This weekend we went down to Exeter for our second trip of house hunting. What an emotional rollercoaster. We were so excited that we found some friends to watch both our girls and I worked hard all week to ween our little baby girl from breast feeding to bottle (eew sorry for all those boobie/milky grossed out people, I won't speak of it again).
We zoomed down there and made great time. We had three houses to see originally but one totally called and said they had shown it and it had rented. BUMMER! But we remain hopeful. We got a viewing last min on a house we weren't sure we wanted to see but because we had time in our day we thought "why not"
Once we arrived in exeter... wow... there was a massive car accident somewhere plus combined with it being Friday afternoon meant traffic was a beast. We have come to dislike almost every estate agents we speak to as they all say they are "for the customer" when clearly they just want the easy customer that has money....
Because we want to live in a house and share it as two small families we get to look at 1 out of 5 houses that are available.... and the ones we have been viewing just aren't going to work for us. Either the parking is horrendous or the kitchens are crazy small or the living areas is wickedly cramped, or the garden is non-existent. My husband and I spend most of the time diving back (and honestly driving around that day) arguing about what wouldn't or wouldn't work. We have the pressure not only of choosing a house for ourselves but also choosing a house for our sister's family to live in too.
Almost every house I walked in all I could see was the potential and all my husband could see was its short comings. By the time we argued to a compromise we would decide it wasn't for us. The last house we looked at again was on that Roydans Estate. We love it there so much, but the house we looked at was great for the bedroom lay out but the living space downstairs and parking was just too much of a compromise.
We sulked back to Colchester wishing that our house hunt had ended but feeling like this was just the beginning. We have to be moving in little over two weeks and we don't have any house to go to. We called our sister and brother-in-law and after chatting we all decided waiting .. even if it meant packing up our current houses and putting everything in storage and living with friends and family for a bit, would be better than taking up a tenancy for a house that just wouldn't work for us.
My husband and I decided to spend all day Saturday praying... well we set the alarms on our phones to go off ever hour and we would just shoot up quick prayers to God. Not necessarily that he would "hear our prayers and give us what we want" but to ready our hearts for whatever the future holds.
We all feel oddly calm. Oddly peaceful. We want a house to share more than anything but so many people have sent us message this week reminding to "wait on God, move in his time, not to rush, to wait of the right thing." We are confident we must wait, but it all seems so cloudy and hazy as to what our future will hold.
A few people have asked if we have messaged churches to ask if they had any help or support they could give. It seems like such a long shot sense we have no links or connection to them, but I gave it a try and messaged around to some churches, My husband reminded me of the church we had seen was running in a community centre on our favourite estate Roydans Estate. Its called Trinity Church and I love everything I am reading about it. How a group of Christians has purposefully moved out to this new estate to just let people know about Jesus! I said to my husband... this Roydan Estate seems to have EVERYTHING we are wanting and praying for... ACCEPT A HOUSE!
Ready our hearts God... Ready our hearts for whatever the future holds and may our faith stay strong in you!
Showing posts with label devon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label devon. Show all posts
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Finding a place to call HOME
The hunt continues...
we are trying to find a house to rent and wow is it not easy. The expense of moving, the unknown of the area and the ever changing rental market is making for an anxious and stressful move... hahah maybe this is just the new feelings and emotions of adulthood.
We officially know that Steve's job is in Exeter so we are wanting to live either in the city or with in 10 miles. From all our contacts that know the area because are saying driving into the city is a bit of nightmare so if we aren't going to live in the city then living near a train station would be good incase we get fed up with the commute.
I'm also really being picky about wanting to have a back garden for the girls to play in and off road parking. We have a budget of not spending more that £850 on rent and that would be a big push for us. We are struggling to find the right place. And to throw a spanner in the works, steve's sister and brother in law are still wanting to move as well and are currently waiting to hear back from a job they interviewed for. If they get this job (which also is in Exeter!) then we could all rent a big house together... if not we will start this adventure on our own. We are still really hopeful we could do this altogether... but we are in limbo at the moment.
We are currently looking at houses to in the north of Exeter, Dawlish and Exmouth and all the places in-between. I'm semi starting to lean more near the beach (Dawlish or Exmouth) just because I've never lived somewhere like that and THAT is what this adventure is all about. I've been looking at children centres', preschools', cafes, hotels and things to do in these places and just keep trying to picture what I would like to spend my time doing with the girls... I just want to keep things simple, local and fun. The Hunt continues...
I have looked into ideas for moving:
1. a local moving company moves us
2. Steve or I renting a van but the biggest one he can get is a luton (which wouldn't fit all our stuff)
3. rent a 7 tonne truck and get an older friend or Steve's dad to drive it down for us as their license will allow this, where our new license only lets us rent the luton van
So I checked out the options:
Option 1: we looked into three companies in colchester and all quotes us over £1000... the lowest being £1,200 and the highest being £1,700... this is totally out of our budget, even though they provided packing boxes and men to help move, which would have been awesome.
