A big dream is coming true!

I can’t believe I’m even typing this blog post right now, but I have been SO anxious to share some super exciting news with you! Like bursting at the seams with excitement and couldn’t hold it in one more minute!

A big dream is coming true for my family! WE ARE BUILDING A HOUSE!!! I repeat, WE ARE BUILDING A HOUSE!! EEEK!

A big dream is coming true

To say this is a dream come true is truly not an exaggeration. Anthony and I are coming up on 20 years of marriage this Summer, and it’s something we have talked about off and on since before having kids! We always thought it would be “so cool” to build!

We have been in our current house 12 years and it has been a FANTASTIC and perfect home for our family in so many ways. However, that dream and that nudge never went away even after all of those years!

I know some of you know about this dream, and some of you are totally surprised! So, let me tell you a little bit about what led us here and what’s going to be happening! This was my family the first time we went out to the lot that we started to pray would be ours one day!

A big dream is coming true

For the past 9 months or so, we started really looking in our area at neighborhoods, lots, etc. and during that time we fell in love with a neighborhood and a builder less than 10 minutes from where we live now. The problem was, by the time we decided to try and go for it…there weren’t any available lots at that moment.

We were told it may be late Summer or early fall before they released more, so we pushed our dream to the side for a minute and put it on pause. Until…just recently when the PERFECT LOT FOR US got released!

A big dream is coming true

There were SO many God moments and details that led us to that day, that it’s honestly too much to type. But just know, that his timing and his plan felt totally right and perfect!

We walked through and looked at all of the floorplans a million times over and there was one that we just couldn’t shake! We were able to walk through one that was being built (and was almost complete) in that floorplan and every time we would go there, it just felt like “the one” for us. A true dream come true!

So, this past week, we got the lot and officially went under contract to build our dream home with Drees Homes here in TN! We are so thankful for how awesome they have been to work with so far and SUPER thankful for our awesome realtor, Kristan Westmeier with Reality One Group!

A big dream is coming true
Anthony and I on our way to our contract appointment!

SURREAL!! SOMEONE PINCH ME!! Can you tell I am over the moon excited?!

A big dream is coming true

You know I will be documenting this ENTIRE process from the ground up and I can’t wait to take you on this journey with us! So many more details will be coming, but for now I wanted to get the news out there to you!

Here’s a few pictures of the lot and my family on the day we went under contract!

More details on the house itself coming soon. But for now…here’s the top 10 things I am MOST excited about (in no particular order)

  1. The lot and layout! The lot is a great size and backs up to a tree line, so we are thrilled about that! And the layout of the home is perfect for my families needs and so many Wilshire needs as well. WIN, WIN!
  2. A big kitchen island! If you know my cereal dreams, then you know how happy this makes me!
  3. Storage! So much more storage than our current house from closets to walk in storage space!
  4. HEARTH ROOM! This may be a southern thing (I’m not sure), but a hearth room is like a little sitting room off your kitchen. I have always loved them, so to be able to build a house with one is a true dream!
  5. Wilshire space! This home will have lots of space for all things Wilshire and will make everything from working to storage to decorating much easier and more fun!
  6. Master bedroom down! Ours is upstairs now, and we aren’t getting any younger lol
  7. The outdoor space! We will have another covered porch, which is one of my favorite places in our current home!
  8. The creative use of spaces! There are a few features in this home that I am PUMPED about. They have thought of everything and I can’t wait to share more with you on some creative kitchen and laundry room spaces!
  9. A working master bathtub! (If you know the story, then you KNOW the story lol)
  10. The fact that we are making a dream come true! In all honesty, I am just pinching myself a bit that something we have talked about for YEARS is actually happening. We have both worked so hard and sometimes those big dreams do come true and they end up being even bigger than you imagined. I’m so thankful and just so so excited!

So, what do you say? Are you here for this journey?! I’m talking from start to finish, taking you along for this entire ride from the ground up! I truly CAN NOT WAIT to share this exciting time in my families life with you and I want to thank you in advance for your love and support!

Until next time…

Stacey

169 Comments

  1. Patti Fowler

    Congratulations!!!!????

    • Stacey Collins

      Thanks!!

      • Lisa Koss

        Congratulations and Yes!

