Dec
4
2008
4
2008
A House Without Wheels
Filed under: Life Updates, My Story
For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven. –Ecclesiastes 3:1
Here it is…the long-awaited “real” update on what we are up to. In October, I announced that we were going to be parked for awhile in Bozeman. We love Bozeman and all it offers, and we are delighted at being here. Planting roots feels really, really good after being on the road for 18 months. We have loved every minute of it…and wouldn’t give that time back for anything. But it was for a season…and now it’s time for a new season. Learning that we were going to have another baby was a great motivator to settle down, of course, but even when I was 8 weeks along, we still had plans to continue traveling until the spring. But by then, I was really having a hard time traveling with nausea and all the joys that the first trimester brings (side note: tummy photo at 15 weeks here).
For some of you, our decision to move back to Bozeman may seem like it was made in an instant, but in reality, it was pondered over since we left here in July of 2007. When people around the country would ask us where we would eventually settle down, our answer never strayed from “Bozeman, of course!”. We left our hearts in Montana, and we knew God had put that in us for a reason.
So, after arranging for a place to park (and live in) the RV in Bozeman through several God-aligned circumstances, we made the long trek West. Our hearts were instantly at peace when we arrived on Oct. 17…and they still are. We have jumped right back into our church…Matt is playing on the worship team, I am co-leading a Beth Moore study, and we are helping with the small group ministry. And of course, we have frequented our favorite local restaurants and coffee shops that we missed so dearly! 
We quickly realized that living in a parked RV is a bit more challenging than living in a moving one ☺ You don’t have the built-in requirement of cleaning from top to bottom every 3 days so you can drive away, so things tend to pile up and the walls begin to close in. Combine that with the fact that I was really sick during the first 12 weeks of my pregnancy (and not physically able to clean all day, etc), and it’s a recipe for insanity. We had originally planned to stay in the RV until a month before the baby was born, but plans change.
After several weeks of searching, we found an adorable little house close to downtown…just ½ block from our favorite park. It also happens to be 3 doors down from a neat family that we hung out with a little bit when we last lived here. We moved in on the 1st of December and have met the neighbors just to the south…and get this, she wants to do “city chickens” with me in the spring Yay! We’re going to combine a part of our backyard to make a chicken run/coop. Oh. My. Goodness. Giddy I am, I tell ya. I’ve always wanted chickens…for fresh eggs, to watch their antics, and to teach Bella about them! Turns out there are several other families in our neighborhood with chickens. I love these people!
The owner has agreed to let us replace all of the flooring and paint all the walls, at her expense (it was VERY worn). That might seem like a nightmare to some, but for those of you who have been around this blog for awhile, you know we love it and we’re up to the challenge ☺ We started the remodel as soon as we moved in and we love it so far. We’ll be able to make it our own little home…one that we are planning on staying in for awhile! There is a wood burning stove in the living room, open floor plan, and 2 BR. Even though it’s a freestanding house (not duplex/apt), it’s still just over 800 square feet. With a little garden plot and shed in the backyard, it’s the perfect size for our family. And yes…I will, of course, be posting before and after photos of the inside. But it won’t be for a few months I would guess.
As for the RV, it’s going on to a new owner who will love and cherish it just like we did ☺. We are in the final phases of selling it to a wonderful couple who will use it for their own kind of tour. I’ll be sure to share more details on that later. We have also sold our little veggie car (it did not like to start up in the Montana cold!) and we’re now the owners of a used minivan. I could not be happier. I love that thing!
Matt is starting his own handyman business, and is also snow plowing this winter. I will continue to work for my parents from home (helping to run the administrative side of their business) and will be doing some photography as well.
We are just thrilled to be here…every morning when we wake up, Matt and I look at each other and smile…so content and ready for change. We’re looking forward to meeting new friends, spending time with family, and establishing a consistent rhythm of life. Bella is super excited to start taking gymnastics and figure skating lessons…and to go to library story time twice a week. But most importantly, she has what she has often asked for…”a house without wheels”.
