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This post is to close a chapter.
It’s the chapter of our home for the last 5 years. The home that changed so much for us. The home that brought us both incredible blessings and challenges.
A few of you that follow me on Instagram may already know about the changes for this TIDBITS crew, but I wanted to be sure all my readers were aware as it will effect the content I am able to share here for a time.
To sum it up, we have listed our home for sell, moved into a rental home and are currently looking for property where we can look towards our dream of building a home together from scratch . . . just how we want it.
You see, Kevin (or as we call him here, “Mr. TIDBITS”) and I both grew up with land – lots of land. His childhood revolved around farming and animals and my surroundings revolved around a gravel pit and heavy equipment. But we were both free to roam and explore among all the accomplishments set by the hands of our hard working, entrepreneur parents. We have forever craved more land for our own children, and a quieter country style of living.
But the thing is, we LOOOOOOVE the town we live in and never want to leave. It is a beautiful rural country town, nestled into majestic Rocky Mountains, and filled with the kindest most down to earth people you’de ever meet. We take pride in our one stoplight and gas station. While we’ve loved our time among wonderful next door neighbors and subdivisions, we are ready for some room to breathe. This hunt for just the right property may take us some time, because we have boxed ourselves into the little town as our only option at the moment.
We left our home rather abruptly. We’ve watched for a place to go so we could put our house on the market, but finding a place that wasn’t a dump and fit our space needs and budget was hard to find. When the rental home we are in now became available, we snatched it up quick.
While the rental is comfortable, clean and has many things we’ve never enjoyed (like a walk-in pantry and closet), it will most likely never feel like us. It is dark, poorly lit, and very very brown – quite opposite of my style. I find myself with no desire to do much of anything to the space, especially since all our nice belongings are still at the other home being staged for selling purposes. The homeowners have made it clear that no changes are to be made, even down to holes in the walls.
My poor creative mind has to be hushed often as I realize exploring ideas and changes are futile. As we go back and forth from our home we are selling and the rental, our hearts ache still. It’s hard to leave a place you put so much blood, sweat and tears into. I don’t often attach myself to materialistic things, but this home changed our lives so drastically, I wanted to capture one last goodbye. I knew my dear dear friend and talented photographer, Sandy, was the one to do it.
We even had to find other homes for the pets, which was the cause of many many little tears. (No pet policy in the rental).
As I reflect on the time we’ve spent in this home, I’d like to share some of the memories I hold dear. But first, I don’t think I’ve ever shared with you how we came to live in this house in the first place. It’s a story of trusting in the Lord, and taking a leap of faith . . . something which I very much need to remind myself of again as we venture in the unknown with constant disappointments and bumps in our road.
We had 3 kids at the time, and had outgrown our starter home. We did kind of the same thing, put it up for sell – but that time we moved in with mama. My husbands job was over the mountains and a long commute so we wanted to move closer to it, even though it would mean farther from family. So the urgent house hunt began, because living with mama and bringing 3 kids in tow (as much as we love each other) is a struggle for all parties . . . know what I mean.
We looked at so many homes for months and could not feel good about any of them. Many met our requirements, but we felt such an empty feeling about all of them and couldn’t figure out why.
Finally, out of curiosity, we looked at a home just a few minutes away from my mom and even farther away from my husbands work. Despite all it’s disadvantages – location, outdated, and way over our humble price point – we felt giddy excited about it and felt peace and assurance for the first time.
We were so nervous about the mortgage and gas bill. We are not ones to buy more than we can afford, and we were used to living with less, so we felt border line irresponsible for biting off such a big bill, one that would stretch us to the max to pay off each month. But we couldn’t shake the feeling of peace and assurance that it would all be okay, so we proceeded and bought the home.
My husband would always joke with people when they came into the home. He would say, she said, “I love this house, I love it, I love it, I love it! . . . . Now lets change everything.” And yes, that’s what eventually happened 😉
It too was dark and dated, but through the years and DIY’s, we brightened it up and infused the 1990’s home with charm.
It was in hindsight of this home and journey, that we remembered our initial fears and the leap of faith against all reason. Yes, our promptings were correct . . . everything was okay. Better than okay, in fact.
This home created a blogger. This home brought us extra income. This home helped us discover the talents buried inside us and unleashed our creativity.
But most importantly to me, this home has helped me inspire many others to take what they have and make the most of it . . . and that is a treasure I hold so very dear and a responsibility I take very seriously.
As a family, this home welcomed our dear baby boy – our fourth child. This home brought us closer to my Aunt and Grandma then we have been in years, a blessing for all.
This home saw me through depression like I’ve never experienced before. This home was the cozy shelter for many storms.
In here, we often welcomed many guests and celebrated life with others.
We laughed. We cried. We were strengthened together.
And as life turned out, my husband ended up with an amazing new job that fell into his lap, very close to our home. We always wonder at the miracle of that unexpected change and that we were in the right location at the right time to receive that blessing.
