Yep. You read that correctly. We’re moving! And if you are surprised, I am as well. More like in a state of shock. And giddy. It’s truly a long story of how this all came about but I will try and keep it short and sweet. As most of you know, we adore our home and neighborhood. But this was never meant to be our forever home. We had only planned on staying 3-4 years, and can’t even believe it’s been over 9. But as luck would have it, we fell in love with our school, our neighbors and our location. We enjoyed every second of working on this home and both children have an entire lifetime (well. . . lifetime meaning 8 and 10 years) of memories in this home.
our new home
As time went on, we began to feel that there was a home out there that could be our forever home. About two years ago we really got the urge to move on and find what would be our version of our dream home. But because we love our neighbors and school, the new house needed to check off a million boxes. Including not having to change schools or be too far from our dear friends. We looked at almost every home that came on the market over the last two years and nothing was right. If we were going to make a change, it really needed to make sense for us and be the right house for our family.
A while back we looked at a home and I decided it was a great deal of work to make it our taste. Two weeks later, my husband and I were on our front porch and I brought up that house we had so easily dismissed (well, I had, he hadn’t). I told him that I couldn’t stop thinking about it and that I think we are making a huge mistake. I told him it was perfect for us and checked off all of our boxes. His response, “I know. I knew that when we looked at it!” And he had. He knew all along.
So two days later we went and looked at the home and spent almost an hour in it. I brought my daughter to look at it and she had the best response, “Mom. It just needs love. I feel really happy here.” I called my sister and told her we wanted to make an offer but I wanted her approval. I asked her to come look at it the very next day.
Then the black cloud came rolled in. That very night we got a call from the agent saying that we could still come and see it but that the sellers had received and accepted an offer. What?! What? How could that be?! That was our house. Ugh. Devastation. Tears. We felt crushed and very much upset that we had hesitated. In hind sight, it was clear that God was letting us know we really wanted the home and should fight for it. My sister came to see the house. She loved it and was walking around inside saying, “What were you thinking? Why didn’t you make an offer? I totally picture you guys here.” So we called our agent, who happened to be in the middle of a round of golf, and begged her to quickly jump on the back up offer process.
Then we waited. I was a basket case. All I could do was pray that whoever made the offer decided something better was out there for them. I wrote it down, as I do with all of my goals, and believed that it would work out. Less than 24 hours later we got a call letting us know the previous offer had fallen through. What?! For real?! What?! It was an answer to a prayer and the long process of buying a home ensued. And let me tell you, it was long.
In the end, we are over the moon and slightly in disbelief that we are moving into what we hope will be our forever home. The home that our children will grow up in and one day head off to college from. They are both so excited and already trying to pack their things. Having said that, this family is one that clings to our past with great emotion so there is also a tug at our hearts leaving our current home.
This time has felt like the first time you discover you are pregnant. When you have a special secret to share that only the two of you know. We didn’t share with anyone other than family for the longest time and more recently told our dear friends. It almost felt like it wouldn’t be real if we did. We also were aware that anything could happen during the escrow process and wanted it to all be definite.
So, that is the story of how we found our home. I will show you the before photos of the inside very soon.
Really big moments like this do not come around very often and I appreciate being able to share this with all of you. Most of you have seen my children grow up in our current home and I hope you’ll join us on this adventure as we work to make this new house our forever home.
Congratulations! A forever home is such a huge blessing. I am excited for the adventure that awaits you r family.
Thank you, Patty! Your comment made me tear up. It’s been a dream of ours since we got married. Thank you for the sweet sentiment. xo
I’ve been such a fan of your style and blog for many, many years. I can’t wait to see what you do with your forever home. Congratulations!!
Thank you so much, Michalee. That means so much coming from someone who has been reading for quite some time. It’s crazy how time flies. Thank you for taking the time to comment. Have a wonderful week.
SO exciting Courtney!! Congratulations!!!! Your experience brought back similar memories when we bought our forever home a couple of years ago. Such a roller coaster for sure. I can’t wait to follow along and see you make this home your home. Your talent for design and detail and your family’s love will create a beautiful home!!
