Things I've Learned

If you haven't heard through the grapevine yet, in one week our family is moving to Denver, Colorado. John got a great job opportunity and we knew it was the right thing for him to take the job. Since Christmas, my life has been a whirlwind of tears, packing, cleaning, throwing out, tears, scavenging for boxes, saying some goodbyes, and more tears. Late last night I was staring at the ceiling (making a list of things I still have to do!) when I started thinking about everything I've learned since the day we decided to move:
1. We have way too much stuff. I've taken three carloads of "stuff" to DI and I've got another one ready to go. I just keep thinking, why haven't I done this sooner?! It feels so good to come home with an empty trunk. I thought I'd be more attached to our things, but I've become pretty heartless when it comes to what makes it into a box for the moving truck. 
2. Cleaning is way easier. Now that 75% of our things is sitting in boxes in the garage, cleaning my house has been a breeze. I had a hard time keeping up with a big house- something always needed to be cleaned/dusted/vacuumed. I'm actually excited for a downsize because that means less for me to clean. Plus, our family doesn't need the size we have now! The only downside: our rent in the new house is a lot more than our mortgage was here. It's a little disheartening to go back to renting for a while.
3. Kids need their dad (and I need him too). Since John had to leave right away to start his new job, the bulk of the move has landed on me. I like to procrastinate as much as possible....but I think that would have been a bad idea with so much to do. Anyway, I've felt really guilty about the kids because I am so busy with packing, etc. And trust me, Marian lets me know that she can sense the change in the air. She may not understand that we're moving, but she knows John is gone and it's like a switch went off. No matter what I say, her response is "noooooo!!!" and also includes foot stomping and crying and earsplitting screams. I love that girl so much, and the nicest thing I can say is thank you Marian, for teaching me patience!
4. You can never have too many boxes. I can't believe how fast we go through them! My mom and I  went to Macey's just about every day while she was here and got a cartload each time. It's getting harder and harder to park in the garage while they're getting stacked up.
5. I love our family. (This is where the tears part comes in). We are so, so, blessed by our family. I'm so grateful for the help and advice and support we've been given. We owe an extra big thank you to Jeff and Suz who flew John back for the weekend. You wouldn't believe how much we can get done when we work together over a quick weekend! Another big thank you goes to my mom, who got on a plane when I told her I needed her and stayed with me for TEN days. If she hadn't come I think my kids would have died of malnutrition, boredom, or any other accident that could have happened while I wasn't paying attention. She saved me!
6. I've had stuff of other people's for a LONG time. I'm so sorry if you let us borrow a movie or book and are just getting it back now, maybe 2 or 3 years later. 
7. I love my house. I had no idea how much I would grow to love my house. I brought all of my babies home here. We've knocked down walls, built new ones, replaced floors, redone our kitchen, added a fireplace, painted and repainted...I try to remember that the memories stay with me, but when I look around my emptying house it breaks my heart! We have had so many good times here.
8. Prayers are answered. When I knew for sure that we were moving, I cried all the time. I cried going to the grocery store, at night in bed, at church, dropping Chris off at preschool. I got on my knees and prayed and pleaded that I would feel good and excited about this move. I already knew it was the right thing to do, but it was still too hard. My prayers were answered so fast! I'm still sad that we're leaving, but I'm happy. I'm excited about a new adventure. I can't wait to explore new places and meet new people. (This doesn't even sound like the normal me at all!) I'm so grateful for the blessing of answered prayers. 
Here's to another week of packing, craziness, tears, and finally having our family back together!