So, I’ve been hinting at my rough couple of weeks. While I was feeling increasingly uneasy about our situation, I was hoping to get to today and have good news to share! I can’t go into detail because it is a legal matter, but I can tell you that today was supposed to be the day of my old house closing….my house would have been officially sold and we would finally be free to fully start our life in Washington! I waited three full months for this closing from the time my buyers made the offer and I was SO LOOKING FORWARD to celebrating today.
After a long year of unemployment for my husband, him starting a great new job this past January, the strain of getting our house on the market, looking for a new home and the complications of moving to Washington to start a new life, I was ready to feel settled. I am not feeling settled living in one state and owning a home in another! I was ready to breath a sigh of relief that our long journey to Washington was finally over.
Well, sometimes life stinks and things don’t go like we hope they will. In spite of our hard work, diligent prayers and positive attitudes, things go wrong. Horribly wrong sometimes. God gave everyone free will and they can make some pretty rotten choices that affect other people in negative ways! Today, I am not celebrating. Today, I am sad and bewildered and tired.
After accepting the offer from my buyers three months ago and patiently waiting for their long closing period (meanwhile losing a backup offer!) two days ago they decided they didn’t want to buy a house now and they walked away. Yep, just walked away, leaving us picking up all the pieces. I received their official cancellation paperwork yesterday, the day before closing was scheduled.
Today was supposed to be an entirely different sort of a day. It makes me physically sick to think of all this means and what it could mean for us…we were all set to buy our new house next week. A lot of our plans and other people’s plans were affected by their decision.
I am angry, frustrated, disappointed and in disbelief that I have to start over. We moved everything out of the old house so the new owners could move in today. Now? I have to re-stage the house and start over.
Life isn’t always fair. It doesn’t always make sense. It isn’t always easy. It isn’t always beautiful. But I am choosing to continue to trust that God is watching out for us and working all things together for good. Even rotten things. Especially rotten things. I just need to trust and wait.
So many people are hurting far more than I am in life, I feel like my current situation is tiny — for that I am grateful.
I kind of felt like Flat Stanley this week,
trying to keep smiling in spite of that tire looming over my head!
FYI, my son took this photo. Poor Flat Stanley!
It was not a beautiful week for me, but in spite of all that happened, I pushed past my fog of disappointment and found something to be happy about. A great community of people who joined in together to create something beautiful with what we had. Sometimes that is all we can do, isn’t it? — just create beauty out of what we have.
Thanks for joining in and making the procrastinator party such a smashing success. I am BLOWN AWAY by your projects. You are a talented bunch, let me tell you! If you haven’t made your way through the links (I’m still working on it), you are in for a lot of inspiration!
{THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!} In fact, let’s do a prize right now. I have a book to give away called DECORATING IS FUN by Dorothy Draper. It is an old classic that has been recently reprinted. I am going to give you an extra entry if you were one of the party participants. Any of you, even if you didn’t join in the party, can enter to win via the comments. There will be one winner, chosen at random, on Sunday night the 17th at 9PST.
Thanks for giving me the courage and motivation with the home projects. Without the deadline, I might sit there and do nothing due of my surgery.
When I joined your party, I been more mobilised, starts to move & walk slowly but surely. I reached my goal and even added some projects that I haven’t in my to-do-list.
Now, I started for a new projects not one at a time w/out 3-4 at a time.
Once again, you rock for giving us ladies, in the net the motivation and the simple ideas.
Million thanks & have a wonderful day & great week-end ahead.
Hugs,
//R
So, I’m up really late, working on pretty things for our Women’s Ministries event tomorrow night. I’m not finished, but am going to bed anyway. I decided to check blogs, just one more time. I’m so sorry to hear about your difficulties. I think (no, I know) moving is one of the most stressful events in life, even in good circumstances. We’ve moved 12 times. I hope and pray that all this works out for your good.
Karen Bs inspiring blog post..Procrastinator’s Party Confession
Melissa, I’m so sorry to hear that things are so rough for your family at the moment. Sometimes you just can’t believe the nerve of some people – to wait almost three months to tell you that they don’t want the house after all! Ack!
