Yesterday, it became official. The Parsons family will be moving to Washington County, MD! (Cue, Maryland, My Maryland…)
Oh man, there is so much to tell you!
So much has been going on in the background as I’ve been writing about visiting family, taking care of my broken foot, hitting used bookstores, and buying antiques for our future home. It all started with a phone call in June in response to a resume Jeff submitted. When Jeff finished that initial call, we sat together on the porch of the Airbnb in Rochester, MN and he told me about it. We both felt like this might be “the one” and we were excited about returning to an area that was somewhat familiar (it’s about an hour from where we used to live in PA), but there was a long way to go, a lot of interviews, questionnaires, meetings, and a lot of questions to be answered on both sides.
Each step of the way, though, we felt a strong pull to this church in Maryland. We felt at home when we attended a service for the first time and were welcomed and embraced by those we met. There seemed to be affirmation and confirmation with each passing day and we decided to focus solely on this opportunity. We were already mid-stride in this step of faith, so we might as well shift our weight entirely on the other foot.
(This photo was taken on one of our trips to Maryland.)
We knew the timing would be tight. But no matter what we did, we would have to make decisions about the start of school and about where we were going to live. I mean, the boys had to go to school somewhere and we could only crash with family and live out of suitcases for so long!
With the start of school just around the corner, we decided to enroll the boys in school in the area and start to make plans to settle there. It’s a fine line between taking a step of faith and putting the cart before the horse, but after a nomadic summer, we wanted to be able to move into a home as soon as possible if the job offer came through. So, we set up a row of dominoes that would be tripped if and when that happened. And, if it didn’t happen, everything could be canceled. That first domino wouldn’t fall and the rest would remain undisturbed.
We started the house hunt with an amazing local retailer – Arlene Unger. Of course, I was looking at homes long before we even got in touch with a realtor, but we were about to enroll the boys in school and we had a date when we would know about the position, so it seemed like the right time to start the search in earnest. Our wonderful realtor from Minnesota, Debbie Quimby, helped us find an experienced realtor in the area who could guide us through the process. So, we lined up homes to look at and ended up making an offer on a house contingent on a job offer/acceptance in the area. (We did that when we moved to Minnesota and, it’s a nail-biter, but buying a home almost always is. This just adds one more layer!) I’m going to stop the house-hunting story here now because we’ll play a little which-house-did-they-buy guessing game.
Once we received the call yesterday with the offer, the first domino fell and we packed up a Uhaul with our stuff from the storage unit and everything that was crammed into my parent’s house. I am pretty sure the floor joists in their guest room sprung up about an inch as we removed bins of clothes, boxes of books, and containers of art supplies. After having our belongings scattered all over, consolidating them in one place felt so good! Opening it all up in our new home will be like Christmas in September.
We didn’t need to rent a truck, but it was much easier than making trips in the van and truck.
(See that antique easel I found this week leaning on the inside right of the truck?)
We close on the house on Tuesday, so we will be settled into our new home with all of our stuff and sleeping in our own beds this week. We will also start attending our new church and learning all about our new community until Jeff starts his new position. Of course, I’ll focus mostly on the home here on the blog and social media, but we’ll be enjoying all of the new things that come with a move.
Let me be the first to say “Congratulations” on Jeff’s new pastoral position and your new home! What an exciting time it must be for your family and a big relief to finally land in a new place after your nomadic season…lol. I had a feeling a big announcement would be coming soon, and I can’t wait to see your new home. That area of Maryland is so pretty, and I know how wonderful it will be to live closer to your parents and Jeff’s family as well.
Congrats on your new home! Can’t wait to see you tackle new projects in this home. You inspire us all.
WELCOME ♥️ From your neighbor in Thurmont, MD. Looking forward to all of your inspiration ?
Fun to see another follower from Thurmont. Awesome that they will be in Maryland. I have followed her for years and met her at shop in Pennsylvania then found out we are actually related.
Hello to my Thurmont neighbors – I’m just up the road in Littlestown, PA!
Oh yay!!! I’m so excited for you!! This has to be a huge relief for your family.
