Saturday, we moved in.
Can we just take a second? Let’s say it again.
Saturday. We. Moved. Into our house.
How long we have waited to write these words? It’s something that needs to be noted, I think.
With fireworks. And a grandstand, old fashioned parade. Down Mainstreet in Disney World. And probably some banana pudding or something else monumentous. {Also, apparently monumentous isn’t a word, and I use it all the time. It’s a word to me. We’re not too excited or anything.}
Because we wouldn’t be here without the love and patience of family. My mom who kindly unloaded the kitchen with my sis in law. Who months before that, patiently packed up our house in Montgomery and into the moving van.
After it was all packed up with the help of Jamin’s Mom. I wouldn’t have accomplished anything without her.
Who {in said family} also lived together and loaned the five of us their apartment for a while… for a lot longer than they initially thought.
And my dad who patiently put together barstools yesterday.
And some sweet friends who were awesome and pitched in with the moving/house drama, as well.
My brother, who moved the furniture where I needed it.
And my sis in law who opened a bag of Doritos and quietly put them in front of me with no judgement when my sugar crashed. And then showed me a funny video to make me laugh.
All while my dad still worked patiently on that first barstool. He was concentrating so hard, I don’t think he noticed me taking his picture.
While Aiden found his Lego Castle all over again that he carefully assembled last Christmas, and wanted to see it moved safely. He and his prized possession were reunited again.
It’s the little things.
We were just kind of thrilled to see our mattress again after it was in storage for six long months.
Hello, sweet sweet friend.
I have a love affair with this mattress.
While my dad finally figured out that barstool… and then put together five more.
He was so excited. BLESS him.;} I think he had a hand cramp that will probably last him through this next week.
I have no idea where I get my personality from.
And then everything was quiet and we went to bed, and there was the first morning.
Three years ago, when we decided to take the first steps to move… they included a lot of small, inner workings that needed to take place. We had to push forward and patiently work for what we wanted, and we didn’t know it would take so long.
We had no idea.
No earthly idea.
In that period, there were a lot of tears, and questioning and doubts.
A process that, in retrospect, taught us so much.
But when I would get seriously discouraged, I had an image in my head. The image of our house, whatever it would look like.
Slowly, the closer we got… it materialized like a vision.
It was that first morning. Waking up in our new house, I knew it was something we’d look forward to.
There are certain things in my childhood that I remember, and a few of my most vivid memories are of those first mornings, right after moving. Like waking up to a new adventure, I told the kids… “You’ll remember this for the rest of your life.”
There’s something kind of oddly calming in all the chaos. Something satisfying about all those boxes that we find comforting, even if we have no idea where anything is, after wanting something for so long.
When you finally. After all this time. Wake up that first morning.
Find a lot of those toys you’ve been looking for.
Walk around barefoot with your coffee.
And stay in your pajamas for a while because you can.
There’s nothing more gratifying.
We took a restful moment after needing one for so long. A deep breath. In and out. We’re finally where we want to be.
Maybe our muscles will recover sometime soon… And eventually that paint will wash out of my hair.
And every time I look at our barstools, I’ll think of my dad.
We’re finally here…
and it’s better than Christmas morning.
Nicole says
Congratulations!!
Angela says
Sooooo happy for you guys! It is looking so amazing already! Can’t wait to see your journey continue in this new adventure.
Carrie says
Amazing! Well done for all of your hard work. Take your sweet time unpacking those boxes!
Jo says
So happy for you! That looks awesome. Even with all the chaos. We have been going through a hard last couple of years and have been re-thinking our life/location/”forever” home. I’m so sad thinking about moving but my husband’s job is so stressful and it is taking a toll on me now too. AHH! There are no guarantees in life, are there? Best wishes to you as you settle into your new home.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Jo – you sound just like me three years ago. His job was too much, and not worth it at all. Looking back, it was HARD stuff and the hardest thing we’ve been through with financial stress and relocating stress .I even had to get over some bitterness and I’m still working on it. Many sleepless nights. But let me tell you… totally worth it all. Every single bit. We always say our story isn’t over yet. Neither is yours. Hang in there… you guys will figure it out. HUGS to you!
