12 years ago my husband and I bought our very first home. We’d been married for a few months and were ecstatic! Little did our young selves know, but we were buying at the peak and just about to walk through the door of a real estate crash. In 2012 Chris (my husband for those of you who don’t know him) got a job that took us all the way from Texas to Wisconsin forcing us to sell our home. Now if you’re following the timeline you’ve probably gathered that we bought in the worst possible time and sold in the worst possible time. And we ate some serious loss on that first house.
This might sound crazy, but I actually don’t regret this decision at all. That house taught our younger versions quite a few life lessons. We learned how to take care of a home, the consequences of large financial decisions, but most importantly it’s the home where we started our family.
This story might feel like it’s going absolutely nowhere, but I feel it’s necessary before revealing our BIG NEWS. Are you ready??
WE MOVED BACK TO WISCONSIN
But that’s just the first part of the news, and I’ll be sharing more about the decision to move in a future post. If you follow along with me on Instagram then you might remember me saying there are two parts to the big news. The 2nd part is that we are buying an extremely old house to completely restore, and when I say old I mean more than 150 years old… it was build in 1865 to be exact. We’re currently under contract, inspection has been done and we are rolling forward. Barring any random issues, it looks like we are good to go! Now this won’t by any means be our forever home, but more of a long term flip. We will be living in it during the renovations and it’s definitely going to take us some time, but hopefully the first of many fun projects!
Here’s a quick picture I snapped of the front during our inspection. Guys, it’s going to need a TON of work, but I couldn’t be more thrilled about this journey!
And that brings me into some more exciting news. I’ve been sharing bits of information about how the blog is going through some changes, yet I’m sure you’re thinking “Umm… I haven’t seen anything different”. Well… that’s because apparently change takes time… a lot of time. At the beginning of 2018 I had one night specifically where I was imagining all the things I want the blog to become. Blogging has become somewhat uninspired for me over the last few years. We’ve moved constantly and our Utah house, while perfectly fine, was just a cookie cutter house that lacked depth and character for me personally. This new (but very old) house has soooo much that I can’t wait to share with you and has my inspiration and ideas spinning like crazy.
But let’s talk about some of those changes I mentioned.
My overall goal and desire for this year and moving forward is to start living a more intentional life.
We started homeschooling our kids in February. It’s something I’ve always felt called to do and finally submitted to this year. There’s a few reasons we decided to homeschool… 1. We felt called 2. We’ve personally struggle with the direction of public schools for our kids 3. We want to travel more. AND it really just fits with our new lifestyle goals of leading an intentional life. I’m sure I’ll get into all this in future posts because I have SO much I want to share with you guys. I already feel like I’m just throwing words out at you in a very unorganized fashion. Are you keeping up with me?
Ok, next thing. Travel. We got married when I was 19 and I had my first kid just before I turned 21. That was all followed up by two more kids. Now I’m 31, Chris is 32 and my youngest is almost 5. All kids use the toilet with more than a 10 second warning and our oldest is 10… We want to show them the world. I don’t know exactly how traveling will fit in with our schedule because we weren’t originally planning on taking this big of a house project on, but we are just rolling with what God throws our way. Originally I thought travel would be a big part of the blog this year, and it will still be present, but will likely be less than I originally imaged.
Another BIG change. My amazing husband Chris has officially joined me in this crazy blogging adventure so we both work full time on the blog now. You will probably see him poke his head up with the travel posts and some more manly things that we might share, but for now he’s working hard on video and keeping me on track, he’s very good at managing people. ; ). He will also be doing a lot of the renovations in the new house. I couldn’t ask for a better partner in business and in life! <3
Here’s a fun little video he made just as practice with our kiddos.
So let’s recap all the changes:
- We moved back to Wisconsin
- We are buying a house that was built in 1865
- We want to lead a more intentional life
- We started homeschooling our kids
- And we want to travel the world
Dream Big right??
I’ll be sharing more details on some of these items over the coming weeks as we sit patiently in a short term rental waiting for our house to close. : ) Thanks for reading this far (assuming you actually made it all the way down here). Be sure and tell me in the comments what you would like to see more of on the blog. Do you want to know all about how we are homeschooling? Travel? Our plans for living an intentional life? Be honest!
Hey… I’m thrilled for you and will def be following along as my husband and I are slowly, slowly renovating his parents 1850 farmhouse in Western New York. We are a lot older than you kids and many feel we have lost our minds lol! But it feels right at this moment to give to old gal some love and it remains a gathering place for the entire family! Your new house is charming and I can see all the potential!!! Excited to see what you do because I’m sure I will be able to identify and be motivated as well!!!
