We are now entering into those final weeks, when we are having to recognize "the last".... events.
Tonight- it was the last choir concert for our god-daughter. I held it together, (ie... the blubbering "auntie" didn't embarrass her) but was deeply saddened by the realization that we won't be able to see her grow and enjoy high school choir for the next four years.
Last week, it was my last night of Bunco with dear friends and family. I will miss the monthly "girls nights" and the deep friendships that have formed.
We are preparing for our last Sunday at our church! WOW! That's going to be tough! Not sure the tears will be able to be held in on Sunday.
And, we recognize that we've seen some of our friends and family already for the last time. That's been emotional and difficult!
What I do know.... I haven't shed my last tears. That may be many months away!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
We've settled on a home... or at least a townhouse!
It's done. We are committed. We have finally made a decision on a place to settle ourselves when we arrive in the Chicago suburbs.
Our townhouse is a three-story, 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom unit with a 2 car garage. It also has a finished partial basement - the front half of the basement is a finished "family" room, the back half is the garage. There is a laundry room and a small balcony. The kitchen has lots of cabinet space and closet space seems to be aplenty.
We are encouraged by the space and layout of the home - and are anxious to make it our own. We had such a difficult time selecting a home- balancing and choosing between location and physical space. We eventually chose physical space over the ideal location because of the time I would be spending there with our son. Now- when I say we chose space over location, our neighborhood and our immediate area is still ideal, and wonderful, (according to our Realtor) in a great school district. It just puts us on the outskirts of where we were concentrating our search. We are just outside of Naperville, in Aurora- but we are closer to the community life of Naperville, allowing us to establish ourselves within Naperville, find a church, and get to know the area. And, we were able to do this for just under our originally desired maximum monthly rent! God is good!
Now -with that decision done, we are moving onto continued packing, and financial planning. Knowing what space we have to live in will help me in the packing, sorting, and preparing. We know the number of kitchen cabinets, the size of the linen closet, and potential places for a three year old's many toys! We can determine what absolutely needs to be sold, and what we might be able to store...
Our rent begins November 1st... giving us the month to get out there. Giving us one month to get out of here - to rent our home, and to figure out the rest of what it will take to move forward in faith!
God is faithful! God proves Himself over and over! We are learning to trust and to rely on Him with this move!
Our townhouse is a three-story, 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom unit with a 2 car garage. It also has a finished partial basement - the front half of the basement is a finished "family" room, the back half is the garage. There is a laundry room and a small balcony. The kitchen has lots of cabinet space and closet space seems to be aplenty.We are encouraged by the space and layout of the home - and are anxious to make it our own. We had such a difficult time selecting a home- balancing and choosing between location and physical space. We eventually chose physical space over the ideal location because of the time I would be spending there with our son. Now- when I say we chose space over location, our neighborhood and our immediate area is still ideal, and wonderful, (according to our Realtor) in a great school district. It just puts us on the outskirts of where we were concentrating our search. We are just outside of Naperville, in Aurora- but we are closer to the community life of Naperville, allowing us to establish ourselves within Naperville, find a church, and get to know the area. And, we were able to do this for just under our originally desired maximum monthly rent! God is good!
Now -with that decision done, we are moving onto continued packing, and financial planning. Knowing what space we have to live in will help me in the packing, sorting, and preparing. We know the number of kitchen cabinets, the size of the linen closet, and potential places for a three year old's many toys! We can determine what absolutely needs to be sold, and what we might be able to store...
Our rent begins November 1st... giving us the month to get out there. Giving us one month to get out of here - to rent our home, and to figure out the rest of what it will take to move forward in faith!
God is faithful! God proves Himself over and over! We are learning to trust and to rely on Him with this move!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Discouragement is settling in....
Its been an exhausting week- and we are feeling discouraged. Very discouraged! We've been blessed with making some wonderful connections in Chicago. We were hopeful to begin with - and eager to see where the Lord was taking us. But we are not finding the house for the price that will meet our needs, or one that has the space that we feel will fill our requirements. In making pros/ cons lists- it is really difficult to decide which side of the list things should fall on when looking at prospective homes.
