there is a reason i don't go to bed early.
i hate to be woken up.
but today…i put in a full 12 hours of not sitting down or stopping.
i went for a five mile run.
that is the longest i have ever gone.
i got the house ready to move into…it's ready…every floor mopped, walls washed, bathrooms bleached.
and i got new toilet seats because it just has to happen whenever we move into a house.
you do that too right?
even if they are fine (which they usually aren't) it's just gross…in my opinion.
i came home and we had chicken tacos….aren't crockpots one of the best inventions EVER?!
then craig took the little girls to his moms and i texted at 8:30 "i'm going to bed"
that is unheard of.
i never go to bed before 11.
ever.
and three wake ups later…
that is why i don't go to bed early.
once i wake up i have a really hard time going back to sleep.
so…here i sit at 2 AM with a bowl of cereal and browsing the web for shower curtains.
Do you know that for every one decent looking shower curtain there are at least 247 really ugly ones??
it's true.
so….in a few hours we move to the farmhouse.
i know from all your comments that you are sad that you won't see this house much on the blog anymore.
but you know that's not true.
it will be here for craft weekends and other fun stuff.
don't cry. 🙂
and i think the farm house has lots of great photos, projects and love to come.
in fact…i KNOW it does.
what i have figured out from all of this and from everyone's comments…
1. craig and i are not afraid of change.
2. we love our home but we don't want to love anything so much that we cannot leave it.
3. we love the small town upbringing we were blessed to have and want it for our family too.
4. we love our family….and that family can bond and love and grow stronger anywhere…not just this house.
5. we are very content and at peace with this choice.
and that all feels so good.
it's just a house.
this one or the farm or anywhere….it's just "stuff"
it's a project….the bathrooms…the kitchen….the painting….they are beautiful!
but when it's done i just turn my head and say "what's next?"
i know not everyone feels that way about their home and that is fine too…we can be different.
will i miss my kitchen? my big bathroom? my tall windows?
of course!!! i am human.
but i am choosing in this new season of my life to focus on letting God show me the goodness of my life even without a granite countertop. :)
i am choosing Phillipians 4:8 "whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy; think about these things"
five kids and two houses and two full remodels later…we are tired.
the farm house gives us a mandatory break from remodeling.
we get to use our time to enjoy other things….like…i don't even know what yet?!!
and that is exciting to me.
ok…i am rambling because i am sleepy and wide awake.
bottom line: it's all good baby.
there is nothing fishy….nothing i'm not sharing….nothing wrong…we are just moving to a farm.
it's A.G.
(i ran the same route as i did yesterday and this time had my nike+ in my iPod and yesterday's run was actually 4.5 miles! SWEET! i will take it. 5 miles today, 4.5 yesterday….90.5 to go. YAY for Rockin' the Bod in MARCH!)
time to try to sleep again.
i have a BIG day.
and i saw there are cinnamon rolls AND donuts on my counter….hmmm.
oh my.
Kanekaitlyn - the location offers a wide selection of ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tile and three complete lines of cabinetry with full service and installation on all product. the location has products vary from easy to elegant.
http://www.marbleproducts.net/
jennie - the five things you figured out (especially thing #2) are beautiful. can’t wait to see new pictures from around the new digs!
Tina I - What a great post! Thanks…I needed it. We moved our large family recently, and we always say that it doesn’t matter where the house is, as long as we’re all together.
Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - Hi Meg, love your honest words. Of course you’re going to miss all those fun things about the house you left. But new memories will be made at the farmhouse and new paint will emerge and all your fun craftiness will soon make the new house fabulous. I know that you’re being smart about the STUFF, because it is just stuff. I am relating to some of what you’re writing because we are thinking about downsizing our home in the near future with kids moving out and going to college, etc. and wanting to be more prudent with our finances the Lord blesses us with. Lots of thoughts just like yours go through my head. I love my house, the memories the blood sweat and tears we’ve spent here. But in the end you’re so right, it’s just a house, a building, just stuff. Thanks for your words of encouragement today. God bless you and your family and this move. Keeping you in my prayers.
Christine - Thank you for this post. The words you write “but i am choosing in this new season of my life to focus on letting God show me the goodness of my life even without a granite countertop.” ARE THE EXACT words I needed to hear today. We are house hunting and I’m realizing how bratty and selfish I am, but praying that God will help learn to be content without granite countertops!
Mumma - We just did the same thing. It has been the best decision. 2 months and some change later we have gotten settled in. The house is “done” and now it is time to live life beyond the “call of the house.” You know…the “fix me” “paint me” “clean me” call we always hear.
