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Mrs. Mary Jane, Grand Forks, ND Age and Occupation: 26, Instructional Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Lead Programmer Engagement Date: February 28, 2009 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: City Hall About Me: I'm a career woman on the surface and a homemaker at heart. I love fast cars and high heels, and my favorite food is cake. Mr. Mary Jane and I are both full-time employees and students, and we just bought our first house. We love to curl up on the couch with buttery popcorn, Sour Patch Kids, and the latest Netflix arrival -- whenever we can get a break from everyday life.
About Mrs. Mary Jane

I’m interrupting your regularly-scheduled wedding-planning deliciousness to bring you a little piece of my personal life…

Mister Mary Jane and I chose to get married at the courthouse for a variety of reasons. One of them was money. We want to spend the money we have on things that are in line with our priorities. On Friday, we did just that:

We bought a house!

Our house has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and it’s just under 2000 square feet. It’s a Craftsman style house that was built in the 1920s. We just LOVE it. Here’s a sneak peek. I’ll share a little more when we get our stuff moved in (in a week or so). But first, we’re going to paint the ceilings and a few of the rooms. [My blogging might be a little light this next week or two, but now you know why!]

newhouse-livingroom

newhouse-tulips

The previous owners (a young couple like us - they are moving out of state) left us a sweet note full of well-wishes. It says the mason jar was in the home when they bought it and the tulips were picked from the house’s garden.

I’m very glad that our wedding planning isn’t terribly time-consuming, but I’ve still definitely procrastinated a lot of things that I normally wouldn’t have. Mr. Mary Jane and I haven’t looked at anything for him to wear, including his ring. I have no shoes, no hair accessories, and only the roughest of rough designs for our after-party invites. I haven’t looked in to flowers at all (but Miss Cheese recently made me feel a little better about that!). I’m not even 100% sure about my dress. Oh, and we still don’t know where we’re getting married. Nice eh? It’s my hope that in the coming weeks I’ll be able to devote some time to wedding stuff, but lately it has not been a priority.

Those of you who have bought a home know how complicated and stressful it can be. Figuring out what you want versus what you need, getting serious about your assets and liabilities, providing the gazillion forms of financial documentation required by the underwriter, researching neighborhoods… the list goes on and on. It’s a huge test of how well you and your partner work together in terms of organization, communication, and compromise. In the end we not only have a stronger relationship, but also a home! And a lot. Of. Debt. But more importantly, a home! :D

Have you already or do you plan to buy a home, condo or apartment together?

Tags: |   Link for this post | Share this post: Our Own Little Slice of the “American Dream”      
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62 Responses to “Our Own Little Slice of the “American Dream””

1.
MayBee
Member
MayBee (message)  231 posts, Helper bee

Congratulations!!! How sweet of that couple to leave you such a nice welcome gift! It must be nice to know that your moving into a house that is used to being full of happiness :) Craftsman style homes are my absolute favorite…they have so much history and character…I hope that you and Mr. Mary Jane will be very happy there! Yay! :)

 
2.
MayBee
Member
MayBee (message)  231 posts, Helper bee

Oops…”you’re” not “your”…I was typing too fast because I was very excited to post! :)

 
3.
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Bee
Miss Powder Puff (message)  834 posts, Busy bee

What an adorable house! LOVE it! And such a sweet couple- a note and flowers? How nice is that!?

 
4.
Miss French Bulldog
Bee
Miss French Bulldog (message)  6,063 posts, Bee Keeper

Awww I love Craftsman, I am so jealous! I LOVE IT! Congrats Mary Janes!

 
5.
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Guest
Michelle L

Congratulations!!! We are still very verrry far from owning home together. :-) So lovely of the previous owners to leave the note and flowers!

 
6.
miss stout
Member
miss stout (message)  4 posts, Wannabee

Your house is adorable! Beautiful, really. We actually did things very backwards–we bought our house 3 years ago and got engaged 2 years later! We love it, but yes–it is stressful, confusing, and frustrating! We are happy homeowners, but I won’t like–when the grass needs mowing or the sink backs up or the water softener breaks (again), you tend to wish you lived in a place where it was someone else’s responsibility sometimes. :) Good luck, and I LOVE the mason jar with tulips–your house clearly has happy energy.

 
7.
bellenga
Hostess
bellenga (message)  4,611 posts, Honey bee

I love your new home! Congratulations. And what a nice tradition..and a sweet couple .