      • Jo Ann Smart

        I love this story bday the wry best part is you know where it come from. It truly is a God thing. I love seeing answered prayers. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!

        • Stacey Collins

          YES! thank you!

      • Lilly Quattochi

        Stacey I am beyond happy for you all. I would love to watch the journey from start to finish. You deserve it and God had given you the means to go ahead. Congratulations so proud of you and your husband and boys. It will be absolutely gorgeous with your decoration tips. Thank God for his favor. Amen

      • Kathy D

        Stacey and family a huge congratulations to you on your new chapter in life of building your dream home! Looking forward to you sharing this journey, especially with God guiding you. ❤️????

      • Joann Jungels

        Congratulations to you and Mark! That is very exciting news, and the lot is beautiful with the tree line. I can’t wait to see a floor plan, and what you are going to do with all of that storage you talked about! Happy journey, can’t wait to see it happen for you two!

      • Leslie Fazio

        Omg! I am so excited for you and your family. I can’t wait to watch this journey because I know you’re gonna document every second. And living here in San Diego that is my dream to build my own home so to be able to watch you do it is the next best thing Stacey!!! Congratulations, I know you worked so hard for this, and it’s so well deserved♥️??

        • Stacey Collins

          aww, thanks! and yes you know I will be documenting all the things!

      • Lisa

        Congratulations! It is so exciting to get a new house. We just got into our new home and it was so exciting.

      • Brenda

        Congratulations I’m excited for you and your family. I remember when we built our home. It’s a wonderful time in your life. Enjoy each moment.

      • Linda Dennis

        So happy for you and your family! Very exciting! Can’t wait to see what you share! ?

      • Shannon Ashworth

        CONGRATS, SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!!

      • Rhonda Light

        Congratulations and yes..

    • Karen Webb

      Congratulations! So excited to watch your progress. My son and family built a new home 2 years ago and they sent me pics every 2-3 days of thr progress.

    • mary

      Congratulations can’t wait to see the progress.

    • Bev Willingham

      It is wonderful for a couple to let God guide to your dream. Congratulations!!

    • Melinda

      Congrats, will your design space for Willahire move here?

    • Kathy Lumpkin

      I’m excited to see what God had planned for you. It will be fun. I’m here for the ride.

    • Patty Shuffler

      I’m so EXCITED for you and your family !! Can’t wait to see the house and all the details along the way !!

    • Sharon Maynor

      Congrats!!! Looking forward to watching all the steps as you build your dream home!! God is good—all the time!!❤️?❤️

  2. Eric Stierman

    CONGRATULATIONS!! So HAPPY for you all. Will love to watch the journey!! Good luck!!

    • Stacey Collins

      Yahoo! Thank you!!

      • Jeanne

        Congrats to your family. We built our home with Drees Homes here in Nashville also. They were great to work with. Lots of luck!

        • Stacey Collins

          Oh so good to hear! We are super excited to be working with Drees!

  3. Bev

    Congratulations! So excited for you guys! Are you going to keep your rented space after your house is built?

    • Stacey Collins

      Thanks! I’ll share more about that soon with everyone!

    • Angie Britt

      Soooo excited for you and your family! Can’t wait to see “it all” from start to finish!

  4. Janet Smith

    Congratulations for You and Your Family. It’s Gods Way and Gods Plan. Such Exciting News and So Very Happy For You.

    • Stacey Collins

      Absolutely! Thanks!

  5. Kathy

    Congrats! We broke ground two years ago, moved in one year ago and will be finishing up the outdoor spaces and landscaping this coming week. Such exciting times ahead for you. Enjoy the process!

    • Stacey Collins

      So fun! And yes, I truly can’t wait for the whole process!

      • Jennifer

        Congrats to you and your family! So deserving for you!!! So excited and I’m on the train to follow you along the journey!

      • Marlene Hardin

        CONGRATULATIONS!!

      • Debi

        Wow! So excited for you!

  6. Kathy

    I’m super excited for you and your family!! It looks like a beautiful, peaceful place to build your dream home! Congratulations! I’m truly happy for you and your family! God is truly good! Blessings!

  7. Jenny

    So happy for you . It was amazing when we built our first house

  8. Trish

    Congratulations! So exciting for you & family! Can’t wait to go on the journey with you!

