Family 2015

Family 2015

Saturday, July 27, 2013

The Countdown

8...that is the number of nights I have left to sleep in this house.  The number of nights I have left to be a Michigan resident.

You might expect that I would be a hurricane of emotions right about now, but no.  Actually, I feel like nothing is changing and that all of this talk about moving is just that.  Of course, I know that's not true.  I know that I have boxes everywhere, my kids are sleeping on mattresses on the floor because we already packed their bed frames and that 1/3 of my belongings are already waiting for me at a house in Virginia that I have yet to see...but, that info just hasn't registered in my emotion center yet.

I'm sure that is partially because it is my brain's way of buffering me against the approaching shock and it is partially because that's just how I am wired.  I am what you might call "even keel."  I think first and feel later. I think for most of my life that has lead people to believe that I am not really an emotional being, so I want to take a moment to clear up that misconception.

Though I may not show it in a way that you are used to seeing, I do feel things very deeply.  I'm not prone to jump up and down with excitement or wear sack cloth and ashes when I'm sad, but I go through all the same stages of feelings.  I know that in a couple of weeks, when I am at the new house and Kennedy is off at band camp with people we just met and I'm sitting alone for a minute with a cup of coffee; then it will hit me.  The magnitude of moving will overwhelm me.  I know it's coming, but I learned years ago that I can't change the timing.  I am who I am.

So, for those of you who are going to be able to come next Saturday to our farewell party, please don't be offended if I seem aloof.  I love all of you so much.  I will miss you terribly.  It's just that my feelings won't know it until a few weeks from now.  And then I will get on here and tell you all about it. Thank God for the internet...

Monday, July 1, 2013

Now For the Real Story

I am finally ready to talk about what's really been on my mind because, quite frankly, now everybody knows.    :)

We're moving.  Not across the street like last time, or 4 miles down the road like the time before that.  We are moving to another state - Virginia, that is...

We had never planned to, and did not ever think that we would leave Flint.  We have loved this city and loved the wonderful people we have been privileged to know here.  This city is where I married my best friend and gave birth to my 5 children.  This city is where I went from being a young, idealistic newlywed to being an older (but not old!) ;), more realistic wife and mother.  I have laughed and cried here.  Dreamed and been disappointed here.  Been amazed and frustrated here.  In short, I have lived.  I will always hold this city fondly in my heart and it is forever emblazoned on the pages of my history as "the place my adulthood started."

Now it is on to a new chapter, actually it feels more like a new book altogether.  The story of how we decided to move is long and probably better expressed over a cup of coffee than on the pages of a blog.  However, know this, we are peaceful (usually) and excited (almost always) and ready for this next part of life.  I know that the God who has brought us this far, will continue to carry us and I have great hope that the best part of life lies ahead for us.

If you're the praying kind, please remember Nic and I and the kids (especially the kids) in your prayers.  This is a huge step for them and though they are handling it like rockstars, I can see the fear of the unknown lurking behind their eyes at times and it breaks my Mom-heart.  I wish I could take away all of the difficulty for them, and yet I know from personal experience that is the tough times that make us stronger.  So, I just hug them and tell them "it will all be fine."  What I mean is, "it won't always feel fine, but I love you and together, we will make it."

As for those of you who live in Flint and around Flint, to all of you wonderful people who have helped to shape my life over the last 17 years.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I love you all and I will miss you.  So much.  If you are ever headed to a Virginia - you have a place to stay.

August 5th is the day we will be heading out.  It would be impossible for us to see all of you before then, but on the 3rd and 4th, we will be having an "open house" of sorts.  We will have some food and coffee and we would love it if you could stop by and bring us a picture of your family that we could take with us.  I will be posting more details soon.

I love you.  Thank you for being a part of my life!