Life goes on

Hard to believe I have already been in Florida for two weeks! Since my last post I did more unpacking, straightening and re-arranging with Mom. I think it was Wednesday we took just about everything out of the garage, re-arranged and put it back it. It was like a big, messy jigsaw puzzle. Or remember that game Tetris? Like that, too.

Wednesday afternoon we also made it over to Cocoa Beach. It was a little cool, but the kids did not mind at all. They were just in awe of the sand, didn't matter that they didn't have their swim suits on. A little bucket and shovel, along with a few other toys, made for perfect beach play. They got their feet wet with the waves, as they approached the shoreline. Little Major was trying to run toward the waves once, I think he tripped and fell right on his face. He was so upset, and wet. It really didn't take long for him to calm down, but he sure was a mess to try to clean up and change before we headed back home.

a beautiful scene at Cocoa Beach last Wednesday

Their excitement and pure joy was beautiful, too.

Thursday we dropped Mom off at the airport pretty early. The kids and I drove around a little while, found the mall and a few other things. I was able to go to MOPS at the church we visited Sunday. They called the night before to let me know space had opened for both of my kids, so this made it a nice morning. Afterward, a new friend (Kelly - wife of one of Jeremy's new co-workers) came over and we went to lunch (yes, with the kids). Kelly stayed and played until around 5:00. We had a busy day and I was so glad to see bedtime.

Friday morning we prepared for Daddy to come home for the weekend. The kids were so, so excited to see him. I took the kids back to church to see the Strength Team perform. As the four members were introduced, Major noticed the big kids in the aisle holding out their hands. So, he joined them. Only #2 hit his hand and he was pretty upset the other two didn't notice him. Poor little man! They broke blocks with their arms, lit fire in the church, it was really neat. It was 9:00 pm before we left. After rushing home to change the kids into their pj's we headed to the airport. On the way, Ella Grace cleared space in the middle of the backseat for Daddy to sit beside to her. So sweet! She had also said she wanted Daddy to hold her. Then Major said he wanted to be first. After arguing back and forth a couple of times, Major finally piped up with "I think Daddy can hold two kids at one time!" They think so much of their Daddy and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Saturday we got busy with our to-do list. Two ceiling fans were installed (with a trip back to Lowe's in between due to the wrong parts in one of the boxes!), plywood nailed down in the attic with our baby things and holiday decorations stored, and the dryer vent got a little attention. Then, it was playtime. After searching for a while, and with only a little help from Suzie (the GPS), we did find the local zoo and are now officially members! Our kids have always loved the zoo - ever since their first trip back in early spring 2008. The local zoo also has a splash pad. Likely we will get our money's worth before summer is over!

Just looking over the rail with her Daddy holding her tight, Ella Grace was scared of the alligator she saw (below).

While it was my turn for Daddy to hold me up, I snapped this picture of the gator below.

As we said our good-bye's to Daddy yesterday morning, I know the three of us left in the car each shed a few tears. Ella Grace argued with me about going to church after we dropped him off. It was hard for her to understand church would be over by the time we got there, so we couldn't make it. She thought since we made it after we dropped Nana off at the airport on Thursday (it was 8:00 am) that we could make it Sunday morning, too. I am so glad she has a sweet heart and loves going to church, but she is very persistent!

Just off the overflow parking lot at this church is a city playground - a HUGE playground. To help us move on with our day, we made a visit there before returning home. With sweaty faces and the smell of outside in our hair, we finally made it home for naps around 1:00. More cleaning and cooking this evening and we are ready for a fun day today.

Doesn't this ROCK? And it has artificial turf underneath!

Have you ever seen one of these? I have now been to two local parks with one of these. And right next to this is a "log rolling" thing! Cool! I may find myself on it if I ever find the park vacant!

She did such a good job on this!

We had our first company today. The kids and I were all excited to see Mrs. Sandi and Mr. Brown. One night while Nana was still here, Ella Grace said the bedtime prayer and then Major wanted to say one. He prayed specifically, and only, for Mr. Brown who had been sick. It was so sweet! Mrs. Sandi and I got to catch up, Mr. Brown played with the kids - or maybe the kids played with Mr. Brown.

