pics

Here are some pics from Anne's visit. Can't believe it went so fast, but I am SO, SO thankful as my heart was not doing well what so ever. Thank you Anne for coming. Thank you my sweet husband for bringing her and filling my heart.

The surprise:
















Downtown:












Thanksgiving spread and dessert with Hillary, Tim and Aryn. Since we didn't make it to Canada for Canadian Thanksgiving with Hillary and we always spend Thanksgiving with Anne and Andy, we thought having a T-dinner was the way to go. And Anne's old roommate from college and her husband live 10 minutes away so Ed invited them too (back when plans were in the works). :)













Anne's amazing chocolate cheesecake topped with fresh whipped cream. Yes...it was even better than it looks.










What do friends who met on the computer do at midnight? Why be on the computer together!










Ferry to Kingston Island:











The CUTEST baby EVER!

Happy Anniversary!

Thanks to Hillary, I didn't even realize that today is the three year anniversary of my blog. Who knew! So much has happened since the beginning. Growing, learning, milestones, sacrifices, hardships, highs, contentedness.
Memories.
Lots of memories.
With many more to come.

I could write about them all, but my brain is tired, my kids are tired which means early bedtime = getting dinner ready early and I have yet to figure out what to make.

So, happy anniversary blog. It's been a fun three years.

shock and awe

As most of you know already (or already knew before I knew), there are guests staying at our house. Last night I had dinner on the table, waiting for Ed to come home from school and had the kids washing their hands. I was standing at the door when Ed pulled in, holding it open for him to come inside. I had my back to the opening, talking to Alina when I felt a pair of arms go around me in a big squeeze. I smiled and was about to say something to Ed when I turned around and it wasn't Ed at all. It was a dream! A dream I never, ever thought would be a reality. My dearest, closest person. I started shrieking and kept hugging her and shrieking and more hugging (and Ed was taking pictures). I couldn't believe she was here. In the flesh! It took a good two hours to stop shaking. I know I went to sleep smiling last night.

We chat over video on the computer, but there is something about being close to someone in the flesh. The touch. The hugs. This has been planned for weeks. Not a peep out of either Ed or Anne. I thanked Ed countless times last night for bringing her here. I'm savoring every single moment.

tagged

My friend Amy tagged me, so here it goes...

1. What is your husband's name? Edward George Ballance Jr.
2. Who eats more? I would say him, but I can pack a lot in too.
3. Who said, "I love you" first? He did. We were standing in the basement of his house.
4. Who is taller? He is by about 4 inches
5. Who is smarter? I would say him as his brain is being used to the maximum capacity with school and my brain is being used at the 4 and 7 year old level these days.
6. Who is more sensitive? Definitely me. By leaps and bounds.
7. Who does the laundry? We both do.
8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I did for the past 13 years and for the past two months he does.
9. Who pays the bills? He does (I'm horrible at math).
10. Who cooks more? I do.
11. Who is more stubborn? Definitely him.
12. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? We're pretty equal on this one.
13. Who has more siblings? I do. He has a half sister and I have four brothers.
14. Who wears the pants in the relationship? We each wear one pant leg, but he's been given charge (by God) of the belt that holds the pants up.
15. What do you like to do together? Watch movies, do puzzles, camping, hiking, cooking, ride bikes.
16. Who eats more sweets? Depends what's available in the house.
17. Guilty Pleasures? Ice cream!
18. How did you meet? He was a custodian at our church and I was new there. I was 15 and he was 20.
19. Who asked whom out first? He asked me out (after asking my dad's permission).
20. Who kissed who first? He kissed me first (and was quite the gentleman by asking if he could).
21. Who proposed? He did. On bended knee in front of Beaumont Tower at Michigan State.
22. His best features and qualities? The crinkles around his eyes when he smiles, his amazing heart, his dadding skilz and love for our kids, his laugh, his sense of humor and quick wit, his relationship with Christ, his listening ear, his encouraging words, his thinking brain, his strength in so many areas, his friendship.


here you go Anne!! Your turn. :)

There's a battle waging inside of me. A mom battle. Last night Sam was telling me about one of his friends who's parents fight and yell at each other and slam doors. How his friend is so sad because of what is happening with his mom and dad and that they don't live together any more. It broke my heart in pieces. For this little boy. For his parents. Sam knows about divorce and separation. About so many things I never knew until I was older. I told Ed I don't want him to have to know these things! That he's only 7! I want to shelter him from the real world. I don't want him to even have to worry that what several of his friends go through and have gone through with their parents is going to happen to his mom and dad.

