Cleaning House
124 comments »
The sign was staked into our front lawn today.
“For Sale.”
We’ve been in our home for five years and it’s been a good home for us. There’s room for parties. Space for Snuggling-and-Movies-and-Popcorn nights. And friends. Oh, how we have been surrounded by people we adore. There’s Susie (who I hope to properly introduce to you sometimes soon) my pretty, crazy clever, hypochondriac sista-neighbor. And Jess, my Southern sweetheart who lives down the street and who makes me laugh so hard in regular old conversations that I don’t know what I’ll do without her. She thanks the “baby Jesus” for everything, and I have never been so in love with a single gal pal in my ever lovin’ life. And there’s the cul-de-sac where the kids ride bikes and create chalk-painted neighborhoods.
Still, when you resign from everything you’ve ever known to be solid in life, including your husband’s job, things are bound to change. So the weekend was splattered with paint and staging furniture and chatting with the super adorable realtor (it’s so nice when adorable people sell your home. I think it’s going to up our chances, you know.) and begging the kids to not touch or breathe on anything, including their own selves.
And now, tonight the house is clean. Quiet. Oddly uninhabited feeling.
I wonder if I should feel more sad. I don’t.
I feel trusting. I feel enveloped in the arms of love and wonder and thrilling adventure ahead.
Of course, that could just be the Windex fumes talking. I’ve done a dang lot of cleaning this week.
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Lisa on January 10, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Is there anything more satisfying than the few minutes you get to enjoy a clean house before your kids/husband come home and make it dirty again? Good luck with the move!
Ker on January 10, 2012 at 2:36 pm
We moved this last time when I was 8months pregnant! No fun at all!
Christine on January 10, 2012 at 3:10 pm
The one GOOD thing about moving is that you get to go through all your “stuff” and get rid of things that you just don’t need! Great way to purge or simplify!
Abby on January 10, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Change strengthens the soul.
Denise B on January 10, 2012 at 3:20 pm
My advise is to get rid of everything you don’t need and don’t move it with you. I moved 7 years ago and still have boxes, in the garage, that have not been unpacked.
Tanis on January 10, 2012 at 3:43 pm
good luck- I hate moving!! but love the purging stage!
Mary on January 10, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Your post is so encouraging- I am packing our home of 11 yrs, the only home my 3 kids have ever known and we are moving on Friday, it’s sad, but I have to remember everythings we are doing it for :) Best of luck to you as you transition
TL on January 10, 2012 at 4:04 pm
No real comment about your moving…although I do wish you the best in that, but this comment is related to me clicking on your link about your resignation and leaving your church (I watched part 2). I am not Mormon or LDS so while I didn’t understand many of the references (still don’t know was CES means?). I could go on and on, but don’t want this comment to be a full day read for you and others lol! (the contact link didn’t work). Just wanted you to know that someone in northern Canada (Yukon) admires you and your family.
Jast on January 10, 2012 at 4:17 pm
I listened to your podcast yesterday, very inspiring. Best of luck on the next phase of your life journey!
Vanessa on January 10, 2012 at 4:21 pm
I love the changing of life, the adventure that comes with it, and the challenges that dare us to sink or swim. Here’s to hoping you’re a swimmer! :)
Kelly S. on January 10, 2012 at 4:21 pm
Good luck!
Sue on January 10, 2012 at 4:36 pm
I have moved more times in my 39 years than I can count. Sometimes it made me happy, other times it made me sad. But it’s always a whirlwhind of emotions.
Remember to take time for yourself. Yoga, chocolate, bubble baths.
Best of luck to you and your family!!!
Shannon Shurtleff on January 10, 2012 at 4:53 pm
((HUGS)) in your journey. I found you from reading Kelle Hampton’s blog. :) Love yours as well!!
Heather Spooner on January 10, 2012 at 5:03 pm
I’ve experienced that odd sort of peace in an otherwise chaotic life changing scenario. I trust it to tell my head that I’m on the right path even when someone else thinks I’m crazy. Trust your heart! Here’s to new happy memories!
Kim on January 10, 2012 at 5:18 pm
Take a deep cleansing breath…
mel zeiger on January 10, 2012 at 5:36 pm
We are currently looking to move about 3+ hours away and trying to sell our house, trust me, your pain is my pain, but its nice to know I’m not alone! good luck!
TL on January 10, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Oops! Note to self don’t type a comment when you are late for something, but feel compelled to write one anyway!! I not only erased part of my earlier post, but also had a typo, yikes!! What I meant to say was….”I am not Mormon or LDS so while I didn’t understand many of the references (I still don’t know what CES means?) I found myself glued to the video”!
Brianna on January 10, 2012 at 6:33 pm
8 times in 8 years – that’s how often I was moving from place to place. It gets old. I’ve been in my current place for two years now and it’s been such a relief to finally settle down for a little bit.
isabelle on January 10, 2012 at 7:36 pm
No regrets and you will look back at these times in your life travels from a good place. Decisions from the heart are like that. Follow your convictions and be yourselves and you will be excellent parents and role models for your children, no matter where you are, and to me that is the ultimate reward. Fare well!
Leah W on January 10, 2012 at 8:08 pm
Good luck with the move!!
Natasha H on January 10, 2012 at 8:25 pm
Blessings on making a new home in your heart.
Missy on January 10, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Keeping a house clean for selling purposes is a whole other level of craziness. Good luck!!