Jo says
Thank you so much. Honestly. I have tears in my eyes as I read your comment. I get emotional even with strangers now. Trying to just stay strong for my kids. They love it where we live. And we live by family. Did you move closer to family or friends? Or further away? As a parent our kids become our main concern. But not at the risk of happiness and health. We will be fine. But, gosh dang, life sure can feel hard sometimes. 🙁
ashley @ the handmade home says
I absolutely get it. Everyone’s situation is so different. I was the same way for a VERY long time with all those feelings.
We’re going to sound like crazy people, but my parents actually relocated WITH us because we were just all in a bad situation where none of us were happy. It was to be closer to my brother and his family, and my sister too. We also wanted to take a dive with our business and start expanding it here where the market is much better. We’re all within 30 minutes of each other now. It’s funny, we’ve even reconnected with some dear college/high school friends who are here and even ended up being in the same school with some of them… like we were just meant to be here. Friends in other ways have popped up out of nowhere and it’s really refreshing and awesome. None of it was intentional, it just all worked out that way.
But it was SO HARD. In a way that changed us forever. And honestly, all for the best. You just never know how it will all work out. I also always have to remind myself, that they say “This too shall pass” for a reason. Things have a way of working themselves out with time, honestly. With our situation, we just had to have the gusto on our end to keep pushing or things would have never changed for us. And looking back, I’m just so glad we did.
My dad looked at me the other day when he was helping us move and he said “If you do nothing else for your kids, you’ve done something life changing for them, the sacrifices you’ve made to get them here” And he’s so right. We did all of this for them.
We’ve changed the course of our family to make a choice that was the best choice for us… It’s just hard to make such a big choice. There were a ton of obstacles in our way, to the point where I wondered if it was even the right choice so many times. I totally get it. Thinking of you. Hope this helps a little. Just know you’re in good company, and you guys WILL figure it out.
Jo says
Thank you. Just thank you. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I keep waiting for answers that don’t seem to come. And of course nobody can tell you what they are or what to do. God will guide us but it is super scary to think about taking the leap. I am so happy for you and your family. That sounds like a wonderful change.
Also, I keep chanting, “This too shall pass,” but it just doesn’t seem to, you know? So that’s what makes me think we need to just take action and move because it seems to keep getting harder here. My husband is pretty miserable and when your spouse is miserable it’s hard to be completely happy either. Hugs and many thanks!
April says
Congrats! Looks great!
Karyn says
Congratulations on finally “being” home! Yay!!!!!!!!! I bet it feels glorious! Well deserved! Can’t wait to see more pics as you unpack! :o)
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much, Karyn!
Kendra says
I just love everything about this!! I’m so happy and excited for you guys! I started reading your blog right after you packed up and moved, and loved your old house so much, I went back through tons of old blog posts, fascinated with your decorating style as well as your writing.:) I find it absolutely amazing that even in the midst of your long wait, and all the things that haven’t gone as you planned, you were able to string a new reader along so well, for so long! I think it shows true talent.;) My anticipation has been building and building, so I can’t even imagine how this feels for all of you!! I can’t wait to see what you will do with this new home, and I wish you so much joy and a ton of blessings as you dig in to making this all you’ve imagined!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Kendra – you are way too sweet. That made me tear up this morning, your comment means so much. Thank you for your kind words. Hugs to you!
Meg says
I’m so excited for your family!!! You’ve worked so hard to get here, thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Joanna S. says
I’m sitting here reading and taking a deep breath with you. Lol. Thanks for taking us along on your journey!
Donna says
I am so happy for you!! Look at those precious smiles on your kiddos and your family and friends! I feel like I have lived every emotion with you and your family on this journey. How is it possible that I refer to y’all as my friends Ashley and Jamin when I tell people about your blog, house, Instagram, fabrics, t-shirts, the list goes on…? I’ve only met you twice, and each time very briefly. I think it all comes back to how honestly you share your journey with us, your faithful readers. You have such a talent for telling it like it is and being authentic. I have looked forward to your “move in” post for months now. I am so happy that the day has finally come.
