Let the Hunt Begin {Why we decided to Buy a House}

Nov 13, 2013 /

8 reasons to buy instead of rent

It was October 18th.

We had just gotten confirmation of a contract coming our way from the church we will be serving in this next phase of our life.

We were really moving to Wichita.

And then it sunk in. We were really moving to Wichita – in two months!

Before we had this confirmation we had emailed back and forth with our realtor “friend” and asked for lots of advice on whether to rent or buy from our friends and family. We knew that if this confirmation came that we would be searching for our “first home” as homeowners instead of renters!

Why We Decided To Buy a House

1. Fall is a good time to buy

Summer is a big buying season. People don’t like to move during the school year, so by Fall and Winter people who have yet to sell their house are READY to sell and are more likely to negotiate. Woo!

2. Interest rates are low right now

This applies to us because we don’t have large sums of cash lying around and we will need a mortgage. The interest rates aren’t as low as one would like, but given the economic times of “life” we are happy with the rates.

3. We get a break on our taxes

Please pardon the accountant in me, but buying a house is helpful for income taxes. We can deduct our mortgage interest from our taxes and can also deduct our real estate taxes! This might not get you super excited, but it will save you in the long run.

4. It’s cheaper to buy than to rent

Financially it’s an all around good decision for us. In Wichita, to rent something similar to what we live in now would be at least double the rent. That’s not necessarily something we can get on board with – unless it’s a mortgage payment.

5. Freedom to decorate how we want

We can choose our own paint colors! We can hang things on the wall without worrying about making holes! We can do whatever we want! This should be #1 on the list because let’s be real – I’m most excited for this.

6. Freedom to change things we don’t like

If we don’t have a dishwasher or a garbage disposal in the next house we would be willing to invest in those things. Also, renovation is an option… Woo!

7. Build Equity

I mean who doesn’t want to build equity?

8. We plan on being in Wichita for awhile

If we were only planning on being around for 1 year then renting would make more sense, but we plan on being there much longer so purchasing something of our own is the most logical decision. The common rule is 5 years of staying put, but obviously you can’t guarantee this will happen.

So, that’s why we decided to buy a house. It made the most sense for us and hopefully these 8 items will help others come to this decision. Let the house hunting begin!

Happy Day!
The Jaderstons

Journey to Wichita Feature The Moving Announcement

Life {Lately}

Nov 8, 2013 /

Hey friends! Sorry I’ve been so “absent” lately. Well, I guess I haven’t actually been absent because I’ve posted, but they aren’t posts about what we’re up to. Honestly, we’re not up to much.

I’m thankful that this week has been “regular” and we haven’t had any crazy plans. We’ve been at home. It’s been awesome.

We also have been laughing so much lately and I love that.

So here’s a quick (boring) list of what we’ve been up to paired with some things I’m thankful for…

1. Still reminiscing about the minion… If you missed that post please CLICK HERE and check it out. My mom seriously rocked this one.

2. While I think back about the minion, I can’t help but remember how happy this little fourth grader was when she looked at all her candy at the end of the night… Oh to be 9 again – and in love with Halloween.

3. I’m on level 350 of Candy Crush… Should I feel embarrassed or really accomplished? I vote for the latter.

4. Alfred has had some poopcidents these last couple days. We made the mistake of allowing him to chew up an entire bone in one sitting (it was a big bone) and we are paying for it. I’m sick of cleaning up poo in liquid form and ready to stop cleaning the poor guys bum in the sink.

5. I’ve been doing handstands. A lot of handstands. It’s a serious workout. Last nightI spent a little too much time upside down and had a serious light-headed moment. I’m grateful for apples and peanut butter cut up by my hubby to make me feel better.

6. Mike and I have been watching a new TV series called Arrow. It’s pretty good – we’re enjoying it.

So that’s where we are! I’m so glad the weekend is near.

Happy Friday!
Love, KJ

Make Your Own Minion

Nov 5, 2013 /

For Halloween, my mom created the cutest and most dedicated costume for my littlest sister. She kept claiming that this could be her last costume she makes, so she had to make it
A W E S O M E. She successfully achieved “awesomeness” but I’m not sure I have the heart to tell her that she will be making more costumes for future grandbabies – because seriously – this costume was amazing.

Katie was a Minion for Halloween just like a lot of other 4th graders. Our family loves the Despicable Me movies so it was a perfect fit. It also helps that she is built just like a minion.

So, here is my recap of the minion costume and the step-by-step process my mom took to create this goodness.

Minion Costume How To Make

HOW TO CREATE AN AT HOME MINION

1. She started with paper mache.

They created the shape of the costume with a blown up beach ball (for the head) wrapped in poster board.

2. Cut out the holes for arms and the mouth. The mouth should be positioned at eye level so your minion can see. It might also help to have the arm wholes a little bit towards the front of the belly. This was a mistake we made – arm movement was very limited when it was all said and done.

3. Paint – Paint – Paint.

4. Create the eye ball. She used a box from Hobby Lobby and some 3D stickers that we painted silver. The actual eye ball was printed and folded and then printed and folded until it was perfect. I don’t have the specific details of this part, but I have a feeling it doesn’t need to be this complicated. A flat eye ball will work just fine.

Minion Costume How To Make

5. Attach the eyeball to a strap. She used a strap from an old bag that was never used.

6. Create the clothes. She used two old denim bags that weren’t being used – she was very strategic with this part and again I don’t know all the details. If you’d like to see details I could have her put something together for us – just let me know.

Minion Costume How To Make