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Tour of Homes

July 28, 2006 by Janice

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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Oh – I am so glad you stopped by!
Welcome to our home.

I know you have so many places to get to today, but I hope you can come in for a quick visit.

Come on in…

First we have our living room/dining room area. Thank goodness for Tackle It Tuesday, or else you would not be able to see our lovely dining room table. It sometimes doubles as a scrapping area and has been known to be covered for months in scrap stuff. (I do have an area in the basement, but sometimes it just creeps up here.)

Next we have our “great room.” Nowadays, houses around here are being built with rooms that include kitchen and living space. Here we have our main living area. This place can quickly look like a tornado ripped through with the high traffic it gets. The family room, which has the colored squares covering our hardwood floor, is Jackson main play area, complete with his own table.

To the left, you can see my “work space” at the kitchen table. (For you Tacklers – look closely – it is still clean!) We have an office area upstairs, but I prefer to work down here in the middle of the action. Eventually we will enclose the upstairs open office area and turn it into another bedroom.

I love my work area – during the day it is so inspiring with the trees and sunlight. (This picture was taken for a Tackle post.)

And the kitchen is in here too. It is wonderful to have it all together. I can cook or clean the kitchen while watching Jackson play, or if after his bedtime, even watch some TV. I love it!

Downstairs we have another playroom – it used to have a pool table but we gave it to a friend so Jackson could have a place to play hockey etc during our long, rainy fall and winter.

Our bedrooms are upstairs, but we won’t bother going up there today. (You may have seen Jackson’s room and our bathroom in previous Tackle It Tuesday posts.)

We are especially grateful for this home, because, well, it isn’t ours. My hubby and I do not own it. My mom does and we live here with her. This arrangement works out very well for us. She has her bedroom and en-suite bathroom on the main floor and we have the upstairs, and pretty much the basement, which includes my scrap area, a TV area and Jackson’s other play room, to ourselves. We share all the living space on the main floor.

Actually, my mom is rarely here, so we basically have the place to ourselves. My mom, my twin sister Susan and I run our online children’s stores together and we have a home office at Susan’s townhouse two blocks away. Ironically, my mom spends most of her time there. She even cooks and eats her meals there! Jackson is always complaining that Grandma doesn’t live here anymore because most of the time he spends with her is over at Susan’s house.

Housing prices here have gone crazy here – and I mean really crazy. You do not want me to tell you how much a house costs in this neighborhood – and we live in the suburbs! So in order to reduce financial stress and to allow me to stay at home with Jackson, we have decided that living here makes the most sense right now.

Yes, my mom is the most generous, incredible woman and we are so grateful for what she is doing for us. It sometimes does cause my husband and me stress, and hurts our pride, that we do not own a house of our own, but right now it seems like this is what we should do. My mom insists that the house is too big for her anyway and tells us that we do not need to be in any hurry to move. So here we are. Grateful and humble.

Thank you so much for coming over. It has been so great having you.

But one more thing – here at 5 Minutes for Mom we promise to bring you some of the best stuff online.

So take a quick hop over and visit our latest post. We’re featuring a fabulous new Mom-Created line of sun protective children’s clothing and we really don’t want you to miss it! (Also we’ve arranged for you to get 50% off of EVERYTHING. You’ll want to stock up for next summer… we sure did.)

Thanks again for coming – and come back soon!

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About Janice

Janice is co-founder of 5 Minutes For Mom. She's been working online since 2003 and is thankful her days are full of social media, writing and photography.

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66 Comments

  1. Mrs. C says

    August 1, 2006 at 3:26 pm

    Thank you so much for the tour of your lovely home (great kitchen!). I’ll definitely be back to browse your blog.

    Reply
  2. Shalee says

    July 31, 2006 at 10:56 am

    Now that is what I call a workable kitchen! But the white furniture would drive me crazy or else my kids… “Have you washed your hands? Don’t sit there unless you can give verifiable proof that you haven’t touched anything that would even think about staining this couch!” But that’s just me.

    I’m thrilled that you have such a loving mom to see the need and to open her home to you. That is true love for you!

    Thanks for sharing your living space with us.

    Reply
  3. udandi says

    July 31, 2006 at 8:23 am

    ah, now there’s a kitchen! Thanks for stopping by and taking my tour. I enjoyed yours!