Then there's the other side of me that doesn't want him going into the world so naive that he won't know how to thrive or be able to care for others' hearts or how to make good choices.

It was an eye opening experience last night. I found out that he doesn't worry that Ed and I will get divorced. I explained to Sam that mom and dad do have disagreements but we always talk through things and figure it out. That we love each other very much.

I want this house and our marriage to be a sanctuary for our kids. A safe haven full of trust, joy, laughter. That here we can work through things and be respectful of each other no matter the age or difference. That we can always speak our minds without question. That Christ is evident in our actions and words. That when our kids are grown they will thrive in a world that will be so different than the world Ed and I grew up in. That they won't be scared of it but will go into it with confidence because of all they experienced and learned growing up in this family.

Last night was a page (or chapter) that will be put in history books that my kids will read in school. I enjoyed watching both speeches, am glad all the negative ads are done and am ready to move on in this country. I hope all the bitter and hateful words stop. I'm thankful we live in a country where we can worship Christ openly. Where we have the freedom to vote. Where we live in a melting pot of amazing people. I'm glad that Prop 1 here passed so the light rail transit will expand into the suburbs from downtown as I know it will help so many. The governor race is still going with only 55% of the precincts reporting due to mail in ballot and it could be weeks before we know who wins (and that it doesn't take 3 recounts like it did last time). Here they had a proposal on the ballot about assisted suicide and it's passing. I never thought I'd see the day where I was going to be making a choice if it is ok for those who medically have 3-6 months left to live to go ahead and be able to take their life early. I've never been put in that situation and hope I never will. What a sticky line to walk on.

I'm thankful for life and for living in this country. I'm thankful we have a president. A government. Freedom. Choice.

all treats

Sam the football player and Alina the princess. They had a fun time trick or treating at all the shops around the town center down the street. We then went over to one of their friends' house (but she wasn't home) so we went up (literally) and down her street. I think the whole street could hear my two yelling "TRICK OR TREAT!!!!" at each door. I enjoyed seeing them get into it. :)

debate results

Last night before the kids were headed to bed we had the end of the presidential debate on. This was a bit of the conversation during it.

Alina: Who are those people?
Me: Those men want to become the next president. It's like a competition.
Alina: Will the president stay the president until he dies?
Me: No.
Sam: I want that guy to win (pointing to the tv screen).
Ed: Why's that?
Sam: I like his tie better.
Ed: That's a good reason. Does a good tie make a good leader?
Sam: Yup. What's his name?
Ed: Barack Obama.
Sam: I'm going to vote for him.
Ed and I: (at the exact same time): Don't say anything about voting for him at school tomorrow. :)
Alina: I like the other guy.
Me: Why?
Alina: I like his white hair.
Sam: I like him too. He smiles a lot.
Ed: I'm not sure that's a smile.
Me: chuckling.


If only politics were so easy. I'm not a big fan of them what so ever and I don't like listening to people try to dig at each other and argue. Tell me what YOU are going to do, not what the other person has done wrong. But last night did make me lean more towards one side than the other as going in I had no clue as to who to vote for.

no holes and holes

After mixing and rising and punching and cutting and rising and baking and dipping and coating and frosting and sprinkling, here are the baked doughnuts. Not just the doughnuts, but their holes too. Can't just throw those out!! They didn't come out like Heidi's, but the recipe was so simple and so easy. And I think just as yummy. :) And to be a tad more healthy, I used Nutella to top off some of these yummy, goodnessy treats.

before the oven













after the oven, sugar coating, frosting and decorating by Alina.

connecting the dots

This afternoon on the way to a birthday party, we were stopped at a light and one of the many homeless people around town was standing at the corner with a sign. Sam had asked what the sign said and I responded by saying that the man was willing to work if someone had a job for him to do. Sam then asked if we could give him a job. Ed responded by saying that we don't have jobs ourselves and aren't able to give him a job. Sam then said, "Maybe mom should stand on a corner with a sign since she doesn't have a job." I know he didn't say it to be funny but both Ed and I both chuckled at this.

It fascinates me how his mind connects things. :)

I came to a realization last night. Ed and I were sitting on the couch chatting and I was finally able to put into words how anxiety hits me. With getting a "no, sorry, we picked someone else" phone call about another job yesterday, I started to once again worry. It's interesting though, that I don't become anxious when I worry. It's an after affect. I worried throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Pray. Worry. Give it back to God in prayer. Take the worry back. I know the verses to say, but letting them penetrate my heart is another thing.

