Friends. I’m writing to you tonight with news that I never thought I would be sharing.
Big news…….
I’M MOVING BACK TO OHIO!!!!!
OH MY GOSHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
After 11+ years, living in Manhattan, I am moving back to my hometown in Ohio.
But that’s not the best part…
Because it’s not just me that’s moving…
MY FIANCE is moving too!!
That’s right!!!!
STEVEN AND I BOUGHT A PLACE IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI!!!
I hope you can hear me squealing and jumping up and down right now, literally doing a happy dance as I type this!!!
First of all: two things:
1) The timeline. If you’re doing the math in your head right now, then you may be realizing that it’s October…and we don’t get married until next JUNE. And yes, you are correct about that. SO – here’s how that one is gonna work. Steven will be living in our condo, and I will be living at home with my parents for 6 months until the wedding, starting this Christmas!
2) Secondly. I would like to just give a shout out to my incredible fiancé because this was all his idea. Though I had voiced my concern once several months ago on the prospect of raising a family one day in NYC, I had come to terms with the fact that we would be an “east coast family.” Though it was my absolute dream to live in Ohio, I knew that marriage consists of two people, sharing new dreams they have together. And compromise is the name of the game.
And so you can imagine my surprise when Steven came to me with this condo listing and said, “I think we should move here.”
It was an absolute whirlwind, truly. Because that was only about 4 weeks ago, in mid-September.
We first saw the listing online during the second week of September. Toured it a few days later when we went to visit Cincy on a trip that we already had planned for my brother’s birthday. Put in an offer, and had it accepted!
And so we’ll be moving over the holidays!!!
Can you believe it!?!? Because I surely can’t!
This is truly a dream come true. Though I have been a New York girlie for the last season of my life, it was never meant to be permanent. It was the place where I went to find myself. Where I could to rediscover who I was, what I’m passionate about, and regain my life after my eating disorder. And it served that purpose to the highest degree.
But it was never meant to be forever.
I’ll never forget when I was nannying. And my mom had her stroke, and so I was at my last day of work with this family, because I was going to be moving home to Cincy for a year to help my mom recover. And the woman and I were talking about my love life, and how I always pictured myself raising a family down the street from my parents.
And the woman looked at me, and said, “Good luck trying to get a New York man to want to move to Ohio.”
Well, I found him. Or rather, God found him for me.
And though we’re not going to be living down the street from my parents (and my brother and his family, who ironically do live down the street from my parents)…we will be in the urban downtown of Cincinnati, which is only 15 minutes away, and is going to be great for my “city man” fiancé, to still have that urban pulse that he grew up with, and loves.
So ultimately, why did we decide to move?
The main reason: where we want to put down roots for our future family. We don’t want to raise children in a city where they’re going to be taught about “choosing their pronouns” in first grade. We don’t want to raise children in a godless place that is devoid of a Christian community, and lacking a community with a strong moral compass, period.
That was one reason.
And secondly, the cost of living in NYC in 2022 is absolutely ludicrous. We have friends who had a 56% increase in rent. Their rent went up to $7400 A MONTH. A MONTH!!! And if you’re wondering…they’re leaving too — they moved down south at the beginning of last week! Because New York is not the same, post-pandemic, and just not worth the high price tag anymore.
But friends, all of this is just surreal. I cannot believe it’s happening.
And the best part is that it’s truly going to be our “forever home.” It’s got room for a couple of kids, and a wing for Steven’s mom to live with us if she so chooses.
All of that, and it’s in the heart of the action, by fun restaurants and bars and nightlife, and of course…THE BENGALS!
God is just so good. I could feel His hand facilitating this the whole time, and so I trust that everything is going to work out and be okay. Thank you, Jesus!
So that’s my news!!! (And why I’ve been a bit sporadic here recently — who knew that buying a house would be so darn time consuming!)
Can you believe it?! What’s your best moving advice?? Let me know in the comments!
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159 responses to “The Post I Never Thought I’d Write…”
I’ve read your blog for years and am so happy for you I can’t even begin to explain. I watched your single journey and struggling while being faithful and was ECSTATIC when you found someone. It’s crazy how reading someone’s blog feels so uniting, but it is also so refreshing and comforting because Christians are difficult to find. I am so happy for you and your future. I am getting married next year and reading your blog and your words about all the changes are comforting because FOR ME I am freaking out and had a ‘Come to Jesus’ meeting and reading your words just now about being so excited about change (good change) is what I needed.. haha Change, whether good or bad, is still change and can be stressful, but I am so glad God provided someone for you who puts your needs first and looks for the future and planning WITH YOU.