So, I’ll sum this up by saying this home taught me to trust in my God and rest assured that He will guide my life as I live worthy of His promptings.
We find ourselves again a little lost for direction and nervous by the lack of interest in buyers for our home. I have to just trust that the right family will come at the right time, and everything will be okay again.
Admittingly, I find myself also nervous and discouraged about what kind of content to share here that would still be helpful and inspiring to you. What is a Home Decor and DIY blogger, without a home?!
I feel a bit like an Artist without a canvas. The ideas come, and I have to let them go.
I wonder how long can I go on like this before it hurts my business terribly.
Those are the fears that at times consume me, but I try my hardest to look back on our lives and remember to trust.
Now, I plan to update and share more about our rental and current projects, but this is where I would love and treasure your input as a reader. Can you think of content that you would still love to have me share and explore here?
Is there perhaps a desire for knowledge or a skill you wish to develop that I could help you with?
If you could please leave me a comment with your thoughts, I would be beyond grateful.
I do plan to slow things down while my kids are home from school, and I have a goal of getting our family pictures off my computer and into albums for my kids to actually see. I will also admit to enjoying a slightly slower pace of life in this rental, where constant big projects are not around every corner.
I try to enjoy those little things and not let myself get discouraged by feeling lost in my surroundings and I try to look forward with hope and faith.
I’ll leave you with a few more of these beautiful images, and welcome you to share with me your own experiences of walking into the unknown.
Thank you all so much for walking this journey with me, and I hope to continue to share and inspire no matter our stage of life.
It’s officially time for us to turn the page and look to the next chapter with anticipation.
Goodbye Home.
If you’de like to view all the before and afters of our home and all the seasonal home tours, they can be found in one handy place HERE. Come take a walk down memory lane with me!
Thanks for reading and for being so kind and accepting of us!
Something that might help to allow you to continue your creative journey – one that a very large portion of folks are dealing with – is how to decorate specifically for a rental home without being able to just do it when and how to you would do it normally. That’s part of the fun, the challenge of making a rental home more personal while still staying within the “rules”. It takes a bit more plotting and planning and getting REALLY creative to figure out how to update a kitchen while not being able to “change everything” and not spending a lot but the rewards are just as sweet if not sweeter! You have to someitmes twist things completely or use something for its opposite “normal” use. Things like removable wallpaper/tile/backslashes, contact paper/washi-tapes, command strips/hooks, removing and storing cabinets fronts and small hardware, etc.etc.etc.
You can use a whole different set of decorating skills and talents and flex that artistic muscle. It’s amazing what can be done to rentals without losing your deposit. And to top it off you’ll be able to reach and teach a completely different audience. Sending positive energy to you and yours. Best of luck!
Hi Cami! I’ve followed your blog for a while now and I just love your style. I can’t imagine having to make the decision to leave the home you so obviously loved to venture out into the unknown. Then again, how exciting to be able to start from scratch with a home you’ve designed exactly to your taste. It’s for sure a big step but one I’m sure you can handle. It would be fun to have people send you pictures of their homes looking for your advice and expertise. That would keep your creative juices flowing while giving you the opportunity to continue blogging. I’ve lived in a rental home for over 23 years, living in Vancouver makes owning a home unattainable for us, so we’ve made the best of our little townhouse. We love it here and will likely stay indefinitely. As long as you continue to do things with love, your home will reflect that. I also fully intend to stick around to see how you face the challenges of living in a rental with many restrictions, but mostly to see the beautiful new home you will create in the near future! Enjoy every step of your new journey Cami!
So many others have already said this but you are so talented that you need to share with us I agree with writing a book and taking on clients. Reach out to other bloggers who have written books and they will probably gladly share with you how they got started. Your faith in God is so inspiring – share more of that, too.
Someone once told me that when one door closes, another one opens but there may be heck in the hallway! You’ll be surprised how change can make you grow!
Some people never get to own their own home and they need great ideas that you will have to offer too!
Haha! I’ve never heard that addition. That’s certainly what it has felt like, as we have actually been walking this transition for 2 months now and every road we take is a dead end. But I really hope to offer more hope to those who like you mentioned will never own their own home. I’m excited for the challenge! Thank you for your kind words!
Hi Cami
Your story really moved me. I too am in a rental – that was barely fit for habitation when I moved in. Everyone thought I was crazy, they didn’t say anything, but I could see it on their faces. With the assistance of my sister we turned this little cottage into something adorable, to love and cherish. But my real goal is to buy my own home and to put my artistic talents into making my own home beautiful. My budget is inconceivably small but I just know the right thing will come along. I have my wonderful sister who is on my side as always, despite all the negativity from others about how I can never do it. She gives me hope and encouragement when it all gets too much. Reading your story has also given me hope. I thank you for that so much. Just to let you know, I have a stash of things I have made that I cannot put up in this house and I look at them and send them love and tell them we will soon be in our own home where we can have everything just as we like. I wish you and your family well and thank you for all the wonderful ideas and inspiration you so kindly offer through your website and blogs.
