For the past few weeks, it has been a little bit hard for me to know what to write here on the blog because there have been big things happening in our real life and we decided to keep it off of my blog and social media until the time was right. Of course, our family and friends have known, but I wanted to let my blog friends, many of who have been with me for over a decade, know our news…
We sold our house and we’re moving back to the east coast this summer!
The decision was bitter-sweet because we love where we live. We love Rochester, Minnesota, we love our church and community, Jeff loves his job and we love our house. So, why are we moving when we are very happy where we are? Typically a move is caused by a nudge that says it’s time to move on. Something is completed or there is a desire for change. In this case, we’re not being nudged, but rather pulled.
For the past year or so, Jeff and I have wondered how long we would live in Minnesota, which is a 17-20 hour drive to our closest family. We felt like we would eventually move closer to them, but the timing had to be right. Of course, we were considering where our boys were in school, the age and health of our parents, and other factors related to work. We felt like we could stay here until our boys graduate high school or we might feel prompted to make a move sooner. We just didn’t know, so we waited.
In January, Jeff and I both had the sense that this was the summer to move. We have only seen our parents once in the past year and that’s just not enough. We want to be available to help them when they need it and we want the boys to create great memories with their grandparents. We prayed about it and sought counsel before we made the decision in early March that we would get our house ready to sell and move this summer. We listed our house a couple of weeks ago on a Friday, had a busy weekend of showings, and signed a contract on a Monday. With the inspection behind us, the house is officially under contract and is sporting a sold sign.
And now the real craziness begins!
The beach trip was at a terrible and perfect time. Between getting out of the house for showings, packing for the beach, getting normal work done, and keeping the house spotless for the inspection, we were totally exhausted. Soaking up the sand and surf, quietly reading books, collecting shells (that I now have to move), putting together puzzles, and playing games were exactly what we needed. But, it was also not what we needed because there is a mountain of work to be done. Packing, selling things, arranging a move and storage. It’s a lot!
So, I bet you’re wondering where we’re moving. Well, we don’t know, yet! We are looking in a general geographic area, but we don’t know specifically. We trust that will become clear in the next few weeks.
Our moves are always nailbiters. (You can read the amazing story about our move to Minnesota HERE.) Twice before, we sold our home while Jeff applied for jobs and just trusted that the timing would work out. When leaving a position as a pastoral staff member at a church, it’s not like leaving a job where you’d quietly conduct a job search and then give two weeks’ notice. The church is Jeff’s job, but it’s also a ministry, and the staff and members are our friends and church family. It is so important to us that we “finish well.” So they were and are a part of the process and we’re thankful for their prayers and counsel. We’re taking a big step of faith and it’s comforting to do it with friends and family supporting us.
While the destination isn’t clear, we know it’s the right move at the right time. We’re taking a step of certainty into an uncertain future. But, I suppose the future is always uncertain. I am eager to know where we’ll land, though, so I can start looking for our next house. I am hoping with all hopes that I can find a great old house or at least one with good bones that needs some cosmetic work. We absolutely love our current home, but I am really ready to gut a kitchen!
So, this is what all of my tidying and refreshing and simplifying has been about. I have been taking pictures along the way, so I will back up a bit in future posts and share more of the process of preparing our home to sell. This is also why I never finished the family room makeover. (And also why I replaced the deer head with a pond yacht!) I wish I could’ve finished that makeover, but it seemed wiser to not go all in and paint the wet bar, trim, and doors blue! My house was already pretty style specific, as you know! Other than the basement, I do feel an overall sense of completion in this home and I’m ready for a new challenge.
We’re going to lighten the load quite a bit for our move, so I’ll be getting ready for a yard sale, will sell some things to a local consignment shop and on Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist, and I’ll be selling some shippable antiques online. I’ll share more details once I start getting things packed and organized.
I have to say, it’s a huge relief to share this news here on the blog and to be able to talk openly about what I’m working on and why I’m working on it. I also know many of you pray for our family and it’s nice to know people will be praying specifically for our next church, community, and home. I will definitely share more as everything unfolds.
For now, I need to make lists and get the bubble wrap ready…
Why do I think you would love New England and, specifically, Connecticut? The church at the top of my street is across from a lake and every day at noon and six, we hear the carillons playing. And art abounds!
Trudy, that sounds just like the small town I live in, which is Almonte, Ontario, Canada.