Who knows? Maybe there is wedding inspiration in that gift from the couple? Mason jars and tulips? That could look great at a dinner reception/celebration after you two hit city hall!

Anyway, I think you’re both doing the smart thing and am so happy for you both!

 
8.
Cole B
Member
Cole B (message)  450 posts, Helper bee

Congrats! Your house is great! I love love love all things craftsman and bungalows, unfortunately we ended up buying a 1940s cape cod. Have fun moving in!!!!!

 
9.
darilinda
Member
darilinda (message)  138 posts, Blushing bee

If we were able to buy in New York City, we probably would have done the same thing. You guys have definitely prioritized and that’s where it counts. I know your wedding is going to be great without the whole 3-ring circus and I envy you actually because of that!

We’re hoping to save money after the marriage and then move out of state to Georgia to buy a house. We’ll ee, but best of luck! It looks beautiful.

 
10.
Lillindy
Hostess
Lillindy (message)  4,226 posts, Honey bee

Congrats! Your house is adorable and so were the previous owners! We also just got our first house, it really is the best feeling. We feel like it’s such an accomplishment to do that in the Bay Area, too. We get the keys in about 2 weeks and can’t wait to add our personal touch on it all before we move in.

 
11.
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Bee
Miss Crab Cake (message)  818 posts, Busy bee

Congratulations! What a cute house!

 
12.
ramosianchica
Member
ramosianchica (message)  61 posts, Worker bee

Congrats! We’re moving into our new house mid-June as well…and we’re planning the wedding for July 25th! But it’s ok, after all is said and done, by August, we should be able to breathe! =)

 
13.
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Bee
Miss Perfume (message)  1,632 posts, Bumble bee

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

 
14.
munch
Member
munch (message)  40 posts, Newbee

congrats! it looks beautiful.

 
15.
lethie
Member
lethie (message)  230 posts, Helper bee

Congrats on your new home!!!

 
16.
Emilydll
Member
Emilydll (message)  428 posts, Helper bee

Congrats!!! :D it looks so beautiful!
Can’t wait to see a little more.
Best of luck with the move.

 
17.
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Guest
MsB

Congrats! Your house is super cute.

We’re moving onto our second house now. FI bought the first one when he was 23 and now we have sold it (with a huge profit) and are starting to renovate house #2. It’s so much fun!

 
18.
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Bee
Miss Bruschetta (message)  5,553 posts, Bee Keeper

Congrats to you and Mr. MJ!

We hope to be able to seriously consider home buying within the next year, as soon as Mr. Bruschetta starts working full time in his profession (physical therapy).

 
19.
spraguebride
Member
spraguebride (message)  352 posts, Helper bee

Congrats!!
I cannot get over how cute that”arch” picture is. I bet the entire house is so cute. Congrats congrats!

 
20.
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Member
Miss Marine (message)  141 posts, Blushing bee

Congratulations! I love the floors! Have fun decorating!!

 
21.
Firefighter_Prazs_Girl
Hostess
Firefighter_Prazs_Girl (message)  819 posts, Busy bee

So happy for you. Your house is beautiful. Mr. FF and I bought a house last September during hurricane Ike. It was very stressful since I was still living in Dallas and waiting for the house to close before I could move down. But it worked out! But I understand. But the fun part is coming. Turning your house into your home. keep us update!

 
22.
Natakie16
Member
Natakie16 (message)  493 posts, Helper bee

Congrats! We have the basic same plan- we’re forgoing the big wedding to buy a house. We’re looking right now and hopefully we will be successful like you! Good luck with everything!

 
23.
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Bee
Miss D'orsay (message)  1,293 posts, Bumble bee

I LOVE your house! we’re nomads…so we’re not so into purchasing property at the moment.

 
24.
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Bee
Miss Yorkie (message)  1,013 posts, Bumble bee

Congratulations to you both… What an adorable little place to make a home! Mr. Y and I hope to be doing just that before the end of the year.

 
25.
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Bee
Miss Swan (message)  386 posts, Helper bee

The house is lovely. Congratlations!

 
26.
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Bee
Mrs. Hot Cocoa (message)  1,715 posts, Bumble bee

Congrats!!! I’m thrilled for you guys! We’re in the midst of selling our current place and searching for a bigger place.