My heart and mind finally rested after the kids went to bed. That's when the anxiety hit. Not being able to catch my breath to the point I think my lungs are going to explode from the pressure if I don't. That's when I realized the anxiety hits when I relax. So then I can't relax and end up part of the night wide awake thinking through all sorts of scenarios that don't even make one iota of sense.

Funny how God works, though. He placed us in a church where I am attending a women's bible study of which I knew no one the 1st night and will be doing a study called Calm My Anxious Heart. How fitting.

Saturday Fun

This past Saturday we ventured downtown to try out a place that we came across while flipping through channels one night.

Top Pot





It was actually going to be called Top Spot, but the owner said they were driving down the highway and the "S" fell off the sign (it was given to them for free), so it became Top Pot. The interior was very open and airy, but yet homey and library-ish feeling. It looked more like a coffee shop, but had the distinct smell of a doughnut shop.









These were the most amazing doughnuts I have ever had. Home made. On the box it says "Hand Forged Doughnuts". Coupled with a cup of warm apple cider, it made a great start for a chilly Saturday.

Alina had the pink frosted/pink sprinkled.






Ed and I had the Bavarian Creme filled.








Sam had a regular chocolate colored (and picked out a Husky one too).




We brought extra home to munch on throughout the next few days.







After doughnuts, we went down to the sculpture park which is along the sound. It's part of S.A.M. Seattle Art Museum. We didn't make it very far as the train track runs along the other side of the park and trains were leaving, so we stopped to watch those (mainly Sam wanted to watch them). Our hour went by really quick (the meter for the van was ticking) but it was well spent watching trains, rolling down hills and lots of running.

music picks of a 4 year old

Yesterday on the way home from dropping Sam off at school, Alina made some music requests as we had Ed's ipod in the van with us. Her requests:

Veritgo by U2
Beautiful Day by U2
We Will Rock You by Queen (she likes the stomping and clapping)
Domino by Van Morrison
Real Gone by Sheryl Crow
Got To Be True by Steven Curtis Chapman

I forgot one on the list: Pon De Replay by Rihanna

It was quite the eclectic mix she had going.

One thing the state of Washington does not have is a Secretary of State Office. I never thought I'd see the day that I would miss these one-stop-shopping places.

It took us over six hours to renew our licenses and get new license plates for our vehicle.

Let me take you on our Friday trip.

We had received our van as a gift from my parents and on the title it said we paid $1 for it. Little did we know that this would be a huge problem.

We went to one place over a week ago to get our license plates changed. I wouldn't even call it an "office". The guy and his dog greeted us from behind the counter and informed us that we had to have the "gift-ers" fill out a piece of paper that said the van was gifted to us. Thank goodness for technology as the gift-ers are over 2000 miles away. One scan, one e-mail and in less than one minute it was sitting at their house. Two days later we received it back from them in the mail.

So Friday was our day to change our legal stuff over to be residents of the state of WA.

We went to the licensing place first. You can only get your license here. Nothing else. We had to wait through about 20 people. Both Ed and I were afraid we were going to miss our turn. You see, there were three sets of numbers going and an automated voice would call out which counter was helping which set of numbers. And it would go quick, so we had to be on our toes. We finally get up to the counter and were told that we needed proof of residency and that our car insurance slip would not constitute as a legal form of residency. Of course, that's all we had with us, as in MI, that's all you needed. So we decided to stop and get our plates and then run home to get proof of residency and then head back there.

So off we went to get our plates and found out that we needed to have proof that tax was paid on the van by the sellers before she would issue the plates. Ed had that in the van, so that wasn't a huge problem, but then she said that we also needed an emissions test on the van before she could give us anything.

So off we went to find the emissions place. By now, three hours had gone by and we didn't have a single thing. Thankfully though, we had what they requested and got the check done and paperwork signed so we could get the plates.

A stop for lunch (and gas) and back to the license plate office (of which you could also buy a cell phone in the same room, but we passed on that). Ed waited in line another 1/2 hour, showed all the paperwork and then was asked to see his Washington drivers license. Of course, we didn't have those yet, but the guy was nice enough to let it slide and we got plates. Yay for plates!

A quick drive back home to gather the right documents for the licensing place, off to get Sam from school and then to get our licenses. Who knew that the population in that office would quadruple when we walked in. There was not a seat to be seen, so we sat on the floor and had to wait through 50 people (that were in the same number sequence as us) plus those who were a part of a different group of numbers. We finally had paper licenses in hand and could now say we are residents of the state of WA.