We will not soon forget all of the talented, amazing people we met during our life on the road. We still keep in touch with so many of you daily and we are forever changed by the special moments we shared. We feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to see our country and enjoy the freedom of travel. But now…our hearts are aching to plug into a community and settle down. For everything there is a season…and we’re looking forward with hopeful anticipation to see what God has planned for us here.
Posted by Sara @ 12:28 am | Leave a Comment
4
2008
So very cool.
4
2008
So happy for you all Sara! Sounds like things are going so well…hope you’re feeling GREAT!!
4
2008
I’m so happy for your family! I’ve been reading your blog(s) for a very long time and have loved hearing about all your adventures. I’m ready for more! I hope to visit Bozeman myself one day – and I’d never even heard of it until I found your writings, but it looks and sounds beautiful and compelling.
Another thing – I too live in a small home and so I’m very anxious to see your decorating; I admire your use of color, and want to get some of that going myself!
4
2008
I’m so excited for your guys, and to follow along on this next phase of your life journey! We’ll always miss you in des moines, though
4
2008
sounds GREAT sara!!thanks for the update! can’t wait to see what you do to that cute little abode. =)
4
2008
I am so happy for you and your family.
I have been following your blog since you posted about cloth and it’s many uses.
I love how you started this post with scripture – it was perfect. I am hoping this season is the season for more blog posts too
.
I am excited to see the before and after photos of the new house and all the inbetween photos of the new baby!
Tracy
4
2008
It sounds like it couldn’t have worked out better. May you have many blessings as you embark on this new journey! Happy Holidays!
4
2008
I am so inspired by you guys. You do what makes you happy – you pursue your joy and your life meets you.
I am 24, and I already am sick of the cubicle world. I want more than anything to work for myself, to be a designer. I find so much encouragement from your life!
Thank you. And good luck with your cute little house!
4
2008
How exciting! Congratulations on finding your little home in this community. Also blessings with your incoming little one!!!!
I have been so encouraged reading your insights and thoughts over the past year. Thank you for taking that time – it has really a pleasure to get a glimpse of your heart for Christ. Thank you.
4
2008
Sara–I cannot put into words how warm and fuzzy my heart feels whenever I read your blogs. I came across Happy Foody last year while looking for a hummus recipe, and I have so enjoyed reading about your amazing family’s journey. You inspire me to be a healthier vegetarian, you remind me that I need to work harder at living my life for God alone, and you just brighten my day.
I’m so happy for your family’s newest addition, your new house (I could spend hours looking at the photos of the design of your older ones), and I think its great to finally settle down a bit after your amazing tour. I understand how amazing Montana is—I visited family in Big Sky last year and have had a desperate urge to go back and live there. Overall, congratulations and God bless your family’s newest journey!
4
2008
I am so happy for your family, Sara. And chickens!!! How many times have you said that you couldn’t wait to have chickens?!!
I am looking forward to seeing pictures of your new place and all the sweet things you will do to it.
And, I am super happy that you are in a place that feels so much like “home”. Congratulations, friend.
4
2008
Sara,
I’m so happy for you all! My husband and I got to visit Montana in ’98 and we love it.
I’m hoping to go back someday and take our kids!
Have a healthy, wonderful, blessed pregnancy!
God bless,
Laryssa
4
2008
Sara,
you made me sooo teary-eyed with that blog posting! Maybe it’s because of my hormonal, pregnant self but you sure know how to touch people with your words!
Am I seeing a post box next to your door?! There’s a Holiday Card and a letter waiting for you so please e-mail me your new adress!
*Love*
Valerie
4
2008
Congrats on your new abode.
4
2008
great update!! we are so happy for you guys. praying for you!!!
4
2008
Sara, your new house sounds perfect for this next stage of your lives. I know you’re having fun fixing it up and doing all those Mom things with Bella – in the same place every week!
