Hello! My name is Shannon. I live in the desert with my husband Scott and 3 kids (Conner, Payton, Anna). I have been blogging since 2005 and I love to write about my family, everyday life, dating my husband, projects and parties, memory keeping, being a mom, faith, setting and working towards goals, and finding joy in the journey.
Thank you so much for dropping by!
Thomas S. Monson - I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey -- now.
since 1999 // about us
« February 2012 | Main | April 2012 »
This weekend I will spend much of my time listening to talks from inspired leaders.
I have my notebook ready.
Snacks ready.
Monkey bread is on the menu for Sunday morning breakfast.
Come join me!
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The April Date Link-up Party will be post-poned until Monday, April 2nd. Everyone is welcome to share!
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This is Jenn. She had a birthday last week.
And she is a special one.
During our last few days in Oregon when life was crazy. And emotional. And sometimes I felt like I was a chicken with it's head cut off. She was there at every turn. Checking in. Helping. Loving. Giving humor. Reassuring and providing a safe place to land.
When snow cancelled Anna's last day of school and I was left without a vehicle she lent me her shiny van for the day.
When I needed to clean our house top to bottom she took a cranky Anna off of my hands and entertained her for hours like it was no big deal.
When our garbage cans were filled 3 days before pick-up and I had 10 more giant bags of trash from cleaning out the house she happily let me fill their dumpster to overflowing.
When our house was empty and sterile, and my boys were 600 miles away, she gave Anna and I a warm & comfortable place to stay for the night.
{Josie was my little friend while I got ready in the morning, and Anna attached herself to Jenn.}
When I pulled up to her house (driving her van), tired from the day of cleaning, an inviting dinner of soup and bread and strawberries was waiting in the kitchen for me.
When I commented that my hands were dry and worn from all the cleaning chemicals, in a stroke of serendipity she had already placed a tube of lovely hand cream in a gift bag in my guest room.
When I needed to talk and feel and reminisce she served me a rootbeer float and listened.
When I woke up in the morning, the house was calm & peaceful, which struck me because I knew there were 3 children getting ready for school . . . I sat down at the table and she served me hot chocolate.
{hot chocolate & a heart}
When it was time to leave town she made sure I visited our house one last time to say good-bye.
When we drove out of St. Helens for the last time, passing the church, the stores, the places that have made up our everyday life for the last 10 years, . . . I cried, and she cried with me.
When we walked into the aiport, pulling 3 large suitcases, 2 tote bags, a pillow, and a limping Anna she had her camera on hand to document it . . . this big step in our journey.
When I worried what these changes & the distance might mean for "our group" going forward, she assured me that this was a sure, lasting friendship. We will be in each other's lives for a long time to come.
When we hugged and said good-bye see you later, heading in our separate directions, I tried to hold it together before entering the security line . . . I turned for one more wave and was comforted by the smile on her face that seemed to say, "you can do this."
Like I said. She is a special one. I literally don't know how I would've made it through those last few days without her.
I have shared my personal thanks with her. But she does a lot to lift others' hearts in her subtle Jenn-way (everyone who knows her, knows what I'm talking about) . . . . and she deserves to be noticed. She has this magic quality that makes you feel connected and at home. She has a tender & happy heart and she shares it.
I'm so glad that I get the chance to experience her magic. To feel the warmth in her home. And the joy & friendship in her laugh.
And I can't wait to get together again soon, and over the years. I think there needs to be some serious celebrating for a certain 40th birthday in just __ years. ;)
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So even though we are living in this town that is not so Vegas-y, from time to time we are most definitely going to take advantage of the Vegas-y things the area has to offer.
Our kids love fountains. Love love love love love fountains.
We knew that the fountains at the Bellagio were going to blow their minds. So we made that the quest of our first family trip to the strip. (And trust me, we will be sure to stay away from the strip at peak times -- weekends, late evenings.) We parked, made our way to the fountains, watched 2 shows, and headed straight back to the car.
Here are some photos from our little adventure
After the fountains we needed a treat. A treat off the strip. So we plugged DQ in our GPS and drove up to the place, but it was under renovation. So we continued driving and found . . . Mr. D Frozen Custard.
