I have to confess . . . I’ve been avoiding writing this post!
I have put it off and put it off and put it off, for maybe about a month now!
I’m not really sure why; I think maybe there’s just so much to communicate that it feels overwhelming.
I’m not quite sure how to put it down into words!
But today is THE DAY and I’m making myself sit down right now and type this out.
Our family is moving out of Texas.
Ok, that wasn’t so hard!
Explaining the past 2 years that have led us to this though, that’s where it gets a bit more complicated.
If you’ve followed along with me for a few years now, you know that we’ve been in a season of transition as a family, one that centered around my husband’s job as a pastor at our local church.
In August of 2017, we learned by the upcoming December, he would need to leave that position that he had held for 9 years.
It was a difficult transition, kind of our choice, but also kind of not our choice . . . really too hard to explain and messy to get into.
We were pretty certain that by December, he would be able to find a new pastoring position and we would likely move to wherever that new job would be.
December came and went though, with no new job.
And so did the next January, February, March, April, May and so on–all the way up until this point today.
There were leads along the way, positions that he was really close to taking, and several times it looked like that long-awaited move was finally going to happen.
But then right before the deal would close, it would fall apart and we were back to just being here.
It was truly an emotional rollercoaster–all those months thinking this big thing was “about” to happen, but then it never actually happening.
Wondering how much longer we were really going to be here, and asking all of the questions that came along with that:
- Should I renew my leases at my retail shops?
- Should we sign our kids up for this sports team?
- Should we think about getting our house ready to sell?
It’s really hard living in this in-between place.
But after a while, we got better at it 🙂
We went ahead with plans and just decided to make the most of each day we had before us.
I worked really hard over the past two years to grow Lost & Found, both locally and online, because for a season it was our only source of family income.
And I am so grateful for the lifeline it provided for us while we worked to get back up on our feet.
To all of you who support this little venture of mine–whether through purchasing furniture, ordering paint, shopping with my locally, or just reading this blog–I have a HUGE heartfelt “Thank You” to say!
And I am so glad to let you know that today, our family is in a very good place!
In the middle of last year, my husband was able to start his own business where he offers marketing consulting and website building (you can see it at ClarityAlwaysWins.com), and it’s really taken off!
He loves what he does and it has become a great, stable source of income for our family.
As this spring rolled around though, we started to ask ourselves if Texas still needed to be our family home.
If he can work from wherever he wants, and I could possibly move Lost & Found and take it somewhere new, is there someplace else we would rather be?
We have been here for 11 years now, and for 9 of those 11 years, it was truly home.
But once this transition started 2 years ago, the foundation of our life here started to crack and crumble.
Support systems we once had didn’t exist anymore.
Friendships changed or moved away, we struggled to keep up with the pace of running 2 businesses out of a too-small house, even our kids felt a little lost in the shuffle.
So in March, when the opportunity came to move to a place that did feel like home, we decided to take it 🙂
Brad (my husband) was invited to come to work part-time at a church in the Northwest Arkansas area–the same church where his family attends and where many old friends of ours live and attend as well.
In fact, the other guys on staff at the church are old colleagues of ours from work we did before we moved to Texas, 11 years ago.
They needed some additional help with a variety of things and asked Brad to step in.
We are thrilled to be able to serve in a church community again and work alongside some people that are dear, old friends.
Also, Brad can keep running his business, since work at the church will only be part-time. It’s like the best of both worlds!
What makes this even better is that this is where my husband is from, and where his family still lives.
So yes, we’re going to live by Grandma, aunts and uncles, and lots of cousins.
In 15 years of being married, we have never lived in the same town as family.
Now we will be a little over 1 mile from my brother-in-law’s house!
My kids are soooooo excited and I am as well.
So Northwest Arkansas, here we come!
It really looks like THIS is the thing–the point we have been moving towards for 2 years now. I had no idea it would lead us here, but everything is falling into place.
Our house here sold in less than 48 hours with a cash offer–crazy!
Just a few days ago, we put an offer on a house up in Arkansas, and against all odds it was accepted (the seller had another offer, better than ours, that was also cash–but she picked us because she knew our family would love the house and yard).
As we speak, I am on the hunt for a new retail space for Lost & Found, and we’ve already found 2 incredible options!
My kids will be going to school with their cousins, and we already have many old friends in the area, along with a new church, waiting for us.
It really does feel like we’re headed home.
So, what does that mean for this blog and for Lost & Found?