    Reply
  4. Karla says

    July 31, 2006 at 7:31 am

    Your (your mom’s) house is beautiful! I love the windows by the work area. I’d be staring out of those most of the day. 🙂 Thanks for the tour.
    Thanks for stopping by my place to look around. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Theresa says

    July 31, 2006 at 6:56 am

    Love home…and OH the white furniture – you brave soul 🙂

    Oh, even though you don’t own it, it’s still YOUR home and it’s beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  6. Barb says

    July 30, 2006 at 3:36 pm

    Your home is absolutely beautiful. I love love the white furniture by your lovely fireplace. And your kitchen is just to be dreamed of. Lovely, lovely. Thank you.

    Reply
  7. Geekwif says

    July 30, 2006 at 2:20 pm

    I love your work area! That is such a pretty view. How inspiring that must be…or distracting. Thanks for letting us see your home.

    Reply
  8. Rena says

    July 30, 2006 at 7:30 am

    Your home is beautiful, especially like the kitchen and your decorating touchs. Thanks for the tour.

    Rena

    Reply
  9. Kari-MommaB says

    July 30, 2006 at 6:50 am

    What a beautiful home… regardless of who owns it. I, too, am blessed with a generous mom who would give everything to me if she could. Over the years, I found the guilt creeping up on me and when I finally confessed to her she admonished me for trying to take away her rights to “give back” what was given to her many years ago. While I admit it is still sometimes overwhelming to think of the love she continually pours on me, I’m so grateful that I am blessed enough to have her at all!! Thanks for sharing your home and your story! Can’t wait to stop in for my next visit!

    Reply
  10. Stephanie says

    July 30, 2006 at 3:06 am

    I love your home. Especially that huge island in the kitchen! I love tackle it Tuesday. Just haven’t been able to commit myself to it yet! Thanks for the tour.

    Reply
  11. Mountain Mama says

    July 29, 2006 at 10:10 pm

    You have a wonderful home, and you have arranged it beautifully. Thanks for the nice visit.

    Reply
  12. Robin says

    July 29, 2006 at 4:21 pm

    I think the best thing about your house and living arrangements is that you do it because it is what is best for your son. I don’t know too many people willing to live with their moms (or make any kind of sacrifice really) to be at home with their kids. Kuddos to you and what a blessing that it is a nice home on top of it all!

    Reply
  13. Nancy says

    July 29, 2006 at 11:12 am

    Amazing kitchen and how sweet of your mom to share her home. I bet the kids love being near so much family; mine sure miss theirs, thirteen hours away.

    Reply
  14. Heather says

    July 29, 2006 at 11:12 am

    LOVE the carpet in the livingroom!! 😉

    Reply
  15. Laura says

    July 29, 2006 at 10:31 am

    Thanks so much for the tour 🙂

    Reply
  16. Dianne says

    July 29, 2006 at 7:57 am

    Your home is lovely! I like your ‘Tackle it Tuesday’ idea as Monday is not my day to do anything.
    Thanks for the tour. : )

    Reply
  17. Melanie says

    July 29, 2006 at 6:21 am

    What a nice home and what a blessing to live with your mom. Thanks for sharing your home and your story.

    Reply
  18. boomama says

    July 28, 2006 at 10:23 pm

    I loved your house initially just looking at the pictures – but then reading why you’ve chosen to live there made me love it even more. What a blessing – what a provision from God – and what an encouragement.

    Thanks, Janice – so much.

    Reply
  19. Lauren says

    July 28, 2006 at 7:31 pm

    Janice, your home is beautiful. I’ve said it a few times on my blog but didn’t reiterate it again during the tour, we don’t own a home either. We lost our dream home almost nine years ago and have rented ever since. It has been an intentional decision that we wait now until the kids are older before we even consider having me go back to work. Family comes first! God can hand each of us a home tomorrow if he so wishes. Being home with the kids is more important. 🙂

    Reply
  20. Beckie says

    July 28, 2006 at 7:30 pm

    Beautiful house!
    I love your kitchen!!
    Is that a tv in your fireplace??
    Thanks for having me.

    Blessings! ~Beckie

    Reply
  21. Tess says

    July 28, 2006 at 6:51 pm

    I really like the conversation area w/ the couch and easy chairs.

    Reply
  22. Mysterious Lady says

    July 28, 2006 at 5:03 pm

    Your coffee table is just the bomb! Thank you for sharing your beautiful house with us!

    Come visit me sometime.