It was an awesome, old-time, order-through-the-window and eat-outside kind of place. Perfect!
And the custard was delicious. I'm sure we will be going back.
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It's been 2 weeks and 1 day since the big move.
I think back on those first few days, the first week really, and it just felt unreal. The area was beautiful and sunny and different, but really it just felt like we were away on vacation, hanging out in a condo. You see, we are currently living in an apartment. An apartment with contemporary bachelor pad-esque rental furniture. It's totally fine, I have no complaints, it just felt like I was staying in a condo. On vacation. Making this whole thing feel a little unreal.
That friday morning I woke in a daze. Just out of it and totally exhausted from the previous few days of moving, cleaning, good-byes, and travelling. I look at this photo and can instantly & vividly remember that feeling. But I had some cute pajamas and some cute toes to make me smile and remember that I have friends who are thinking of me.
Scott ran to the store to get us cereal and milk. We took the morning slow and eventually made it to the grocery store & parks.
Saturday morning was also a daze. Up way too early because the sun likes to make an appearance before 6am. Thankfully, the beginning of daylight savings time fixed that.
Friends checked in with me over the phone, email, and texting. Loved that. Loved knowing that they were only a call or click away.
It made me smile when I was out doing some shopping and came across this cute little place. (Jenn has a daughter named Josie). And hello? It's frozen yogurt!
I told her that now she really has a reason to come visit. :)
The rest of those first few days were full of shopping (getting things for the apartment), visiting parks, watching the movers unload our stuff into storage, enrolling the kids in school, more grocery shopping, back to school shoes for the kids, and just getting a feel for the place and being back together.
(oh, and some retail therapy for me. Loved #1, but too short. Purchased #2 -- all my
dresses were on the moving truck and I needed something for church. Love #3,
I think I'll go back to purchase it today.)
(I threw the mattress boxes on the porch and the kids had a great time drawing on them)
So here we are 2 weeks in. I really like the area. It's clean. Seems to be family oriented. The school is great. The people are friendly. Shopping is so close and accessible. But the traffic isn't crazy, which is nice. It doesn't feel Vegas-y at all. It just feels like a nice quiet town.
I'm happy to report that the kids are happy in school.
Anna finally found her groove on Monday. I picked her up and she said, "This was the best day ever!" Over and over again. She was smiling, giddy . . . "I feel so good inside!"
Payton was chosen as student of the week last friday which has meant all kinds of perks for him this week. He got to choose his classroom job (Hall Monitor - he hands out stickers to the kids who are really good in line), he made a poster about himself that has hung in the classroom all week, and he received a coupon for a free Frosty.
Conner was all smiles at pick-up on Wednesday. In the car he announced that he had found a friend! They both have blonde hair and glasses, so apparently that means they are a perfect match. Conner told him all about the book he is writing "The Dimension Surfers" and the boy really liked his ideas.
I'm almost done playing catch-up, getting the apartment organized, running errands, and finding an everyday rhythm. So far, that has been occupying my time. But I can see that very soon I'll be finished with all that. Other than finishing the scrapbook projects I brought with me, I need to figure out what I'm going to do next.
Watch Downton Abbey, perhaps?
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Design Mom hosts a monthly feature / link-up that encourages you to explore your local area. She calls it, "Love the place you live." I thought this would be a great thing to participate in, considering our move to a new area. I will probably post more than monthly as we explore this town and embrace all the things it has to offer.
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We pulled into town (by car and by plane) on a thursday evening. The next morning Scott went to work and the kids & I were on our own. We needed to go grocery shopping. On our way to the store we took a few detours to drive by our future neighborhood, the school, and happened to pass a couple parks on the way.
The kids flipped out.
In a happy way.
They couldn't believe the cool parks that were here. Payton started declaring things like, "I never want to move ever again!"
And Anna, in her sometimes-harshly-honest-way, said "Raise your hand if you think this is better than SH." and "I hate to hurt SH's feelings, but they've just been replaced!" Ouch.
