Even though we started over and have one kid in di Even though we started over and have one kid in diapers, this time around feels lighter 🥹🙌🏽

I don’t know exactly when it happened. When the chaos became bearable. When the joy stopped getting buried under my never ending to-do list. But here we are. Laughing. Letting go. Actually having fun. 

It’s not the easy season. But it’s definitely the good one. The fun one. And I’m learning to enjoy it while I’m in it. 

For every mama in the thick of it, I’m right there with you, but I’m here to tell you, YOU WILL WIN ❤️💦 #momlife #girlmom #boymom #motherhood #momof5 #familylife
5 kids. 2 parents. What were we thinking? 😂🐺 5 kids. 2 parents. What were we thinking? 😂🐺💦

We spent the 4th of July weekend this year at @greatwolflodge — and it was a lot. A lot of noise. A lot of walking. A lot of snacks. A lot of towels. A lot of joy.

We had 5 kids running in 5 directions. There were moments I wanted to cry — and moments I laughed until I couldn’t breathe.

I didn’t get the perfect picture. But I got something better: presence.

Somewhere between the water slides and the late-night pizza, I caught myself watching them. Really watching them. And it hit me: they won’t be this little for long 🥺

The 4th of July means freedom. And this weekend gave me mine — not from responsibility, but from distraction. From comparison. From rushing through what matters most.

We left tired. Hair wet, suitcases messy, hearts full. I won’t remember everything from this trip. But I’ll remember how it felt. And that’s enough.

You can read all about our weekend at Great Wolf Lodge with 5 kids, including how much we spent (and saved!) over on the blog today! www.DanielleSkeaton.com 🔗 LINK IN BIO
Been waiting for this getaway all week!! Side note Been waiting for this getaway all week!! Side note: Savannah is getting so big 🥺 #familyvacay #roadtrip #momlife #toddlermom #momof5
Holidays are my fave ❤️🇺🇸✨ Holidays are my fave ❤️🇺🇸✨
They ran wild. We kept up. Barely 😅 Would do it They ran wild. We kept up. Barely 😅 Would do it again tomorrow! Visit @funbox at Polaris and get your tickets online! 

#funbox #funboxcolumbus #family #momlife #familyfun
Swing by @marketdistrict and grab these festive tr Swing by @marketdistrict and grab these festive treats, refreshing drinks, and party supplies for your Independence Day celebration! Happy Birthday, America 🇺🇸🌭🎉 #GiantEaglePartner #4thofJuly #IndependenceDay #July4th #partyideas
We made it to the world’s biggest bounce park an We made it to the world’s biggest bounce park and it was a blast! ✨🌈💕 @funbox
This just elevated my entire DIY lash routine! LIN This just elevated my entire DIY lash routine! LINK IN BIO 😍 @leisurelash 

#beautyhack #selfcare #lashextensions #volumelashes #lashkit #lashatyourleisure
Approved by the kids. And my lactose-intolerant se Approved by the kids. And my lactose-intolerant self. 🫶🏾 #GiantEaglePartner @marketdistrict #icecream #dairyfree #momlife #boymom
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Danielle Skeaton

Hands Full, Heart Full

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By: Danielle Skeaton

Building Our Home: Model Walk-Through

We are officially building a house!!! I can’t even believe this is real life!

Six years ago, I became a stay-at-home mom after I had our second child, and we’ve been living on one income ever since.

At one point, I squeezed our family into a two-bedroom apartment for two years, then finally into a three-bedroom apartment (where we currently reside) just to make sure we could comfortably afford for me to remain at home with our four boys.

It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s so worth it!

Manifesting Our New Home

During that time period when money was super tight, it was easy to feel depressed about our living situation. So to help me get out of that funk (and way before we were ever in a pandemic), I’d drag my family out of the house to go look at new model homes. 

I’d dream of the day when we could build the perfect family home and fell in love with the exact builder who will build ours.