This afternoon was great. While I was doing some work, I received a call on my cell phone from a number I didn't recognize. It turned out to be someone I met at MOPS inviting me and the kids to the park. Honestly, I was so excited. Work didn't matter anymore at that point. It felt good to be called, for someone to ask me personally to do something as opposed to a group event. Ella Grace, Major and I met Amy, Jonah and Jared at the park. It was no pressure. It was comfortable. It was fun.

Can you see the owl in this picture?

As the boxes are taken away by the recycling truck, our things are stored in our new closets and rearranged furniture, and the kids and I begin to make new friends; we start getting involved in a church and other things in the area, I keep thinking of the words in the theme song to The Mary Tyler Moore Show:

You're gonna make it after all!!

time for a break

It has been a whirlwind of a week. This past Friday we were at my parents' house. Mom and I took the kids to see my grandmothers - Mee Maw and Granny. We had wonderful little visits with each of them. The plan was to be back in to Mom's around 2:45 - 3:00 so we could go pack the U-Haul from the storage building. Plans changed a little and we had just arrived at Gran's around 1:30 when Jeremy's parents, some friends and relatives made it over to get started. Unfortunately, we were about 30-45 minutes away and couldn't get there. We were SO thankful for everything that was done for us, though.

with Mee Maw. She will turn 90 March 13 so we wanted to celebrate with her before we left

with Mee Maw

with Granny

Saturday morning was an early start. I was picked up around 6:40 am and rode to Tuscaloosa with Charlene and Brenda (Charlene's friend), while Dennis and Charles/Charlie (Brenda's husband) were just ahead of us in the U-Haul. We arrived around 8:15, and the U-Haul had made it there close to 8:00 am.

With the help of some WoNdErFuL friends, the rental house was emptied by 11:15 am. It was unbelievable. After stopping for gas, the journey began. Mom had taken the kids to the park that morning, then stopped at a Chick-fil-a in the Leeds/Pell City area to let the kids play more and burn off some energy. I think we left there around 2:00 pm. After about three more stops, including getting some gas, we arrived at our new home about 12:30 am EST. Exhausted. Who can believe the kids only slept for about 2 hours total? It was crazy. They woke up when we got off the interstate and were ready for a tour of the house. I quickly got another air mattress blown up, made up and we covered up. I think the other two vehicles arrived about 2:30 am or so; I unlocked the door and down I went again.

blowing up an air mattress about 1:00 am with two mischievous kids who recently caught their second wind.

Sunday and Monday were spent unloading. Unloading the U-Haul, unpacking boxes, moving furniture in, one trip to Lowe's (for an attic access ladder, garbage can, flood lights, light bulbs and air filters).

I've learned Steak 'n Shake has free kids meals on the weekends, and Happy Hour from 2-4 each day.

Yesterday included a failed attempt to get a driver's license. That really was not cool. Who knew you needed your marriage license to get a driver's license. My marriage doesn't effect my ability to drive. Really. Once the latter is located or a replacement is received I will have to try again. (I had everything else one could possibly think of - current DL, auto insurance card, tax information, birth certificate, SS card, utility hook-up information - still no luck on getting a Florida license.)

Today was better. Mom and I unpacked a few more boxes, she worked on cleaning out the extra bedroom and I worked on cleaning up/out our bathroom. Both had just been a good holding spot for boxes and such. Now, though, I have a bathroom floor. Hoo-ray!

Major had an allergy appointment here this evening - 5:30. It was really cool to be able to make an evening appointment. I had found the doctor and made the appointment about 3-4 months ago. He goes back in 2-3 weeks to actually meet with the doctor. This evening we just met with the CRNP.

Well, bed time calls...

almost there...

It has been a very busy and exhausting week so far, and it isn't over yet. Friday (2/18) was our last day of work and school for the kids. I'll have a post about that later. When I picked Ella Grace and Major up from school we headed to Birmingham. We met my mom at Gran's and ate. Then, they went home with Nana and I picked Jeremy up from the airport in a big van and we headed back to Tuscaloosa.

Saturday morning (2/19) Jeremy and I packed. We had lunch with some of our favorite people from church, Ms. Sandi and Mr. Brown. Jeremy & I made it to Mom & Dad's Saturday afternoon. We stayed grilled, stayed the night, and went to church Sunday morning and then to Grandmother and Granddaddy's afterward. After riding the four-wheeler, playing outside, and jumping on the trampoline there was a fish fry Sunday evening and it was de-lish!