Oh sisters. I could not live without mine. Mine have also encouraged me and had faith in me when nobody else did. I truly hope your dreams and aspirations will turn out for you. It was hard for me to pack up all the beautiful things we had made and thrifted through the years, and know there was no place for them where we were going. Infact, we sold and donated a lot of it. But I think the real joy is in creating them and holding onto hope, so I love that you have done that inspite of it all. Thank you so much for sharing that with me!
Cami, thanks for sharing this beautiful testimony of His perfect plans- it reminds me of Proverbs 3:5-7. Y’all acknowledged Him and He directed your paths. Just as He is now doing .
Maybe this could be a good time to help
Other in the situation you are now in (that likely most of us have been in at one time or another…how to decorate a rental home incorporating our style and making it cozy without going against the wishes of the homeowner. You are so talented – a gift Heavenly Father- I know you can do it. And you can help stage other home for sale, and help other achieve the look and feel they want for their homes too. Praying for you.
Annette, thank you for the reminder of that scripture. Acknowledgement. Turning to Him. That’s really all He needs us to do to continue to bless us. He is such a loving God and the kind messages of so many today have filled my heart to the tippy top. I love the idea of using this time to help others in many ways, and it has excited me like never before. Thank you so much for your kind words!
Good luck to you and your family in your search for land on which to build a new home. Maybe all the ideas that come to you while you are renting can be written done in a journal. You won’t actually be able to put those ideas into creative projects; you will, though, be able to express yourself creatively through word.
An idea journal . . . I like that!! I think I do need somewhere to get them out so I can move on and look forward. Thank you for your kind encouraging words!
whew, I thought the goodbye was you were closing your blog! It’s hard to wait for God’s timing on things…I’m in a waiting period myself and having to remind myself that His timing is perfect, I can bloom where I am, and I can definitely trust Him! I remember being in a rental and just itching to do some decorating but couldn’t. Enjoy the slower pace while you can. Hope you can find projects to fill the need to create. I’m looking forward to your journey. Praying for a buyer for your home and for finding the right property to build on. Hmm, maybe you could share ideas about your dream home? Even if you have to cut way back, I’ll still be here to read. I love your blog!
hugs,
Cecilia
Now that would be a post to write!! Which I hope I never do! Bloom where planted. For some reason that quote had not crossed my mind through all this, but yes, that we must do. I sure appreciate being added to your prayers and it strengthens me so much to know that. You are such a sweetheart and wish like crazy you were right next door to me. I adore you!
I SO have missed pics and stories for you home! I would love for you to post how you make your rental into your home! I’m sure you are limited to what you can do in a rental! I’m a diehard fan of yours and and sure there are others so don’t worry about your followers!!!!!! Your my favorite blogger and will always be!!!!!!!!
Your words Lisa. I can’t even. Favorite blogger?????!!!!! Diehard???!!! I feel I don’t even deserve someones devotion like that! It almost intimidates me. But thank you. Thank you for the tear of appreciation and boost of confidence. Wish I could give you a big ol’ hug!
Hi Cami, I have followed you quite a while. Thanks for sharing! I really think you will still have plenty of things to blog about. Loved the pictures of your beautiful family. Take care.
Thank you for your confidence Brenda! My family is my greatest treasure!
You may be keeping Command Strips in business! Heehee! I think you may come up with some ‘out-of-the-box’ ideas that others can implement in their homes! 😀
Haha Julie! I should try to work with them 😉 . They would love me! Thanks for always lifting me up!
Perhaps your mama or friends have some projects you could help them with and feature on your wonderful blog. That will help you keep your creative spirit happy too! Can’t wait to see what God has next for you. Oh, and I’m sorry for the sadness of leaving pets but don’t be discouraged by criticism about doing what you had to do. God knows about that too.
Carla, thanks for your kind words! I have actually opened up to that option. While it may be difficult to help others with their homes, as most our DIY work is done at night when we can get to it, I have planned to help my sister with a baby nursery for her first baby girl and my food blogger sis wants help with her home too. I’m hoping that will all be so rewarding I’ll forget about my own brown rental house 😉 . And thanks for understanding about the pets. With a no pet policy we had to find new loving homes for our chickens, bunnies and cats. We are grateful Grandma took on the cats so we can hopefully get them back soon and visit them often.
Amen, Carla!!!
I would like for you to share your experience with us, decorating to help give your dark rental some sunshine and make you smile, your frustrations because things are moving so slow, all of these will help all of us go through ours.
That’s so encouraging for me Marlen. At the moment without our belongings, I haven’t done anything but the necessities. And my reservations are such that I’m not sure I could create the light and airy images I am accustomed to sharing. But to know that there are probably many others who could use the encouragement and ideas for their homes that may not be everything they love at the moment, is inspiring. I hope I can channel my creative juices and help in those situations as well. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
Thank you for sharing! My prayers are with you as you follow your hearts to the next Chapter in Your Book of Life!