SO many emotions I never knew getting married… I am looking forward to watching your journey continue to unfold. Congratulations… you deserve it
Oh my gosh Aimee, this comment brought a tear to my eye. thank you for these incredibly kind and touching words. First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on getting married next year! That is so exciting, and will be praying for you and your future husband! You’re right about that – change is always a bit daunting. Kind of like arriving to a big unknown island on a boat, not knowing what will be waiting for you. But thankfully, as Christians we can trust that God has got us in the palm of His hand, and truly has GOOD PLANS for us!!! Thank you for sharing in the excitement with me, and for being with me on the journey all these years! i am truly grateful for your friendship! sending massive hugs and love!!! xoxoxo
Oh my gosh, I am sooo happy for you and Steven! This is none of my business, Caralyn, but I thought that you guys should leave that city. I can see by your words how God has His hand in this, so wonderful! I look forward to your next post! Be safe and well. ☺️🙏🏻
aw thank you John!!!!! thanks for sharing in the joy with us! we are so so excited!!! yeah, it was definitely time for us to make the leap — with marriage and God willing a family on the horizon, we needed to be wise about where to put down roots. Amen to that, He really has! thank you so much! Hugs and love xox
You are very welcome, virtual hugs back! ☺️🙏🏻❤️
xxox 🙂 🙂 🙂
Dear Caralyn,
I could almost have predicted this. And while I’m sad you are leaving fun NYC I do see through your eyes and others that it has lost some if not most of its luster.
My advice on moving? It’s a high stressor and you’ll feel dead and uprooted and things will feel funny even though it’s what you want. Ride it out. Things will get better.
I’m happy for you!!
Amy
PS I read and love nearly every one of your posts.
Hi Amy!! Aw, thank you so much for sharing in the joy with me!!!! yes, it has. but it will always be here for visits! Steven’s family is here, so we will be coming back just about once every month or two to check in, so though we’re leaving, we’re still going to have a lot of “touch points” with the city!!! 🙂 that’s great advice. ride it out. Right now we’re pretty excited so we’re letting that wave ride us through October — luckily we have all of oct/nov to get ready!! and shucks, thanks for saying that!! Hugs and love xox
Amazing news! God never fails. Packing tip – pack each room into boxes, clearly label and unpack them in same room in new house 🙂
Thank you so much Sharon! You’re right about that – God never fails! That’s an amazing tip — and it won’t be hard for me, because I live in a studio right now…it’s all one room!!! hahah but seriously, that awesome to delegate where to put it in the new house from the jump! Hugs and love xox
Is it u??who look like an actress
is it? 🙂
Yes…perfect as an actor too
Miss Caralyn, congratulations, many blessings and it is such a delight to witness this journey. Moving is a bit of a challenge having moved out of NY City in April of 2020 and moving again in August 2020. Start packing and going through things now. If there is anything you can let go, now is the time. Make time to see friends and visit important places together.
Get more boxes than you think you’ll need.
Milk crates are great for books.
Also I share here the best wisdom from our Priest during marriage Prep, “Remember, after all of this you will be married.”
Hi Teri! On my gsh thank you s much 🙂 That’s great advice to start the packing journey now. It seems overwhelming, but yes – I should definitely get a jump on that pronto. and you’re right – now is the time to let things go. Ooh milk crates – that’s a great tip. haha very true – that’s the ultimate goal and “carrot” at the end of all this!!! really appreciate the awesome tips and for shairng in the joy with me! Hugs and love xox
I’m so so happy for you guys!!! I’ve hoped you all would be able to move and look what God did. I wish you guys a smooth and very easy move and transition. I, as a mom, can just feel your parent’s excitement and joy! I’m praying that someday I will have the same experience as we seek God’s will about both our daughter and SIL, and US, moving in order for them to leave the city and for us to be near them as we age…and of course, to be near our soon-to-be here grandson. Anyway, blessings Caralyn and Steven!!
