I think I’ve known this was coming for quite awhile now, but emotionally I wasn’t quite ready for it. And then, I was.
I have made the decision to sell our home and relocate to Kentucky! I always thought I’d finish raising the younger kids here and THEN relocate, but the realization that our home is too big and too expensive has hit me recently. Sure, I could swing it until they fly the nest, but there were several factors that led to making this decision now.
- Winter. You all know how much I loved it this past winter, right? NOT!!! Every time I was shoveling or snow blowing or scraping a windshield I wondered why I was here. I hate winter! Although Kentucky has all four seasons, I don’t think I’ll be snow blowing multiple times a week anymore. YES!
- The kids are transitioning this fall anyway. Gman will be starting Middle School and Lolo will be headed to High School (I honestly don’t understand how this is possible, but it’s true).
- I have family in Kentucky. Although I had to make this decision on my own and for reasons other than this, it is certainly a bonus. I can’t wait to spend time with my nephews!!
- It’s roughly the same distance to my oldest daughter in Chicago.
- The city we’ve chosen is roughly the same size as the one we are in now. It’s large enough to providesome diversity, culture and entertainment.
- Property taxes. WAY better there.
- Job Opportunities. As my kids get into a groove and are stable in the new place and when it makes sense for me to start working again, there will be plenty of opportunities for me there.
So, kinda big news, huh? It’s been an emotional decision, but one I feel very confident about. We are ready. The time for a new beginning has arrived. It is bittersweet of course because we have so many friends here. We have the best and the worst memories within these walls. I’m thankful for the blessing of this home and grateful for the precious memories made here. We will carry these memories with us no matter where we are in this world. The house does not get to keep them, we do.
I’ve spent the last several weeks working my tail off to get this house clean and organized enough to put it on the market. Nearly 3200 sq ft of it and not one room clean enough. It was WORK! Seriously, we’ve never lived this clean before!
A few days before we intended to officially go on the market, an agent brought a family through. They made an offer and I accepted! So, the house sold to the first people to look at it before it was even officially on the market. I mean, WOW! They want to close at the end of June. That’s not much time!!
The kids and I were so happy and excited to have a buyer for the house in just one showing. But just like all the great big life moments filled with excitement and joy, there’s sadness right underneath it. I want to share this with my husband so badly! He would be proud of us. He’d also be way more organized and know how to do this! I am relying heavily on the realtors here and there to help me navigate this process. I’ve never done this before. Well, I’ve never done this alone before. It’s scary, exciting, sad, joyful, overwhelming, stressful and awesome all at once!!!
So tomorrow I’m flying to Kentucky to find our new, smaller, but hopefully still nice, home. The market there is so hot the great houses are barely on the market for more than a few days! Pray I can find the perfect home for us in the school area I desire for the kids before I leave there later this week. Pray I can coordinate closings so we aren’t homeless and we don’t have to move our “stuff” twice. Pray for us in all the ways, will you?
This next month is going to be CRAZY. SO much to pack, so much more to donate and throw away and no time for any of it! And the Summer Extra Grace Box is supposed to begin shipping in June. Lord, HELP ME!!!!
This is going to be great for us. It feels so good to have finally made the decision that has been a long time coming. It’s a relief to have finally summoned the courage to do it. You only live once, right? So goodbye, hard winters. Goodbye garden (by far the saddest part of this for me), and sayonara house that I can’t keep up with. Trusting God to lead us forward to a new beginning full of hope and promise.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
I’m going to be shooting some video and taking photos of the house hunting process, the packing process and all of the craziness about to hit us. I’ll post on my YouTube Channel, Facebook and Instagram, so make sure you’re following me there, too! I may not have a lot of time to blog this month, so will be relying on these “quicker” social media options.
Oooo, Boy! Extra Grace!
Jodi
Best wishes on your move, Jodi. I know it can seem big and overwhelming, but you will love it. I loved my time in Northern Kentucky and also in Tennessee. The climate and overall living experiences were much better than my time the upper Midwest. Prayers to you and your family!
Well done Jodi-cant believe you’ve written this on a day when Ive just agreed everything on my new home. At the minute Im living in my daughters bedroom as I have sold my house as well. Same situation as you, just a lot older and yes, winter did it for me as well! Good luck for your move to Kentucky.
Jodi, what an exciting time for you and your family. I am going to miss hearing you sing at church..
Good luck with house hunting and the move.
Vicki
I live in Northern Kentucky and our past 2 winters have been mild, mostly a bit of freezing rain. Good luck on your move.
Jodi, I think God sent you to me. My husband passed away within 45 minutes of nausea and chest pain. No health problems we knew of….physical perfect one month before.. We were extremely close. I’m selling our home and I am leaving it at end of month to go back south where my family is located. He was from Wisconsin and we retired up here six years ago. We used to come up in summers as we are teachers and had summers off. I was so torn about what to do. After this winter alone I made my decision to put it on the market. It has been listed about two months, six showings(not as lucky as you). I hate to leave it but have put it in good hands. I have been worried about it but I’m also approaching the one year departure date this Thursday. I think God sent me your letter so I’d know I’m doing the right thing. Me and my little Yorkie. Thank you. Stay in touch. And good luck.