Option 2: The cost on this is averaging about £100 a day or £400 for the week. If we rented it of the week we could just do multiple trips, but then we also have to consider we would spend about £100 in petrol each way. We probably would have to make 3 trips so that almost £600 in petrol (maybe £400 if we do it in 2 trips) then plus the truck rental.... we are looking at between £800-£1,000... if we do it on the lower end of this budget we at least are saving £400 from option number one. downsides is that it would TAKE FOREVER to move us and be lot of trips back and forth. hmmm
Option 3: This is about £150 a day or £600 for the week. We have had offers from a couple friends that could drive this beast down for us and also would drive it back. Steve said he could follow in our car with a car load of things and then even stay down at our new place (where ever that be) the first night to set up the girls beds and our bed, then come back for us (maybe we could stay at steve's parents or at my best friend maz here in colchester). We definitely could fit everything into this truck, so the move would all happen on one day and keep the cost minimal. This way we could rent a truck maybe even for a day £150 and pay about £150-£200 in petrol... so we are looking about maybe £350 to£450.
OPTION 3 WINS! it will be a bit more complicated having to work our moving day around when people are free and will be relying on lots of favours from friends and family... but that is the only way we are going to be able to afford this move!
At least now we know HOW we will move... WHEN we move is still undecided. We have 6 weeks until we need to be there. We are just keeping our prayer simple "Thy will be done" and trusting that God has ALWAYS provided what is best for us in the time we need... but steve and I will also confess that our anxiety levels are mounting.
we are trying to find a house to rent and wow is it not easy. The expense of moving, the unknown of the area and the ever changing rental market is making for an anxious and stressful move... hahah maybe this is just the new feelings and emotions of adulthood.
We officially know that Steve's job is in Exeter so we are wanting to live either in the city or with in 10 miles. From all our contacts that know the area because are saying driving into the city is a bit of nightmare so if we aren't going to live in the city then living near a train station would be good incase we get fed up with the commute.
I'm also really being picky about wanting to have a back garden for the girls to play in and off road parking. We have a budget of not spending more that £850 on rent and that would be a big push for us. We are struggling to find the right place. And to throw a spanner in the works, steve's sister and brother in law are still wanting to move as well and are currently waiting to hear back from a job they interviewed for. If they get this job (which also is in Exeter!) then we could all rent a big house together... if not we will start this adventure on our own. We are still really hopeful we could do this altogether... but we are in limbo at the moment.
We are currently looking at houses to in the north of Exeter, Dawlish and Exmouth and all the places in-between. I'm semi starting to lean more near the beach (Dawlish or Exmouth) just because I've never lived somewhere like that and THAT is what this adventure is all about. I've been looking at children centres', preschools', cafes, hotels and things to do in these places and just keep trying to picture what I would like to spend my time doing with the girls... I just want to keep things simple, local and fun. The Hunt continues...
I have looked into ideas for moving:
1. a local moving company moves us
2. Steve or I renting a van but the biggest one he can get is a luton (which wouldn't fit all our stuff)
3. rent a 7 tonne truck and get an older friend or Steve's dad to drive it down for us as their license will allow this, where our new license only lets us rent the luton van
So I checked out the options:
Option 1: we looked into three companies in colchester and all quotes us over £1000... the lowest being £1,200 and the highest being £1,700... this is totally out of our budget, even though they provided packing boxes and men to help move, which would have been awesome.
Option 2: The cost on this is averaging about £100 a day or £400 for the week. If we rented it of the week we could just do multiple trips, but then we also have to consider we would spend about £100 in petrol each way. We probably would have to make 3 trips so that almost £600 in petrol (maybe £400 if we do it in 2 trips) then plus the truck rental.... we are looking at between £800-£1,000... if we do it on the lower end of this budget we at least are saving £400 from option number one. downsides is that it would TAKE FOREVER to move us and be lot of trips back and forth. hmmm
Option 3: This is about £150 a day or £600 for the week. We have had offers from a couple friends that could drive this beast down for us and also would drive it back. Steve said he could follow in our car with a car load of things and then even stay down at our new place (where ever that be) the first night to set up the girls beds and our bed, then come back for us (maybe we could stay at steve's parents or at my best friend maz here in colchester). We definitely could fit everything into this truck, so the move would all happen on one day and keep the cost minimal. This way we could rent a truck maybe even for a day £150 and pay about £150-£200 in petrol... so we are looking about maybe £350 to£450.
OPTION 3 WINS! it will be a bit more complicated having to work our moving day around when people are free and will be relying on lots of favours from friends and family... but that is the only way we are going to be able to afford this move!
At least now we know HOW we will move... WHEN we move is still undecided. We have 6 weeks until we need to be there. We are just keeping our prayer simple "Thy will be done" and trusting that God has ALWAYS provided what is best for us in the time we need... but steve and I will also confess that our anxiety levels are mounting.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Southwest here we come!
