I just made a calendar to hang on the fridge, listing all the upcoming important events, all the lasts, all the firsts. I think we (especially the kids) need something visible to help understand & process all this change and to see when it is coming at us. I'm doing good this week. All the packing & organizing is keeping me busy & occupied enough that I'm not thinking about "the day". But as the red "X's" begin appearing, I may be telling a different story!
packing progress
Packing, packing, sorting, vacuuming, and packing some more. I've been taking photos & posting them on instagram to track my progress. Even though the living room and hallways appear to be a disaster, this helps reassure me that progress is being made in other areas of the house.
laundry room . . . check
bookshelves . . . check
playroom . . . big check!
big upstairs closet . . . 80% done, just need to carefully wrap & box up the china.
getting rid of stuff
All this packing + sorting has also produced a massive pile that is bound for Goodwill. Oh my heavens, I can't believe the size of the pile right now. And I have yet to touch the bedrooms! The first of many loads is heading out tomorrow. But for now my living room serves as a collection center and a storehouse for moving supplies.
I am thankful for this opportunity to sort through everything and get rid of a lot of stuff that really isn't necessary. It's nice to know that when we eventually unpack in our new home I will only find things that I use and/or love.
Source: dearinspirationblog.blogspot.com via Shannon on Pinterest
a mildly embarrassing / funny story
Last week I was able to sell several larger items on Craigslist, including our sectional couch. On pick-up day I had Conner vacuum under the cushions so it would be all clean and ready for the new owners.
So they arrived to pick up the couch, we pulled it apart into thirds, and made a plan to get it down the long hallway to the front door. As we tilted the first section back we hear this "jingle, jangle, swoosh, clink, clank." We all look at each other and laugh. He set it upright, then tilted it back again, "jingle, jangle, swoosh, clink, clank." Holy cow, there is a whole lot of something in that couch. I am befuddled because we just cleaned out the couch cushions! Somehow all this . . stuff . . has made it's way into the innards of the couch.
As we titled the section all the way back to the floor we inspected the bottom of the couch, and sure enough, through the transparent mesh-type lining there is a whole lot of kid-something in the couch. We carefully loostened a section of lining and began pulling stuff out. In handfuls.
All of this came out of our couch.
I'm just in shock as I see parts and pieces of toys that we got rid of years ago, pretzels (to be expected), hair items, lots of dominioes, and a Nintendo DS game that Conner lost last week.
With all the by-standers watching and participating in this revealing look into our lives, I have to say I was mildly embarrassed. I made sure to place blame where blame was due: "Oh my goodness, I can't believe my kids!" "Look all this junk from my kids!" "I'm going to have a talk with my children!"
Sharing this reminds me of a similar discovery that occurred the last time we moved. This is what we found when we pulled the bunkbeds away from the wall:
I remember it just made me laugh. Even the dusty bunnies. Which I am also going to blame on the children.
the moving binder
This is my moving/packing/labeling system:
Scott would say, "Nerd alert" in his best Austin Powers voice.
My friends might say, "We should just call you Bree."
I say, "I'm awesome."
This system is going to be especially helpful because 90% of our stuff is going into storage for a few months, and if we ever need something we'll know exactly where to find it.
entertaining Anna
Or rather, not. The poor girl has been assigned quite a bit of "quiet tv time" after school this week as I try to take care of business. Although, there was one day I took her to lunch at McDonald's and we stayed to play for 2 hours.
Today she was whiny, "I'm so bored, there is no one to play with me."
So I came up with another pacifier today. I downloaded a few educational apps on my ipad, plopped her on the love sac, and I got back to work in the playroom. We were in the same room and she was very happy with this arrangement (we don't let the kids play on our ipads very often ever, so this was a treat).
making plans
We signed a contract with movers. We have signed with a property management company and there is a "For Rent" sign in our front yard. Scott is currently living in our 3-bedroom apartment. He reserved a storage unit that is practically next door to our apartment complex. And we have purchased one-way plane tickets for Anna and I. (The boys will drive the van chock full of stuff.) This is really happening, people!
Saying or thinking words like "countdown" and "one-way" are the things that make me hold my chest as it beats a little faster. Or a little pit of sick stirs in my stomach. And other times I'm totally at peace. Or excited about embarking on an adventure of living with less. And always, happy that we'll be together again everday (M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su).
My mom told me that I will feel a whole range of emotions and holy cow she is right. So much going on in my head and heart (up and down, left and right) in such a short period of time, sometimes moment to moment. Maybe that's why my acne is going nuts. Or maybe it's from all the chocolate breaks.
a miracle
After 6+ years not a single piece of Perfection is missing. Shock and amazement.
