Monday, May 28, 2012

Practical? Or Loss of Contentment?

I sure wish I felt more wordy or more bloggy or had some thought-provoking topic to write about.

Right now I'm just struggling with something.

I can't decide if it's practical for me to want a bigger house since we're a family of six.

It's only about 1300 square foot (I think...can't remember from last appraisal).  It's 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Or have I lost my sense of contentment with our current house?

Do we need a basement or an upstairs?  Is it ok that I feel crammed in our current space?

Or am I just comparing myself to others?  Am I just thinking too much about some of the homes my friends have?

Ugh.  I just go back and forth.

I do love my house.  I love the layout and the colors and the back yard.  Oh, I love the back yard.


Our yard in the summer with our fun slide that Josh puts up for the kids.



 So many memories here.  So many birthdays, Christmases, fun times, hard times.



But it's small.  For us, it's small.

I just want to feel at peace about the decision to sell or not, to move or not, to find a bigger house or not.

Tough stuff.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

There is a HS Math opening at Blue Springs HS! One of the best schools in the state and about 7 mins from me!!! There are houses for sale in the area! :-)

For real.....I think the house is small for you family. But right now you can make it work because the kids are small. So you can take your time and find the right deal on the right house in the right area.

I think when you find the right place and it all falls in line you will feel better. But that's just what I think.

--Sonja

Ashley said...

Not many people will challenge you to go against the "American Dream" or live "counter-culturally", so I'm going to be that voice. Do you want to stretch your finances tighter than they are or do you want to keep that money free to do whatever work God is asking of you? (I'm not by any means saying that God only calls us to do things that require money, but sometimes He does!) Is it tight? Absolutely, but you're fine!! Just think about our grandmothers who raised families of 8 in two bedroom homes! We're (as you know) a family of 7 and we've got no current plans to get any bigger of a home (just so everyone else knows we've got a small 3 bedroom, 2 bath home basically the same size as Chrissy). I think Sonja has a point, the kids are still small right now, so maybe when I've got 3 teenage boys, a middle school girls, and an elementary boy I'll feel the need for more space, but for now, I think a small home allows our family to be closer...both figuratively and literally! :0)

Pam said...

I am going to go along with Ashley! What do you need more space for? To heat, to clean, to get away from each other? More space is truly an American ideal. Bryan spent some time building homes in a 3rd world country where entire families live in 1 room. It truly gave me some perspective.

Anonymous said...

Chrissy, I'm going to have to disagree with the girls above and say that whatever you and Josh feel like you need to do, or WANT to do, and you're able to afford it without extra stress and worry, then do it. You don't need anyone's approval for what you and Josh decide would make for a more peaceful home. You know me, some would consider me a minimalist, we don't have a large home, we don't buy things we don't need, so I in no way encourage living beyond your means.
However, you and Josh have proven to be faithful stewards of what God has given you financially. You have paid off your debt, driven older vehicles because it's cheaper, and lived within your means. Neither one of you are willing (thank goodness) to add extra stress to the home JUST to have a larger home. So, that being said, if you can afford it and it is still well within your means, then I say go for it. Living in a tiny home and doing without is great, but upsizing to a larger home (that may be more outdated and need more work) does not mean you are not content or should feel bad.

Ok, I'm ranting...I guess what I'm saying is: this decision is between you and Josh and the Lord. Pray about it, seek His wisdom and He will make a way. If it's not the right time, then He will also continue providing the contentment you need to stay there as long as you need to.

Nel said...

Can I say I agree with everyone??? I go through spells of loss of contentment.... but I also know that our family has grown and we are out-growing our home as well. As a stay at home mommy you need to love and be able to be content with where you spend your every day.
The final decision is between you and Josh and I know you won't go and make your budget super crazy tight just for a new home.... Idk... know I am rambling....

Nel said...

**now I am rambling.....

Anonymous said...

...and I want to clarify that it's not so much disagreeing with the other girls, but just offering a different viewpoint! :)

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