Seriously, we had been in the state less than 24 hours and all loyalties had shifted.
After grocery shopping we went to one of those parks and the kids were in park heaven.
And I got to sit under this lovely flowering tree enjoying the sunshine and slight breeze.
Over the next few days we visited 3 more parks. All within 5 minutes of our place. All huge, and clean, and well-manicured, and fun, and just plain cool.
Payton is our resident park curator and put himself in charge of ranking each one. He has a clear favorite.
We visited this park after dinner on a monday night. The setting was picturesque with views of the setting sun, the mountains, and the city below.
Another park like nothing I've ever seen before
A few of the parks also have splash pads. But those don't start running until May 1st.
The kids love the cool and unique park equipment. They named this one "The Throw-Up Express". Nice, huh? But they looooove it.
{we visited this park the day of the crazy wind/rain storm. I was sure glad that everything was bolted or cemented to the ground!}
In addition to great parks we have found great places for dessert!
Golden Spoon received our patronage twice in our first week. If you know me, you know that I loooove frozen yogurt.
This says it all.
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For once the tables have turned and WE had some rain yesterday. I followed the forecast all week and wondered what their definition of "rain" would be. Sprinkles, a misting, little showers. Nope. The heavens opened around 4:30 and we got dumped on. I can see why they build canals for the rain run-off and why there is a danger for flash floods. Our parking lot was a river within an hour.
We were grocery shopping when the rain began so it was all kinds of fun to run through the parking lot & load our groceries in the van. It was even more fun to tote all those bags of groceries up a stairway and through a waterfall to our apartment (the raingutters outside the door - not so great, and no way around it.)
I'm reminded of our moving day (just 12 days ago). Other than a dusting of snow in the morning, the day was absolutely gorgeous! Sun! Blue skies!
What a gift.
And as my friend Paige pointed out, the glorious weather will help me want to come back to visit instead of thinking "I am SO glad to be leaving the cold, drizzly grey!"
I took a break from the moving action and drove downtown to pay some bills and take in the views one last time.
That night we went to dinner at Burgerville. Our last meal at Burgerville! I'll miss their milkshakes, the Tillamook cheeseburger, the Gold Yukon Waffle fries, mmmm.
I glanced over to the boys, sitting at a table by themselves, and captured this little gem. Enjoy!
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Since 2007 our kids have attended a charter school in the most adorable little red schoolhouse. It is situated out in the country among rolling hills, past large pastures with roaming cows, next to a holly tree farm, with a lovely drive that provides morning views that can take your breath away.
We have loved it. And our kids have been dearly loved there. We've been fortunate to have some great teachers who "get" our kids.
Lots of great memories, relationships, and learning has come out of this place.
On Conner's last day his teacher set aside some time for a good-bye party. He brought cookies, I think they played a little game, and Conner had an opportunity to show off his best bendy joints trick in front of the class. He went with the leg behind his head trick. ;)
Payton's teacher held a party on Payton's last Friday. She popped popcorn and they got to watch a movie. It was a surprise -- he didn't know this was going to happen until it started.
Anna's last day almost didn't happen. We woke up on that tuesday morning and got the phone call informing us of 2-hour late start due to snow. When there is a 2-hour late start AM kindergarten is cancelled. I was just heart-broken for her! A few minutes later she came into our bedroom all dressed for school asking, "can you zip me up?" Oh my, that brought up the emotions. I looked at Scott and mouthed, "I just can't - you tell her." Not too much longer I got an e-mail from her teacher wanting to re-schedule or make accomodations for Anna to stop in the next day (even just for 5 minutes) so they could say good-bye to her. Luckily, we would be in town the next day. And luckily our awesome friends the Habels let me borrow a vehicle for the day so I could get her to school. (The plan was for Scott and the boys to start driving on Wednesday - so I would be van-less, Anna and I would stay behind to clean the house, and then fly out on thursday.)
