Summer Sundays in Texas
Happy September 1! Welcome back to Summer Sundays in Texas…..
On this particular day in the Summer Sundays in Texas, most Texans are recovering from the start of college football season this weekend.
I have family in town for college football and for the big Labor Day soccer tournament.
So Summer Sundays in Texas is close to retiring to another season.
You can see that I am surrounded more and more by moving chaos…but it will never rob my joy.
I told Mr.B that I believe from this day until the end of the month on official moving day, our own lives will move very quickly.
Stick with me, as I start with a major announcement….the housing question answered.
SUMMER SUNDAYS IN TEXAS: WHERE WILL WE LIVE?
Have you ever heard the phrase…fruit basket turnover?
My Cajun/East Texas mother used it often when we were facing a mess.
It turns out that the phrase is originally from an old children’s game…you were out of the game when the fruit you held was turned over (on a card).
Because of my mother, I still use the phrase…so I am telling you that my family is about to go through a “fruit basket turnover.”
SUMMER SUNDAYS IN TEXAS: WHERE WILL WE LIVE??
I will strive to keep this short.
Prior to our announcement of moving cities, our oldest son had announced they were selling their first home to seek more space with a fourth child on the way.
Our daughter’s family also moved and had her home at the time on the market.
His home sold quickly…her home did not.
The current economy is not friendly to home buyers and with hope to see the interest rates come back down next year…we made a family plan.
Our son’s family is moving into our home…they will rent from us.
Mr. B & I are moving into my daughter’s other home…and we will rent from them!
Get it…family fruit basket turnover.
This is a way families can help one another when economic times are challenging.
We see it as a one day at a time experiment…so I cannot answer questions about the future yet…few can.
I have loved having my office upstairs and looking out this window while working.
But, somehow, knowing this is soon to be one of the grandchildren’s bedrooms brings me such joy and peace.
I love, love, love that they are going to live here…and they seem excited as well. It is such a great home and neighborhood for them.
And my daughter’s home is a perfect place for Mr. B and I.
SUMMER SUNDAYS IN TEXAS: MY CHALLENGE
The challenge for me is that this French Country GiGi Is being put into a Modern Home.
So I will be seeking ways to….COZY THINGS UP A BIT!
The compliment I enjoy and get most often on my home decor is that it is so cozy and homey.
I already shared that when my oldest grandson walked in the door, he said he was at peace there.
So, I will be experimenting and hopefully creating a new vibe in this space..and, of course, share it with you.
When we arrive at the end of this month, I plan to still do some autumn decorating….again to cozy it up.
I have those boxes clearly marked.
The real estate pictures online have helped me to decide about furniture placement before arriving.
The house is officially off the market now.
I do love a good challenge…so here we go!
SUMMER SUNDAYS IN TEXAS: WEIGHT WATCHERS
Despite my recent mishap, I feel so much better overall back on Weight Watchers.
In a little over 2 weeks, I have lost right at six pounds! Woo Hoo!
And, blood pressure is down.
It was even at a good rate during the ambulance and hospital episode…not too high, not too low, but just right.
Monitoring the point system in the app is really good for me and helps…even when I am now eating out a lot to spend time with friends and family before moving.
And, cold melon is the perfect way to combat the heat on summer Sundays in Texas.
One of my friends decided to join in as well and we are sharing recipes and cooking tips.
So far, so good.
SUMMER SUNDAYS IN TEXAS: LABOR DAY SALES
Don’t forget that my favorite skincare line, By Brian, has the entire line on sale for 35% off this weekend.
Just click on BY BRIAN REGENERATIVE, CLEAN, CONSCIOUS BEAUTY and you can see how to save…and look amazing.
Also, early fall fashions are heavily represented in Labor Day Sales this weekend.
Again, go to my SHOPPING LINKS and click on your favorite retailer to get the deals.
Thank you for joining me today for Summer Sundays in Texas! I am taking tomorrow off (for many reasons), but will be here on Tuesday with fall fashions…….until then….
STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
I have a houseful of family. All I have time to say is Perfect Harmony! Well done. Enjoy the last few days, the challenge, and the excitement of it all.
Thank you for taking time to encourage, Deborah! Enjoy your family…amidst the moving, we also have family in town.
Pam, I call this “musical houses.” What a blessing. I also like a warm, cozy house and can’t wait to see your new home and decorating style. Congratulations on the weight loss. You are on your way. Have a happy Sunday. ❤️
Happy Sunday to you, Marcia! We are blessed!
What a terrific solution to your family problem! It may not be ideal but it sure works! My daughter’s family is also facing this awful housing crunch; with 4 children and a husband it’s been impossible for them to find an affordable home. Living in probably one of the most expensive areas in the country doesn’t help. When faced with changing schools, new friends, relocation and more it all seems so daunting. I’m happy your family is working it out. As for moving into a modern home as opposed to your country French abode, I did the exact same thing six years ago. Your accessories will help warm up your home and it will feel less modern. I’m looking forward to hearing and seeing how this story progresses!