  9. Lea

    Congratulations ?? ❤️
    How exciting for you and your family!

  10. Pam

    Congratulations! Can’t wait to follow your journey.

  11. Karen

    This is exciting and so happy for you. Can’t wait to see it come alive. Congratulations!!

  12. Kirstie Miles

    So HAPPY for you & your family!! Congratulations!!!

  13. Lela

    Congratulations , so exciting and can hardly wait to see progress.

  14. Angela

    Congratulations! Wishing you all the best. God bless!

  15. Pam

    How exciting Stacey and family!! Cannot wait to go on this journey with you and watch your dreams come true!! I just know it will be amazing!! It is so fun watching all the details and work take shape. I just watched Amber Strong on her journey and it was amazing!! Can’t wait to see the finished outcome and how it all comes together all decorated!! Best of luck to all of you ❤

  16. Janice Heyman

    Again…CONGRATULATIONS Collins Fam❣️❣️ I couldn’t be happier for y’all & I’m here for the journey. Stacey, you & Anthony work soo hard & are soo kind in everything you do, you deserve all the greatness & good things life has to offer. Embrace every moment. God Bless you every step of the way.
    Janice

    • Stacey Collins

      Appreciate all of that soooo much!

  17. Valerie Zeise

    Very happy for your family! For sure looking forward to going on your journey.

  18. Carol Brandel

    One thing to consider: a closet where you can put a platform on wheels that you can put your Xmas tree on and just roll it in and out of the closet. Inside the closet on either side of tree storage for prebought holiday gifts, wrapping paper, etc. Boom! Open and close that door..done!!

    • Stacey Collins

      good ideas!!

  19. Elaine

    So happy and proud of you both. I will follow your journey.
    Last year. We done the same thing except we downsized. We picked our lot that also backed up to trees!! We also added a porch but ours is screened in. (No bugs or spiders LOL!)
    We have a curved staircase that leads to the basement. That’s the image that stuck in our minds. But the porch is my haven. I absolutely love my porch.
    So enjoy the ride. Best wishes for your dream home!
    Elaine from KC chiefs country.?

  20. Sandy Penny

    I am so happy for you and your family. I know you have mention this several times and to see it happening is by far so exciting. Congratulations and of course I want to be in that ride with you in building this dream of yours!?

  21. Debbie Castelli

    Congratulations to you and your family? that’s so exciting.

  22. Amanda

    Congratulations! We made our big move 5 yrs ago onto 5 acres. There was already a house, but I didn’t like it, so we completely renovated the inside with the help of an interior designer, and we love it. Can’t wait to see your journey!

  23. Karen E Harlow

    Congratulations!!! Can’t wait to watch the whole process.

  24. Tena Mitchell

    I am so excited for your family Stacy. I am a PC girl and follow you silently. I am one of those that just sit back and watch and then craft, craft , craft with your designs. I am shy and you have brought me out of that . I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you . I have followed Amber Strong every step of the way on her house building and it makes me so happy for her and her family. I know that you are going to be just like her and take us along with you also on the whole process. We serve an awesome God and without him this would not be possible for you. Congratulations my friend!!!

    • Stacey Collins

      aww thanks for saying something here! so thankful for you and can’t wait to share all of this with everyone!

  25. Linda Finger

    Congratulations ? I’m happy for you and your family ?

  26. Heather Rinks

    Woohoo! Congratulations on the next journey in y’alls life. Can’t wait to see all the progress. I’m so happy for you.

  27. Jill

    Congratulations Stacey I am so excited for your beautiful family and for Wilshire! It will be so fun coming along with you as this dream unfolds and watching you make everything beautiful!

  28. Kim Kelley

    Congratulations! That is so exciting. Can’t wait to see you build story fold out.

  29. Patricia

    Congratulations Stacey! I am so happy for all of you. I’m looking forward to seeing the process.

  30. Janie

    Stacey I am so excited for you & your family! And I’m so thankful to know that you prayed about this decision….God is good all the time! I can’t wait to see the progress along the way!
    Janie

  31. Linda

    Congratulations on this exciting step. We built our place on the river 18 years ago. It was so much fun picking out things and watching our dream become a reality. You are hopping on board a fun ride. Enjoy!!!