Wishing you and your family all the best as you begin this exciting new adventure.
Kim I live in Almonte, Ontario too!
Hi Marian, we recently moved to Ohio from 30 years in Southern Maryland (the western peninsula). Moving is hard work and after 18 months I am still at work putting this historic home together. Moving is a double edged sword for sure but there are so many great reasons to make the choice.
The best reason is to be close to family and that was our reason.
All the best to you guys and the boys and I know your parents will be so thrilled to have you nearby again!
Marian, this is so so exciting! I’m a weird person in that I love to move! I will pray that our good Lord will delight you in a specific way and give you an old house this time! I know that he will put you where he needs and wants you… You all are his instruments and you are in perfect, sovereign, righteous hands! I pray you come to Virginia ha ha Ha…
sounds heavenly!!!
I know this is a relief to be able to share. We would love to have you in SC! Wherever you land no doubt you will make it a Welcoming place!
I wish you and your family a smooth transition.??
We sold our CA house two weeks ago and bought a house in WI last week. We are moving to be near our youngest grandchildren. My husband retired in December so the time felt right to move and God has gone before us with His perfect timing and blessed us immensely. I pray the same for you and your family!
Best of luck, Lynn, on your move to Wisconsin. It is a beautiful state with various geographic areas that are fun to visit. You will love it here! I know, I have lived in Wisconsin all my life! P.S. You are going to love being by your grandchildren!!!
I second the welcome to Wisconsin. I am blessed to have most of my family close by. I have a grand-daughter almost three years old. I retired to do Grandpa Daycare since she was 12 weeks old. I miss her if I don’t see her for two days. I. Have lived in or near Madison for 60+years and feel so lucky to be here.
All the best to you and your family. We also made a move and it felt right and turned out to be one of the best decisions ever. You truly are an inspiration and will land exactly where God wants you!
WOW!!! That’s BIG news!! I can understand it completely, in this day and age, it is more important than ever to be near family. It also sounds exciting to me, because I’m one of those who think that moving to a new house is fun. I’m sure God’s got the perfect opportunity waiting for you, and I hope that everything goes as smoothly as possible in the next little while.
That is big news, but if I was honest, not shocking.. I’ve been around since the beginning and I know how close you are with your parents… I imagine it was hard to be so far away. The East Coast will welcome you back with open arms and I look forward to following your adventures… 🙂
A new adventure awaits…maybe in Charlottesville? My husband, daughter and I are all UVa grads. Beautiful country, tons of cultural options and old farmhouses!
Congratulations, although I am only 8 hours North of you I am so Jealous that your snow is gone and we still have mountains. It will be fun to watch you find another house, and start over. I can say I am not surprised that you are moving. In your old town, your dad did picking up, and your mom helped with so much, I always thought that it was sad you moved so far from them. I am sure you will all be happier closer together again.
Take Care
hello. you must be up around international falls, mn /fort frances, ontario /canada area beautiful country. enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.
Yes, just east of Fort Frances, 4 hours in Thunder Bay, ON Canada, we are right on Lake Superior. I can see it from my door.
Best of luck on your next chapter ❤️
Speechless but not surprised!!!
This is so exciting. God will definitely guide you along the way. As my mother grows older each year (83), I see the changes that come with age. I’m glad to be near her and try to do as much as I can for her. I understand completely your desire to move closer to them. You have plenty experience and are so organized, it will all go well.
Oh, my, that is big news! I’m happy you will be close to your families again. That’s so important. I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts!
I know that listening to the Lord’s direction at times can be so hard to trust and put faith that in His time he will reveal where He is leading but it is the BEST way to be! I admire you and your family for that.
I have been a long, long time follower but never commented. This home is my absolute fave and I wished I could pick it up and move it to Oklahoma. All my faves blue and white, the green touches, furniture, murals, on and on. I cannot wait to see what you do next!
Praying for all of you as you embark on this new journey. Being near family is the absolute best and if the last two years has taught us anything at all that being near those we love is so important. Blessings!
Good for you and your husband making this decision! My husband is a retired 20 yr US Army Chaplain…..in 50 yrs we’ve made two dozen moves! To tell you the truth I love moving……I can purge with the best and enjoy decorating. Our last move was to be closer to one of our adult children and their family. Believe you’ve made the best decision ever. Many, many prayers being lifted for this new decision and journey.
