I knew last year that 2024 would be our final year of live workshops. I knew it more than almost anything else and that was way before we had any inclination of moving. When we started offering live workshops here at our home and studio over eight years ago, we were a family of five all under one roof. Over these past eight years our babies grew up, moved out to go to school, graduated college and started dreams of their own. What I loved doing with our family became harder and harder without them. The ease and joy of preparing and loving on all of the women that gathered felt different in my heart and proved harder on me than Kelly.Ā Madolyn helped create class kits since she was around six and the absence of her attention to detail and the joy of working side by side with all three of our children was missed greatly. One of the most powerful things our guests saw was how our family worked together. It made sense. To them and to me. With all of that changing, I knew that gathering live would change too.
So, as I started to say out loud what my heart had know for awhile and I also started looking at our space in new ways. I mentioned to Kelly that I could convert our garage to my studio, connect the house and studio and he then could convert use the current studio space as a four car garage and workshop.Ā Instantly my heart was impacting my eyes and how I was seeing many things. I was also letting beautiful things go long before I truly would need to.
This is when the story gets good. I was sitting at dinner after the first day of Art as Worship last fall with a table of women. One of the women was an artist and architect and we were talking about these two parts of who she was and how she creates. I asked her if she had ever considered creating a work of art for each home she designs. I mentioned that eight years ago we had put an offer on a award winning 1964 mid-century home designed by James Ream and there was a painting that had come with the home for the past two owners. She loved the idea and asked me to send her the old listing if I could find it so she could see it. She emailed me a few times and I forgot to send it. She emailed again very nicely asking me to please send her the link. Out of embarrassment at my delay I stopped what I was doing to find the old listing.
Once I found the old listing I sat for a few moments looking through all of the images and reminiscing about this home that completely stole my heart eight years ago. You can read about it HERE. For a few years after we moved into our current home we had stayed in touch with the couple that got the home and we had even talked to them about buying it for an extension of our workshops if they ever wanted to sell (and at one point they were considering it).Ā I reached out to them every 6 months for about three years and then life went on, we loved our home, land and studio and until that dinner conversation regarding architecture and art…we hadn’t thought about the home for over 5 years.
As I sat there getting the link for the woman and looking through the images I called Kelly over. I mentioned how amazing it was how the Lord had gotten my attention with this home, downloaded clear vision for where we were to take our business, called out ideas in me that I had not even been thinking and then landed us on a home and property that could handle the responsibility. That mid-century was not the home for us eight years ago to handle what was created in our life and business on this current property, but as I looked at Kelly I said, “But wouldn’t it be the most amazing home for us now?” He sat down and looked through the images for the first time in many years and agreed. As we went about our day I said to Kelly that I was going to reach out to the owners and just remind them that if they were to ever sell to keep us in mind. I then let Kelly know that probably means it will be for sale and laughed.
I sent a quick text to the owners and could tell they read it right away but they didn’t say anything back. The next day we received a call from their realtor. I let her know that we were not THAT serious to get a realtor involved and she let us know that when the owners had received our message they had assumed we had already been contacted. They had asked her three days before my text to reach out to us because they had always promised us they would let us know first if they were going to sell. She had just gotten busy and hadn’t reached out yet.
At this point Kelly and I had the hairs on our arms standing on end. I let the agent know that we hadn’t seen the house in over 5 years and we didn’t even know if everything we had loved about this 1964 home was still there. She let us know that almost nothing had been touched, the house was currently empty because they had already moved to Nevada for work and that she could meet us there in 20 minutes. Within 20 minutes we were at the house and looking at it once again but this time as two people on the verge of being empty nesters. Over the next month we looked at it again, we also brought Ben to see the house and then we waited to hear what their asking price would be.Ā As we waited Kelly and I would walk each morning and go back and forth over moving or not. One day I would say yes and the next day I would say no. I also want you to know there were a lot of tears in this process. When we first put an offer on our current home I thought God had ripped me off. I thought he got my attention with the mid-century and then he gave me a house that was going to take so much work and vision. Here we were all these years later and I told Kelly with tears streaming down my face that I had been such a fool to think I was being ripped off. Our current home gave us everything we wanted and needed and now, if we sold it, the truth is I would be getting ripped off a bit to go to the other house.
There will be many that do not understand leaving our current home and all we created. We are not done creating though. I believe everything that was built these past eight years was to prepare us for what is next. I believe there is an additional site coming. new courses and curriculums, Kelly teaching with me to couples regarding business and working as a family, more painting than ever and very intentional international travel. I know this house was a gift to Kelly and me because it is time to not gather at our home with workshops but to now GO OUT. This house will become a place to refuel in between our next adventures.