I’ve sort of expected that you’d found someplace with school starting. But I figured you were getting all those ducks in a row before you told us.
Congratulations and God’s blessings to you. May you make many happy memories in your new home.
I can’t wait to see all the decorating. I’ve missed that in your posts.
Excited for you all! Can’t wait to see what you create with your new home!!
So glad your ducks can now wiggle their feet and don’t have to be in rows anymore. YAY!
Congratulations to all of you! Nothing like having a place to nest. Looking forward to see where you landed. Best of Luck.
As a retired minister’s wife, I can definitely relate to the moving process. We were at 6 churches and made 9 moves. You fortunately, are still young enough to look forward to meeting the challenges of new location, church, home and settling children into new routines. May the Lord Bless you and your family. I look forward to reading about your experiences.
Wow! How exciting! Can’t wait to see the new digs and how you’ll transform it.
What good news!! Am glad you will be settled once again! And closer to your parents! I hope there is some good antiquing halfway in between!
That is the fastest closing on a house I ever heard of!
Eeeeeeeeeeeee!!
So happy for you! I actually had you on my heart all morning. ❤️❤️❤️
Well, that’s exciting! I look forward to following along your journey! We are nearing the one yr mark in our thrid home in as many years, lol. Like Goldilocks, i think this one’s juat right. You will be near the WV border being in Washington Co. Congratulations!
Congratulations on your new home! Wishing you and your family many happy times as you settle in. Of course, I’m looking forward to seeing the new place and hearing about your plans for it 🙂
So excited and happy for you all! The new church made a great decision! It’s going to feel SO GOOD to be in your own place. I always have enjoyed making a new home our own and I know you do too. Love to you all!
Congratulations!!! A new nest to roost in….how exciting! 🙂
So excited to have you as our new pastoral family !!!! Can’t wait to see your new home .
Can’t wait to meet you all and get to know you !
WELCOME WELCOME
Congratulations! So close to me in Frederick Co. MD. Great antiquing and lots of agritainment in this area! You’ll be here in time for the Great Frederick Fair! Can’t wait to see the house you’ll be decorating. Blessings to your family on this new chapter. ❤️❤️
Let the fun begin! I look so forward to house decorating posts. Congratulations.
Welcome to Maryland! Born and raised just outside Old Ellicott City.
I will be praying that all goes smoothly!
So happy for you! Can’t wait to see the new home and all the fun things you will do with it❤️❤️❤️
I am so happy to hear how God is bringing the details together for you. My dad was a pastor so I understand it from the kids’ view. Then I married a young pastor and learned the joys and challenges from the adult side. I’ll be praying for you and your family as you settle into your new life and I can’t wait to see your new home.
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see your new home.
Congratulations and may God richly bless you in your new home, school, and church home. I’m excited to follow you on this journey.
Welcome to MD from the Eastern Shore. Time to start stocking up on MD flag paraphernalia. We love our flag!
Congratulations !
I am sure you are so happy to be settled in a more familiar area. I look forward to reading all about your new home . I love your decor and I know this home will be just as beautiful as the others .
Congratulations on ALL your good news! So happy for you and your family.
Wonderful–so happy for you all! May God bless exceedingly in this exciting new phase of your life!
You’re just down the road again. Hopefully our paths will cross again. Maybe even on a soccer field. CVCS plays lots of teams from Maryland. Will be there again today.
Congratulations on all new things and God bless your family’s new ministry.
Yay! Congratulations!!! I’m looking forward to all the new home news.
A few years back, we bought an RV from a dealer in PA that was located right at the border of MD (Mason Dixon Line!), and spent our first night in the trailer in a lovely area of Hagerstown,,,down a country road and past a quaint old mill. I’ve no idea where you’ll be but if that area was any indication, Washington County is beautiful! We really enjoyed our trip home along the Potomac as well. Congratulations and best of luck in your new adventure…I look forward to your posts of your new home!
Congratulations!!!! So happy for you and your family…..I’m on pins and needles wanting to know if you found your old home or a newer home that will become “marian-fide”. I followed that journey with your last home and you inspired me to see so many differently in my own home. Exciting!!!!!!!