That means so much to me Nancy! It just warms my heart that you would add us to your prayers. Thank you!
We have been in the military-so I know what you are going through. Moving every 3-4 years is no picnic. But it is amazing how you grow and make new friends along the way. I am interested in what your dream home would look like when you do buy property. Perhaps along with being creative in your present place you could develop your future house plans-Maybe share pins about the look you want to create. Always keep your eyes looking forward as well-It does help when you are down.
This 5 year stretch has been the longest we’ve ever been in a home, and our home is that we build and settle till our dying day. Because it is no fun! I can’t imagine how military families do it, and I so admire your sacrifice. I’m excited to hear that you would be interested in all of that, because I would be so excited to share all that! In fact, planning for the future keeps me going and remembering to be creative – which is my therapy. I hope to plan full speed ahead once we get settled here. Thank you so much for reading today. I sure appreciate your input!
You are now transitioning to a new stage in your family’s life. Like all of us, nothing stays the same for too long. The potential that you now have is endless. You can share all the new things that you will do to make the rental a home within the limitations of renting. So many people have to experience this so you can help them with your transition solutions. The children will also have changes to their environment and you can share how these are met with your new temporary home. Hang in there and walk hand in hand with all of us on this new path your family is on and we’ll share the joy and decision that are made to make this house your home.
Patricia, I can’t even begin to tell you how much your comment meant to me. To hear I have a reader who is accepting of the changes and cheering us on is so encouraging! I do want to share it all and give hope and ideas to those who may not love their current situation, whether that be in a rental or with a low budget. To be honest, I pray I will have those capabilities! I’ve never been in a home I couldn’t change to suit our preferences, so it will be a challenge to say the least. I appreciate your perspective on my situation. I never would have said my potential was limitless . . . but you have opened my eyes and given me such encouragement. Thank you!!! Hugs!
Hope you can get your pets soon They are aware of what is going on. They are just like humans Hope you have family looking after them. Best of luck.
I’m so sorry to upset you! I changed my wording to clarify, and feel so bad I made it appear we just abandoned the pets. No, we had to find new loving homes for our chickens, bunnies and kitties. It’s been so hard on the kids, but we were careful in the transition and they get to visit their kitties at Grandmas house! The no pet policy was almost our biggest hurdle up to this point, to help the kids see the sacrifice for something better. They love pets so much which is one reason we would like more property to allow for more.
Cami, your beautiful talent for transforming a dark & dreary space into a light and welcoming home is what caught my attention when I first subscribed and began to follow your blog. But, what kept my attention was your writing. Your ability to share what is in your heart. You have a very natural gift which just pours out onto the page. If you did try to over think things, as you advised your sister regarding her culinary choices, it just wouldn’t come across the same. Your ability to make a house a home is a talent many enjoy, especially military personnel. There are so many who must move every 4 years. Taking a cold empty space and filling it with more than just furniture and necessities is a talent many do not possess. They long to make their family feel like this is their home. We all need a home, not just a place where all our “stuff” is located. I love the way you take your children’s rooms and turn them into their own space, a reflection of them & an extension of the whole home. So as you enter into this next chapter of your life, I think your sharing the process is something we will all enjoy. Sharing the little, doable ways to make a house a home.
Patty, thank you for your words of encouragement! Admittingly, I’ve told myself no one would want to see this space that is not “magazine worthy”, but you have proved me wrong and given me such encouragement. You are so right, many move and don’t love everything about their homes, but we still have a desire to make it the best possible space to call home. I’m accepting the challenge and going to really stretch my creativity to provide ideas for building a home, no matter our situation. And your words on my writing . . . some times I think no one even reads what I pour my heart into. My love for writing is what drew me to blogging in the first place, so thank you so much for the compliments! I’ll take them and run with joy in my heart!
Cami,
We did the same thing 2 years ago. My husband and I have always dreamed of building our own home. We sold our house and nearly everything we own and moved into a 5th wheel with our 2 little fuzzy pups (no children). Although the timeline is not what we would like it to be, we have faith that we need to be patient and keep our ears open for the right opportunity.
I can totally understand what you mean by not being able to tap into your creativity. Our living space is also dark and brown, but we would rather spend our time and $$ on the home of our dreams.
I can’t wait to see what you come up with. I love following your blog and I love your light and airy style.
Congrats to change!
Yes! Your words! Not wanting to spend our resources on a temporary rental is what is really holding my creativity back, and I need to find some other way to let it out. With building in the future, saving every penny is crucial. I hope everything works out for you. We almost thought about a trailer to save, but with 4 kids I knew I would go crazy. Here is to keeping our faith strong for the future! I’d love to hear how things work out for you. Thank you so much for following along and your sweet words!
Ditto! Couldn’t think of anything else 🙁 Would offer to adopt the cat pictured here and probably the other pets too, if I lived nearby.
Oh I am so so sorry! I had to go back and reword things when I realized how upsetting my choice of words were. We did not abandon the animals, rather we had to find good homes for the chickens, bunnies and kitties. It was so hard for my girls, making it hard for mama! Our hope is to find a property that will work with their love of animals and pets even better. The good news, Grandma took the cats so they can at least visit them!