But as you’ve mentioned you’ve also got some good news, I hope things are looking up for you!
Sending you lots of good vibes from Germany,
Sandy
I am so sorry things fell apart…when it rains it pours ..it was my mom always says. I said a prayer for you after reading this and I hope things will work out for you soon.
Kathleen
Kathleens inspiring blog post..We do custom orders and will Personalize your gift!
Oh Melissa, I feel so bad for you re your house
. That is just terrible.
We had something similar happen, but it didn´t get to the last day like yours. Instead my husband was dithering around on the price and details and by the time it came to finalise the offer and put down a deposit, the buyers backed out. I was SO cross as I warned him we would lose the deal if we were too finicky. So our 10 acre block of land is still for sale and is our only “back up plan” if my husband becomes unemployed (a maybe). I don´t see any other buyers on the horizon either…
I hope you can get it restaged and sold again quickly. Good Luck and Big Hugs!
RMLs inspiring blog post..The Colour Green
Thanks for sharing this painful and bewildering time for you. I often come to your blog, in awe of the beautiful decor and ideas, and it is easy to imagine that fellow bloggers live charmed lives, where the sun always shines, and all is perfect.
It takes real courage to admit that everything in your life is not going as smoothly as it could be, but it is also such an encouragement to others who are also finding life tough, especially the the current financial climate.
Thanks for sharing and keeping it real.
Hugs and prayers.
JanMary, N Irelandjs inspiring blog post..Show & Tell – the old piano
Melissa I’m so very sorry this has happened. I know for a fact, since recently and unexpectedly losing my precious husband, even in the most devastating circumstances there is always something to be thankful for, although it may not look like it. The title of your post is truly the bottom line. I pray for miraculous blessings for you and yours in the days ahead. ♥
Betty Jos inspiring blog post..bloggy break and giveaways
Melissa, I am so impressed with your spirit and honesty! And, that you’ve searched out and found something to be thankful for….. You are such a wonderful example of a incredible woman of God! Wait and trust….sounds simple but I know the truth….It’s not!
God will find the right family for your “old” home….I will shoot some prayers your way. Heartfelt hugs!
Melissa, I am so sorry it turned out this way. I always try to think when things don’t go how we wanted them to, that something better is waiting. He has a plan and sometimes it just takes some time for us to see it. Many more hugs and prayers for you as you start to pick up the pieces and start over again with the sale of your home.
Emily@remodelingthislifes inspiring blog post..Procrastination At Its Finest
Well, boo sucks to them, they were clearly undeserving of your kitchen. Let’s pray that an awesome family will view your home very soon and make a terrific offer. In the meantime, I am giving you a virtual hug as I type.
…how rotten is that?…i feel your hurt and confusion…yet i know who you are …a woman of faith…and from there i speak to you sister…He has a plan…it will be the perfect one…30 years ago i was in the exact same place you are now…the closing did not happen…i too wanted to crawl into bed…having a 2 year old and a 7 year old…that was not an option!…the “other house”…did sell…the new buyer came from out of state…had all the money needed…and….this is big for all of us … the house was clean…but totally empty…no staging at all…we don’t have to do everything that we are told…when people saw our house furnished they loved it and wanted it…but it sold with the vision of the home the lady wanted…not mine…be kind to yourself melissa…you know Who is in charge…and He will not let you down…blessings
Oh Melissa, I am so sorry to hear such awful news! Wow, that’s just horrible. Well, what to do? Do you have to stage the house? Maybe it will sell without staging and it would be so much easier on you!! This is just too unreal – I was so happy for you to finally get your furniture and get started on your house….I am so sorry. If I can help in any way – please let me know.
Joni
I am so sorry to hear that the sale of your home fell through! There are many people going through these trying times but that doesn’t make our own problems any less stressful! I am praying that God will turn this into good for you and your family and will provide all you need.
