vintage walls

Welcome back rock star.

If you missed the epic beginning of the story of our jump and where it all began and the first part of the tour of the house that we lived in before Thistlewood….you can start here.

Before we begin I have to tell you how much I loved all the comments on the last post.

I read each and everyone….but the second comment down literally made me laugh out loud and almost spit out my coffee….

“Sweetie, they were fighting against the empire, not for it. (are you sure that your husband proofread this)

Loved the tour anyway.”

Exactly.

The commenter was so right.

And I did read the post to my husband (who is a huge Star Wars fan).

But he looked so cute trying to explain the entire story line of all of the Star Wars movies in about five minutes…..

….that I kind of got distracted. 🙂

desk area

book room

If we Reader’s Digest the story up until now….it looks a little like this.

We lived in a giant city.

We were busy.

We wanted to simplify.

And so we decided to jump.

(total aside:  please tell me you’ve always wanted to use Reader’s Digest as a verb, too.)

laundry room doorway

laundry room

Sounds simple enough, right?

I think the actual deciding we were going to jump was almost as easy as that.

Because the decision was one that came right from the heart.  The path was so clear for us and we knew we were supposed to do it.  It just required the ability to step out on faith and believe that this was God’s plan for our life.

But the details?   The actual hows and whys…

….that’s where the amazing part comes in.

seating area

vintage game

We decided to jump on a Sunday.

The next week I got a call from my sister in Kentucky to tell me about a business that was for sale.

She knew that we had been talking about moving and when she heard about the opportunity….she thought of us.

But….she said….it was in the middle of nowhere.

stairway

As in….no stop lights.

No restaurants.

No movie theaters.

No shopping.

Just acres and acres of farm land and horse barns and chicken barns….

…and the occasional gas station pizza.

fireplace

vintage hutch

 We weren’t sure if the opportunity was right for us.

It would be such a big change and even though it was what we had hoped and dreamed for….

….the funny thing about dreams is you never really expect them to come true.

So with cautious optimism sprinkled with a healthy dose of nervous trepidation….the next week we were in a car heading to Kentucky.

We wanted to see for ourselves what the future might hold.

side table

fall decor

 And when we arrived….we discovered that the opportunity was all we hoped for and so much more.

We met with the owners and saw the countryside and went into the gas station and bought a diet coke and as the sun set over the river at the edge of that small town….

….we held hands and talked and talked and talked.

I remember the words tumbling out….faster and faster and faster.

All those dreams spilling out at once.

And we knew.

This was exactly where we were supposed to be.

vintage bath

 

And so we returned home excited and a little overwhelmed and began to plan our move to the Kentucky countryside.

But first we needed to sell the house.

We mentioned to a few people that we were thinking about selling and started get the house ready to put on the market.

Two days later I was standing in the back bedroom and I saw a car drive by.

And then it drove by again.

vintage bath sink

vintage bath sofa

And as I stood there and watched it drive by….I knew that I knew that I truly, truly knew….

….this was the couple that was going to buy our house.

Twenty minutes later they knocked at the door.

They introduced themselves and mentioned mutual friends that we had….

…..and how they had heard that we were thinking about moving and selling our home.

vintage iron bed

guest bedroom

guest bathroom

And we invited them in and talked and talked and talked and gave them a tour and laughed and talked some more.

And at the end of that amazing, incredible, wonderful evening…..

….we agreed to sell our home.

And three weeks later we signed the final contracts and packed the last box and bid our home goodbye.

Without even a sign in the yard.

living area

And Becca and her amazing family moved in and created a home full of life and joy and beauty.

And just like the family who had lived there before…..

….the halls were  once again filled with laughter.

And the rooms were full of Cheerios crunching and milk slurping and shared giggles over puzzles and games of tag from one end of the house to the other and piles and piles of dolls and teddy bears and velociraptors.

Because another new chapter has begun. 🙂

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Comments

  1. Image for Heather {Woods of Bell Trees} Heather {Woods of Bell Trees}

    Girl Star Wars completely befuddles me, I get confused the moment the word Star is uttered....totally missed the part about fighting for the Empire! :D Your story inspires me that one day I will be able to do what I want to do - if I could take that leap today I would take it passionately! One day, one day!

