home

by | Jul 25, 2017 | My House | 149 comments

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We sat at a table at the title company, signing papers while the boys were occupied with games on the iPads.  When we reached the end of the stack, we all stood up and shook hands.

“Boys, we just bought our house!”

We were all excited and eager to get over to the house.  A lot of work was ahead of us, but that didn’t matter.  The next chapter of our life was just a page turn away.

I know my readers have been eager to see our house and I’ve been eager to share it!  As I mentioned in my Moving Story, we didn’t buy an old farm house.  In fact, we bought a suburban home with a two story foyer, something I have declared many times would never appeal to me.  But this home isn’t just for me and my business, although I will live there and work there.  And it’s not just for blog material, although I will share all of my projects and makeovers.  This house is for my family to live in and it has to be well suited to all four of us.  And when we put together the wish list, we realized it sounded an awful lot like a newish home in a neighborhood.

At first, I was completely resistant to it.  I dug in my heels.  But, in my extensive online house hunt, it became clear that I needed to be more open.  And I zeroed in on a home that wasn’t old, but it had so many details that satisfied my craving for character…transom windows over the doors, pretty woodwork, an arched hallway, a butler’s pantry, and even a back staircase.

One thing that’s sort of funny is that I was so looking forward to house hunting.  I imagined driving all over town, looking at different properties with a realtor, weighing the pros and cons of each house…  In the end, we only looked at one house.  (I told Jeff I might need to go check out some open houses or something just to get it out of my system!)

Well, that one house is the house we bought this morning.

I shared a tour of the first floor on my Instagram Stories and many people commented that this house isn’t very “Miss Mustard Seedy”.

Nope, it’s not.  Not yet, anyway!

The beige walls and beige carpet and modern fixtures definitely aren’t me.  But, it’s a blank canvas and I really liked that.  As I looked at homes that required a lot of work, I became very anxious about where I would work while the house was being ripped apart.  In this house, we can work on it as time and money permit, but each space looks perfectly fine (better than fine), until we can put our stamp on it.

So, just look at the bones of the house and know that I have plans!

And this house has great bones.  That’s what I fell in love with…  the traditional layout, the rooms flooded with light, the finished details.

Sebastian was following me everywhere as I was taking pictures!  He’s not usually a poser, but he was today.

The room I am probably most excited about is the sunroom off of the kitchen.  It will be my art and photo studio!

Of course, it needs some work to make it functional year round, but it’s doable and will look amazing painted!

This house will get buckets and buckets of paint.

But, before we break out the brushes and rollers, though, we’re working on cleaning tubs & toilets and shampooing carpets.

And we’re trying to pace ourselves, knowing there’s no rush.  We even took some time to hang out with our new neighbors.  The boys were outside this evening, riding scooters, enjoying the thing that was highest on their wish list – living in a neighborhood with kids they can play with.

My back is sore, my hips hurt, and my hands are dried out from scrubbing and cleaning, but my heart is so full as I settle into a borrowed air mattress for the night.

And this is only day one…

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    149 Comments

    1. Sari

      Welcome home, Marian! I’m so excited for you and your family and look forward to many amazing blog posts of the transformations you will create. You’re right, the home has lovely bones and looks like the perfect canvas on which to paint your “mustardized” vision. Congratulations on this new, exciting chapter in your family’s life and thanks for taking your devoted readers along on the journey! Blessings to you all!

    2. Julie Briones

      Looking so forward to your projects and transformations. No hurry, though! Enjoy the blessings the Lord is giving you in this moment! Thanks for sharing!

    3. Janet Prater

      This is going to be fun to watch the magic happen as this house transforms into your home !
      You never disappoint me…can’t wait and congrats on the move!

    4. Laura

      Love love love following your journey. I look forward to your new projects

    5. Elisabeth

      I love the house and can really see the potential! I cannot wait to watch you transform it, Marian. It will be so, so lovely! Where to start??? I’d start in the sunroom, painting the wooden walls and ceiling. Oh I’m so excited at the thought of it! Ha ha ha.

      Wishing you and your family all the very best in your new home. May all your days and rooms be filled with happy adventures and lots of laughter and love.

    6. Lori

      I can’t wait to see this house unfold into your home!! I love this whole story of faith, trusting that God knew all along.

    7. Pam

      Congratulations and best wishes as you settle in! I love the bookcase in the kitchen – that is on my renovation bucket list.

    8. Donna

      This is a beautiful house, I’m anxious to see how you turn it into your home. I absolutely love all the details, and can see why you fell in love with it….that porch, OMG…what a dream space to work in! Enjoy the process!