Like I always say: “There is a fine line between a rut and a groove.”
Kathy: Love that!!
“There is a fine line between a rut and a groove.”
I believe the quote is “it’s a fine line between a rut and a grave. “
So excited for you and your family, including extended family who this will impact in such a good way. Will pray that the Lord directs each of your steps and makes the path clear to your next home/church home. Blessings along the way!
Congrats! You will find the right home and the right location for you and your family Prayers for all of you~~
As someone who has moved 10 times including to a different country…my heart is with you..
all my moves eventually settled in a good place for me….I too loved decorating and redecorating each time.
I am sure you will find the right landing place for you all. As a grandparent, it is truly wonderful to see you both including your parents in your decision. What a wonderful adventure for you
Well if you want to get into a bed and breakfast, there’s a gorgeous one near me in a big stone farmhouse for sale. And not far from Lucketts.
How exciting!
I know you will enjoy the journey, and I will enjoy the follow. Prayers and best wishes.
The Northern Shenandoah Valley is gorgeous! We live out in the country near Winchester. Lots of history!
Rochester will miss you and your family, but I do understand the pull towards family.
We so appreciate that you chose our town to settle into, if only for awhile, and I wish you a future filled with wonderful family memories.
Congratulations ?, moving is hard but when God opens all the right doors you know it’s His plan. Good luck and it’s wonderful you will be by your family, that’s a true blessing.
Congratulations! I’m excited to watch you make another house your home!
Oh, wow! This is exciting news. You are hereby discharged from the duty of a Selbu mitten tutorial I’d asked you for in an email. Lol!!! You’ll be busy! Wishing you and yours happiness in this new endeavor!
Great news to hear you are moving closer to your families. Great decision before the kids get any older. Can’t wait to see your new home. Good Luck and prayers to your whole family!!
While I am happy for you and your family, I’m sad that now I will never run into you somewhere in Rochester! 🙂 God’s blessings to you, and I look forward to posts about your future home.
I’m one of those that has been around here for many years. I loved your old house in PA and I remember when you finally thought about growing green things outside. I’m an avid gardener and we communicated a few times back then. I was able to share some advise and give you some suggestions. You’ve come a very long way in that regard! 🙂
I’m very excited for you and your family to be moving back to be close to family and create loving memories. Happy trails!
I can’t imagine putting so much into a house and then leaving it, but I sure understand needing to be close to family- I’ve never lived more than an hour from mine. My husband, Dad and I have been restoring my own house for over 20 years. When my Dad had his strokes- work came to a screeching halt, and we have focused on him and his stroke related dementia (he is only 73). Family is more important especially as parents age. We are back to getting projects done on our house little by little. My Dad was the skill behind our labors… I’m so excited to see your next home and know it will be beautiful and cozy when you get your hand son it. I admire your bravery at picking up so quickly- I suppose being a military family you got used to that when younger. GOOD LUCK on your house search!
So very excited for you! It will be nice to be closer to parents for sure. Can’t wait to see your next home. ???
Wow! You are leaving a pretty awesome spot but wish you happiness wherever you are.
My father was a minister. I found it very hard to leave my friends when it was time to move especially trying to fit in as a young teen.
All the best to you,
Wow, that is big news! Of course your home would sell very quickly; hope you are leaving a signed copy of Feels Like Home behind (but your buyer likely has a copy). I did recently wonder what would be next re home projects because it did seem like you were almost completely done (and had wondered about the progress of the basement). Best of luck finding your new home; we will all be interested in your new projects.
Not surprised ! You are so considerate to even think to help your parents as they advance in age. I will certainly miss this house and so glad I have your book to refer to. Everybody who has not purchased your book “Feels Like Home” should buy it now! Looking forward to your moving process tips yet another time and especially looking forward to your “new” home and projects ! Wishing you much luck in your home search !
I am going to miss you and our antiquing trips, but as a mom with kids far from me, I know how difficult it is to not be near our kids. I am so happy for your parents, you, and the boys. You will always have a place to stay if you happen to be in Rochester.
I know this sounds silly, but I felt closer to you knowing you live in Minnesota, too.
I admire your ability to zig and zag when you have to.
I’ll keep a good thought for you and your family in this journey.❣️
So exciting for you and your family! Prayers for you in this next season!
