Submitted by Ana White on Tue, 2011-06-07 03:30
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Printer-friendly versionSend to friendYou all know the story of how I learned to build. Of how I was pregnant with Grace, we were living in the garage, and we needed a house. So I drew a plan up on scratch paper, and we started building. You know the Ram broke his ribs framing the house, that I learned to use tools because I had to, and ultimately, Grace learned to crawl on a cold garage floor because the snow came early that year.
Fast forward five years, and we couldn't be happier with a cozy home, built literally with our blood, some broken ribs, lots of sweat, and quite a few tears (mostly coming from a newborn crying on our backs as we tried to work on the house).
And it seems we may have forgotten all those tears, the sweat, the blood, and just how much work goes into building your own home. And how much time and money. Because we've been itching to build again. Crazy, I know.
Originally, we had planned to build a new cabin this summer. But that just didn't feel quite right to me. There was something I wanted much more.
So I told the Ram that I could not bear to build myself a vacation home, or add on to our home, or build ourselves a dream home, until my mother had a home just as nice as ours.
This is why I married the man. Guess what he said?
"Well, then, I guess we are going to build a duplex, because I want the same for my mother."
If you ever wonder where Grace goes while I build and blog, if you ever wonder who brings us dinner (despite the fact that I'm 30 years old) when I'm having a busy week, or who calls or stops by just about every night to say hi and do a load of laundry, it's our mothers. Having the support system of our mothers enabled us to build our own home, to build this blog, and all the furniture that you see. I first hand know what it takes to be a mother, and have great appreciation for both my mother and mother-in-law.
Of course, it's been a long few months of convincing our mothers to let us build them a home. I guess that's what happens when you spend your whole life giving to your children. You might just forget how to take.
But finally, with quite a bit of arm twisting, begging, pleading, even a promise that we would have more kids if they moved in . . . (that's a bargaining chip that any Grandma can't resist), we have been given the okay to start building what has been dubbed the "Momplex."
This will be the fourth major building project that we've taken on. We know what we are getting into. We know that whatever we estimate, the Momplex will take twice as long, cost twice as much, be twice the work . . . not to mention we are actually building two separate homes in one. Did you know that it is estimated for every two homes built, one job is created? It is a TON of work, and a TON of money.
We know this, and soon, you will know this too.
Because I'm planning on blogging the whole process. Every step. From picking out a piece of raw undeveloped land in Alaska, to figuring out property lines, to clearing land, to framing, finishing, and the furniture (yes, kitchen cabinets!) I hope you are there for it all. I hope you encourage us when we are down, that you suggest ideas and tell us what you like (eeek, this is the first time I will be building for two somebody else's, and I need your help!) and what you don't like, that you keep us going when we are burned out.
I promise, I'm going to need you. Hope you join us on our journey as we take a raw, undeveloped piece of land and turn it into the Momplex.
Admiration
Anna you never fail to impress and inspire. I love that you are going to do this for your mums. I admire you very much. Thank you for sharing this special time with us.
Wow! My first thought was
Wow! My first thought was 'This woman is crazy!' Then my next thought was 'but amazing!' You're such an inspiration, you make me want to go out and find myself a raw piece of land just to join you. Now look who's talking crazy ;)
Why am I not surprised.....
I find this, (although I don't even know you) to be exactly something you would do! I love this about you! What an incredible journey you have been on, and again you give and give! I first noticed it when I stumbled upon your blog, again felt it when you did the new website, but wouldn't charge for your plans... Something to strive for, and as always THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!!
Ana, I have always been
Ana, I have always been amazed at your dedication and love for building. Now you have me in tears thinking of your Moms and how wonderful your whole family is! I hope that the Momplex will be close to your house close enough for Grace to go running over helping them out when she is able to. :)
Nifty!
Hey, I'm in Homer, Alaska now...
Lot's of land here up for sale...very purdy too :-p
Continually Amazing
You're awesome. That's all. Just plain awesome. :)
I am so excited to read of your new adventure!
You have got to know that some of us love to read your blog much more than a good book. I live vicariously through you since I and my husband can no longer take on projects---in fact my husband just had a massive heart attack two weeks ago...the day before my birthday. He lost his tongue to oral cancer last October. So when I say your blog keeps me sane, I mean it! Thanks for being here. I anxiously await your new adventure! Good luck :)
Fun!