(((hugs)))
Kathy
Kathys inspiring blog post..Happy Monday
Dear Melissa -
I am so sorry things didn’t work out for your house down here but I do know that our God knows the end from the beginning. I love the old quote: ‘Disappointment – His appointment!’ As I read I thought of the song ‘In His Time – He makes all things beautiful in His time.’ And He WILL make them all beautiful in His time, not ours. I pray that your heart will be comforted and that you will hear that still, small voice giving you direction and peace. And when the house sells we will celebrate with you. He led you to the place where you are, doing what you are doing, to the ministry He called you to do – and He will not leave you nor forsake you. Ever. Take heart, my friend.
~Adrienne~
Adriennes inspiring blog post..My Mother
I am so sorry! I know things will work out, you will find another buyer. You are a great example of grace. Hang in there.
I am so very sorry to read of your disappointing situation. I just know that God has better and bigger things in store for you. Take care and keep your chin up!
Alyces inspiring blog post..Roses in the Rain
That’s terrible.
I’m sorry you’re sale fell through and I hope another, even better offer, comes quickly.
I’ll be out if there’s a project procastinators party in July. My new one is due at the beginning of the month, so I’m planning on taking a couple months off from home improvement (other than the nursery, of course.. haha).
Jodis inspiring blog post..Recipe Review
Hi Melissa,
Okay, I’ve seen pictures of your home. What person in their right mind could give up such a treasure? Well, I am just so taken back how faithful you are to trust. It’s not easy sometimes to do that and I know God will honor your faith because of it. Maybe the couple experienced a job loss? That is certainly happening a lot. Well, your home was beautiful and I just know somebody else will come along. Hopefully for more money? I staged my home once and we just had to sell quickly and the buyers actually demanded to keep most of the furnishings too. It was a stipulation of the sale. Boy, was I stinkin mad, give up my furniture for free? I said no and 2 days later we had another buyer. God is faithful. I can say that even after the same job loss horror with my hubby too.
Thank you for being an inspiration as always and I just know it will all be okay.
Jennifer
Jennifer @ Blogging God And Mes inspiring blog post..Hooked on Memories
Well that really sucks. I’m sorry your sale fell through at the last minute. Perhaps something happened in the other people’s lives that made it impossible for them to go through with the sale? I’m sure it will all work out.
I’m up for another party in July or August. That would be great!
Manuela
The Pleasures of Homemakings inspiring blog post..Project Procrastinator -The After Party!
Sending you the biggest hug!
Real estate can be so cruel. We have been through it so many times.
Keep your chin up and trust the Lord…as I know you are.
Thank you for being such an inspiration!
…And for keeping it REAL!
Becky K.s inspiring blog post..Week In Review
I’m sorry to hear about the house … I can truly relate … and … it all does work together for good. *Ü*
Unfortunately, I never even began my procrastination project! lol Maybe one day …
Oh, no! My heart sinks for you. I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with this. Hang in there! (Got a kick out of the Flat Stanley photo.)
What a fun giveaway–I’d love to read the Dorothy Draper book. Hadn’t seen this reprinted version.
Julia @ Hooked on Housess inspiring blog post..Hooked on Brooke’s Beach House
You are smart to realize things could be worse. But what a PAIN! You can at least get closer to God through this. Write a memory verse on a slip of paper and put it in your pocket. When you start to fret, try to recite it. One that just came to mind, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the Earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9
TheOldPostRoads inspiring blog post..Bird Prints
Melissa,
So sorry about the news of your house. Things happen for a reason! Maybe it just all wasn’t meant to be. I hope everything works out for you really soon. You’ll get through it!
Dawn
Dawn-Hydrangea Homes inspiring blog post..Pink Friday "Romantic Roses"
Oh, Melissa, I’m so sorry to hear that your sale fell through. You sound so sad and worried, I sure wish there was something I could do to help.
Thanks for motivating all of us to finish our projects, take some of that positive energy and keep it all to yourself today. You and your family are in my prayers.
Kimm at Reinventeds inspiring blog post..Paint and Procrastination
I am so sorry to hear of your latest and ongoing troubles. How in the world have you stayed so up and inspiring in your posts? Even planning the whole “party” ! Thanks for that and we should do it again when you are happily settled in your new home and ready for it!