Thank you so much Patty! We appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! We are so extatic. And oh my gosh yes – my parents – and my mom in particular – has been just giddy ever since!! I will be praying for your situation too! God is always working behind the scenes! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Yes, the God Who threw the stars in space can, and is, working out what is best for us as well. ♥️♥️
amen to that!!! And hey – in Ohio, we’ll FINALLY be able to actually SEE those stars!!!! hahahah
YES!!! 😍🥰🌟🌟
🙂 🙂 🙂
I am SO happy for you!!!! God has you in his hand. No matter what, always remember that. Best moving advice? Move as little stuff as possible! We usually have too much stuff. 😊
oh my gosh THANK YOU! thank you for sharing in the joy with us! You’re right, He is at the helm, steering the ship! and I am so grateful for that! hahah GREAT ADVICE! you’re right – i’ve got to just donate/throw stuff away that i don’t need! the less the better!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
How exciting! I’m sure your family will love having you closer.
thank you so much Tama! Yews! We are all so excited to be in the same place! hooray! God is good! Hugs and love xox
Great for the both of you.
thank you so much JB for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
You are very welcome. I hope great things happen for you in the days ahead.
xoxo 🙂
Congrats love!! I am so happy for both of you!! Talk about a dream come true!! Blessings to you and your family!! 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us! we are so excited! Hugs and love xox
Ahhh yay!! Hi neighbor! I’m in Louisville 😊
Oh fun!!! We really want to do the bourbon trail!!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing in the joy with us, Allison! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations!
Thank you so much Robin, for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations on all of it! I so agree, about NYC. I moved upstate to a wonderful community with lots of faith based people in our new town. Population 700 and it’s perfect. I wish the same joy to you both! Love your blog.
Thank you so much Karen! We are over the moon! oh that is so great! and congrats to you to have found such a wonderful home! Hugs and love xox
Yes!! So happy for you! God truly has a great plan for you guys, and not only that, but it’s lovingly guided by him. Happy news. 🙂
Packing tip: start packing now, lol. Just a little each day helps tremendously. Trust me, you’ll start packing and think, I have way more stuff than I realized! 😄
Thnak you so much Hannah! We are over the moon! yuo’re right about that: God certainly has a plan, and we’re grateful for His orchestration! That’s a great tip! i’ll get to it! Hugs and love xox
So happy for you! Congratulations 💕
thank you Laura! I really appreciate you sharing in the joy with us! we are over the moon! Hugs and love xox
I had my suspicions!! I am so happy for you two. And both of your families will benefit as well. I pray all goes well with the move and the next few months as you guys begin your new path. God bless! ♥️
awww thank you Bridget!!! we are so excited, as are our families! thank you for your prayers and for sharing in the joy with us!!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
In today’s world the big city centers of commerce like New York are prime targets for foreign attacks and mob rule. I’m sure you will look back on this as one of your best decisions after your choice of a life partner 🙂
You’re right abut that Ian. Best to put down roots elsewhere! thanks so much! Hugs and love xox
This is amazing news! It must feel so comforting to know you’ll be able to live again with your family in the place you’ve always dreamed of. Your perfect home was there all along. 😄
Thank you Hilary!! 🙂 we are just over the moon, and I am so grateful to God for orchestrating this all together! Hugs and love xox
I am soooo happy, thrilled, and yes, relieved you guys are moving to Ohio, and leaving New York. Wonderful news!!
Aw thank you Myron! We are over the moon and are thanking God for putting this all together! Hugs and love xox
Congrats, Caralyn and Steven. Look out Cincy, she’s baaak! And she’s not coming back alone. 💕
hahaha too funny!! yes!! we are so excited. thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Oh Caralyn, I am so happy for you and Steven! This is going to be the perfect move for you! I am so glad that you are both leaving NY and are in complete agreement with the idea. God is blessing you both!
As you say, NY is not the best environment to raise children and, although, the agenda to alter children’s minds and bodies is going to be in every city and location, I think that you will find it easier to deal with and handle by being near your family.
I wish you both the best in everything!
aw thank you so much Delores! we are just so excited, and are thanking God for bringing this all together! True – that agenda will be everywhere, but at least there will be more voices of truth around them. Hugs and love xox
Congratulations Caralyn! So happy for you. We visited Cincinnati a few years ago. Seems like a really nice town. We stayed downtown at the Nederlander, if I remember correctly. It was a few blocks from the stadiums. We could see the Bengals Stadium from our hotel room and then we went to a Reds game. It was fun! Good luck and Godbless!