Thanks for clarifying that the pets are OK!
Thank you for sharing your trials, hopes, faith and dreams. The saying, “The only gurantee in life is change” is so true! The best thing we can do is embrace it! It makes us stronger and wiser and,always, more compassionate! Just “ride the horse in the direction he’s going” as my Mother used to say!
You are blessed with a beautiful family and it wil give you more time with them!
God bless!
Oh, I love that phrase! Thank you for your kind comment and assurance. I am grateful to have a little more time with my kiddos, especially with Summer. God bless to you too!
Good luck in your new adventures! I pray that a new home for you comes quickly and that you sell yours just as fast.
I would like to see furniture updates and/or kitchen updates (painting etc). I also struggle with furniture placement and organizing my home.
Thank you Patti! We pray for the house to sell more than anything. Rent and Mortgage is not an easy pill to swallow and may be hard to bounce back from. I sure appreciate your thoughts and prayers as well. I love your suggestions and are adding them to the top of my idea list! Thank you!
Changes are part of life, your family will grow through this new experience. You and your husband are your children’s foundation. Having a loving home where ever it is will always be remembered by them. Your trust in the Lord will bring you through to the exciting days ahead. You can create even in a rental, it is in your DNA! When we had to move out of state for 2.5 years, one of our friends kept our precious desert tortoise and when we came back, he came home too! Consider loaning your pets to another family or two for awhile. Maybe you could visit them. There is no judging here, you must do what is best for all involved. God bless.
Laura, Thank you for your kind comment! Yes, you just can’t seem to go against the DNA. If I’m not creating something, I feel so lost! I’m learning to appreciate how this is forcing me to think outside the box. And how kind for friends to have kept your pet! My mom was kind enough to hold onto our kitties and I’ve told the kids if it works out we can bring them back when we have land and home that will allow for pets. The chickens and bunnies had to go to other homes with my husbands co-workers, but we were so grateful to have a place for them. This transition was so hard for the kids and broke my heart! And sorry if my words made it sound like I desserted them! I updated that 😉
Hi Cami,
I am new to you and your blog, but, we are in very similar places in life!
My husband and I are caregivers to his 88 year old mom. We have lived with her and his dad, before his dad’s death in 2008, since 2007. LONG story short, Mother in laws home had to go back to bank. Just could no longer keep it going! So, we have been in rentals now for almost 7 years! We are now in a 995 sq ft apartment!! The last home we rented was for 2 1/2 years and I had a wonderful little shop out back! I could get out there with my wood, paint, DIY furniture, power tools and and tools and just get LOST in time!! AS you can imagine, I have NO work place here in the apartment!! I am so trying to keep my hope and FAITH high. I so want to be out of this small apartment, but, know the LORD has HIS plans! And I am so trying to follow HIS plan and not my own! And it’s HARD!!
So, what I have found myself trying to do is small projects with scrap wood, pine cones, lots of time on Pinterest, Hometalk, and other such sites and trying to replicate the ideas with my own spin. I am trying to sale these pieces, but, everyone seems to want “hand made” “upcycled” or repurposed things for FREE to little!!! And I have time, and money invested!! So I have a stock pile of things to sale and scrap wood (clean) under beds and “project” pieces everywhere!!!
So, for me, anything you want to talk about is OK with me, we can chat!! And, I’ll keep you and yours in my prayers!! Please do the same for us!!!
New Friends!
Susan Bartenfeld
Susan, thank you so much for sharing your struggles with me! My heart goes out to you and I have such admiration for your willingness to sacrifice to take care of loved ones. I am going to have to focus on smaller projects as well and dream of the some day, which is helpful, but as you know, sometimes painful. It’s no doubt that having faith in HIS time and plan for us can be such a trial of our faith. But I know if we look for them, His tender mercies are everywhere. My prayers are with you Susan, that your burdens may be light and your prayers answered. In the meantime, let’s just keep on creating! Hugs! So glad you found me 😉
First of all let me say congratulations on your new adventure and stepping out in faith. As a 53 year old women who is still planing on buying a home in a market that is high for a single women with my income I understand the fear and discomfort of not knowing! Journaling your thoughts and blessings and later looking back sometimes brings a lot of understanding and answers and joy to the process. Sharing those unknown times also help people like me keep on keeping on. So please do !
Christie, thank you for your thoughts! Yes, the market is high and we have also had to walk away from “dream land” because it just couldn’t be done responsibly. I fear how long this may take us, but it helps to have readers like you to keep my chin up! I’m going to take your suggestion and open up my very outdated journal. I think that will help a lot. Thank you for being so kind!
