So you may have noticed over the last few months all the vague references to my living situation. Mr. Smartypants was always home, our house was for sale, he was always interviewing, house sold, we stayed here & there, and lots of homeless jokes. Well I am so happy to say it is over, and only now I can talk about it.
Here is a quick rundown of my last year in cheesy Fussy photos.
October- Hubs lost his job, but had a severance package. I was all, "No worries, we'll hang out until Christmas and then move in the new year." I was so cocky and naive. I had no idea what the next year would hand me.
Then, after Christmas, I noticed he wasn't getting magical job offers and no one ever came to see our house. The house I planned on raising my children in, and no one was begging for it? I was not pleased.
I decided to start an online women's magazine, a cafepress store, and a jewelry business. I became a shameless self-promoter. The proverbial dancing monkey.
I worked and worked. I went from super confident to terrified as I learned just how quickly life can go from cushy to down right scary. I now understand how easy it is to lose it all.
I went on bedrest and turned to you, my friends, and was given love in an amazing amount. Your comments, emails and notes were like a lifeboat in the middle of my storm. I am still humbled by the love y'all send my way everyday.
You welcomed sweet baby, Jeremiah, with us. Thank you!
I watched as God used our situation to teach Mr. Smartypants and I faith and preserverance. I watched as my husband was slowly humbled and then built into an amazingly wise soul.
I had my tough moments. Moments when I lost faith. One night I cried and told God how mad I was that this was happening. I felt utterly abandoned by Him. I questioned if He cared. That very next morning without any notice, my sweet friend Meredith showed up at my door with a hot lunch for my family and every single dime she made in her huge yard sale. She refused to take no for an answer. She was the messenger to tell me I was not alone. Yes, when her blog says 'cheerful frugality'- she lives it! There are just no words to describe her.
Another night I called Karla in tears. The anxiety over what lay ahead for my family was overwhelming. She told me to go read Shannon's post called, Wilderness. Her words spoke to me and I began to feel like there was light at the end of that long tunnel.
We packed up our house, and watched job after job fall through at the last possible moment. We held out for a job in a good area for our family and feared we had waited too long. I remember how my heart was breaking as I took this photo and while I wrote this post.
We spent the last month with my sweet family. It was such a lesson in humilty and gratitude. It was hard, scary and now that is over, I see that is was wonderful. Forgive me for not giving you more details as life was swirling around me. I think I felt as if I spoke of it, the enormity of the situation would be too much. I needed to address it when I could look back.
We are coming back home to Nashville! Hubs has a wonderful new job. We are earning half of what we did before so you'll see me starting even more things online. I'm officially a work-at-home, homeschooling mommy now. (Lord help me!) Sure, the house is gone, and that is fine. I may have lost my house, but what we gained for our family is priceless. We have come out of these long hard months with a new perspective on my life. I'll write more and more about it as time allows. Today we will be gleefully searching for a rental house!
I don't pretend to know what life has in store for my life, but I know He is in control and I will continue to trust in Him.
Now, share with the world exactly why your life doesn't suck. Anything that makes you happy will do. Have fun with it! ;)
Love you tremendously, Alli
Oh, BFOTI...I am so glad you have a future you can plan on.
How weird is it that we BOTH have left our dream homes, only to be renters nearby?
Much love you! I am so glad to know you have a plan.
And your earrings ROCKED BlogHer! I was wearing you bling every day (and night).
*smooches*
Posted by: Christine | July 24, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Yeah! You will find a wonderful house, and what a great story about all of the support. Your family is gorgeous. I admire your self-awareness of knowing that you needed to hold back some things as you were going through them. Nothing wrong with that, Foo-say. Enjoy Nashville- you'll be close to one of my favorite people, Dave Ramsey. Say hey for me if you see him at the store.
Posted by: Rock and Roll Mama | July 24, 2008 at 12:22 AM
Good luck on house hunting. Everything's humbling these days -- even filling up the car is a chance to remember to be frugal/thankful/depressed. Just kidding -- not depressed: excited to spend more time at home with the kids, right?