  2. Image for Robin Stephens Robin Stephens

    I definitely will use Reader's Digest as a verb from now on! It has stood the test of time as a splendid noun....and a terrific adjective...but let 'er out of the box and go for broke, she's a verb also thanks to you! Beautiful tribute to your home's past, present and future. *love* *it*

  3. Image for Lori Ellison Lori Ellison

    Loved the telling of this chapter of your story. They have made it gorgeous home and so unique! God's timing!

  4. Image for Sandy Sandy

    Amazing! You, of course are Amazing. Your writing, story-telling, is amazing. And the pictures of your former home, decorated by its present owner Becca, are amazing. The two of you should write a book about "the house."

  5. Image for Marisa Franca @ All Our Way Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

    I am so very sorry -- I humbly apologize because I did not see one of your wonderful photos I was so anxious to read the "rest of the story". But like a lot of your wonderful tales I anxiously read every word and then go back and leisurely take in your picture tale. Well we use the verb cliff note as if cliff note the happening. Well, I can say is tell me more . . . . I really and truly don't want to be nosy but I simply love a story with a happy ending and it's also because you have become a friend even though we haven't met :-) And I have been known to doze off when my Honey has tried to explain a story -- TBE (twinkling brown eyes) must not have the same knack for capturing attention that you do but I'm sure he has plenty of GOOD POINTS!! Have a wonderful day. Thank you for letting me start my day with a smile. I rushed to the computer to see the post because you said you'd been continuing with the story today. { Happy sigh!}

  6. Image for Lisa Lisa

    Cute hubbies and giant leaps of faith to the middle of nowhere make a far better tale than Star Wars...and there's no annoying wheezing! xo

  7. Image for Joy Pinkerton Joy Pinkerton

    Your best story to date! It is so real and so you! And God ordained. Keep up the good work, past, present and future! You keep us going, Rock Star!!

  8. Image for Mimi Mimi

    What a wonderful story and it's even better because it's TRUE! The Lord works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform! I didn't give any homework to my students Monday night so I didn't have to grade papers last night so I could get up bright and early TODAY to read the rest of the story. :-) BTW, we are going to read your "Dear patient people of the concession stand..." post today in class to study the trait of "voice" in writing. Thanks for making writing (and reading) fun!

    1. Image for Mimi Mimi

      Karianne, I just want you to know you were a huge hit in class today. After "touring" your beautiful home, there are many 7th graders in Nebraska who would love for you to adopt them...oh, and they promise not to put the sofa pillows on the floor. :-) They also discovered it isn't easy to be funny and witty when writing. They had a whole new appreciation for you after they tried their hand at writing mock blog posts. You're a rock star!

  9. Image for Betsy@coastal-colors Betsy@coastal-colors

    Awww, I love this story! God is so perfect with His timing! Wow, your former home is gorgeous! Becca has decorated it so perfectly! I'm thrilled we got to see it too! I love your stories; you have many gifts! I like using Reader's Digest a s a verb now! Now, Star Wars is way out of my realm!

  10. Image for Cecilia Cecilia

    I love your story! And I love how God was and is in the details. It's made me take a deep breath and see His hand in our journey and how, in His timing, our move will happen. The farm is ours and when the time is right, we'll move. (We do have a timeframe but it could happen before...God knows!) Thank you for this beautiful, wonderful story! Hugs Cecilia PS I adore Star Wars. Laughing about your comment on how your husband was distracting...you're too cute.

  11. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    While you can Reader's Digest anything...I prefer when you Thistle it! You know...make it more descriptive and funny! Great story...your jump was truly meant to be! ;)

  12. Image for Jennifer Jennifer

    Reader's Digest is my favourite verb :) And like everyone else, I had to go back and take in all the photos after reading your story, because I just love the way you tell it (screwed up Star Wars analogy and all). Such a fabulous home!

  13. Image for Melanie @ The Painted Chandelier Melanie @ The Painted Chandelier

    I loved "the rest of the story!!" Wonderful example of how the good Lord puts us where He wants us when He wants us there. You are such a precious soul! Love your way with words combined with beautiful photos! This whole post reminds me of the hymn, "Trust & Obey!!" Thanks for the uplifting post to start this day!! xo

  14. Image for Kathryn Kathryn

    Ain't God grand! It's so amazing how listening to that still quiet voice within and trusting can be so fruitful.