Amy P. on January 10, 2012 at 10:09 pm
It is an exciting time for you! Good Luck and hope the sale of your home and the search for a new one will be a smooth process!
STH on January 10, 2012 at 10:25 pm
I haven’t had time to watch the interviews yet, but hooray for brave Brooke! Hooray for you, dealing with all this upheaval so well! All the best to you and your family and congratulations on your fresh start.
Your obnoxious atheist internet friend, M. ;)
Christina W on January 10, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Good luck on your new adventure! Moving is always a great way to clean up and start fresh.
Emily H on January 10, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Good luck on this new chapter of your life!
Kel on January 11, 2012 at 3:04 am
Best wishes on your move!
Trish on January 11, 2012 at 4:10 am
Dear, sweet friend of mine. I knew this day was coming. I wish I was there to return the favor of cleaning. You were such a tremendous help to us when we were in your shoes. Okay, I admit it, we’re still in your shoes. We will soon have our new home, though the neighborhood I will live in, won’t compare to the one I just left. I wish you only the best and know that no matter where our paths take us, I will always consider you my neighbor and a remarkable friend!
miranda on January 11, 2012 at 7:01 am
Best wishes, i hope the house is sold quickly and you find a new home that is perfect for the new chapter in your life.
laura davis on January 11, 2012 at 9:29 am
Changes….
best of luck to you
I was laid off from my job so looking forward.
Betsy on January 11, 2012 at 10:03 am
I used to think that saying “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans” was just about the dumbest thing I’d ever heard. I mean…WHAT is that supposed to mean, right? But the older I get, the more I realize that it’s totally true. You never know where life will take you (or, sometimes, WHY it’s taking you there!) — but as Jimmy Buffett (that great, tipsy philosopher lol) once said: “Life is much more manageable when viewed as a scavenger hunt as opposed to a surprise party.” This move IS an adventure. It’s a brand new opportunity to meet brand new people and do brand new things, and I hope that somewhere in the midst of the busy-ness that *is* moving a household, you have time to enjoy the exciting parts.
aunna on January 11, 2012 at 10:16 am
good luck with everything!! you have such a great optimistic outlook.
Wendy on January 11, 2012 at 10:24 am
Oh goodness, cleaning house to sale. I’m planning a move in a year and a half and recently accumulated the contents of my dad’s house as well. I have a far off deadline, but I know if I take a bite at a time, it will get done.
For you, enjoy your new adventure and I’m so excited to see what is next!
Cheers,
Wendy
Lisa on January 11, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Good luck on your new adventure. Life doesn’t take you where you shouldn’t be.
Caitlin on January 11, 2012 at 3:42 pm
I listened to all four interviews and my heart goes out to you and your family. Sending loving vibes from here in the heart of Utah county. Good things are in store for your beautiful family. I am sure of it.
Mark on January 11, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Brooke, I just want you to know how much my wife and I respect your courage and determination. I hope that others around you can respect your desire for truth and your integrity.
Ruth A. on January 11, 2012 at 4:32 pm
I’m a long time lurker (several years and never left a comment but enjoyed many recipes and stories) and I just finished your interview (first Mormon Stories podcast I’ve listened to, though I have several on my list). Thank you. I feel that our lives are somewhat parallel. I hope that all continues upward for you and your family.
Susie on January 11, 2012 at 5:49 pm
We’re still scheming to keep you guys in the ‘hood.
Amy on January 11, 2012 at 6:15 pm
What a lot of work getting ready to move. Just thinking about it makes me content to stay in my house, even though I really want more bathrooms!
Yvonne on January 11, 2012 at 6:24 pm
I watched all 4 videos today (don’t tell my boss ;-) ). I am inspired by the honesty of both your stories. I can only imagine how gut wrenching this decision was for you both. I admire your quest for truth! I grew up in the Catholic church and loved it. The older I got the more I questioned.
Stacie Crane on January 11, 2012 at 6:24 pm
I always love moving… such a fresh start to a new portion of life. I have always loved this quote from the song “closing time”: “Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end”…. I often find myself quoting it! :) Good luck on your adventure!
Becky on January 11, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Moving is really overrated. In six months I moved twice. From Colorado Springs to Penrose then on to Canon City. The second time it took us nearly three months and we still haven’t gotten everything to the new house. Our stuff is just in the storage shed at the old house with our renters. But still. We are still unpacking some boxes (actually it is my husbands boxes). Good luck with everything. I hope things will work out for you and your family.
Anandi on January 11, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Moving is difficult- hang in there!! :)
Clove on January 11, 2012 at 7:13 pm
A new chapter in your life! Wishing you all the best.
Carol B on January 11, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Wishing you luck in your future endeavors. Hope you sell your house quickly.
Jen Scott on January 11, 2012 at 9:30 pm
I am so SO happy that I stumbled here! I think this is the coolest cleaning gadget I have ever seen and I need one! Thanks :)
Des on January 12, 2012 at 6:49 am
We are in a rental after selling our house in the summer.. and we are still looking.. GOOD LUCK!!
Cheryl on January 12, 2012 at 11:56 am
Good for you! Everything will work out for the best.
Amy S. on January 12, 2012 at 3:02 pm
I hate moving! But I’m always happy when I get it all done. Good luck with the move!
Cheryl Newton on January 12, 2012 at 3:34 pm
New cleaning supplies! Who doesn’t love that? And, do the St. Joseph statue thing to sell your house. Worked for us.