May 02, 2010

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

After being told that the cottage we had our hearts set on had already been rented and finding out that our back up rental had also been rented, we received a phone call saying the cottage was  back on the market as the original renter had to pull out. We immediately put in our application along with 2 other people, even writing a letter to the owner to charm him into choosing us. Apparently I'm not as charming as I thought. He chose to rent to one of the other applicants. We believe our 3 darling pets did us in as they would continue to do in our hunt.
After many phone calls, dead ends, many tears, and maybe a little pouting, we were down to a really crappy townhouse apartment for cheap cheap that would require me to be sedated for the next year or a really nice new condo townhouse at the top of our budget whose owner was not convinced that he wanted our pets in his rental, oh and P.S. neither of these places was.even.in.the.Village.

Yes, you read that right. Our entire reason for going through all of this and we weren't even going to be walking distance to the good stuff.

We've spent much time scouring the Village looking for For Rent signs to no avail. Even spending Thursday, our 10th anniversary looking. Nothing.

Then Saturday dawned a new day and we made our usual morning pilgrimage. Lo and behold. A sign. Brake slamming. Cell phone dialing. Ten minutes later we had written a check for a partial months rent and a full months deposit, shaken hands and ripped that newly placed For Rent sign out of the yard and tucked it safely in the garage. That would be the single most spontaneous act of my life for those of you keeping track. I plan. I research. I consider. I do not walk into houses and write checks ten minutes later.

So we have secured a little cottage that is well suited to our needs, a very reasonable monthly rate, with flexible terms that allow us to take as long as we need to find the right house to buy, with no reservations about our pets, a garage large enough to hold the overflow of our suburban life and a location that is a few minutes walk to Main Street, Emma's school, the library and the parks and is even on the parade route.

It's not perfect. The kitchen? Well that will be an adjustment. A big adjustment. The bathroom? Just 1 of those and that tub is a might questionable. Space for guests? Well, that's going to be a bit cozy. The laundry facilities? Located in the basement/dungeon and let's just say I'll not be looking forward to laundry day for awhile. The truth is that none of that is even phasing me. Nothing is.

My dream is coming true right before my eyes. There were moments, days, weeks, when I lost faith, when I doubted every decision I have made in the last several months but now there is nothing but smiles. And relief. And excitement about what lies ahead for our family. In 2 weeks we get to go over there and start painting and scrubbing and preparing our new Cottage Nest. I can't wait to take you along on this next adventure. And I know you have all earned the right to say "I told you so".

55 comments:

  1. It is such a gloomy, dreary day here. I decided to take a little "vacation" and search the web. Your wonderful blog helped chase away the blahs.

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  2. Hi Jen!
    Oh I'm so happy for you, this is great news. What a relief for you. I can't wait to get a peak at your new nest. Have a great day
    Janice

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  3. Congratulations on your find. I can't wait to see your new cottage nest. Sounds like such a fun adventure.
    Take Care, Carrie

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  4. Jen! I love it! Isn't it funny how things come together? When I first moved to Bham...I rented a fabulous old farmhouse...or so I thought. A friend dropped by and left a message on the back door one day that said simply "redrum" (clue The Shining). It had no dishwasher, a leaky clawfoot tub, floors that creaked and the scariest basement ever. I only lived there a year...but it was wonderful...so full of character and so me. I actually cried the day I left. I think you are just where you need to be...you just took a giant step closer to your dream. I'm hoping for a gazillion pictures!

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  5. It's so cute, Jen!
    I should have known to pop over here before I asked you for pictures.
    So glad it's all working out, and I'm excited to be along for the next part of the ride.

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  6. congratulations. it's a cute little cottage that doesn't even know that it will be a pretty cottage in a few weeks when you put your special touches on it.

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  7. The home has a wonderful personality... I know with special touches you can make it your own for as long as needed... I will be looking foraward to seeing pics of making this a place you will love coming home to.

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  8. Yay! Don't be surprised if a certain girl and cute baby from the next town over show up on your new doorstep one of these days = )

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  9. And, you make it lovely, no doubt! I can't wait to see the process....it could, quite possibly, turn out to be a much better choice than the two that you missed... :-) I love it when things like that happen.

    Many blessings,
    Spencer

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  10. How exciting for you. I can't wait to see your progress in that sweet little cottage.

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  11. Jen, You have renewed my faith that God may bless me if we loose our house and give me a cute cottage to live in until we can get back on our feet. I have felt I would have to endure uglyness because of our financial situation but God does care about our need for beauty in our lives. I have definately learned to "wait on God" in the course of my life but lately He has shown how faithful He truly is. I am so happy for you!

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  13. Yay!! I am so, so, so happy for you Jen! Can't wait to see what you do to your little cottage in the village. :)

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  14. congratulations!!! can't wait to see how you decorate it!!! Beth

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  15. I am so excited for you, how amazing it will be to be that close to the village and having your dreams come true, Congratulations! Can't wait to see all the pictures and how beautiful you make your new home :)

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  16. Oh Jen, that is wonderful! I can't wait to see what you do with it!

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  17. Yay!!! Three cheers for impetuosity and getting what you want! Enjoy the new cottage :)

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  18. She's a looker! I already pictures myself visiting you there and I liked how it looked.

