Did you ever have a crazy idea, and say to yourself, “Let’s run it up the flagpole and see who salutes?” And then someone did?
Yup, the same thing happened to me. I’m elated and panicked all at the same time…(gulp) let me explain.
For those of you that don’t know, last Fall we bought a house in town just 10 minutes from Mr. CH’s office. I say ‘bought a house’, because there was a house there, that we have since torn down, to build a new one.
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| Back of new house during construction |
The only problem is a timing issue. The house we are building will be ready this summer and my youngest daughter doesn’t graduate from high school until next summer. So why did we buy last Fall knowing the school timing would be off? Because the prices in this neighborhood are going up at an insane rate!
So we discussed buying the house early, knowing it would be ready a year before we would be. Then we would take our time moving in gradually over the course of a year. Not my favorite plan, but one that made sense given the circumstances. We prayed about it, and went forward even though it looked to the world like a dumb thing to do. Then within 6 months of buying the new house, prices in this new neighborhood have gone up more than 10%! That’s nuts!! So needless to say, I’m glad we bought when we did.
Then at some point, I realized that we never asked my daughter what she wanted; we just assumed she wanted to finish school at her current high school. So I asked her if she would be interested in moving this summer before her senior year. It would mean going from a ginormous public school (3200 students) to a small private Christian school (185 students).
I think you see where I am headed. After touring the school, she said, “Sign me up!” So now we are moving this summer. It really is better for the entire family, BUT now I’ve got to get this house ready to sell, pack for the move, and finish making selections for the new house, and did I mention I have a blog to manage? Oh I guess you knew that… Meanwhile, my family ACTUALLY expects me to cook, clean and do laundry. The nerve!
I’m working on deep breathing right now. Oh and I forgot to mention we already have tickets for a trip to Paris in July. Well after a family discussion (and tears on my daughter’s end) we have decided to postpone our European vacation until next summer. I’m disappointed, but relieved. It COULD be done, but while I’m waltzing down the Champs-Élysées, I don’t want to be thinking about how I have stacks and stacks of boxes to unpack when I get home.
I go from being excited about the move to overwhelmed when I open a closet. Did I mention we have been in this house over 20 years? Could you please come hold my hand????
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It seems overwhelming but will all come together. Prayers for you and your family with this new adventure.
Carol
Relax and congratulations! It will all work out. When we put our home on the market two years ago after being there for over 35 years we thought it would take at least a year or more to sell. It sold in three months and boy were we panicked. We had no where to live and our new house wouldn’t be ready for nine long months. We rented a townhouse for those months, and are now living happily ever after in our new home! So, do what you have to do, take one day at a time, and be HAPPY!
Oh I think it is all exciting. Can’t wait to see more of the new house. Hugs, Marty
After just finishing going through with it, I know exactly what you mean. Our house sold in 2 weeks, so we quickly moved into a rental home while searching for a new home to buy. We actually packed, unpack 2 times within 7 months…crazy!
You are going to be busy, but it will all be worth it in the end.
Oh my goodness! We’ve been in our house 23 years and I can hardly imagine the task of packing and moving! So happy your daughter is all on board with going to the new school. Happy packing, and just think of the incentive you have – that great trip to Paris!! Yea!
Your daughter is a brave girl to leave behind what she knows for her senior year to head into the unknown. Maybe that’s confidence and not bravery? Whatever it is I hope she has the best school year ever.
The other house stuff will all work out.
Bliss
Well, if I lived closer I would bring you coffee, muffins AND help you pack. I’m a pro at it after having done it about 20 times! I am so happy for you- Your daughter sounds like a wonderful girl and looking forward to an adventure of her own- xo Diana
Are you the type of person who likes lists? If I write it down, I seem to relax knowing the plans are there and I can just pick away at my list/lists a bit every day. When I am feeling overwhelmed, I say to myself,”Just do the next thing”. It helps to focus on the next thing rather than the overall picture at times like that. I hope you know we all can empathize with you and the panic you feel when life is in upheaval. Holly
I feel your pain. We have moved many times in our almost thirty-one years of marriage and it doesn’t get easier! Just know there will be a light at the end of the tunnel and think of the fun you will have as you decorate your new home and convert it with love for the whole family!
I have faith that you will pull it off with no problem. Good luck with everything. Can’t wait to see the new house.
Cynthia
I wish to compliment your daughter on her mature sense of adventure!
With your faith and confidence, I am certain you will succeed! We will all be “here” for cheer and support!
Congratulations on your lovely new home!
~withLove.
I’m excited for you! How wonderful that it is all coming together. It will be hard to put off Paris for a year, but I think you made the right decision for your family. Happy packing!!