  32. Susan

    So so excited for you all ♥️
    Dreams do come true, God is good!
    Make sure you write down everything you want and expect!
    We built and it was a exciting time to build and see your dream come true.
    I could picture how I was decorating down to the smallest detail! ?♥️
    Again, so happy for you!
    Happy Building♥️

    • Stacey Collins

      yesssss great advice! thanks!

  33. Melinda Dayon

    Awesome sauce! Can’t wait to watch your journey come to life!

  34. Marcia Wingert

    Congratulations Stacey and Anthony! I’m here for the journey! Can’t wait!

  35. Diane L Barrett

    CONGRATULATIONS!!
    Can’t wait to start this journey with you ~~ and possibly hear some great stories. ?

  36. Alicia Taylor

    Congratulations to you and your family. God is so good .

  37. Diane

    That’s some fabulous news. I would love to watch the process. Your blog is amazing dreams do come true. Let the building journey begin.

  38. Michelle Wilson

    So excited for you and your family. With God having His hand in this project it’s gonna be exciting to hear about. I can’t wait for paint colors and choices that you’ll do. And the hearth room what a dream!

  39. Bonnie Wardell

    Congratulations, I’m so happy for you and your family. That’s a huge dream to have come true, I will be looking forward to seeing the journey ❤️

  40. Renie

    Very excited for you all!!!… Sounds fan! Congrats!!!

  41. Michelle Jaynes-Nadeau

    What wonderful news! God is good and knew the timing for this to be yours! Congratulations! So excited to go on the journey with you!!

  42. Debbie Oglesby

    ❤️Yay! So very happy for you and your family!❤️

  43. Patricia

    Congratulations looks amazing hugs

  44. Joy Filion

    ?Congratulations!?
    We built 20 years ago when our youngest were 10 babies. It was such an exciting process. Praying all goes well for you & your family.?

  45. Cathy

    CONGRATULATIONS !!! What an exciting journey you’ve embarked on!!

  46. Wanda Tyndall

    Congratulations!!! How exciting! I’d love to see how things are going, please bring us along! The floor plans? Yes, please! How long before you break ground and building is complete? Any estimates? I ask because when we had a new roof put on last summer, the guys used nail guns instead of hammer and nails as my family of roofers used as I was growing up! Showing my age! ? ❤️ ?

    • Stacey Collins

      I’ll be sharing more soon and it will probably take 10-12 months total!

  47. Rita Gregory

    God Bless You and your family on the new journey.Hope to be apart and watch the ground up progress!The lot looks amazing!

  48. Karen Stokes

    Congratulations! The most fun I ever had was building my own house! I’m single so the only constraints was money! I had a huge kitchen and my walk in closet was big enough I could put a twin bed in it and still have room. Enjoy every minute of it!

  49. Laura Arnold

    Congratulations, we built our home 25 years ago, what a ride! Have fun and what I learned is, do it the way you want it now, don’t put off until later!

  50. Connie

    So HAPPY FOR YOU!!! Tennessee’s my home too.About an hour south of you.I’ll BE WATCHING……:)

  51. Patty Smith

    Congratulations. So happy for you. When I retired a couple years back I started crafting and watching crafters. Since then several of you have built new homes. So fun to watch the progress of the home.

  52. Marie Spradlin

    Congratulations, so happy for you!!

  53. Jennifer

    Congratulations on the new home! Someone should point out that you used the plural for family ( families) instead of family’s. I say this because this dream belongs to only your family and not many families.

  54. Shirley Cooper

    Congratulations on your dream coming true. I will watch and enjoy the progress right along with everyone else. So very happy for you and your family. I will be watching a few of my favorites create new homes this year. Blessing to you!!

  55. Jan Hill

    CONGRATULATIONS!! Can’t wait for this experience. We are all excited to be visual partners with your wonderful family! If anyone deserves this new home, it’s you & your family. Wooo wooo!!!

  56. Kathryn Stewart

    Congratulations on this exciting adventure. When we wait for God’s timing on our desires they seem to work out perfectly. We got to build our house 25 years ago and I still love it. One suggestion that I did which everyone loves. I had my dishwasher built 24” from the floor. Now I don’t have to bend when using it. Best of luck!!!

  57. Lillie Keeton

    Congratulations on your new dream home. I worked with a builder here in Palm Coast, Fl and there were a lot of problems along the way. Prayers for a smooth build and Dream Home Results. Happy to watch your journey and excited for your family.

