This is one of the more difficult posts that I've had to write and I've gone back in forth on how and when to write this post. I think I've typed and re-typed it several times... I try to keep my blog strictly about home decor, DIY, furniture projects, etc as I know most readers aren't too interested in my personal life, but the time has come to let everyone know about some personal changes that do affect the blog, etc.
As of this weekend, our house will be officially for sale. Those of you that follow my blog will know that we haven't lived here very long and that our family relocated from the Pacific Northwest to the Raleigh, NC area a little over a year and a half ago. That wasn't our first move, in fact, we've had to move three times in the last three years due to job changes, so the fact that we have to put our house up for sale and move yet again is not exactly good news for us.
After several years of demanding careers where my husband and I worked at an international CPA firm, we've been attempting to take steps to put the family above everything else...it just doesn't feel like it's working :) First, I left my job to stay home with the kids and my husband continued working 70+ hour work-weeks (almost year-around) on top of completely renovating our first house. Yes, we were crazy! We finally left that all behind back in 2010 and have basically been on a quest to find a rewarding career/job for a stable company that doesn't work you into the ground. It's all about balance. At this point, my husband has a great job for a large successful company...but it's in Greensboro, NC and he's commuting over 200 miles a day (about 4 hrs in the car) and it's just not a healthy situation for anyone and it's certainly not what we moved 2,700 miles across the country for. Poor guy... he's racked up over 80,000 miles of commuting in 3 years!
I'm not going to sugarcoat it...it's been a difficult last several years. Moving is never easy (we've never had movers), but that is almost the easy part. It's being uprooted time and time again to new communities and schools that is hard on the kids (my 6th grader has been in 6 different schools). As adults, we can handle it, but the kids are dreading it as they've come to love their schools, friends, neighbors, sports teams here. Not to mention that my mom and step-dad just moved into their new house in the next subdivision to be near the kids...
I feel ill-equipped to guide them through these moves as I grew up in one community my entire childhood and the same school system K-12, so you can imagine the parental guilt eating at me. Any suggestions? I have a deep respect for military families! Even though we all feel a little depressed about the whole situation, my husband now has a great job, we have a great family, our health, and so many blessings that I can't possibly let this get me down...it's just another speed bump in the road and hopefully the kids will come around.
Yes, it's been a crazy last several weeks getting the house ready for listing. You wouldn't think so with us only have lived here for such a short period of time! I've been landscaping, scrubbing every surface imaginable, switching out almost all my taste-specific chandeliers, staging, and generally getting everything spiffed up. The house photographer was here a few days ago so I'll be finally sharing the whole house this weekend.
So what does this next move mean for the blog and my small world of furniture, DIY, and decor? I'm still going to be around, sharing furniture makeovers (I'm keeping my booth at SuzAnna's Antiques) as well as tutorials, crafts and other home decor, but my home will be in limbo status because who knows how long it will take to sell our house (that I'm going to miss) and find something in Greensboro (at least I'll get another house to decorate!). I hope you stick around - it's going to be another adventure...
Kristen
Best of luck with the move! I was just admiring some of your work the past weekend at SuzAnna's Antiques.
ReplyDeleteMary Ellen
The Working Home Keeper
My heart is wrenched for you and your family Kristen. As a child I was in many different schools... many different Towns Cities. My father moved a lot with his job. It was tough.
ReplyDeleteI am not a fan of moving at all... the stress of it alone. But at times this cannot be helped.
Wishing you and yours an easy transition.
Hugs, Gee
did you mention this on your blog before, or maybe we just emailed about it, because i already knew. i know this is hard, but one thing i know for sure... everything in my life has happened for a reason and i am always put on the path i am meant to be on, even if it doesn't feel like the right one at first. thinking of you and hoping for a smooth transition for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I don't have any advice for you with helping your children through this move. We moved 2 years ago from the West Coast, and it's been so tough on them. What they don't realize is that by moving, we get a much more stable family life with their Dad home every night (vs traveling as before) and in a great career. It sounds like this is the case for your kids as well. They may not realize this, but as long as you know it's the right move and will be happy with it, they will be too! Happy parents=happy children. I look forward to seeing your new home.....I hope you show us all the ones you look at! I know it's stressful, but there is an element of fun with a fresh start too!