Oh that’s so exciting!! I LOVE the northeast!! Maybe one day we will get to move up there ; )! Sounds like you have a beautiful place there! Here’s to us making it through our renovations, lol!! <3
My family and I moved overseas a couple of years ago, so it excites me that you want to show your kids the world. I really like that my kids have a different perspective than the average American because they have experienced more of the world.
Yes! All of that! I can’t wait for my kids to see how others live and that it’s not all just what’s in a America, there’s a whole other HUGE world out there!!
I love and want to hear ALL about it ALL!!! ????????????
First I’ll figure out how to get my name on my reply ???? ⬆thats me…Aimie Thomas ????
I MISS YOUR FACE!! You can just come here and watch all the progress… just sayin ;)
You are doing the right thing! Loved the practice video and will enjoy updates on your new adventures!
Thanks Pamela! So happy you enjoyed the video! Hopefully we will have more up very soon!
Ashley and Family, congratulations!!!!
I’m thrilled to hear about your new chapter in life (can’t wait to read about your new adventures). Life is too short, so make it as you wish and enjoy. You have a beautiful family that’s growing fast, you both made a good decision.
Aww thanks Barbara! We are super thrilled to make some big steps forward!
So happy for all your amazing changes. What part of WI? I also live in WI!
Thanks! We are in the Fox Valley. : )
Good for you for knowing what you and your family want to go after. My husband and I moved back to WI after living in Va. Beach for over 27-years. It was a BIG CHANGE, but we do not regret it for even a second. It will be exciting to watch your renovations and find out how things are going with homeschooling, working with Chris and ‘Did I choose the right paint color’! Best of it all to you and your family. Fun times ahead.
Thanks Audrey! It’s definitely a little scary making some of these decisions, but we’re just ganna go for it! Wisconsin is definitely a home-y place, we love it here!
I am SO SO SO excited for you, Ashley! Can’t wait to see all of the adventures you do in that house! It’s going to be a charmer once you’re finished with it; I just know it. Congratulations and best wishes for this new chapter, friend. Y’all are going to rock it.
Thanks Lauren! I’m totally sweating bullets, it’s an extremely old house and needs so much work. Not totally sure how we are going to live there, but we’ve already signed all the papers, so no turning back now, LOL!!
I don’t know where I saw this quote, but I feel it suits you and what you want to do.
“IF YOU DREAM IT YOU CAN DO IT”
Do it now while you are young and can. I made the huge mistake and didn’t follow my dreams and really regret it now. I wish you as many Blessings as you all can hold and all the fun you can have.
Sincerely,
Joy Gwilliam
Thanks so much for the sweet words Joy! I definitely know what you mean about regret, I’m only 31 and can still look back at things and wish I could have done them differently. If only we knew then what we know now ;)! I’ve definitely come to realize that this life is not about all the things, and I want my kids to remember experiences! Here’s to hoping we can make it a reality!! <3
My hubby and I bought the shells of two log homes built in 1850. Two years later and we are about 95% completed. It’s been fun and frustrating so I can’t wait to read your journey. Good luck and have fun!!
Cindy
Wow, I’m nervous about one, you were brave to take on two!! It’s amazing to see what all was in these old houses!! I’d love to see pictures of your progress if you’ve shared them online : )
Congratulations!! Y’all made it! The only thing that would make me happier for you would be a house in Houston. ????
I can’t wait to watch your renovation!
Aww, thanks Kelli! We sure miss you guys! Hope all is well!
We were a military family and I am so glad my kids got to see other countries and how they live and function. It is the best education. I think all kids should have to see at least one other country.. Best of luck.
I also agree! I really hope to incorporate travel into my kid’s history lessons. What better way to learn about the history of our world? I’m a little jealous as an adult, lol!
Congratulations on your new project. I do have a couple of suggestions to make. 1) Fix that porch skirting – it will go a long way toward “curb appeal”. See the following link for specifics –> http://www.oldhouseguy.com/porch-skirting/ [I have no affiliation with the site or author, other than appreciating his advice.] 2) The posts on the porch appear a bit slender and quite possibly in the wrong place for over-all aesthetics. Could there have been fewer, larger posts originally? Perhaps your library or town newspaper archives have original photos to which you could refer. 3) The steps appear to not *quite* line up with front door. One or the other appears to have been moved in the past 150 years. Lining them up will improve the curb appeal. Steps usually led directly to the front door. 4) And of course, get rid of that mis-matched colored 80’s slate (which I am sure you have planned.) Best of luck on your journey together. Oh, the things you will learn.