  58. Susan Doss

    Congratulations! Want to see from bottom up as you build your dream home!!!

  59. Kim Sudduth

    Congratulations!!! What a exciting journey for your family. Look forward to seeing it as you share the process.

  60. Rae Ann Wagner

    Congrats! Excited for all of you and to follow the progress!

  61. Charlene

    That’s GREAT NEWS

  62. Kathy

    Sounds great! Happy for you!

  63. Cathy

    I am beyond happy for you and your family!! This is so exciting for everyone. I can’t wait to go on this journey with you all, Its going to be great from start to finish… Thanks for the invite Stacy. Dreams really do come true! ❤

  64. Tammy Turner Lucas

    Excited to follow your journey! I know it will be gorgeous! What about the new house you just set up for Wilshire?

  65. Gwen

    Congratulations!! I will enjoy the journey with you and your family!! ?

  66. Maria

    Congratulations!!! ?? blessings to the journey and new home . Thanks for sharing with us . Can’t wait to see the entire home when it’s finished.

  67. Virginia

    So happy for you and your family!! Enjoy the journey ! Look forward to a lot of pictures!!

  68. Sandy

    Congratulations! I’m so excited for you! I’ll be following along for sure!

  69. Vicki Nicolaisen

    Congratulations to all of you!! How exciting!! Are you putting in an underground pool? You wouldn’t have to pretend to be at the beach…lol. So happy for you and your family.

    • Stacey Collins

      hopefully one day but not during the build!

  70. Becky

    Excited for you all, we are signing on our contract this week to begin our journey of building our house to. Wish you all well.

    • Stacey Collins

      super fun! good luck!

  71. Joanne

    So happy for you! Hope you have a basement! It solves a lot of issues! This is so wonderful!!!

    • Stacey Collins

      no, not a lot of basements around here!

  72. Cathy

    Concrats! That is so exciting and I am thrilled for you

  73. Cathy

    Concrats! That is so exciting and I am thrilled for you!

  74. Helga

    Congratulations Stacy, so happy for you and your family. It’s an exciting time gor all of you!!!???

  75. Linda

    Congratulations, happy for you guys!!

  76. Andrea Jenkins

    Congrats!! We built are dream home and it was such a fun time!! I loved it!!
    Can’t wait to see all the stages of the process!! It is awesome seeing it progress and watching the dream come alive!!❤️ Enjoy!!

    • Stacey Collins

      yes I truly can’t wait! thanks!

  77. Susie

    Sounds like a great journey!!
    Susie Gregory

  78. Donnamarie

    Congratulations. Can wait to see the progress

  79. Karen

    Congratulations on being able to build a new with your family. God’s timing is perfect every time.

  80. Cyndi

    Congratulations! Hard work pays off. So deserving, Gods will be done.?

  81. Luann Eckel

    Congratulations……this is so exciting
    I look forward to watching your progress and maybe getting ideas for my home!!!

  82. Marlene Hardin

    Congratulations!!❤️

  83. Vickie Adams

    Congratulations!! So so happy for you and your family! I will be so happy to watch your dream come true!!❤️??

  84. Elaine Cherry

    So excited for you and looking forward to seeing your dream come true.

  85. Linda

    I hope you have fun! I loved building our houses. We had an architect on this one so we got exactly what we wanted. Since never walked through this plan I was prettified to walk through it for the first time. Very happy for your family!

  86. Melanie

    I’m so excited for you and your family. I can’t wait to follow you on this journey!

  87. Sandy Smith

    So happy for your family. A true blessing from God.
    Thank you for your testimony about seeking Gods will.
    Praying it touches others hearts.
    Looking forward to the journey of house build
    ❤️

    • Stacey Collins

      aww i hope so too! thanks!

  88. Susan Bates

    Congratulations. God is good. Can wait to follow this journey.

  89. Tami Waterworth

    So excited for your family Stacey can’t wait to see all the things happening! Congratulations girl! We all love you and are so happy for you!

    • Stacey Collins

      thanks a ton!

  90. Tina Kamakeeaina

    So very excited for you…… lots and lots of prayers headed your way. Can’t wait to see the journey!!!!

