If you’re not a Disney fan, this is about more than that. Stick with me on this one. It’s good. Promise.
Because once upon a time, we lost our everlovingminds and booked a trip to Disney.
Like, four days before leaving.
I know. Who are these people?
We decided we’d put our lives on hold for eleven months, waiting on our home to sell. Two years, if you count all the steps we’d made up until this point, quietly planning and working hard and then waiting. Unable to move forward… knowing what was next but unable to do anything else. It was totally out of our hands. We were stuck, at the mercy of what felt like pointless showings from the wrong people who were simply being, well… nosey. They were beyond exhausting and we were more than over it. Our nerves were shot. We needed a breath of fresh air. Something.
So when Jamin was sitting in Gymnastics with the kids, and I was at home working… and he sent me a text about points opening up at the Embassy Suites in Orlando, just off property… I said yes. Without hesitating. Which is totally and completely unlike me. I’m a planner to the core. I need to know when we’re doing what with schedules and color coded flow charts and my planner/phone ensemble at my side. I’m like a chihuahua on roids. But instead, we booked a trip on pennies, points and pb & js.
And we rolled with it. Four days later.
You see, just a few weeks before that we’d received an offer so low on our home, it was at repo prices. Let’s just say it was insulting. We’d gotten our hopes up only to have them dashed again, and we were so frustrated and exhausted, we were absolutely done. In tears, done. So we had our home appraised ahead of time, to prevent any more ridiculous events occurring in the future. To show people how much they would make automatically, when they purchased our home at the price listed. And before we left, we hired a realtor. A new, wonderful realtor who is known for selling homes. It’s like her not-so-hidden talent, and she was recommended to us through the appraiser of our home. And we told her to have a blast with all the showings we {jokingly hoped} we would have and thanked her and signed the papers. We joyfully left a sign in the yard… thinking it would be many months more, realistically. Either way, we got a few days off. No loading up the car with the kids/dogs/laundry/work/school… that alone was priceless.
Friends kept telling us this would happen when we least expected it. I was so frustrated because I tried so hard to let go, just so our home would sell. I would relax and realize it would be a while and then another crazy story would happen with someone coming to see our home. So many, uh, interesting characters falling through our door, to the point that it was the perfect book fodder.
When do we start least-ing? I would ask, exasperated. I wanted to stomp my feet and pitch an all out childish fit. It’s just a house. Breathe. I would remind myself. But we were ready for this fresh start, and it really was so much more than just a house. For our family. For something new. For our futures. How do I least expect something I want the very most? Was there a secret I was missing… is this how it works?
We laughed about sitting on It’s a Small World when we got ‘the call’. Wouldn’t it be wonderful? We wished. Maybe we could get a little bit of that magic on our listing. But we were eager to leave all that stress behind and take a much needed, much fly-by-the-seatus trip. Something to get our minds off of, well, real life.
There were Towers of Terror and Mickey Mouse ice creams and magic moments in parades in front of the castle. There’s just something about those smells and lights and music on main street. That carousel that glimmers in the sunlight. Something kind of inspiring about the whole of Disney itself – the self-made business that inspires millions. We had an absolute blast, because sometimes you just really need to lose your everlovingmind and be a kid again. Lost of snuggles and screams and giggles and sweet moments with our children. Creating moments we will never forget.
And then four days in, just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, my brother and his family surprised us and it was a real free for all. Yolo all the way and absolutely no regrets. Best. Trip. Ever.
There we were, we’d all lost our minds. Our everlovingminds. Parading around without a care in the world. We were children again. All of us.
And it wasn’t on It’s a Small World, but on the trams leaving the park one night, when we received the call… Jamin fumbling for his phone and I could hear it in his voice. Our first real offer.
A real live, bonafide offer.
A sweet little family who appreciated our house for what it is. Who fell in love with it, just like us.
And it was a day later when we stepped off, shaky-legged from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster {which felt oh so thematically appropriate} where we closed the deal. There were hugs and screaming and jumping.
Happy tears. All nine of us, freaking out. It has been a big deal for us, to wait for two years to make this change for our family. But we’ve known all along it was what we were supposed to do. So let’s just say that if someone saw us standing there in the middle of Hollywood Studios {I totally still call it MGM} we probably looked a little crazy. Wasn’t that what this insane trip was all about?
We were least-ing.
With a little Pixie Dust.
Yes, we do pose oh so cheesily. When in Disney…
There’s a lot more to the story. Some I hope to share eventually. It feels like we’ve been through a real struggle these past few years, only to have this chapter end with the very best of fairytale endings. It made it all worth the wait. And we’re feeling very humbled by that. That in the midst of our doubt and worries and hopes… that this was just a part of it. And our growth from this… it kind of makes the very best chapter so far. Even when I doubted it. Even when I pitched a fit. And another. And another after that if I’m being totally honest. It’s been a scary leap. But we’re halfway there.
