hi.....it's wednesday.

 

**************************************************************************

moving on from that ad for Chlorox....


so...you know how you miss your window of telling someone something if you wait too long?

like if they have spinach in their teeth and you don't say anything for the whole meal and you say something as you get in your car to leave?  

or you find out you are pregnant and don't tell your friends and then you dont see them again until you are obviously showing and it's weird like "umm...hey....i forgot to tell you i'm pregnant"  "When are you due?" "um....next month."  (i have had that happen)

there is a window to share big news before things become awkward.

i missed that window.

so....in the spirit of all this awkwardness....

we are moving.

this weekend.

i know. i know.

craig and i have been talking about it for a year.
our kids are in school in another town (except lauren who is finishing her high school here)
and we have wanted to be in that town all year for lots of reasons...especially for the kids!

we looked at houses, we looked at building, we talked about every option and then

we found a house to rent.

it is the perfect solution until we know what we really want long term.  



it is two minutes from school.  TWO!!   (which is nice considering we overslept today and missed the bus!)

it's adorable....it really is.
and it's in the country!
with a barn!
with a basketball goal....it's so HOOSIERS.



we have been moving carloads there for over a week.
we move officially this weekend.




BUT we are also keeping our current house too.
we will still come here for when our family visits.
when our friends come for a week and we can all stay in one place.
for holidays.
for craft weekends.
for special family nights.
and i will be able to come here and sew and sew and sew.
keeping this house opens up ALL kinds of new and FUN possibilities! 

i am still processing all of it emotionally.
it's a little bit crazy to do but it's also a little bit awesome.

we are confident in this decision.
four of the five kids are happy and pumped up about it.
we are excited about a big change.

we are looking forward to see what GOD brings before us in this adventure.

there are so many wonderful memories to be made here.
i can't wait.
bring on the country.

so.....what do you think?

 

Comments

[kim]

I LOVE the barn and Hoosiers (bet I've seen it 100 times for the real) I think it will be a great adventure and am so excited for you..from afar..not like some crazy blog stalker...I'll be going now.

[Courtney]

Wow! That's crazy! It sounds wonderful to be out in the country like that. So happy that you are keeping your beautiful house though! And what a bonus to be able to decorate another space!

[Amanda Jo]

How exciting!!! I cannot wait to see what you do with the place and how your family settles in!!

[Anna Marie]

I had to re-read some of that.
At first I was like...
"Wow, I am surprised they want to move out of that awesome house."
And then I was like...
"I want to buy that house."
Then I was like..."Oh, how awesome, what a neat idea!"
Haha...
I can't wait to see what your future holds. And I am so jealous of the country and barn! Yay for you, Meg!!!

[Barbara Smith Wilke]

congrats! when I was in highschool, my family moved into a 22 acre property of woods... on a river! it was so awesome and my friends and I made so many memories I'll never forget. good luck moving this weekend! :)

[Megan]

Sounds like the best of both worlds, being able to have a country home and a city home! Enjoy the opportunity and have fun with it!

[A Facebook User]

WOW what a suprise. How exciting. Good luck with the move. Can't wait to see what you do with this house. It's so stinking cute from the outside. My boys would love that basketball goal inside the barn. Awesome.

[Megan]

My husband and I have moved 7 times in the last 6 years, so anytime I hear about anyone moving I automatically feel sorry for them, even in the best circumstances. Moving is hard and stressful... but I truly believe it can be a WONDERFUL thing as long as you remind yourself to keep looking forward, not backwards, and really reach out to make new friends. Although if you're still going to have your old house maybe your new place isn't too far away that you'd be experiencing new friends, new people, new everything.

GOOD LUCK... I love the house and I can't wait to see what you do with it. And how fun to have TWO spaces to decorate and make yours.

[Tricia]

What a surprise!

I hope that your move goes well and that you are all very happy in your new home!

[Julianne Brimner]

Love it and can’t wait to see what you will do with your country home. Also do you need me to move and be the caretaker of your city home. I promise to bake for you when you come back to visit....okay I guess it would be a commute from southern Indiana, but I love that house.