C.S. Lewis once said “you are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream “. Recognizing that God has a new gift for you is sooo important and I am so happy that you are open to it!!! I think that should you have any down time you might do several things. How about making suggestions to readers on photos of pictures they send you or document the process of your decisions in each of your rooms in the home you are leaving or writing about how your children have influenced your decisions around your house or what each person is looking forward to in the next house. You are so talented I am sure you’ll find a way to be creative that will be of value to your readers!! Have fun doing it!! There’s goodness and love surrounding you!!
Liz, I love that quote! Thanks for the reminder! I have it on my bucket list for when we are retired to take up pottery 😉 . I want to dive into your suggestion a bit more. Are you saying have readers send me images and give them help with their spaces? That is such a good idea and would be so rewarding for me! Perhaps a facebook group where we could all chime in. Do you think that would be helpful? I really can’t wait to share more of our dreams, processes and planning for the next place, though it may take some time before we get there. But I so loved your suggestions and can’t thank you enough for them! Hugs!
Congrats on having the bravery to step out of your comfort zone! Always necessary when moving on to bigger and better things! I’m a loyal reader so won’t be going anywhere. But always interested to hear about the blogging process – the how’s and how-not-to’s. Also any crafty ideas – DIY’s are always nice to see (pillows, furniture makeovers, thrift store finds). Hope that helps!
Oh Faye, thank you for saying all that! I actually do worry if I take a small break to settle and work ahead, I’ll loose some of my readers. It’s encouraging to know that you’ll still be there if I do need to break and plan ahead. Thank you! Just to clarify, are you saying you would like info on how to blog, and blogging tips? I’ve never thought to write about all that, but if it would be helpful I’d love to share what I have found to work well. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me!
I’m encouraging you to expand your blog into sharing your thoughts about how to blog and blogging tips , please. I’ve enjoyed Tidbits so much and I’m interested in starting to blog about living full time in our fifth wheel . . .much like Tiny Home living that travels !
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with ! Remember that so many families aren’t able to have a home they own. Put your amazing talents toward helping renters make a home !
I have followed your blog for a very long time and love your decorating style and wonderful tutorials. I’m sorry for the uncertainty going on for your family and hope for nothing but the best for you. I was very sad to see you mention that you decided to leave your pets behind. I’m guessing I’ll catch some flack for bringing this up – it’s just so sad to me when pets fall into the same category as furnishings or property. They don’t work out in the new situation so they are, at best, re-homed but often literally left behind and discarded. As much as we get attached to them, they get attached to us. Hopefully I’m misunderstanding the situation. Good luck with finding the right property for your family.
Don’t have said it better myself. I’m hoping it’s a misunderstanding. The statement just read so matter of fact with no emotion or explanation.
That should have read “couldn’t have said it better myself”?
Oh I am so sorry Kathleen! I did not phrase it very well. I suppose in my mind it was obvious that we would have found good homes for them, but I upset many! Rest assured, I changed my wording and want to clarify that we found good homes for our chickens, bunnies and kitties. In fact, grandma took on the kitties so we hope to get them back when we find a place where we can have pets again. It’s been so hard for my girls, and breaks this mama’s heart.
Steph! I hope you saw my clarifications. No, we would never do that with our pets, and I should have been more clear. Thank you for bringing it up as I think my poor choice of words left quite a misunderstanding. I always hope to teach my children to respect all God’s creations and they loved their pets so much. In fact, we sort of adopted our cats when they showed up on our doorsteps so hungry and wanting affection. It was so hard to let them go but we are glad we get to visit them at Grandma’s often.
Thank you for clarifying, especially when I know you have so much going on. I’m so glad to hear that you were able to find good homes and especially glad for your family that you’ll be able to visit the kitties!! From your posts you seem like such a loving person, I kept thinking I must be missing something! ❤️ I’m with everyone else, I’ll be eagerly waiting for posts on how to work with a rental when/if you have time!
I wish you all the best in your pursuit of a better life
for yourself and your family.
As you were describing the steps you’’ve taken to move forward, you indicated you “had to leave our pets behind”. I found no further mention of it in your narrative so I have to ask what that means. Did you take them to your local no-kill animal shelter, find good homes for them with relatives, friends and
neighbors, or simply leave them behind to fend for
themselves?
Again, I send you best wishes for a bright and happy
future.
Anne
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that found that statement haunting. I read throughout the whole post hoping for an explanation to what leaving the pets behind really meant. I hope for a response that eases my heart. I not one who considers pets as a item you just leave behind. Sad.
Anne, I am so so sorry for my poor choice of words! I had to update that as I upset many pet lovers. I suppose it was obvious in my mind that we found homes for them. The chickens and bunnies were left with my husbands co-workers family who raises many chickens and bunnies and were grateful for the additions. Oh how I miss fresh eggs. The kitties, happily, found a home at Grandmas house where we can visit often, which helped with the sting. I have one particular child who was so attached and loved the cats so, it’s been really hard on her. Our hope for more property stems from the desire to have more pets and fill that joy in our children when they get to care for them. Thank you for bringing the concern up and I hope my clarifications helped you feel better. Hugs!
