I guess I left off last week with a little bit of an emotional look at the past ten years of our life. And if you’re just tuning in, the easiest summary of it all would be that it took us a year to sell our home, because yay terrible markets, but when we did it was magical. And when we started house hunting, this happened and we stumbled upon the perfect one. And it all fell into place. Not in a made-for-movies, perfect way… or without the most stress we’ve ever experienced behind the scenes kind of way. Or all the glitches that could possibly raise their ugly heads. Or the hardest work we’re about to put into it. I know. That’s just the name of the game.
All the while wondering how on earth we were going to make it all happen… but it happened. It’s happening.
I even whined a little about the process of moving… and I think that was the easiest part. Because if you can’t laugh at yourself…
We’re in the middle of it all, and I feel like a bit of a zombie. Okay. Still feeling a lot like one. I guess this is normal? Days are a haze and we’re just trying to feel normal again.
So a week ago when we pulled out of the driveway for the last time, it was raining… and that felt appropriate. We ended up needing two trucks, with Jamin at the wheel of one, and my brother at the other. I had two very drugged up dogs in the cab of our own pickup behind me {major motion sickness with two furbabies isn’t fun on a four hour trip, so the vet was able to help us out with that one} and there was a trade off in Birmingham with my mom from Jamin’s mom who graciously took the kiddos for a few days, for our journey up. I think the fun distractions helped with their departure in the middle of it all, after they said their goodbyes… not having to see the empty house.
But I saw it. I think that was the worst and most gratifying part: Knowing we’re finally moving, both literally and figuratively. I kind of needed a grandmother to go spend the night with, while someone dealt with all the adult stuff for me. We spent one last night in a house that suddenly felt cavernous, and echo-ey… with nothing but memories left to fill in the gaps. An exhausted but restless night on two awkward air mattresses and when we woke up, it was raining. I cried. We both did. One last time, and that was it.
There I was, driving in the rain. In the middle of the chaos of our caravan, just hoping the dogs wouldn’t toss their cookies and that the two moving vans could get there without being run off the road by crazy drivers and the kids were okay in the next car. But when I looked up, the clouds were breaking. And that was when I saw it… the rain slowed to a drizzle, and then stopped completely, the further we drove. And the blue began to break through that haze of grey and it felt kinda symbolic for this overthinking reflective analyzer in me, who has waited alongside Jamin for this very moment. I had envisioned myself, crossing that Tennessee state line for the first ‘official’ time. I’d seen myself crossing that line every time we had what felt like a pointless showing or a frustrating moment. Every time we were worried or afraid… that was the scene I played in my head. We waited in a process that took about three years to finally see it through. And it couldn’t have been written with a better flourish, the clouds clearing up the closer we got to the state line. It was like a bonus scene written on pages that {as much as I can’t stand it} I’m simply not the author of. And as seemingly cheesy as the metaphor is that was staring me right in the face, like a big bold blue sky… I couldn’t ignore it. This was the perfect moment. I needed that patch of blue, peeping through and then obliterating the haze completely to remind me that everything works out in the end.
Or the beginning.
So we hadn’t updated anything here yet, because one closing was pushed back… and then the one in Montgomery at our old house as well… for various reasons in the land of real estate and banks and money and all that paperwork stuff. It happens. We’ve kinda been in limbo until then. Simply putting our noses to the grindstone with all the things. Yesterday, we closed the door for good when the papers were signed in Montgomery and Jamin made the trip back down to see it through. And there we were. Free.
It still doesn’t feel real.
Free, but in the middle.
And this is where we are.
So we’ve been settling in, in the meantime. We took my parents to see the house for the first time… and they loved it.
And while we were there, my dad taught the kids the perfect way to climb a tree. This is pretty much what happens any time you mix Papa and grandkids, but he’s definitely good for endless entertainment and unpredictable shenanigans. One of them involving a bull and all three kids and my dad running through a field a-la Johnny Depp from Pirates of The Caribbean… but that’s another story for another day. I mean, I get it from somewhere I guess.
I do know without a doubt that we could not have made this transition without both of our families. We’re just so grateful for them… beyond words with what a help they’ve been. It’s funny how we’ve all been in this together. So we’ve taken some time to come out of the chaos, and climb from beneath the moving boxes even though at first, I couldn’t seem to find anything …apparently I’m terrible at organized packing when moving to two locations… and find our new normal.
