohesive design.
- Build a Trellis Arch/Pergola Around the New Garage Door: To soften the appearance of the new garage and integrate it beautifully into the landscape, we envision building a charming trellis arch or pergola around the garage door. This will allow for lush, climbing greenery to grow, adding natural beauty, curb appeal, and a touch of picturesque elegance to the exterior.
- Custom Built-in Media Cabinet: In the living room, we plan to construct a substantial media cabinet. This custom piece will not only house our entertainment system but also provide much-needed storage and balance the large console table on the opposite side of the room. We’re also contemplating building a custom bench for the foot of our master bed and a tailored cabinet for an inset wall, optimizing space and adding bespoke charm.
- Refinish Our Bedroom Floors: The beautiful wood floors throughout most of our house are due for a refresh. Our bedroom floors will be among the first to be refinished, bringing back their original luster. Since we can’t tackle all the wood floors at once (we need somewhere to move furniture!), this will be a phased project, allowing us to live in the house comfortably while renovating.
- Add Wainscoting to the Hallway: To elevate the architectural character and add a touch of classic charm, we plan to install wainscoting in the hallway that leads to the nursery, playroom, and guest room. This detail will create visual interest and a more polished look, enhancing the transition between these important family spaces.
- Finally Paint, Furnish, and Utilize the Sunroom: The sunroom, currently a storage overflow, is destined for greatness. We envision transforming it into a vibrant, functional space – perhaps a cozy reading nook, a bright home office, or a relaxed family hangout spot. This involves selecting a refreshing color palette, sourcing comfortable furnishings, and integrating it fully into our daily lives.
- Paint, Furnish, and Optimize the Playroom: Similar to the sunroom, the playroom is ripe for a complete overhaul. Our goal is to paint it with a playful yet calming color, introduce kid-friendly furniture, and organize it to be a creative and stimulating environment for our growing family. It will be a space designed for imagination and fun, rather than just storage.
- Redo/Update/Spruce Up All Three Bathrooms: Our three bathrooms are next in line for various degrees of renovation. Some will receive a full remodel, addressing layout and fixtures, while others may only require cosmetic updates like fresh paint, new hardware, and improved lighting to bring them up to date. The goal is enhanced functionality and modern aesthetics.
- Continue Tweaking Existing Rooms: Renovation is an ongoing process of refinement. Rooms like the living room, dining room, nursery, bedroom, and guest room, while functional, still have bare walls awaiting frames and key pieces of furniture missing. We’ll continue to add art, rugs, and thoughtful accessories to personalize these spaces and make them feel truly complete.
- Create a Defined Entryway: The entrance to our home needs a distinct identity. We plan to create a more defined entryway with a large buffet or console table, carefully curated art, and a welcoming rug by the front door. This will establish a clear sense of arrival and provide practical storage for keys and mail, setting the tone for the rest of the house.
- Add Crown Molding to Several Spaces: To add an elegant finishing touch and a sense of architectural grandeur, we intend to install crown molding in various rooms, including the playroom, nursery, and guest room. This detail instantly elevates the ceiling line and creates a more refined, custom look.
- Double-Sided Fireplace in the Kitchen: A truly ambitious project is to convert the existing fireplace in the kitchen into a double-sided feature. This will allow us to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the fireplace not only in the kitchen but also from the comfort of the adjacent living room, creating a cozy and interconnected living experience.
- Build a Backyard Swingset/Playset & Pimped Sandbox: For our little one (the “bean”), we envision a fantastic backyard play area. This includes building a sturdy swingset/playset and a creatively “pimped” sandbox. Future plans also include a play kitchen and a dollhouse, ensuring endless hours of outdoor fun and imaginative play.
- Exterior Paint, Trim, and Shutters Refresh: The exterior of our home is due for a significant facelift. We plan to paint the siding, trim, and shutters, giving the house a refreshed and cohesive look. Additionally, we’ll frame out the porch columns to make them chunkier and more substantial, add another light fixture near the front door for improved illumination, and stain the concrete porch for a polished finish.