Have you read Navel Gazing at its Finest? She had some great posts about "losing it all." Awesome perspective and kept her sense of humor. Definitely recommend.
Posted by: Jane @ What About Mom | July 24, 2008 at 12:28 AM
Wow, so much going on. I'm glad things are working out for you and I hope it only goes up. :)
Posted by: Summer | July 24, 2008 at 12:41 AM
A big Congratulations to the Fussypants family. :-)
Posted by: Shannon | July 24, 2008 at 12:43 AM
Like I said earlier, I am beyond excited for you to finally be past this. And the fact that you will be nearby again is just the yummy magnificent cream cheese frosting on the cake.
love ya!
xo~K
Posted by: karla | looking towards heaven | July 24, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Glad to see things picking up. My fam and i went through the same thing a few years ago, so I know how you feel.
I cant wait to hear the rest of the details...
Posted by: Stacy | July 24, 2008 at 12:45 AM
These last few years (2005-present) have been terribly humbling; losing everything in Katrina, the birth and death of our son, chronic illness, mis-carriage, moving cross country and then facing the prospect of divorce.
Sounds horrifying when listed like that but the reality, our new reality, is pretty dang good. We're moving back to Mississippi, not because you can necessarily ''go back home again'' (D isn't even from MS) and the home as I knew it is gone (and my entire family is now in the NW and they are staying put) but we are stepping out to create our own ''house, home and family'' and I could not be more excited.
Scraping bottom for a while has really forced me to appreciate the highs when they come along and sometimes, you just have to create your own. And it's totally worth it.
Posted by: charmingdriver | July 24, 2008 at 12:51 AM
I am so, so glad for you.
Posted by: Tinu | July 24, 2008 at 01:11 AM
My mum always said: When one door closes, another one opens. Sounds like you've had a lot of doors closing ... but the good news is, there will be plenty to open and to welcome you to another chapter in your life. I know life sucks at times, but time has shown me it always gets better. Even easier if you have fab family and friends to help you through it!
Posted by: bronnie | July 24, 2008 at 01:23 AM
Even though I'm sad you aren't coming to Iowa, I'm so happy you guys get to settle back in Nashville. Good luck!
Posted by: Christine | July 24, 2008 at 04:44 AM
hello.this is the first time for me to see your site.I have three children(6year old boy,4year old boy and 2year old girl.
please visit my site. It is written in Japanese but show pictures.
Posted by: baratch | July 24, 2008 at 05:08 AM
With a clean slate is always the best way to start I always say. Things could always have been far worse. Had you struggled on and stayed at your old house it may have held too many bad memories of when times weren't so good and overshadowed the many good memories you should associate with your home.
Good luck with the rental hunt, I'll hopefully not be far behind you as we have our house on the market, although five months and not so much as a sniff of interest. Ah well have to look on the bright side, it looks like I'll get to spend at least one more christmas here.
Posted by: Leanne | July 24, 2008 at 05:46 AM
You caught me with your excitement on twitter last night - reading this is just the icing on the cake!
Posted by: Vic | July 24, 2008 at 05:55 AM
Oh, Fussy! I'm so happy for you and the fam! God is so good, and I'm thankful with you for the lessons of this past year! God RAWKS! (and so do you!)
Posted by: Heather | July 24, 2008 at 06:00 AM
What a terribly rough year. I am so glad that you have come out on the other side, and that your faith and family love are even stronger. Bless you lady.
Posted by: Jenn @ Frugal Upstate | July 24, 2008 at 06:35 AM
Thanks y'all, I am so thrilled to share this most excellent day with you. xoxo.
Posted by: Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants | July 24, 2008 at 06:46 AM
God isn't above using circumstance to change us, huh? And those circumstances? Rarely the ones we'd choose ourselves.
Having followed you on Twitter for a while now, and popping in and out of your blogging spot, it's nice to get a little recap (in other words, I have so many blogs in my reader, time doesn't allow me to stalk, I mean read all your archives to get to know ya :) ).