Now what? I love that question!
Lindsey - Meg, I love this post.
Lisa - First off — no, you’re not alone with the new toilet seats, it’s the first thing I do when moving into a new home. I just wanted to tell you that because of this post, I realize I was given a gift from God. We’ve been renters for the past 6 years. A beautiful house, but I never felt content because it wasn’t MY house. I’ve realized that a house doesn’t define who you are or what kind of memories are made. In fact when you said not having to remodel is a gift – you are so right, this whole time we’ve been exactly where we’re supposed to be — together )
Dawn - We’ve moved a lot. (A LOT!) I may have been attached to the first house, but then I moved on. It’s an adventure! Hope the move went smoothly, I can’t wait to see what you do with this place! Rentals can be good too — when the garbage disposal goes — someone else gets to fix it for a change. 🙂
Tiffany - Btw u are free to share only what u are comfortable with. The nerve of some people. The only constant is change – carry on.
Melanie - I’m confused…why are you moving into a farmhouse, but keeping your other house at the same time? Guess I will go through previous posts and see if I missed something.
Hope you get a good night’s sleep soon…all sounds exhausting!
Meg's Mom - Thanks Meredith – I found it on my own earlier today. Thanks for the tip though! That’s awesome.
Meredith - http://www.stylelist.com/2012/03/03/pinterest-diy-art-crayon_n_1318556.html?ref=stylelist-home
Meredith - Meg’s Mom – It was fairly far down on the front page – far right. If I were more tech savvy I would take a screen shot. The link connects to The Stylist, which I think is a sister site to them. It’s (of course) a stunning picture of the crayon/hairdryer craft. 🙂 I hope that helps!
Rach - Good luck with the move and the new house. I do hate to move but I love the adventure of being in a new space. I have lived in 9 places since I moved to Los Angeles. The house my husband and I just bought is our first and we will be here for a while. While I will miss the adventure of a new place every couple of years, it is nice to be able to make fun changes and renovate and make our house a home. I am sure once it is all done and the way we want it, our eyes will wander and we will search for a new home. Change is fun. I have to agree with you on that one.
Jennifer - I live in the suburbs (city) but teach and my kids go to school in the county next door (in the country). The drive stinks and we’ve been trying to make that move to the country soon- especially since the kids are getting more involved etc. My parents live there too! I LOVE my house but we’re not too afraid of change either. Still kind of dragging our feet for the right time though. Are you worried about keeping up with two houses though?? That stresses me out a bit thinking about it. I don’t think I’d like the feeling of “living” in two houses, but obviously you’ve thought of all this. Just wondering 🙂 Oh, and I think no matter where you are at, it will be homey and beautiful- even without granite.
janel - I for one love to pick up and move. I don’t like the moving part so much, but I love living in a new space. I change the toilet seat too. every time.
What I love about your new space, is how cool and huge it is! When the leaves are on the trees, and everything is green and heavy, it is going to look so awesome. Then when the leaves change… oh my, I cannot wait for that. I think it is an awesome find, one to be enjoyed for a while.
And that is the whole point. Is is just for a while.
Looking forward to the home tour!
kat - Good luck with the move! I think you made the right decision for your family. Change is hard, but it sounds like you’re embracing it head on! Prayers for a smooth transition!
Meg's Mom - Meredith-where was that link on Huffington?
Meredith - Meg – your blog is one of my favorites (I follow it in my reader), and today I saw a link to a story about your blog (your crayon melting art project) from the front page of the Huffington Post! That’s pretty big and I am so excited for you.
jerusalem - i am so proud of ya’ll! this is awesome. we too are trying to move from our city house that we have worked so hard on to a farm house in a smaller community. we will be purchasing that house so I still have some remodeling in my future, but it is smaller than this house and has no closets! oh my. but we both feel that this is best for our little family. so, I feel ya sister. I do. Much love!
Meredith - Meg, it all appears wonderful. Above all it sounds as if you and Craig are energised and enthusiastic about what lies ahead. That’s just wonderful for the whole family. As for missing your house…I think your blog and your home are YOU, not the actual house or the long windows. Your home is wherever you are. So plug the coffee machine in, set up your favourite chippy paint furniture, a world globe or two, the gumball dispenser and you’ll be all set. Hope the move went well. All things are possible with new toilet seats, right? Meredy xo
Christina - New toilet seats = absolute necessity! 🙂
How exciting for you all! I am looking forward to hearing about this new adventure. How cool that you are able to keep the other house for all the things you will do there, and have the closeness to the school/small town life! I think it’s great. I have a hard time moving (even when we have moved in the same town), but your attitude is much healthier! 🙂
P.S. I loved Ding Dongs!!