[Mandy]

Wow! Crazy! Not at all what I was expecting. I love the new house....and the old one - so glad you are keeping it! Good luck on the move! Can't wait to see what design savvy things you do to the new house to make it home!

http://dailydoseoframblings.blogspot.com

[Anna]

The house looks great! It will be so fun to watch you transform it into a home! Congratulations and good luck with the move.

[Jennifer]

I was about to be crushed...crazy, huh? I don't really know you. :) I was like, why are you moving from that awesome house!? Still want to know why, but of course its really none of my business. I'm curious as to why 4 of your kids go to school in another town, but again, none of my business. At least your are keeping your awesome house...whew crisis adverted. Can' wait to see the inside of the new place. Happy moving!

[Brooke]

HOW EXCITING!!!!! Your house would be an awesome Bed and Breakfast FYI! I'm excited for your family and the journey out to the country. Kansas Country is so beautiful and quiet! We just moved out to Bel Aire from the College Hill area in Wichita and I feel like i'm out in the country...we can smell cows...so that counts right? :) I love the quiet. it's so peaceful!

[Kristin]

love! i wish we could find something like that - enjoy the country life. :)

[beth e.]

Pick my jaw up from the floor! all i could think was, OH MY, how could she leave the doodled bathroom behind??!!! and your craft room, and, etc.....SO GLAD to hear you get to keep your home, therefore i can hold on to the dream of someday visiting for a craft weekend : ) sending you good energy for a smooth move this weekend!

[stephany]

FUN! Can't wait to see what your future holds...
Congratulations and good luck with the big move!

[Rita]

I love this new rental. How much fun this will be. Seems like most people are in transition I am myself. I hope over time you sell the house you own. Someone will want it and you won't want two homes to upkeep. But that might not be your plan. :) I'm trying to do garage sale, Ebay, sort and use plastic bins to make my life smaller. I'm happy for you. I believe this will be a great move.

[Jacci]

What do I think?

I think...

I think, you're going to get a MILLION comments on this!

I think, I kind of freaked at first. I even got up from the computer and muttered something about how you must be joking.

I think, then I got pretty excited for you.

And I can't wait to see what FUN you all get yourselves into in the country :)

I think, I want to see how you decorate a rental ;)

I think, it's awesome you're keeping the other house... for now. It gives us all time to adjust. ha ha.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS BIG!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jackie]

Wow! Love the barn, and how awesome to have two places. Can't wait to hear all about it, and living in the country, GREAT!

[asnipofgoodness]

first I was like WHAT???? then I was like HUHHHH?? then I was all something about moving?????? hahaha that was kinda awkward, especially cuz we don't even know each other really, and I'm all indignant like "she can't just move", and "what about her cute house" and "she didn't even tell me!!" haha, I LOVE the new digs though, so you go girl, more power to you!

[Molly]

Wow!! That is exciting news!!! Not gonna lie I am excited to see how you transform this new house into your home!!!

[Angel/TaDa!Creations]

Wow, I am in total shock! Picking my jaw up off the floor. I could never leave that house!!! But when you said you were keeping it, I settled back down again. How exciting for your family and this new chapter. Praying God's many blessings on you and your family in this new home. Love the barn and the country.

[jennifer]

Yay! I'm SO excited for you! I love, love, love moving. Not the packing part, but the new, the change, the excitement. I'm very happy for you and I know first hand the blessing of moving closer to the kids school. We did it a little over a year ago and I was amazed at what a relief it was. Can't wait to see all that God has for you in the new place He's brought you to.

[Naomi]

I was hoping you were onto something with the pregnancy thing... haha!

You must be WonderWoman to have hosted those Craft Weekends while packing to move house. I am in awe of you!

My parents moved my family from a big town to the middle of the country when I was 18. I was 'that' grumpy teenager that resisted everything all the way, but I am still alive and the move did not kill me! Hope your one resistant kid comes around :) xx

[Lindsey]

In the country, with a barn...very cool! Change is good sometimes!

[Kate @ Songs Kate Sang]

OHHH!! Awesome! Have a wonderful, wonderful time! :) I'm so happy for you!