Thankful you're "going home"...and thankful you're on "this" side of "that".
:)
Posted by: Robin ~ PENSIEVE | July 24, 2008 at 06:47 AM
I am so sorry that you've had such a hard time. Particularly while pregnant and recovering from birth, such emotional times are so so hard. I'm glad that you're finding your way out of the confusion :)
Love the photos :)
Posted by: Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You | July 24, 2008 at 06:48 AM
I am SO happy for you. What wonderful friends and family you have. Congratulations!
Posted by: Jo-Lynne (Musings of a Housewife) | July 24, 2008 at 06:54 AM
2006 was a year like that for me - it just seemed like everything in my life was unravelling and coming apart and that my worst fears were coming true. But at the end of it, when everything was over, there was this sudden new maturity and a feeling of grace that hadn't been there before.
I'm so happy that your awful times are coming to an end. xo
Posted by: Beck | July 24, 2008 at 07:01 AM
Yay! I was thinking about you this morning, and was glad when I saw this update on your blog. I hope you find a new home you like soon!
Posted by: Kacie | July 24, 2008 at 07:18 AM
What a year you've been through! I know what you mean about not writing about the stuff as it happens. That's why my blog is rarely "real-time". I need to process it all before it goes live. My reflections on events are usually so different from my feelings as they're happening.
Best wishes to you all. You're in my thoughts and prayers and it sounds like you have a fresh new starte!
Posted by: Kelly @ Pass the Torch | July 24, 2008 at 07:42 AM
I'm so glad you have relied on Him. Although things don't always make sense to us, He will never let us down!
Posted by: Terri | July 24, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Many congratulations to you! Despite your recent hardships, I'm sure you know you still have a lot to be thankful for! What a relief that the hardest are behind you!
Posted by: Colleen - Mommy Always Wins | July 24, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Nashville? Sounds fun to me! I've got my two Tennessee natives (our 1 and3 year olds) working on potty training together.
We're having birthday parties over at Cold Noodles this month. C'mon over!
Posted by: Katie @Cold Noodles for Breakfast | July 24, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Isn't it amazing that God always knows best. Even when we can't see the big picture, He knows. There have been so many times when I've been angry with Him only to turn around later and thank Him for the blessings I've been granted. Good luck and God bless you in all these exciting new adventures.
Posted by: Tracie | July 24, 2008 at 07:54 AM
The break in the clouds! Here's to a smooth rental search!
Posted by: autumn dahlia | July 24, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Girl, you have been through a tough time! I really admire the way you tried to get back to faith even though it must have seemed really, really hard. I know that this is an amazing lesson for your kiddies. Glad to hear He's "bringing it all together for good!"
Posted by: DCSweetie | July 24, 2008 at 08:03 AM
I'm so happy for you! And also have been so blessed by your humor and strength that shown through whenever you did share with us here on your blog.
Posted by: It All Started With A Kiss | July 24, 2008 at 08:06 AM
I'm so stoked that you're coming back to Nashville, I mean, COMING HOME!!!! I know it's so selfish of me and I really am happy for you and your family to have some security again and not be in limbo but all I can think is Fussy's coming back and we can dinner together again!!!!!
w00t! w00t!
:D
Posted by: Malia | July 24, 2008 at 08:09 AM
YAHOO! Well I hope I finally, finally get to meet you. :)
You are such a shining example...I'm so happy this is over for you now and you get to come home.
Posted by: Jamie | July 24, 2008 at 08:10 AM
YAHOO! Well I hope I finally, finally get to meet you. :)
You are such a shining example...I'm so happy this is over for you now and you get to come home.
Posted by: Jamie | July 24, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Have been wondering how you were going (and praying). Isn't it funny how when we give things up, God sometimes gives them back. I bet you didn't think you'd end up back in Nashville! Among people and friends you love. I think I'll have to update a previous comment I made:
'... God will give you new friends and family' to 'God will return you to your friends and family.' Yep, I like that one better. >;-)
Posted by: Michelle | July 24, 2008 at 08:20 AM
You are coming back?!?! I am so happy to hear that! And I am so happy to hear things are settling down a bit. Good luck on finding a new roof!