What a wonderful solution to your family’s housing concerns. And what a huge stress reliever for everyone. It gives all of you time to acclimate and figure out the “perfect” home/neighborhood for yourselves, once the market is more buyer-friendly. Every new home is a blank canvas, and this Modern house will shortly become your own with your personal touches and possessions. It will take on your personality in no time. Congratulations on your winning solutions, and your WW success..
I hope your daughter’s family finds solutions for their family needs. It is such a challenging time…particularly for young families. Thanks for being here, Linda!
Thank you so much, Judith!
I had to chuckle when I read your diagram entitled
Tips For a Joyful Day, especially the tip to “dress when you leave the house to feel confident.”
I know I personally wouldn’t feel too confident if I left the house naked! But, to each his/her own!
Peace out,
C
P.S. Those dangling modifiers can be tricky.
May your day be full of God’s Blessings, Chris!
What a terrific solution to a real problem. Our son, daughter in law, and grandson will be listing their house and moving soon. And even though the housing crisis in Ohio is not as bad as some areas, it’s still not a great time to buy a house. I think you have to live in a new place at least a year to be comfortable knowing what you want. I’ve been less inclined to clutter since we downsized to a condo, though I will never be modern girl in design. You might find yourself curating your possessions and being just as satisfied (or more so, as we are) with less. This interim step is a good way to find out. All my best as you enter this crazy last month.
Thanks, Linda…and all the best to your son’s family!
Sounds like you found the perfect solution to your family’s housing needs. I’m glad its working out for all involved. I was beginning to wonder that something unusual was happening. Having moved a few times recently and thus sold a few houses I know that having a house on the market is incredibly stressful whether or not you are currently living in it. You never mentioned any of horrors on decluttering and staging a house to be shown, and never mentioned house hunting which can also be a nightmare. I know you’ll be able to put your touches into a modern house and make it cozy And I look forward to seeing how you personalize it. Happy Sunday. Happy September. My pumpkin decor is coming out this weekend!
What a great solution to your family’s housing needs! Creating a feeling of peace is about more than decor and I’m sure your new home will soon reflect that. Best wishes for a smooth transition!
Have fun, Kathie! I am so ready for pumpkin decor.
Thanks Elaine!
What a perfect solution for you all Pam! And the very best is family helping family!
Congratulations on your weight loss. Such an accomplishment!
Kelley
Thanks Kelley…now I just have to keep it going!
It will be fun (and interesting) to celebrate holidays, picnics, birthdays and other special times in spaces that already hold years of memories! A sweet blend of old and new.
This is such a great idea! Everyone gets some help and can have better living space. At least you can keep your house in the family because I’m sure it would have been hard to leave it to someone else.
I’m also thinking about WW again they seem to work the best for me. Good luck!
What a perfect solution!! Homes you are already familiar with plus no “closing” costs, attorney fees, etc. and the pressures of moving have eased up. Yes, God is at work.
I’m late to the game today, as we too are busy on this holiday weekend but must chime in- great minds thinking alike, your family- a housing musical chairs! Love your plan!
You are tackling many important things with grace! Would love more tips on how to “focus on today” while still considering and planning for the immediate future…
What a sign of your success in creating a caring and loving family that it is one able to make the story of musical houses! I’m confidant each house will become a new home.
Perhaps knowing family will be living in your current home will make it easier for you to leave. Knowing that they share your many memories can be comforting. I’m sure you will be able to turn your new home into a warm & cozy place with your autumn decor & adding familiar things like pillows & throws. And I know that you will find joy wherever you are planted.
This is definitely a good plan in this high interest rate and low inventory market. Family housing musical chairs! What a great solution too for each of your children. Hopefully, the Fed will reduce the interest rate this month and the housing market will pick up again. We have a lovely home in our community that has been up for sale all summer and has not sold. The owner passed away and his wife is in a memory care unit in Utah near their daughter. The homes in our 46 home development are all ADA accessible and one story villa style. None are over 10 years old. We hope it will sell quickly after the interest rates go down. Congratulations on your 6 lbs. weight loss! It sounds like WW is really working for you. Enjoy the soccer game tomorrow!
We so admire your family solution to the real estate challenge. Blessings to you all.
I agree, Char! All of the grandchildren seem excited.
Thanks Paula! I am glad to be back on WW.
Yes, He is! All the time!
Thanks Paulette!
Thanks Linda! We have a special family.
It does make it easier! It gives me such joy!
My grandsons team is in the finals!!
Thank you so much, Audrey!
What a clever and thoughtful decision you have made for your family. I have no idea how your house selling is done but there are the same issues here in Australia re interest rates and the cost of housing. I am sure your grandchildren will be “over the moon” living in your house. Also I am sure you will be able to add your personal touches to bring more warmth to the new home. We have a mix of modern and old in our home and it works well. In some ways modern homes are like a blank canvas and you can and will turn the home into yours. Stay well and thanks for the 5 tips to experience joy today.
We did the same thing 20 years ago for our daughter’s family. We are proud of helping them and we are living in our dream house too!
Hi Kim,
I have decided to answer your comment next Sunday in the Summer Sundays in Texas post. I hope you will join me then. Thank you for asking!