So Anna's last day party did happen. It was also a surprise for her. I was so thankful to her teachers for setting aside a chunk of classtime for her. And additionally grateful for the class mom who showed up with cookies and drinks for all the kids! Seriously, the state of my mind and the house in that last week was so far away from me being able to think about and put together treats for my kids' classes on the last day. So many awesome teachers and parents stepped up to the plate and made these important memories happen for my children and I am so so so grateful.
And if a going away party wasn't enough one awesome mom, Ellen B., put together a wonderful keepsake for each of my kids. She is the 5th grade class mom and waaay back last September when we announced we were moving, she got going on a project for Conner.
He received a binder with notes from each of his classmates. "Conner, my favorite things about you are . . ."
What a treasure! The common themes are playing four-square, writing a book, and being smart.
Ellen also went on to share the idea and materials with Payton's 3rd grade class, and Anna's Kindergarten class. She didn't want any of my kids to be left out. Talk about so sweet and thoughtful and going over & beyond.
It was so fun to watch the kids huddle around Payton as he flipped through the book. They all wanted to point out the pages that they made.
Common themes in Payton's book: funny/silly, likes the color blue, plays on the swings a lot, smart, he is crazy.
A few priceless excerpts:
After school we looked at the book and Payton shared that he had learned that over a period of time, the kids in his class took turns missing recess so they could stay inside and complete their pages for Payton. Keeping it a secret from him the whole time. Oh my heart! Imagining these sweet 3rd graders giving up a recess -- the thing they all hold precious and dear in their school day . . . . if that isn't a tear-jerker
Anna's teachers wrapped her book in a pink bag with pink tissue paper and presented it to her while she sat in front of the class. You can just imagine how her face lit up when she heard the word "present" and saw the color pink. :)
A week or two earlier the teachers had spent some time taking some photos of the class at recess and posing with Anna at her desk and included those in her book. I think she absolutely loved it.
And I won't mention the fact that I shed a few big tears as I looked through it. In the classroom. The day before we watched all our belongings get packed up into a moving truck, we spent the night on the floor in an empty house, and that morning I said good-bye to Scott and the boys as they headed out on the road. I think I'm justified in being a bit emotional!
I think my favorite entry came from her friend Jaren -- Anna, my favorite things about you are . . . "Your hair and your shoes. I love your smell and the way you're nice. I like that you are funny and happy." Hehe. They have a super cute relationship. I drove Jaren home on this day and I had so much fun listening to their little conversation.
Sweet, right?
Well, I don't want this post go on forever. But I just wanted to record this incredibly thoughtful and much appreciated keepsake that each of the kids received. Thanks to Ellen, the kids' teachers, and all the parents who helped their children write and submit these pages. They will be treasured!
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Making it through another day . . . Anna had some melt-downs at and after school and wailed through target (reminded me of when I had a 2 year old). We talked things out, met Scott for lunch, and visited the park. She has gained her composure back and I'm enjoying it because we could slide back at any time.
I love these moments when she is sweet, and girly, and cooperative.
On the drive to the boys school for pick-up she stared out the window and asked, "why is this place so pretty?". As we discussed this I realized she was pointing out the fact that the yards and parks and roadways are so well manicured. :). Yep, pretty yards makes for a pretty town.
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Anna: Other than the fire drill that scared her to bits, I think she had a pretty successful day. She was too shy to tell the class her name. But now that she knows everyone she can talk to them today. She loved music -- they sang counting songs and she got partnered up with Benjamin for an actions song (shake hands, high-five, and hug). There is a Conner and a Payton in her class. But most importantly the Payton is also a boy! (a rare find these days). This morning she found a friend as she walked into the kindergarten play yard and I heard the girl say, "Hi Anna." Being 6 is awesome -- all you have to do is say hi and you're instant friends.
Payton: He broke into tears in the morning when the teacher instructed that all their work had to be done in cursive. He's been practicing cursive on worksheets, but he hasn't had to write exclusively that way. She told him it would be okay to write however he liked (she felt bad). But she says that not too much later he was writing everything in cursive. That's Payton. He gets pretty jarred initially when there is a change to the routine or something he "thinks" he doesn't know how to do -- but then he's able to adapt and figure it out pretty quickly. He was also a little grumpy about lunch time and the fact that all the kids were squishing him on the bench. I'm not sure that he met anyone today -- it sounds like he played by himself on the play structure. He was excited to start earning his ice cream sundae by passing off multiplication facts. The teacher has some fun incentive programs that I think he is excited about. His morning line-up routine is pretty simple, so he has that part figured out.
