There's a road the girls and I travel pretty often around here. We call it "taking the long way home".
In the humid, unbearable days of summer, I've been known to pack the girls in the car for a chance to sit in the cool of the air conditioning for a few minutes. Cooling our bodies, renewing my sanity, we'd take the long way home.
In the fall, we'd take the long way home--an excuse to escape through the woods and note the changes in the colors of the trees. After a storm, we'd take the long way home--to see how high the stream got.
The road is mostly unpaved, winds along the creek and is tented in trees. It passes by the farm where Emma rides each week. And takes a sharp turn at the edge of a hill that I've heard my grandfather refer to as the best view in the county.
After so many trips down this road, the girls and I have each sort of chosen a house along the way that's our favorite. Elizabeth loves one that "needs some work." Because she likes to work. Emma's picked one with plenty of room for horses. And secretly, I have this little favorite one, too.
A white house with green shutters that sits way back off the road. You can't see much of it from the road, but I've always felt like it looks like something set in a dfferent time, a different place. It's been my favorite all along.
At the beginning of this summer that house became empty. The husband and wife that lived there for years, passed away. The rest of the family was ready to let it go. And through connections and family and God's good grace, that little house, that favorite of mine, found it's way into our little family.
The process has been a long one. Since the beginning of summer we've been talking and waiting, planning, then waiting. There were long conversations leaning against fence posts. And in parking lots of the convenience store at the corner. Things to arrange. Ideas to throw around. Hurdles to overcome. And lots and lots of waiting.
And then that same week that we were dealing with the stress and sorrow of the rabies incident, it all fell through. We had to walk away. And honestly, I was pretty devastated. It had been such a long road. I thought we were so close. And then everything fell apart. But I had to trust that there must be something else. And that this was the right thing to do.
But something about the walking away turned everything around. And within weeks there were a few more conversations and a handshake and here we are...we're leaving Thomas Run and moving a stone's throw away, to that house I've always loved.
The local history books tell us it's name is Woodlawn. It smells like my grandmother's house and reminds me of the home I grew up in. In its day it was immaculate. Turns out my grandfather played tennis on the courts there (now buried under grass) with Monroe, whose silver tennis trophies covered almost every bookcase in the house. And family friends used to go there to play bridge. And Emma went there with our neighbor once to collect a load of hay. Today, Woodlawn needs some love and attention. But her bones are beautiful.
I've been waiting a long time to share this news. I suppose after such a long, emotional journey to get to this place it's still hard to let myself believe this is really happening. But with paint colors picked and a gutted kitchen and boxes being packed, it seems as though it's really happening. And my heart, that I've been holding close despite it's thumping in my chest with excitement, can finally be let go.
We've found the long way home, indeed.
Wow--it looks like something from a lovely period movie. Beautiful! And congrats.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 02 January 2013 at 12:01 AM
Oh, Molly, how fabulously exciting!!!! As one who longs for old houses to be loved and restored, and who has done that twice.... I am so thrilled for you and your family.... And the history makes it even better.... I can't wait to see more. It looks like such a special place!
Posted by: Beth | 02 January 2013 at 12:01 AM
Thank you, Beth! It's been consuming my thoughts, time, (sleep!) lately, so I'm so excited to be able to finally share the process with you all! xo.
Posted by: mommycoddle | 02 January 2013 at 12:04 AM
Oh my goodness! I'm thrilled for you all! It looks amazing. xo
Posted by: betsy | 02 January 2013 at 12:14 AM
What a stuuningly beautiful home, I look forward to seeing more xxBrenda
Posted by: Brenda | 02 January 2013 at 12:23 AM
well whoop dee doo! with a high kick toe touch!
congratulations Molly. X
Posted by: sarah | 02 January 2013 at 01:13 AM
Oh Molly!!! What a boatload of adjectives (insert here)!! The house is absolutely magnificent, full of stories, just waiting for more. How perfectly wonderful that you and your family will add the next chapters to its gorgeous worn covers.
Best to you as you work through these long, hard days of moving, body, mind, soul, and stuff.