Posted by: Michelle | July 24, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Hey Fussy! I've been reading for awhile but this is my 1st time coming out of lurkdom. I'm glad that things are getting better for you. What's that old saying? "God only gives you what He knows you can handle." Or something like that. Happy house hunting!
Posted by: melissa | July 24, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Love this. :)
Posted by: Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! | July 24, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Oh Fussy, I so appreciate your candidness and raw honesty. I too, have experienced much of what you and your family have faced in the last year. I'm still kinda there. It's a crappy feeling - the feeling "stuck" part. Not knowing what's around the next bend, but that's where the trusting of God part comes in - excpet we're not so good at that part. The daily reminders of our beautiful families are God's way of keeping things in check. Even though the "material" things seem to be slipping away, sometimes we all need to eat a piece of humble pie and realize that it's for the best and God was just trying to smack us upside our heads and remind us that that's not what's really important anyway.
I'm so glad things are working out for you and the family. I'll be praying for you. As a relatively new reader, I kept thinking, "what did I miss here? There seem to be holes here and there and mention of your house selling and I was all like what is going on?" Now it all makes sense. It's so unfortunate that your situation is EVERYWHERE. I was talking to our pastor a few weeks back and he said "Kim, you would be blown away with how many wonderful, good families are struggling?" I guess that makes you feel better when at times you feel like you're so alone.
Anyway, thanks for stopping by my blog a few weeks back - it meant the world to me - no really, it meant more than you'll ever know. I hope you come back and we can continue to share stories of life and hope and inspiration!
I send you lots of ((((((( HUGS ))))))) and blessings and I so wish you lived near me so we could have some coffee or better yet, wine! :)
Posted by: Kim H. | July 24, 2008 at 08:58 AM
So happy for you!! Congrats. :)
Posted by: Jennifer at Joy of Frugal Living | July 24, 2008 at 09:02 AM
This post made me happy!
I'm so happy for you Fuss.
Go girl.
Posted by: ~JJ! | July 24, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Yay! You'll make a HOME wherever you live.
Oddly, my post IS about something that makes me happy today. How serendipitous.
http://pixiestemple.blogspot.com/2008/07/apple-for-teacher.html
Posted by: *pixie* | July 24, 2008 at 09:12 AM
I'm so happy for you!!!!!! You have non idea!!! Even though you are not coming to Iowa *sob* I am still thrilled for you.
Welcome to the WAHMs! We're proud to have ya. ;)
Posted by: Darla - UltraBeautyBoutique | July 24, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Welcome Home Fussy Family!!!!
So happy for you all and glad you are coming back to us.
Posted by: Amy @ Milk Breath & Margaritas | July 24, 2008 at 09:24 AM
How scary! Isn't that the way when you wouldn't even trade the hard times because of what you learned and how it all turned out?! I've had one of those myself. Glad to hear all is better! LOVE LOVE LOVE your sense of humor, btw!!
Mere
Posted by: Meredith | July 24, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Fussy, it warms my heart to hear that things are coming together for you. I look forward to your new endevors!
Posted by: CourtneyRyan369 | July 24, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Such a great post, Fussy. I am so happy things are looking up. God sure has a way of working to show us humility, doesn't he? I know the right house is just waiting for you to find it.
Posted by: Lorri | July 24, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Congratulations on the new job! He truly is an awesome, amazing God!
Posted by: Hillary | July 24, 2008 at 10:20 AM
awesome! so happy for you!
Posted by: ali | July 24, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Good luck house hunting ! I hope all goes well for you and your family !
Posted by: Jenn | July 24, 2008 at 10:38 AM
If there is one thing that we can say about you, it's that you will likely always land on your feet.
Posted by: Mindi | July 24, 2008 at 11:25 AM