What an adventurous daughter! I applaud her willingness to change schools her senior year. As for her mom, I’ve no doubts that you can handle this move, along with with all the other aspects of your busy life and do it with grace and calm. Exciting times for your family! ‘-)
Exciting! And I wish we could all drop by to help you pack up…
-Revi
Anita, you know that I know EXACTLY how you are feeling right now. I wish I could do more than hold your hand, I would come HELP YOU PACK if I could!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My best friend helped me and I could not have done it without her!!!!!! She is an organizing genius who kept me going. If you want me to give you any ideas or suggestions, please just ask. It seems overwhelming at first but once you start, it gets alot easier. It is the last minute stuff that is a PIA….for example, all the CRAP in the garage:):) We actualy threw alot of it out. God knows why we were saving it. We were in our house almost 29 years, so I know what you mean. Now we are having to put it BACK on the market. The “stager” comes Monday……. XO, Pinky
I’m far from home this weekend helping my son and DIL unpack after their cross country move (with two wee boys AND they are expecting twins!) This is the son who changed schools for a move in graduation year. Your daughter will be a more resilient person for the change – indeed, she must be that way already. Don’t fret – your packing and move will go well and a year from now you’ll be planning what to take to Europe!
Wow – excitng times for you and your family! I know it can seem overwhelming, but it seems like you’ve made some good choices together. It must’ve been really hard to postpone the Paris trip. (I’d be happy to fill in for you should you decide not to go after you move, lol.) We will all look forward to seeing how things progress for you. Deep breaths? Good idea! That, and prayer, will get your through.
REsa ~ Pitcher and Plate
Oh gosh, Anita! Very exciting, but of course understandably stressful too. Try and focus on what you can do each day and not be overwhelmed by the “big picture”. I will pray for you and your family for strength, energy, clarity of thought, a buyer for your current place, and maybe a little bit of rest thrown in there? haha
Hand holding from Colorado-
Jeanette @ Creating a Life
Anita, thanks again for talking to me about your H home. We purchased a home last week closer to our kids and will be closing next month. Wishing you all the luck in the sell of your beautiful home and your new adventure!
Just remember to take 10 mins before you start the day and 10 minutes at the end-time just for yourself to pray, breath, make lists,
whatever ever works for you to get through this move. I found just walking away (literally) for a centering moment saved blistering remarks from coming from my lips. 😉 Everyone around me learned if I walked away down the street, leave me be…safer for everyone. 😉
I wish I could help you pack {virtually}. Best of luck!
Oh, I so feel your pain! When we moved out to Texas 3 years ago, hubbie and I lived in his parents house. I had only lived there a few years but hubs for about 10 years. We started packing in March for an August move. I hope not to have to move again for awhile! Hugs Carol
You do have a lot on your plate! I’ll enjoy seeing the packing process.. the moving and the feathering your new nest. I am so happy for your but do not envy you having to pack up 20 years of living!
I’m exhausted just thinking about all this! I’m going to be packing too and moving by 6/30. I’m excited ~ so ready to be away from the problems upstairs but nervous about just where I’ll land. I have begun to sort, donate and toss…just have a lot more to do. I don’t envy you the 20 yrs of stuff!
Somehow, it will all work out though. God has the Master Plan ~ we just need to remember that!
Your daughter is quite a young lady to choose the unfamiliar for her Senior year. Kudos to her! I also realize her disappointment about the trip, however, I just really feel that next year will be so much more relaxing and enjoyable for all of you.
xo
Pat
Oh my goodness Anita! You do have a lot on your plate. How exciting though to have a brand new home. Lots of work ahead but we’ll all look forward to seeing how you put it all together. Blessings, Patti
So many changes going on in your life right now, friend! You have much to be thankful for…like having a flexible daughter for one! Your house is going to sell so quickly, I just know it. And even though you have to postpone your trip to Paris, I bet you’ll be able to enjoy it more next year when there is so much less on your plate. Who knows, maybe the Lord’s divine timing is not in favor of the trip this summer. Keep us posted on everything. 🙂
XOXO,
Meredith
Oh, Anita … I wish you all the best. Moving is a beast, and when we moved into our home almost 24 years ago, I told The Man, that’s it. There are times I’d like to move, and we’ve talked about it, and we may one day do it, but, at this moment, I simply can’t imagine it. Such a stressful, back-breaking ordeal.
Prayers going up for you.
Anita,
There, there, now dear friend.
Jesus and I are holding your hand…along with your other blogging Sisters. It’ll get done. Trust. Deep breaths…and pack one closet at a time, one room at a time…stay focused and make~ahead and freeze, crock pot and take~out dinners are on your menu for the next few months!!!Have you checked local listings for a laundress in your area??? Try to delegate and eliminate some of those chores you know you can’t get to by yourself!!!
Keep Calm…and Carry On!!!
Fondly,
Pat