Reid
Thank you so much Reid! 🙂 We are over the moon! oh that’s great! yeah there really is a lot to do — and it has changed significantly in the last 10 years — it is now a bustling center of culture, food and entertainment! yes! The Hilton Netherland! I know it well – I love their Sunday brunch 🙂 that’s so great. thanks for sharing in the joy with us ! Hugs and love xox
I squealed when I read this post! I am SO very happy for you both to be moving back to Ohio. God is so great in how He orchestrates the details of our lives. Your faith has been so encouraging to me, even in your moments of struggle, because it is coming from a genuine place. Congratulations on everything! My only advice on moving is, if you have any boxes of extra stuff that you are tempted to put in a “storage” area for dealing with later, make sure that storage space doesn’t have a leaky roof/mouse/snake infestation 😉 Not only are we still throwing away what we stored in our shed, we’re planning on tearing the shed down…🥴
So happy for you! ❤️
aw, Ellen you are so sweet! thank you for sharing in the joy with us! we are absolutely over the moon! amen to that – God is SO great — and He really does orchestrate the details of our lives to our greatest delight, and for our good. I am so grateful. Oh gosh! that’s great advice — that sounds like there is quite the story to go along with it! haha Thank you for such beautiful words of encouragement and joy! thankful for you!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I’m so excited and happy for you and Steven. I kinda could tell this was coming. I’m pretty good at reading minds. And everything that’s happened and what you had posted resulted in this moment. You are an Ohio girl at heart and NYC ran its course. I’m very happy you found a nice place to live in Cincinnati that’s close to your family and true roots. It sounds like a dream. Congratulations Caralyn!!!!! 💜✨️⭐️
Aw, thank you Derek! We are over the moon! hahah you had a hunch, huh!! 🙂 you’re right I’m a true Ohio girl at heart! amen to that. Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome! ⭐️
🙂 xox
Oh Caralyn, I am so happy for you and Steven! God sure does know what He is doing! ❤️❤️
Aw, thank you Barbara! Yes, He certainly does! I am so grateful! Hugs and love xox
Woohoo! I am so very excited for y’all.
Aw, thank you so much HJ!!!! we are over the mooon!
Hallelujah! Praise the LORD! What wonderful news! He is the God over every detail! Rejoicing with you all!
You’re right about that! He makes everything work out for good! so glad you stopped by! and thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Your news made my day. God is truly amazing!
awww, thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us!! yes He is truly is!!!!! Hugs and love xox
So many goosebumps!!! Next time I’m in town, I’m looking you up!! 💕💕
Thank you so much Juanita for sharing in the joy with us! oh my gosh yes!!!! please do! Hugs and love xox
That’s so exciting! I love to travel and explore, but I firmly believe that for a Midwest girl, there’s no place like home. I wish you many years of happiness.
Thank you so much Kristie for sharing in the joy with us! you’re right – there’s no place like home! Hugs and love xox
Praise God!!! I was hoping you would!!! Will be such a great life for you two starting out, less stressful, close to family. Good for you!! So happy for you!!! Love as always! Hugs! XO😃❤️
Thank you so much Tonya for sharing in the joy with us! 🙂 means the world! yes! God is so good, and we’re thrilled to be near family! Hugs and love xox
I am soo happy that you and Steven are moving to Ohio. I am encouraged by your love to the Lord. All the reasons you mentioned I agree with you. Moving is stressful…moved from Colorado to Wyoming. My biggest problem finding movers to move me…only by the grace of God ..through lots of phone calls…round about way found a woman owned company willing to have her people drive the truck and unload me in Wyoming. God bless you and yours.
Hi Mary! Oh my gosh thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us! we are over the moon! oh wow – you’re right, God definitely was looking out for you! Hugs and love xox
Ohhh my goddd!!!! I m soo happy for you both!!!!! Hope you’re journey ahead goes great, and thank you soo much mam for making me feel, and not just me all of your readers, like home. As a close friend, and i hope you have a wonderful time ahead
Aww, Aadya! Thank you so much my friend! thank you for sharing in the joy with us! we are over the moon – awww what a kind thing to say. thank you 🙂 Hugs and love xox
*making us feel like a close friend
xoxoxoxo 🙂 🙂 🙂
How wonderful, so thrilled for you, I bet your Mum and Dad are over the moon too.