In fact, we visited their models so much that they pretty much knew me by name. I never actually made any appointments but kept promising to return again & again when we were ready to buy.

We Bought A House!

So after years of downsizing our big family, we are finally moving on up! The icing on the cake? 

We purchased the Lot for our house on my husband’s 29th birthday. #BestGiftEver 

We are building a 4 bedroom home with 2 ½ baths, and over 2,200 square feet! 

I put together this walk-through of our model home so you’ll know what our house will look like once it’s built. (*Fair warning: I’m a bit obsessed—eek!) 

The Entryway 

This house had me at hello. As soon as we entered, Ryheem and I stood at the front door for at least 3 minutes trying to take it all in. 

I love the tall 9’ ft ceilings, the natural light from the front room windows, and the fact that I can see the back of the house from the front door! 

This made this house feel enormous. It’s a traditional open-concept floor plan so it’s perfect for a big, growing family like ours, great for entertaining family & friends too, and it reminds me a lot of my childhood home.

Front Room 

We had three options for this room: 1) make it a living room, 2) formal dining room, or 3) turn into an office. That would close off access to the kitchen.

New Build House: Model Home Tour

I knew I didn’t want to do that because I love how big and open the entryway feels too. So we decided to make it a “dining room” (just like the model) so we’d have an overhead light and the option to use this space for whatever we want. 

My plan, though, is to make this a playroom/lounge for my boys. But if their toys get out of control, then I’ll definitely use this space as a living room. 

Kitchen

Right off the front room is the kitchen. It includes a walk-in pantry and lots of cabinet space!  

New Build House: Model Home Tour

I can see a lot of homemade cookies being baked in here! And, we’ve never had a kitchen island before so this just makes my heart so happy. 

All of our kitchen appliances, except the refrigerator, are included with our home purchase. But we did upgrade to stainless steel—another first-time luxury! 

New Build House: Model Home Tour

We also upgraded to these 42” cabinets because I love the way they looked in the model with the 9’ ft ceilings. 

Morning Room

The kitchen flows right into the morning room where our kitchen table will be. 

New Build House: Model Home Tour

I plan to purchase a round kitchen table to maximize the space here so it won’t feel tight, but there is enough space to fit a table that’ll comfortably seat eight.

New Build House: Model Home Tour

The standard floor plan included a sliding glass door and I really hate those things. I feel like it’s a pain when it comes to window treatments and fingerprints. 

So we upgraded to the option of having a glass back door and two extra windows instead.

Family Room 

You guys, this family room is HUGE!!! It is wide and deep. 

New Build House: Model Home Tour

It’s my husband’s favorite room in the entire house and will probably be where he’ll spend most of his time — I mean, he’s already shopping around for a 75-inch tv. ????

The only thing we upgraded in here was adding a third window. The standard floor plan came with two, but this family room is too big to not have all three in my opinion.

New Build House: Model Home Tour

I am excited to fill this space with a large sectional sofa and some accent chairs for additional seating. I can’t wait for all the movie nights we will have! 

And I just LOVE how open and airy this house looks from my view in the kitchen! ????

New Build House: Model Home Tour

Lastly, there is a powder room in the foyer. Now let’s head upstairs!

Kids Bedrooms

The original floor plan for this home is three bedrooms with a loft and an optional fourth bedroom. 

We definitely upgraded here too so I could turn the extra bedroom into my office or use it as a playroom (in case my original playroom plans don’t work out—i.e. stepping on toys in the kitchen).

Bedroom #2

This is the largest bedroom of the three. We decided to put three boys in here so our oldest son can have his own room.

New Build House: Model Home Tour

Bedroom #3

Since RJ is four years older than Josiah (second-born), we’d figured he’d like to have his own bedroom. 

New Build House: Model Home Tour

Plus, Josiah & Noah (third-born) are much closer in age at 17 months apart. And Ace is two years younger than Noah. Basically, these three are inseparable—haha! 