After our own back and forth over the house we agreed to their price, signed a letter of intent and we then left to teach in Italy for a month.
Once we got back from Italy we assumed that the owners would be anxious to get moving ahead and we would be getting an official contract but instead there was silence. We reached out multiple times to the realtor to let her know we were ready to move forward and there was still more silence than we expected. After two weeks we found out that the owners were having second thoughts (this was the husband’s dream home) and we were in waiting mode. We then got the call that the sale was back on and from the date of getting a contract we closed within three weeks.
| A short video walking from the garage to the house on closing day in December 2023 |
The day we signed papers, our loan couldn’t fund because the bank had been hacked and we were told it may take a few extra days. They gave us the keys early and Kelly and I went to the house, opened our lawn chairs and sat on our upper deck off our new bedroom and had coffee. It was surreal but we were also very aware that the sale had still not gone through and, until it was official, it was hard to truly celebrate. We got the call only minutes before 5pm that another company had funded the loan and the house was ours. It was only days before Christmas so all of the kids were home and we went to the house for a huge fire in my beautiful mid-century fireplace, pizza and Italian wine (of course).
Before I close I wanted to remind you that eight years ago I saw a house that got my attention like nothing had before. As I looked around that property for the first time I had clear vision for gathering and growing our business in a new way. Even though the mid-century got my attention, it was our current home where everything was truly born. The mid-century was my home…just not yet. Just not yet. We have lots of those moments in life don’t we? We are so in love with our beautiful little James Ream mid-century home! We can not wait to move and make it ours!
I have SO MUCH to share with you! I can’t wait to give you a house tour and to also share the whole renovation. I will soon be sharing more on my YouTube Channel so I can document this new journey. I would love if you would subscribe. Welcome to our treehouse!
Congratulations! This sounds like it was meant to be. š
Thank you
Beautiful story Jeanne ā¦ this house was really waiting for you š
I saw that you organised a workshop in Normandy a few years agoā¦ please do it again šš
Congratulations Jeanne ! Dreams do come true.
It is such a fun story!
Jeanne, throughout my career as an early childhood educator, and my husband a commercial, then residential real estate appraiser moved thirteen times between three adjoining counties in Florida. His motivation was always about real estate investment, mine always looking for ways to create a new space. Some moves were forced due to downturns in the market, most were building on investment.
Raising a family and working full time never left much time for my own personal creative endeavors except working with my own children and the young friends in the school setting.
Over time I have settled myself out of regret for lost creative time and realized that every domicile we occupied were how I channeled my creative expression.
I see that in you as you share your journey through raising children and now preparing for the empty nest. This time is beautiful and spiritual in so many ways. God bless you and your loved ones as you enter another chapter. And thank you for sharing the process.
Oh my goodness Jeanne this is such an inspiring story about Godās timing. I totally remember your first journey with this houseā so happy for you and Kelly.
How exciting! A new, yet well loved, adventure awaits!
Simply a wonderful story! I certainly didnāt expect this but it feels perfect ā¦ even just reading it ā¦ wow! It must feel like a dream!! Congrats!
Thank you! So kind!
This is beautiful Jeanne!! Godās PERFECT timing! Congratulations!!
Thank you! We feel so celebrated by all of you!
This is truly great Jeanne! I do remember this house and your hopes for it… Wishing you all a super happy and blessed life in the home of your heart!!
Thank you so much!
I love this story so much Jeanne! Divine perfect timing! ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
I love this story so much Jeanne! Divine perfect timing! ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
How awesome is this? Serendipity and God pushing through. Iām in Boulder County and I know how hard it can be to find the right property. Best to you all. š
My oh My — such a beautiful story. Thanking you for sharing. It is truly a story about faith and trust, isn’t it?
What a stunning house!!! I loved your current house too…. I’m so happy for you…..did you move far away from your current location? Where is the house and where are you?
All I can say is GOD KNOWS!!!! He knows what we desire… He knows what we need. He gives us freely, and I have tears in my eyes because family and houses are such a strong connection with me. Congratulations and BRAVO for listening to the Holy Spirit and His leading you on this journey! xo
So kind! Thank you!
A beautiful love story of how a house became your home. The moments definitely became full circle just as it was meant to be.
Love story for sure!
I am so blown away by your story! Love and kindness gracefully flow in between your words carrying them straight to the heart! What a joy it is to read and see the beautiful hand of Jesus orchestrating your life. Many congratulations to you and your family and a multitude of blessings upon your lives and the work of your hands that honor the Lord so gracefully and bless untold numbers of others.
Wow Jeanne, just wow. Congratulations!!