Laura says
So so happy for your guys and it looks amazing!!!
Mirna says
So wonderful! I even let out a sigh of relief with you as I read! Wishing you and your family many continued blessings ?.
Sonja says
Congratulations!
Alexandra says
So very, very, very happy for you all!!! How wonderful that you are finally home again.
karen says
I am shouting hooray and applauding . Those are some cute lil kids!
Wish you were a little more excited.
Cindy says
A huge congratulations to you all! Big hugs.
Sandra says
You have no idea how happy this makes me after watching you go down such a long road…you have worked VERY hard and the results are lovely
Bonnie says
I’m SO happy for you and your family!! It’s going to be wonderful living in your new home.
rose l. says
Congratulations! Now more work to do!!
carriep says
so very happy for you!
Lynn says
Yayy!!! Congratulations! We’ll be in Nashville this weekend – what time should we stop by for our tour? Just kidding, just kidding! Praying many blessings for your family in your new home 🙂
Belinda Aguirre says
I feel like crying for you all…tears of happiness.
Michelle says
So exciting! What a beautiful place to wake up in 🙂 And I love your couch, is it as comfortable as it looks?
amy says
Praise God!!!!!
So happy for you!
Karen Simon Peterson says
I’m so happy you’re finally home.
[email protected] says
Welcome Home.
Two of the sweetest words ever spoken, right?
So happy for you guys.
–Michael
MC says
Congratulations!!!! So happy for you! Your relief spills out on the page:> And that Chesterfield is HUGE!
Julia @ Hooked on Houses says
I’m so happy for you guys! You made it. I had tears in my eyes reading this. I remember the wonderful feeling of waking up that “first morning” and realizing you’re finally home. Congratulations!!! 🙂
Stephanie says
Congratulations! This post brought tears to my eyes. I have that same feeling… This spoke to me, “But when I would get seriously discouraged, I had an image in my head. The image of our house, whatever it would look like.” Right now our condo is on the market, but it looks like we’re going to be here a while longer. We bought it at the absolute height of the housing bubble, and have been underwater for 10 years. Meanwhile, life has moved on and we’ve had two kids, and now we’re cramped and want to move to our forever home, and yet, we’re still waiting.
But what gets me through is just how amazing it’s going to be when we FINALLY move into that house, wherever it is. We plan to stay in our current town, and sometimes I drive around and look at the houses and wonder which one will be ours. I know it’ll happen someday!
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
So happy for y’all!!! it’s been quite the journey and I so remember renovating my house for 6 months and that first night in my house. So exciting, it is like Christmas morning. It will just get better and better. Congrats!!!
Tammy says
AsheeBoo I’m so excited we finally get to move in. I’ve been patiently waiting! Every time that septic system became a problem, I began to take it personally lol. I was like if that city delay the septic system one more time, I’m gonna hit the roof. I’m so happy for y’all. I’m waiting to began a renovation myself now, that seemingly will not be happening anytime soon because we had a massive flood and now every contractor and his GrandMa have tons of work=High prices. Humph, Aint Nobody Got Time For That Foolishness. So, I will be waiting for a while living in my 1952 Ranch wah way way wah… Seriously, though! One day, one day soon! Until then, we have to thug it out and its rough lol. Can’t wait to see the pics. I hope that you do exterior photos too. I know, I know! Hold up SisterRose, y’all haven’t gotten settled in yet. I know right. I’m waiting though to see it all. God has been so good to you all and I know that you all are very appreciative it. Take care, and I can hardly wait to see the pictures.
Blessed Always
Tammy
kathy says
Love your new home!!!! Have fun decorating it!!!
tasha roe says
yay!!!!!! so exciting!
Jenny says
Hooray for y’all!! Gorgeous job, well done. FYI if you ever come home and your Chesterfield looking sofa is missing… it wasn’t me.;)