Thank you soooo much. Yes! Such a roller coaster. Congratulations on your being in your forever home. I think we have gone to bed every night by 8:30 just due to the emotional roller coaster of it all. Such a kind sentiment. Thank you. Looking forward to all the adventures that await there. xo
Congratulations!!! The outside is amazing. I love, love, love the porch. Can’t wait to see how you transform it.
Thank you, Marty! You know we like a front porch 😉 While a little rare for Southern California, grateful we found one. Thank you for all of your love and support over the years, Marty.
Courtney, I am so happy for you all! It warms my heart to hear about answered prayers. I can’t wait to see what wonderful touches you add to your new home. Enjoy these new moments.
Patrice!!! Thank you. It really has been a lesson in prayer and patience. Trying to really just take this all in right now and be sure the kiddos are good with the change.
So glad I can finally congratulate. I do not keep a secret well. I know you will make it both beautiful and a home!
Miss you all!
Thank you, Aunt Mary!!! Hard for me, too. xo
Such a neat story. Isn’t God’s timing amazing!! Love the front porch. Enjoy making your new house into your home.
Thank you, Cathy. Couldn’t agree more. Not always easy to see at the time but looking back it all makes sense. Thank you for such a kind comment.
Congratulations! It’s beautiful!! So happy for you and your family and can’t wait to follow along 🙂
Thank you, Becky! You’re so sweet. We are ready for this next phase of our lives. Enjoy your week.
Congratulations on your new adventure! It looks just darling and I can’t wait to see how you pretty her up!!
Thank you so much, Dawn. We are really looking forward to getting settled. All in good time, right?!
WHAT?!?! So excited for you and your family. And I can’t wait to follow along on all the beautiful updates I know you’ll make along the way!
Ahh..How exciting 🙂 Cant wait to see before pics!!!
Big congratulations from me too! I recently moved and it’s been amazing to look back and see how God kept me from buying the wrong house. He has wonderful plans for you and I’m so glad everything is falling into place!
Congratulations Courtney! I’m so excited for you! God is so good. Can’t wait to follow along with your new adventure!
Oh how exciting, Courtney!! We are nearing the end of the escrow process on what we also hope is our forever home. There’s such a different kind of anticipation and gratitude that comes along with that kind of blessing. So excited for what’s to come for your family!
Congratulations! I’m excited for you but also excited that we will get to see everything through the blog. Such fun!
Oh wow!! I am so excited for y’all. God obviously knew the home was perfect for your sweet family, and intervened with the first contract. I can imagine it will be hard to pack up your current home with all the memories you have there, but a home is a structure, and memories are can be taken with you!! I look forward to seeing more of your lovely new home, and I know it won’t take long for you all to make it your own.
Love ya!!
Hi Courtney, How very exciting for your family! Will look forward to watching you make it yours. Hope it is all you want and more!
Congratulations!
Congratulations! What a coincidence… I’m just returning from closing on the house that we will move into very soon now. It’s not our forever house and we also plan to be in it for 3-4 years, but like you, who knows how long we will end up living there. I also have a long list of things I would like to do to the house. It will be nice to follow along, and even steal some ideas and inspirations from you. Good luck with the move.
Congrats!! Amazing news. Can’t wait to follow along as you update your new home with your personal touches. I can totally relate to your story. We are still in our starter home 9 years later and dying to find our forever home too (It’s tough in the crazy Toronto real estate market). All the best 🙂
Congratulations! Your new home looks beautiful! What will you be doing with your old house? The next family to move into it will be one lucky family since it is gorgeous! Can’t wait to see what you do with your forever home!
I’m a long-time reader and just yesterday I opened my new issue of BHG and was excited to see your current home featured:) Congrats on your new home, love the porch, and can’t wait to see what you do with it!
YAY! Congratulations – what exciting news!
I am so sorry that it has been such a rollercoaster – but now you can focus on the good and the exciting future ahead! We built our forever home 2,5 years ago and I am still in the honeymoon, giddy phase every time we walk through the door! x
That’s so exciting! Congratulations to you guys. Can’t wait to see photos and follow along as you make it your own.