Congratulations! How absolutely exciting!
God bless your Family as you begin this new adventure. God’s timing is awesome!
Sounds exciting. Can’t wait to hear more.
Congratulations! And praise to our Lord for HIS direction
sooooooo exciting! Excited to follow along on your journey!, congrats!
Yay!! Congratulations on so many things falling into place at last! God is good!
Hurray! So happy you are settled. Looking forward to seeing your new home and all your projects
Yay! How exciting! We will be waiting and watching. Congratulations to all of you and for your new church family as they welcome you!
Congratulations & welcome to Maryland. 🙂
I am so happy for you. God is good❤️
Congratulations. Maryland my Maryland… Lived there for most of my life until 10 years ago my husband and I moved to Rehoboth Beach DE. They call Maryland “Little America” because it’s got everything, mountains to beaches and all the stuff in between. You’ll love being close to Lucketts again and all the antiquing in your part of the state. Best of luck!
So very happy for your new chapter to begin! Prayers for peaceful transition for all of you, as well as lots of favor and joy knowing His hand has guided you to your new home! Can’t wait to see the process and progress! Welcome home!
So very happy for your family, Marian! And congratulations to Jeff on his pastoral appointment. There is such joy and peace when you hear the Lord say in your heart, “This is the way…” So grateful all has now been revealed and the next steps will begin soon. Happy to be along for the next chapter and to see your new (*old?) home!?
Oh, I’m so happy for you! Welcome to my home state of Maryland. I’m a few counties East of you in Carroll County. Great shops for you in Frederick Co too! We are a little obsessed with our state flag and everything made with crabmeat! You’ll love it here!
Congratulations! Sometimes I think God has a sense of humor and tests our patience! But He is always good and faithful! I can’t wait to hear and see more of your story unfold!
Yahoo Welcome Home. Gonna be a fun time I hope, I know for us gonna be fun watching you all thrive!
Yay! So happy for you! What a season this has been for you and your family.
Have been eagerly waiting to see your new home! Now, to see what direction(s) you’ll be
going with your latest “Art Project! We met a long time ago in 2013 at Lucketts for a fair you
were participating in. I still have the book you signed and remember that adventure fondly. Our son
was trying two experimental study trials at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda and he
honored me by going to this Mother’s Day event…he was trying to get his childhood leukemia
back in remission so this took immense energy and fortitude for him to leave his hospital bed and
accompany me. None of the trials worked, in fact one was pitched due to our Michael’s severe reaction.
All this to say, your encouragement and projects have kept me going since he passed that year at age 17.
Thank you. And give your beautiful boys hugs from one of your fans in Southern Oregon.
So very sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for the loss of your son.
I am so sorry about your son and my heart is broken for you. ?
I can’t wait to see your new home and what you will do with it! I’m hoping that you found an old historical home that you can put your stamp on it.
Congratulations! And a big “welcome back” to the area! I can’t wait to see what house you chose and Washington County is only a short drive across the mountain, so I’m sure you’ll still visit your favorite places.
So excited for you! I lived in Maryland for 16 years and it is a lovely state and you are in a beautiful part of it. And so close yet to your parents, which is a plus. I’m excited for watching your new journey unfold no the pages of your blog. Your life seems to be one continuous adventure.
I grew up in Washington County Maryland and my family still lives there! So exciting for you! Best wishes as you make this change. ❤️
One of George’s great-grandfathers, who fought in the Civil War, lived in Washington County. We went to the Historical Society and was given the address of both where he lived and where he’s buried. The home owners invited us in! It’s a beautiful area. I know you’ll love it.
Congratulations on you hubby’s new position and you new home!! I can’t wait to watch your new adventures!!
Welcome home! Start looking for fresh bittersweet growing wild on fences!! I’m so happy for your good news. Can’t wait to see how you make it yours.
I’m a Marylander and say welcome! Blessings to you as you settle in!
So happy for you and your family. Best wishes for many happy years in your new home.