For each home, we must consider:
Our Realtor is patient- but we can hear it in her voice that she has exhausted the options. We are praying for God to make available the perfect home, but are discouraged in wondering if the perfect home is available already and we are stubborn to recognize the blessings right in front of us. We've looked north to south and all in between and are so concerned in making the right choice for the town, community, neighborhood, and even church.
And the costs keep mounting (and the funds dwindling). Many of you may not know, but because of how the economy has changed, Michael is not provided with any form of relocation compensation. Jobs are so scarce, and potential employees are so plentiful, companies do not need to offer relocation packages in order to recruit quality employees. We knew this, and are trusting the Lord for these funds. Yet, all week we are getting surprised by mounting expenses that are out of the norm. Ah- more discouragement!
And then- we've just learned (one of those mounting costs) that our dear 13 year old cat, and fourth member of our family, has a hyper-thyroid that is seriously out of control. We've noted her increasing inability to keep her food down, and it has resulted to her getting sick when nothing was on her stomach. She has drastically lost weight- (she barely weighs 7 pounds when she should be closer to 13 - and those 6 lbs are huge in cat weight). She eats but with a hyper-thyroid, she can't put on or keep the weight. As we prepare to move, and boxes fill our home, and our schedules change, this adds stress to her. She thrives on consistency- and will have none for quite awhile. We've NEVER considered not taking her (some will understand, others won't) and truly want what's best for her throughout this process- but, yes- more discouragement.
We continue to scour the internet looking at where we are to live- which Chicago suburb is the right one to establish ourselves in. We know the house we are moving to is temporary- but we want the community to not be. We stress and fret over our finances - this wasn't in our annual budget! And our concern of the health of Goofy as we prepare to move is almost enough to break me. ALMOST
But- there are Biblical truths that we must cling to... verses that rattle through my head throughout the day.
Philippians 4:13 - I(We) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
James 1:2-4 - Consider it all joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Romans 8:28 - We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
So - we move forward. We keep looking. We diligently (and desperately) pack. And we prepare to make this ever difficult Step of Faith!
For each home, we must consider:
Michael's train ride time vs space inside the home
price of the rental vs the need for storage
outdoor play space for a 3 year old vs indoor play space during those colder wintery days
distance to the nearest train station vs living in the "right" area of town
price of the rental vs the need for storage
outdoor play space for a 3 year old vs indoor play space during those colder wintery days
distance to the nearest train station vs living in the "right" area of town
Our Realtor is patient- but we can hear it in her voice that she has exhausted the options. We are praying for God to make available the perfect home, but are discouraged in wondering if the perfect home is available already and we are stubborn to recognize the blessings right in front of us. We've looked north to south and all in between and are so concerned in making the right choice for the town, community, neighborhood, and even church.
And the costs keep mounting (and the funds dwindling). Many of you may not know, but because of how the economy has changed, Michael is not provided with any form of relocation compensation. Jobs are so scarce, and potential employees are so plentiful, companies do not need to offer relocation packages in order to recruit quality employees. We knew this, and are trusting the Lord for these funds. Yet, all week we are getting surprised by mounting expenses that are out of the norm. Ah- more discouragement!
And then- we've just learned (one of those mounting costs) that our dear 13 year old cat, and fourth member of our family, has a hyper-thyroid that is seriously out of control. We've noted her increasing inability to keep her food down, and it has resulted to her getting sick when nothing was on her stomach. She has drastically lost weight- (she barely weighs 7 pounds when she should be closer to 13 - and those 6 lbs are huge in cat weight). She eats but with a hyper-thyroid, she can't put on or keep the weight. As we prepare to move, and boxes fill our home, and our schedules change, this adds stress to her. She thrives on consistency- and will have none for quite awhile. We've NEVER considered not taking her (some will understand, others won't) and truly want what's best for her throughout this process- but, yes- more discouragement.
We continue to scour the internet looking at where we are to live- which Chicago suburb is the right one to establish ourselves in. We know the house we are moving to is temporary- but we want the community to not be. We stress and fret over our finances - this wasn't in our annual budget! And our concern of the health of Goofy as we prepare to move is almost enough to break me. ALMOST
But- there are Biblical truths that we must cling to... verses that rattle through my head throughout the day.