Excited for your next adventure! We, too, made the decision to move closer to family, even though we loved where we lived at the time. It has been a decision we have never regretted. Enjoy these next weeks and months preparing for what the future holds! We are now parents of adult children, and I know your parents will love having you closer. And I’m excited to see what comes next for you. I’ve followed you for years, and am always inspired!
That is exciting, wishing you the best. If you come back to PA I could see you in the Lancaster, Bucks county area, so many beautiful old home and barns. I just visited an old barn that was turned into a house.
A new adventure is probably just what you all need! Good luck with finding that special home!
Congrats! Excited to see what is in store for you and your family 🙂
Good for you and your family. Am sure will all fall into place. Plus gonna get those creative wonderful powers of you going again. We your loyal followers look forward to all of it! Wish could see your sale things at yard sale..But am sure what you keep or get will be fantastic. Hope job and move and boys schools, get resolved fast. And bet your family is over the moon to have you closer! Blessings to you and yours! Oh another book…ok I am rambling!
Wow! We, your readers, are looking forward to reading along as you begin this next chapter!
I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you!! I am I excited to see the next house and how you make it your own! 🙂
How exciting! I’ve loved watching you make your house your own, and I will miss it a lot, especially your art studio! But at the same time I’m excited to see where you land next! Someone got an absolutely gorgeous home! And it’s really neat that you have a fabulous “album” of photos of this home in your new book.
We moved closer to our daughters and grandkids almost 3 years ago now and have NO regrets. Praying that the Lord paves the way and that your move goes as quickly as possible. I hate moving OUT, but moving IN is so fun and inspiring.
We just took a similar leap of faith and are buying a 300 year old house on the south shore of Boston Massachusetts. It’s a darling town that feels like the quaint fishing village of Nantucket (where I’m from). The house will need some work, but it’s loaded with charm and since I’m coming from a new build, I’m excited to dig into it!
Join us in Duxbury! We are even part of a church plant locally. ????
Blessings to you on your new adventure! Know that you are in good company as I am packing up my collections and memories as well. ?
I would love to! New England just might be my home someday, but it’s still too far away from our parents for right now. We’ll be looking further south.
How wonderful & exciting for you & the families! And an anxious time also with all the uncertainties involved! But you & Jeff have your priorities in the right order – when you leave all of life’s big (& small) issues in God’s loving & capable hands, it always works out much better than our best laid plans?. Prayers for you all, especially during this busy season of life!
Marion , what absolutely exciting news! No question that this adventure will be as blessed as the others.
Having lived with COVID and distance from family
(Although I’m Grandma),
I too am seriously considering moving nearby my children and grandson.
This is so very exciting, a new adventure! I can’t wait to see where you land and the wonderful new memories you all will make.
Bon Voyage….Everything you seem to touch turns to gold.
You are now on my prayer list and know God has everything lined up in perfect order for you and your families move. I can only imagine how happy your parents are to have you closer again.
also, selfishly, I’m hope that as part of the move you will be taking on the Lucketts Spring Market. It hasn’t been the same without you. 🙂
I won your giveaway for VIP passes to Lucketts back when you still lived in PA. I enjoyed chatting with you and always thought of you as an East Coast girl! There is something special about being closer to the ocean, too. We know you will land somewhere special and excited to follow along as you make your new house a home. Best wishes from beautiful Bucks County, PA. Hint. Hint.
Yay. This is so exciting. You will never regret being closer to family. Prayers that it all goes smoothly.
I have followed your posts for YEARS. Almost since the very beginning. I have loved seeing your business evolve over all this time. So I can’t wait to see where ‘we’ end up. And the thought of another house getting the MMS treatment is thrilling. Looking forward to this next chapter. Gods blessings that it all works out. ❌⭕️❌⭕️
All the right reasons my friend! Kim must be thrilled! Prayers for an easy move!
I am 🙂
How exciting!! Life goes by way too fast to put your priorities on the back burner! To be close to your family is the best gift you can give them and yourself. Hope you get your wish to find a historic home to put your stamp on. Can’t wait to see and follow along. I, myself live in a stone house built in 1863 and love your decor choices so I’m secretly wishing and hoping you choose an old home! Good luck with the move and house hunt!!
Congrats on the exciting news. Selfishly, now we’ll get to see another house renovation, which is always fun.
Mulch is ordered.