Sounds like a great adventure you are jumping into! Can't wait to follow along and thanks for taking us with you :)
Couldn't come at a better time.
Ana, this is going to be so awesome . . . in every sense of the word. I'm so grateful that you're going to blog this, and share the experience with all of us; I look forward to learning from you, as we're going to be building our own home in a year or two, and while we've GC'd a home and done most of the finish work & rough plumbing & wiring, we've never done the whole thing ourselves.
This is going to be awesome. Thank you so much for blogging it!
AWESOME!
You are my kind of woman!!!
You're doing EXACTLY what I wrote down in my journal a couple of years ago.
The biggest difference is you have the resources!
I live in Los Angeles and the cost of land (depending on where you shop) starts around $600,000 - and that's just the LAND!
It's all good because when our day comes, we are going to build our home/community with old shipping containers!!
I'm so excited for you.
Have you thought about having someone video it so you can make a show (online or on tv)?
You ROCK!!
You are soooo inspiring!
Like everyone else who commented, you inspire me. My husband and I were building our very own home (first home) and were nearly finished when we discovered he had a massive brain tumor and subsequently found that it was cancer. The bank agreed to take back the house without filing a foreclosure but the sting of it is that we never got to live in our home. My husband's cancer free at the moment and we use your site to reference both plans and ideas when building. I've posted a plan of my own (although it's very similar to some you've already posted) and have submitted a few brag posts too.
You inspire me and my husband to keep building. To look at life as a project and keep going toward that end. Your blog saved us from such a deep depression. We look forward to each day and what it brings with it. I just thought you should know because every persons life that you've touched will be with you on this build. We all anxiously await the new projects that you post and love that you show us your life, showing us that just because you're a mom, doesn't mean that you can't get out and build something.
I'm sure we'll all be there, right with you during each step that you share with us, I know I will be.
Keep up the awesome work you do, you truly are amazing!
Hi Tracy, your story teared
Hi Tracy, your story teared me up! How amazing that your husband is now cancer free. I'd bet some of this has to do with your positiveness! I can't thank you enough, it's support like yours that keeps me going, that keeps me passionate about building.
And building is really such an amazing drug, eh? Whenever I feel down, all I have to do is start a project and life just get's better!
I truly thank you again and again for your friendship. I am a better, happier person knowing you and so many others.
With much appreciation, Ana
I'm holding on for a bumpy ride!
You're crazy! But in a good way, lol. I can't wait to read with you through your momplex building journey. Sounds like a lot of fun, work, and commitment. Your moms are lucky ladies too.
Unbelievable
Anna, your generosity knows no ends. Rather than do something all for yourself, you take your talent and give. It really is inspiring. It makes me want to do something great for my mother.
Momplex 101
Ana of course I thought you might say you were preggers (I've actually been waiting for that for a long, long time!) But honestly I can't wait for your newest series of installments, with each new post you give us readers the confidence and know-how to DIY almost anything. Your mothers will truly be grateful, what an awesome project and accomplishment for your lifebook. Good luck.
I am giddy with excitement
I seriously have tears in my eyes because I am so excited to be part of this experience. I am along for the ride and you can't kick me off! You and your family are amazing. You know what will happen don't you? Grace will be playing with her future sibling on the floor of the garage that you are building for your mothers. :)
If Anyone Could Take On Such A Project It Would Be You!!!
Having been involved in various aspects of "building" a home which wasn't technically "building" more like watching my brother and his construction crew build. Even though I didn't get to be "hands-on" I saw all the steps, processes, and details that go into building a home.
So my hats off to you!! I am just hoping that you are already living in or are from Alaska because that could be quite a climate shock.
I think that this task you are taking on will end up being enjoyable, rewarding, your time will be well spent and not only will the end product be beautiful but every piece shingle will have sentimental meaning and you and your families will treasure your work of art for years to come!!
I would love to take a beginning woodworking class, do you know of any in the Seattle, WA area?
Can't wait to follow your journey!
Like an earlier poster, I thought you were having another baby when I read the post title! Even better for us, though - we get to watch you build a new house. It will be so cool to see each mom's style come out to make the identical sides "their own!" As an aside, I saw on the news this morning that building a typical house is the equivalent of THREE full-time jobs for a year!
Can't wait to follow your journey!