We stayed with Jeremy's parents Sunday night and by 6:30 am Monday (2/21) morning Jeremy's mother (Charlene) and I were on our way to Florida. After a day in the car, we finally made it to the hotel. My luck, though, we discovered water dripping consistently from the air conditioning unit in the ceiling and were quickly moved to another room.

It was definitely a quick night's rest. We were up and out by 7:00 am on Tuesday (2/22) and headed to the house for our final walk-through. Shortly after we arrived the super came and we got started around 7:40 (we weren't scheduled to begin until 8:00). Minor things were pointed out to be addressed (adding fluorescent lights that were left out, paint touch ups, a few places in the drywall). We parted the house for the closing.

Pretty easily we found the location of the closing. Since we had not eaten breakfast we began looking. After about 15 minutes and passing about 15 McDonald's, we finally stopped at a Dunkin' Donuts. I really felt like I cheated on Krispy Kreme....just not the same!

Closing was successful - they took my money and ran! ha! Then, back to the house we went to begin unloading. We got it all done, found a Chili's for dinner and even made it to the grocery store to pick up a few things for our return trip!

Once our air mattresses were blown up we went to sleep. Then, we departed the house around 7:00 am on Wednesday (2/23) to head back to Tuscaloosa to prepare for Saturday's adventures!

And here are the latest house pictures!!

view of the front door from inside

looking back at the formal dining area

formal living area

family room

breakfast nook

kitchen pantry

kitchen

linen closet

"pool" bath (no we do not have a pool, and we do not intend to get one!)

jack-and-jill bath

Ella Grace's closet

and her room - the extra bedroom is very similar to Ella Grace's

Major's closet - missed his room!

my closet

Jeremy's closet

our bathroom

his sink

and mine

view of bedroom looking through to our sitting area

Pictures of the front to come...next week!

Ladies Night Out

Tonight some of the wonderful ladies from my class at church went to dinner at my favorite Italian place.


We had lots of fun talking and it was so hard to leave!

This is the best group of ladies!

I will miss you all!!

Wow! I'm almost speechless

I cannot believe I only have two days left at work! When Jeremy accepted the offer for his new job, and we knew there were seven (yes, 7!) months of training ahead of us, I never, never, never thought we would ever move. It is upon us now, though.

I am a crier. I will be the first to admit it. When I carried my first box of things from my office to car yesterday after work, I started crying would someone asked if that was my things! Then, last night at church, the tears began again. It really didn't help that the pastor called me out! No, it was really nice to know so many people could identify with where we are right now. From our friends the Alvarez's, the Barnes', the Brown's, the list goes on!

So, if you catch me with the waterworks flowing, don't take it personal, nothings wrong. Please don't make a big deal about it and (hopefully) it will soon pass! :)


10 days!

What I've been doing

Yesterday Major wasn't feeling well when I took him to school. I was running a little late and got to work just a little after 8:00. Making a phone call at 8:30 I heard some static in the line which is typically due to a cell phone. I checked mine and had a voicemail from 8:00 from daycare. Major had vomitted already! By the time I got him it was 9:00. I was able to get an appointment to see his doctor at 4:00. Home we went to rest. He emptied his stomach once more on the way home and twice more at the house. He continued to tell me he wasn't tired, but I finally got him in my lap and covered up and he was out in just a couple of minutes. Bless his sweet self, he slept for about 2.5 hours.

We picked up Ella Grace and went to the doctor. After a flu test and a strep test, we went home to treat strep. Never knew vomitting to come with strep. It was getting cold as we prepared for snow. We stopped by church and we able to take our meals home, and then to get his medicine.

Major has seemed a lot better today, but still tired. He also has some congestion.

And while treating my little patient, I have been packing. Honestly, I am about tired of packing. I know I've been talking about doing a box a night, and I am keeping up. But, this is what I look at just outside my bedroom door.

And it goes well beyond the sofa and is about 3-4 boxes deep.