Wow! That was big news! I wish you all the best and will be praying for you!
you’re right, you have praying friends here! i use your web site frequently, for resources, information, visual entertainment and overall just as i would a good friend who generously shares her gifted self with me! i hope all goes smoothly but am looking forward to reading about the twists and turns in this new development in your life!
Congratulations on the big news. Sorry to hear you are leaving MN though. Looking forward to hearing where you will land and see your renovation to make the home “yours”.
What exciting news! I’m not surprised you sold your house so quickly, I would have snapped it up in a heartbeat. I am hoping you move to Raleigh! I think you mentioned one time, that Jeff’s parents live in Raleigh. North Carolina is so beautiful and has so much to offer.
My hubby and I moved from California, 7 years ago, when our daughter told us that she and her husband were expecting our first grandchild. We have never regretted our decision. Being close to family, especially as you get older is more important than anything.
I am glad, It has been a thought in the back of my mind about your folks, and knowing how close you are to them in spirit.
Your whole family will benefit from this.
And, we will get to see you do your magic on another home.
I know your families are excited and happy about this.
Praying for many blessings on your journey.
So happy you shared your news with us. Northern Alabama (I’m in Huntsville, Alabama) is beautiful! Rolling hills and mild-ish climate. Would love to have you discover this beautiful area. Please explore before you make a choice! You just might be very surprised. But no matter where you land, I am so excited about watching you “DO” another home!
Family is important. We moved last summer to live next door to one of our two children. We didn’t want to be a burden to them as we got older being 1,000 miles away. Now we live next door. It’s probably a different kind of burden but hopefully a blessing too.
So happy that you will be back closer to your family. The Antiquing is better in that part of the country too.
God has a plan and I know that everything will work out. Our parents are so important to spend time with. My grandparents on both sides died when I was 10 or 11 and I always wished I could have known them for longer. I will be praying and getting a little excited for you.
I always wondered about the distance between you and your family. We both lived in Virginia and I met you in Lucketts to buy One of your many dining room sets you have had over the years.. and was with you in Raleigh in a group flea marketing. Well, the dining room set moved with me to Colorado and I can’t quite explain the join of living near my daughter….but you understand that! Best of everything in your move to a new home and to a new adventure.
I’m so happy for you! Decisions made, house sold and now for placement! Let me recommend NC! It has mountains and seashore. You’ve been here so you know.
You will be lead to a perfect place for you and your family. Wishing you Godspeed as you get ready.
Now for the grunt work!!!
All the best to you!
So thrilled you will be coming back East. Hope you will decide to locate in SC. Being near parents is so important. As they age, they will need your help. Welcome home to wherever you land.
Will be praying that God makes your way clear and you have a safe journey when you move.
I know your parents are excited to have you closer to them. My husband and I are the older parents and we love having family around.
Praying for you and your family, that God has His perfect location, church, and home established for you. Moving from Point A to Point B is easy. Trusting Him to direct your steps to discover where Point B is located will exercise your already strong faith. Wherever you go, you know that He will bless everything you put your hand to. I am writing this prayer request move for you in my prayer journal this evening, and will be keeping you in my prayers. Blessings upon Blessings to each of you.
I am so happy that you and your family will be closer to your parents. I will be praying for you.
I am sad. Not for you but for me. I live in Minnesota and I always thought we would meet at Orinoco, become best friends and you would redo my house. 🙂 I am also sad that MN is losing such a great artist and spokesperson. Good luck to you and your family. I will continue to follow you no matter where life takes you. You are a true inspiration.
Sending prayers of good fortune and happiness as you make your next life move! And welcome back to the East Coast, from a Massachusetts gal!
Congratulations on your new adventures. May God continue to lead you toward the perfect church community and life. I pray that all will fall into place for you and your family.
good luck in your move, i’m sure you will find a great place for Jeff to work, and a new/old home
to make your own, can’t wait to see where you land.
Adventures are are coming to you and your family, thanks for sharing your news. It really warms my heart that you, your husband and boys will be moving to be close to family members. As a older adult turning 80 this month, I know your family must be so excited that you are moving somewhat closer to them. Wishing you all the very best, sending prayers.
We moved this summer from beautiful Colorado ( where I met you in Monument ) to north Texas to be close to our daughter and her family. I love the mountains, but they don’t love me back- but my grandchildren do ! I understand feeling compelled to move.