ReplyDeleteI actually like that you GOT so personal and shared this. It's nice to connect with the girl behind all the BEAUTIFUL decor you feature. My husband also works upwards of 60+ hours a week, and I can't imagine trying to move in the midst of it all. You have such a healthy attitude about your situation, and I will pray for a quick sell and a more permanent residence for you in the near future. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteXOXO,
Meredith
Moving is always hard but family comes first. I'm all for a happier life style and lots of family time. To me it's a win win situation, more time together as a family and a new house to decorate :)
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a long commute for your husband. Moving closer to his work will be a blessing I'm sure to all of you. It is hard to move so frequently, but if your oldest is just in 6th grade, think about the positive, that perhaps this will be the last move for a long while and he will get to go to 7th through high school in one area. Just give them as much love as you can schedule some mom/kid bonding times. I wish you and your family the best and pray God will guide you in this move. It is a beautiful home, but think as you said, you get to decorate a new one! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kristen ~ I just found your blog recently and I love it! I'm sorry you're going through a difficult time but it sounds like you are doing the right thing for your family. Try not to let the guilt get to you too bad ~ just love your kids like I'm sure you always do and maybe a few extra sweet treats thrown in!
ReplyDeleteI recently started to follow your blog and will continue to do so. My best wishes to you, and your family, on your move -it will all work out, somehow. Thank you for sharing this~
ReplyDeleteUs too. I've got half the house packed for hubby to take it on out to Texas on Tuesday. Then I get to finish up the summer and have the other half moved out there. But not before I move the two big boys to Boone into their college apartment.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about kids. Honestly all the moves make them adults that can handle change and stress well. I went to 13 different schools from K-12. And I'm no worse for wear.
Can't wait to see what you buy in Greensboro. And when we come back in three years I'll expect a visit with you.
I'm so sad to hear this Kristen, and I can totally understand your parental guilt.I'm sure everything will work out for your whole family. Best of luck with selling your house. I hear it's a good time to sell so at least that's good.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you! We just moved last summer after being in one town 23 years. It's hard in so many ways. I will tell you though that I think you are going in the right direction. You are making tough life choices...we've had to make some of those too. We chose to stay put while our kids were growing up which did put some limitations on my husband's career growth. You know, pretty much all companies want you to move these days and we chose not to do that. I'd say do whatever you can to make this move the last for awhile. Once your kids are in middle school and high school they just don't want to move. Even consider how much you want to spend on your house carefully because your kids get more expensive by the day. Our two are in college now and whooo! it's expensive. :)
ReplyDeleteKristen,
ReplyDeleteI live in Greensboro and currently have my home on the market! My husband and I are custom building a home several miles away from where we are currenly. By any chance are you looking for a 4 bedroom, 2 story home in Northwest Greensboro? Contact me! I would be glad to tell you more about Greensboro...schools, shopping, doctors, etc!
Good luck!
Lisa
It sounds like it was a difficult decision to make, Kristen. I'm sure that in the long run everything will work out for the best. Best of luck with everything.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us your personal journey-that is a hard thing to do. I even feel the blog is an escape from the realities and maybe no one wants to hear it. This sounds like it'll be another tough move for your kids-I'll pray they get through it alright. I love checking out your blog and am glad your not completely quitting although it may be tough to do it as often and let that be okay.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with this move and God Bless.
Kristen, I know we've chatted about this before and I wish I had magical words of advice for you, but I don't. I can't imagine how difficult the decision has been for your family, but you are right... it's the right one for your family. Let me know if I can do anything to help make your transition easier and I'm looking forward to seeing the creations you'll come up with having a whole new thrifting world to explore! -Holly
ReplyDeleteBest wishes in your move! I hope you find something that everyone loves and makes it easier on your husband and the whole family. Looking forward to reading all about your new adventures. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the real stuff with us. My heart goes out to you as I know this is not easy. My Lord, though, commuting 200 miles/4hrs is just insane. I can only imagine the exhaustion for your husband and then so much falls to you.
ReplyDeleteI think kids are more resilient than we give them credit for. The oldest will probably do much better knowing it's going to be a change prior to school starting again :) I suggest just keep the communication lines open, ask them their preferences re: the houses, etc. I guess just feeling included. Why do I even say this? You will do it! :)
Your home is absolutely gorgeous and it will be fun for us to see what you do in the next one! I am going to be moving in June so I do understand the apprehension about it all. I also know that God works in mysterious ways and everything always works out for the best! Far better than we can imagine ~
xo
Pat
I don't have any advice, but I did say a prayer for your family. I hope everything goes well for all of you.