    Yay for you guys!!! What a relief. And I'm dying to see that kitchen...

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  19. Wonderful news Jen! I'm sure that even though it's not "perfect" you will make it perfectly wonderful! Congrats!

    Kat :)

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  20. Hi Jen,
    I share in your excitement as there is nothing as fun as fixing up a little cottage. did you guys sell your house yet? I can't wait to see what you do.

    xo
    LeAnn

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  21. I'm so happy your dreams are coming true!

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  22. So happy for you! It looks darling from the outside.

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  23. oH HOW CUTE!!!!

    i was just talking about YOU today
    you are too precious
    so excited for you
    xoxo

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  24. Jen, why ever would we say "I told you so" when we adore you?
    The little blue house is so cute. You are on your way!
    Hugs, Cheryl

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  25. How cute! I can't wait to see the inside and I can't wait until you find your Forever Cottage! So excited for you!

    Michelle

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  26. Jen, I am so excited for you. Sounds like just what you wanted. I am new to Indiana , I have been searching for a house for 5 months, I can soooo relate to your frustrations. We made offers on 4 houses and each had major hurdles to overcome from siding issues to a very low appraisal.We finally found a house, not a cottage , but close to the schools that we want our kids to go to. Anyway, it would be fun to get together sometime down the line.
    I am cheering for you and completely understand your struggles.
    We move this Friday...I am so excited I can hardly sleep. I will be praying that your move goes smoothly and that you find the home of your dreams.
    Blessings, Debbie

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  27. I have my bucket and yellow rubber scrubbing gloves packed. You just say when!

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  28. Will you be keeping the Christmas lights up? ha.

    I am so happy for you.... and I know you will work your magic on this rental...while finding the perfect home to buy.

    Do Not Leave Us Hanging. Lots of Pictures. Please.

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  29. OH JEN!!! I am SO HAPPY for you all!! I just knew you would find a place!!! It's a wonderful little cottage and can't wait to see what you do with it!! LOVE IT! And see, Jim was right!!! LOL :)

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  30. Congratulations. Can't wait to see photos.

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  31. I've been following along with you on your "journey to home." Buying a house is such a surreal adventure. I truly believe that the home for you is out there and when things are "right" you'll find it. You are more than halfway there! - Kathy

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  32. * that looks sooooooo quaint and cozy ! I love it !!

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  33. Jen! When can we visit!? :-) You know you live so close by, and Shanny can meet us, and we can tour the Village with you. SO excited for you. A great example of being patient, and having faith. You are SO close to your dream. SO close!

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  34. Jen, I am so happy you found a rental. I must say it looks absolutely charming! Life in the village will be so wonderful for you and your family.

    xo
    Claudia

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  35. Yeah!!! I am so excited for you. Your cottage is adorable. And I am sure that you will make it look fabulous on the inside!

    Congratulations,

    melissa

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  36. Wonderful news Jen! So happy for you ♥

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  37. Out of this world charming! I am so, so happy for you!! Enjoy getting your new place set up and making it a special(even if temporary) home.
    ~Michelle

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  38. Just stumbled uppon your blog; you have some lovely photos and decorating ideas.

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  39. Oh it's beautiful!!!! I am so happy for you and for your dream that is coming true right in front of our eyes!!!

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  40. I'm so excited for you! Good luck with the move and i can't wait to see more!

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  41. Jen,

    I share your love of cottage/village living....and had my own dreams so long....Our family gave up the big suburban brand-spankin new home for a simpler life in a small cottage neighborhood that exudes charm and character. We are better for it. I read your blog faithfully, but rarely comment (shame on me!). Please stop by and visit me, where I write about life in our "forever cottage" (in Minnesota!).

    x0~Jill

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  42. Yay, congrats! Can't wait to see more pictures and how you transform it!

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  43. Thank goodness - it was hard even reading your post - I thought you were going to have to go to the townhouse! The little green cottage is adorable - spending a year there should be a great adventure! Yay!

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  44. How exciting, taking a leap of faith like that. Good luck!

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  45. whooooooo Hoooo! Congratulations on the great, not so great, but perfectly perfect cottage. You knew youd find it, someday..

    Girlfriend..things are looking GREAT~
    happy for you!
    Lisa
    coastalnest

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  46. oh jen, it is sweet! (and not in the surfer-dude kind of way but in the what an adorable cottage kind of way)

    my home has many of the same "issues" but i love it and love our town.

    excited + happy 4 U

    xo
    elyse

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  47. It is so cute! And Im so happy you can look for your dream house and be happy doing it!

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  48. Oh my goodness, it is sooo charming. I can't wait to see what wonderful things you do to your new nest.

    Smiles,

    Carol

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  49. I think it is perfect! Absolutely storybook!
    Machelle

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  50. Isn't amazing how with a little faith things always work? Congratulations on the new cottage, I can't wait to see what life brings for you!

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  51. Yay yay yay! I'm so thrilled for you. You did it!

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  52. I told you so ;) LOL

    Congratulations sweet Jen!!!!!

    xo,
    rue

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  53. I am so happy for you guys!!! I am also so proud that YOU GUYS ARE DOING IT!!! You are my brave hero:-)

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