I wish I lived closer to you because I know you will bless many people with your beautiful treasures as you get ready to move. And I’ll remember you in prayers as you stay open to where you will land. Remind us again Marion how many years you’ve been in Minnesota ? It seems like yesterday when you moved !
Big news is right! We shouldn’t be surprised, because you are always doing amazing things. I have been following daily for many, many years, since near the beginning, and have loved and been inspired with each step of your journey. You have a close family and it is wonderful that you can make this big move to be together more. It is very special that you are doing this. Our children and grandchildren live very far from us and we miss so much. Maybe you and your family will do a video Christmas song together like you used to. I loved those! We look forward to your next adventure with remodeling your next home and all your artistic endeavors. We know God will direct your path and unfold the perfect place; even if at the moment it is “the secret place of the most High”. Lots of love to you and your family,
Covid has taught us so much – for me family and friends are so important. Love you listened to your hearts and God. Good luck with your new adventures and will enjoy being on the sideline.
So excited for you all. I love being by my children. We live right next door and couldn’t be happier. During Covid and retired right before, it has been our joy to be an important part of their lives.
Congrats!!! Book number 3 will be on it’s way I’m sure. Good for you. So glad you’re moving closer to home although us in the midwest will miss having you so close.
Wow!! This is exciting news! I’ll be following along to see where you end up. Glad you’ll be close to family. Best of luck with the packing. You’ll rock it.
I hope you end up with the old home of your dreams…and that we get to follow your journey through another beautiful makeover! Thanks for sharing so much that inspires us.
May the Lord lead and guide your family as you take this next step.
How exciting! Prayers for you and your family as you begin this new adventure! God will provide every step of the way! Isaiah 55:8,9
You will never regret moving near family. I will be praying for just the right job for your husband and city for your family to settle. We have done this is the past and it was such a good decision.
Congratulations Marian! If God planted the seed and you and Jeff agreed on His timing, all will be well. Lucky lucky homebuyers to purchase your gorgeous home! I can see how moving will be bittersweet but how wonderful to have the support of your current church family. Wishing you all the best in your journey to your new home. You’ll never regret being closer to family. ❤️❤️
Hi Marian,
I am so happy for you and your family…every single one of them. I am a wee bit envious as I still long for my home in Minnesota…Colorado is incredible..but there is no place like home..even after nearly 5 years here. Tapping my heels 🙂 I can’t wait to cheer you on as your search begins and the universe steers you closer to home.
Be well,
Cynthia
Wow that is exciting news! We’re in the process of selling our Cape Cod home, perhaps that would be close to your family? Please let us know more about what and where you’re looking. In the meantime, I know what you’re going through, good luck!
I have been a fan since the very beginning & I look forward to another chapter in your life, career & family. Your work is an inspiration always & has informed the house we bought 7 years ago when we moved from the West Coast to Georgia to be near our grands, the best move we’ve ever made. Our girls & their families are a daily joy to us & we are lucky they both live in Atlanta! Your parents will so appreciate your move & the increased opportunity to be with y’all! Blessings & prayers to you on this big move!
WOW!!!! My first thought…..What a lucky buyer!!!! I understand your reasons but you can finally sit back and enjoy all the fruits of your labors. Of course, you probably were getting a little bored and itchy to dig in again!
My guess is you will you be getting that old farmhouse. Yay!! for us to follow along!!!! This is exciting news and I am so very happy for you. You deserve it all. And I bet your parents are thrilled….it is the right thing to do. Can’t wait to see it unfold!!!! God Bless!!!
I’m thrilled for you, your family and especially for your parents. It’s SO HARD to have children living away!
It’s been fun tagging along as you have put your mark on this house. I really really hope you will find the farm house you’ve been dreaming of for your next project!
Congratulations!
Darn! Selfish of me, I know, but I’ve been waiting for the family room reveal! Good luck with the move and thanks for your wonderful stories.
We are in the Raleigh NC area and plan to put our house on the market in a month or two. The market here is super hot but if youre interested, let me know!
Congratulations on the things God has for you next. I hear ya on the moving of seashells. We live in Iowa, not far from Rochester, and bring home way too many shells every time we see the ocean. We recently packed them up for a temporary storage unit and my husband realized he was not happy with how many shells we have. Ha ha!
