I have a story to tell. And it’s personal.
It’s not an awesome recipe or an easy DIY. And to bare it all here on the web where everyone can see it is kinda scary.
But I’m hoping that by sharing it, you’ll see that I’m just like you. I struggle. My family goes through hard times and we have to make tough decisions too.
Still, there is hope to be found.
It’s hard to know where to start really, but with any story, it’s best to start at the beginning.
2008
In April 2008, when my son was six months old, we set our sights on California and put our house on the market.
When other houses in our neighborhood kept dropping in price and not selling, our house sold in two weeks – a near impossible feat.
While we waited for the house to close, we looked for another place to live. Randomly and out of the blue, I somehow reconnected with an old friend and roommate.
She was going through a divorce and was worried about making her mortgage… and we needed a place to stay where we didn’t have to sign a lease or deal with the costs associated with moving utilities.
We rented two bedrooms and set a goal to move in 8 weeks.
Do you know how hard it is to get a job out of state? Getting your resume past the screener in human resources is practically impossible.
As recruiters saw Texas as our current address, they would automatically say no. They didn’t want to pay for relocation. They didn’t want to take a chance on someone who might not even like the area and weren’t going to give the qualifications of the candidate a second glance.
Yet one manager did and called my husband for a phone interview… and offered him the job.
We shipped 20 boxes, packed up our two cars and drove 1600 miles in 2 days.
What we set as a lofty goal to move halfway across the country in 8 weeks, God made happen in 6.
2011-2013
Moving to California was one of the best things that could have ever happened to my family. We found friends, grew close to family and most important of all, we all came to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
But about five years into our life on the West coast, something started to tug inside. There was a desire to move – to where, we didn’t know. But we knew deep down that California wasn’t going to be our forever home.
We started looking at jobs outside of California. There was an opportunity in Mississippi, another one two hours down the coast and countless interviews. My husband began to fit job descriptions perfectly, as he went back to school and later took on positions in management. A few of them came with salaries more than we had never even dreamed of making.
We prayed for an opportunity that would be good for the family, but none of them felt right. So we said no to all of them.
In November 2013, my step-mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She started treatment 2 months later and we decided to stay in California through her treatment, one way or the other. We stopped looking for jobs and put relocating on the back burner.
Early 2015
In January of 2015, we were given the opportunity for my husband to work from home. It came with a pay cut, but we lived well within our means and had already paid off our debt a few years before. The amount of flexibility the new job offered and the increase in time together as a family felt like an answer to a prayer we hadn’t yet asked for. We took the leap and said yes.
At the end of March, my step-mom became very, very ill. She spent one week in the hospital before coming home on a Thursday. Monday morning, she was admitted again. My dad and I stayed at the hospital until she passed the day after Easter while my husband was at home with the kids.
Early Summer 2015
As we all began to find our new normal, home prices started to skyrocket, jumping up by $25,000 every few weeks.
Our rent went up. Then 2 months later, it went up again.
We looked for more affordable options in the area and in our search, saw a vacant unit in our complex listed for more than what the latest increase was. This meant a third rental increase was inevitable, and our rent will have gone up $600 per month in the past 2 years. Despite this, we were still in the cheapest three bedroom in town.
The rapid increase in rent made living within our means incredibly difficult. The other option was to take on a $500,000 mortgage for 30 years. We felt stuck.
Mr. Crumbs and I were in DISASTROUS debt when we first got married, and we worked our tails off to pay it off. We refuse to be in that position again, so we started looking outside California again.
Fall 2015
We tossed out states like Oregon, Washington, North Carolina and Maryland… applying for more jobs than we could count, knowing that we’d have to overcome the “you live in another state” issue again. We prayed for opportunity, for patience and for guidance.
At the end of one particular job interview, my husband was asked if he was interested in Georgia. We honestly hadn’t considered Georgia before, but given the job hunt odds were against us, we were willing to give any opportunity a fair shot.
Two days after the interview they offered him the job.
We had been in this spot before – considering a good job opportunity that comes with sacrifice.
We would be leaving friends who have helped us to raise our kids and taught us what true friendship was. Friends who shared the Gospel with us and showed us what it meant to walk in faith. Family that has housed us, clothed us and fed us on a weekly basis for my daughter’s entire life.
But there was something different about this one. There was anxiety and fear, but there was peace too.
In all my praying, I’ve asked God to close doors that aren’t meant to be open, and make it incredibly clear the path He wants us to take. And that’s exactly what He did.
Mr. Crumbs starts his new job in Georgia the week after Thanksgiving. The kids and I will join him 2 weeks later. Our emotions are like a bag of jumbled up marbles, but there’s something deep down inside of both of us that tells us this is the right thing to do.