We’ve questioned a lot over the last few years about completely uprooting our family and changing everything. We’re still afraid to breathe. We still have a lot to go through and this is only half of the process. But we’re just grateful. We’re reminded that once again, it’s all in His timing. It has been, all along.
Seriously though, my brother’s faces. This is the face that will pop up when he calls me.
I will say that we’ve found a house. To make the leap in real estate from Montgomery to Nashville without clawing someone’s eyeballs out over a bidding war or selling your first born for money is also a huge deal. Much older homes our size for the area we were looking at, are going for about 150k more, and after the loss we’ve taken on this one… it’s more testament to a plan that’s bigger than us.
Stay tuned. Because it feels like we’ve been sleeping, and someone woke us up with a cold bucket of ice water. Cue all the emotions.
Thank you so very much for your sweet words, well wishes and camaraderie we’ve felt with you guys. You’ve been so amazing to us through this entire process.
We hope to share more soon, as the lights go down, intermission is over, and the second act… finally begins.
Alexandra says
Yay!!! I am so very, very happy for you!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Alexandra! We are thrilled
Meghan says
This is the best thing I’ve read in weeks! I got all teary eyed for y’all!!! We’re headed down to Disney soon too, so it was fun to see these pictures.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Meghan. The tears and all the emotions haven’t stopped over here… we’re terrified and thrilled and ready to do whatever it takes… all at once! ;}
Beth M. says
SO HAPPY FOR Y’ALL! I can’t wait to see where you end up in Nashville! Yes, the real estate market is insane! But as you know, Nashville is worth it. Best place on earth to raise a family!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much Beth! Yes, we will be sharing the house next week – we had our inspection here yesterday, and the other inspection in Nashville this week… we have not stopped for days and have literally hit our wall. But it’s in a great location right in Franklin and needs some love. A wonderful opportunity for our family. We can not wait.
Julia @ Hooked on Houses says
I’m so excited for you! Loved this story (and the happy family pics from Disney World). Congratulations!!! 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Julia. We are relieved and ready to push forward, to say the least. ;}
Brenda Wegner says
So happy for you! This made my day.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hugs sweet friend. Thank you so much for being with us on this journey. We are absolutely exhausted ;}
Rachel says
So so happy for you ! We went through this roller coaster with our home in Prattville this past year, from low offer to low low apprisal ( totally incompetent appraiser.. Who left off half our house and pool and wouldnt reappraise ) to an offer then to fall through a week before closing to just the right family living it right before the holidays. It’s all Gods timing I truly believe . You will be rewarded for your patience .
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thanks so much Rachel. I am with you on the stressful house selling front. In short, responsible adulting totally sucks. ;} We are still holding our breath. Still freaking out over everything because it’s just so scary. I hope you guys work out the perfect situation as well. Thinking of y’all!
Stacy Risenmay says
Oh I am soooooooo excited for you guys!!!! Having patience while waiting for His timing can be so hard. I’m so glad things are working out!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Than you so much, Stacy! I think this week we started on the hardest part yet but we are diving in and hoping it all works out. At some point we just have to keep trusting. Even with all the anxiety! HAHAHA
Susan says
Love you, Ashley! That is all. Carry on. And, congratulations!!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Susan! Love y’all, too! HUGS
Donna says
Such AWESOME news! So very happy for you! I am looking forward to following along as you begin the next chapter.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you so much, Donna!
Emily says
Congratulations! We received a similar phone call at Disney world 2 years ago- a job offer for my husband in Las Vegas. We were living in Massachusetts. It was a crazy back and forth negotiation between rides but here we are in Nevada!
ashley @ the handmade home says
So crazy fun! So glad it worked out for you guys. Thanks so much for your sweet words, Emily!
Tania says
So happy for you all!!❤️
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Tania!
Jessica says
So excited for y’all!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Jessica!
Bets says
Yay! Yay! And all the HURRAYS!!!!
Congratulations and Best Wishes!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Bets!
Nichole says
How about some Disney magic!! ha!
Congrats to ya’ll! We all know how much y’all have wanted this.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you Nichole – we are thrilled. Now to get through the other hard part of figuring everything out! HA! At least we’re moving forward. ;}
Beckie says
Praising God with the Mills Family. Yes everything is in His timing. And while when you are in limboland it is so hard to hold onto. I can’t wait to read the book on the next chapter friends. Love to you!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you so much, Beckie. Love to you + can’t wait to follow yours as well!
