Venture to "Venice"

Ryan Homes opened a new phase in a neighborhood that we've had our eye on for awhile.  We put our house on the market and accepted an offer in only two weeks.  After signing the paperwork, we began the process of selecting (and then reselecting) a lot, floor plan, elevation, add-ons, and extras, and never looked back. 
Our first lot selection was the largest lot available in a cul-de-sac.  However, after going out with the Project Manager and discussing grading issues, we decided to move across the street for a smaller lot that had more usable space.  The first lot was large, but would have no usable backyard, as it sloped down too steeply.  The new lot is still close to the cul-de-sac and much more flat, allowing space for a swing set and room for the girls to run and play. 
We decided on the Venice model, elevation E.  We added the Morning Room off the Kitchen, the Gourmet Island in the Kitchen, and the two extra feet in the Garage.  Also, elevation E includes two "bump outs,"or an extra two feet in the front two bedrooms. 
To date, the lot has been graded, pipes laid, and foundation poured.  Pictures are included below.  The lumber is supposed to be delivered tomorrow and framing should be completed by next week. 

Aubi breaking ground on our homesite.

The place for our new home.



Second Floor



First Floor




 

No turning back now!

4 Adults, 2 Kids, 1 House

People say building a house is like taking a journey, so....Here. We. Go.
July 1, 2013, Annie was born.  End of September, I started back to work.  Sometime in October we sold our house.  End of October, we move into my parents' house.  First two weeks of November, Richard travels to Germany for work.  First week of November, we close on the sell of our house.  End of November, second phase of our new neighborhood opens up and we begin the process of building.  My mom said if I survive this year, we should write it down in the history books.  Having suffered two migraines this week, I'm beginning to agree with her.

A Lot of Catching Up To Do

1st:  Annabelle Marie Coon is born!  Little Miss Annie was due June 23rd, but decided to stay put for awhile longer.  We finally had her arrive with a scheduled c-section on July 1, 2013.  This gave me just enough time to recover for Aubriana's third birthday party.



Aubriana loves her new baby sister.



2nd:  Aubriana had a Cinderella party for her third birthday.  Cinderella even showed up for a surprise visit!

 

3rd:  Aubriana started pre-school.  She attends Simpsonville United Methodist Preschool three days a week for three hours a day.  She loves her teachers, Mrs. Toby and Mrs. Natalie, and several classmates, Colton, Max, Shelby, Zoe, and Addy.

Aubriana's Thanksgiving Program

Aubriana's Christmas Program

 

 

4th:  We sold our house, moved in with my parents, and started building a house....but more on that later.

 

5th:  Annie got baptized!  As Presbyterians, we believe in infant baptism. In the Old Testament, God made a covenant with Abraham and included his descendants in that promise (Genesis 17). After Christ came, the sign was changed from circumcision to baptism, but since infants were included in the original covenant, we believe they are still included in the covenant of baptism. This is a very short explanation of what we believe, but I wanted you to have some background knowledge as to why this was such a celebration for us. She is a child of the covenant! We do believe that Annie will have to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior for herself one day. We do not believe that she is saved just because she got baptized. She will have to make a public profession of her faith when she accepts Jesus and begins her personal relationship with Him.

 

 





 



Aubriana-isms

1.  "Boo-daids" are Band-aids
2.  "Bicycle" is a popsicle
3.  "Roni cheese" is macaroni and cheese
4.  "Pips" are chips
5.  "Rah-Rah" and "Mamps" are Granna and Gramps
6.  "Eat Leah and Unker Bit" are Aunt Leah and Uncle Brit
7.  "Pony hair" is a pony tail
8.  "Earrings" are errands
9.  "Number 1" is Pier 1 Imports
10.  "Orange Milkshake" is an Orange Icee (from Target)
11.  "Lem-nade" is lemonade
12.  "Air-rings" is errands