[Kelly]

I think I'm completely jealous of the country and barn thing. AND you get to keep your awesome house?!? Very cool!

[Amanda]

WOW! Big big news! At first I was thinking, 'I have to tell my boyfriend!" and then I realized he would have absolutely no idea what I was talking about. But, WOW!

[Robin]

OK, moving is an exciting change, and you're sure to get loads of comments about it all. Of course, we wonder about all the details, which are none of our business. but it especially makes me want your checkbook if you can afford to keep one house and rent another. best of luck though!

[jen smith]

well i'm a little sad that you are leaving your uber fabulous old house. i seriously am so envious of it. that being said we long for the country too. we long for room to move and breathe and play so i totally get where you're coming from. cheers to your new home!

[christy]

WOW! The hime looks adorable & the space, WOW! What a great place for the kids. Sounds exciting & fun. Glad to hear you are not leaving the other house fully.

[sarah]

I cant imagine how you have done all of that AND had two craft weekends! So fun!

[Kim]

That is big news! Being close to school is a wonderful thing. My kids walk to school - it makes life so much simpler. I hope you enjoy your new adventure. I'm looking forward to seeing what God does!

[Lori Austin]

Wow - you are brave. I don't handle change well. The house, barn and land look awesome! I agree with the last post - how have you had the energy for all of this???!!!!

[Jennifer]

My first thought was "Oh my goodness--you're leaving that incredible house!" I was glad to see you are keeping it, and I can see how that would be great for your craft weekends, etc. When I saw the other house, I understood the appeal. I love the country! And a barn with a basketball goal? Priceless.

[lynette]

Exciting news, can't wait to see what you do with the new house. I love the idea of being in the country! Glad you are not getting rid of your old house, it is so beautiful! Have a good move this weekend, praying it all goes quickly!

[Holly]

oh wow.. that is awesome.....I think,lol. Congrats!

[Jennifer S.]

This post is like an episode of Parenthood...MORE! I want more. I'm just nosey, though, haha.

It seems perfect! Hope you have an easy move.

[Ashley B.]

I love how a lot of us commenters seem to be of the same mind, "How dare you move without consulting us???" as if we're active members of your life :)
As you led up to it, I was thinking "Omg she's pregnant,"
then, "No wait, Craig can't have kids anymore since that 'procedure,'"
then, "Omg what is she about to tell us???"
to, "They CAN'T MOVE!!! What about the pretty and totally renovated, bad-ass house?!?!?"
So, I'm glad to hear you're keeping the old house. Although, like the rest of the readers, I will need some time to adjust :) I'm glad the majority of the kids are happy about it (and I have a sneaking suspicion of which one isn't...as I too, ended up moving as a teenager, and wasn't too nice to my parents as a result). I've moved constantly, my entire life (7 times in the last 2 years alone), so I don't feel like one move should be grounds for catasrophic reactions. Still. It will definitely take some time for this to sink in for me.
Congrats! :)

[Janelle]

WOW. That was my first thought. WOW. My second thought was can I buy her house and move us all to Kansas? Then I read further and saw you were keeping it ;) I'm a Chicago suburb girl...we've always pondered the thought of moving towards the country but I am still addicted to little things like Target. Can't wait to read about your new house.

BTW thank you so much for your blog. It is the first one...and only one of two...that I have ever read. I know I will probably never meet you but I love hearing about your family/life/activities and it's fun having you as a pretend friend :)

[Toni :O)]

I too was like oh man, I LOVE their house and then I was like, wow...that's huge and then I was like, wow again, TWO houses...whoa!!! God bless ya, I don't know HOW you do those craft weekends and move and run your house (or houses I guess!) and take care of that huge family AND cook?!!! What???!!!! You truly are SUPER WOMAN! I'm excited for everyone, the country house looks fab! I'm sure you've made your neighbor Amy sad...sniff, sniff...although now she has an awesome country home to visit you in. Best wishes in making your new home a lovely, snuggly, cozy place of comfort! God bless! :O)

[Jennifer@beautyinbloom]

I think its awesome! Yay for getting to keep your old house! Love the barn too! Hope your move is smooth and easy!