~Nancy
nancys inspiring blog post..Procrastionation Project
I am sorry that you are going through this. Don’t feel guilty that others might have it rougher than you and that you don’t want to complain. As the saying goes, “Your hangnail is your hangnail.” We have a lot coming up too. We are moving from Florida to a suburb of Cincinnatti Ohio in the fall. We will be putting our newly built home on the market (which we all know stinks) and trying to find one in another state. All the while taking our 15 year old son out of school and homeschooling him until January. There are so many decisions to make that I just can’t think about them all at one time. I just take it a day at a time and a decision at a time. Good luck to you and I hope someone buys your house quickly and you can be free of that burden:)
Beauty is finding the smallest ray of sunshine on the cloudiest day. It is wonderful that you are able to do that.
I am so sorry about what you are going through…makes my mismatched tile seem silly, so thank you for helping me while you dealing with a real problem. God works everything together for good, so that is what I will be praying for you~
Girl, are those buyers crazy? I mean, do they know how many of us here in blogland would LOVE to buy that house of yours! They could have lived in one of the best online designers houses!
I’m so glad you wrote about this situation–I think it helps with the whole process. And as we’ve talked about, I look forward to watching what is going to happen next!
And, what a great idea for a giveaway! After a week like you had, now you are giving something away–what a great way to heal!
LOVE YOU!!!!
The Nesters inspiring blog post..Me Thinks
Hi Melissa, my heart just ached for you as I read your post. I won’t tell you of our house sale woes through the years. But I do look back and see God’s hand guiding us and navigating us through the rough waters, even though at the time all I saw was the storm. He sees the destination and getting us there. I will pray continually for you that you navigate through these waters…with him as your guide.
Bless You
Debbie
Debbies inspiring blog post..Tablescaping!
Oh I’m so sorry for you.
In Canada there are laws and legal obligations in place for this kind of thing. But I have American relatives and they are always on pins and needles right up to the last minute because of the fear of something like this happening.
I’m so sorry. I will pray for strength for you and your family.
Kelly O.s inspiring blog post..DANA ROCKS!
Hi Melissa,
So sorry you’re going through a difficult time right now but hope you’ll continue to be encouraged by all the support you’ll find from your loyal readers (even those like me, who never comment), your friends and family and a faithful God who promises to meet all of your needs.
I do hope you’ll host another Procrastinator’s Party as soon as you’re able. I don’t have a blog so can’t “officially” participate but really enjoy seeing everyone else’s projects and look forward to the next one!
Melissa,
I pray God’s peace for you my friend. And thanks for hosting this series—-it’s been a blessing. I’m definitely ‘in’ on the next procrastinator party!
Hugs to you,
edie
edies inspiring blog post..Friday Hikes
I’m so sorry I could cry for you>
cherries inspiring blog post..Only one more to go!
Melissa, I am so sorry about your house. I can’t even imagine how frustrating and disappointing that must be. I sure admire your attitude!
As for the next procrastinator’s party, count me in! I think July would be great. Why procrastinate all the way to October?
Karas inspiring blog post..Laundry Room Reveal
I’m so sorry to hear that things didn’t work out with the house today. I am inspired by your amazing attitude and your ability to move forward in a positive light. Wow.
I didn’t manage to pull it together for this Procrastinator’s Party, but I have big plans for the next one, so I vote for July! I love this idea and am so inspired by what everyone has done. I especially love your green chairs and think I’m going to use that color myself! Thanks!
Mama Gooses inspiring blog post..Protocol
Oh Melissa, I’m sorry you have to deal with this. If I could, I would gladly come and help stage your old house for you . In fact, I would love it… look forward to it…. play with some designs outside my “normal”.
If it makes you feel any better at all it’s raining here and I’m painting my kitchen all day today.
Will be praying with you for a quick re-sale. (hugs) ~Polly
Pollys inspiring blog post..Shoebox Nostalgia
I’m so sorry to hear that you are going through this! We had a similar experience when we moved to VA, and it was so bad I thought there was a possibility we were going to be homeless. I never knew it was possible to feel so much stress. But I’ve never leaned on the Lord as much as I did at that time in my life. Give it up to him. Just hand it over, and know he will take care of you. I know it is easy for me to say, but I’ve lived it too. And it will get better. I promise!! I’ll pray for you, friend.