    Reply
  23. Val says

    July 28, 2006 at 4:14 pm

    The kitchen island is great, especially the high back that can hide your “work in progress” (in my house known as dirty dishes). Also good place for visitors to lean on and distract you while you’re cooking. (I don’t operate well under those conditions)

    Reply
  24. momrn2 says

    July 28, 2006 at 4:04 pm

    I love the colored squares on the floor! And the little table. What a great play area! Thanks for inviting us to your place. And thanks for stopping by “My Quiet Corner”!

    Reply
  25. winomom says

    July 28, 2006 at 3:36 pm

    awesome house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  26. Lori says

    July 28, 2006 at 2:56 pm

    White couches! I don’t know how you keep them clean.

    Your house lovely. I too like the windows by your work area. Windows make all the difference to me.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and reading my housekeeping post. It is truly one of my favorites, so I am glad you got something out of it.

    I will have to check back for the next TT. I have several jobs I could stand to tackle…

    Reply
  27. Belle ah says

    July 28, 2006 at 2:54 pm

    Thanks so much for the tour, you have a lovely home!

    Reply
  28. Kim says

    July 28, 2006 at 2:47 pm

    You have a lovely home and what a blessing!

    Reply
  29. Tammy~Kentucky Gal says

    July 28, 2006 at 2:31 pm

    Thanks so much for your visit and sweet comment to me…I enjoyed the views of your cozy home!
    😀

    Reply
  30. Sandra says

    July 28, 2006 at 2:24 pm

    I LOVE Your house, the living room is gorgeous and so is the kitchen….I so wish I could stop by for a visit 🙂

    Reply
  31. Joy says

    July 28, 2006 at 2:12 pm

    Love it!! Thanks for sharing! It sounds like you guys have a really close family, that is so wonderful that you can all live close and share in each other’s lives.
    Blessings,

    Reply
  32. Pastormac's Ann says

    July 28, 2006 at 2:11 pm

    What a nice place you have here! And what a blessing that you can share it with your mom and allow her to love you in this way. That’s special.

    Very smart with the soft covers for your little guy’s space – protecting the floor and him as well.

    Love your kitchen and the living room looks beautiful – I’d like to sit in there a while and relax. OK?

    Reply
  33. grafted branch says

    July 28, 2006 at 1:55 pm

    An elegantly decorated home. Beautiful!

    Reply
  34. PEA says

    July 28, 2006 at 12:06 pm

    Thank you so much for letting us see a glimpse of your home…well your mother’s house but still your home:-) It’s beautiful and I love the furniture and decor!! This Tour of Homes was a brilliant idea:-)

    Reply
  35. Chappyswife says

    July 28, 2006 at 11:49 am

    Great house, love your kitchen especially! Thank you for the tour, & thanks for visiting me. I didn’t realize you had 5minutesformom! I am in the signing-up process. I am impressed with what you are doing! Wow!

    Reply
  36. Sheri says

    July 28, 2006 at 11:16 am

    I love your work area too! Very nice home.

    Reply
  37. autumn says

    July 28, 2006 at 11:11 am

    Very nice..I loved the tour

    Reply
  38. kaliblue says

    July 28, 2006 at 9:09 am

    You have a lovely home. Thanks for sharing :-).
    Have A Great Weekend!!

    Reply
  39. Christina says

    July 28, 2006 at 9:02 am

    Okay just one more. I kind of think parents love when their kids live in their homes. I don’t know why anyone would want to live alone. It’s more fun living with lots of people just like years ago. Everyone then can take care of one another. You are lucky. We are always so far from family being in the military.

    Reply
  40. OldOldLady Of The Hills says

    July 28, 2006 at 9:00 am

    You have a lovely home and it is fun to see your little boys room…all the swell toys and he is soooo adorable. And it is just so nice to meet you!

    Reply
  41. Glass Half Full says

    July 28, 2006 at 8:33 am

    I love all the windows off the dining area of the kitchen. Especially the beautiful “carpet” in the family space! 🙂

    Reply
  42. MamaDuck says

    July 28, 2006 at 8:18 am

    It’s beautiful, and I’m so glad for you that you can share it with your mother and not have that financial burden!

    Reply
  43. Kim from Hiraeth says

    July 28, 2006 at 8:12 am

    That’s my dream kitchen.

    Reply
  44. Nikkie says

    July 28, 2006 at 8:04 am

    You have a beautiful home! I just love your kitchen!

    Reply
  45. Christina says

    July 28, 2006 at 8:04 am

    Okay one more comment. I think your living arrangement is great. I live in military housing, not my own, but I decorate it as if it was. I think a home can be anywhere, not just if you own it, but as long as you live in it, it is your home.

