Building Our Dream: The Excitement and Challenges of Starting From Scratch

Hello There!

Big changes are happening, and I can’t wait to share them with you! As we transition from Cook It For 2 to Semi-Homesteaders: Dirt, Dishes, & Dreams, Kyle and I are stepping into an entirely new adventure—building our own home and creating a space that truly reflects our dreams.

We’ve remodeled plenty of houses before, but this is our first time building one from the ground up. If I am honest, it’s both thrilling and a little terrifying! There are so many decisions to make, and I never realized how much patience this process would require. If you know me, you know I like to get things done NOW, so learning to wait has been a challenge. But progress is happening, and that’s what keeps us going!

Clearing Land & Cleaning Ponds

One of the biggest projects we’ve tackled so far is cleaning out our two ponds. When we first bought the property, we weren’t even sure if one of the ponds would hold water, but thanks to all the rain, it’s looking very promising! Seeing them come to life has been such a rewarding process. We also had some of the woods cleared around the ponds and the back of where our house will be. Little by little, it’s all coming together.

Waiting to Build

Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t been on our side when it comes to starting construction. It’s just too wet right now to make any real moves on our barndominium, and I’ll admit, the waiting is tough. But while we wait, we’re keeping busy making plans and decisions—especially when it comes to my favorite part of any home…the kitchen!

Designing the Kitchen

I’m dropping off our kitchen plans this week to a cabinet maker for an estimate, and next week, we have another appointment with someone else. It may seem like a small step, but to me, it’s movement—and I’ll take it! I can already picture myself cooking up homemade meals, preserving food from our future garden, pulling out a fresh loaf of sourdough from my oven, and sharing it all with you in our new space.

Speaking of gardens…

Will We Have a Garden This Year?

We are hoping to be settled in early enough to start our first garden on the property this summer. With all the rain we’ve had, the soil will be rich, and we are itching to get our hands in the dirt! There’s just something so fulfilling about growing your own food, and I can’t wait to share that journey with you as well. For all you seasoned gardeners, please feel free to offer any tips you may have for beginners like us!

The Journey Continues

While this transition comes with its challenges, I know in my heart that this is exactly where God wants us to be. Every step—whether fast or slow—is leading us closer to our dream, and I’m grateful to have you here following along.

Thank you for your support as we move into this new season of life. Semi-Homesteaders: Dirt, Dishes, & Dreams is about more than just homesteading—it’s about embracing change, chasing dreams, and finding joy in the simple things. I hope our journey inspires you to step boldly into whatever new season life has for you!

Stay tuned for more updates, and if you have any tips on waiting patiently… send them my way! 😉

Until next time, Michelle

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