They love sleeping and playing together which is why I see NO problem with them sharing a bedroom that’s for sleeping as long as they have a separate space for playing. 

This house will be the first home my boys get to have a playroom! All these years, they’ve had to sleep and play in the same space and the mess drives me nuts. 

Bedroom #4

Ahhh! This space will be ALL mine! It’s right off the Master Suite and will be my future office/glam room. 

New Build House: Model Home Tour

Since I am the ONLY female in my house (and a Content Creator too!), I’m really happy to have a space that I’m not sharing with anyone else. 

Not my husband. Not my kids. 

I just know this tiny retreat is going to feel like a mini-vacation when I need to get away from all of the testosterone going around! ????

Boys Bathroom

Something else I am super geeked about is not having to share a bathroom with my boys. 

New Build House: Model Home Tour

We did upgrade to a double-sink vanity so there’s less fighting and more teeth-brushing!

Master Suite 

This Master Bedroom completely blew my mind!!! We’ve never had a bedroom of this size before. 

New Build House: Model Home Tour

In fact, one of the main reasons I wanted to have an office is because I didn’t want to combine my workplace with my bedroom anymore.

I really want our bedroom to feel like a sanctuary—after all, it’s the first time we’ll have our own bathroom too! ????????‍♀️

New Build House: Model Home Tour
New Build House: Model Home Tour

Ryheem loves that the toilet is in a “closet.” He says it’ll be his thinking chair. ????

We upgraded our bathroom to include double sinks, a soaking tub, and a window for natural lighting.

Related: Our Home Build Progress, Process, and Tips For Buying A New Build Home

Laundry Room

Right next to our bedroom is the laundry room. How convenient is that?!

New Build House: Model Home Tour

It’s a really good size. I can’t wait to add some extra shelving to organize all of our household supplies! 

A Dream Come True 

I can’t even find the right words to describe how excited I am to be building a house. This journey is going to be one I’ll cherish forever—from the moment they dig the first hole into the ground to the last box we move in! 

Are you thinking about buying a new build home?

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Comments

  1. Carla W says

    February 20, 2021 at

    Congrats! I am so excited for you all and can’t wait to see your new home.

    Auntie

    Reply
    • Dani | TidyUpWithDani says

      February 20, 2021 at

      Thank you so much! ????

      Reply
  2. Bianca says

    February 20, 2021 at

    Such a great walk through and love the upgrades + how you plan to use your space! This has me excited for us to start our building process, I’ve been manifesting it as well and we went to look about 2 weeks ago. So praying hard. But major congrats the house is beautiful!!????????♥️

    Reply
    • Dani | TidyUpWithDani says

      February 20, 2021 at

      Yay!! Building is such a fun journey. This is our second time. We sold our first new build five years ago when we downsized. Thanks so much! I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you guys! ❤️????????

      Reply
  3. Carla Terry says

    February 22, 2021 at

    I’m so excited for you and your family! God bless you all!

    Reply
    • Dani | TidyUpWithDani says

      February 22, 2021 at

      Aww, thank you so much!! ????❤️

      Reply
  4. Brenda says

    May 1, 2021 at

    Ok, couldn’t sleep, and clearly I’ve been up watching your videos. Lol! This is absolutely beautiful. Our stories are very similar, and though our family isn’t quite ready to get back into a home just yet, this is such an encouragement to me. Just subscribed and excited to follow along on your journey. God bless!

    Reply
    • Dani | TidyUpWithDani says

      May 1, 2021 at

      Thank you for this Brenda! I’m so happy to hear my story is encouraging you in some way. I know that if it can happen for my family and it can happen for yours too! ???? Thank you so much for subscribing. I’m glad to be friends! ❤️

      Reply
  5. Charity Ralph says

    August 17, 2021 at

    Congratulations, I’m happy for you and your beautiful family! My husband and I had a baby in October 2020 and we are living with his parents. We have definitely outgrown this space and I never thought about buying/building a house but seeing you has inspired me to work on buying a home for my family to grow in. Again, congratulations!