 
27.
Gilneas
Member
Gilneas (message)  1,029 posts, Bumble bee

Congrats, what an amazing accomplishment. House ownership is in our long term goals, but housing in the suburbs of NYC is so expensive that we can’t even begin to think about it for another few years :/

 
28.
Miss Gloss
Bee
Miss Gloss (message)  1,053 posts, Bumble bee

Congrats! We really want a house - but everything around us is crazy expensive even with the poor economy (though it has definitely helped!). Craftsman style bungalows are absolutely my fav.

 
29.
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Bee
Mrs. Sushi (message)  967 posts, Busy bee

1. LOVE the hardwood floors!
2. That was completely adorable that the previous owners left you a note AND picked flowers for you. Too, too cute!

 
30.
GwenMarieDC
Member
GwenMarieDC (message)  65 posts, Worker bee

Ohhhh how fun! Congrats! It looks adoreable!

 
31.
Miss Chicken
Member
Miss Chicken (message)  222 posts, Helper bee

Oh congrats, I just love your house! (or what I can see of it) My fiance and I just love craftsman homes…so much character and goodness :)

 
32.
Mrs. Cupcake
Bee
Mrs. Cupcake (message)  1,167 posts, Bumble bee

Congrats! I LOVE your house…. the hardwood floors! The exposed brick fireplace! The great natural light!

 
33.
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Bee
Miss Joey (message)  829 posts, Busy bee

I’m so excited for you!! I can’t wait until we break ground!

 
34.
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Member
DesertChildAZ (message)  93 posts, Worker bee

You have the same taste in historic homes that I do! Phoenix has some really beautiful historic districts. I love the craftsmans, but I hope to one day own a tudor!

Congrats on your purchase! I love the Tiffany style stained glass light fixture in the first photo. :)

 
35.
Miss Bear Cub
Bee
Miss Bear Cub (message)  1,349 posts, Bumble bee

yay, congratulations!!!
it looks so beautiful!! :)

 
36.
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Guest
molly

congrats!!! your house has amazing character

 
37.
kosstobe
Member
kosstobe (message)  231 posts, Helper bee

Congrats! Craftsman style houses are SO cute!

 
38.
tea
Member
tea (message)  2,616 posts, Sugar bee

congrats miss mj! i really like craftsman houses. they always looks sooo nice. great choice!

 
39.
mrspaetz
Member
mrspaetz (message)  1,707 posts, Bumble bee

such a sweet note! the house looks lovely! it looks so warm & inviting.

congrats to you and your soon-to-be husband!

 
40.
JennyBryde
Member
JennyBryde (message)  1,148 posts, Bumble bee

The house is adorable! We live in a 1928 craftsman house, and we love the feeling and attention to the word work of the time. Congrats! We will most likely outgrow our 1000 square foot craftsman soon after we start family planning, but many of the details we love about this house are on the want list for our next house as well!

 
41.
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Member
Scusie (message)  68 posts, Worker bee

Congrats!!!! We are building a new home right now too and the stress from the process of buying the home trumps the stress from planning a wedding… tenfold! Best of luck to you! What an amazingly wonderful time in your life!

 
42.
WorstTwinEver15
Member
WorstTwinEver15 (message)  758 posts, Busy bee

Cute house! We currently live in an apartment together and will not be making a house move until we move out of state. We don’t plan on staying where we are now for too long, so buying a house and living in it for 1-2 years didn’t seem right. Congrats!

 
43.
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Member
midwestelle (message)  135 posts, Blushing bee

Congratulations! Your home is adorable and I am jealous!

We’re living in the apartment my fiance rented–sigh unseen–when he moved to Iowa almost a year ago. It’s fine, but it’s no adorable craftsman house! :)

 
44.
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Bee
Miss Labrador (message)  1,324 posts, Bumble bee

I can’t wait to buy a house someday!

SOOOOO sweet of the last owners to leave that for you. If you ever move, you’ll have to do the same for the next people!

 
45.
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Bee
Miss Stiletto (message)  759 posts, Busy bee

Congratulations! Home ownership is scary and exciting and so worth it :) I can’t wait to see more pictures - I’d die to have a craftsman house!

 
46.
FlipFlopBride
Member
FlipFlopBride (message)  1,305 posts, Bumble bee

Congratulations! How thoughtful of the previous owners. Beautiful!

 
47.
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Bee
Miss Beagle (message)  1,051 posts, Bumble bee

Congratulations!!! It looks like a great find and the previous owners were so sweet to leave you flowers. :)

 
48.
LoriLori
Member
LoriLori (message)  234 posts, Helper bee

What a cute house - love the craftsman style! Congrats and much happiness!