[Christine]

I had to read this 3x. I was like "what?!?!" I'm sure this is a good choice for your family. I hate packing and moving stuff, so I feel for you. I hope your new adventure is all you hope it to be.

I think I want to see the inside of this house so soon!

[Janelle]

So I just logged off, walked around the house, and I just have to tell someone "can you believe Meg is moving." But I have no one to tell because the kids are at preschool and they have no idea who you are. :)

So I'm posting another comment to all your readers to say "CAN YOU BELIEVE MEG IS MOVING!?"

[Lori Tacchino]

So fun to see where you are moving-it's just darling! Cant wait to see a tour and how you "doll it up".

[Lori Bowring Michaud]

Wow! How exciting (and terrifying for you)! I hope all those "possibilities" work out for you!

[Tracy Fisher]

I love it! It's fun to do random, out of the ordinary things with just your family. Congrats to you. p.s. my kids would love that barn.
tracy

[Kerstie Pederson]

I think it's awesome! I think it's big, bold, and brave! I have been reading your blog for over a year, your home is so much a part of it. So, my jaw did hit the floor!!! BUT, I did have sigh of relief knowing your NOT selling.... pheeew. How fun this will be for your family.
Best of luck...... God is awesome like this..... opportunity! ;)

[Sarah Wolfe]

Excited for you and your family. And completely jealous of that barn :)

[Heather S.]

Shock. Utter shock. So glad you are keeping your rockin' old house. It is the complete opposite of mine. Old vs. New, White vs. Colored walls everywhere, multi-level vs. ranch, etc. I love looking at your photos because the space just seems FRESH! I'm excited to see what you do in the new place. Country living. Very cool. Also - my first thought: Why the heck did Meg do all that work on the bathroom just to leave it? But isn't that typical? Make the house just how you want and then leave it. I'm glad you'll at least be keeping the house!

[Brooke in WI]

Oh my goodness! I was a little worried at first that you would completely leave that beautiful home. Someday I will get to live in the country again.

[Anessa]

Can I move in and take care of your house? I love your house! I am sure you will make the new one just as wonderful. What a surprise to throw at us! Well congrats and can't wait to see pics.

[bread and jam]

Well, I guess I better call that realtor and tell them I'm not moving down the street from you after all.

Ok, now this is really awkward.

[tiffany gardner]

BLESSINGS to you my fav blog girl on this new adventure. I always used to run from change but I now try to look at it as...wow...God has something new planned for me! You will be in my prayers as you become a country girl! p.s. my kids and I read little house on the prairie books and watch the shows and I secretly want to be a country girl too! xo!

[Heidi Jo the Artist]

Super duper excited for you guys!!! Your kids are going to have so much fun! I grew up on a farm and love the country life and crave to be back there for so many reasons. Not sure where we will end up, but we don't plan to stay in our house forever either. We are in a questionable place too--to build or buy. I love old houses, but land is so dang expensive and I would want more than just a couple acres (love gardening and animals-which both need some space), so we've considered building on my parents' land, but that can be expensive too. Looking forward to more photos of the place!

[Laura Phelps]

I think the best is yet to come.....:-)

[Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft]

Oh my gosh.. I can't believe you are moving! Your house is so gorgeousssss. Well, if you ever do decide to sell, I bet your house would sell in .2 seconds to one of your blog readers. ;)

My thoughts are, whenever you live, I know you will make it beautiful. And you have made a LOT of memories in your "old" house, but you will surely make a lot in the new house, too. :) A new chapter in the life of the Duerksen's.. How fun!

Best wishes in your new chapter, Meg. :)

PS- You made sure that there is a Sonic by the rental house, right?? ;)

[Joy]

This is so exciting, and I think that I love that you told us just now instead of talking about it a while. I think I may be a little too spoiled with our society's "I want it now" concept. Yay for moving! This will be so fun to see how you make this house your home too!

[Emily]

Waffle will be so happy!

