Faith & Family, RenovationsReal Life Reno – It Ain’t Perfect July 26, 2017 Being the small town South Carolina gal that I am, this title just needed an “ain’t” thrown in there. We moved into The Buffalo Stone Cottage a week and a half ago now and are very, very, VERY slowly settling in. We had some big delays on certain parts of the reno that caused some issues we weren’t expecting to be living through. We’ve thought through every piece of storage and function to make this big downsize for us work….but a lot of that requires building and putting together storage pieces, etc. that won’t happen until the bulk of the reno gets done. So, we’re living with a little mess. And a little craziness. I felt really compelled to share on this. I think so often with blogs and social media, all you guys see is the pretty finished reveal. You hear the good, the success, see the polished result. But too often, you miss the process that was filled with hard work and maybe even some tears. I did a quick little video tour of where we’re at right now and how we’re feeling about it to show you guys that yes, this is one of the hardest seasons we’ve had as a family. But we still feel a ton of purpose in it and we’re still glad we did it. Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly…no make-up included. Thanks for following in our journey, y’all, and for all of your support along the way! It’s getting better and better everyday and I have to go ahead and say, as crazy as life is right now in this new home, I love it. It feels so special, just like I kept seeing…even if you can’t really walk through it yet. But soon! *** Thatโs been The White Buffalo motto for the last three years and is still what Iโm striving to do each day in our home and with our family. Yes, that often means tablescapes, inspiring interiors, and fun before and after renos. But it also means family. Faith. Joy. Struggles. Laughter. Health. You’ll find a little bit of all of that here as I share how we’re choosing to live with both style and purpose. A huge part of that is our journey toward a more natural life that’s focused on enjoying each and every moment together. A huge thanks to my main blog sponsor that makes this dream of mine possible:
Debra says July 26, 2017 at 7:11 pm Thank you so much for sharing the real life behind the great style. It’s looking great! You’ve got this…:) Reply
Rachel Winchester says July 26, 2017 at 8:38 pm I can totally relate! That process of unpacking and settling in and renovating is challenging at times! Keep up the good work. It’s looking good! Reply
Sandie says July 26, 2017 at 10:18 pm You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing this with us. You encourage us to look at that 1/2 filled glass. Hang in there. You are a strong, Christian momma. Reply
Oona says July 27, 2017 at 4:36 am Hang in there, sweethearts! Three years ago, we moved Into my mom’s tiny two-bedroom house to help her as she lives out her time with dementia. Since then, we’ve survived the addition of a handicap-accessible bathroom for her, a new driveway, and me ripping out the o!d dirty carpet one two-foot strip at a time and re-painting walls with furniture in place…. All while trying to blend our 15-year accumulation of married life’s worth of stuff with Mom’s lifetime hoard. You are absolutely right. This is not easy, and none of us knows how long a “season” lasts in this life. What I can share is that A) Even on my worst days I know I have more than I need; B) Everything takes longer than you think it will, especially with babies (in your case) and old people (mine); and C) Real-life coping skills count for more than picture perfect housekeeping every time. Thank you for making this audacious and absolutely right choice and for sharing it. The place is shaping up great, you look wonderful, and you’re giving a lot of us out here courage to follow our own unusual but God-given callings and to find joy as we do so. Reply
Diaba says July 27, 2017 at 9:33 am Thanks so much for sharing! This whole journey will be a blessing in the end. It’s so hard for us to see that sometimes. You put it perfectly. Wishing you the best! Reply
Sharon says July 27, 2017 at 11:29 am Thank you for sharing. I agree that life isn’t easy and a journey is just that–a step by step process that isn’t necessarily a joy. God’s plan and purpose isn’t phased by these difficulties though, and you will come out stronger and having learned so much. I am finding that to be true in almost every phase of my life. Even what Rosie is seeing is teaching her to trust in her Heavenly Father by seeing you trust. And, most likely, this is a great adventure for her at her age. I needed this post to affirm my own trust. Thank you so much. Praying for you guys!! Reply
Austin says July 27, 2017 at 11:54 am I’m even MORE impressed now by what y’all are doing after seeing that video! I love your realness and the humor you maintain through it all. Keep plowing away, girl. God is using the mess and the madness in ways I’m sure you’re not even aware of! Plus, it makes the beauty on the other end that much sweeter. ๐ Reply
AmandaKB says July 27, 2017 at 1:40 pm I’m a firm believer in “walking through the wilderness a little bit to come out on the other side stronger and more equipped.” Embrace the process, girl. I know it’s hard, and I can soooo relate. Those pretty room reveals will come soon enough. The current mess is just, as you said, a season. Take it one moment at a time. This is how real life works. Those highlight reels people post on the internet are fabricated. Rooms only stay clean for about 2 minutes. Houses get lived in. They aren’t museums. ๐ I enjoy following along with your journey, and don’t worry about your messes, they make me feel normal, so thanks for sharing. The house is looking great so far, and things will continue to fall into place as you follow God’s plan for your sweet family. Reply
Lisa Critten Vroom says July 28, 2017 at 2:23 am Love your honesty! Just Keep Swimming! Praying & rooting for your family. ๐ Reply
Anne says July 28, 2017 at 3:20 pm Lindsay, sister! You are beautiful. I so appreciate you sharing this bit of realism with us. It makes all the hard work you guys do much more appreciated come the reveal. I have also questioned God when he puts us through hard seasons, we hear him and see what he wants us to do, sometimes the answer isn’t always clear but its the faith that keeps us going. And once we come through the other side, we appreciate those hard things God put us through. Reply
Gayle says July 28, 2017 at 11:02 pm I’m so glad your gas service is on now! Hot water and a stove that works will help immensely. I’m sending good thoughts your way! Hang in there. Reply
Ashlea says August 2, 2017 at 11:30 am You will get there… one little step at a time. We have been there too… building an addition with 2 boys and a new born. Living in a reno can be extra tiring because there is always work to do, and as you know it’s chaotic- but one day you will get there. It is looking amazing. ๐ Reply
Lindsay says August 16, 2017 at 8:29 am Oh man! You totally get it then! Yes, it’s crazy. We’re chipping away at it everyday and some days it’s like, “Oh we’re totally going to get there!” Other days it’s like, “WE’ll be living like this forever” hahaha Reply
Christina says August 21, 2017 at 1:54 pm Our family is also in a tough season right now, your words are exactly what I needed to hear! And you cracked me up with your comment about needing a little makeup to keep the crazy at bay. My makeup bag has been getting mighty lonely and unused:), but I have high hopes that my eyeliner and lipgloss will make an appearance again soon. Thank You, God Bless You, Your Family, and your renovation!! :))) Reply
Shaleice Parris says September 24, 2017 at 8:13 pm Love your positive attitude to keep trusting in God even among the chaos. Thanks for your example and constantly sharing your faith in God in your posts. I’ve been following your blog for only a few short months, but have taken away so much and have had great discussions with my husband about truths and ideas you’ve shared. Especially as I’m beginning a blog and instagram for our family business, it’s encouraging to see you tackle hard things as real life over at your place is exactly like real life here at my place. Thanks again for your awesome example ๐ Keep going and doing what you love ๐ We’re cheering you on! ๐ Reply
Lindsay says September 27, 2017 at 1:37 pm Thank you so much, Shaleice!!! Everything you just shared means so much and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it! You made my day! I wish you the best of luck in your business! It isn’t always an easy one, but it sure can be fun! Reply