Tessa Bought a House {Personal Post}

“This corner of the earth smiles for me…”
– Jamiroquai
Tessa Bought a House {Personal Post}

Interrupting our normal blog postings of couple’s in love, for a little sneak peek on what went down during the off season. I (Tessa) bought a house! While there are still plenty of projects to go, I felt it was a good time to sit back, reflect a bit and share some of the journey.

I began the house search in April of 2017 with the hopes of being moved in sometime in June. If I have learned anything from home ownership, it is that patience is not a strong attribute of mine. It wasn’t until December that I FINALLY found the perfect spot. A three bedroom, two bath at the top of the hill near Manayunk. God’s timing is much better than mine, as December is the beginning of my “slightly” slower work months. Had I found the perfect spot in June, my schedule would not have allowed for all that went into a new home purchase. While the bones of the house were great, there were a bunch of cosmetic projects I was hoping to do. Cue Carl Smucker. I couldn’t continue without saying how much I love my dad. I always knew I had a good one, but it wasn’t until this house purchase that I began to understand how truly blessed I am.

Purchasing a home as a single female can be a little bit of a scary and overwhelming process, especially when I knew NOTHING about home ownership, but my dad was there every step of the way. Allowing me to still remain independent but giving advise and guidance when needed. Over the past 6 months he has made countless trips to Philadelphia and has spent endless hours not only working on the house but prepping items to bring down. My dad is truly in the business of making his kid’s dreams come true. From hanging a hammock, building a bookshelf from scratch, to dreaming up the best way to string lights and class up the back porch.

The older I get the more grateful I am that I am exactly like my father. I’ve got his drive, which can sometimes get us in trouble, but ends up helping us get.stuff.done. If you follow me on social media, you know this house has pretty much taken over my life. I think I’ll always remember these days with my dad, problem solving and building things together, as some of my favorites.

And then of course there is my mother; patient, kind and full of wisdom. Adult life ain’t so bad when you’ve got a Fan Smucker in your corner. She has helped to bring vision to my ideas, continues to answer my countless calls with house questions and has encouraged me when things feel overwhelming. I remember growing up and being SO CONFUSED how she endlessly wanted to keep her home clean or how she genuinely enjoyed working in her gardens. Well guys, it happened, I always knew I was like my father…but I’ve made my bed everyday since December 6th…I’m now becoming my mom.

The other night I invited friends and family over to celebrate this new season. The older I’m getting the more I realize we’ve all got a TON going on. So for these people to take the time to come celebrate with me for an evening, left me humbled and more grateful than ever for my community.

My life has changed a lot over the last couple of years, beginning with that dreadful 2016 that, if you know me at all, know was my most challenging year to date…by a landslide. I’m learning a lot and trying to lean into my discomforts. I’m attempting to embrace when I fail while continuing to rejoice in the good things.

I’m so grateful for a God that provides what we need (not always the same as what we THINK we need), that stretches me, that doesn’t leave me in my mess and I’m so thankful for the people that He has brought into my life to do this crazy thing with.

If you’ve lasted this long, thanks for reading my ramblings! Below are some before and afters. I’m sure there will be plenty of projects to come. But for now, I’m gonna sit back, pour a glass of wine, breathe deep and sit on my back porch.

– T

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