Difficult, yes. But right.
My favorite view of God is hindsight, seeing how His hand has been working to prepare us for the road that lies ahead.
There are so many instances and events that if they had not happened, we wouldn’t have been able to do something else.
I have always tried to be as transparent with you as I possibly can – to be personal and let you into my home beyond the kitchen table – but sometimes pretty pictures and Google-friendly search terms get in the way.
One of my goals for next year is to be intentional with my hospitality. To open my door for you more often so you can see beyond frugal food and easy DIY’s. So you can see the good, the bad and the difficult. And I figure there’s no harm in getting a head start on that goal.
For the rest of this year, I’m sharing a more personal post on Fridays. I’ll be open about what’s going in our lives as we pack up (literally) and move from California to Georgia. Between packing, shipping, selling, driving, eating and everything else in between, I have no doubt there will be plenty to talk about!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook if you want the play-by-plays of the Crumbs family moving across the country!!
The Crumbs family began a new chapter in November 2015, and I’m sharing the story as it unfolds every Friday here on the blog.
Here are the rest of the posts in this chapter:
- A New Chapter in Crumbs
- The Art of Selling Everything You Own
- Viewing Your Life in Terms of Boxes
- How to Live Minimally for Two Weeks
PS – Many of you knew we were making big decisions and you’ve emailed to express your thoughts and prayers – can I just say thank you?! I am seriously BLOWN AWAY by your outpouring of love and kindness. You have absolutely NO idea how much it means to us – thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! Despite not being able to reply to them all, I read every single one of them, cherish the kind words and encouragement you are sharing, and I am sincerely thankful for every single one of you!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. By making a purchase through those links, I will earn commission that helps to keep the lights on in the Crumbs house – with no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Crumbs in this way. Read my full disclosure statement here.
Lisa W.
Congratulations! I live in Cartersville, GA . You’ll get used to it!
Tiffany
Thank you Lisa!
Toni
When my husband and I met we lived in Las Vegas, Nevada. We married there and had two of our three kids there. We swore that before our kids started school we’d leave the state. Took nine years but we got out of there and moved to Louisiana before my oldest started kindergarten. Two years later we moved to Georgia, to Alpharetta, then Cumming two years later. We’ve been in the state for 7 years now and both agree it was the best decision we ever made. Hubs has even turned down interviews and job offers because he doesn’t want to leave. Best of luck here!
Tiffany
Oh wow – I hope we feel the same way about Georgia as you guys… so far, so good!
Lori
We moved from Southern California to Tennessee 11 years ago, stayed in Tennessee for 3 years and have now been in Georgia for 7 years.
We live in Alpharetta/Milton. If you are coming to this area feel free to get in touch with me. We’d love to have you for dinner and help you feel at home.
SC Susie
Welcome to the South, baby!! We will be just up the road in South Carolina and wish you every blessing on your relocation.
Dena Norton
Excited for your family, Tiffany! I always think of Exodus 33:15 when making major life decisions (“And Moses said, If you yourself are not going with us, do not send us on from here.”). I’m thankful the Lord has clearly shown you how he’s leading you in this move, and pray you guys experience His presence and provision at every step of the transition! Hugs, friend!
Mary
Patty – I’m in Buford, GA too! Small world! I attend the Buford church of Christ.
Mariana
Hey Tiffany! I know how hard it could be leaving beloved friends and family, and all behind and just stepping forward to the unknown (although when you were praying for God’s guidance, you go with much more confidence that He is guiding you through the right pace). But also, remember that it is a great opportunity to meet more amazing people that will become friends! I always see these opportunities as chances to start fresh, and it’s so invigorating!
Best of wishes for your family and keep us posted!
(Oh and btw Georgia is one of my favorite places in the US… I’m a huuuge fan of Gone with the Wind and travelled to Atlanta solo for a few days just to know the place and absorb the gone with the wind “air”).
Patty
Tiffany, I have been praying for you the last few weeks as you shared you were trying to make decisions. We have made several moves during the last 35 years:). God always went before us and prepared the perfect place for us. We moved to Buford, GA 17 years ago. This is now home. You will love GA and will find new friends who are from all over the world. GA is a melting pot of people from many places. There are many evangelical churches here. I enjoy your blog and look forward to hearing all about your new adventures. Praying that God will richly bless you as you make your move:)
Mary
Wow, congrats on the move! My family and I have moved three times in the past couple of years, once internationally, with 2 littles. We are in the job search process right now and have no clue where we will end up! BUT…. get this… right now we are in Georgia too! I’ve been a huge fan of your blog for a while now. We are in north GA. What part of GA are you going to? Who knows, maybe we’ll be in the same area!
