Hi 2LittleFishies....the guy that made it finished it with some type of clear coat, not waterlox, but similar. It was what he recommended, so I trusted his judgment. I debated, but felt if I chose oiled, I would have to deal with stains left from jelly, markers and who knows what else my kids left behind. With the clear coat, we have hairline scratches, and knew we would, but I am glad I chose it. I think the scratches was the lesser of the two evils. Good luck!

@Denitra thank you for coming back and giving such insight! I love your inspo pic you added. I saved it to my file. I will take your advice and only make changes that compliment the nature on my lot. It's funny because all the homes have such muted colors, I never noticed the WHY around that. Thank you again!

We're in Southwest Idaho (not far from Boise) and it's a true East (back)/West (front) facing home. Morning sun in the back, afternoon sun in the front. I specifically thought about this with room placement. In the summer the evening sun is very hot. Downstairs, only the office and guest room will have full sun, while the large foyer window will let light in to the back of the house which will be shaded at that point. Two of my kids will have to deal with sunny evening bedrooms- but this is why curtains were invented. ;)

Thank you...your kindness overwhelms. you know, I did go to my beloved Jerusalem there, for just a few days, the only thing I truly did for myself only, don't remember whether I mentioned that..went in August, very spontaneously...and I had this very nice very extravert type of a taxi driver to take me there..and very soon he chatted out of me all the story.. So he says, at some point: -ok I understand what do you want for your Mother..and I understand about your brother..and I understand about the husband and kids. That, I get it -what you worry about regarding them all. But how do you see your life? YOURS? And I sat there and I didn't know what to answer him. And I still don't. I still think "me? what me?" then I think "what life?" then I think "let me have this life first". then I'll try to see what I can see.. Maybe I'll edit that later btw. Doesn't make any sense when I try to read it..Except for the first sentence of course.