Like an earlier poster, I thought you were having another baby when I read the post title! Even better for us, though - we get to watch you build a new house. It will be so cool to see each mom's style come out to make the identical sides "their own!" As an aside, I saw on the news this morning that building a typical house is the equivalent of THREE full-time jobs for a year!
Can't wait to follow your
Can't wait to follow your progess. Very exciting.
Perfect
This makes me so happy. It is so right to honor your moms and serve them and care for them in this way. What an exciting journey - I cannot wait to follow. Bless you guys!
we can't wait!
for years now my husband and i have been toying with the idea of building ourselves a cabin. your blog is one of the reasons we think we can actually make that dream a reality! we can't wait to see what you come up with for the momplex! no pressure though, because anything you make will be loved, if not by the world, then at least by two of the most important people in your world: your moms!
Wonderful
How wonderful that you are able to bless your mothers in such a special way. I am looking forward to reading your process. I just love it. I love that you are saying 'thank you' and showing your appreciation for all the time your mothers have put in. Good luck!
MomPlex
This is so awesome, I cannot wait to follow your progress. And while I totally agree when everyone else posting that this is an amazing gift for your mom and mother-in-law, I am very touched by the amazing gift you are giving to Grace. In a country where it seems that more and more "older people, i.e. our parents" are disregarded, you are teaching your daughter that our parents/grandparents (older Americans) should not be forgotten but should be thanked for all that they have given to us. The house will no doubt be as amazing!
Amazing!
Wow, that is wonderful! Can't think of a better way to give back to your moms. I am excited to follow along in your journey.
WOW!!!!!
So wow! Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. I love it! And I'm so glad you're going to blog the whole process!!! Maybe you can get some of it on video - I know we all love to see you in action! :) Think DIY Network. :) :) :)
mother-in-law quarters
3 years ago I spent my summer drafting plans to add mother-n-law quarters to their existing home. It was a lot of fun. I loved it. I was glad I wasn't the only one responsible for the planning decisions although sometimes I think it would have been nice. I would have added porch ceiling fans and a closet it the den FOR SURE, but I wasn't the bank roll so...Then I got to live through the remodel. That was, existing at first but the excitement wore out quick. My kids had a hard time understanding why people were destroying grandma's house (we were living with them at the time.)
oops forgot to say...mother
oops forgot to say...mother in law quarters to my "in-laws" existing home.
You guys are amazing
Brings back memories of how my wife and I accomplished so much in our younger years. Not so young today but still doing what we can. Hope your story inspires others as it has me.
I would love to come and help!
Me, my husband, my 13 year old son and possibly my 5 teenaged step sons!! (That is a lot of help for ya!!!) It would be a GREAT trade for us! We have never been to Alaska and I long to experience it! We could camp out there, bring some of our tools, put in a full days work and be shown all there is to see in your area on the weekends and evenings...
How long do you think it will take to find and purchase land? Next summer we could be there helping clear the place or whatever stage you may be at...
What kind of drive would it be from Idaho Falls, Idaho to your place?
Just a thought,
Dina
So kind.
You and your husband are so kind to think of your Mothers first. What a wonderful example to those around you and especially your daughter. Good luck!!
can't wait to follow
I love that you guys built your own house and are willing to do it again. You are such an inspiration! You've inspired me to try to learn to build furniture this summer. i love that you are showing people it is possible to build a house yourself. Most people spend their whole working life (30 yrs) to pay of their house and the banks make an unbelievable amount of money on it. Can you imaging what America would be like if everyone built their own home and didn't have a mortgage? Can't wait to follow your journey!
Good luck!
Ana, I know it will turn out to be fabulous and I cannot wait to follow along in the progress. Thanks for sharing!
Jeff
HOW EXCITING!
A MOMPLEX. I love the idea!
I may have shed a tear.. you and your husband are amazing! Can't wait to follow along!
You are an Inspiration
Ana, you are my kind of gal! Love what you are doing and that you are all about what you CAN do instead of what you cannot. I can't wait to see this fabulous journey. (BTW - sounds like you've got a keeper with the RAM!) Best of luck to you guys!!!
momplex
Both of your moms have done a wonderful job raising such great people. When this is over you need to give them many more grandchildren.