Conner: Well, when I picked him up and asked how his day was . . . he gave me a thumbs down. But as we talked about each subject/class I was able to pull a positive out of each one. The boys in his class were really nice and they kept asking him to sit at their table. His class rotates to 6 different classrooms and he was always the one at the end of line because it took him so much time to write the homework in his assignment book. And one time his class left him behind. But he was able to catch up. He liked writing and science class the best. We had a torturous afternoon trying to sort and get through all his new homework. (Finally finished at 9pm). Hopefully today will be better. One of the most challenging things for him is knowing where he is supposed to go first thing in the morning (it changes everyday). I tried to track down his homeroom teacher this morning to get my hands on a schedule this morning, but no luck. I told the office and they are going to help us get that information. This morning we found a very nice and helpful girl from his class and she was able to help him get where he needs to be. I think once we get that figured out we can at least start the day on a good foot.
So, everyone had their own little hiccups on the first day. Which is understandable. We can just hope and try for fewer hiccups each day going forward.
Okay, 2 text heavy posts in 2 days is a little much! So here's an image from pinterest.
Source: piccsy.com via Shannon on Pinterest
Right?
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This morning I took the kids in for their first day of school. THAT was a whirlwind. All the information on schedules, classrooms, teachers, pick-up, etc . . . I'm feeling a bit lost. Going from a close-knit school of 200 housed in a charming old red schoolhouse in the country . . . . to a "city" school of 950 where Conner has 5 teachers and there are over 70 rooms.
Anna has been really nervous the last 2 days. Missing her friends. Worried that she isn't going to know the routines and will make a mistake. When it was almost time to go this morning she started feeling sick to her stomach and said she didn't want to go. I cuddled her for a bit and distracted her with the camera on my iphone. On our tour of the school, hers was the first classroom we went to. As soon as we walked in her face lit up. She met her teacher with a smile. And I was able to say good-bye feeling like she was feeling good. Later, on my way out of the school one of the ladies in the office asked if I was the one with the new girl in kindergarten. "Oh she is just so sweet!" Knowing Anna, I am sure she has warmed up to everyone just fine and is telling her silly jokes and stories already!
Leading up to today Payton has shown no sign of nerves or apprehension. He's been very easy going about it all. And the same was true today. We saw his classroom, found his desk (which already had his name on it), and then went outside to the huge play yard to find where his class lines up in the morning. He was all smiles when the staff member introduced him to the girls who were already in line. The girls smiled back. I said good-bye and looked back a few times, he was still smiling. The last couple days he has been commenting with a laugh, "I bet when I walk into the class everyone is going to turn and look at me!" As in, how cool will that be?! He is such a funny, happy boy.
I think Conner also had some nerves going into today. We've been trying to coach him on how to make a good first impression. His plan was to tell everyone about Bionic Booger Boy, and demonstrate one of his bendy joint tricks (like, his foot behind his head) to the whole class on the first day. We suggested rather, that he just try to be nice and friendly today, and share all those special parts of his personality in small doses over time. :) Don't overwhelm them in the beginning.
By far, he will have the most adjusting to do. As he has spent the most time in a school, routine, and teaching method that he is used to. And now he will be faced with subjects that weren't as prominent in his previous curriculum. He has 5 teachers: math, reading, writing, social studies, science and then they rotate through specials (music, p.e., etc.). This morning I dropped him off in Humanities class. Humanities! The sweet old lady who teaches the class shook my hand and in her gentle voice said, "In here we try to learn how we can all be more human."