    Reply
    • Dani | TidyUpWithDani says

      August 17, 2021 at

      Hey Charity! Thank you so much! I totally understand what you’re going through — we’ve been there so I’m glad our story is giving you hope. Because if it can happen for us I just know it can happen for you too! ❤️

      Reply

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Welcome to my little corner on the internet! I’m Danielle Skeaton — wife, mama of 5, and storyteller at heart. I'm so glad you're here. About Me
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Even though we started over and have one kid in di Even though we started over and have one kid in diapers, this time around feels lighter 🥹🙌🏽

I don’t know exactly when it happened. When the chaos became bearable. When the joy stopped getting buried under my never ending to-do list. But here we are. Laughing. Letting go. Actually having fun. 

It’s not the easy season. But it’s definitely the good one. The fun one. And I’m learning to enjoy it while I’m in it. 

For every mama in the thick of it, I’m right there with you, but I’m here to tell you, YOU WILL WIN ❤️💦 #momlife #girlmom #boymom #motherhood #momof5 #familylife
5 kids. 2 parents. What were we thinking? 😂🐺 5 kids. 2 parents. What were we thinking? 😂🐺💦

We spent the 4th of July weekend this year at @greatwolflodge — and it was a lot. A lot of noise. A lot of walking. A lot of snacks. A lot of towels. A lot of joy.

We had 5 kids running in 5 directions. There were moments I wanted to cry — and moments I laughed until I couldn’t breathe.

I didn’t get the perfect picture. But I got something better: presence.

Somewhere between the water slides and the late-night pizza, I caught myself watching them. Really watching them. And it hit me: they won’t be this little for long 🥺

The 4th of July means freedom. And this weekend gave me mine — not from responsibility, but from distraction. From comparison. From rushing through what matters most.

We left tired. Hair wet, suitcases messy, hearts full. I won’t remember everything from this trip. But I’ll remember how it felt. And that’s enough.

You can read all about our weekend at Great Wolf Lodge with 5 kids, including how much we spent (and saved!) over on the blog today! www.DanielleSkeaton.com 🔗 LINK IN BIO
Been waiting for this getaway all week!! Side note Been waiting for this getaway all week!! Side note: Savannah is getting so big 🥺 #familyvacay #roadtrip #momlife #toddlermom #momof5
Holidays are my fave ❤️🇺🇸✨ Holidays are my fave ❤️🇺🇸✨
They ran wild. We kept up. Barely 😅 Would do it They ran wild. We kept up. Barely 😅 Would do it again tomorrow! Visit @funbox at Polaris and get your tickets online! 

#funbox #funboxcolumbus #family #momlife #familyfun
Swing by @marketdistrict and grab these festive tr Swing by @marketdistrict and grab these festive treats, refreshing drinks, and party supplies for your Independence Day celebration! Happy Birthday, America 🇺🇸🌭🎉 #GiantEaglePartner #4thofJuly #IndependenceDay #July4th #partyideas
We made it to the world’s biggest bounce park an We made it to the world’s biggest bounce park and it was a blast! ✨🌈💕 @funbox
This just elevated my entire DIY lash routine! LIN This just elevated my entire DIY lash routine! LINK IN BIO 😍 @leisurelash 

#beautyhack #selfcare #lashextensions #volumelashes #lashkit #lashatyourleisure
Approved by the kids. And my lactose-intolerant se Approved by the kids. And my lactose-intolerant self. 🫶🏾 #GiantEaglePartner @marketdistrict #icecream #dairyfree #momlife #boymom
True story 🙌🏽🙏🏽❤️ #godisgood #tha True story 🙌🏽🙏🏽❤️

#godisgood #thankyoujesus #blessed #grateful #christianreels

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