  15. Image for lynda lynda

    Your story of course was nothing less than spectacular!!!! And that house !!! OMG every single square inch is impeccable. Question............ is that house a newly built house made to look 100 years old or is it a really old house turned incredible like the house you are in now. I can't seem to figure it out.... is she a designer? It is truly stunning!! I keep looking at the pics over and over again... amazing!! thanks again for starting my day with a smile~

  16. Image for Jill Jill

    Loved your story of Meant To Be. Thanks for reminding us to listen to our hearts and to the great powers that be. What a beautiful home and a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing. Happy day to you and yours! P.S. After pondering your question of the season from Saturday, the moon is large and full, the breeze is cooler and there is something in the 90 degree air.... I think it's Fall.

  17. Image for Regina Merrick Regina Merrick

    I didn't get to comment yesterday, and I read it so fast I didn't even notice your Star Wars faux pas!!! (it WAS my first-ever PG movie, after all!) lol! Loved, loved , loved both parts of your story! God is great like that, isn't He? He knew just where you needed to be, and has allowed you to blossom in the boonies! :) I want to live out in the country, but, you know, I no longer have kids running in and out. I'm living in my dream house. Maybe I just need to "keep on keepin-on" where I am in this tiny, TINY town that has 2 (count 'em!) stop lights and some great grocery-store fried chicken! :) The pics are amazing. YOU are amazing, Rockstar!!!

  18. Image for Andrea Andrea

    well, it was meant to be. the house is so pretty. I really am going to enjoy going back and looking at the pictures again. Funny.....I found myself thinking ...pretty, but I wonder what it looked like when Kari lived there.

  19. Image for Terri Terri

    Thank you so much for sharing this chapter in your "Exciting" life.... :) ... loved every single detail.... needless to say... WOW .. is an understatement for the gorgeousness in your former home.... Have you checked to see if you girls are related???? I agree with one of the other comments... God's timing is always perfect!!!!

  20. Image for Patty Patty

    Wonderful story. We are hoping to sell our house after all our renovations and move about 6 states away. The only difference will be that it will be just my husband and I - our children are grown. You give me hope and I thank you for that.

  21. Image for Lani Lani

    Like one of your other readers, I skipped over the pictures just to read the story ... and as I read, tears began to drop. God is SO GOOD. So very, very GOOD. We made a "jump" similar to yours three years ago when we felt Him leading us to move from California to Virginia. Becca has done a beautiful job with the house, turning into their home. I've been struggling with how I want to decorate our house, not just wanting to paint, but to characterize them with planking, board and batten, beader board, etc. I don't know if the walls in your former home were done by you or by Becca or by both, but they totally sealed the deal for me. I'm going to go for it! Thank you for always sharing your heart! You are one AMAZING lady! Hugs ...

  22. Image for Lauren @ Bless'er House Lauren @ Bless'er House

    God's timing is always impeccable. And sometimes it is hard to listen to Him when He says jump but it always turns out way better than you could have ever planned it yourself. This story is beautiful! And definitely a huge lesson about life- to have total faith no matter what. I totally missed the Star Wars slip. I guess my husband would shake his head at my Star Wars knowledge too. Haha Such a gorgeous gorgeous home!

  23. Image for Shelley Shelley

    I couldn't wait to read "the rest of the story"!!!! Your stories are so captivating and the pictures are like icing on the cake for me. Beautiful home! Wish I could see the before - when it was yours...and the outside of the home as well. Funny-this home doesn't portray hustle bustle city life to me...it could easily be a neighbor of yours in Kentucky from the feel you get from the pictures. It's so warm and inviting, just like your home feels now. Wish someone would come knock on my door!

  24. Image for Shirley@housepitalitydesigns Shirley@housepitalitydesigns

    I had to physically keep my mouth shut as this is jaw dropping gorgeous....I have bookmarked these two posts for future inspiration....over the top gorgeous...and thanks for presenting this magnificent home to us!...I think I have added 20 more projects to my list!!!...May I borrow your cute carpenter with the twinkly eyes!!!

  25. Image for Alice Alice

    This was incredibly well written. A great job, fabulous photos and what great taste! I am inspired and blog with myself in my head all day as I paint and change and decorate! Thanks!