Well my husband has gotten a full time job... in EXETER. Which means we are southwest bound!!! well in June 2017 we will be. There were lots of emotions wrapped around his success as I really wanted the opportunity to go back to work and prove that I could support our family finically. BUT
<warning alert for non spiritual/God people I'm about to get weird>
But, we prayed so hard... I PRAYED so hard that God's will would be done, that whatever was best for our family would happen and that my heart would trust the outcome of us putting this move in God's hands... I was scared to pray this at first because I don't want to become one of those women that gets married, pops out babies and then never uses my degree skills in a professional setting. (yes yes I know momming takes all sorts of skills and is WAY harder then most professional jobs... but I still have dreams and desires beyond my children and home keeping).
All that time praying and trusting I think paid off because when my husband told me he got an interview, I was excited and just thought "God, your will be done" and then when he went to the interview and felt it went well and we sat together holding hands and hoping for the best I was so excited as I thought "God, your will be done" and then when the call came that he GOT THE JOB, my heart (and stomach) leaped with happiness... It was happening, our dream was coming true... we will be able to head to the Southwest.
There was about 5 min of sulking where I was like "darn... I wanted to be the one to get a cool job in the southwest that was paying enough to support our family and show that woman are strong and capable!"... but I'd like to think that my maturity in both spirit and soul led me to think... "if this is what is happening then it is what is best. God isn't saying no to you chasing your dreams and being successful or doing big things... He just is providing a way for your family to get to the Southwest and he still has you, he still cares massively about your dreams and desires and he will provide for you personally too." I took a big swallow...because, come on that is hard to swallow in a moment, but I said "ok... lets do this"... and because my husband and I are both so into this adventure together his success professionally, for this season, feels like my success as well. Because to be honest it will take us both working really hard to man the ship of our lives so that both our home and work is successful...
so the hunt for a house to rent is on! we are super nervous because it seems too expensive and hard to move to the southwest. We wish there was some sort of initiative to help families move to the southwest! because that would be so helpful! house rental is going to be our biggest hurdle. I just contacted a couple estate agents as we are in the area in a couple weeks on a family holiday and am trying to arrange us going to speak to them to make sure we are up to speed on all that needs to happen and make sure we are registered.
I've chosen Bradley's in Newton Abbot and Winkworths in Exeter as our Estate agents to begin with as they had good properties for rent on their website and also had good reviews on google. I'll give updates on how those appointments went in a few weeks.
Our faith is really being tested because we would love to move in with my sister-in-law and her husband but he would need to find work... he has been applying for work but isn't having any success. So we are remaining hopeful. Over the next couple of weeks I'll be attempting some tidying and packing and posting tips (if I find any).
Its all go now!
<warning alert for non spiritual/God people I'm about to get weird>
But, we prayed so hard... I PRAYED so hard that God's will would be done, that whatever was best for our family would happen and that my heart would trust the outcome of us putting this move in God's hands... I was scared to pray this at first because I don't want to become one of those women that gets married, pops out babies and then never uses my degree skills in a professional setting. (yes yes I know momming takes all sorts of skills and is WAY harder then most professional jobs... but I still have dreams and desires beyond my children and home keeping).
All that time praying and trusting I think paid off because when my husband told me he got an interview, I was excited and just thought "God, your will be done" and then when he went to the interview and felt it went well and we sat together holding hands and hoping for the best I was so excited as I thought "God, your will be done" and then when the call came that he GOT THE JOB, my heart (and stomach) leaped with happiness... It was happening, our dream was coming true... we will be able to head to the Southwest.
There was about 5 min of sulking where I was like "darn... I wanted to be the one to get a cool job in the southwest that was paying enough to support our family and show that woman are strong and capable!"... but I'd like to think that my maturity in both spirit and soul led me to think... "if this is what is happening then it is what is best. God isn't saying no to you chasing your dreams and being successful or doing big things... He just is providing a way for your family to get to the Southwest and he still has you, he still cares massively about your dreams and desires and he will provide for you personally too." I took a big swallow...because, come on that is hard to swallow in a moment, but I said "ok... lets do this"... and because my husband and I are both so into this adventure together his success professionally, for this season, feels like my success as well. Because to be honest it will take us both working really hard to man the ship of our lives so that both our home and work is successful...
so the hunt for a house to rent is on! we are super nervous because it seems too expensive and hard to move to the southwest. We wish there was some sort of initiative to help families move to the southwest! because that would be so helpful! house rental is going to be our biggest hurdle. I just contacted a couple estate agents as we are in the area in a couple weeks on a family holiday and am trying to arrange us going to speak to them to make sure we are up to speed on all that needs to happen and make sure we are registered.
I've chosen Bradley's in Newton Abbot and Winkworths in Exeter as our Estate agents to begin with as they had good properties for rent on their website and also had good reviews on google. I'll give updates on how those appointments went in a few weeks.
Our faith is really being tested because we would love to move in with my sister-in-law and her husband but he would need to find work... he has been applying for work but isn't having any success. So we are remaining hopeful. Over the next couple of weeks I'll be attempting some tidying and packing and posting tips (if I find any).
Its all go now!
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