Jodi. I dont just “like” this post!!! I “”LOVE”” it! Know that I AM praying for you and your kiddos in ALL the ways. I hope you keep writing. Your words are so healing to me each time you write and I read. For me. This time… This:
“…time for a new beginning has arrived. It is bittersweet of course because we have so many friends here. We have the best and the worst memories within these walls. I’m thankful for the blessing of this home and grateful for the precious memories made here. We will carry these memories with us no matter where we are in this world. The house does not get to keep them, we do.”
I hope you fly, girl!!!
Good luck and happiness to you all. I was wondering about selling my home and moving back to Britain and talking it over with a friend.only yesterday.
I hope you keep us all informed of how you get on which will help me to pluck up courage when the time comes.
Your messages always seem to come at my time of greatest need.
Please stay a friend to all of us who follow you.
With love
Jane
Good luck on your new journey ! I hope this helps you!
Jodi, that is awesome news. God was definitely working on the quick sale of your home. He was making it as easy as possible for you. I’ve also made the decision to sell my home. I’m taking my time and going to do it next year so I have time to do some things and cleaning out a lot of stuff I don’t need. It’s so hard to leave this house but I know it’s the right thing to do. Best of luck in your home search, can’t wait to hear what you find. You are inspiring us all who are making the same decision.
May God bless you and the kids, Jodi! Remember that God is always with you. All the best to your family.
I am praying for all of your requests, Jodi. Remember, God is behind you, He will be beside you, He goes before you, and He is over you. Trusting in Him to coordinate all things for your move to go smoothly. Thank you for being a light. Continue that as you relocate to Kentucky. God’s best to you and your family! ♥️
Jodi and family,
Wishing you all the very best with this move, please keep in touch. Can’t wait to see pictures of your new home! All so exciting and a bit over whelming for sure. You can do it! Prayers and hugs!
Karen and Lynn
Oh Jodi I have wondered since you briefly mentioned a question of a move several months ago. I am not surprised and am thrilled for you. Yes a few years does make a difference and all of a sudden decisions are easier to make. Yes Jeremiah 20:11 has become a favorite of mine. God has been a great help and comforter to me as a widow. Recently I read Ecclesiastes 7:1. Shocked alittle because I don’t think I had ever read that verse. But think God is happy with our spouses in heaven with him. Your experiences have been such a blessing to me all the way to major decision making even though age separates us by many years. Your next months will be overwhelming to say the least, but I wish you God’s very best and looks like it is a good time and that you have thought through many things including your kids’ lives and how this affects them. So great that your house sold so quickly and Happy New House Hunting. Shirley
What a challenege you have ahead of you. I wish you and your family strenth for the coming days. Your blog is always uplifting and encouraging for me. I look forward to hearing more about this new segment of your life.
Best wishes and God be with you.
Jodi God is so awesome I too have been dealing with this dilemma to rather stay renting where I’m currently located or move back home …I’ve decided to purchase a home alone with just me and my two kiddos exciting yet scary at the same time ….I’m committing to stay in current town with my great paying job and make it work with support from family of course from afar….so good luck with home hunting I actually close on mine June 6 th …
Prayers for you and your family w/this big move and all the details, gift boxes, finding a new place FAST, going thru things, and the actual move. I loved your comment that the house doesn’t get to keep the memories, but you do! Wow! Why haven’t I thought of this before! I’ve been in my new place for 3 years and still mourn the way I had to leave the other one really before I was prepared to. Don’t cry as I drive past it anymore, but feel a tug on the heart strings. I think your one sentence is going to make a huge difference in the way I think about it! ThANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Jodi, First, let me say “Good Luck” on the home search! It’s fun but stressful but I know you will handle it like a pro. You and I are on similar tracks in our grief journey as my LH passed in June, 2016. At first I couldn’t imagine ever selling our home of 42 years but after the second year I knew it was time for me to move to a new place that fit me at this point of my life. I was excited to put it on the market and start looking for a new home. I found a condo that I liked and bought it all on my own.. When my home sold I had an attack of regret and sadness but with my daughter urging me on, I made it through the process. It was hard to do on my own but I felt so proud when it was accomplished. Be strong, expect to have doubts from time to time but hang in there and make this move. It will be a fresh start for your family. There will be bumps along the way but God is with you always. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Best of luck. You’ve got this!!
Jodi,
Wow! What a step you are taking. Good for you and I’m so glad you will be near family. I believe the Lord has your new home selected, already.
I do think your husband would be so proud of you. You are so strong and getting stronger everyday.
Good luck on this move and I am excited to see pics and videos.
You got this girl 👍🏻
I am praying for you and your family. it may be the correct decision but it will be much work and some sad times of remembering. May Got richly bless you and your family and your future. It is difficult to make decisions without a mate. Your supporter and friend, Betty Hiett