Kate - I love that I’m not the only one who buys new toilet seats. I think it’s kind of necessary too.
karen - It is just stuff. For me the stuff makes me feel good though. I get happy when i get something that ‘makes my heart sing”. Now you will have new stuff and I can’t wait to see it.
Tanya - live your truth meg. the end.
you go get that farm house and love your family.
i’d like to hug you for some reason ~ hope the move goes well 😀
Katie Beth - I will admit that I kind of felt the same as many about how your current house just looks so great that I was kind of sad for you. Then I realized that is dumb. I love your comment about being at peace and not loving anything so much that you cannot leave it. It is earthly, and you have your memories. This is just a new adventure, and I can totally relate to always looking to the next project. Best of luck to you all!
p.s. I am jealous of the barn for sure.
jennibell - I’m the same way. . .go to bed too early and I’m wide-awake at the strangest hours. Sounds like a big transition in your life…I’m sure you feel blessed that you can make these choices. It will be a busy weekend.
tiffany gardner - ahhh….I just love you! I know this blog world is weird sometimes…. I have never met you or you me but I do! (not in a stalker kind of way.) (in an “I can relate” “mom to mom” friend to friend” kind of way.) Once again…you have reminded me of what is important in this life. Thank you…my fav blog girl!
Stephanie campbell - I love moving. You’re right about the stuff. I sometimes dream about selling all ours and living in an RV, lol. Imagine how easy it would be to clean! You have fun on your new adventure.
Lori Myers - Love this! Love your honesty and your willingness to move on when and where God leads!! You inspire me! Many blessings on your new adventure! All is Grace!
Cindy - Blessings to you and your family as you transition to your new home!
Kristi Rediske - I love the farm house-and I love your house. It doesn’t seem like you are leaving it me since you will still own it and use it-no big deal. I was wondering though-are you getting more furniture for the farm house or moving your furniture from your big house-how are you doing all that? I do have trouble leaving houses. We moved a year ago from a house I loved into a smaller house-it has taken me awhile to really love it-I do now-mainly because we added on a family room-HA! Anyway-glad you are happy.
Kori - My husband and I decided a year and a half ago to move from OC, CA to Spokane, WA. Trying to get the small town feel and life for our son to finish growing up.
The truth? Two out of three of us hate it. My husband isn’t one of those two. 🙁 The adjustment has been more than difficult. Friends are hard to make. There’s truly nothing to do here nine out of twelve months.
I’ve been trying to keep positive, but honestly I don’t know how much longer I can last. I always thought I was able to be a big town girl AND a small town girl…guess not if it means actually *living* in the small town.
Ha. Oh well.
Sorry to vent here, but I was just reading your post and thinking that how you feel is how I wanted to feel and although it hasn’t happened, I wish you and your family the best!
Moving is a ton of work, but very exciting! Make time for treats!! Can’t wait to see what this change holds for your family. 🙂
Eliza - For all who are concerned about not sleeping for 8 hours – aka “through the night”: found this story from BBC’s site – – so all can lighten up about what their own body needs are…
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16964783
Peace to all – blessings on your new house/home.
Terrie G - I’ve been up at 2am a lot in the past few weeks…pain meds & muscle relaxants are helping me sleep through the night until I’m 100%! I hate being up that late for no reason!
Praying that all is going well for you today!
HaPpY Moving & Decorating a New space! That is so much fun!!
Kim - 2 am. Sorry. Never fun. Hope your moving day goes well. It’s cold, rainy and windy here, with ice on the ground. Sounds lovely doesn’t it? Hoping you have better weather.
We moved about a year and a half ago. It was a hard decision, but the best thing we ever did. I can’t wait to see what new opportunities God opens up for you.
sue - I’m sorry but I will miss the granite counter tops and the big bathroom and the long windows. So There!!!! lol
Katherine @ Grass Stains - Meg, you neeeeeeeed this! http://www.momastore.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Color%20Wheel%20Umbrella_10451_10001_66539_-1_26690_26690_66540 Rainbow umbrella from the MoMA store. Oh my heavens … it’s glorious. And I think it would look right at home on the farm. ;_
Juli - Thank you for telling us about My Fitness Pal. Two weeks ago I set myself a modest goal of a pound a week, but I don’t know calorie counts all that well and I really didn’t know what I was doing. This has taken a lot of the guesswork out of things. I am a little shocked to see how quickly it all adds up, but…that’s the point, right?