What a beautiful family and beautiful message. Your family will continue to be blessed! As long as you serve the Lord! Thank you for sharing.
Maybe, as time allows (taking care of your family and faith first), show small projects, like repurposing furniture or smaller things (lamps, household things…)..small DIY projects.
OH, I really want to paint my front door, but I Really don’t know what color! Maybe you have already done that, I missed it if so. lol.
I’m a quilter, sewer, baker, love cooking, crocheting, hanging with my family and having bbq’s and games. I love DIY but don’t usually find the time to do them.. BUT WANT TO!
I would say focus on that family and house sale… we will still be here!
Congrats on your big move! God is with you! Be blessed. Thank you! 😀
Donna, your acceptance of my priorities is so encouraging. I am grateful to have a small chance to slow down and focus more on those things. Painting doors is such an easy, fun and quick update! We did paint our front door as it was a forest green before. I wish I had kept that paint chip, but it was a lighter blue/gray and I loved the neutral color for wreaths. It looked good for all seasons. I’m actually excited to maybe dive more into those smaller DIY’s, as much as my heart longs for home decor and creating pretty images of well curated spaces. I’m hoping it will prove helpful and enjoyable to scale down and focus on the joy of creating even small things. Thank you for your suggestions, kind words and understanding! God bless, back at ya!
I know a food blogger in desperate need of a pretty kitchen to shoot in . . . just sayin’ ?
Haha! I’m sure you do! You just work on that budget and we will play 😉
Cami,
Your heartfelt words are so touching. I can feel the emotion and trepidation as you face a new challenge. The other commenters are right. You have so much talent to share. I have been where you are in the sell/rent/buy cycle and it is frustrating. Many find themselves in rentals with restrictions. This is a wonderful opportunity to use your skills to show how to style a rental and make temporary fixes and changes to walls, floors, etc within the terms of a lease. Especially after your home sells and all of your furniture moves to the rental.You may find yourselves there for quite some time if you are planning to build. For now, with spring and summer, outdoor spaces and container gardening and flowers could be lovely. Everyone above has such great suggestions-and yes, pictures in albums are always a great idea 🙂
Oh Tracey, your words put so many ideas in my head and landed on paper! Thank you so much! I was actually feeling so desperate to create something, I bought a bunch of herbs to grow in containers and it has brought me so much joy. I’ll have to share my results here too! And I think you are right, perhaps when our nice things are here I’ll feel more of a desire to beautify the home we find ourselves in. My gut tells me no one wants to see it if it is not “picture perfect” but you have assured me there is inspiration to be found anywhere and I’m excited for the challenge to share how we make this house our home for the time being. Thank you again for the encouragement!
Love all the pictures!! Are those bunk beds new? I don’t remember them. So happy for you all and your new adventure. Everything will work out for good. Please keep us up to date on any progress. I think I’m gonna miss your house too. ☹️?
Hi Susan! We did get those bunks around Christmas, and then decided to move the girls downstairs . . . and then we moved. Funny how that all goes. I too am going to miss that home. Making pretty pictures there was like therapy for my creative mind. I think that’s what I’m scared of not having after all is said and done. But thank you for the encouragement to keep sharing and I’m excited for a challenge to think outside the box a little! Hugs!
Wow! Huge news, and scary, but exciting all at once! While you’re in this situation, I’d love to see more small, quick DIYs, and maybe some sewing tutorials? Gift-making? Gift-wrapping? Little things (tidbits… Hahaha), I guess is the best way to put it. Godspeed Cami to you and your darling family!
Oh boy! I’m taking notes on your comment! I do think I’m going to have to scale down to smaller DIY’s than room makeovers and such. In a way, that really excites me, because those smaller projects can be so fulfilling. And I have always loved sewing so I’m glad to hear that is content that would be desired. Thank you so so so much for taking the time to leave me your thoughts. It was so helpful and encouraging!
Congratulations on your bravery! I want to know what is happening with the pets (family!) you left behind!!
I have the same nagging question. That was all I could think about as I read the full post. I couldn’t imagine moving away and leaving my pets as I feel they are very much a part of our family.
She lost me right there when she said they left them behind. Pets are not disposable.
Why would you leave your pets behind?? What is going to happen to them? Did you just abandon your cats on the property? I am at a loss and not sure I can continue to read or support a person who would do something like that to a living creature who depends on them!
Oh no! I’m sorry for the confusion! I rephrased my wording, and I can see why that may have been upsetting. We had chickens, rabbits and kitty’s and found other good homes for all of them. No, we would not abandon them, but my kids miss them terribly. With a no pet policy in our rental, we had no choice.
I’m so sorry to upset you! I changed my wording to clarify, and feel so bad I made it appear we just abandoned the pets. No, we had to find new loving homes for our chickens, bunnies and kitties. It’s been so hard on the kids, but we were careful in the transition and they get to visit their kitties at Grandmas house! The no pet policy was almost our biggest hurdle up to this point, to help the kids see the sacrifice for something better. They love pets so much which is one reason we would like more property to allow for more.