It's funny to me how before
It's funny to me how before you have kids, you love your parents. Of course you do! But once you have kids, it opens up a whole new dimension in your love for your parents. Because suddenly you understand just how much your parents have loved YOU. My parents are like your moms. My dad comes over every week or so to help me clean up my house, when I had my first daughter, my mom stayed with me for a week to help me figure out how to nurse. My husband slept on the couch and my mom slept in my bed, and at night when the baby was crying and I was so exhausted that I was crying, too, my mom would literally hold the baby to my breast for me. After the second baby, my husband kept asking, "Your mom's coming to stay with us again, RIGHT?!"
I'm so excited that you can reciprocate some of that love to your moms. I'm excited to learn how to do this so I can help my parents fix up their home. Thank you, thank you for doig this!
CAN"T WAIT!!
Ana,
This is such a great idea, I can't wait to get the updates!!! I would love to have the chance to build a house, and i will someday! So it will be great to see your advice and just the whole experience of it all! Thanks!!!
What generosity!
Ana,
While all the beautiful projects you post on your site are incredible, the amazing hearts that you and your husband have are really what's most inspiring! What you are doing for your moms is nothing short of amazing. You are good people.
I'll be rooting for you the whole way!
Impressed? You bet!
I was just plain impressed with you and all that you've done up to now but I HAD to register and tell you that you have just blown me out of the water!
Go for it girl! I'm with you all the way!
Something to think about, put the garages between the two living spaces, I lived in a duplex like that for a year before we bought our house and was very comfortable in knowing that the noises we made with our everyday living didnt bother the people next door because of the huge space between living quarters and vice versa. Also, ranch style, one story, I'm 64 and sure dont think I want to be climbing a lot of stairs in the next couple of decades, your moms will love ya for it.
If you dont like the idea of garage doors hitting you in the face when you drive up, put the doors at the back of the house and house windows on the front of the house where the garage is. It will take a bit more driveway to do that but would solve the utility look. You can put a decent sized patio inbetween the house and the drive in the back and your moms will be able to BBQ and entertain nicely while the grandkids rollarskate etc on the drive in the privacy of the backyard.
Awesome!
Can't wait to see all of your built-ins! You MUST do window seats....perfect spaces for grandkids to curl up in!
Cheers~
Marti in San Diego
Hi Everyone, and thank you so
Hi Everyone, and thank you so much for your kind words and support! We truly are just a couple of building junkies, and are so glad our mothers are on board! It's going to be a fun journey, one that will reward our entire family for years and years. Thank you thank you for your support! It means tons to me, and I know we are going to need it! Much appreciated, Ana
AWESOME!
Hi, Ana...
I'm fairly new to your blog but I commend you for the hard work you're doing, especially for your parents. I'm an interior designer in NC, with experience in Universal Design, and I encourage you to contact me if you EVER have design questions on this project. I can also give you some things to think about when designing for future adaptability. You have helped so many people and not charged a thing. I'd be honored to do the same for you in any way that I can. Best wishes and good luck!
Can't wait to follow your adventure
I look forward to following you along on your journey to build the MomPlex. And wish you the best of luck and no broken ribs this time!
Brittany
Whhoooooo Hooooooo
How exciting! Looking forward to this journey....as a Mom I would be so honored to have this done for me! I'll be here along the way with loads of support and cyber hugs!
i hope . . .
that i have raised my kids like you were raised :) such a beautiful story- can't wait to watch it unfold!
Simply the Best!!
Your kind and unselfish genorosity brought tears to my eyes as I read this post. You are truly a giver, and what a way to pay it forward to both your Mums! The world needs a few more Ana's in it - that's for sure! Hope your project runs smoothly, can't wait to read along as you go. Secretly hoping to catch a few pointers for our home we plan to build in the next year or so. Completely AWESOME!! Best wishes!
Momdominium
I would love to see this as a reality show. The ratings would be phenomenal and would put the 'reality' back in reality t.v.!!! You have a huge following already and you have so much to offer. Can't wait to be further ana'd!
Momplex -what a great idea...America needs more Momplexes
I shall be anxiously waiting for each installment. Your moms are so lucky and we are so grateful that you will be sharing this adventure with us.
Good point Lyndi, that would
Good point Lyndi, that would be awesome. Kinda like sarah's house on HGTV but building a house instead of designing.
Looking forward to it! I would never take on something like that myself. We bought a 4 bedroom house and are remodeling ... slowly, very slowly.
Building furniture for every room takes up so much time and effort I cant even imagine the work you ave ahead of you. Ill be here to read about it and admire the work you do!
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