Welcome to the state! Can’t watch t to see what your new home looks like. As a fellow old-house enthusiast, I am (selfishly) hoping it’s something historic.
Congratulations! This is going to be fun!!
Welcome to Washington county! I had to read it a couple times because I was like, “what!?! that’s where I live!”
I’m dying to be nosy and find out which town you are in and which church you will be serving. Washington county is a really special place and I think you will really enjoy exploring it.
Welcome!
So happy and excited for you and your family! Best wishes for a safe move!
Congratulations and Welcome Home! So happy for you, Jeff and the boys – whom by the way have grown up so fast!! I love the landscape of the picture above and can’t wait to see where y’all landed!! God bless you as you and your family as you settle it.
Have you started to remodel yet?
Congratulations! I have followed you and your many challenges over the years. Having g a cousin who is also a minister, I’ve learned how uncertain a move is until you finally get the job, a house and the kids in school.
God bless you and your dear family as you settle in…. I’ve learned over time that you enjoy each new step when you face new opportunities.
I look forward to more updates! ?
SO EXCITED for you and also to follow along in your journey of creating your new home!!
Congrats to the entire Parsons family! Best of luck in your new home and new community.
Congratulations! Good luck with your move and your new home! Best of luck to Jeff with his new church! Welcome back to the east coast! So happy for you. The lord was with you, Jeff, and your sons every step of the way.
So excited for you. Your life is full of adventure. You are blessed to have children who adapt fairly easy. Praying for good doctors, great friends and a wonderful time in PA. Jeff, I am seeing more of your dad in your looks. Look forward to seeing the before and after pictures of your home. What an amazing family. Not familiar with Washington County, I grew up in Prince George’s County.
Can’t wait to see your new studio. We artists love seeing other artists’ studios. I loved the Minnesota studio.
Yay!!!…the baby has arrived!!!…..Now all the Aunties are waiting in the wings for the reveal!!! Congrats!!!! Can’t with for the stories to unfold.
Congratulations to Jeff and your family on the call and new home. That’s such a beautiful area, so much history and nooks and crannies. Welcome to Maryland!
Marian, what wonderful news you bring us today! Congratulations to Jeff on his new position at church. We have been praying for you all ever since you shared the news about your move! God has answered the many prayers on your behalf! We are so happy for you. We will continue to pray for you as you settle into your new church, your new home and your new community.
You will be busy getting settled and we look forward to you sharing this journey with us!
May God continue to bless you all! You are loved!
Welcome home! So excited to have you back in our part of the world, Marian! It’s a splash of fun “sharing” in your stories of everyday life… Blessings and prayers for a smooth transition!
Congratulations to you all! That’s exciting! It is always so great to see God’s timing and hand in our lives and how He is always working – His way is always way better than ours 🙂
Congratulations. I would like to add that the photo of you, Jeff, and the kids is wonderful. Full of promise.
Congratulations! A new job, a new home, a new community…..so much to take in and each one brings exciting anxiety! Can’t wait to see the new house and all of the projects that come with it!
Congratulations! As a (Maryland) resident for over 35 years who recently relocated back to PA, enjoy.
Just FYI. Maryland removed this as the state song in 2021 due to its links to the confederacy and racially insensitive lyrics.
Read more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland,_My_Maryland
Oh, thanks! Good to know. I don’t even know the lyrics, but just the tune!
Thanks, Kim, for the background on the former state song. Interesting reading.
This is so exciting for you and your family. Congratulations on the new job and home, can’t wait to start this journey with you. God is so good!!
I’m so happy about your new adventure! Praying the boys and Jeff will find their way with new friends and opportunities. By the way, we live in Texas but we were in Delaware driving to Virginia a couple of weeks ago. If you’re ever in Annapolis, we ate at Miss Shirleys Cafe ( featured on the Food Network ) and it was sooo good. Definitely a place the whole family would love !
Marion,
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am so happy for your family! Best wishes with your move & setting up your new home!
Congratulations to you and your family! Faith wins! Excited to hear about your adventures as you settle in.