All the best wishes as you start this new chapter in your lives. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Amy @ www.littleforalittlewhile.blogspot.com - You are a breath of fresh air. Sunny side up. I like and admire that. Good luck today, and enjoy those yummy cinnamon rolls and donuts!!!
Laura Phelps - Oh Meg…if I had a dime for every person that looked at me like I was INSANE when I told them that I moved from big, exciting, LOS ANGELES to little ol’ SANDY HOOK, CT….I would be able to pay my bills and have money to spare!
I agree with you
I understand you
I value my GOD first
then my family
and so long as we are together, the rest will work out
Your house IS beautiful
and I LOVED visiting it
but your house is beautiful because YOU ARE IN IT
Because we have so little money, I have HAD to learn to not place my trust and value in THINGS
And this year I discovered that our lack of finances is a gift
My treasure is not from the things of the world
If my happiness depended on what I owned and how lovely my bathroom was, I would be screwed. SERIOUSLY, screwed.
My sister just said, “If you can’t be happy living in a mud hut, you will never be happy.”
Do I want a prettier house?
Of course!
Would I love to remodel?
Absolutely!
But I can live with out it, too
My family, and my God, however, I can not live with out.
What a beautiful time of year to make this move…
ashes to ashes, baby!!!!!!!!
when it is our time to go home to the Lord, none of our THINGS come with us.
It is all left behind…it is JUST STUFF.
this move is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO AWESOME………………..
All good, is right!
prayers for a smooth transition and oh man, I am really looking forward to your life! Can not wait to see what God has planned!
Tina Jacobsen - Happy Move Day!! What an adventure our lives are when we go for it and follow God!! I think God has alot of great plans for your old house…a place of fellowship and gathering with many people!! And I know he has awesome plans for your new farmhouse, home is where your family is, not in houses or things! Keep following God and your heart!!
Tina
tracey - I totally get what you mean about “just thing”. Anything that can be identified as “it” is not important enought to get attached to. My husband and I were talking about this the other day because there is a possibility of a move in the future. And while I would be sad to leave the family and friends here, the house and the things we would leave behind would be replaced. And it’s all good. Because God’s worrying about it, and prepping the way.
Susan - I know what you mean about the toilet seats! I always change them out and I actually have a friend who replaces entire toilets, but she is a bit extreme and also has deep pockets! Last year when I remodeled my bathroom I looked for months for a shower curtain and once I gave up I walked into Dillard’s and found my dream shower curtain on clearance for under 20.00! I am clueless as to why there are so many ugly ones though!
elizabeth highsmith - the sheer fact you get to say i “the farmhouse” solidifies any doubts that this is Pure wonderful!!! love that attitude and that verse! love this blog!
Amy - What a fun chapter in your lives! So true that stuff is just … stuff. Funny how we let all of that weigh us down. God bless you all as you begin farm life! My husband and I are slightly envious (and living here in Wichita) so no farm in sight – LOL!
MJ - I am with you — a house is just a house. Home is where you live with the ones you love.. We also like to belt out Billy Joel’s song, “Wherever we’re together, that’s my home.”
I am the oldest of nine kids; we grew up in a big old Victorian. When I was 23, there was a big fire in our family’s house; we were all safe, but the house was uninhabitable. For Thanksgiving, we were in a rental. By Christmas, they found a new house, which did not have a kitchen and had none of our cherished decorations. That was the happiest Christmas and that house was ours for the next 32 years. All of our children (26 of them!)came home to that special place.
A year ago my Dad died and my Mom moved to an apartment. Christmas was in a community room at her condo this time and it was happy, too.
Our family motto is “Where thou art, that is home”
Jacci - Megan, Megan, Megan. I KNOW you’re right… you are SO right. It’s just stuff. Years ago, when I was a new wife and relatively obsessed with making a home, a friend of mine (quite a bit older in years) painted all her bedroom furniture black. Not a lot of people were doing that kind of thing then, and I just thought it looked FABULOUS. I told her how much I loved it. I’ll never forget what she said. She looked at me and said, “I’m happy with how it turned out, too, but you know it’s all going to burn.” (2 Peter 3:8-13)
Why am I so dense? My heart still so worldly? (Romans 7:23,24).
It’s just stuff, Megan. You’re right. We’re spending all day (again) working on our torn up house… but, it’s just stuff. Praying to hold it all very, very loosely. To be able to walk away without looking back should the Lord call us to something else. Thanks for the word. I’m appropriately rebuked. And challenged to set my eyes on things above and not on things of THIS WORLD.