Well, I will be moving out of my 2 local retail shops on May 22nd and 23rd.
It will definitely be bittersweet to leave those locations!
All of my furniture and decor items in both spaces is currently 20% off, so there’s the chance to grab a great deal!
I will be taking Fusion and MMS Milk Paint with me, and will be the new Northwest Arkansas area retailer for both lines!
My big hope (and plan) is to open up my own studio space where I can paint furniture and be there in person for customers who come to buy paint.
I have loved being in booth spaces, but I think I’m at the place where I’m ready to strike out on my own–I’ll keep you posted!
STILL SELLING ONLINE
I will still be selling paint online as well!
There will be a few days at the end of the month where I won’t be able to ship as we physically move from one house to the next, but I’ll let you know about those in advance.
I’ll also have a bunch of new projects to blog about as we work on making our new house “home.”
I absolutely love the location (it sits on an acre lot in a 1-street neighborhood outside of town), but I’m not in love with the style of the house on the inside.
I see lots of painting in my future!
Texas has been good to us as a family, and so good to Lost & Found.
We’ve been in business here for 7 years, so it will be hard to say goodbye.
But I know, without any doubt, that this is the step we need to take as a family. And I really believe great things are around the corner.
Thank you so much for following along with me on this journey and for being a part of this community.
You are appreciated so much! I’ll keep you updated as we go along–if you’re a local customer and have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me and ask!
Welcome back to Arkansas will be nice to be able to see you more often. Don&JaNean
Well, just as I learned you were in a Texas,( which is close to my sister’s house) you are moving to Arkansas (beautiful state)! What city? We often go that way for vacations. We are in Louisiana.
It seems the Lord had it all worked out for y’all and his timing is always perfect!
God is Good!
Congratulations!
Patricia
You put your future in God’s hands and he blessed you in many ways. I am thrilled for you and can’t wait to see your new house and how you change it to your lovely style. God is Great!!
Wow! You’ve been on some kind of roller coaster ride! But with your attitude, initiative, and drive, I know you’ll make lemonade out of any lemons that come your way. Good luck and I’ll be following your success!
I have been following you for a while and didn’t even realize you had a physical location in my hometown of Plano. I lived there back when downtown was a real downtown not just cute shops. I’ll try to get by before you close.
You will be missed in the McKinney/Plano area but it sounds like God has wonderful plans for your family and your businesses. When my husband (a pastor) took a sabbatical, we did miss our church community so I understand how important that support can be. I’ve learned a lot from you (just took your Boot Camp) and you’re my go-to gal for paint. I’ll be anxious to see where/what all God has in store for you and Lost and Found. And…maybe a road trip to Northwest Arkansas to see your new location. God bless you and yours, Melanie.
God is good and He has a wonderful life for you and your family. Looking forward to hearing about and seeing your new home. Good luck and God bless!
Congratulations, it sounds like God certainly had a hand in this!
Look forward to hearing about your new adventures
Wow! That’s a huge move but it sounds so wonderful! Being near family and cousins for the kids is such a gift! Praying for your family in this transition and just so happy for you!
God bless you and your family Melanie! Many, many blessings on your new life’s journey in Arkansas. It is amazing how swiftly God works His plan if we take a step back and watch Him. I have this bad habit of always trying to help and He sure puts me in my place. (lol) I will love reading about your new adventures. Thank you for sharing with us.
Congratulations Melanie! It is truly amazing what can happen when you put your life in God’s hands. I will continue to follow along in your journey. You’ve been such an inspiration to me so far in my own pursuit to start my business (it’s happening slowly but surely- another one of those instances where I myself am trying to put it in God’s hands). Good luck to you all as you begin this new exciting chapter- I can’t wait to see all the projects you tackle! Xo
Sometimes, things happen and we think it won’t get better but they usually work out for the best.
Your husband did not get the other positions because the Arkansas position was waiting to happen for him.
It sounds wonderful that you will be near family. Enjoy, wishing you all the best.
Maria from Canada
Wow…. This is very exciting news…. Can’t wait to follow along as you transition .. and of course see “home Decor” changes as well !! Congrats… Absolutely sounds like a God thing for sure !!!!
Best of luck to you and your family in your new venture.
So glad it all came together so well for you Melanie. You will be surrounded by love and caring and of course will be successful in the next step of your life adventure. Enjoy the process, it will be stressful at times but you will learn so much! Congratulations, looking forward to reading about your new adventure.