Congratulations on Jeff’s new position and your purchase of your home. I can’t wait to see the antiques you bought and all the other inspiration you’ll be sending my way!
Oh wow!! What fabulous news. Can’t wait to go along for the ride. Many blessings to you and your family ❤️
Congratulations! It’s the start of a new adventure…enjoy!
CONGRATULATIONS on the new pastorate and the new home. Thanking the Lord for providing in His timing and will keep praying for His grace for each step of the settling in process.
Such exciting news … and knowing it was orchestrated by God makes it even better! Can’t wait to hear all the details of your new home/community.
I am so thrilled for you! I love how God works! He is always faithful! These types of situations always give the opportunity for faith to grow. I’m looking forward to seeing the new house and hearing more! Enjoy the process. This is the beginning of a new adventure!
Congratulations! I am eager to begin the new journey with you!!!
SIGH?! I feel like I’ve been holding space through all of this journey waiting, wondering where your family would land. The SIGH is a much releasing release. I’ve enjoyed your sharing the journey and now can sit back and look forward to the creativity of setting up a new homestead♥️.
Congratulations! I’m sure I’m speaking for some/all your readers when we say we have been hoping and praying for this exciting news all summer! And, excitement it is — new location, new job, new home, new schools for the boys and all the adventure that goes into this huge move. Have a grand time as your adventures unfold! We can’t wait to hear all about them!!
Congratulations! I have been eagerly waiting for the “next chapter “. I’m sure it will be a good page turner!
Welcome to Maryland, Marian! I live in Annapolis so let me know if you ever come to the capital of your new state! Washington County is beautiful and I’m sure you will love it there. I wish I lived closer so that I could go to the church where your husband will be working. It’s exciting to see where the Lord has placed you in this new season. :). Amy Luckett
Marian let me say how very happy I am for you, Jeff and the boys. Your faith has led you home. I can’t wait to see the home that you have chosen and the magic you will wield to make it your own. Many congratulations on your new and exciting journey.
Grew up in Md, lived in New Windsor and spent a summer on Catoctin Mountain. So happy you found your spot. I live in the Midwest now to be close to grandchildren. Enjoy!
HALLELUHIA!!!!!!!!!
LOOK OUT MARYLAND!! GLAD YOUR FOOT IS BETTER BECAUSE YOU’LL HIT THE GROUND RUNNING, I’M SURE.
CONGRATS TO THE PARSON FAMILY!!
How wonderful that you are back in your old stomping ground and so close to your family. And what a relief you must feel to know where your new home will be.
I am a Texas gal but lived in Harrisburg PA for several years. It is so beautiful and rich with history in the area. I miss so much about it. But ultimately we were able to move back to Texas and be here for my aging mother who now lives with us. I wish you and your family many years of happiness and peace in your new home. I know it will be fabulous.
WOW! CONGRATULATIONS ON EVERYTHING!
Sooooooo happy for your family and for being able to follow your journey!
?????????
Wow! I have goosebumps everywhere! I am so very happy for your family and can’t wait to hear about the new city, the new job, the new house!!!
Wow! That’s fantastic! So happy for you! I live in Washington County also. I pray your move goes smoothly and everyone gets adjusted quickly. God bless and welcome home!
Congrats Marian!
Congratulations! That’s wonderful news! So glad you will be close to where you used to live and closer to your parents. So great that everything has been planned out to fall into place. Cannot wait to find out more about your new house. So exciting! So happy for all of you!
Does that mean we can look for you at Lucketts spring market?
YAY!! Congrats to you and your family, can’t wait to read about your new adventures!
Many congratulations, Marian!!! And welcome to you from Potomac, Md. I am so excited for you and your family!!!
Phew! Great timing and I’m thrilled it all worked out for you and your family. I know it will be a busy time but my heart hopes for the best for you all.
Thank you for sharing as much as you do. I always enjoy your posts.
Karen B.
Yay.. and Congratulations on all things new to the Parson family!! Many changes for everyone ~ you sound so ready!
Be blessed~
Cynthia
Congratulations Parsons family!!!!