Even if it’s school in our pajamas on a porch with various desk tops and bedheads. And work in between walks with two over the top, energetic dogs.
And being silly with family over a competitive game of corn hole.
I’m absolutely terrible, by the way. Also, who made up that word?
And exploring this new little town of Franklin, that we can’t wait to make our home. We’re just very glad to be here…
We have so many plans and exciting things on the horizon and we can’t wait to share much more in the next weeks. Thanks for staying with us. Because this is where we are.
Anna says
Families really are everything. What a wonderful thing you have! Love the updates
April says
Welcome to Tennessee! I am biased but I think it’s the best of all the states. LOL
Jenna says
Hahaa your dad! Welcome to Nashville
Jackie Valentine says
So glad you gave a little synopsis. I’ve been very busy myself and haven’t been keeping up like I would like to, so I was glad to be able to learn what has been happening.Good for you all, moving on and making changes for yourself and your family. Wishing you great things in your new home!
Lourdes says
Love your story, your raw honesty and your positive outlook! Wishing all of you the most fun and exciting times in your new home! Can’t wait to see the transformation! Franklin, TN is a beautiful area. I have a couple of friends who live there and it’s always a treat to visit them.
Rose L. says
Over time all thing will settle down and you will feel as if you have always lived there. Now you have a new blank canvas to decorate!
DBLori says
My husband’s company is based in Ohio. We live in California. One year a few days before his company’s conference the bosses were all excited about having everyone playing “Cornhole” during one of the down-times. We had no idea what that was and we weren’t sure if they were kidding or not and were afraid to google “Cornhole” because well, California (Bay Area/SF area specifically). Turned out it wasn’t a joke and it’s a big deal in Ohio. hahaha
Anna says
Okay, I love your blog and am so happy this has all worked out for you. I’ve been pulling for you ever since I read of the slow house sale, etc… I don’t know you – just a reader on the west coast – so I feel weird asking for details, but I was lost when I read this sentence: “…apparently I’m terrible at organized packing when moving to two locations…” Is it that your business is one location and your house in another? Congratulations on the move! May it continue to go well with peace.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey girl! You are so sweet! Someone else already asked that same Q – I believe on social media because I was vague ;} And I guess I was vague because it’s been a complete whirlwind and kinda complicated all at the same time! We’re still all… did we really just move? Do we really live here? We weren’t sure where we were living until almost the last minute because we had two options with {my} family set up with three separate units of family involved and we were trying to figure out the best situation for everyone which has been crazy but also a blessing because we’re all in this together {cue crazy happy face rabid hyper pups emoji}
I’m not even sure that answer made a whole lot of sense, but right now, we are in an apartment while we prepare to close on that new-to-us house, and then as soon as it is livable, {and by livable, we mean floors and ceilings finished so we’re not breathing in the bad stuff} then we are moving in there while it’s finished up. {We will be putting in all the final finer touches ourselves like built in shelving and laundry room cabinets, etc. The initial gut out needs to be done to code} So I had packed for an apartment, and storage… along with our inventory… it’s been insane. I’m still confused. But the dust has began to temporarily settle while we wait on this next closing! Waiting to share the finer details until the house is officially OURS. ;} Thanks for asking – hope that helped. Probably not. HA!
Jenny says
My husband and I are going through the lovely Nashville housing market rollercoaster ourselves. We live in Spring Hill, TN and while out roaming neighborhoods one day, early this spring, we actually drove through your new neighborhood! I actually fell in love with the house y’all bought, hubby wasn’t crazy about pool maintenance though. With 2 young kids and one on the way I had to agree. Our loss, because it is a great location and amazing potential! I look forward to cheering y’all on as you make it yours. 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
How funny! Awe I wish you the very best in your search. I hope you guys find exactly what you’re looking for! Moving from Montgomery with our big fat loss to here was NO JOKE in the roller coaster realm so you’re in good company. It was actually quite painful. 😀 I understand about the pool. Our youngest is just now at the swimming age where we’re comfortable, and pool safety and maintenance have always made us nervous up until this point. One of the reasons we decided to look at it was because of the pool, though… we may regret it but we’ve always wanted one and we hope to do an addition to the house in the future! Should be quite the adventure! Good luck to you and your sweet family on your search!