    9. Carrie

      Wishing you so much happiness in your new home! Looking forward to future blog posts about all your changes and additions to this beautiful house!

    10. Kay

      If ever a house needed YOU, this one does! Have you noticed that everybody’s “Minnesota nice” yet? You’ll fit right in!

    11. Denise

      Looking forward to seeing you transform this home into your home! Enjoy your next chapter as it will be a great one.

    12. Beth Beal

      I think the house looks wonderful and I love the sunroom! I can’t wait to see what you do.

    13. Debee

      I sure can see the good bones and can see your vision on a blank canvas. You Go Girl!! You have your work cut out to make this house your own home??????????

    14. JolieAnne

      I love the bones of your new home!
      Congrats!

    15. Niki VanEch

      So many of us live in newer homes for many of the same reasons you stated, so seeing what you do to bring forth the MMS aesthetic is going to be so inspirational. And I bet the ladies in your neighborhood are all pinching themselves,.

    16. Missy Yanchuck

      What a lovely home! Filled with nice touches that give it character! Can’t wait to see you make it your own style… Congratulations!!!

    17. Sarah

      You are so smart to buy a house that works for your family – and that will be a fun project to make your own. I love it!!! And it’s lovely as-is – so you can work on your project as you have the bandwidth! You’re a smart cookie. 🙂

    18. Momere

      What a great opportunity to show how to make a home your own. So many live in these NEW home and long for the “character ” of the farm home now you will show how it is done.
      It sounds like a plan made in ???? 🙂

    19. Gretchen

      Just breath!! God has provided. I look forward to the future filled with pictures and things you’ve done for that special touch on the house. But for now, just breath!

    20. Peggy

      Congratulations! A beautiful home to make your own. Blessings for Jeffs new role and the excitement of a new chapter unfolding for your family. We all know we will continue to be amazed by your creative talents as you settle in, no pressure or hurry.
      Enjoy!

    21. Marva

      I am so excited for you and your family. What a great adventure, moving to a new city and starting to put your stamp on this new home. How great that your boys have neighbors to play with. I think you will love it!

    22. Isabella

      It looks wonderful with a lot of potential! I’m in Minneapolis, and we love Minnesota. (originally from Wisconsin but have lived all over the country) One thing about Minnesotans though…..We take our shoes off in the house pretty much year round. I don’t know if this was common in PA, but you will find this to be the norm here!

      • Kiki

        Yes, its the Scandinavian influence–taking shoes off in the house.

    23. Kelly

      I am looking forward to seeing you take this type of home and transform it. Many if not most of us live in houses like this and it is hard to imagine giving them the character we love in your previous home. Can’t wait to see what you do! How fun!

    24. Deb

      Congrats, it looks like a lot of fun, it will be fun for us too. It will be nice to see you transforming this suburban house and let others know you don’t have to have an old house to have farmhouse style. I can’t wait till you hang Eulalie! Enjoy the Journey!

    25. Taffy White-Pritulsky

      Congratulations on your family’s new home! With so many of us living in homes like your new one, it will be so much fun to see how you put your MMS style on it! I’m ready to start taking notes!

    26. FIL

      Beautiful home and looking forward to seeing y’all in the fall. There are enough projects to fill many blog pages. Could there be a new book entitled Miss Mustardseed Transformations – A Room by Room Journey in Transforming a House Into A Home. Or something like that. So thankful you are there, and answered prayer – the boys have new friends in the neighborhood.

      • Kimberly

        This is such a great reply from your FIL! So sweet that your family is following along with your blog!

        And FIL has come up with a *fantastic* title for a potential new book (that I hope becomes a reality)! I’d love to see the book with a shout-out in the Acknowledgments to FIL for the book’s title!

        Marian, the house is really LOVELY. It has such beautiful detail, and looks so *clean*. Listen to Sebastian — he’s telling you in his own sweet yet wise canine way that this is H-O-M-E! Congratulations!

    27. Pam from Maryland

      Your handprint of love will flow through this beautiful home ! Congratulations !!.. The sunlight and the sun room for your creative space is beaming!! you did well….

    28. Susan G

      Finally! Although I’m disappointed that you didn’t move to Texas, I can hardly wait to see what you do to transform your new home. Congratulations!

