Image Credit: Trading Phrases
Our first house in Sparks, Nevada was brand new.
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, no yard, custom paint, and a nice kitchen.
It felt more like a house than a home with barely enough room for our family of 3.
As my stomach grew bigger, we knew it wouldn’t work much longer.
The search began, but I was picky.
We had to have 5 bedrooms. No more and no less for our family of 4.
I would not budge on what I wanted.
The number was important because I knew…
That the girls each needed their own room.
That I needed an office/sewing room.
And that we had to have a place for family.
Because we have an open door policy.
Anytime, anybody is welcome to stay with us.
They need only to show up.
The door is always open.
And I may or may not be serving Spiked Watermelon Punch…
Hi and welcome! My name is Jessica Torres and I'm a homeschooling mom of two adorably insane girls on the path to greener living. I'm also self declared iPhone addict and lover of all things Apple. When not attached to my kids, my iPhone, or my laptop, you can find me creating cocktail recipes. Subscribe by RSS Feed or by email to join in the fun over here.
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Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
I am taking this as an open invitation for me when I turn up unannounced at your door……
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Love Multiplied – But I’m Divided
You are always welcome and I’ll even make some dessert when you get here.
Twitter: bocafrau
says:
I wish now, I had had the foresight to insist on a 5 bedroom house. Things were great, until little one arrived and each of the kids needed their own rooms. Now they have to bunk together when a guest arrives.
Susi recently posted..Comment on Birthday Memories by Katie E
Sometimes if we have a lot of family that comes to stay the kids get kicked out of their rooms but it doesn’t happen often.
Your home sounds wonderful! Be right over
Runnermom-jen recently posted..Soak Up Every Drop
Anytime.
I’m with Alison! So, I can come over anytime? Your home sounds amazing!
Of course you can. Although, you might have to give me some camera lessons when you come.
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
So you’re saying that I can just show up at your door one day? Perfect! I’ll bring the drinks, which I can finally enjoy now!
Kimberly recently posted..Brothers
Dude. You are always welcome. You bring dessert since I’ve got the drinks covered.
Twitter: Amandaaustin
says:
I feel the same way about my guest room. I need to have that for family or anyone else who needs a place to stay. It’s the right thing to do.
Amanda recently posted..Go-to Summer Fashion
It’s so nice to be able to house family when they come to town.
Twitter: babspinfrance
says:
Glad to know that I have an open invitation!
Of course you do!
Love this, “Because we have an open door policy. Anytime, anybody is welcome to stay with us.”
Thank you Tina.
Twitter: UniquelyEN
says:
Funny thing about those kids . . . they area so little, but their stuff, well it’s not!
I totally hear ya. We out grew our first home as well and I stuck to my guns on the 5 bedroom too. Good for you
There is so much kid stuff around my house I’m thinking of inviting goodwill over to come take it all.
Twitter: thekircorner
says:
I am so sad that I don’t live across the street or down the road, or just a few hours away, becuase I promise you IF I DID, I would be a nuisance and you would have late night talks about “how are we going to tell Kirsten to leave??”
I love that you knew what you wanted and got it, that you wouldn’t settle, that your heart led the way. It says so much about the amazing person you are.
now I’m going to pack and pray for a lottery win that means I can stay with you for a month.
xo
Kir recently posted..WOE:Gathering Buttercups:Dressing Room Drama
If you ever come to this side of the country, the door is open and the only late night talks will be with me and you over cocktails and cupcakes.
Exactly what I looked for, but in a rental. So wish we could own a house. Now our perfect rental is going on the market and I have to look for those things again. This time, to help us all feel better, I told the kids I would try to find a place that allowed pets. I have the same open door policy and can pretty much guarantee 2 nights of the week, someone is staying over.
Christine@theaums recently posted..PanCAKES: A Birthday Tradition
I’m sorry to hear that you have to look for a new place but I hope you find one that allows pets. I’m sure the kids will love an animal.
Twitter: FarewellStrangr
says:
We didn’t go up in size when we moved because but I’m darn ready. Maybe I’ll just move in with you.
Robin | Farewell Stranger recently posted..Happy Hearts
Sounds good to me.
You had me at home.
And if you’re ever in SoCal, we have a guest room and an enormous backyard and a new trampoline!
Tonya recently posted..I’m Ready!
I would love to visit SoCal one day. I’ve been thinking about taking the kids there next summer.
Twitter: madwomandiary
says:
I was just pouring over events in Reno/Tahoe and thinking of you and yours.
Though I think I’ll wait until the Lake has had time to warm up a few degrees.
That sounds like a good plan. Cold water can really put a damper on swimming in the lake.
Twitter: krrobi
says:
–On my way over. Have the Martinins ready <3
My Inner Chick recently posted..Random, Weird, & Profusely Bloggable
Done.
We have 5 bedrooms too and it is so nice to have a guest room because we get lots of visitors, I have a BIG family. The funny thing is I grew up in a 4 bedroom with 11 people. It was tight but fun.
marie recently posted..Unbroken
Wow. I bet that was tight. Big families are good and so are spare bedrooms.
Yep. I agree. Family always needs a place to stay!
Natalie @MamaTrack recently posted..Seven Months
And a place to drink.
Twitter: galitbreen
says:
I felt the same way when house hunting – ! knew what I wanted/what our family needed!
{I love how open you are with family/guests! It’s lovely}
Galit Breen recently posted..So Very Sorry
It’s nice to know exactly what you want when house hunting although it makes it harder sometimes to find the right house.