THank you so much Veronica for sharing in the joy and excitement with us! We are ALL absolutely over the moon! Especially my mom!!!! hahah She’s already talking about all the walks and coffee dates we’ll be able to take when I’m living with them for those six months before we’re married!! hahah i can’t wait either 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, God certainly gave you a wonderful man, who sees the big picture. May the Lord bless and keep you as you prepare for your marriage. Love and hugs!
Oh my gosh He really did. Thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us, and for that beautiful prayer! Hugs and love xox
You’re welcome!
xox 🙂
I’m so happy for you!!! This is wonderful news. God is so good and His timing is perfect!!!
Oh my gosh thank you for sharing in the joy with us! we are absolutely over the moon! GOd is so good! Hugs and love xox
Fabulous news, so happy for both of you.
Thank you so much Sheree for sharing in the joy with us! We are absolutely thrilled! Hugs and love xox
Hugs and love to you both ♥️
xoxoxo 🙂 🙂 🙂
Congratulations!! God bless your journey together!
Thank you so much! we are absolutely thrilled! God is good! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations and wish you the best!
Thank you so much Coleman! We are so so excited! Hugs and love xox
Congratulations to you both. God is Good to you both, and Caralyn your life has really turned round for the better in the last few yrs!❤️
Thank you so much Kenneth for sharing in the joy with us! God is SO GOOD, and I am truly so grateful for the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Thanking Him every day. Hugs and love xox
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thank you for the link up! Hugs and love xox
All in God’s timing <3 I am so happy for you.
amen to that!! thank you so much Avery for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
“But it was never meant to be forever.”
Caralyn, this is true of everything in this life before we enter the New Kingdom. But I know when we are young (or at least younger than 71) “forever” seems relative; “How much longer is THIS drive? It is taking forever!” 😄
It is so sad what is happening to New York, Illinois, California, Oregon and Washington. The evacuation of Christ-followers from these states will have profound reverberations on their policies and lifestyles, but staying or going requires being obedient to the Lord’s direction.
At your and Steven’s stage of life, this is most likely Father’s provision. Others called to be missionaries to the budding fields in America need to be open to going to the lost in these places.
AND there are lost people in Cincy, too! So be a disciple and make disciples wherever the Lord plants the two (three or four or five?? 😁) of you.
Moving advice: “So walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Colossians 1:11 😉
Hi CA – this is phenomenal wisdom, thank you my friend. you’re right — in this world we are only just passing through – hard to keep that in perspective when things can feel so permanant and high stakes. But you’re right, gotta keep our perspective and eyes on Heaven. That’s very true! we’re going to bloom where God plants us, and have fun doing it!!! appreciate this and appreciate you!! Hugs and love xox
Wonderful. I never liked/loved you because of where you lived but because of who you belong to – Jesus Christ. God bless you.
Thank you so much Rollie for sharing in the joy with us! and gosh, ,what a kind thing to say. thank you my friend. Hugs and love xox
I’m beyond excited for you… AND I happen to have a favorite moving tip from an interim time when we moved in with relatives before finding more permanent digs.
I sorted everything into three categories: 1, stuff we’d need even in our relative’s fully furnished house (mostly clothes and personal items); 2, stuff we’d need in temporary quarters like an apartment (i.e., cookware, dishes); 3, everything else that could wait for a “real” house (i.e., the fancy china and most of the books). Each box we packed was emblazoned with a large 1, 2, or 3. That made it easy to sort what went into storage while with family, and what came out when we moved into a small rental.
Hope you find this useful!
Hi Jan!!! Yayyyyy! Thank you for sharing in the joy with us! and gosh – that is PHENOMENAL advice — thank you! we’ll definitely start implmenting that! Sending massive hugs! xox
Congratulations! 🌼🙏
Thank you so much Jazmin for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
I am so excited for you to be moving to Cincinnati, OH. Living in the midwest is everything you want. We have been here our whole life and just celebrated our 47th anniversary in Indiana. God is still honored here and I’m sure you will find a church to fit into and grow in your faith. God bless you both!
Thank you so much Mary! We are over the moon! And wow congrats on 47 years! that is so beautiful! You’re right – the midwest is the best! Hugs and love xox
Congrats Caralyn!!! My advice on moving is, depending upon the distance, take as little with you. There’s the things you love, clothes, favorite cookware that has to go with, but most things are replaceable and for your new beginnings, you may find yourself leaning into a new “vibe” to match your new digs and your new life, the one you build together. Most of my moves, I just tossed it all. I have my favorite knives of course, a few cooking items, clothes, my mom’s etagerie’ and my great aunts 1800 music cabinet but pretty much everything else went. Just me, and I’ve moved a lot. lol Hooray for your new life.