    29. Krista

      Your new home looks very pretty! Can’t wait to see how you transform it into your style! It will be wonderful! Congratulations! How nice for your boys to have neighborhood kids to play with. I’m sure the women of your neighborhood are excited to have Miss Mustard Seed as their new neighbor. At the same time, I’m thinking of your parents and what a big change this is for them and how different it must suddenly feel after spending so much time with you all and helping you so much in your business. Blessings to all of you with this new chapter. Thank you for sharing your stories with us…we have enjoyed every post!

    30. Susan

      It looks lovely! So excited for you and your family! There is nothing like the first few days in your new house. We moved into our dream house 10 years ago and I still feel grateful every time I pull into the driveway! On a selfish note, there will be lots of fresh and interesting content for your blog readers. 😉 Am looking forward to watching you Marionize it. Congratulations!!

    31. Pat

      Congratulations on your big move to Minnesota! Welcome! I had wistfully thought when you announced your move that wouldn’t it be great if they came to the Midwest, never really thinking that was a possibility. Now, here you are! May you find many blessings in your beautiful new home. As my favorite pastor always says: God is good, all the time! All the time, God is good!

    32. At Rivercrest Cottage

      So excited for you. I love the house and that sunroom! Is it wrong to look at wood and think paint, paint, paint? It’s going to be so exciting and educational seeing what you do with a newer house to make it look old.

    33. Maureen

      Blessings to you! A house with arches is a good house in my mind!

    34. Jane Allen

      Beautiful home, I too see all the potential. What a fun adventure to begin for you and your family. I look forward to hearing all about it via your blog. May God Bless you and your family.

    35. Angela

      riding scooters, enjoying the thing that was highest on their wish list – living in a neighborhood with kids they can play with…….This is the best line. Congratulations, you are home. I love those transom windows, arches and the sun room!!!

    36. Sonya

      Congratulations on your new home! I had to smile when you mentioned painting your sun porch… we’ve been looking at lake homes, and it seems everyone is full of the nottie pine! I’m not a fan!! I would paint that sun porch too :):)

    37. melissa atkinson

      I am so excited to get to watch as you make changes! Congratulations on your new home!

    38. Rick S

      Welcome to the Midwest. Love the new Home and the new direction your family is headed.

      I hear the Farm Auctions and Estate sales calling.

      Rick S
      Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

    39. Ruth

      I can’t wait to watch the transformation.
      Welcome to Minnesota, I have a feeling you and your family are going to love it here!❤️

    40. Carol Mathis

      Congratulations on your new home! I love the sun porch and agree it would look great painted. Yes, I see the great bones of this house and look forward to seeing the Miss Mustard Seed improvements.

    41. Finch Furnishings

      I’m almost more excited that you didn’t buy a farmhouse since it’ll give us everyday people a chance to see the amazing things you can do with a basic suburban home! Congrats on the home! It must be such a welcome relief to finally be home again!

      • Kaille

        Finch Furnishings, I so agree with this! I wish I had a farmhouse, but I don’t, so it will be a lot of fun to see how Marian transforms this already-lovely house into a beautiful home.

        Marian, congratulations! We are all happy and excited for you and your family. I have many fond memories of summer trips to Minnesota to visit my grandparents. I hope you love it!

    42. Deb Egger

      What a marvelous decision you have made. Many of us live in “newish” homes that we would like to give a country feel to. Now we have you leading the way, giving us the courage to “change it up”. Blessings on you, your family and your new home. <3

    43. Vicki Andrews

      You are going to make this house into a home and I’m looking forward to seeing it. You will love Rochester. My daughter and I spent several years traveling there to Mayo Clinic and we loved it. You mentioned getting ice cream earlier. Go to the Dairy Queen that’s a walk up only. Best ice cream ever!!! Can’t hardly wait to see what you do first!!!

    44. Marie Claire

      Very pretty. Congratulations!

    45. Lori

      Welcome to this part of the USA Marian! I’m a home grown Texan living in the Omaha, NE area. The Air Force took us many places and we ended up staying in one of them instead of going back home. Your home is beautiful and has so much character already. It is amazing how a house transforms into a home simply by moving in and placing your furnishings in it. Then the paint and other elements you add is the ice cream on the cake! I’m excited for you and your family as this new chapter in your life begins. I know God has great plans for you all. Look how all things fell into place! He is truly is AMAZING! So excited to see your future blog posts! I know as a former military wife we made our home in many different places and it was so much FUN moving in and making it our own. Can’t wait to see your visions come to life!!

    46. Marion

      Who says a two story foyer can’t transform into a farmhouse? I am sure your readership is looking forward to the transformation.