[Kimberly Dial]

Oh my goodness! You must have the most peaceful spirit about you to be able to host 2 CW's, take care of the hubs & 5 children, blog & move all within such a short period of time. I understand how your oldest girlie feels. My family moved clear across the country the summer before my senior year. It can be very hard but an adventure all the same (be patient with her momma - she can't help herself ;)

[Linda]

BLogland is a funny thing. You have hundreds of people who follow you. And somehow we feel like we know you!. My first thoughts like many were oh my that house!! Maybe I can convince my husband to relocate to Kansas and buy it! How fortunate you are to be able to keep that beautiful home and still move your family to an area you think will be be better for them. You are truly blessed. What a great opportunity for you and your family. The house you are renting is already cute but I know we will all love it when it has your touches to it. Best of luck moving can be such a stressful thing. And I hope the one child who is upset may soon have their spirits lifted. Again good luck!

[Tere]

I'm in shock.
I'm still processing.
I LOVE your house.
But I LOVE the country.
I'm excited....
Can't wait to see the changes.
xoxo Tere

[Jackie Barnum]

Wow! I never would have guessed that! LOL I was going to say I would love to buy your old house. But gosh darn it you're keeping it. I don't blame you. It is my dream house. I don't think I could talk my hubbby into moving all the way to Kansas anyway. :( Your new house looks just as beautiful!

[Samantha Bayer]

Awesome! Got to love farms....they give kids so many good memories!

[Susan]

Okay! So it appears that we are all in shock! I think it will be awesome and so happy you are keeping your beautiful home! Happy moving!

[tara]

enjoy the adventure!
waffle will be in some sort of layer of dog heaven. :)

[Terrie G]

Ok girl...almost had to restart my heart! That is until I read you were keeping the old house!!
So, now...I'm jealous...You don't just have a craft room...you have a craft HOUSE!! Wonder if my hubba will go for that...hmmmm?!
I'm so excited for you and your family! Some of our best family times were living in the country on the family farm stead for 17 years! My hubba made an awesome basketball goal that was adjustable from like 3 feet to the top of the shed. (yes, we had a shed, not a barn)
And...I love Green Works products! Use them all the time! :)

[Barbara]

I'm so happy for you and your family, Meg!! Wishing you lots of happiness and great memories in your new home. May all who enter its doors be blessed!

Barbara

[Rachel J]

Whoa! When reading this post I felt like my bff next door was moving far away! Even though we live nowhere near each other in real life. And I'm glad you are keeping your house, it's too awesome to give up. But no doubt you and Craig and GOD have worked it all out :)
Good luck with the move!

[Dani]

WOW! I grew up in the country of Mississippi. Actually, I think the entire state is country... Your kids will love it. There will be so many new adventures for them. I will be sad to not see that beautiful house of yours, but look forward to seeing what you will do with this one!

[jacqui anderson]

OMG! at first i had to go re-read it and check who's blog I was on!!!! then i was super worried about craft weekend!!! and then i was excited for you :)

[Sophie]

Wow! congrats! I really wasn't expecting news like that from the introduction!

It seems like a really charming place and somewhere you will all be happy... I'm going to miss seeing your old house on your blog so much though!

[Ashley]

Whoa! Thank goodness you are keeping your house! I literally said out loud reading the post...."WHAT? You don't LEAVE THAT HOUSE!!!!! Certainly she won't sell it!!!???" then I kept reading and chilled out! hhaa. I was also for a moment playing over in my head how I could convince my hubby to pack up and move cross country, Just because the most perfect house in the world is on going to be on the market! hahha. Glad you are keeping your house! and glad for your new adventure! Looking forward to seeing what you do with the new rental to "Meg it up!":)

[pam]

I tried to leave a comment on the jewelry post...but I missed the window! ha! :)

I'm so glad you posted pictures of the new place. It's so lovely! Straight out of a book...or movie. :)

Miss you. The move will be so awesome.

[Sunny Haynes]

What a wonderful adventure for you and your family! Best of luck in your move this weekend! I know I hate moving but it is always exciting to unpack and start new!

[Juli]

What!? What a surprise! The house looks awesome and I love the country. The kids will love it. I'll be praying for your 1 out of 5 who is not excited about it.