ReplyDeleteI wish you a speedy sale and that you find the house of your dreams. Like you, I lived in the same house my entire childhood. It is still in the family with a niece living there. My husband on the other hand moved yearly - 5 schools in the the 7th grade. He swore that his children would never have to move and his goal was met when our youngest graduated from high school with her pre-school friends.
ReplyDeleteThe timing is pretty good for your 6th grader - he/she can get 2 years in a middle/junior high school before starting high school.
My thoughts are with your husband and that he will be able to stop the long commute. I have learned that in the long run everything works out .
Best of Luck.
Kristen, I'll pray for you and your family. We're also going to the same process right now, and moving to Charlotte, NC. You're home is gorgeous, and I'm sure someone will love it just as much as you do. By the way, that tobacco basket, did you find at SuzAnna's? It used to be mine. :) Best wishes to you. ~ Vanessa
ReplyDeleteKristen,
ReplyDeleteI hope all of you adjust well to your new town and that your hame sells fast. Just remember that God knows what is best for us:)
Blessings,
Linda
Kristen, I know how hard this particular move will be for you and your family....but as you say, family comes first...and no matter what, we will be here..here to enjoy your projects, etc. whenever you can, at your pace..I truly believe that things happen for a reason..sometimes we just cannot fathom that at the time, but I truly feel that you will find your dream of that farmhouse and the type of lifestyle that goes with that...I wish you the best of luck in selling your home...it is beautiful and people will fall in love with it..and just may ask you to stick around and decorate for them!...I am blessed that I will still be able to see you from time to time!!!...
ReplyDeleteWow! I've followed your blog and wish you well. Thank you for sharing. I commuted 3 hrs daily for 4 years and it was rough. Losing that and gaining family time will be worth it!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that you are leaving your beautiful home, but that is just to far for your husband to travel to and from work. That takes a tole on everyone in the family. I am sure your home will sell immediately and you will have a nice new home to re-decorate.
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best of luck this to will pass. Hang in there.
Mary
I think you have a wonderful attitude about what you are experiencing eight now and doesn't it feel good to talk about it on your blog? Of course, you have to think about your children first but it's surprising how quickly they adjust. If they were a little older, maybe not so much.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the positivity, I wish you and your family all the best!
XO,
Jane
Life constantly provides us with unexpected, and frequently unwanted, changes. I hope this bend in the road reveals something wonderful for your family. I'll be thinking good thoughts for a quick sale, new best friends and a great transition!
ReplyDeleteGreensboro is a nice town.You will like it there.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I can relate to so many things in your post. Moving too much..feeling guilty about how your move affects your kids...and especially to husbands being worked to hard and how it affects the family in such a negative way. I appreciate so much how hard my husband works for us. It seems most companies these days are severely understaffed and their employees are overworked.
ReplyDeleteYour home is so beautiful!! I hope you love your new one even more and I'll be praying that this is a wonderful move for your whole family!
I feel for you, But a house is just a thing. It's what you fill it with that makes it a home. And a shorter commute for your husband means more time with him as a family. That may give some solace to the kids who will be leaving friends.
ReplyDeleteYou have my prayers. The Lord always has a plan.
Cindy
I feel for you, But a house is just a thing. It's what you fill it with that makes it a home. And a shorter commute for your husband means more time with him as a family. That may give some solace to the kids who will be leaving friends.
ReplyDeleteYou have my prayers. The Lord always has a plan.
Cindy
Kristen,
ReplyDeleteI know it is difficult, anticipating this next move, especially with your mom and step dad being so close to you now.
I know that things will work out and you will find that little farmhouse on some land that you have always wanted where you can have some animals and raise the kids similarly to how you were raised.
Be patient and keep your chin up! Thanks for sharing your personal story on the blog. You have a lot to share with folks and it doesn't need to always be strictly about decor!
So glad you are keeping the booth at Suzanna's.
Big hugs,
Jenny
Kristen, I'm so sorry you and your family are going to move! I know it was hard on me to move from the West coast to the South as an adult so I know it's hard on kids. We will continue to follow your decorating adventures!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll find that GSO has a lot to offer! There are some great schools and great neighborhoods...there are a few bloggers from there, as well. I am in Winston, about 30 minutes away. And there is a shop--Summerhouse--that is to die for! Let me know if you need any info!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Andrea about Happy Mom and Dad then you will have Happy children. This is true!! We moved from Texas with 4 kids to Florida then back to Texas. I had one in highschool, two in middle school and one in 5th grade. The younger ones were ok as soon as they made friends but the high school one took a while. What helps more these days are all the ways kids can stay in contact with each other. Encourage joining spots and clubs immediately and fixing their rooms first. It made my kids feel like this is home with all their items on the wall and favorite paint too. best of everything and remember to breathe.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say that it sounds like you are making the right choice for your family. I really enjoy your blog and appreciate you sharing the real stuff too. ;)
ReplyDeleteHang in there, it is tough and the kids will survive.