    47. Becky

      Marian, it’s a beautiful home. It was always my dream to live in an old home full of character but I don’t, so I just filled it with beautiful older things full of character and patina. That is exactly what you will do. You will fill it up with beautiful things and make this house a warm and inviting home and I, like the rest who read your blog, will appreciate your sharing that with us. You inspire all of us. Blessings to you and your family in your new home.

    48. Kelly

      What a beautiful house!

    49. Lulu

      Your home is beautiful! So many nice features! Loving it!

    50. Kim

      I can already SEE how you will work with these bones. It’s going to be GREAT!!! Unusual to have that dentil trim on the cabinets! Glad to hear that the kids are already making friends!

    51. Monica

      Welcome to Minnesota, Marian! I have loved following along watching this incredible journey of yours unfold. Thank you for sharing with all of us. Your faith and attitude are an inspiration to me. It will be SO fun to watch you settle into your new family home and make it your own. It’s a lovely house but I can’t wait to see what you do to make it home. ?

    52. Donna Pruitt

      Love it can’t WAIT to see your transformation. I am in the process of doing the exact same thing. We moved from a cottage built in 1930 to a 10 yr. old home. I love changing everything but I have a hard time picking out paint colors and what to do with my stair case. A whole lot of work ahead and a new chapter. Congratulations on your new home try to take your time fixing it up, but like I said I can’t wait!! Enjoy!

    53. Carolyn

      I love your house and can’t wait to see you make it your own. Honestly, as much as most of us would love to live in historic farmhouses, the reality is that we live in houses just like yours! So it will be wonderful to see how you take a newer home and give it character. The studio space is going to be adorable. You have the perfect positive attitude about this move — I know you and your family will be happy! xoxo

    54. Karen L.

      Thank you for sharing more pictures and that you have all had a good beginning with new friends and neighbors to get to know! Plus, you’ll soon have new friendships that will probably grow really deep from your new church family. Sounds awesome and awe-inspiring to watch it unfold.

    55. Teresa

      Congratulations on your new home! I must tell you I am somewhat surprised with it being a “newer” home. I understand though when you have children of wanting to be in a neighborhood with other children, etc. We had friends that bought a house out in the country and their kids hated it because they were so far away from other kids and had no one to play with. They ended up selling that house and moving into a family neighborhood closer in.

      I know over time you will transform it with all your MMS magic. Now pace yourself and don’t over-do it….it will still be there tomorrow.

    56. Marty - A Stroll Thru Life

      I love what I see. I know you will make this “you” in no time.

    57. Barbara

      Can’t wait to see what you do with your new home!!

    58. Lori

      Welcome to your new home!

    59. ashley

      Oh, this house has great potential! It wouldn’t be any fun if it was already “Mustardized”. 🙂

    60. the uncommon pearl

      Welcome home! This is a great house and I know you will add your amazing touches to make it your own.
      Congratulations!

    61. Diane

      I’m so happy for you and your family. And I love reading along your family journey. Thanks for bringing me ( all the readers ) along on your journey. I enjoy and appreciate.

    62. Kris

      Ooh, those arched doorways! Love! Your first home wasn’t “mustard seedy” either, till you put your stamp on it. I’m envisioning you will transform it sorta like Layla from The Lettered Cottage has been doing with her new-old home. Enjoy!

    63. Faithe

      This is going to be wonderful!!! You are going to be able to help so many people who long to change their generic houses into a home!!!!! The white paint will be flowing!!!! Congrats to you and yours!!!!

    64. Wendy Snelgrove

      It’s a clean palette. Congratulations…

    65. Kit

      Congratulations. May your home be blessed with love, happiness and a measure of peace, for all the years you live there.

      Looking forward to seeing what you do with it!

    66. Donna T

      If your porch is unheated that could be major in Minnesota. Brrr. Also, a friend of mine white washed her knotty pine paneling with a sheer paint and it adds a lot of character to the room without losing the character. Best wishes in your new home.

    67. Jenny B.

      I disagree about it not being “Miss Mustard Seedy!” It has loads of potential, as do all of the pieces you make over, and I can already imagine some of the beautiful photos you’ll be able to stage in that space! It has Miss Mustard Seed written all over it (as in, you’ve marked it and you’re coming for it!). 🙂 Congratulations on your new home!

    68. Diane

      You know we are all dying to see how you transform the house and create a lovely life for your family in your new hometown. So exciting!