God bless you all in your transitions, we would appreciate prayers as well!
xoxo simplynatureplusnurture.com
Mary
Wow, congrats on the move! My family and I have moved three times in the past couple of years, once internationally, with 2 littles. We are in the job search process right now and have no clue where we will end up! BUT…. get this… right now we are in Georgia too! I’ve been a huge fan of your blog for a while now. We are in north GA. What part of GA are you going to? Who knows, maybe we’ll be in the same area!
God bless you all in your transitions, we would appreciate prayers as well!
xoxo
Marthea
I had to check a map to see how far it was from Calafornia to Georgia.
A loooong way , from the West coast to the east coast
Good luck with your move, May it be all you are hoping for.
I hope you get a garden, it will soothe the spirit, feed the body and will help you settle and meet & make new friends too.
cyber hugs xxx from the other side of the world.
Nicole
I am looking forward to your upcoming Friday posts to see how your adventures continue. I would love if you would share with us how your friends in California introduced your family to Jesus.
Kristen
I know just what you are going through right now, the same thing happened to my husband and I just a couple of months ago! We weren’t even looking to relocate, and he got asked to apply for a position in the Sacramento area. It meant a big move away from my family in Colorado, and a great group of friends, but we knew it was the right choice. It was a huge whirlwind, and so many things happened and came together quickly. I hope that your family’s move comes together equally miraculously as ours did, and that the journey brings more joy than it does pain!
Tiffany
Thank you so much Kristen! This was encouraging to hear – a difficult yet right choice. We’re seeing God move in amazing ways, and while not everything is set in stone, I know He will make sure it happens!
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom
Thank you for sharing Tiffany. I lived in the Atlanta area for 9 years–where abouts will you be moving? God just moved us to North Carolina–not our plan but HIS. I am sharing that story Monday. Prayers for your move!
Tiffany
You’re welcome Kristen! We’re in the Marietta/Kennesaw area. How funny that we’re moving in as you’re moving out – but when God says move, we must obey!
Bev
Welcome to GA! I’m a native, having lived in the middle, north, and now northeast of the state. We just moved away from the Atlanta suburbs to a farm in the country. Chickens! And a ginormous garden! Looking forward to sharing 2016 with you!
meredith
Congrats! Welcome to the East Coast. Im moving at the same time but in NJ 🙂 prayers for a safe and smooth move
Tiffany
Thank you Meredith, and I wish you the safest and smoothest move in your area!
Sarah
Wow what a change! I look forward to hearing about your journey. Good luck with the packing and moving. We kept our Vitamix in the van with a converter deal that allowed us to blend smoothies all along the trip. Saved tons of money on snacks and minimized our need to stop for food across the bleak southern states from California across to Oklahoma.
Tiffany
Hooking up your blender to the car is a nifty idea! We ended up packing ours, but I second the note on the bleak states… although, I must admit that some of God’s natural beauty was amazing to see!
Sangeetha
Safe travels, Tiffany! Our rent went up over 300 dollars, too :-(.
Tiffany
Thank you Sangeetha! Sorry to hear about your rent. 🙁 Does this mean a move for you?
Alana
Thanks for opening up about your family’s situation. Thank-you for trusting us enough to share. And we’re looking forward to hearing bit by bit about your new adventure as it unfolds.
Tiffany
Thank you Alana for having ears to listen! 🙂
Darlene
Welcome to GA. I live in Blue Ridge, in the north GA mountains. Just an hour from Ringgold, Dalton, etc. and an hour and a half from Atlanta.
Good place to raise kids. Still a lot of people teaching their children to respect their parents, themselves and their neighbors.
Good place to homeschool. Not a lot of interference from the state. A lot of homeschoolers and groups to affiliate with. I homeschooled for 15 years. And I’m starting back with the grands that my son has full custody of as soon as we have some developmental delays that were induced by neglect.
Most people here are caring, friendly and helpful.
You will miss your friends, but with FB and the internet, you can stay in better contact with them than at any other time in history. Skype them if you want!
Tiffany
Thank you Darlene! I’m noticing both the kids and homeschool aspect – this is a very “active” community! Keeping in touch with friends is not my strong suit, but thank goodness for text messaging!! LOL!
mrs.p
What wonderful opportunity for you and your family. We were looking to move ot of our state but God had different plans. We are here for at least 4 yrs. My youngest is freshman in school and i don’t want to have to pull her out of high school to other high school. That my plan but you never know Gods.
Tiffany
You’re right – we never know Gods. But his is always amazing, and perfect!