16 days

Slackin' and Packin'

Yes, yes, I have been such a slacker this week. On the blogging that is. I have events from our weekend to share, but rather than blogging and spending too much time on the computer (as I could do so easily) I have been packing.
I dread packing. What I dread worse is spending hours on end packing. I feel like I'm making some pretty good progress still. I was able to get a lot done in the garage yesterday afternoon and have done a couple boxes today already. I am about to get started on more in the master bedroom. HOPEFULLY, I can get most of it done tonight. This weekend is going to be intense: laying out what will be needed for the week, and packing the kids for another week away.


17 days.

The countdown is on!

It has been a long time since June 21, 2010. The day we received big news that is impacting our little family big time!

Here we are seven and a half months later. We've sold a house, rented a house, in the process of purchasing a house. Jeremy has gone to one training site in one state, and now is at a second site in another state. We have made trips to Florida, observed our house being built through pictures. Looked for jobs, and not gotten them.

Now, the countdown is really on. What seemed like it would never come to fruition back in June is starting to snowball. I have been packing boxes for a couple of weeks now, slowly but steadily. A little here and a little there, at least one per night. I really have no living room floor now - it's just stuff packed, ready to be put in a van or U-Haul and meet its next resting place.

Tomorrow begins the first day of the last two weeks at work and the kids at school. Wow, two weeks! Really, it's like bringing home a sweet new baby, never thinking that preciousness will ever sleep through the night. And then, before you realize it in your sleep-deprived mind, it has happened.

We. are. moving. and soon.

Jeremy will be flying in on February 18. I will take Ella Grace & Major to my Mom & Dad's that evening and get him from the airport. Then, he and I will return to the rental house, hopefully finish packing all we can and load the van. Our goal is to return to our parents' on Saturday (2/19) so he can visit with the kids before we depart. Then, a group will head out on 2/21; the final walk-through on the house and closing is scheduled for 2/22. After unloading, we will likely return on 2/23 or 2/24. Jeremy's parents are planning to pick up our U-Haul on 2/25 (Jeremy's birthday!) and load the storage building, and come to our rental house the morning of 2/26. After loading what remains here we will caravan to Florida!

I'm really excited. I am excited about moving and what our life will be like there; but, I am more excited about having my family back together. Jeremy & I had a long distance relationship through college, never thought we would do it again. It certainly has been a lot different this go round!

20 days, guys, 20 days.

Big Plans for this weekend!

Whoop-whoop!

I am ready for a nice weekend at home! Tomorrow, unbeknown-est to her, I am taking Ella Grace to the doctor for her five year old check-up. Yes, the appointment is a month late because I almost forgot she needed one. She only went for a weight check last year, and I was thinking it was the same again this year. But, oh no, she has to get ready for the big K in the fall! I can't even say the word, y'all! I hope she will feel like going to church tomorrow night, but we will just wait and see.

Thursday I hope to have a good evening at home packing, and then an easy day at work on Friday. My sister is supposed to come visit! yea for company! Ella Grace and Major have already requested popcorn and a movie Friday, so I hope we can get that accomplished, too! And I HAVE to get some packing done!! I picked up a couple more boxes today and I have already gotten one stuffed and sealed.

Saturday we are going to a birthday party. Also, I hope my sister will help me take the kids around town. I would love to get some pictures of them here. Ella Grace's school sent home a couple of their graduation gowns (all different colors - red, white, and blue) so I could make her picture. I would love to do that on campus! Maybe even dress Major up, too!!

Overall, I do hope I can make a dent in the packing. I was on a roll today - I have the water and electricity ready to go and Jeremy has been working on our phones, cable and internet. Calling about K registration and propane is on my list for tomorrow. Let's get those things checked off!!

Packing is the pits

It is so hard to pack! ugh! As if moving from the house to the rental wasn't enough, and a good opportunity to clean out, packing up and getting ready to move again makes me want to throw half of my things out! I really wouldn't do it. I am too much of a sentimental pack-rat to do anything of the sort. If there is something I cannot do, I cannot let go of a memory - whether it is the worn out pajama pants that are ripped on one leg that I wore to the hospital when Ella Grace was born (no, I don't wear them anymore) or the dress that I wore to our rehearsal dinner; there are some things I do plan to keep forever.