Praying for your family today!
maggie - Wow Meg, every time i read your blog i am inspired, what an amazing step of faith. I hadn’t read your blog in a whole week (that’s a long time for me), only to read this post this morning. I love how you express God’s peace. I love your (old)house and am looking forward to your posts in the farmhouse. I would love to live in a farmhouse one day…i have lived my entire life in the city and find myself longing for the peacefulness and simplicity that seems to come with small rural farmhouse life. God bless you and your family on this new journey!
Molly - My husband and I grew up in Iowa and after grad school he took a job in Arizona. After living there a few year we took a lot of time to find the perfect house. After living in our new house a couple months my husband was offered a job back in Iowa. Of course we wanted to move back…but at that time the housing market had crashed. So the kids and I stayed behind to sell the house. After 9 months on the market it finally sold. That time apart really made us realize what is important in a house….the people in it. My husband bought our current house without me ever seeing it in person. By that time we just wanted enough bedrooms, a big yard and a 3 stall garage for all our bikes and junk….and to be together!!! You can always make a house a home if all the people you love are there:)
Kimberlee Jost - This post read like a devotional to me today.
I needed it.
🙂
Emily - Life is a good adventure. If you aren’t afraid to take a chance once in a while. I would LOVE to live in the country. (Says the girl who lives in a postage stamp in a big east coast city.) Best of luck! We can’t wait to see what happens!
Kimberly Dial - I love your attitude and you’re right it’s just stuff (albeit lovely stuff 😉 Have a smooth move! BTW,in regard to your country runs, I live in the country too – in WV – & we have had an increase in the number of coyotes, making walking/running a little scarey, especially alone – do you have all coyotes in Kansas? (I don’t mean to be an alarmist but those things creep me out!)
Kerry Wiebe - Megs, You should have stayed up for another 1 1/2 and then you could have really enjoyed farm life by coming over and helping Dan milk the cows HA HA I’m so excited for ya’ll! Let me know if you need any farm “tips” Love Ya!
Katie - We are selling our house and moving to a different state in a few months. I have peace about leaving but not about the new place. We haven’t found something we like yet. Thanks for the reminder that it doesn’t matter that much as long as we are together.
Curious Details - Adventure is good.
May your family be blessed in your new home!
xoxo
Sabrina - You go girl! It is just stuff. And it’s your life and you can do whatever you want. I love how real deal you are. 🙂
Wendy - You are blessed to have family & friends that rally around you. I envy your life bc of the freedom you have to make the choices you do. Some of us aren’t that lucky.
chris - Good luck Meg , we just moved wednesday and it was so hard , I really don’t like moving , but I am really enjoying getting things in place at our new house , our house was great too but not a reason not to move on , get a fresh start. A house is a house that becomes a home , any house can become a home as long as you have your family there. I would so love a barn that’s awesome.
janet @ ordinary mom - I am like you. I would have no problem moving again if it was best for our family. I love my house but I know I can make a home anywhere as long as we are together.
I am happy that you old house will be still around AND excited to see you move into the new one. Having moved out to the country from suburbia last year, I can relate to the living style and we love it.
Elizabeth Macleod - I love your blog Meg….you are wise beyond your years…and such a good parent…I learn so much from you and I am a lot older than you!!
Maria - I’m glad I wasn’t the only one up…I couldn’t go back to sleep after waking up around 4:30. And that was with crashing around 11:30 or so…ugh.
I have a feeling a catnap will occur this afternoon…
“running” today…ds has a 2K fun run this morning (so its not like I needed the rest, right?)…Waiting to hear if the soccer fields are closed now…have a great weekend!
shannon - You inspire and encourage me! You are a brave woman! And honestly, this post is almost EXACTLY what I needed! We have been struggling with some changes in our family also. I have fought the good fight to stay where we are but I think the finish line of winning is slowly slipping from my grasp!
I cannot wait to see what all you do! Enjoy your day and have fun with your new exciting adventure!
Lori H - Good luck with the move! Can’t wait to follow your adventure 🙂
Sandy - Thanks for being such a positive and faithful person. I woke up at 5:40….I guess that’s sleeping in from my weekday 5:00 alarm. I’ll take a couch nap shortly. 🙂 I hope you were able to go back to sleep. Can’t wait to see all the upcoming changes. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Jack - Good luck with the move. Can’t wait to see the new old house.
Jen@ADropintheBucket - You rock. That’s it. That is all I have to say. My very favorite blog. Your attitude and faith inspire me. Thank you.
And I can’t wait to see what you do with all your time. 😉