Welcome to the Wild Ride: Our Big Move to 5 Acres of Possibilities

If you’ve ever imagined living in your own private forest, surrounded by nothing but trees, then you’re probably picturing our new home. We’ve lovingly nicknamed it “the village hidden in the leaves,” a little nod to Naruto because, well, anime runs deep in this house.

Our 1965 gem is tucked away in the middle of nature, where the view from every window looks like a secret hideaway. It’s magical, overwhelming, and everything we imagined—and yes, we fully expected the unexpected.

The House: A Tale of Two Kitchens and Endless Layers
This house has personality, to say the least. The basement features a fully original 1960s kitchen, complete with vintage charm (and quirks), while the main living area upstairs boasts a wacky 1990s kitchen. Picture cabinets that could star in a sitcom, plus a laundry closet conveniently (and oddly) placed right next to the fridge and pantry.

And then there’s the basement bathroom—a true DIY time capsule. Over the years, flooring has been layered on top of other flooring so many times it’s like an archaeological dig. The shower tile? It’s the same exact tile I grew up walking on in the bathroom of my grandparents’ house. Talk about a nostalgic blast from the past.

Hardwood floors, you ask? Sadly, the only ones we’ve uncovered are the brand-new oak stairs we had installed. Beyond that, this house is a treasure trove of carpets, vinyl floors and surprises.

Projects Ahead: It's Giving Brick House Meets Extreme Makeover
We came into this knowing the house would need work—scratch that, a lot of work. She’s a brick house (cue The Commodores) and structurally solid, but this girl needs a head-to-toe reno. Think Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Ty Pennington style.

The property itself is a dream. With the trees come huge groups of deer, beautiful birds, eagles, soothing shade, and gorgeous rays of sunshine filtering through the leaves. But beyond the forest, we’re lucky to have a massive cleared area in the back, about three times the size of our last yard. It’s the perfect balance of cozy wooded vibes and wide-open space for the kids to run free and explore.

The kids love the wide hallway upstairs, running up and down like it’s their own personal racetrack. The backyard, meanwhile, has become part playground and part golf course for our family’s budding golfers.

Finding Joy in the Process
Despite the chaos, there’s so much joy here. Watching the kids run free, hearing their laughter echo through the house, and seeing the backyard come to life has made every challenge worthwhile. I love seeing them fascinated by the falling leaves, the jumping squirrels, and yes, even the spiders. They’ve taken to hopping after frogs like mini explorers, and every so often, a lizard finds its way into the house, adding a little extra excitement to the day.

My husband and I laugh at the quirks we uncover, like the random light switches that seem to control nothing or the unexpected creaks that add character to the house. It’s overwhelming at times, sure, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

The privacy has been a breath of fresh air. Moving from our “fishbowl” house—where 20 neighbors could see us any time we stepped outside—to a place where we’ve only seen one neighbor twice in six months (riding by on his ATV!) has been life-changing. This space feels like freedom, and we’re soaking up every moment.

The Big Picture: Family, Freedom, and Endless Possibilities
What makes this move truly special is being just 20 minutes away from my recently widowed mom. Having more time with her when she needs us most has been such a gift—for her and for the kids.

The slower pace here has shifted our lifestyle. We spend more time outdoors, exploring, imagining, and simply being together. And this house, with all its quirks and endless potential, has become the canvas for our next chapter. It’s not perfect, but it’s ours—and I couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead.

Let’s Chat!
Have you ever tackled a big move or taken on a fixer-upper? Or maybe you’re dreaming of your own private oasis? I’d love to hear your stories, advice, or favorite DIY wins. Let’s swap ideas in the comments—I’m always up for inspiration!