Hi Jo! Oh my gosh, thank you for this incredible advice! you’re right – we are going to have a new vibe — this is a new chapter, and especially with a wedding registry, we are going to be able to “start fresh” with a lot of things. So less is more, when moving! Thank you – that’s superbly insightful! thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Know too that changes of any kind can be traumatic in their own way and in the next year, the number of changes you will be making are enormous, so don’t be surprised. This is a time when reliance on God will be even more essential. I know you’ve got this! Hugs
Such a ‘moving’ column! Happy for you guys.
hahah thank you ! yes! we are jumping for joy! God is good! Hugs and love xox
Moving! Yay! I’m so happy for you – it’s thrilling to have your own place that’s just YOURS. Anyway, moving advice –
1) As soon as you can, pare your entire life down to exactly what you need to survive for a week. 5 outfits, 7 pairs of underwear, one frying pan, two spatulas, the three books you’re planning to read, your five favorite DVD’s, four plates, two bowls, four mugs, etc. Limit it to what you can easily pack in a couple hours. EVERYTHING ELSE gets packed well ahead of time. Yes your existence will feel bare bones for a while but it makes the moving itself just that much easier.
2) When you’re READY ready to move, pack up everything else and mark those boxes somehow so that you unpack them right away when you get where you’re going.
3) Everything else can be unpacked as you have time.
This is probably the easiest way you can continue your existence mostly un-disrupted before, after, and during your move.
Good luck!!
Thank you so much Athena! We are absolutely over the moon! and wow this is such great advice! THANK YOU! I just contacted the movers today, so it’s actually feeling real now! Hugs and love xox
Dear Caralyn,
I am so happy for you and everyone who has the presence of you in their lives. You have made a great choice, as my son moved back to Cincy, and my grandchildren are benefiting from the experience. We are keeping you in our prayers, even though I have not commented on you blog in a long time. Blessing to you.
Oh thank you so much for sharing in the joy with us! We are so extatic! Oh how wonderful! it really is an amazing city — lots to do, affordable, near family! thank you for your prayers – that is truly appreciated! big big hugs to you xox
How exciting! Blessings on you all. Movin advice? Hmmmm. I got nothin’! Ha!
thank you so much Ivan! We’re extatic! hahah yeah, i don’t have any advice either, other than just get rid of as much stuff as possible hahah Hugs and love xox
You have travelled on such an amazing journey, already; evident through your web posts! You and your partner, show extraordinary strength of character; thanks so much for continuing to share your amazing story! ❤️✍️
Thank you so much Kevin, what a kind thing to say! I will pass that along to him. God is so good, and we’re just trusting in Him through this whole thing! Hugs and love xox
I am so very happy for you! Blessings to you both. . .
Thank you so much Jenny!!! 🙂 We are over the moon! Hugs and love xox
Aww I have chills reading this ☺️! My husband and I moved back to Ohio too last year after living in a couple big cities and 10 years away, and it’s been the best thing ever. I’m really excited for you !!
Believe it or not. Julie and I just drove through Cinci yesterday heading home from a weekend in Toledo to see her sister and parents, the latter in their late 80’s and not doing too well. Stopped off in Co
Stopped off in Columbus to see Olivia, which was great! The next time we go up after the holidays maybe we can coordinate a quick visit – lunch maybe – as we go through!
VERY happy for you both!!
Oh my gosh you’re kidding!!! next time, when we’re in, we’ll have to have you over for dinner!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 We’re just right off the highway! I’m sorry to hear that about Julie’s parents — i will keep them in my prayers. Yes, aboslutely! I would love that 🙂 At Panera again! 😉 hahah Thank you Jeff – I really feel God orchestrating this entire thing. Hope you’re having a great week so far, and I’m glad you both got a chance to see loved ones last week. that’s wonderful. Hugs and love to you and your girls xox
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!! Congratulations!
awww, thank you Melissa! That is so kind! we’re extatic! Hugs and love xox
God is soooo good. May bless the two of you as you walk in faith. 🙂
God is SOOOO good! THank you so much! Hugs and love xox
I think we all saw this coming. How wonderful for all of you. May your new home be filled with love and happiness and many blessings.