There was a natural divide in the classroom with girls on one side and boys on the other. (Which I'm sure is odd to Conner because the boys and girls in his old class mixed and conversed and played together pretty easily -- they were all great friends). The only available seat was in the "girls sections". He was whisked to his seat in the middle of the classroom before I could give one last pep talk or a hug good-bye. I stood in the doorway and he looked back at me -- I could see the nerves and the "lost" look in his eyes. I didn't want to make a scene in front of his new classmates or disrupt class which was already underway. So I walked up to him, put my hand on his shoulder, and whispered, "do you have any more questions?". His answer was no. "I love you, have a great day."
Next comes the part where I walk back to my car with tears in my eyes, praying hard that they can make it through the day. That they will just breathe and listen as all this new information is coming at them - we will learn the routines in time. Hoping they will find a friendly face.
Ohhh, this is hard. Scott and I have never changed schools before so we don't have any tips from personal experience to share with them.
What we do have, is the priesthood in our home. Last night Scott gave all the kids a father's blessing. Each message of counsel and advice was perfect for each child. I'm so glad that we were able to do this. To let the kids know that we love them. And especially to let them know that their Heavenly Father is mindful of them, their worries and concerns, and He is there to strengthen them, love them, and help them through this transition. If this is all we can give them, then I think we're doing okay.
The Oreo Cakesters in their lunch might help a little too.
I know it will be a great school. I know this will be a good experience. I know the kids will get up to speed with their classes and just blossom. I know they will find friends. There is just going to be an adjustment period. And we'll ride that wave together.
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First order of business . . . we made it. We are settling. Expect a week of moving-related blog posts as I catch up on all the good-byes and hello's of the past week.
As for that cactus,
On Sunday afternoon we decided to take a drive up to see the temple. This monster cactus lives nearby and everyone was stoked to see it.
We were also excited to see the temple
We took a short walk around the perimeter of the temple.
And stopped for photos. It reminded me of when I was 9-ish and posed with my brother Sam in front of this sign while the temple was under construction.
You don't see many flowers around here, so the colors in this flower bed were especially striking.
Enjoy the rest of the photos. I'm going to crawl into bed. Goodnight!
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I was going through old blog posts when I realized that I never blogged about the actual move - the 3 day process of how we got here. And because I want those photos and memories in my future Blurb/blog book I'm recording it now and post-dating it to March. Here is our story told through instagram and facebook status updates and my iphone camera.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
This was the kids' last day of school and the day of the moving truck. We woke up to a half inch of snow on the ground.
Facebook status (6:36am): 2 hour late start means that Anna misses her last day of school. Not happy with you weather!
Instagram (9:23am): I think we're ready
Instagram (10:06am): This is happening.
I watch the boys run up the hill to school for the last time.
Instagram (11:05am): Anna is finding her happy place. MP3 player and Total Eclipse of the Heart.
The guest bedroom held everything that we didn't want the movers to touch. It was the "safe room", and the only place to get away from the commotion.
Instagram (11:19am): From a very sweet friend. I am so blessed.
I took a break from the house to pay our last bills and run some errands. While in Olde Towne I stopped to take in the views by the river (it was beautiful) and take photos (see here) of the historic and charming buildings and landmarks that I have grown to love.
Instagram (1:40pm): A love sac made for 3.
The love sac was the only remaining piece of furniture to sit on. Here we are chilling, letting Anna play some games on the ipad, in the upstairs bonus room while movers worked all around us. We were also bundled up in jackets and sweaters because every door to the house had been open all day and it was cooooold.
2:30pm -- I went up to the school for Conner's farewell party (Payton's was the previous friday). After some very nice words from his teacher, Conner said, "This is a great class to come to. Especially for a nerd that loves math."
I took the kids to McDonald's for ice cream because the movers were still in the house.
Instagram (5:16pm): It all fits. Just like Tetris.
That night we ate dinner at Burgerville -- gotta get in one more fix! While there I took this video.
The next day I was going to be without a car (the truck was already in Vegas, and Scott would be heading out on a roadtrip with our van the next day). After their offering, we went to Mark & Jenn's to pick up their van so I could have a vehicle to get around.
Then we came home to an empty house and slept on the floor.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Facebook status (5:15am) - Boys' road trip! And off they go. Pretty sure there isn't any room in there for Anna and I. (and do you love Payton's glasses? Just prepping for all the sunshine they'll be driving into.)