Thank you. We have lots of work to do but we are really excited.
Celebrating with you! This home sure is special. Excited to watch the story unfold! XO
Oh the beauty of Godās perfect timing!
Wow! What a beautiful story! I know God has blessed you with a home that you will tenderly make it āyoursā! It looks fabulous and must be for you to leave your current property. Congratulations š
Yes, we are excited for what is next!
Wow! Just WOW!
We are beyond excited!
What a beautiful story! I think it is one of surrender and hope. God has a plan – not necessarily our timing but His. Canāt wait to watch this beautiful home into YOUR home!
Stunning! Itās so you! Canāt wait to see more!
It is so me! I am so excited to be there full time! Right now I just make little drop offs and have pizza dates with Kelly:-).
I know this sounds crazy but I have kept your move in my mind and had my own secret guesses. I had decided you were moving to just another location in Castle Rock. A beautiful city you and Kelly love and have grown to know. Besides I highly suspected you would not pull Ben away from his last year in high-school! So I thought and thought and enjoyed the wild possibilities that might become a reality. I new it would be a place where you and Kelly would support artists in a new way. Maybe an art gallery for students, maybe where you would gather and create traveling exhibits for your students, maybe a small cafe for artist to gather and share ideas. What I knew for sure, it would be an amazing place of beauty and a place beyond my imagination where souls will rest, reflect and grow with grace and love. Congratulations and thank you for taking us along for the ride on your creative journey. Love Elaine
Love you beautiful Elaine! We have so many ideas and thank you for having a heart for our family.
Congratulations, Jeanne! I’ll continue to pray for you and your journey. The Lord is so good!
So good!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!
Very happy for you and Kelly. Blessed coming in and blessed going out.
So exciting! And God writes the coolest stories doesnāt he? Canāt wait to see more!
Thank you
What a wonderful story, Jeanne!
I am so glad that you are able to start something fresh and new!
Can’t wait to see how your next story unfolds…
Thank you!
CONGRATULATIONS! I know you all will make this an amazing place where everyone will grow and flourish!
I went back and re-read all the posts leading to this one and felt like I was reading our story right now. We decided to sell our home we built and love! in the Hill Country to move closer to our grandchildren. We thought we found the perfect home but our Hill country home hasnāt sold yet and the new one we loved went to another buyer.
Weāve love two other properties and the Sam thing has happened.
We are in waiting mode and itās hard. Re-reading your journey gives me hope. ā¤ļø
What an incredible story! My husband and I are waiting on the Lord for a possible move across the country, back to the west. Itās hard when he isnāt giving clear answers, but his timing is good and right. Patience, I guess!
I sure miss the mountains and the pine trees that I grew up in. Your treehouse reminds me of my childhood!
This is amazing and inspiring! Congrats on this beautiful dream come true ā¤ļø.
Itās His Stories, that become our history, he is such a loving author and creator. I knew it was this house/ I have been excited to hear the
ā how.ā
Thatās really where the magic is!
I love you both / all so so much!
Sure love you Mel!
CONGRATULATIONS! I know you all will make this an amazing place where everyone will grow and flourish!
I went back and re-read all the posts leading to this one and felt like I was reading our story right now. We decided to sell our home we built and love! in the Hill Country to move closer to our grandchildren. We thought we found the perfect home but our Hill country home hasnāt sold yet and the new one we loved went to another buyer.
Weāve loved two other properties and the same thing has happened.
We are in waiting mode and itās hard. Re-reading your journey gives me hope. ā¤ļø
The waiting mode is so hard! There are still areas where we are in that right now. Praying for your heart.
Amazing!!! Canāt wait to follow along on You Tube. Congratulationsā meant to be!!
Truly! Thank you.
You’ve actually moved me to tear,,, I’ve come very late to the party and had always wanted to take my adult daughter with me to a spiritual workshop with you. Now anticipate more … even if we never get to a workshop, I so appreciate reading about the journey.
May God bless you and your family in this new home
Congrats to both of you on your new home….thank you for sharing the “heart journey” of following The Spirit and your collective faith in taking the next steps although you couldn’t always see the path! I can’t wait to see how you make it your own!
Thank you so much!
fantastic!
Smiles, Andra
This sounds like the most wonderful dream come true! I love seeing how your family’s faithfulness continues to be rewarded & your collective dreams continue to bloom in the most awe-inspiring ways!! You are living my MCM DREAM LIFE NOW WOOHOO…I better be on your Design Emergency Call List š Can’t wait to come for dinner XOXO
Girl! You have to come see it!!!
Congratulations!!! Such an exciting time and I know youāll create a beautiful warm home just like you did before! Xo
Goosebumps! Your writing style draws me in and your content keeps me there! Always a moment of happiness when I see you have posted. Such an inspiration to every part of my day!!!