~Heather
Sounds like an awfully discouraging week. I’m so sorry. None of this takes God by surprise and as you yield this entire mess to Him, He will show you how to pick your way through and give you the energy to do so. In the meantime, I’m way over here screaming on your behalf. Gentle hugs to you and your hubby…
Vees inspiring blog post..Procrastinators Party-The Big Reveal
Oh Melissa! I am so sad for you. But just remember that when God closes a door, He opens a window. He knew this would happen and He knows your next step!
We are THAT familys inspiring blog post..DIYP #43 Dollar Decor: Customize Your Pillows
Twitter: violetposy
says:
Oh Melissa ((((HUGS)))) I’m so sorry to hear your bad news, people can just be so awful when buying and selling houses. We were left homeless with an 8 month old baby when we completed selling our house and went to sign for the new house and the people we were buying from pulled their sale. I was irate as they’d had 16 weeks to tell us, so I have every sympathy for you and your family.
But it will get better and you’ll sell that beautiful old house of yours, I have every faith. Thinking of you all xx
Liz@VioletPosys inspiring blog post..Favourite Magazine of the Month
Melissa-
Hugs, I have no word to express that could possibly help. When we were first married we went through something horrible like that, we had sold our home, {long story, mainly to do with Dan’s Dad dieing} we had one day left in the house with no where to live- when the rainbow came- Sometimes it the very last hour when the help comes-
Hugs, and if I could I would share some M&M’s with you-
teresas inspiring blog post..Procrastinators Party- The After Photos
I am so, so sorry to hear that your buyers backed out… I can definitely empathize with house-selling woes. We have been on the market for three months now and haven’t had a serious offer yet. We have two very young children, and I’ve had to move 95% of their toys to storage to make the house less full of stuff, and every day I feel like a bad mom for taking away their stuff. My oldest son has begun cleaning obsessively… I think he’s “catching” it from watching me clean so often. Instead of spending quality time with my boys, I spend my mornings vacuuming and dusting, and then driving around our neighborhood with the boys and the dogs in the back of the car so another couple can come through the house and NOT buy it. UGH.
I’m sorry to hear about the offer on your house falling through, too. What a painful disappointment. I hope things work out really soon for you.
Kristins inspiring blog post..Happy Mothers Day!
Hi Melissa,
TGIF! So sorry that the contract on your house fell through. Nothing like starting from square one again. My neighbor just closed on their home after two LONG years of waiting.
We all have thump-slump days! Including me and just like you my day was yesterday. I cried so much that my eyes and head actually hurt and I was ready to throw in the towel, call it quits, sell my house and move to beach to sell hot dogs! But thankfully my husband easy breezy positive spirit always ready to help me find just a little ray of sunshine during impossible situations that out of my control. I guess that’s why the Lord tells us to take every thought captive like a prison guard and not to worry beyond today because each day has enough worries of its own. So Melissa I hope that you find a little song to sing today and ” Don’t worry -but BE HAPPY!
Charlotte
Charlotte at Simply Divine Christmass inspiring blog post..Beware of "thump-slump" times – Don’t Worry Now
All I can do is send cyber hugs to you and cyber cooties to those buyers. Good thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Beverlys inspiring blog post..Riverdance!
Oh, I am so sorry you’ve had a crummy time lately. I do not deal well with other people’s choices affecting the life I have planned and worked at. It’s so, so hard when things are out of your control. Lots of hugs and I’ll be praying for your family. Here’s hoping next week is lots better.
Jenny Garlands inspiring blog post..More Info About the Crafter’s Challenge!
Yikes, starting all over again, I am so sorry! I was a real estate agent for ~ 6 years and it’s like being on a roller coaster, and had to get off.
(Umm… forgot to link to the right post before I clicked so disregard #20, it’s for the i heart faces page).
Oh Melissa, I’m so sorry to hear about this deal falling through and having to start from scratch. I truly hope that it happens quickly and painlessly for you. I hope there is some sort of deal that can be made for them having backed out, I’m sure money was spent to secure it that they should be repaying you for, no? *hugs*
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parentings inspiring blog post..Target Acquired Baby Style