    69. Patricia

      It’s just beautiful and you will make it charming and cozy.
      I leave you with the ‘house blessing’ from it’s a Wonderful Life (let’s just pretend I am standing on your front porch with a basket)…
      Bread… that this house may never know hunger.
      Salt… that life will always have flavor.
      Wine… that joy and prosperity may reign !

    70. Susan M

      Your house has all the right bones done,
      So I can hardly wait to see it when your magic begins. I’m glad you got the house the boys will enjoy too. Place matters! They will make beautiful memories there and so will you!
      Thanks for sharing!

    71. Mina

      I love your attitude – your kindness really shines through. Can’t wait to see what changes are ahead!

    72. Debbie

      Congratuations! Wishing you so much good luck, happiness and love in your new home! I am excited to see how you make it your style. It will be a great help to those of us not fortunate enough to have an older style home to see how you transform an already beautiful home into a Mustard seed beauty!.

    73. Tiffany

      I am so excited for you! I love the transom windows and the arched doorways! You have the both of best worlds, the vintage charm in the details but yet a newer home without all the extra work an old house brings. You will have it looking beautiful if no time!

    74. Jelena

      I anticipate you’ll be doing lots and lots of painting: walls, banister, cabinets, mantelpiece, even the chrome colored chandelier (and changing shades on that one, too). Sebastian however seems like he has already made the new house his home… And, he likes the sunroom, too.

    75. Mary

      Its lovely and its a blank canvas.. Good bones – cant wait to see where you go with it. Congrats!!

    76. Sharon

      What an awesome journey and what a beautiful home! I can hear your mind thinking of ideas. What a beautiful clean slate! I’ll be following you – happiness always!

    77. Tanya Derrey Bingham

      There is something to be said for taking on a cosmetic only fixer upper when we are busy and have other tasks at hand. What a lovely new home, cannot wait to see what you do!

      xo, Tanya

    78. Carolyn Anderson

      Welcome to Minnesota! Your “home” is beautiful because you and your family will fill it up with love and joy! We look forward to seeing the transformation as you adjust to your life here in beautiful Minnesota!

    79. Mary

      ohhh… the possibilities!!!!

    80. robin

      So Happy for you! Your new home has good bones indeed. It will have your mark on it the minute you start unpacking.

    81. Sherrie

      Secretly, we are all happy you bought a home that needs to be Mustardized because now we get to enjoy the posts. Beautiful home, great lighting, love the front entry it has great windows and stair placement. Enjoy!

    82. Teri Perry

      A Sebastian approved home. You’re going to need a lot of paint! Love the house. Congrats and many blessings.

    83. amy joanne mogish

      Your eyes see things differently, I am sure the whole home was created in your head with one turn of the front door key. I cannot wait to see it unfold. Enjoy!

    84. Diane

      A home isn’t about all the stuff you put in it, its about the people who live there, that’s what home really is about!

      I know that you will make this place as comfortable and charming as your last home…you work with what you have..that’s my motto! We lived in a 350 year old blacksmiths cottage and shop..it was a wreck with nothing redeeming about it…all the good stuff had been removed apart from the inglenook in the kitchen! Now we live in a 24 year old Portuguese style hotel/villa, in a tiny fishing village in the Algarve we now call home! As long as you have imagination and dreams you will make this a great home!

    85. teri in England

      I love the house. What’s the garden like? What’s the street like? I’m so enjoying reading about your move, I haven’t had such a good read since Anne of Green Gables ♥ xx

    86. Stephanie

      I love it. It seems to have fabulous bones and the changes you need to make are mostly cosmetic. I can imagine how it will look after you tweak it, and it will be perfect. Congratulations on your new home.

    87. Kristine

      Congratulations on your new home! I can see the ‘good bones’, and there’s a butler’s pantry? Be still my heart!! I LOVE that picture of Sebastian in the front entryway; I literally coo-ed out loud! Happily anticipating the transformations !!

    88. Michelle

      Congrats Marian! The house is beautiful! I can’t wait to see it as you put your stamp on it!

      I wish you and your family many wonderful years in your new home!

      God Bless.

    89. Julie

      Love, love, love it! I see tons of “Miss Mustard Seed” potential! Enjoy the process, right? Take care and have fun!

    90. Mary

      I am so glad you thought about the boy’s needs in searching for a new house. I grew up in a beautiful farmhouse, but was a very lonely child—no other kids to play with.

    91. Christi

      Like everyone else, I feel like a friend you have written to telling about the move. I’ve really enjoyed these posts so much!

