Exactly 1 year ago today, my husband Glenn and I became first time homeowners! We were living in our camp trailer out on his parent’s ranch (hee hee!) until we got the keys to our new home on July 1st, 2008! And the inside was so ugly and disgusting and un-livable that we still lived in the camp trailer in our driveway for a couple weeks, especially because they were tearing up ancient carpets, which is not good for a pregnant lady to be around. Our daughter joined us in our home a month and 3 weeks after we moved in, which was an early surprise (Glenn painted half of her room the night before I went into labor – a month and a week after moving in) and while Harper and I were in the hospital for 2 weeks Glenn came home and worked his butt off to get the rest of it ready for us!
On first glance the house was a little scary, old and dusty – it had been sitting on the market for almost 2 years! – but we could see it’s potential through the smoke residue and dirt. It’s a great first home for us, and we are enjoying being homeowners…except when you’re trying to move 7 tons of gravel one shovel-full at a time! 
I kid, I kid…the main thing I’ve learned is how much time it takes to get to where you want to be. I still don’t feel like a single room of the house is “finished” and I don’t know if I ever will, but I think we’ve made a lot of progress over the past year! What do you think??
Our living room and kitchen before:
And this was taken about 5 months ago…the dining room is different now and we have different living room furniture.
Living room:
Another mid-work shot:
And here are some new details behind the pool table (but I really want to get some new white (but light blocking) curtains:
Living room with flooring down:
Kitchen and Laundry Room:
Laundry room:
Looks the same (no paint yet) except for my pretty new washer & dryer set:
Main bathroom:
And here is how it looks today…project is still in progress (new shower curtain, towels, mirror and light):
Our bedroom:
Like all the other rooms, a work in progress, but it is definitely a livable bedroom!
Remember, though, I have new side tables! No more baby bassinet in there!
Baby’s room:
A room I’d really love to “finish.” But it’s low on the list and has to wait…
1/2 Bath in baby’s room:
It pretty much looks the same, except for new flooring.
I’m always looking at magazines and websites, wishing I had a bazillion dollars to spend so I could finish the house exactly how I’d like it, but after reminiscing over these photos today I’m pretty proud of how far we’ve come in a year, and I’m actually very thankful that we even have a roof over our head at all. I’m actually very, very blessed in so many ways.
So happy anniversary to us, and feel free to leave a comment letting me know what you’re thankful for and celebrating today! That reminds me…I’m celebrating my high school reunion this weekend, too! Happy Independence Day, everyone!!
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About Me
I'm an interior designer and a draftsperson, but I live in the country. I like it that way. I'm also a firefighter's wife, mom to 2 cute kids, and a homeowner and I like that even better. But right after that is a pretty and affordable space...and I mean a REALLY affordable space. Because I believe good design can be for EVERYONE!
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Everything looks great, but I Love Harper’s room! And… saw Eat Pray Love on the end table. I read it for the first time a month ago and really enjoyed it. How do you like it?
I’m only through the Italy part…I read it on the plane to Costa Rica and I loved it! I’m really trying to get to bed earlier so I can sit and read…but I need a bedside light first, ha!
WOW! You have made so much progress! It looks great so far! I LOVE the paint color in the pool room. Way to go!! I can’t wait to have a HOME!
Congrats on your one year anniversary in your home – You have really made some progress! Good job. Did ya get all that stone moved yet?
Thanks! And no…we’re starting on that project again today.
But we found someone to take what we don’t need, and he’ll come load it – yippee!!
Congrats on your one-year anniversary
Your home has come a long way in a year!!
I LOVE the dandelion wall decal in Harper’s room — SO cute!!
Kelly @ DesignTies
You should be proud of all that you have accomplished. Just keep at it. Looking good!
Wow! You have done so much in one year. Thank you for sharing.
Y’all really rocked in your first year. We did 3 years before we got the ladders out of our living room.
Wow! It looks so much better!
I too bought a fixer-upper as a first house and have learned a lot. I am now waiting on that one to sell so we can buy one in our new state. Like you I am always looking on how/what I will do next to improve it. Thanks for sharing – you have done some awesome work!
Happy Homeowner Anniversary! Its a wonderful milestone and you have really made your house into a beautiful home! Have a wonderful week end and a fabulous 4th!
~Really Rainey~
Great post!
You have got to feel a great sense of satisfaction with all the transformations you have made.
What a great space you have created. I love the green in the kitchen.