[Victoria]

Wow. What cool news. That barn is awesome and I can't wait to see what you do with the house.

[amber]

Exciting!!! I cannot wait to see you decorate the new place!

[Meredith Salmon]

That is great news!!! I have to admit I was thinking "how could they leave the other house?", but you are keeping it. Your house is my dream house and until I read on I was in complete shock. Congrats and you will love it! God bless!!!

[elisa]

I thought for sure it was going to be kid #6

But moving?? You just want to be like me :)

Haha. Can't wait to follow you on this adventure!!!

[Andrea @ Big Creek Cottage]

Wow....I am in shock......or something....I was ready to miss your house (I love your house and I have never been there...how silly is that?)....but your new house sounds great.....so what is not to love. I can't wait to see it and what you do with it.....Congratulations! Hurry and post some more pictures! (when are you having a barn party????)

[Michelle]

Very, very INTERESTING. All I can say is, keep those blog posts coming!

[Ali]

WOW WOW WOW!!!!! Congrats!! This sounds like the BEST of both worlds to me!!!!! SOOOOOOOOOO awesome!!

[katey]

What are you going to name your old house that is sure to become your "bed and breakfast craft retreat house" new business venture? :) God has big plans for you Meg Duerksen!!!

[Cindy]

I LOVE IT!! So excited for you! At first, I was wondering how you were ever going to walk away from that gorgeous house you're in now...so glad that you don't have to! Can't wait to see the beauty you bring to the new one ;)

[sue]

What !!!. You can't leave that house. You don't have to tell us the real reason Why, but i am in shock. I think I can guess though !

[sandee prince]

First 71toes announces she is moving yesterday. And then you?!!!! Makes me wanna move too! lol

Kidding on that last one. We just moved into our new house and LOOOOOOOVE.

Congrats on the new house. I really like that barn :) Can't wait to see all your new transformations!

[Southern Gal]

Wow! You definitely know how to keep a secret. I think I'll call you next time I've got a big secret I need to tell, but need to keep to myself a while! That's fabulous. I love the barn. And being able to keep both houses is a sweet bonus. Congratulations.

[ingrid]

I'm laughing.....cuz even tho I don't KNOW you, I feel like I KNOW you. And it seems like something you would do. Waffle is going to love it there!

[Laura Lee]

I have never met you in reality and my first emotion when I read that was MAJOR sadness about you not being in your awesome house!!! so weird. And then big relief to hear it will still be yours. lol. I can't imagine a cooler house than yours. Good luck this weekend! excited to see more :)

[jodi @ back40life]

we live on 9 acres out in the country and absolutely LOVE it! there's just nothing like it...last night we had a bonfire/campfire and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows...absolutely love it!

enjoy, enjoy!!

[nicole @ deliajude]

awesomeness. i think I have a small pang of envy but that is only because I live in the uber overpriced SF bay area and could not fathom 2 houses! God has a great adventure for you and your family.

[This Farm Family's Life]

Wow! Congratulation and best of luck!

[Meredith]

I can't help but imagine how excited Waffle is going to be with all that space to roam. Space is good for everyone's soul and being close to school simply changes everything about how you start your day doesn't it? Congrats to you and Craig for making big, brave decisions.

Wish I could send you a big tray of cinnamon rolls to welcome you to your new home. Meredy xo

[Kelly]

Wow!! Awesome news! I was always the last to know things growing up because they claimed I was the first to go tell!! Good luck at your new place. Loving the indoor basketball barn!

[Erika]

The country rocks. Can't wait to see pictures of the new place!

[tina]

We live in the country and wouldn't have it any other way!!!! Good luck!!!

[Tiffany]

I hate moving. But not if I got to keep two houses, BONUS!!! I wish my 2nd house were on a beach though, aaaaaaaaaaaaah.... The intro was great. Will you start blogging with a country drawl? ha ha, I crack myself up.

[Kerry]

Woooaahhh!! I went back and read it 3 times to make sure I read it right! Wowza's - I just know your new country home will be every bit as awesome as your home now. Enjoy the adventure! xxx