Happy New Year, indeed,
Cheers,
Molly
Posted by: Molly | 02 January 2013 at 02:01 AM
I am so so happy for you all. I truly know what it means to ache for a place, have it fall through and be taught that lesson of patience and trust in god, and it is so nice to see dreams come true, even if they aren't my own. What a wonderful story of hope and renewable. I hope you are all so wonderfully happy he.
Xx
Posted by: Qalballah | 02 January 2013 at 05:11 AM
I knew it! And I couldn't be happier for your, dear friend. What a glory of a house. And the story of how it became yours - it was meant to be. Just think of all the wonderful memories you'll be making. Happy New Year!
Posted by: erin | 02 January 2013 at 07:07 AM
Yeah!! I am so excited for you guys! Love you!
Posted by: Anya | 02 January 2013 at 07:34 AM
Wow, wow, wow, Molly! Very cool. Best of luck in the coming days.
Posted by: Sarah Jane | beautiful dawn | 02 January 2013 at 07:58 AM
Aw, yay, Molly! So happy for you guys.
Posted by: Jen | 02 January 2013 at 08:07 AM
Congratulations! Here's to an amazing year for you and your family at Woodlawn.
Posted by: Pam - captured by our cameras | 02 January 2013 at 08:28 AM
Amazing! We are on the long road home too, with no end in sight yet, but trusting the Lord! Thanks for this very, very encouraging post!
Posted by: Account Deleted | 02 January 2013 at 08:28 AM
Congrats! The house and your words about it are beautiful! I long for such a home someday. Can't wait to watch and read more about your settling in.
Posted by: Brittany | 02 January 2013 at 09:15 AM
So beautiful! What a gorgeous home and wonderful story!
Posted by: carol | 02 January 2013 at 09:26 AM
Congratulations! I look forward to watching the journey from house to home. xoxoxo
Posted by: tracy | 02 January 2013 at 09:47 AM
What a beautiful gem of a house! I grew up in a house like that and OH what I would give to go back. I still remember the smells and the creaking of the planked floors. Congratulations. What a wonderful way to begin the new year.
Posted by: Gina :|: Listening in the Litany | 02 January 2013 at 09:54 AM
What a beautiful way to start your New Year. Love this house, it looks perfect for your family!
Posted by: Mary-- The Yellow Door Paperie | 02 January 2013 at 09:55 AM
oh, how lovely.
Posted by: laura | 02 January 2013 at 10:04 AM
What a way to give me goosebumps this cold winter morning. I love following your lovely family and this is just so wonderful. I am sure you will bring honor to this grand old lady who needs your help and will be loved for years to come. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Roberta | 02 January 2013 at 10:15 AM
Wow! So exciting. Happy for you!
Posted by: Gina | 02 January 2013 at 10:15 AM
Oh my, how exciting! I will live vicariously through you :) So happy for all of you, and for that home to have such love entering it's walls once again.
Posted by: Kim | 02 January 2013 at 10:40 AM
amazing, amazing!
Posted by: Aimee | 02 January 2013 at 11:15 AM
Congratulations! It looks like a wonderful place to call home and your barn looks AMAZING! Happy new year : )
Posted by: Emmalina | 02 January 2013 at 11:51 AM
My mother made your journey (in Maryland) 43 years ago and restored a house much like yours with her own two hands. Hung the wall paper herself, did all the painting. Even with 40 years it wasn't enough time to complete her dreams for the house without help. Three years ago fate handed the family a way to finish and except for the kitchen the house is restored. It is a long hard journey but so worth the work -- just remember to take time from all the projects to have fun (that's why she wasn't able to finish) and smell the flowers. You will never regret your decision to that this path.
Posted by: Karen in PA | 02 January 2013 at 11:54 AM
oh my! it's beautiful. congratulations!
Posted by: Sarah | 02 January 2013 at 12:29 PM
Oh my. That is my dream. Live it and love it for me.
Posted by: jessica | 02 January 2013 at 01:37 PM
What wonderful news! Congratulations.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | 02 January 2013 at 02:57 PM
Oh Molly, I love the house! It was a long road that took you to where you were meant to be. All the best, Kristina
Posted by: Kristina | 02 January 2013 at 03:05 PM
Oh wow! Congratulations!
