THE HOUSE THAT WOULD NOT SELL ;)

I have decided to post pictures of this remodel project so my friends and family can see the changes as they are taking place. This has been quite an ordeal and one I wouldn't recommend unless you absolutely love your home....and we do.

For those of you who don't know the story of this house....here goes.

Mario and I bought this home almost ten years ago and we moved in the week of 9/11. I have loved this house from the minute I walked in it. My husbands sister and her family live next door and we knew the previous owners who built the home in the seventies. I never really paid much attention to it mostly because its in a secluded area and rarely drove past it.

When I heard that Marvin and Tish Meyers were putting the house on the market and moving, I immediately called to see the home. I honestly wasn't expecting to really like the house, much less fall in love with the simple, ranch style, adobe house but I did.
The only way I can describe the house is that it has always felt like a hug to me. It's warm, cozy, inviting, comfortable and homey.  Having never lived any place in my life that I loved, there was something about this house that felt like I was home.
We spent many years working on and improving this home. We started with the outside by building a pool and landscaping the enormous yard. Slowly we made improvements to the inside which was like new when we bought the house but needed updating. The house had one major flaw.... a very small, outdated, galley style kitchen. We always knew that the house would need a new kitchen but the thought of the project made Mario crazy and his dream was different than mine, he had always wanted to build a home.
In 2006 the housing market was on fire and property prices were threw the roof. Since our kids were involved in school and sports in Dos Palos, we decided that maybe we should put the house on the market and build a home. The decision was very bitter sweet for me.
We bought a lot, drew up plans for a new home and watched the housing market crash!!!!!
After two years on the market, and our family living in a small rental in Dos Palos,(something we had to do in order for our oldest daughter to be eligable for sports her senior year) we decided it was time to move back.
We decided to make a few changes....... and the snowball began rolling.
It has been almost a year since the remodel began and we are still working on the house.
It's been exhausting and extremely stressful. We had NO idea what we were getting into, I don't think anyone ever does when they start a remodel project. We are hopeful that the house will be done soon.... someday.... ever.  I'm trying very hard to keep a sense of humor, but I must admit that some days are easier than others.
Even in the midst of the destruction, dust, nails, missing walls and windows, I LOVE THIS HOUSE. It maybe only half a house right now but it's still home and I know when it's done it will continue to hug us everyday. 
So watch your step, don't step on any nails and no standing around.  Grab a hammer or a cup of coffee and a cigarette, (thats scarcasm! If you have ever had contractors in your house you know what I'm talking about). Pray for us...PLEASE!!!