- Extensive Outdoor Landscaping: Beyond the immediate vicinity of the house, we have ambitious plans for our outdoor spaces. This includes significant landscaping efforts in the front, side, and back yards. From planting new garden beds to creating defined pathways and enhancing privacy, we aim to transform our outdoor areas into beautiful, functional extensions of our living space.
- Built-in Master Bathroom Vanity for Symmetry and Storage: Our master bathroom vanity will be customized to be symmetrical, enhancing the aesthetic balance of the room. This custom build will also allow for more concealed storage, a practical solution since we don’t typically sit at the vanity to use it. It’s about maximizing both form and function.
- Raised Beds for an Edible Garden: Embracing a more sustainable lifestyle, we plan to build several raised garden beds in the side and back yards. These will be dedicated to an edible garden, allowing us to grow fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits, connecting us more closely to our food source and adding a touch of rustic charm.
- Retrofit the Playroom Daybed for a Trundle Bed: To accommodate future “bean” sleepovers and overflow guests, we intend to retrofit the daybed in the playroom to allow a trundle bed to be neatly slipped underneath. This clever design will maximize sleeping capacity without sacrificing valuable playroom space.
- Add French Doors Between Dining Room and Office: For enhanced privacy and added architectural elegance, we plan to install French doors between the dining room and the adjacent office. This will create a more formal separation between the two spaces while still allowing light to flow through, maintaining an open feel when desired.
- Change the Roofline Out Front: A significant exterior aesthetic upgrade involves altering the roofline at the front of the house. We aim to add some peaks to introduce more dimension and create a visual harmony that better aligns with the house’s shape from the back, giving it a more cohesive and stately appearance.
- DIY a Pool Someday: And finally, the ultimate dream project – a DIY pool! John, mind you, thinks this idea is completely insane, but a girl can dream, right? This is a very long-term aspiration, a testament to our ongoing vision for creating an outdoor oasis.
Of course, many of these projects will unfold over the course of the next few years. Our first house took us a solid 4.5 years to complete, so we understand and embrace that there’s absolutely no rush. The most important thing is to remember to relax and enjoy the process. Seriously, it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed, stressed, and frustrated if you try to rush through everything. Instead, we believe in tackling projects one day, one small victory at a time, and truly savoring the journey. And we couldn’t ask for more amazing people to have along for the ride – in the car, or rather, in the house, with us. Wait, that sounded a little weird! What we truly mean is that we are so incredibly honored and excited to have you, our wonderful community, drop in, offer your encouragement, and share in our adventures as we go. So, a heartfelt thank you! You all play a huge part in keeping our morale high and our momentum going, and for that, we owe each of you at least ten holiday cookies. And yes, they come with extra icing and sprinkles. Picture yourself enjoying every last crumb – remember, fantasizing about eating ten cookies equals zero calories!
Oh, and as for the method to our “project order,” we don’t really have a strict one. We deliberately jump around from room to room, and from one type of project to another, to keep things fresh and exciting. This approach prevents monotony and helps us avoid feeling overwhelmed. After completing a big project, or a string of challenging ones, we often welcome a breather and enjoy tackling smaller, quicker tasks for a while. Other times, we’re buzzing with energy and eager to keep our momentum going, immediately planning the next big undertaking. Who knows what’s next on the agenda? For now, we need to keep trucking on the kitchen renovation, so once the renovating dust settles in there, we’ll see what mood strikes us. But one thing is absolutely certain: if year two in this house is even half as exciting, rewarding, and memorable as year one has been, we’ll be absolutely over the moon. Is it strange to love a house as if it were a member of your family? We certainly don’t think so! What exciting projects do you all hope to tackle in the coming year and beyond? And every time you read “and beyond,” do you instantly think of Buzz Lightyear, or is that just me?
Psst- Our sweet Clara is absolutely obsessed with big dogs and has a charmingly non-existent concept of personal space when they’re around. More on her adorable canine encounters can be found here.