I suppose I will persevere. I will hold on to all I can, and what doesn't fit in the box just may not make the trip. I know we will make super new memories in our new house and there will be plenty to hold on to there!

a plan in place -

So, it's getting close! As our closing date approaches, we are starting to make arrangements for packing, U-hauls and air mattresses. I am not looking forward to packing my things - deciding which precious items will be just fine to leave in a drawer, how many layers of towels or newspapers go around one thing, what do you just throw in the packed vehicles to fend for themselves on the 9-10 hour drive. Will I find everything I packed? Will everything arrive intact?

This past weekend was super busy. I had to work Saturday, Ella Grace's party was Saturday evening, then Sunday we went to church and Jeremy got one last hunting trip in. Monday before we took him to the airport, we visited with Mee Maw. Ella Grace asked if we could go get Mee Maw some doughnuts, because we did that once. Aren't we supposed to do it each time now?

This is when things started to sink in for me.

As Mee Maw talked to the kids and asked them questions, I saw her give Ella Grace the sweetest hug. I wondered how many more of these visits could I squeeze in before we move? It was just a flood of emotions. I don't know if I will ever forget standing at her door, talking to her before I left, urging her not to bother with getting up (yet knowing she always does). Even though I couldn't see her, I waved as we pulled away...anyone that knows Mee Maw knows why.

I left crying...heck, I did my share of crying on Monday. It's hard. It's hard planning to pack. It's hard being here without Jeremy. It's hard leaving somewhere that I have been for 10 1/2 years, with our family just a short trip away. It's hard moving away from our friends - friends that we've shared in births, our children in Sunday School together since they were old enough to attend church.

When I decided what my New Year's word would be I had all of this in the back of my head. It is a new kind of growth. I know it might take a while to find a church, to make new friends, to get unpacked and to get adjusted. I know. I am excited about it and the year ahead. I am excited about finding a new job.

For some of this, I have a plan in place.

There's still a lot I haven't figured out.

June 21, 2010

What a day! Not only is this my sister's birthday, but now it also holds another special memory for us! Jeremy has always wanted to work in federal law enforcement. However, his poor eyesight kept him from applying and being able to do what he has always wanted to do. So, during fall 2008 we began talking about it and I encouraged him to have Lasik . After investigating it (no punn intended), I went with Jeremy while he had the surgery on Thursday, December 18. We (okay, maybe just I) was a little nervous about this because my older sister was getting married two days later. The surgery went wonderfully, though. Jeremy was able to submit an application with a couple of federal agencies in January. Needless to say, we waited. And waited. And waited. It seemed like everytime one of the processes started moving along we would hit a brick wall and do the whole waiting thing all over again. Throughout the process we prayed so hard. We prayed that our will would change however it needed to to meet God's. We prayed that we would make the right decisions. We prayed that it would happen in God's timing, not ours, if anything did happen. We prayed for patience. We just prayed, and we prayed hard! It SO did not happen in our timing! But, you know what? We could not have picked a better time. During all of the waiting I was able to basically get my master's degree (I started the summer of 2008, just before we decided to commit to this). I remember June 21. It had been a pretty good day at work. I had my regular bi-weekly meeting with my supervisor and his other direct reports. I came out and started working again, right at the end of the day. I checked my cell phone to find Jeremy had attempted to call me several times. I called him back, but he did not answer. I had a short voicemail and email - call me ASAP. I just KNEW what was going on. I continued with my work and told one of my staff members that Jeremy was likely coming up. And he did! Goodness, I don't know if I have ever seen that boy so excited (of course, other than when our babies were born!). But professionally, never. So, with a few choices of location, we were able to make a decision and it has been confirmed to us 100 times over! Our big news...we are moving to Florida in just a few short months (or sooner)! During this process I have learned, no matter what, God will continue to teach me whatever I think I have already learned. My lesson this time was patience. When Jeremy would get a call or an email, the process would move along. I just knew I had learned the lesson He laid before me and then wham!, that brick wall I mentioned would come from no where. Patience was drilled to me over and over and over. I have learned the importance of praying without ceasing. I have learned how bittersweet it is to tell your family and friends you are moving. I have learned that when I think I am strong, I am so very weak. I have learned where my strength does come from. As we begin this new journey or chapter or book, please keep my family in your prayers. We are extremely excited and ready for this to begin!