I have the same question!! What does that mean that you are leaving them behind? I hope that means that a neighbor will be taking them in?
Such an exciting time for you and your family, just think of it as your canvas is much smaller to work with, don’t look at as you don’t have, and don’t second guess what God is leading you todo, keep posting, the Lord will show you the direction you need to take . I’m so excited for you and your family. Love you hugs
Pamela! What kind words! A smaller canvas – I really like that! In fact, I have this tiny floral painting that I love so much, and I’m going to place it where I can see it to remind me that even a small canvas can be extremely impactful and beautiful. Thank you for planting that seed in my heart. And thank you for your excitement! It means so much to me!
Congratulations on your first step towards creating a home from start to finish. We have been doing this for 2 years now and the end product is in site. Hubby has had his hands on every step because we have done the majority of it ourselves. Trusting God and being blessed so much has drawn me closer to him and I trust him when the bumps of building happen. Good luck, but I know God has already prepared a space for your family ?
Cindy, thank you for the encouragement! I can imagine we would have our hands on every aspect of building a home, which will no doubt take longer. I bet you feel so much pride in your accomplishments, no matter the amount of time it has taken. You’ve made me feel so excited for the future. Thank you!
Cami, thank you for sharing… what a beautiful thing to be trusting in the Lord!! He will certainly guide you in this new season of your life and bring joy unimaginable! I’ve been where you are and it’s so hard not to be able to do whatever you like to your surroundings. I know you will find a way to express your creativity(maybe you need to catch up on scrapbooking? Or write a book?) You have so much beauty to share with your readers, and I’m so glad I found you!! I often think of you as I do projects..
God bless you, and I look forward to seeing what He is doing!!
( how exciting, a house in the country!! My dream!!!)
Erica
Erica, your comment humbled me and filled me with joy! Yes, scrapbooking has weighed heavy on me and I know I would regret not printing those images for all to see and cherish. I’m way excited to have the chance to tackle that task that is 7 years behind! Life with littles! Readers like you are such a treasure and keep me going with the going gets tough. Thank you!
Oh my goodness! Your family is adorable! I think the other readers have great ideas and you are right, you just have to trust God. I can’t hardly wait to see what He has in store for all of you! I will be including y’all in my prayers.
Ramona, Thank you for your input! I love hearing from you! The thoughts of being in your prayers is so humbling and feels me with gratitude. Thank you for your faith in me and my family! God bless!
Hi Cami, thanks for sharing! I think you will still have plenty of things to blog about. Decorating the rental (furniture placement, decorating without being able to change your space/make holes) would be one topic. Others would be: how to pick paint colors, craft projects (I still have your button heart pinned on a Pinterest board), life with kids, summer fun, entertaining, etc. I think you will have more than enough & can trust in that. God will provide the ideas. Good luck getting your home sold & finding your new place!!
p.s. Great photos of your family!!
My goodness! The ideas are flowing out of you! I so appreciate you taking the time to share that with me, it’s all content I would find so much joy in creating. Thank you, Thank you!
I’d be more then pleased if you showed pictures of your rental to inspire other who rent that we too can make a house that is not ours a home xx
Hang tight! I’ll be sharing how it looks now, and then hopefully as we get our furnishings I’ll be able to inspire more ideas for rental living. I was hoping someone would appreciate that kind of content. Thank you!
That’s exactly what I was going to say! I’m excited that you’ll be sharing inspiring ideas for renters who are limited in what they can do to change their home, yet still want their decor to reflect who they are.
Wow, what a big change for you all. We made the move to more space and built our own home 5 years ago now – and I loved that building journey and I love every wall here now! I would love for you to continue sharing how you decorate your rental, just the little things that will make it a home for you, flowers, baking, the things you choose to have around you. And I would love to see your process for your photos – that is one thing I think every one of us could be inspired by!
Hi Cami This is the first post I have ever done on a blog.
Firstly, thanks for candidly sharing your heart and your situation. As I read it though I couldn’t help but think why not use other peoples’ canvases for your art? What I mean is why not accept work from clients and blog about that? You may only start small but I started small too with styling and renovating of residential properties and from little things big things grow! It may at least form a new arm to your business. Who knows where it could lead? You have talent and you have God and he is into small things and huge things too. Trust him again. Be brave girl!!! Cheering for you from here whatever you decide. Be free. Caryn
Caryn, you brought tears to my eyes! I’ve always hesitated accepting client work. I suppose I lack the confidence and fear it would be too hard with littles still so young. However, my sister is having a baby and wants help desperately for her nursery. Perhaps this could be my small start 😉 . I think it would give me great joy to help others in this way. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment to me. The fact that you never do it is so encouraging that you would for me! I’m going to take your words (imagine them in a pretty Australian accent) and sink them deep into my heart! Hugs!
Sherylee, thank you for the encouragement! I have hesitated showing much of the rental, because it is not my style, but this has helped me see past that and realize I can still help and inspire. Thank you for taking the time to share with me!