So kind! Thank you so much!
I have goosebumps and tears! Having been a part of your original search with you in prayer it feels like we all got our dream home. I love you and your family and the lessons in listening to God that you teach us. I remember the intense disappointment at losing this home and then the joy I got in experiencing the new one first hand. Your home and land was a blessing for so many. Thank you for sharing your journey! Praying for continued blessings in your family.
Jeanne, this is amazing. Iām sooooo excited for you all. I was sitting right there when you had that conversation with Lisa and am soooo happy that revisiting that led to this moment. So happy, and so excited to see this next chapter unfold.
Your story is amazing and gets better and better at each turn. You and Kelly are very blessed and I. Turn you are a blessing to so many. Congratulations on your next adventure! I am so inspired by your thought and words.
Ah Jeanne ā Congratulations to you and Kelly!!! I continue to be awed by the power of the Holy Spirit ā grateful for you ā by reflecting His love we all get to witness a miracle as a result. I canāt wait to see what you create next!! So very happy for you!!! Much love & peace to you & yoursš„°
So happy for you all. It certainly sounds like this story was meant to be written!
Wishing you much love and happiness under this new roof.
Carpeted circular stairsā¦ oh ya, you can definitely expect some grandkids to be sliding down that beautiful thing! Enjoy!
What a sweet adventure youāve been on. Iāll look forward to getting to know your new home as you post and are creating a place of warmth and beauty, for new friendships you acquire, and family gatherings.
Phew! What a dream! I so LOVE this story. My goodness, God is faithful! I am so happy for you and your family Jeanne! Congrats to you all. Sending lots of prayers for your next chapter!!!!
What a fun new adventure you are embarking on. I will love watching how you and Kelly make this your home.
Congratulations, Jeanne! What an inspiration you are!
Everything happens for a reason! Congratulations, Ron, Jordan and I are thrilled for your next chapter and experiences. I can’t wait to see the new home. I also totally get the family part of it, we are going through that ourselves. Much love!
Oh, Jeanne, I so remember reading about the decisions and the move 8 years ago. I was in awe of the faith it took to step out onto the new path you had chosen. Here I am again, watching and cheering you on. Iām so excited for all of you. All the best as you move forward.
Such a lovely story of your following His leading, both in the “nows” and in the “just not yets. ”
Looking forward to seeing what’s next. Blessings to you all!
Tears of JOY for you! Godās plan !ššš»
Congratulations Jeanne. I do believe that God knows what we need and want, and when it’s the best time for them to happen. I totally agree with @Angela Rae Barribeau above.
Beautiful story of trusting God and embracing what he provides for you. Congratulations!
A REAM come true!! All the Godwinks and hairs on end!
Ahhhh! So happy for you, congratulations.
Are you still in the Castle Rock area?
We are!
Blessings on your new home!! We are in the midst of remodeling a house we bought from our neighbors ( beachfront!!!) We were not expecting this to happen but God opened the doors! Iām learning to follow His leading & trust! My husband has named this new home āThe nest for the restā We are 66 & soon to be 70!
A beautiful story, Jeanne. I admire your trust, faith and patience, and look forward to hearing more about how this new life evolves.
Wow what a wonderful story .
As makers making our creative space and living in our dream homes, when possible, is the greatest gift we can give back to ourselves. You are such a giving person sharing all your knowledge and helping other artisans and makers share your space I admire you so much Jeanne, thank you for sharing this and giving me another boost of magic, Marti Schmidt
Awesome to hear your God story! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for being here!
Blessings on each of you in your new home. Thankful that God is always part of your story!
I have tears in my eyes! I love to hear stories of how the Lord works so obviously and wonderfully in peopleās lives. I also love art and MCM houses, so have already subscribed to see everything!
Goosebumps! So excited for you…thank you for sharing this story! The message behind the story is beautiful and encouraging!
When magic and miracles collide. Congratulations!
Ahhh, so wonderful to hear your stories! And this one is soooo special. God does not live in “our time zone”! He has His own!!! So glad that you are seeing His hand in all of this timing. Love it!!!!
Wow, how incredible how it all played out!! The new home looks so special and beautiful! Congratulations!!
āAnd those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.ā
āāDanielā¬ ā12ā¬:ā3ā¬ āESVā¬ā¬
āAnd those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.ā
āāDanielā¬ ā12ā¬:ā3ā¬ āESVā¬ā¬
This is so magical and truly shows what faith looks like. Congratulations! So happy for you and your family! Excited to see the journey! šš
Well, in the immortal words of Stephanie Lee, “Does it give you the fizz?”…
God bless you and your family, my friend – what an amazing adventure he’s line up for you.