    Reply
  46. Christina says

    July 28, 2006 at 8:01 am

    One more thing, your kitchen is to die for. Are those granite countertops? This should be on a cooking show. I would love to have your kitchen.

    Reply
  47. Christina says

    July 28, 2006 at 8:00 am

    I am touring all these houses on “Tour of Homes,” and I am so jealous. Your house is beautiful. I could sit in your work area all day and just soak up that great view. All the houses I see so far have such different, but wonderful decorating schemes. I think yours is one of the best. I also like Sandras a lot at Diary of a Stay at Home mom. I love that your house looks elegant yet comforting and inviting. Not an easy combination to pull of, but you did it, and did it with grace. Oh, by the way I did not mean jelous in a mean way, you know the kind of jealous that is joyous, if this makes sence.

    Reply
  48. Carol says

    July 28, 2006 at 7:55 am

    Well, your mom’s house is beautiful. Y’all are brave to have that whilte living room with little ones around. The rubber mats on the wood floors are awfully smart!

    Housing prices in your area sound like those in Seattle where my sister lives. We’d consider moving there, except we’d have to live in a cardboard box and probably wouldn’t be able to afford even that!

    Praise God for family!

    Reply
  49. the "other" Sarah says

    July 28, 2006 at 7:49 am

    Thanks for the tour! Lovely home. What a blessing for you children to grow up so close to their Grandma!

    Reply
  50. Sue says

    July 28, 2006 at 7:12 am

    How wonderful that your Mom shares her lovely home with you! These days it is so difficult for young families to even buy a starter home (at least here in CA) not sure where you are!

    Reply
  51. Mom2fur says

    July 28, 2006 at 7:01 am

    Your house is so cheerful and fresh-looking! And that work area! Siiiigggh…I don’t think I’d ever get a thing done. I’d be looking outside all the time.

    Reply
  52. Jenn says

    July 28, 2006 at 6:52 am

    WOW, what a beautiful home…I love your style, the colors are great and your kitchen WOW…it looks awesome! I wanna come make some cookies, but hey only if you clean up! 😉

    Reply
  53. pickalish says

    July 28, 2006 at 6:48 am

    Love that kitchen!

    Reply
  54. Jodi says

    July 28, 2006 at 6:24 am

    What a beautiful home! Your mom is a very generous woman!

    Be blessed!
    Jodi

    Reply
  55. Kristen says

    July 28, 2006 at 6:18 am

    I think your home is lovely and I don’t think there is anything wrong with your living arrangement! It sounds pretty ideal to me. I understand about the hurt pride and owning your own home thing, though. We rent right now but would love to own.

    Anyway, I enjoyed the tour! 🙂

    Reply
  56. Jennifer says

    July 28, 2006 at 6:07 am

    It’s nice. I love the play area. And I think it’s great that living with your mom works out so well.

    Reply
  57. Christy says

    July 28, 2006 at 6:02 am

    What a beautiful, beautiful home! I love your kitchen & I can’t believe how fabulous the LR/DR looks!! You’d never know you had children.

    Reply
  58. GiBee says

    July 28, 2006 at 5:59 am

    Love it! Gorgeous!!!

    Reply
  59. Shannon says

    July 28, 2006 at 5:46 am

    Love it! Your kitchen is wonderful!

    Reply
  60. Jennifer R. says

    July 28, 2006 at 5:46 am

    Great house, beautiful furniture and I just love the great room!

    Reply
  61. Susanne says

    July 28, 2006 at 4:50 am

    Your home is gorgeous! That living room is absolutely lovely with the furniture and fire place!

    Reply
  62. Katrina says

    July 28, 2006 at 4:04 am

    Beautiful! I especially love the great room!

    Reply
  63. Heather says

    July 28, 2006 at 3:49 am

    Janice you have a beautiful home! Hopefully one day we can have a cup of tea in your living room and just chat! (Im serious!)

    Have a great day!
    -H

    Reply
  64. jane says

    July 28, 2006 at 3:47 am

    oh, this is lovely and I love the play area

    Reply
  65. Trisha says

    July 28, 2006 at 2:09 am

    You have a very nice home and a very generous mother. Thanks for having us over!

    Reply
  66. Mrs Blythe says

    July 28, 2006 at 1:29 am

    What a beautiful house. You have some lovely furniture, thanks for sharing a little too. I enjoyed my visit. Blessings.

    Reply

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