  91. Clarice Henkle

    How exciting for your family, can’t wait to follow along

  92. Alisha Schultze

    Congratulations on your dream being a reality for your family!!?❤️

  93. Laurie

    ?Congratulations, Stacey!! Such an exciting time for you and your family! I can’t wait to follow this journey with you! ❤️

  94. Chris Deaton

    Congratulations Stacey!! I am so happy for you and your family! You certainly do deserve this. Yes, I am ready to go on your journey with you and your family. I’m so excited for you guys. Love to you all ❤️

    • Stacey Collins

      YAY! thanks!

  95. Carole

    This is awesome news so happy for you and your family. The journey is amazing my daughter and her husband are building here as well and are looking at mine in for the beginning of July and what a fun ride it has been to share their experience with them. So looking forward to following your journey with this. Congratulations to all of you and I hope it is everything you all have always wanted it to be.

    • Carole

      Sorry for the typos hope you can understand where I went with this 🙂

    • Stacey Collins

      Appreciate that more than you know! So fun!

  96. Jodi

    So exciting, can hardly wait to go through this journey with you

  97. Karen R.

    So excited for you and your family! I know that if you and your family prayed about it like you said, it’s all good! Congratulations. God speed ahead. It will be great!

    • Stacey Collins

      yes thanks!

  98. Karen

    Congratulations. Do it now while you are still young. We purchased 2 lots with plans to build during our 42 years of marriage and both times, we changed our minds for different reasons. Hope it’s a great experience for your family !

  99. maureen morrell

    WOW!! NEVER give up on your dream!!! Reading your posts gave me goosebumps just gerring wrapped up in all your excitement!!!! God is sooooo GOOD!! Beyond estatic for you and your family!

    • Stacey Collins

      You are toooo kind! THank you!

  100. Mary

    Congratulations to each of you! That’s such a beautiful blessing, and I rejoice with you!! Try not to stress over this. Enjoy every stage!!

  101. Verda Winchel

    So happy for you and your family. May God bless you as you start all the way to the finishing end.

  102. Lynda

    Congratulations. I know you will make your new home fantastic!

  103. Gayle

    This is truly exciting news Stacey and I can’t wait to be there with you for the whole process. Sounds like a great experience for all of you. So happy for you all!

    • Stacey Collins

      appreciate that so much!!

  104. Sharon Maynor

    Isn’t it amazing that when we wait on God, He’ll have the perfect plan in His time!! I’m so looking forward to watching y’alls journey!! ❤️❤️❤️

    • Stacey Collins

      yes for sure!! thanks!

  105. Toni Murray

    Congratulations! I’m so happy to hear this from you. Never give up on your dreams! I hope you have many many beautiful years in your home ?
    Again, Congratulations ????

    • Stacey Collins

      Truly appreciate that!!

  106. JAS

    Congratulations ?

  107. Nichole

    Congrats cant wait to follow your dream come true. 🙂

  108. Teresa Hamm

    Congratulations I am so excited for you I would love to go on this journey with you!!!!!!

  109. Stephanie Jordan

    So excited for you!! You truly deserve big dreams coming true!

    • Stacey Collins

      aww thanks!!

  110. Margaret

    Doin’ the SNOOPY DANCE and a HUGE smile here for all of you…Congrats and yes, this old gal will love building a new home with you …HA…it’s going to be amazing !!! So happy for all of you !!

    • Stacey Collins

      YAY! thanks!

  111. Lynn Dallas

    Stacey,
    No family deserves it more than yours ♥️ So very glad God answered your prayer ! He is so good !
    Can’t wait to see all things along the way !

    Lynn

    • Stacey Collins

      That is SO kind! Thank you!!

  112. Patti

    Oh my good gracious Lord❤️
    I hot goose bumps for y’all reading your great news! I’m so, so happy for your family ❤️ Looking forward to following on this wonderful journey with y’all!

  113. Donna Galetto

    Congratulations to you and your family. What an exciting time this will be for you. So looking forward to see your dream come true.

  114. Cheryl

    How wonderful for you and your family!! Congratulations! ?

  115. Loranette

    I’m so happy for you and your family. Sounds like a win win in all things that matter. Blessings ❤️

  116. Krystelle Byttynen

    Amazing news for your family! So very happy for you!