The woods! The deck! The windows! So much to celebrate! Best wishes for the process ahead.
The woods! The deck! The windows! So much to celebrate! Best wishes for the process ahead.
I love how God works on parallel paths. He’s been managing this “project” since you first fell in love and opened your heart to moving eight years ago – with multiple goals and blessings for each family along its trails. Looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for you now as a couple who GO OUT and share š
(and YouTube? wait…when did THAT happen? lol…LOVE it! (screencast!!)
Congratulations Jeanne. This sounds like a serendipitous God plan. Itās glorious how Heās heard your desire and brought it into fruition.
Goosebumps! š What a divine story. Over the moon for yāall, Jeanne. Thank you for sharing. Praying for every blessing in your dream home. All our love.
Jeanne, I just went back and reread your posts from 2016. I love how your words about the journey to your current home were so prophetic – the Lord had this plan in place for you all along. I can’t wait to see what He has coming for you next!
“But sometimes even ājustā a house can change your heart and dreams and help you move one step closer to each other, the life you want to live and your faith. I hope the Lord keeps us in this house until we have grand babies and beyond but if He doesnāt I want to have the strength to be an adventurer and to again and again step out of my comfort zone knowing His best is where my heart longs to rest.”
Truly a story only God could write. He knows the when, why, and how. Thank you for being so open and sharing. This is the type of story we all need to share so the world can learn about God and the possibilities with him and truly know God is real. He is our champion, and he will provide when it is time. God Bless you and your family in this new adventure! Cindy Rae
Congratulations on purchasing the home of your dreams Jeanne! I’m happy for you and your family. I am a bit bummed I never got to attend one of your art retreats or see you in person. I’m sure I’m not alone in that respect. May you have many years of happiness in your new home, and life experiences which continue to enrich your, and your loved one’s lives. Your warmth and character have brought joy to many, and I feel blessed to have found you through Sketchbook Revival.
That is amazing!! Congratulations! Iām so happy for you!
Oh I definitely believe homes have spirits of there own and they can bring or oust people into there structures. My old house where I raised my kids definitely didnāt want us to leave and made it very difficult in the selling process. lol. So enjoy your new found friend. I mean home. Wink. Congratulations. So excited for you!
Congratulations! The right things come at the right time!
God is amazing- and sees us! Congratulations to you and your family! One day I hope to come to an art event at your new home- it looks and sounds heavenly!
šLeslie
It will be gorgeous in every season!
Oh, my friend. I’m giddy for you. The house is amazing (right up my alley, as you know) and the story is even better.
Gah! I just LOVE this story so much, Jeanne! What incredible moments you have shared with us. You have a beautiful heart for all His goodness, all the beauty, all the art, all the creativity. You & Kelly have been in my prayers over & over since all our conversations. I cannot wait to see the house and I cannot wait to see how the ” just not yet” He has turned into the “yes, NOW” is going to continue to transform in your lives!!!!
This lovely story of God’s faithfulness and provision (and your willingness to trust His leading) brought tears of happiness for you and your family. I pray that you all will be blessed in these next steps of your journey. Congratulations!
That’s awesome! I’m happy for you and your family and congratulations! Looking forward to seeing the journey as you share its unfolding.
Congratulations Jeanne, you waited and God is faithful. Itās so difficult when he puts something in front of us that we have to wait for. I loved your house in Colorado. It was wonderful and the new people are going to be just delighted with it. I am so glad you had that because my daughter and I had a wonderful time in your class. It was so much fun to celebrate your new book and you had a wonderful place to nurture all of us. Again, congratulations God gave you a gift. Being an empty Nester is a different part of life but you are so close to your children and have such a good relationship with them that itās not the end of an era. Itās the beginning of new adventures. God bless you both and enjoy the ride.
What a wonderful story! I love how God works when we listen to Him!
Congratulations! Which state do you live in? Changing states? How exciting!!!
I love midcentury homes and how they are decorated. Congratulations! And I wish you the best in getting settled in your new home.
God is good, and in HIis timing is perfect peace. He has blessed you with your talent and love of people and special hospitality skills! Just relax in Godās grace! Blessings on your whole family. Look what He built for you!
Midcentury is my favorite style. I would have loved to have found that style home when we moved back to Florida. I’d move today but it’d be closer to the beach….something my husband and I talk about often. This is our favorite home out of all the places we have lived….even the ones we built. BUT I’d still sell it if we could find something closer to the ocean. I feel this may not be our final home. I can not wait to see the tour and what you do to it. Congrats!!