What exciting news! It will be a blessing to be closer to family. I’d vote for looking at the Shenandoah Valley area in Virginia. Beautiful country, smaller cities, and enough Vintage to go around! Vintage in the Valley, The Barn at Creekside, Virginia Found Goods, Violets Vintage Market, and so many more. Plus Lucketts is a quick drive away, and the new spring and fall market locations are even closer. Add the bonus of many older homes that would be the perfect canvas for your talents.
You and The Nester both moving! What a wealth of transformation photos for your followers to look forward to!!!
Marion, I know you and Jeff will find the perfect place. Put it all in God’s hands (as you are) and everything will work out for the best. You are making the right decision to move to be near family. As you said, it will be lots of work, but well worth it. God Bless You.
Marion, I’ve followed you for years. You left PA about the time we moved to central PA and I was so disappointed that I had missed an opportunity to possibly connect with you. We moved from KY to be near the grandkids so I certainly understand your desire to be closer to family. Wishing you the very best in your move and looking forward to hearing where you end up. Who knows, maybe you will be back near us! Praying for wisdom for you and Jeff as you make decisions.
Home is, where the heart is; so happy for you that you are ‘going home’
I love, love, love you present house and what you’ve done with it. I look forward to seeing what you do with your next home. Moving is hard work and exhausting and it takes time to make the new home, home. My prayers go with you. I pray you get an old home that’s in good condition. I will miss your current laundry room – I just love how charming it is – and your studio. But I now that whatever house you end up in you will make it as beautiful or more so as the one you just sold. God bless you and your family!
Please come to Northern Virginia so you can do Lucketts again and so we can be best friends. 😉
I am so excited for you and your family! I can tell you as a grandparent myself that your parents’ are going to be so happy to have you all closer. God’s richest blessings as you find your next home. I can hardly wait to follow along as you decorate another home:)
Pennsylvania is here waiting for you. Congratulations on your exciting new chapter.
This is exciting. It will be great to have you back on the East Coast. I still visit your “honey holes” that you left back here.
It will be amazing for your parents and your sons to be together. That is certainly a special bond.
I truly understand the sensitivity of ministry “jobs” and how they are woven into our being. It’s hard to leave those who have become our family.
I know God will provide ALL that you need.
God bless you for your faithfulness!
PS If there is anything I can help you with on this side of the country, let me know. ?
I live in Owatonna and would love to know when you are ready to sell items!
Twice I have happily made the drive to your home in PA to pick up furniture (the beautiful antique hutch and round upholstered ottoman) I think Maryland would be a great place to live 🙂
Congratulations! I will miss catching a glimpse of you at GoldRush, I just get giddy when I have a ‘celebrity sighting’!!! I always enjoy your recap of the flea market.
Bless you and your family, I am so happy you are able to follow your heart….
Good for you following your heart for your future. I’m happy you didn’t say west coast as a destination. I live in Solana Beach, California and we are sadly in a mess here. Drugs, homeless, failed leadership. The weather is still lovely but that is about all. God bless you and your family and just let Him lead you!
Best things out where we live now is family is within 21/2 hours of all our kids. We love it after years of military and missionary moves. Know your parents will be thrilled!!!
That’s such exciting news! Just getting around to reading about you update!
Come on over to Long Island, our church even has a position we’re hiring for for Jeff! Located in the picturesque town of Oyster Bay!
Praying you will finish well and find a new place to call home soon!
We live across the street from 3 of our 10 grandchildren, and we love it.
I’m late to this post, but nevertheless, this is exciting news! My husband and I and our three kids moved from Pittsburgh, PA to Charleston, SC five years ago in order to be closer to family. I think people thought we were a little crazy to move just because it was for family. It wasn’t a job transfer. In fact my husband, who is a private guitar instructor, had to rebuild his studant base from zero moving here (he retained a handful of students from Pittsburgh) But the Lord met our needs even though we didnt have some rock solid plan! And as much as I still miss Pittsburgh and our friends and church family there, I am glad we are closer to family. Our parents won’t be with us forever and what a blessing it can be to have our children know their them. I know I was grateful to know mine as long as I did. All the best to you in the moving process. Can’t wait to hear where you settle!
I just saw your post about the big move and wish you all the best Marian! It will be so nice moving back East, closer to your family, which will allow your children to spend more time with them. I enjoyed following along on your PA to MN move and seeing all the changes that you did to this home and will look forward to seeing what you accomplish in the new one! Prayers to you and your family.