Wishing your family to best as you move locations – but moving closer to family will be such a blessing! Happy for the closeness that will come with your move!
Congratulations and best wishes!
Sounds like you’ve ended up exactly where you need to be. Sounds exciting actually! Wishing you all the best.
I’m so happy for you all!! My husband’s family lives in Arkansas, it’s so beautiful there! Wishing you the best of luck with your move! 🙂
Congratulations! Prayers answered!
Yay! You will be near me (I hope/think)! I am in Springdale. I would be thrilled to be able to meet you and buy paint from you in a brick and mortar store! Transitions are hard, still trying to feel at home here after 2 years. Your story gives me hope that things will get better. Hope to see you soon!
Best wishes for your family! I can’t imagine living without my extended family. I am sure you and your children will appreciate that much more their cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents. Your posts are always full of warmth and your hard work in sharing what you do is much appreciated. Thank you and good luck with your move.
Anna from Canada
I am very exciting for your move, near family, friends and a church family. Congratulations Melanie, May God bless you and keep you, guide you, fulfill you and prosper you, in Jesus name, amen!!
As a fellow Texan, I can say we will be sad to lose you. Good luck in Arkansas – I know your business will be successful there as well.
Ah Melanie, God always has a plan. We may not get it right away but it comes in due time. Everything happens for a reason. I am so happy for you and your family. Living near family is the best thing for you and the kids. Wishing you continued success.
Mary from imagineit Ny
Wishing you and your family the best in your new home and for the future
Your patience has allowed you to be blessed. I wish you all a smooth move and happiness on the other side. Congrats!
I’m selfishly excited about your move! I live in Southwest Missouri and I often shop in Northwest Arkansas. So, I am excited to possibly meet you and become a “customer.” Thank you for sharing your story and the way you placed your decision in God’s hands. Everything falls into place when you trust in Him. Congratulations on the new venture!
Congrats and best wishes as you relocate to your new home! Sounds like an adventure but being close to family will make it that much sweeter! Wishing you the best in setting up your new space & possible business venture/space of your own! Looking forward to your home renovation posts as well!
Congratulations! Sounds like a wonderful opportunity for you and your family! Best wishes for a smooth move and transition.
Melanie, you have a total encouragement for me the past year! I ordered from you when I heard about Fusion Mineral Paints! Tried them an fell in love with them. Took classes with you and learned more than I had imagined I could learn! Well, it definitely looks like you put all faith in God, HE guided you(both) and now reaping his answer to move. God bless you and yours! Will be praying for you during this new journey! I will still keep in touch be it classes or orders from you!
Love, Mona Hart
Wishing you and your family all the best as you transition to your new home.
Sorry to hear that you are leaving Texas. You can share with your customers that I have full stock of all my fusion products in Gainesville!!
Melanie, I’ve been following your blog for years, taken an online class with you, and been so inspired by your projects, “can-do” attitude, and your willingness to share all that you have learned along the way. Whether you are in Texas, Arkansas, or tim buck two I have no doubt you will be a success!
My husband and I have also been in limbo re future plans for a couple of years now, so I can only imagine the relief you feel having your path finally clearly set! After much prayer and discussion, my husband turned in his notice to leave a job he has dearly loved (but that has become too stressful) in October, and his last day is set for June 15th (which is quickly approaching!). It is a scary time for us as he is the sole bread winner, but we are stepping out in faith and hoping to be able to move closer to our daughter and her family soon.
As God’s plan continues to unfold before you, I pray everything will go smoothly; and that Arkansas will soon feel like “home”! Looking forward to reading more about your move and all your future endeavors!!
I will miss you in my part of town but so excited for your new adventure!!
So happy that you have found your new path. I will keep you in my prayers for a easy transition. I am looking forward to hearing about your new home. God bless you, Vickie
Congratulations to you Melanie and to your family! We are in a similar position but I know the Lord will open the right doors! Love receiving your emails with tips and inspirational know-hows. Blessings to you all!
Melanie, congratulations to you and your family on this next chapter of your life. Sometimes we never know the why of things until it unfolds. It sounds like you’re going exactly where you need to be. I wish you all the happiness the world can hold. God Bless ?
Ahhhh NO!!!! I have been telling myself for MONTHS that I am going to come see your booth (I live in the town next to you, or rather where you used to live). And now I read that you are MOVING. This is what I get for procrastinating! When will I learn. I hope your move and your transition go smoothly. Good Luck!