We’re still working on our downsizing – taking load after load to the Goodwill. Letting go of books is the hardest for me, but we’re getting there, and you are a huge inspiration to me as I pare down.
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
love, Jen.
4
2008
Sounds absolutely lovely. Glad to see that you are exactly where you need to be.
4
2008
City chickens?! I. Am. So. Jealous. Really, I don’t understand why some livestock isn’t allowed in so many townships. A rooster I understand, commercial chicken raising I understand (the smell!), but a few hens is lovely! AND less noisy than almost any dog. I am very happy for you. Guess I’ll have to live vicariously through you, at least where the back yard is concerned. Best wishes!
4
2008
I’m so happy for you and your family- how blessed you have been to have experienced both sides- traveling for a time, and now setting down roots. Bozeman is a beautiful place, we recently went through there again on our way to Seattle, and stopped at a rest area for lunch. I sat there and thought of you and your family and how lucky you had been to live in such a pretty place- and now you’re back! Can’t wait to see the finished house- I already love it front the outside picture. Enjoy this new phase of your life!
4
2008
I am so happy you’ll have chickens!!!!
A few years ago I found http://www.omlet.us and thought it would be so much fun to have fresh eggs! So happy for you guys in this new stage of your life!
4
2008
I had been wondering what your family was up to these days, and I am so pleased to hear that things are coming together in preparation for settling in and adding another bundle of joy to your family. Many blessings, and I can’t wait to hear more from you all in the future in your new home.
4
2008
Beautifully written, and everything I wanted to know.
4
2008
That’s so wonderful. Congratulations! It’s such a cute house and the plans you have are all so exciting to hear about.
4
2008
Sara – I’ve been a reader of your blog for a while. I’m inspired by your family’s lifestyle choices and am a big fan of your photography. Your new changes are exciting and congrats on your growing family. Cecily
4
2008
I have so enjoyed reading your blog… through years of kids, divorce, remarriage and family blending, many things were not an option… thanks for letting me ride along on your travel adventure! Best wishes with the chickens…wondering what it would take to talk the hubby into a few of our own.. My mom would never firgive me, but I could probably talk my dad into it sooner!! Blessings to you.
Karen
ps..I LOVE Beth Moore studies and haven’t done one in a couple of years…
4
2008
Sara,
I’ve been reading your blogs for a little over a year now and I just had to drop in to say congratulations. My husband and I have enjoyed hearing of all your adventures this past year and we are so excited for all of the things that the Lord has for your family! Your home looks amazing and we can’t wait to see the before and after pics! Congrats again!
Kristen McNabb – Lexington, KY
4
2008
I’m so happy for you all! The house looks very cute and I can’t wait to see the before and after shots! I love your sense of style and love of color! I’m looking forward to more posts from you! Hopefully you’ll be able to post more since you are settling down and not constantly on the move!!
4
2008
That’s wonderful, Sara! What you guys have been doing has been eye-opening and inspiring for so many, including myself! I understand the longing for community. Consistent, nearby community is a must, at least for some seasons. God bless your new home!
4
2008
Hey Sara! That is good stuff. Love the photo! I pray he/she continues to grow and be healthy – have you guys ruled out twins??!
I’ve been on your blog a lot in the last 2 days trying to find anything I could read about renting vs. owning… if you remember our situation, we were praying about the apt. ministry thing. That is not likely to happen for us now for a few various reasons, but we are still praying about whether or not to sell and move closer to church/work/town/beach and tons of other stuff we do, people we see regularly, etc. My mom keeps saying, “Don’t do it – you’re throwing your $$$ away…” but I have several “pros” that seem to outweigh that “con” in my mind! The big kicker is the “house owns us” complex that comes with buying… I would love that burdening feeling to be lifted!
Okay, anyway, I can’t wait to see photos of the interior…. I love your inspiration! You need to do a post, by the way, with photos of “other” parts of your life – like your journals, favorite places to read/play with Bella, etc… so I can even more inspired to find more beauty all around me – life is in the details!!
