Making a House Your Own

Michael and Bambi Stump

Life was a little chaotic almost two years ago for Michael and Bambi Stump when they picked up and moved their family to Sidney all the way from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The family was transferred here by Mike's employer, Oneok. He also had to transfer into the National Guard unit out of Great Falls. Moving from Tulsa to Sidney was quite the change for this family of five!

Bambi, a veteran of 19 years in the Air Force National Guard, knew she could reside where ever her husband's job planted him, as she is now a stay-at-home mom with the couples' three boys. "I've got one more year till I retire from the service. I was a safety manager for years and now I substitute teach in the schools, but this domestic thing – I haven't got it quite figured out yet."

When they made the move to Sidney there were about 10 homes to view. They chose a home that has been on the Parade of Homes before, but Michael and Bambi have made major changes.

Previous owners, Lee and Kelly Alvstad, transformed the old Sobolik home on 15th Ave. SW, to fit their needs. The home was completely flip-flopped and the entire upper level was remodeled. The kitchen, dining and living area are the open-concept design and feature Knotty Alder cabinets as well as a huge, circular black painted island and rich, Basil solid-surface countertops from Creative Solutions that contrast beautifully with the gorgeous, yet easy-to-care-for hardwood flooring and the massive cedar posts that highlite the stairway. The efficient master suite includes a custom glass-block and tiled shower, claw-foot tub, walk-in closet and a built-in washer and dryer. This area is beautiful as well as efficient!

On the lower level of the home was an extra bedroom, bath, small family area, laundry, a memorial room to their late son, Andrew and the existing kitchen was turned into Kelly's craft area where she could create to her hearts content.

However, when the Stump family purchased the home, they needed bedrooms for the three boys so they started remodeling this house again and what a wonderful transformation has taken place! Now the lower level has three bedrooms, a bath, a refreshment area and a movie theatre! Bambi was quick to note that the theatre is decorated in black and red in honor of the Nebraska Huskers. Kim Wenchel did the painting and the paint was supplied from Johnson Hardware. The new space has worked out well for the boys and all of their friends. "Sometimes we have six extra boys down there, and I sure don't need them upstairs," Bambi said. "But when the boys are gone, I get the theatre room all to myself!"

"This home is a great example of how a home can be remodeled to suit each family's individual needs and wishes," Brenda Larson of Creative Solutions stated. "I hope everyone enjoys the transformation." Bambi was fortunate enough to be able to be home during the remodeling process, and do so much of the work herself – on her time.

This home has been through many renovations, and it looks as though it may have a new owner in the future, as the Stump family will soon be transferred again. You will want to make sure you look through this home to see if it may suit your family! Call Nick Jones Real Estate if you have questions.

The Stump family wanted to be a part of the Parade of Homes because it is a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Richland County and they have used their services. "The Club came in handy when I went for military leave," Bambi said. "My husband would pick the boys up after work and they had a good place to be. We came into a community where we had nobody; no family or friends to help us out." Even when Bambi came home after her tour, the boys still were excited to go to the Club. "My kids love that place – It's really great!"