Philippians 4:13 - I(We) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
James 1:2-4 - Consider it all joy, my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Romans 8:28 - We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
So - we move forward. We keep looking. We diligently (and desperately) pack. And we prepare to make this ever difficult Step of Faith!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Starting to make some connections!
As most of you know, we literally have no friends or family in the state of Illinois - let alone within the vicinity Chicago! But, God, in His faithfulness, is slowly changing that. We are starting to make meaningful connections.
We have a Realtor! WooHoo! She is now on the hunt for the perfect home for our little family and our huge amount of belongings. We've sent links of townhouses we found in the area that we think will meet our needs, and she is taking those to launch her search. She sounded hopeful and encouraged that she'd find what we need. She even said she'd greet us and our truck the day we arrive! AH- an instant friend. Wonder if she'll bring some manual helpers.... :)
AND- we were wrong! We have extended, distant family within about 45 minutes from where we are looking. Michael's dad was contacted by a distant cousin that would be visiting the LA area and wanted to get together with our side of the family, if for nothing else, at least dinner. Turns out that their son lives in a Chicago suburb - near where we are looking to live. And, he's a pastor! Our "new" cousin called today to greet and welcome us on our journey to Chicago, and to offer his home town advantage.
With these fast forming friendships- maybe I won't have to cook that turkey I am dreading at Thanksgiving!
We have a Realtor! WooHoo! She is now on the hunt for the perfect home for our little family and our huge amount of belongings. We've sent links of townhouses we found in the area that we think will meet our needs, and she is taking those to launch her search. She sounded hopeful and encouraged that she'd find what we need. She even said she'd greet us and our truck the day we arrive! AH- an instant friend. Wonder if she'll bring some manual helpers.... :)
AND- we were wrong! We have extended, distant family within about 45 minutes from where we are looking. Michael's dad was contacted by a distant cousin that would be visiting the LA area and wanted to get together with our side of the family, if for nothing else, at least dinner. Turns out that their son lives in a Chicago suburb - near where we are looking to live. And, he's a pastor! Our "new" cousin called today to greet and welcome us on our journey to Chicago, and to offer his home town advantage.
With these fast forming friendships- maybe I won't have to cook that turkey I am dreading at Thanksgiving!
Monday, September 19, 2011
We've said our first goodbye.....
“To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”
This last weekend, we were blessed with the gift of staying in the newly refurbished Disneyland Hotel as we prepared to spend our last day at Disneyland, before moving onto Chicago. The overall trip was more emotional than I anticipated, from elation, and excitement, to uncontrolled tears. Personally, I wasn't prepared for the impact this day would have on me, nor the finality and absoluteness of what lies ahead.
Our affinity towards Disney isn't even explainable. It isn't an obsession and it's far more intense than a hobby. It really has been our home away from home. Michael and I have found Disneyland to be a place of relaxation, escape, and just pure fun.
We know Disneyland will be on our agenda for nearly every visit back to California. We know this wasn't our last time EVER. But, it was our first goodbye, and it was emotional. I can't imagine how difficult it will be when we say goodbye to our friends and family.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Progress - what's that?
I am a perfectionist with the tendencies to procrastinate
OR
I procrastinate because I am a perfectionist
I may never really know ~ but I can tell you that my mind has found itself pondering this concept as I face the daunting task of overcoming both traits to tackle this move.
I have moved plenty in my lifetime. I have packed and unpacked, labeled, moved, wrapped, and sorted my belongings close to 15 times. Minimal by many standards- but enough that I should know what's ahead of me and what is involved. And yet I feel paralyzed.
