We Don't Live In A Tent...Yet...

So, we really like the house we live in. When we first arrived in M-ville a year ago, we were in a smaller house in the same yard.  At that time, it was the only house available and we made it work.  See a post on it with pictures here.

We had been eyeing our current house the whole time...knowing that the family occupying it would be moving out in the spring.  There was another family that didn't like their house across town and wanted to move into this one.  Since they had been in M-ville longer, they were higher on the pecking order and got first pick.  We debated whether or not to move across town to their house or stay in our small house.  Both had its pros and cons and we really went back and forth.

In the spring/summer, we wound out that this family and decided to move to the capital. Meaning we could stay on this side of town AND move into the nice house.  We were sad to see them go (because they were great people, teammates, friends) but we were thrilled to get this house.  It works well for our family and we really like it.  I just realized tonight that I have never posted photos of it, so you have no idea where we live.  Sorry about that.

I also realized that I needed to post pictures of it now because we might be moving out of it soon.  Yeah...I know, three moves in a year is a little excessive, but we like to keep things exciting around here.  We heard yesterday that the rumors we have been hearing from neighbors are true...our landlord does indeed plan to take this house back in March when the contract is up.  So...even though we have offered to pay a little in rent, it looks like we will be switching houses again before we go back to the States.

When we were still trying to figure out if we would be returning here to M-ville or not (more on that in another post) we talked about what to do with our stuff when we go back to have the baby.  A.P. said he wanted to find a metal shipping container to store it all in because that could be moved from place to place...and at the rate we move lately, we would get good use out of it.  I joked by telling him that he should just convert it into a house and then we wouldn't have to worry about packing or unpacking...it would always be set up.  I was half joking...half not.  I mean, I am sure that somewhere in the world there is a growing fad of people renovating and living in shipping containers.  We will start it here. Watch out world!

Until we get our shipping container renovated, we will be living in this house...or a tent if they kick us out soon.

Before I digress any further, I will just show you photos of the house....

First, here is a layout of the house made by A.P. on the computer (thanks Hubby).  It just gives you an idea of how/where things sit.

Starting in the front of the house (at the top of the diagram) is the living room/kitchen and guest room:

Looking into the kitchen from the entryway/hallway

Kitchen island/counters/sink

Looking into kitchen from living room. Pantry is the door on the left corner of photo. Notice cute tour guide...

You all are in for a real treat today! An M-ville before and after! Below is what the living room looked like when we moved in.  The curtains are a dark red and tolerable...but really made the room dark.  I bought fabric to have others made but it took me a while to get them made.  The light in this room is wonderful. It is where we spend the majority of our time.  So...before...

The t.v. is tucked into the corner on the bottom left

And the after...the room is so much lighter with the lighter curtains and it makes me happy...even when Little t flings pink strawberry milk all over the curtains...

Dining area

Looking into the living area, dining area on the right.

M-ville doors...almost every room in our house has these doors. They are annoying, but I can't help but love them.

Little t's room: Little t loves his room...even though we get a lot of flack here about not letting him sleep with us.  He is happy as a clam in his own little world.  This is a rare occasion where the toys were all picked up...picture stuff all over the floor to get the real feel of the room. Can I just say we are loving the "dump everything out all over the floor at once" stage?  Can you tell that was dripping with sarcasm?

Little t's room overlooks the patio and garden...he has the best view in the house.

The "cage" we make Little t sleep in.  I got a lecture about it from one of our staff.  

Our bedroom:

This is essentially our room...there are shelves for clothes on the right and a window overlooking the patio and garden on the left.  A.P. made me the headboard and lamp.  He is great.

Best part of the house: the patio. This is the place we spend the most time in the summer...seriously, we lived out here, ate out here, took baths out here (only Little t, obviously), played, etc.  Such a great area.  Here is is set up for the men A.P. works with to come over and break the fast during Ramadan.  We have had many a party on this patio and love it.

It even comes with the guard who helps serve meals...how cool is that!

And I couldn't resist adding this cute photo of Little t!

So, there is our house.  We love it and hope and pr.ay the landlord changes his mind.  Come visit quick and you can enjoy it with us!