Congratulations! Oh, it’s going to be so fun following how your journey unfolded. I’m in northern Baltimore County, not far from the PA line. Welcome to Maryland!
So happy for you that everything is falling into place as God intended. So glad that you will be close to your parents and your favorite shops.
Selfishly, I am so glad that you are moving into a different house because I love watching you work your magic! You were basically done with the last house.
I was at the supermarket when I checked my email. I had to read the whole post and I am so excited!
God bless!
So happy for you, your husband and for your boys! Continued prayers for joy and peace. Blessings!
Being in God’s will is the very best place to be! Blessings to you all. Can’t wait to see it all unfold.
So happy for you and your family. In God’s time! Having patience is huge when we’re waiting and praying. Anxious to hear the rest of your story……
Best wishes and happy home-coming!
Congratulations! What good news! We are all waiting for the next step in your adventure. It’s more fun than reading a serial by Charles Dickens! God bless your new opportunities.
Congrats ! So happy for you and now I just cannot wait to see your new home being transformed the Marian way ! And yes I agree you were really done with your MN home except for the exterior. Please do not keep us all waiting too long for pictures of your new abode ! Best of Luck tomorrow at the settement table.
Congratulations, and welcome to Maryland!
And Oh by the way this month’s (Oct) issue of Country Living mag has a home featured on the cover whose owner has a booth at Lucketts – Amy Whyte.
Congratulations to you and your whole family! So excited for all your new beginnings and looking forward to following along! May God continue to bless you all on this journey.
Yay!! So happy for you all! ?
Hi,
Good news for sure and won’t be long for your new house to feel like home with all of your special touches.
Congratulations and welcome to Maryland. I graduated from high school in Washington County. So happy for you and your family!
So happy for all of you! Good luck and best wishes in the new house and new job!
Congratulations to you all. I’m so happy for you.
So excited for you and us as we see you work your magic on your new home, Enjoy the adventure and thank you for sharing.
“Opening it all up in our new home will fill like Christmas in September.” I found myself nodding my head through your post. We lived in a 700 sq ft apartment for 7 months while house-hunting, and then waiting for the renovation work to be completed. I’m thrilled and happy for Jeff finding a new job he will enjoy. Your boys are troopers for going along with this adventure. No doubt they will look back and appreciate the different schools, friends and houses they got to experience growing up! Like everyone else, I can’t wait to see the new house, and watch the transformation! And…you get your menagerie back!!
Congratulations! God is so good! I’m thankful you have a place to put down some roots!
Congratulations!
Don’t you love the guidance God gives us? And then you just know it’s what you should do! I’m so happy for you. I have enjoy watching your decorating and painting since seeing you at Chapel Market (I think that’s where it was). I can’t wait to follow you and your family on this adventure!
Congratulations on your new home! I’m sure you, your husband and boys are so happy! I’m excited to see all your up and coming posts!
Oooh! So exciting! Congratulations on the new job and home. Can’t wait to hear about it!!
I’m so happy for you and your family. God has continuously blessed you.
I also hope this means you will be at the Lucketts Spring market again. It’s not the same without you.
Congratulations! God is so good! I’m thankful you have a place to put down some roots!
Marian!! Congrats to your family! It must feel good knowing the next step in your journey. #1. Sounds like your heart, but I realize there are other considerations.
Wherever you land you and Jeff will make it amazing
So good to read that everything is working out so well! God certainly has his hand in this, and as always He provides. And so nice to hear that your sons will be able to settle in a permanent school.
Excited to learn all about your new home. I sure am looking forward to following your adventures as you renovate and decorate!
Congratulations! That leap of faith can sometimes feel like a fall until the landing zone comes into view! That was much our experience moving from Illinois to Virginia – and much as most military experience with constant relocating.
One ticked box down and how many hundreds to go?!
As you know God’s timing is always perfect! I am so glad you are in and starting your new nest. Just your words of everyone being in their beds sounded wonderful!!!
Make sure you check out the Rt. 11 Yard Crawl. I found some fantastic items a few years ago.