Several weeks ago I came across a "C" at Hobby Lobby that was calling my name. I LOVE letters and words so much, but the hubs is not crazy about that design trend, so I try to limit my lettering. Regardless,I knew that this little letter must be showcased at Casa Caretti. After perusing the scrapbook section and making a pitstop at the ribbon, inspiration hit! This lovely little letter was going to have a home on the back door.

From new crafts

I decided to go with yellow and green. I wanted this to be bright and cheery, kind of a hint of what you will find through the rest of the house. I loved the front of the door hanger, but I wanted the back to make a statement, too. After all, that's the side we would be seeing as we walked out the door every day. This is what I came up with....

From new crafts

I love this verse from Proverbs and I felt like was the perfect scripture for us to read daily, as we head out to face the world.

From new crafts

Now we're rolling! Oh wait...never mind.

So the building process really is all about 2 steps forward and 1 step back. This past Saturday we began staking the house. Josh and I had it set in the perfect spot. Well, we thought it was the perfect spot. Thank goodness we have family and friends who are not afraid to share their knowledge with us newbies. Seriously, I am VERY grateful for the guidance and suggestions. I've said it before, I am all about learning from other peoples mistakes! So we figured out that we needed to sit the house further back and to the left. But of course, there were trees there. Which brings me to Sunday.
Uncle Joe had mentioned that a few trees and shrubs needed to be removed. So this is what happened Sunday afternoon. We don't do anything halfway in Carettiville!

From The Land

It was a lot of work, but it was also a ton of fun! There's nothing like some quality time spent with family pulling up trees.

From The Land

Josh did call me this afternoon to let me know that the survey was finished. Yay!!! Then he called back to tell me that we still needed the deed for the easement. I'm not sure what that means, other than more time.

A room with a view

In yet another attempt to keep my mind busy, I have started thinking about front doors. I think that a front door says so much about a home and I want ours to feel open and inviting. I know there are other things I should be focused on at the moment, but honestly none of them are more enjoyable than looking at pictures of beautiful houses.
Josh and I have differing opinions on several style issues. I like light, bright and airy. He enjoys darker colors and low lighting. In an effort to compromise, since this is our "Forever House", I want as many windows as possible accompanied by darker finishes on the walls and floors. I think that's reasonable.
We are surrounded by beautiful land and lots of family here at Carettiville. I want a view from every room!
So, I found the perfect front doors for the house. They will let in plenty of light, but still have a touch of craftsman styling to them. I had to assure Josh that the wreaths were not part of the plan. These particular doors are double insulated so they are also practical!

Land ho!

I promised pics of of our land by the end of the week and I delivered! The girls and I went out this morning and took a few shots for the "before" file. This will be our view from the front porch. Click on the picture to see more photos.

The Land

Take your time...

Really?!?!? This was Josh's response when I told him I was ready to make the final modifications to the house plan last night.
Did I forget to tell him that this house was supposed to be finished by Christmas? I've already planned the layout for my Christmas trees! I'm ready to decorate a mantle and hang stockings by the chimney with care. Yes, I know it's early March, but I like to plan ahead.
I really do understand his rationale. If we take our time, ponder and pray, our home will be the better for it. I get that, it's just that my OCD gets the best of me sometimes.


While I'm waiting, I thought I'd show you a picture of my dream craft cabinet. I've just got to convince Josh that I can keep it neat enough to have it in the study.

New Beginnings!

Well, I feel like it's probably time to update the blog since I haven't even looked at it in over a year! So much has happened in Carettiville over the past year that a few things should be mentioned. First of all, we are in the process of building a house. Of course it will be in Carettiville, just a little further down the road. I resigned from my position at Sonshine to look for a full-time teaching position in the city system. (I didn't get a full-time position, but I have been super busy with extended leaves and achievement testing). Sophie started kindergarten this year and she is blowing us away! Walker started middle school in the fall and that is a complete nightmare. He's doing great, but I'm a wreck! He's in the middle of soccer season right now. Livi is rocking right along at MDO. She's absolutely hilarious and has the craziest hair I could have imagined. Tons of crazy curls! Josh has completed 2 marathons this year and is getting ready for his next big project....building our house!
For the next year (hopefully no longer) this blog will be devoted to the construction of our new home. It is my goal to post weekly pics and project updates. We have picked out our house plan and are in the process of making the last modifications. Josh and I actually went over to the lot this afternoon and measured off where the house will sit. That was interesting. I have been assured that the house always looks bigger after it has been built.
At this point we are waiting on the land to be surveyed and deeded. Then we will be able to go to the bank to get our construction loan. SCARY!!!
I'll be posting pics of the land and our house plans later this week. Stay tuned.

Here is a link to the house plan we chose. We have made several modifications and the house will (more than likely) be white hardy board with black shutters.

http://www.eplans.com/country_house-plans/HWEPL72776.hwx