4
2008
PS – (you don’t need to post this if you don’t want to!) – Have you updated your WordPress in a while? I see “2.2.2″ at the bottom… does Swank do that for you? I just ask because you should update if you can. The current version (2.6.5) is much more secure, functional, and has some nice bells and whistles. If you want and need me to, email me, and I can help you get it updated.
4
2008
Good for you! I cannot tell you how much I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, and I, too, will be anxious to see pictures of the new house. When I need a fresh dose of inspiration I find myself browsing your archives in search of the posts that affected me most. Thank you for sharing your life with your readers!
4
2008
What must be about the magical allure of Montana? Love your story, Sara. Can’t wait to hear (and see) more about your home, Matt’s job, Bella’s adventures and your new baby’s arrival into this world. It’s so very fascinating and exciting for me!
4
2008
I too love your blog and am looking forward to reading about this new chapter in the Janssen’s life.
4
2008
Just came across your blog and I rejoice with you as you settle down in Bozeman. My family lived 10 yrs in Bozeman and one of my brothers still lives there. I miss it and hope to visit it again in the near future. Congrats on the little one to come … we have our second on her way too!
4
2008
Oh, Sara, just reading your words makes me appreciate what I have even more- and I wasn’t on the road and nauseous the last few months!
I’m so happy for you- to be settled for a bit, for your location, your neighbors, the baby… but most of all, I’m thrilled for your *peace* about it all. You are exactly where He wants you. What a wonderful place to be! (((you)))
4
2008
Congratulations…it’s such a sweet little house! Could you post BEFORE photos so we can at least have a peek?!
4
2008
I am so happy for you guys. I can’t wait to see your new home all decorated. I go to your Bozeman apartment flickr all the time for inspiration. Congrats again on the new baby.:)
4
2008
I am so so happy for you, Sara! What an incredible journey you’re on! Matt’s website looks fabulous, I just know his business is going to go well for him. That will be so much fun raising chickens, Bella will learn so much. Your house is adorable, and it’s so cool that you and Matt know how to make the changes in it that you need. I am so happy for you!!
4
2008
That looks and sounds so lovely! I’m a bit jealous. It brings a bit of extra meaning to home for the holidays, doesn’t it.
4
2008
I have often dreamed of moving to Montana! As a Washington native, married to a North Dakotan, it would be a perfect compromise!
I hope you enjoy your new place and have a wonderful pregnancy.
H
4
2008
Love the new house–love the belly.
Here’s to a new adventure
life is good
all my love carrie
4
2008
Well done. Well deserved.
5
2008
That is so great, Sara!
5
2008
Oh how cool, congratulations. The house looks like the perfect size after living on the road, and the neighborhood sounds awesome.
I’ll still look forward to following this blog, and hearing more about how good people like you are raising two beautiful humans in this crazy world of ours. Bravo!
How fortunate Jim and I were to meet you during your road trip
5
2008
Wow! What an amazing blessing!
Steph
5
2008
The little house is so darn cute…I bet it will be really fun to decorate and make a home again! Girl I don’t know how you did it being nauseous in an RV…seriously…I am glad y’all are getting settled again and plugging into a local community…that’s awesome. Have fun in your “new” life!
5
2008
Oh! You are such a beautiful mama! I love your prego belly! Fun to hear your heart and happiness about where you are. Can’t wait to see pics!
5
2008
can’t wait to see pics of the new decorating. You truly have a gift for design. I could look at your old pics of previous homes all day. Glad you are happy. God bless.
6
2008
Congratulations on settling down. As always I am inspired by you and your decisions. I’m sure you will enjoy making that house your home!
6
2008
Sara, I’m so happy for you guys! Your new house looks super cute–I can’t wait to see the inside once you’ve worked your magic on it! It reminds me a lot of the house I live in, and is a pretty similar size…I think you are going to LOVE it! I’m so glad you are happy with your decision to settle down and can’t wait to read more updates!