    92. B. Folk

      I would have so much FUN, and so will you:-) Glad you and your family are home (well, as “home” as we can be when this world is not our forever home). Looking forward to many years of posts from beautiful MN. Sounds as if you and “the boys” got what they needed in this season of life. Congratulations and praise God!

    93. Elizabeth

      You have a lovely new home. Looking forward to seeing how you make it Mustard-worthy. For example, wondering what you put in place of the swagged, fringed valence in one room.

    94. Diane

      I am going to thoroughly enjoy seeing how you transform this home, Marian. It looks absolutely lovely. But, please, please, when you re-do something don’t call it basic builder whatever. That phrase is so overdone and frankly who is able to fully customize everything in a home these days. Your home has great bones and will be amazing. And… you know… that’s the kind of home that will show off your creativity. Godspeed!

    95. Sheila

      Welcome home to your and your lovely family! It’s a beautiful house and looks like it has the Sebastian stamp of approval. Looking forward to seeing you settling in and getting down to the business of “life” here. Wishing you many blessings as you start your adventures.

    96. Sandra Boff

      I’m excited. Get busy. You lucky girl.

    97. Annabelle

      Such a lovely home Marian. I can see it has beautiful bones, all it needs is your stamp. Looking forward to your transformations : )

    98. Julie

      Home is where the heart is! May this new chapter be wonderful for you and your family.

    99. Donna Allgaier-Lamberti

      Poor Sabastian…..dogs (esp. a rescue) get very nervous with a move. You are his security and so he wants to be with you now to feel safe and secure.

    100. Diane Walters

      I will miss you as a fellow Pennsylvanian but am very excited to see how this next chapter of your family’s life unfolds. The new house looks just great to me…so many possibilities to “Miss Mustard” it…enjoy the process!

    101. Sherry Nerreau

      The house looks beautiful Marian! And so much potential! You and your family should be very happy there. I wish you all the best of luck in your new home and look forward to seeing how you put your personal stamp on it.

    102. jo

      crown moulding! interesting layout and lots of light. Proximity to town when kids are small and other practicalities always factor in our choices too. Congratulations, enjoy your new home.

    103. Marlene Stephenson

      Congratulations you made it and what fun you will have transforming it. Will be exciting to see all you do. Welcome home.

    104. Jan Fusco

      I love it! Can’t wait to see it Mustardized”.

    105. Carol

      So excited for you! I have needed a tissue each time you have posted about the details of your move. I look forward to hearing all of the details of the settling in process and making this house your home! Carol

    106. nancy w.

      Congratulations! Your new house is very, very nice. Let’s face it. Most people would be very grateful to have it just as it is and I know that you and your family ARE grateful for your blessings and do not take anything for granted. So, just relax a bit. As you know it takes some time in a house to discover all its quirks and quarks. For one thing the quality of light in all the rooms seems superb. Sebastian seems to be giving it his stamp of approval along with keeping a close eye on your whereabouts. So very happy to hear all is well. Your entire family deserves a big sigh of relief to now be in your home. Enjoy. Blessings.

    107. Chris Moore

      Congratulations! You know, everyone is telling you to ‘get busy’ and transform. I’m going to be the outlier and say “Marian, get some sleep!” you have so much to do. Go to bed when the boys do and sleep straight through. You’ll be glad you did.

    108. Bettsi

      It’s lovely! So excited for you and your family and i am looking forward to watching it become “Mustard-ized”!

    109. sharon

      I’m with you! i would have bought the house for that sun room. it is fabulous and incredibly unique. So excited for you and your family and the next season God has for you.

    110. Kathleen H.

      I agree, it’s not very “Miss Mustard,” but this is going to be very instructive to all of your readers in the days ahead. I can see that this is a nice home, but what a wonderful opportunity to show how to transform the typical (dare I say “vanilla”?) home into something spectacular (as you do so well). It’s going to be GREAT!!! And, we all will relate to how all of this is a process that evolves over time and doesn’t happen overnight. Congratulations and welcome to your new home, Marian.

    111. Sue K

      You know what will be extremely AWESOME? Is that with this new adventure you will show those of us stuck with builder-grade ,rack-em stack-em, houses how we can transform them into a cozy home. I’m delighted to be a MN neighbor too (ok, maybe not quite a neighbor –> a few hours north in Mpls) as well. I’ll be also watching closely to see where you uncover MN Mustard honey-pots as well!

      Welcome Home Marian! (Excited squeal)

    112. Denise

      And now the journey begins ?. Many blessings to you and your family as you settle into your new home and a new chapter! We, your readers, are eagerly anticipating your forthcoming blogs. And you are so right… your home DOES have good bones!