I totally agree with everything you’ve mentioned. And thanks so much sharing the link to that guys blog! I got a serious kick out of his comments on the shutter post, he’s pretty funny! But I’ll definitely be referring back to his site when we start to make some design decisions!
Congratulations on taking these big steps! I also have felt called to homeschool for a long time, but am finally diving in. I look forward to hearing about the ways you incorporate intentional living into your homeschool time. Best of luck with your move!
I’m so happy for you and your family. This all sounds wonderful; following your heart is the best thing you can do. I love my home State of Wisconsin; I live in Milwaukee. My family’s homestead was built in 1860 and is now lovingly maintained by one of my cousins. Your home is going to be wonderful and I look forward to your renovation progress. So exciting. Enjoy!
How exciting! I can’t wait to hear more about this adventurous new chapter of your lives. New (old!) home, new job for Chris, new school plan for the kids…wow! You’re an inspiration. We should all follow our hearts!
Wow! So excited for you for all of the above changes in your lives! Maybe I’ll get to know you’re hubby through his part in your blog… I’ve heard he’s a great guy and of course I know you are wonderful! Glad to hear you say you feel “called” to home school your kids….. it’s not easy, has its moments of joy and lots of hard work, but if you know you’re called you will stay the course and God will give you the grace needed to do it! I’m most excited about watching every aspect of the house. I love seeing historic old homes restored to their original integrity with modernization that still holds the same charm of yesteryear. What an adventure you will have…. you will need to take a break from all that hard work to travel and refresh yourselves along the way and there’s no better geography lesson that that! Blessings to you all! Tammy Shelley
Good luck! I am sure this will be a wonderful new chapter in your lives….we are going through a similar situation; however, we are building…
Congratulations are in order for you and your family. I’m so excited to see your renovations, your traveling and everything else going on. I will definitely be following along!
Congrats on your move! I love the old/new house, I’m sure it will be a beauty when finished. Our house was built in 1864 and we have done a ton of work on it. Can’t wait to see it! I think it’s awesome you will be homeschooling your kids!
Congratulations on your new adventure!! Your family bond will be very strong. You and hubby are very courageous in many ways. Much luck and laughter to you both.
How exciting!!! I love the house, it has so much potential. i can’t wait to see what you do with it! We are about to undertake something similar. Houston is home for us and we’re about to move back home after 4 years in Finland. New beginnings are definitely motivating and inspiring.
So excited for you and your family Ashley! We’ve travelled to a couple different countries with our children recently and the experiences were priceless! I admire you for homeschooling as well! Thankful when the Lord leads us, we know we’re on the right path! xo
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My amazing husband Chris has officially joined me in this crazy blogging adventure so we both work full time on the blog now. You will probably see him poke his head up with the travel posts and some more manly things that we might share, but for now he’s working hard on video and keeping me on track, he’s very good at managing people and cryptocurrency of https://cryptograph.life/statii/reyting-birzh-kriptovalyut-v-2020-godu-top-10-luchshih-kriptobirzh-vybor-torgovlya-i-otzyvy .
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This also happens, but don’t be upset
Thank you so much for sharing this incredibly inspiring story about your family’s new chapter filled with bold life changes, adventurous plans, and pursuing long-held dreams. I read your post from start to finish, captivated by your attitude, courage, and vision for living intentionally.
First, congratulations on moving back to Wisconsin and purchasing such a historic, charming home! I cannot even imagine the monumental work ahead with renovations but have no doubt that with your positive mindset and devoted partnership, it will transform into a welcoming, creative space. You have a gift for breathing new life into vintage things.
Additionally, I admire your decision to homeschool and make travel more of a priority at this stage. It takes guts to follow those inner callings against the status quo. Your kids are so blessed to develop connections with you and Chris through these rich experiences. I would absolutely love to hear more details about your homeschool journey and tips for family adventures abroad!
Most of all, I am in awe of how you two daringly chase dreams as a team. The blog changes, will undoubtedly unfold beautifully with his skills and your flair. Please keep sharing this inspirational quest to live fully. You’ve motivated me profoundly!
Having to sell your home and relocate due to your husband’s job taking you from Texas to Wisconsin likely added another layer of stress to the subway surfers situation. It’s unfortunate that you had to experience both the peak and crash of the real estate market, resulting in a significant loss on your first home.