Multi generation home, anyone?

Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive July 2008: Multi generation home, anyone?

My mom's moving in with us! Does anyone else have a multi generational home? She's working on getting her house together to sell right now, and when it does I'll fly to MI to help her pack things and move her back here. Her health is fine, but this will work out better for her. I'm going to love having her here and so will the kids. It was actually dh's suggestion. Some things came up back in MI and we all agreed this would be best. She loves CO and is excited. I know she'll miss it there. She's never lived anywhere else. She's actually grown up and lived within 30 miles all her life except college, and that was a whopping 2 hours away. I know we'll probably have some minor conflicts and lots of adjustments, but I know we can work it out. We're in the process of getting our basement finished (we'll probably do most of it ourselves) and then the kids will move down there and my mom will have her pick of rooms upstairs. She will have to find other homes for her two dogs and two cats because we can't have any more (aren't supposed to have as many as we do but the cats never go outside anyway so no one knows we have them!). She's working on that. I don't think it'll be too much of a problem. I imagine it'll probably take at least 2-3 months for her house to sell. That'll give us time to finish the basement and get things together. Just wanted to share.

By Colette on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 09:00 am:

I kind of did that with my inlaws, but they were in the house right next door. Although it had it's ups and downs, now that they have both passed away I can look back and say I am so glad we did it. Treasure the time you have because it can be gone in an instant.

By Kate on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 09:10 am:

Cat, I'm curious....I thought you owned your own home? Are you actually in a townhome or something that limits the number of pets you have? I'm not talking about adding your mom's animals, but I'm referring to the fact that you have cats inside that you are relieved no one knows about.

Will your mom help with the daycare business?

By Cat on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 09:19 am:

Kate, we do own our home, but according to our HOA we're only allowed 3 pets. We have 3 dogs and 2 cats. Technically we're not supposed to have that many, but since the cats don't go outside it's not an issue. If we had 5 outdoor dogs we'd get complaints. Of course, our neighbor across the street have their dd, sil and 3 grandkids living with them along with their 2 dog so they have 4 or 5 dogs in their yard at any given time, plus they have a cat. I don't know if they've gotten a nasty gram yet or not. Also, one of my mom's dogs has never gotten used to this whole house training thing and dh will NOT go for the (me either). Robin would love for my mom to bring the cats. Again, dh has said and I agree we have more than enough animals in this house (including the kids! lol).

Colette, believe me I will treasure this time. My dad's been gone 11 1/2 years and I still miss him every day (so does my mom). My neighbor just lost her dad about 6 months ago unexpectedly. I'm so glad my kids will finally get to know their grandmother! It's been hard living away from my family for so long. My grandmother was a HUGE part of my life growing up. I want my kids to have that. Now they finally will.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 10:03 am:

I hope it all works out for you. A non-potty-trained dog would not be good (almost as bad as a dog who's just scared to go outside!) I'm sorry she has to give up her dogs, but she will your dogs and cats to love. I hope you all enjoy your time together. Good luck with the basement and the move.

By Tonya on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 09:51 pm:

Hey Cat what area of Michigan does she live in and what kind/age of dogs is she trying to get rid of? Also has she listed her home for sale yet I could probably refer her to a good agent depending on her area. The market in MI is really really bad right now so a good agent is key to selling.

By Cat on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 10:32 pm:

Tonya, she's near GR. She has a silky terrier (male, fixed, about 4 or 5?) and a beagle (female, fixed, about 2). She's going to put it on the market next week and she already has a Realtor (someone she's known for 30 years). I know it's bad right now. The house will be priced to move and she's in a good spot (1/2 way between GR and Lansing about 2 1/2 miles off I96). She's got a good chunk of land, too and done lots of improvements over the past 5 years. From her house it's about 3 hours to Detroit. Let me know if you know anyone that wants the dogs. She's not asking anything for them--just a good home. cathy liz at com cast dot net TY