  26. Image for Linda Linda

    It is a dreary, cloudy (rain soon) day here and you just flooded my office with sunshine! Thank you for your wonderful "rest of the story". YES...a book...great photos and a wonderful testimony of how God will lead us if we trust and listen. Have a fabulous day, you fabulous girl!

  27. Image for BETSY BETSY

    Did I miss something ??? What was the business that you bought in order to move ???? God has definitely got His hand on your life !!! We lived in the country when we first married but then had to move to the city. We dream of getting back to the country one day. We'll be content wherever we are though and since I grew up as a country girl I'll ALWAYS be a country girl. I have a "country looking" home and I spend most days in my jeans and boots. My husband and I are thankful no matter where we live ! Blessings to you and your family !!

  28. Image for Eileen Eileen

    Gorgeous! I'd love to see the exterior.......so I can imagine I was the lucky girl half of that couple driving by, getting a first (and second) look at our new house.

  29. Image for Ann C Ann C

    Love the story, and was confused about who's home we were looking at til the end. Like so many of your readers, it's comforting to read how God in His good timing made everything fall into place. I'm in the process of selling my home and just amazed at how once I turned it all over to Him things have started to happen. I moved into the home my parents lived in for the past forty years and now have to make it my own. Thanks for all your inspiration. And chuckles.

  30. Image for Patty/NS Patty/NS

    Wow...... isn't it amazing how things just fall into place? Have faith. This is what this is truly about, and 2 families that 'found' their place, and their meant to be. Becca has a beautiful, amazing home. And you do too! : )

  31. Image for Adrienne Adrienne

    I love you and your stories so much! You have a way of bringing the reader right there with you! And seriously...how is it possible that I want to move into both your and your previous home owner's houses - is that just crazy that you both have amazing farmhouse style? Thank you so much for sharing. I want her antelope pillow in that last shot. ;)

  32. Image for gina gina

    Thanks for the RD version of (Rock)Star Wars. :) Both homes rock. The pictures are beautiful, but it's the soul in your homes that is truly the force.

  33. Image for Karen Karen

    What are the odds that one lady with impeccable taste moves out and another one with amazing taste moves in? That is pretty mind boggling to me. That is a gorgeous home.I loved every inch of it and as always you tell a story like no other. Always a pleasure to see and read your blog KariAnne.

  34. Image for Cristiana Cristiana

    Karianne, you are just so absolutely adorable and inspirational!! Your blog has become my favorite blog around!! I feel like you are my buddy, and we are sitting over coffee sharing stories!! Thank you for hearing God's voice and sharing that with us. God is good!! Xoxo

  35. Image for Susan Masters ("Lovey") Susan Masters ("Lovey")

    First, Bryan & Becca had told me you had come by and "had a fit" over the new addition & all they'd "done" to the house!!! Secondly, I had heard about how wonderful your blog was and had been meaning to check it out. Now you have so beautifully woven "your story" and "their story" in words and pictures...what a blessing!!! I am sure all your readers see how perfectly God works out all the details of our lives if we just relenquish our control & fears to Him! Both of your families are exactly where they're supposed to be! To God be the glory ~ great things He hath done!!! PS ~ it seems like yesterday I came by the Lamar house with the kids to meet you and take a quick tour...you were just adorable & my favorite Kari Anne saying reflects how much you loved that house: "every morning I go around the house, turn on the lights and wake up each room"!! That is just precious!! I do the same thing!! ;-)

  36. Image for Natalia Elam Natalia Elam

    Thanks for the beautiful photos and story. Read both parts and really enjoyed everything! So blessed to have met you at First Baptist McKinney ladies coffee house night over a year ago. And, so blessed to have met Becca last fall at First Baptist McKinney's Yarns of Hope group. She is such a sweetheart and I've been blessed now to meet her family, as well. Taught Sunday school to one of her sweet girls for a year and been blessed by it all. God is incredible and amazing and I love how He brings us all together to marvel at His wisdom and blessings and partake in all He has planned for His children. Thanks, again, KariAnne! PS. Love your blog! :-)

  37. Image for jae jae

    I love a happy ending! And never, ever discount the sheer power of Faith. Becca's house is drop dead gorgeous.....but I must admit, I prefer the light, bright, fairy-magic of Thistlewood.....thanks for sharing a wonderful story!