Awww, thank you Amy!!!! Yes, we are just absolutely over the moon. Thank you for that. We are placing all of this in God’s hands. That’s the best place to be! I hope you’re having a great week, and thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Great move!
Thank you so much!!! ::) Hugs and love xox
Your welcome! Xox
I never replied to this… good to hear. It’s nice that he was willing to compromise and make a new life together with you… brings to mind a relationship I had once where she wasn’t so willing on this kind of issue, but that story probably doesn’t need to be told. Good luck with moving and everything… will you still be able to do the same kind of work from there, or will you have to go to New York or elsewhere periodically for acting gigs?
Hi Greg! Oh thank you so much! Yes – i am so grateful for his generous heart 🙂 i actually will be able to do acting work in Cincinnati – which i am thrilled about! thanks for sharing in the joy with us! Hugs and love xox
Good to hear!
xoxox 🙂
This is wonderful news! Believe it or not, I prayed this for you. Even though we don’t know each other, I feel like I know you from reading your posts. As I read about your life there in NYC, I couldn’t help but think, “If she were my daughter…” and so I prayed.
So, from one Ohio gal to another, welcome back! Our State will be gaining another beautiful Ohio family!
Marcy ❤
Thank you so much Marcy for sharing in the joy with us! Awww, oh my gosh I am truly so touched — thank you for your prayers. God is certainly good!! awww, you’re the best! Yes! Can’t wait to be back in the beautiful midwest!!! Hugs and love xox
OMG!!!! I am SO happy for you. You have been an inspiration for me from the first time I started following you and now you have proven something I acknowledge within myself. If we get up in the morning and put our feet on the floor and have good intentions, God will cover the rest. My book writing journey has proven this to me. I decided to write one book – I got all the help I needed, I got a publisher without asking anyone, my publisher asked me if I needed a publisher (!), I got proofreading help. When I realized I would be doing marketing, I got a car through a friend of my brother who went out looking, he found me a Chevy Spark (pink) and my Credit Union gave me a good loan because I had written a book. I am now on Books 3 and 4 making my own money, my car is paid off and I have enough money to pay a dentist!!! And, I am 74 years old. My niece is amazed that I began this writing life as an older woman. As long as I wake up and have the intention of doing something good for me and others, God makes the way smooth and right. I don’t really know you, but I have read your progress in trying to have a better life and I am so proud of you for hanging in. You have definitely played a part in the goodness happening for you. AND you guys bought a house!! Wow!!! I love your writings; I wish you and your soon to be husband so much joy. Congratulations!!!!! Yay!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!
Oh my gosh, this comment brought a tear to my eye. THANK YOU so very much, I am truly humbled by your kind words. First of all, WOW! You have an incredible story. And aaaaaaabsolutely — you are spot on. When we do our part, God shows up and does the rest! I have truly felt that too in all of this! Thank you for sharing in the joy with us! Rock on my sister friend!!!! you are an inspiration!!! Hugs and love xox
I’m so excited for you! Good luck with the move. 🙂
aw thank you so much my friend!!! we are over the moon! Hugs and love xox
I’m so happy for you and your fiance!! and WOW, that is an insane amount of rent! My jaw dropped when I read that. All the very best to you and your family. 🙂 xoxo
Happy for you! Praise God! — from Loveland, Ohio!
Okay let’s see what moving advice a military brat can give…
I’d say that the one best piece of advice I can give you off the top of my head is have your things in two groups. Group 1 is all the stuff that I am bringing with me immediately and Group 2 is all the things that I can ship and wont panic about being late arriving.
And Yay!!!!! Congrats!!!! I know what that feels like when I moved to TN from MD to be closer to my then Girlfriend now Fiancé. I feel you on not being separated anymore from your family. I give you a double YAYYYY!!!!!! and double CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Love love love changes. Wishing you the best
Congratulations 🎉
This is such amazing news.
I thank the Lord for you and I pray He dwells with you always even in your new home 🤍
Happy for you both! Enjoy your new home! 🏡
Biggest congrats ever!!!!!!! Enjoy it all!
Bless God for His favor on you’ll and of course congrats!!!! <3 Blessings and peace toy you guys always! xx
Congratulations! Sounds wonderful.