ReplyDeleteWe have moved 5 states in 15 years the number of schools are even more.
I strongly suggest not moving once your eldest gets to HS. Our last move was during our daughters 9th grade year and it was TERRIBLE. it rocked her world and took a long time for her to come to terms with it.
Hi Kristin,
ReplyDeleteSorry about your having to move again. You really have moved a lot, and I am sure it is hard on you and your family. However, kids are resilient...the most important factor in their life is YOU and their FATHER! Our world is ever changing and those of us who adapt, do well in life. Still moving isn't easy. As a Realtor I know that...and we are in the process of putting our home of 25 years on the market...a home my Architect husband designed and built. Lots of memories...and too much stuff! By the way, I immigrated twice as a child and considered it an adventure! Best to you. Hope you have a great agent and the house sells quickly!
We moved several times, and to different cities when my girls were young. It's hard, but being with two parents that are happy and rested is critical. Kiddos adjust with God's design. Praying for His hand in your circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI can relate! My husband commutes 180 miles a day and he is getting so tired of it! I admire your faith to put your house up for sale! We haven't stepped out, (yet!) and listed our home for sale. One being our kids have been in this school system their whole lives! So that is a big decision! Kids seem to bounce back quickly. So they will do okay. I went to 6 different schools growing up and I turned out okay! Our prayers are with your family! Sharon H, Griffin, GA
ReplyDeleteKristen, I know having to move again on the heels of your last move isn't what you want to be doing at this stage in your life, especially since your mom and step dad are finally so close.
ReplyDeleteBut I have to admit that I'm thrilled you are moving to the 'boro. Selfish, I know, but I am really looking forward to hanging out with you more and hitting some more of our favorite shopping spots.
I think you and the kids will grow to love it here in Greensboro, and I know that your husband will, too, because it will mean he gets to spend more time with his precious family and not in the car.
So, when are you headed this way to do some house hunting? If you have time, let's get together.
And every day, I am keeping my eyes open for houses that I think would be perfect for you.
Children are resilient. I moved eleven times by the sixth grade and turned out just fine (I think! :) If you don't mind, I do have one piece of advice, though. Because we don't have a national school curriculum, different schools often teach different skills in different grades. Talk to the kids' new teachers to see if they've missed any important information or skills. For instance, sentence structure might be taught in the sixth grade at the old school and fifth grade at the new. So if your child starts sixth grade at the new school, she'll miss learning about sentence structure. Best of luck for a less stressful life, and for what it's worth, I'll remain a follower no matter where you write.
ReplyDeleteGood luck girl!!
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your blog recently and have really enjoyed it! We also relocated to Greensboro just over 2 years ago from the D.C. area. We have found that it's an unexpected gem of a place-- so amazing for raising our children. Tons of family activities, great shopping and decor... hope you find your place here soon! :)
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your blog recently and have really enjoyed it! We also relocated to Greensboro just over 2 years ago. We have found that it's an unexpected gem of a place-- so amazing for raising our children. Tons of family activities, great shopping and decor... hope you find your place here soon! :)
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled upon your blog recently and have really enjoyed it! We also relocated to Greensboro just over 2 years ago. We have found that it's an unexpected gem of a place-- so amazing for raising our children. Tons of family activities, great shopping and decor... hope you find your place here soon! :)
ReplyDeleteKristen...As you know moving can be a fun adventure and it opens your kids up to a more expansive and worldly experience. Due to my Dad's work, my family moved many times across the country and I feel I've benefitted in that respect. Though I must say, the making and losing friends and the lose of security due to that has had it's effects in my adult life. That you're making this move to keep the family and time spent together important is a bonus...the best of luck...and I'll keep following you.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand!! We have moved five times in about ten years. Each time I get my house exactly how I want it and then move. I have kids that are getting older now too. The positive is kids usually do well if you assure them. What matters is your family unit which matters obviously to you and your attitude. If you are positive and add a little reward a new pet or trampoline or something it helps. Many blessings
ReplyDelete