  38. Image for Stephanie Ray Brown Stephanie Ray Brown

    Oh I so enjoyed your post.. and needed it too! I am in the middle of closing a huge chapter in my life.. have lived in this house for over twenty years. Sounds silly but right now hurts to picture someone else in it.. even though our new home is truly a blessing. Your lovely pictures especially of new owner reminded me to keep the house in the right hands.. God's. We have only bought two homes.. both did not even have a sign in it. Yes truly felt God led us to both. Here's to hoping.. I can put old house on market without breaking my heart when a for sale sign is placed in it. I too hope right owner will be led to us! Back to pitching, packing and yes bawling too.

    1. Image for Stephany Stephany

      Stephanie, We have a lot in common starting with first names although my Mom decided to be a little different with the spelling. I understand exactly what you are going through, my husband and I are selling our home built in 1848 after 22 years. The process is akin to preparing to tell a member of the family goodbye. We have been on the market since April and are still waiting and hoping God delivers someone that will love her as much as we do. I'm headed home from work today to continue sorting and packing as we are taking a truckload of surplus stuff to our new state next week. Keep your chin up and take it one day at a time. Stephany

  39. Image for Kathy d Kathy d

    That house is so gorgeous! I love it so much! I am truly in awe of your certainty in knowing it was Gods plan and following His timing. I struggle with that even though I try. How much of your former home did you do and how much is new by the new owner? I want to copy it!!!! It's so perfect

  40. Image for chrissi chrissi

    i am not sure what i love more...the house (which is amazing), the story, or the huge leap of faith. all so good. so meant to be.

  41. Image for Belinda Belinda

    Welcome to Kentucky! I, too enjoy your stories, along with your DIY & decorating ideas. Also, I am curious about your business. Keep up the great work!

  42. Image for Julie G Julie G

    *Sigh* You tell the best stories. I've always believed that things happen for a reason. This is just another beautiful example.

  43. Image for Soiledrotten Soiledrotten

    Simply amazing and yet again, a beautiful story. Thinking of taking the jump too within the next year. Hoping my husband gets the full load of guts to do it. I truly enjoy your beautiful journey. Happy Day, Alison

  44. Image for Sandy R Sandy R

    Karianne, what an amazing God filled story. HE works in wondrous ways. NO sign in the yard, and sold it to the 1st couple!!!! God is GREAT! xoxo by the way, love the pics!!

  45. Image for Peggy Zortman Peggy Zortman

    When it is God's plan for you it is like dominoes. You touch the first one and they all begin to fall forward into the beautiful design only He could imagine for you! What an awesome story you have. Beautiful home tour!

  46. Image for jordin sparks weight loss jordin sparks weight loss

    Hi there to all, because I am genuinely eager of reading this web site's post to be updated regularly. It consists of nice stuff.

  47. Image for Denise Denise

    Thank you soooooooooooo much for sharing your story with us, I have absolutely loved reading it and looking at your home. Your home is so beautiful- Love love wood its warm and inviting. All you little touches make it such a warm, cosy, family home. Again thank you thank you.

  48. Image for Rhoni Rhoni

    After three years of looking for our forever house, my husband and I found two in one week. The first closer in to his small home town, the second 23 miles south of his small home town, in between two towns that once were. The first was missing a barn & pond, the second was totally stuck in the 80's with some 70's thrown in just for fun. Yep, we fell in love with the second, not so much the house as the land and location. The house is more than we could have ask for, no kidding aside - we are going on 1-1/2 of remodeling. But every time I pull through that front gate there is a calm that comes over me. As for the location, we are a 30 minute drive to the nearest Wally World, 15 to one of the two convenience stores (the town also has a small hardware store, a bank and a dollar store, but that is it) .

    1. Image for Rhoni Rhoni

      Oh yeah, when people ask where we live and we tell them we live between blank and blank, first they frown and then ask if that's in Oklahoma or where is that. Or people will say you don't move there you move from there. Yea, that was the plan. When you live on a 2 mile dead end dirt road and you are not only the second house but the last house, your closest neighbor is 1/4 mile up the road and when it storms you make a special trip out to cut up trees or limbs that might have fallen in the road, or when you have to drive into town to met visiting family because they are either lost or have no GPS service, that is when you know you live in the country.

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