And add me to the mortgaged prior to the wedding (and even engagement) group! We just celebrated our 3rd house anniversary and got engaged last July and will be getting married a year from now.

 
49.
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Member
runningbee (message)  218 posts, Helper bee

We’re looking for a craftsman style house too! I love the flowers and note, how thoughtful. I am thinking of leaving a gift of a bird feeder for whoever buys our house. I just love my birds and hope they will too :)

 
50.
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Guest
PlanningMyPurpleWedding

Congrats! Can’t wait to see more pictures!

 
51.
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Guest
Catalina

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
We also just bought our first home and it is definitely a very stressful process. Now we just have to mix house projects with wedding planning!!!

 
52.
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Bee
Mrs. Quiche (message)  2,175 posts, Buzzing bee

Craftsman style bungalows make me SWOON!! I just did an entire project converting a 1920’s train station into a home that is ALL crafstman. I want to move in there, actually :) CONGRATS!

 
53.
MissCamera
Member
MissCamera (message)  671 posts, Busy bee

Can I just say that I am in LOVE with your home! I adore the craftsman style and hope to purchase my own in the future. We currently arent in a financial situation to buy a home, but plan to within the next few years! Right now we’re just looking for a bigger apartment to rent. Congrats homeowner :)

 
54.
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Member
CHK (message)  398 posts, Helper bee

OH! Look at the light fixtures!? Are they original? Miss MJ I thought of you this weekend as I tried to reiterate to Boyfriend that I’d rather sell his condo and buy a house than have a wedding. I love craftsman houses (hello historic preservation expert!), and we did some online browsing yesterday. I think he’s coming around to the little-wedding, house instead! I’ll show him your posts as more incentive… :)

 
55.
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Bee
Mrs. Cookie (message)  784 posts, Busy bee

Congrats! I love Craftsman homes.

May you and Mr. MJ make many, many beautiful memories in your new home together.

 
56.
ke3
Member
ke3 (message)  247 posts, Helper bee

Congratulations on buying your first house! I can’t wait until we can buy one!
It looks beautiful, and I especially love the rounded edges on the wall opening!

 
57.
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Bee
Miss Cloud (message)  587 posts, Busy bee

congrats!! The house is so cute! We are moving not long after the wedding out of state, but the hope is to buy shortly after that! I’m excited just thinking about it :)

 
58.
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Bee
Miss Latte (message)  646 posts, Busy bee

Congratulations!!! I love it already…can’t wait to see more pictures!

 
59.
Guest Icon
Guest
andie

cool! We have a 1920’s house like that too! What city is your house in?

We just were driving through North Dakota this past weekend. Not many cities up there! Lots of wide open highway!

 
60.
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Member
doublemint921 (message)  489 posts, Helper bee

CONGRATS!!! I love the yellow walls. Makes it look so fun and homey!! Cute idea by the previous owners too :) Happy moving!

 
61.
eileen marie
Member
eileen marie (message)  373 posts, Helper bee

CONGRATULATION! Don’t worry-all your wedding stuff will come together. We bought a hovel, I mean 1000 sq ft condo in Chicago about 3.5 yrs ago. I wish we could have a house w/ a garden (although we’re planting like crazy!). I LOVE the yellow room (Don’t paint over it please!) & the rounded doorway arch. So sweet-that mason jar w/ tulips & a note. You have to do the same if you ever move! Post more pics when you’re settled!

 
62.
Miss Mary Jane
Bee
Miss Mary Jane (message)  1,516 posts, Bumble bee

@doublemint921: heh - it was the first room we painted. We’re not big yellow fans :S None of our furniture, pillows or wall art worked with it. Pics soon though; I hope you’ll love the new color too! :D

 


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Mrs. Mary Jane
Mrs. Mary Jane Mrs. Mary Jane, Grand Forks, ND Age and Occupation: 26, Instructional Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Lead Programmer Engagement Date: February 28, 2009 Wedding Date: September 2009 Venue: City Hall About Me: I'm a career woman on the surface and a homemaker at heart. I love fast cars and high heels, and my favorite food is cake. Mr. Mary Jane and I are both full-time employees and students, and we just bought our first house. We love to curl up on the couch with buttery popcorn, Sour Patch Kids, and the latest Netflix arrival -- whenever we can get a break from everyday life.
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