Posted by: Ginger | 02 January 2013 at 03:23 PM
Congratulations to you! We came upon our house much in the same fashion. I can't wait to read how you make this wonderful house into your home!
Posted by: jane | 02 January 2013 at 04:09 PM
What a beautiful house -- and in such a pretty setting. I'm glad it worked out for you! Does this one have air conditioning? I kind of doubt it with its age, but for your sake I hope so. :)
Posted by: amy h | 02 January 2013 at 04:18 PM
Looks amazing. How exciting to be on a new journey. Wish we could move into the house of our dreams here in Cali...who knows what the future holds! Congrats
Posted by: Pearmama | 02 January 2013 at 04:58 PM
Oh Molly, I am so happy for you! Congratulations and I look forward to catching glimpses as you make your new house your home...
Posted by: Mariah | 02 January 2013 at 05:31 PM
Hi Molly. Pat and I are so happy for you - the house looks amazing and from the way you write, it is definitely something that you wanted for a long time. Our wish for you is that you will be happy in this home and wish you blessings for 2013.
Posted by: Annemarie | 02 January 2013 at 08:03 PM
such a lovely spot to land. congratulations.
Posted by: jen | 02 January 2013 at 09:30 PM
YAY!
But the big question is...
does it have air conditioning?!
Posted by: Alicia A. | 02 January 2013 at 11:17 PM
Congratulations - it looks beautiful. Oh, to have such deep roots.
Posted by: Hannelene | 03 January 2013 at 02:31 AM
What a beautiful home! And so wonderful that it will be yours - God certainly has plans we least expect! Congrats - and have a blessed 2013 making this house your home!
Posted by: Lori Ann | 03 January 2013 at 09:38 AM
Holy cow!!! What an amazing home! How wonderful to see dreams coming true! Warmest wishes as you make it into your home.
Posted by: mandi@herbanhomestead | 03 January 2013 at 10:59 AM
It just seems meant to be, like the house has been waiting for you all. Congratulations.
Oh I just dream of a house like that! I can't wait to see what you do to it, especially having seen the beautiful room pictures you've been pinning on pinterest! It was so soothing to read your post about this and enjoy your happy, gentle writing. A joy to read as always.
Posted by: a touch of domesticity | 03 January 2013 at 04:14 PM
I've said it before, but this seals it: we are living parallel lives. Switch out the beautiful sheep for longhorn cattle and we could be neighbors. Well, we could be neighbors anyway.
We are currently in the middle of JUST SUCH a negotiation with an old property, siblings who own the property, dreaming, trying not to dream too much, but smiling at random times just thinking about the possibilities. We'll see.
I'm so very happy your dream worked out. That property is AMAZING... and such a story. Such a history. Love it. Can't wait to "move" with you in the blog.
Posted by: katiekate | 04 January 2013 at 09:47 AM
Congratulations!!! Your new home looks amazing. Can't wait to see and hear more!
Posted by: amanda | 04 January 2013 at 06:06 PM
Congratulations! What an amazing way to start the new year.
Posted by: Heather | 05 January 2013 at 07:42 PM
What a beautiful house! I'm looking forward to following you as you make it your own.
Posted by: Justine | 06 January 2013 at 09:21 AM
No way!!! Hooray. As I read this post my jaw was dropping and i kept saying things like,"no way" and "oh my gosh." It is simply stunning and i am so happy for you and your family! Let the journey begin! xo
Posted by: brooke | 07 January 2013 at 10:37 PM
wonderful, wonderful news--cannot WAIT to see all that you make of your new home.
Posted by: mama-pan | mary frances | 08 January 2013 at 09:03 AM
Oh my goodness, I know that house! And Thomas Run. I just wandered over here from Habit and I'm still shaking my head at how small a world this is. Very happy for you. Beautiful house and beautiful old box woods.
Posted by: Dutchhillfarm.wordpress.com | 08 January 2013 at 03:23 PM
that is AMAZING! you guys are gonna have so much fun!! congrats!! xo
Posted by: bluebirdbaby | 09 January 2013 at 04:25 PM