    113. Sue

      Well I for one am looking forward to seeing what you do with a suburban newer home like the one I live in ? So very happy for you and your family and I agree – take some rest time and settling-in time. Before you know it your boys will be back in school and then you’ll have lots of “project time”

    114. Moriah Cameron

      I am so very happy for you. I just love your God-story of how He faithfully worked every detail out for you & your family. Home is truly where your heart is so I have no doubt this house will quickly be home to all four of you.
      And,, FYI, my 24 y/o son is Type 1. He was dx’d almost 20 years ago to the day. He was 4. I empathize with you and your struggles. But know Zach has done everything he’s wanted to do so diabetes hasn’t stopped him. I will pray you easily find an excellent pediatric endocrinologist 🙂

    115. Pamela

      Congrats on your new home!!!! Im so excited for you and your family…The house looks awesome very bright and waiting for love and memories to be made with in the walls. Looking forward to seeing you make it a home. Enjoy!!!

    116. Serafina Montgomery

      Wishing you all the best in your new home! I think it is lovely and I can’t wait to see the magic Miss Mustard Seed touches when you’re done. Have a great time with it!

    117. Lin

      Congratulations Marion! I think you made a wise decision and knowing your boys are thrilled to have playmates will ease your mind about how they settle in. I was always worried about my children settling in to a new situation when my husband was in the military and we went through many moves. I know, with your talent, your new home will become “Mustardized” lickety split!!! 🙂

    118. Alicia

      Dear Marion, I can “see” the MMS colors transforming all those built-ins and especially the sun room. Ah! But which color?

      I am so happy for you and your family! A new ministry, new neighborhood, new home. God’s perfect plan for you caused you both to go out of your comfort zone and you have embraced it!

      We, your MMS sisters (and there may be a few brothers out there too) look forward to watching you settle in with your family in this new chapter of your lives as well as unleashing even more creativity to make this your MMS home! There are some lucky women out there who will be coming on board to be your new assistants.

      Your heart is full to overflowing.

    119. Donna

      So happy for you. I know you and your family will enjoy this beautiful home. Are you homesick at all or have you had time yet?

    120. Joan

      Dear Marian!
      WOWWWWW AND Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! sigh of relief for you!!!!!!
      You’re all there and all moved !!! YOU DID IT 🙂 and showed us all along the way so much, such good kind and sweet advice and how to do a good move! I have my own house to reclaim/is a work and living space right now, so while you are transforming your home into ‘you’, I hope to be doing the same here, reclaiming my long lost house back to a home again! LOL, that would be a very interesting story indeed! LOL
      Have been thinking of you alot /following all the steps you’ve had to take lately to get you to your destination….you’ve accomplished so much and so well!!!! Way to go!
      ….hope you all get lots of rest, enjoy your new home and good luck with the new position to Jeff !
      I love your new house ! So much to look forward to !
      Always, all the best! <3 p.s. thanks so much for all the generous and heartfelt sharing you do, I look forward to all from you…p.s. meant to tell you! loved your recent fav. art tools writings too, want to explore some of those products when time! & again, realllyyyy..your portraits are amazing…very beautiful ! they remind me of you/look like you even ! Am I the only one who has thought that !
      (speaking of your art/love the new art/photo porch area ! looking forward to you being able to use all (in good time)

    121. Sue

      Again… welcome to Minnesota! You’re going to LOVE it! Many of us have a very similar style home so I am very excited to see you put your gorgeous touch on it. This will be helpful for us to learn from you how to transform our own homes as well! Thanks for sharing the before pics! I can picture it it with your style.

    122. MaryLisa Noyes

      I follow you on IG and it really showed the house off! Lots of light and the archways are so cool! Welcome to your new home!

    123. Maureen

      Potential is so alluring. Your new home looks full of allure.
      Congratulations, welcome home and I am so excited to see you fufill it’s potential!!!

    124. Dianne

      I’m so happy for you and your family! It is wonderful how you yielded to the wishes of your whole family in selecting a home. It made me think this – that the character of our hearts is way more important than the character of our ‘houses’. It is about HOME. I hope your boys love, love, love their new neighborhood. Lucky (blessed) neighbors to have you there. Can’t wait to see what you do with this very beautiful place.

    125. Teresa

      I remember reading that natural wood finishes were very popular in the mid-west rather than painted trim and cabinets. Looking at your new house with lots of natural trim and cabinets that seems to be case.

