When I was younger, one of my favorite books was The Boxcar Children. My mom used to read it to my younger siblings and me, and I remember her voice so clearly as she read the magical story. She did really good voices and added lots of exciting inflection. I was mesmerized by this tale of four children, alone in the world except for one another, finding refuge and comfort in a small boxcar, which they made into a cozy home. My favorite passage was the following:
Something about my mother’s expressive voice combined with the relief I felt that they had finally found a home made these few lines special to me.
And now, as we embark on moving into this new house, which we closed on this morning (!!!), I can’t help but think of those words. The house where we have lived for the last year has been lovely at times, and was not without its charms, but it was also not without its quirks. Sometimes the house was downright ornery, as evidenced by the freezing cold winter and the lack of a dishwasher. When a house is 100 years old, and made of wood, there are all kinds of things that need mending and chinks that leave you exposed to the elements (i.e. weather and woodland creatures – I don’t really want to elaborate). We weren’t about to spend money fixing those things, which made it even more frustrating. When you’re our age(s), you tend to want to live like grown-ups and not like college kids, even if that’s what you are. I mean, I’m okay with the eating Ramen and not shopping, but I draw the line when I hear scratching above the ceiling. I’m just going to pretend, FOREVER, that I had a family of tiny seamstress mice living above me, exactly like the ones in Cinderella, who had dinner parties and possibly spoke several languages. It helps me sleep at night. Okay, moving on. Literally.
Here is is. Our new house. Surrounded by lovely trees, with a gorgeous backyard just begging for a hammock. I’m sure this house with have its quirks and ornery spells too, but it’s ours. I’m so excited to get into the house and explore the nooks and crannies, finding a place for everything and putting everything in its place. To paint a little, here and there, and maybe try some of the DIYs I’ve seen on Pinterest. Knowing that this will be our house for at least the next two years makes me want to turn it inside out and really make it my (our) own. This will be the house where many hours of studying will be accomplished, movies watched, lazy afternoons spent, glasses of wine poured, meals cooked, and memories made. I can’t wait to get started. It’s a fine little house, and I’m sure it will keep us dry and warm.
It even kind of looks like a boxcar, doesn’t it?
(Sorry the photo isn’t great, I got it off an email from my realtor and picnik-ed it. Because picnik solves everything.)
{imgs via 1 & 2}
Kaci Johanna says:
Hooray! And congrats!
CookinwVictoria says:
That is so exciting Lauren!!!! I love your house!!! And all the tree’s around it!!!! :) Have an AMAZING time decorating it and making YOUR OWN!!!!! :)
kathleen @ the lushers says:
I loved that entire Boxcar Children series!
Congratulations on the house! It’s such a huge step & will definitely have it’s quirks & ornery spells, but when you put your heat & soul into it, you will feel so good about it!
Sensibly Sassy says:
yay congratulations!!!
Mary says:
What a beautiful place! What an exciting and pleasing time for you all! I’m so glad. Love you both!
AshleyD says:
Yay for finally closing! Congratulations on the new house. It looks perfect. :)
Garnet says:
Congrats on the closing!!! The house looks beautiful! I grew up in a ranch style house and they are so cozy and have such a home-y feel. Cheers to you guys!
Heather says:
That book makes me so sad I want to cry. Maybe because the boy’s name is Henry like my son and I would die if he had to live without me in a boxcar. :-)
Your new house is ADORABLE and you are going to make it so lovely. Congratulations!!!!!!
Liz says:
I LOVED the Boxcar Children too! The grandpa was my favourite.
Ps; I know you probably told me this already but why do you forsee you living in there for just 2 years?
Amy --- Just A Titch says:
Congratulations, beautiful girl! How exciting!
Melissa says:
Congratulations on your new home! :)
Karen says:
Congrats on the house!
I find it so interesting how different mentalities are here from the States. No one would ever consider buying a house here that they only plan to live in for a couple of years. In the States that is perfectly normal. :)
I can’t wait to see what the inside of your house looks like and what you do with it. I hope you’ll be blogging about it.
yours truly, melissa says:
I loved the Boxcar Children too! It was so magical to think of kids being on their own, surving, and making a house in a boxcar… I think I should re-read those books.
Anyhow, congrats on the new house! I love all the mature trees and wish you a happy settling in. :)
steph anne says:
Congratulations on the house!! :) You’ll have to share with us what you’ll be doing with the house.
Mary says:
Congratulations! I’m sure you’ll make it your own.
Charlotte says:
Charlotte from FinchFound here. Love the Boxcar Children (as you know!) and congrats on that lovely new home!