Our most recent move was over 11 years ago. We had nearly five full months to prepare for that move, as we purchased our home prior to ground breaking on it's site. And, let me tell you, I was prepared and organized! In fact, I had a great system to manage our boxes and the overall move. Many mocked my system, made fun of the over-notated, extremely detailed, methodical way I had every box inventoried, labeled, and controlled. I knew I was the butt of many jokes that week- but man was it worth it. My husband still will tell you how easy unpacking was- how smooth the transition. AND- the day of the move, we had more friends and family to help than we could ever repay, we had the old house emptied and into the right location in the new house, furniture placed, beds built and lunch done in less than 4 hours. We were pleased and were able to have the afternoon to recover. We also had the privilege of moving from a smaller home to a larger home, within the same city.
None of these luxuries are available to me during this move... I don't have months to prepare, I am not moving to a larger home, and I won't be able to be as detailed, organized, and methodical during this move. We have no idea what our home will be, whether we will need to have a storage unit, if there will be room enough for an office or how big the kitchen will be. And, once we get there, it will only be Michael and I to unload, place and settle our home. I know that I MUST make baby steps forward, but have more questions than answers, so don't know where to begin. And, above all, I have a 3 year old that deserves my time, the best of my time- not what's leftover after I've spent most of the day packing!!
And for this perfectionist...it's the perfect reason to fall back into my procrastinating ways. Or at least to ponder whether I am a perfectionist that hides behind procrastination or am just plagued by two separate traits that seems to paralyze me in my tracks.
As you see, this is a huge step of faith as I must begin the sorting, packing, and purging, unsure of where we are going or what we will do with the things we take. By faith, I have to believe that God will provide the perfect size home for our needs... but, in the meantime- I would covet your prayers as I seem to be able to argue myself out of making any forward progress!
I have moved plenty in my lifetime. I have packed and unpacked, labeled, moved, wrapped, and sorted my belongings close to 15 times. Minimal by many standards- but enough that I should know what's ahead of me and what is involved. And yet I feel paralyzed.
Our most recent move was over 11 years ago. We had nearly five full months to prepare for that move, as we purchased our home prior to ground breaking on it's site. And, let me tell you, I was prepared and organized! In fact, I had a great system to manage our boxes and the overall move. Many mocked my system, made fun of the over-notated, extremely detailed, methodical way I had every box inventoried, labeled, and controlled. I knew I was the butt of many jokes that week- but man was it worth it. My husband still will tell you how easy unpacking was- how smooth the transition. AND- the day of the move, we had more friends and family to help than we could ever repay, we had the old house emptied and into the right location in the new house, furniture placed, beds built and lunch done in less than 4 hours. We were pleased and were able to have the afternoon to recover. We also had the privilege of moving from a smaller home to a larger home, within the same city.
None of these luxuries are available to me during this move... I don't have months to prepare, I am not moving to a larger home, and I won't be able to be as detailed, organized, and methodical during this move. We have no idea what our home will be, whether we will need to have a storage unit, if there will be room enough for an office or how big the kitchen will be. And, once we get there, it will only be Michael and I to unload, place and settle our home. I know that I MUST make baby steps forward, but have more questions than answers, so don't know where to begin. And, above all, I have a 3 year old that deserves my time, the best of my time- not what's leftover after I've spent most of the day packing!!
And for this perfectionist...it's the perfect reason to fall back into my procrastinating ways. Or at least to ponder whether I am a perfectionist that hides behind procrastination or am just plagued by two separate traits that seems to paralyze me in my tracks.
As you see, this is a huge step of faith as I must begin the sorting, packing, and purging, unsure of where we are going or what we will do with the things we take. By faith, I have to believe that God will provide the perfect size home for our needs... but, in the meantime- I would covet your prayers as I seem to be able to argue myself out of making any forward progress!
Monday, September 12, 2011
The irony is laughable!
So- I haven't yet mentioned... my dear hubby *JUST* had an umbilical hernia repaired 4 days ago. AND he is not allowed to lift more than 10 pounds for 4 weeks... yes, that is correct! We are moving and needing to pack our entire house in the next 4 weeks- those same 4 weeks he can't lift anything heavier than our cat.
Oh.. and me? I have a torn rotator-cuff in my dominate left shoulder- and am not to be doing any heavy lifting.
Ironic, isn't it?
Oh.. and me? I have a torn rotator-cuff in my dominate left shoulder- and am not to be doing any heavy lifting.
Ironic, isn't it?
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