      With that being said, it will be interesting to see you bring your own style to the mid-west.

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, they are! And browns. I felt like every home I looked at was brown! 🙂

    126. Sara S

      I couldn’t pay attention to the house once I saw your purse! What brand is it? I promise to look at the house more in your future posts!

      • Marian Parsons

        Ha! I love that purse, too. It’s a Ralph Lauren that I scored at TJ Maxx a few months ago.

    127. Wendy

      I’m so very happy for you and your family, Marian. May God continue to bless all of you as you begin this new chapter together.

    128. Jessica | Petal + Ply

      Congratulations on the new home!!
      Can’t wait to see how you make it your own. 🙂

    129. Teresa

      I was thinking the same thing! Can’t wait to see how she transforms it to Mustard Seed goodness. I’ll be taking notes for sure!

    130. Carol P.

      Loving your journey. It mimics our own in many ways. We just closed on a home we have lived in 27 years and are on to a new adventure in a nearby town. God had been leading us also and I am excited to begin building our new nest. Thank you for so openly sharing your life journey.

    131. Addie

      It’s not always the house….it’s what you do to it. AND you will have us drooling in no time!!!!
      Can’t wait to follow along!!!

    132. Ramona

      So thankful you and your family made it safely to your new home! It’ll be lovely, Marian! Let the magic begin!

    133. Carolyn

      Oh my, it sure does have great “bones” – I love it and know you will make it yours. What I love most is the faithfulness of God. You looked at one home and it is the one you bought. Amazing. Totally amazing, just like God! Can’t wait to share in this next chapter with you and your family.

    134. Vicki Sheets

      I cannot wait for you to put your stamp on it! It will be fun to follow along and watch your progress!

    135. Jennifer Carroll

      Marian! I see all the possibilities and know it’s going to be AMAZING!! So excited for you all and can’t wait to see the transformation! Congratulations!!!!! xoxo, Jennifer

    136. Haiku Home

      This home is beautiful. We can’t wait to see what you do with it!

    137. Sue Pagels

      What an amazing house and it will be ever better when you put your stamp on it! I love that Sebastian is in a lot of the pictures too – even he feels at home! I love the sunroom as is (although I know you will paint it) – it just seems so cozy! Good luck and can’t wait to hear more of your journey!

    138. Carolyn

      You definitely have your work cut out to make this house your style, but bones first, paint next and then the special touches it should come together in no time. Enjoy the adventure-I miss moving and getting a fresh start.

    139. anne

      Big smile.
      Continue to pray for you all!

    140. Sam Taylor

      It looks like a lovely home Marian with beautiful bones, ripe for renovation.

      I love the light too and can already visualise how amazing it will look in time with your unique touches.

      Enjoy your new home and your new adventure and I hope you will all be very happy there ?

    141. JeanFB

      Congrats on your new home Marian! I am soooo looking forward to seeing you decorate (and maybe renovate a bit?) this house. It’s like a blog reader’s dream come true… an actual real time, real life example of how to take a typical suburban home and transform it into something blog-worthy (there’s no pressure there, what I mean is … to watch Marian be Marian!!). Best of luck in your new adventure!

    142. Maye

      I am very happy for you and your family. Although I do not know you I can tell that you are a special family. Good luck with your business and have fun with your new home! Maye

    143. Joanna May

      I’m just catching up on your moving story, and I have to say, I’m so excited to see what you’ll do! We just bought a new house ourselves, closed July 14, and we’re in a similar situation: We ended up with a home built in the 90’s in a great area with great schools, and it’s 100% builder beige. The dream of the 10 acre farmhouse with our 3 young boys and aging parents just wasn’t feasible. I’m so happy to follow your journey and see how you add your touches to this new house, while I try and do the same. Blessings on your new house.

    144. Mary

      Oh my Gooooodness! I am so excited that your house is so similar to ours! I can’t wait to see all of the transformations you make and hope to “borrow” some ideas in our own “newish” home. I will say this, you will never regret your decision when you see the amazing childhood your children have in their neighborhood with all the wonderful friends and a tribe of families who make life wonderful. Our neighborhood is one of the biggest blessings in our family’s life. Congratulations and have an amazing time making the house your own! 🙂

    Hello!

    Marian Parsons - Miss Mustard Seed

    I’m Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, a wife, mother, paint enthusiast, lover of all things home and an entrepreneur, author, artist, designer, freelance writer & photographer.  READ MORE to learn more about me, my blog and my business…

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