I love what your daughter said, “Mom….it just needs love”. I can’t wait to follow along and see what you do with this charming house. Congratulations to your family with your new forever home!
Congratulations, Courtney!
I know that all the love you put into this home will make it just perfect for you and your family. I’m excited to follow along on this journey with you.
The house keeps getting lovelier and lovelier. Your touch is exactly what it needs!
Save my spot for the first family game night! xoxo
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see what you do with it 🙂
Congratulations, Courtney! What an exciting time for you. I can’t wait to see how you transform your lovely new home.
I’m so happy you have found your forever home. This will be a very exciting time for you and your family. Your daughters words are very true. Most everything just needs love. I look forward to reading about the beautiful touches I know you will put in it.
How exciting for you! I wish I could buy your current home! Sadly, we live in Missouri. ???? Can’t wait to see how you decorate the new house & make it your home!
Congratulations!! This is so exciting! I honestly got chills reading how the house became yours and it’s going to be so fun to watch you and your family make it your home. My husband and I recently moved and I struggled BIG TIME but focusing on the fact that your family makes it your home and not the house helps! Cheers to many happy new memories! <3
soooooo….happy for you and your family 🙂 🙂 🙂
Congratulations to you and your family! The second I saw the pic, I immediately thought-definitely a perfect fit with that porch:)) A house is just a house, but the people you share it with truly make it a home! Best of luck!
Congratulations! I love this story. It’s always amazing when something like that falls into place. It’s definitely where you and your family should be.
Yay Courtney!! I am so excited for you! What a wonderful journey. And what your daughter said must have made you melt and realize it was the right decision. I can’t wait to see you put your designer stamp on it and the happy memories. Enjoy!!
Ok… First of all, Soooooo excited for you!! You deserve every bit of happiness Courtney. I couldn’t be happier for you and your amazing family. I know this is something you have wanted for quite awhile and I’m thrilled it’s happened to your sweet family!
Well…. Today we officially sold out home too! What are the odds? ( I pitched it to Jeff just last weekend if you can believe it!!)
We usually know what one another is up to but this time I didn’t mention a thing to anyone. While you are going bigger… we are going smaller. It’s closer to cute Main St. and the Saturday flower market and well… perfect for where we are with Emma at college. ???? I love my town and like you… wanted to stay close. I’m so happy. Hugs and let’s talk pleaseeeeee this week! ????????
Congratulations! I too have a house that just needed love, it was my grandparents’ home for 30 years. Two years later and I’m still trying to make it our forever home. It is so much fun but yet exhausting at the same time. Your new home will be great! Can’t wait to see pics! 🙂
Ahhhh! I am so excited for you and want to hear more details! Will call you soon! XO
Giiiirl. I’m over the moon for you & your family! As much as I’ll miss your current home (it’s like an old friend lol), can’t wait to see you give your forever home love.
MWAH!!
xoxo
Hi there! Your home is stunning. You’ve done a fantastic job. Congrats on moving. I’m sure your new home will be just as beautiful. I adore your kitchen chairs. Would you mind sharing where they are from? Thank you!
I have been a reader for years, but have never commented. I am so happy for you and your family! My husband and I have had many job-related moves. We met in DC, moved to New Orleans (got married), then moved to Phoenix (where we had our two boys), then back to DC, and now in St. Louis. We are here for good and quite possibly in our forever home and it is the best feeling! Knowing we can make this house our home, however long that takes, is so exciting, not to mention fun! You are going to have the best time doing the same! Wishing you nothing but the best for you and your family!
Congratulations Courtney! So happy for you, and hope that you make many happy memories in your new home. And, a porch hete in So Cal… Added bonus for sure!
Hugs,
Betty
Congratulations!!!! Your new home is beautiful and I’m sure you will fill it with many happy new memories.
P.S. I’m obsessed with the porch. Love!
Just catching up on your news. Congratulations Courtney!! I know that feeling of looking and waiting for your forever home. So glad you found yours! I’ll miss the corners of your old house, all the projects and celebrations within its walls. Wishing you many more memories in your new home!