Scott and boys packed the van to the brim with clothes, beddings, computers, etc. and headed out on the road. They went half-way to Twin Falls, Idaho and stayed at Scott's parents that night.
Facebook status (7:14am): LOCALS: one last plea to take our stuff -- computer chair, shop vac, power washer, lawn chemicals (round up, weed killer, bug killer), empty gas can, battery charger/air compressor, food, and cleaning supplies. Please, please, please come take it off my hands! Thanks!
I took Anna to school -- I did not want her to miss out on saying good-bye to her classmates.
I spent the entire day cleaning the house from top to bottom. And welcoming people who stopped by to take our stuff.
Left: cleaning clothes. Right: going into public clothes
Mid-morning I took a break to go up to Anna's school for her going away party. And shed a few tears. Details here - scroll down. We dropped off Jaren (Anna's friend and classmate) at home and Paige and I said our good-byes (she was home with a sick child).
We ate lunch at McDonald's (a wednesday tradition) with Jenn and Nicole and their littles (Josie & Andrew).
Anna stayed with Jenn while I went back to the house to continue cleaning. Gina (who couldn't make it to lunch because of a sick child) came by later to say good-bye and stayed to help me with the cleaning. Thank you!
Bags and bags of garbage later, I finished at the house and drove up to Jenn's to stay the night.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Leaving day.
Woke up and enjoyed a quiet, easy, slow morning eating breakfast, getting ready, and talking to Jenn.
Loaded up the luggage, the girls (Anna & Josie) with Mr. Popper's Penguins in the DVD player, and drove to the house for one last check on things.
Good-bye crocus.
Instagram (11:49am): Good-bye house.
Then we drove out of St. Helens.
In Scappoose we met up with Nicole (and Andrew) in the Fred Meyer parking lot. They joined us for the drive to the airport.
We parked and our whole crew (3 mothers, 3 children) made our way in. After checking my luggage and getting my boarding pass we ate lunch at Wendy's. The kids were adorable together. We reminisced, teared up, laughed, hugged, took pictures, and said "see you later."
Navigating through the airport with little miss sprained-ankle. I love PDX.
Instagram: 10,000 feet above Portland.
Facebook status (4:34pm): Waiting for our next flight at San Jose International Airport. Anna was wonderful on the flight and is loving her new lamb I bought her at PDX. (I was nervous because she has been a crab the last few days). Me, a bit emotionally drained and ready for a nap. Sending love to all my St. Helens friends.
Facebook status (5:10pm): Jamba juice (berry blast) and waffles for dinner. Mmmm.
Scott and the boys arrived in Vegas earlier that afternoon and spent a lot of time unloading the van, hanging & organizing clothes, and getting the apartment ready for our arrival.
Facebook status (8:15pm): We made it! When we walked off the plane Anna said, "ahh! I wish I had my money. I want to play those games!"
We walked into or 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment on the 2nd floor and crashed. Wiped out! But very happy to be together.
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It's moving week.
Lots to do tonight. Movers come in the morning.
Just wanted to check in before I go dark. (After posting this I'm packing up the computer.)
Life is crazy, but good at the same time.
Feeling blessed by the thoughtfulness and help of friends. Big and small. (Even though we're both the oldest child and have that independent I-can-do-everything-myself spirit running through our veins, I am more and more happily accepting help.)
Hard to realize this is actually, finally happening.
Scott started his job in Las Vegas on September 6, 2011. We will load all of our belongings into a moving truck on March 6, 2012.
I haven't come right out and said it on this blog -- but Scott has been living in Vegas while we've been here in Oregon these past 6 months as the house-hunting and house-waiting has been dragging on. (Although, I've hinted and alluded to it several times.) He has been home on the weekends, a lot of the time just every other weekend.
It's time to be back together every day.
We are very much looking forward to that.
So until the dust settles, my friends, I leave you with this . . .
find joy in the journey
have faith in the unknown, it can be even better than your heart can imagine
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