Jen @ RamblingRenovators says
Congratulations! How sweet that you had those moments of release, of letting it go and just being lost in the magic. You must feel renewed and ready for the road ahead. Exciting!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Jen! We are excited – just ready to get through the transition for sure! ;}
Heather Luth says
I am so happy for y’all! I have to say that sweet pic of your whole family with the little girl in the pink coat is priceless …. it is as if she just cannot contain how much joy she is feeling from being with all of her favorite people so she just has to close those eyes and soak it in!! What wonderful news to receive while with those you love … Congrats!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
That is my favorite, too. We were just talking about that with my Brother and Sis in law the other day. It’s everyone’s fave. ;} Thank you so much for your sweet words!
erin @ thh says
YAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!! Holy Cow, I am so excited!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Erin! ;} We are too.
talia says
So very very thrilled for you! Wishing you nothing but the best!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you Talia! You are too sweet. And I love your name. ;}
Rose L. says
I am glad you waited for a reasonable offer. I had the same thing and a month into trying to sell I ended up with 3 families interested in my home and it sold for a few thousand over what I was asking!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Rose! That is amazing! I am so slow responding to these because our lives have been turned upside down on both ends ;} But thank you very much!
Kelly says
Goodness that made me all teary-eyed – I seriously couldn’t be happier for ya’ll. I’ve been following along for a while and could just tell it was beyond frustrating that your house wasn’t selling. To get that call while you were at Disney is just too cool. Congrats and I can’t wait to read more as your journey unfolds. P.S. I loved reading about your Disney trip. We have annual passes and while we love going all the time, we don’t always feel the magic that others do when they’re visiting from afar. And also? I still call it MGM too 😉
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thanks so much Kelly. Yes… we were kind of at our wit’s end! I am so slow responding to this one because things got crazy here but thank you so very much.
Holly Newell says
Hurrah!!! I am delighted for you all!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Holly!
Faye Carter says
Yay for you all! Tennessee is great! Hope you have an easy transition! Enjoy!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Faye!
Miss Mustard Seed says
So exciting!!! Can’t wait to see where you two end up and all of the fun things you have in store.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Marian! I am slow responding to these because life got crazy on both ends right after this was posted… but thank you!
Shae says
Congratulations!!! So happy for you all. Have been waiting to read this post almost as long as you have been waiting to write it. Good luck with packing and moving and all the new adventure. Can’t wait to hear all about it! xx
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe, Thank you Shae!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe thank you, Shae!
Nicki says
Woo hoo! Loved this post…your wonderful news and the rad fotos! Honestly, I could NOT understand why your amazing house wasn’t selling! I’m glad y’all got a new realtor…and yeah, God knows what He’s doing…Looking forward to following your new adventures! xo
ashley @ the handmade home says
Nicki – we couldn’t figure why it wasn’t selling, either. It was really starting to wear on us. It’s just been a slow market here. Thank you so much for your sweet words – I’m slow responding because life got really crazy between both houses these past few weeks – but thank you so very much!
Alison Corigliano says
Congratulations! So very happy for you!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Alison!
Carol Ann says
You know, there’s only one way to express my happiness for you and your family…
War Damn Eagle.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Carol Ann! I am slow responding because things got incredibly crazy between both houses last week – but thank you so much. This comment made our day. War Damn Eagle!
Beth says
So happy for y’all. I envy your getting to move to the Nashville area! Bigger and better things are on your horizon, for sure! But I also hate to see y’all leave this area, mainly because I am close to any possible yard sales you might have! Speaking of which…..will you be having one before you move? 😉 Just sayin’….
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Beth! Actually, Jamin and I started discussing that today. It may not have a lot of huge pieces in it, but we probably will have a big moving sale. It will help us purge all the things, and give us a little cash to help with the move ;} Please stay tuned – I will get more info when we can!
Heidi says
Oh my gosh-I am so happy to read this! We went through something similar almost 6 years ago. Decided “our place” was San Diego-had it planned for 2 years-and right when we went to sell-the market crashed. The summer before homes in our neighborhood had multiple offers during the first week. Our summer: houses sat for months. I was beside myself. We had made the decision to just pull our house off the market (and I was beside myself) and while we were on a long car trip home after visiting family for a week we got the call from our realtor that we finally had a (good) offer. I can still remember the relief and the excitement! Best wishes!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
So glad to know we’re not alone in this. Houses can be hard and we’ve learned there is no guarantee in real estate for sure! So glad it worked out for y’all!
Grace Darling says
I cried happy tears reading this and your last post, my husband and I just went through this selling our first home we fell in love in to take over the house I grew up in that my dad left me, and it was emotional and testing, and in the end purely beautiful just like your story, thank you for sharing and I am SO excited to see what your creativity makes out of your adorable new blank canvas, congrats for your new home and for making it through the real estate whirlwind!
Lauren M says
YAY!!!!!!!!!! He is good – ALL THE TIME!!!