We got back home and realized we completely forgot to register to vote. I think that we just might have to go to a different office for that.

And when all is said and done and we move from this lovely state, I think I will have one of these made out of my license plate. Just as a memento.

i'm a gonner

I could survive for 32 seconds chained to a bunk bed with a velociraptor

Learning

1. A conversation that took place last week after I picked Sam up from school:

Me: How was school today Sam?
Sam: It was great!
Me: What is one thing you learned today?
Sam: We talked about earthquakes!
Me: That sounds cool! What did you learn?
Sam: I had gym today.
Me (to myself): Ok...he just switched the subject.
Me: What did you do in gym?
Sam: We have to stand in the closest corner.
Me: (going with the flow) Ummm...why do you have to stand in the corner?
Sam: In case there's an earthquake. That's where we're supposed to go. We practiced disaster drills.

My Michigan brain is accustomed to tornado drills. Not earthquake drills.

2. My mother-in-law noticed something I may never have. No cars around here have rust. No matter the age of them, I have literally not seen one car with any spot of rust. No snow means no salt means no rust.

3. Last night before going to bed, I did my customary check on the kids. I noticed Alina's pillow was damp either from her crying in her sleep or sweating, so I had her sit up so I could flip it over. And when I moved the pillow, a dark shadow moved. And it moved really fast across her bed. I used one of her stuffed animals to squish it and then removed it. I took it to show Ed (in a kleenex mind you) and it was the biggest spider I have seen inside a house. Scratch that. It's the biggest spider I have seen period. Bleh!! It took awhile to get to sleep last night as I couldn't stop thinking of all the spiders lurking out there (I even checked under the covers before getting into bed). So I go to get up this morning and low and behold right when I step out of bed, there's another spider. I squash that one, make my way down the hallway and there's another one! YUCK! I really dislike spiders. I hopped on the internet wondering if there are any poisonous spiders here in this beautiful state. Reading...reading...reading...all these wonderful facts about this disliked insect and that there is only one poisonous spider in WA, but it's rarely seen. The Western Black Widow. Whew! Rarely seen means hardly ever, so we should be good. Then I read that it's only found in one county. Which one would it be? The one we live in of course.
I'm feeling all crawly like now.

So let the sunshine in....

I told Ed on the way to dropping him off at school, that I have been very surprised by the weather here. 99% of me was expecting it to be raining. Every day. Because that's what we were told by everyone when we said we were moving to Seattle. "Hope you like the rain!" or "Wow...it rains A LOT there." So I started to think that it rains here a lot. I really didn't know any different. So waking up to cloudless blue skies and 70 degree weather the past week and a half has been quite a shock to my system. And I guess it has been a bit more rainy this summer than normal. It can go two months here during the summer before any rain falls. I know its coming though. Those rainy, cloudy days are coming. Just like in Michigan, I don't expect to see the sun for weeks at a time. I wish I could pack up a day like today to put away on a shelf for one of those rainy, dreary days when I was thirsting for some sunshine. Since I can't, I'll bask in the rays while I can and get outside as much as possible before the gloomy weather sets in.

In other news, we've landed at a church. It's actually the one we visited last week (with the smoke machine...though no smoke machine this past Sunday). It's a bit different than what we're used to, but it's going to be a good experience. We're both excited to find a place to land, get involved in and the kids love it (which is such a hugely important aspect).

Now if only I could find a job as easily! Not much of a market for a 7 year stay at home mom who's degree doesn't mean much now that it's almost 10 years old. But the search continues and I know there is something right up my alley out there. Just have to find the right alley. :)

Sam started 2nd grade on Wednesday. He looked so small getting out of the van and walking towards his room. It's still hard to wrap my brain around having a 2nd grader. He made fast friends and seems to really love it at this new school. We're so excited for this year and how much he is going to learn and grow. It is so different than the past two schools he has been at. Everyone is so friendly and the principal even knows Sam, Alina, Ed and I by name and people even greet us that we don't even know. This is a small balm with not knowing anyone here and helps to start making this feel like home.

Ed and I attended Vespers last night at his school. I was able to meet students that Ed attends classes with and some of their wives. It was a time of hearing from some staff and the president as to why they continue to come back every year. We also met in small groups and talked about our journeys of how we came to the school and what brought us here. There was also a time of singing and listening to 2nd and 3rd year students read of how their lives have changed in the short time they have been here. Last was prayer for the students in each program. MDIV students and spouses, Counseling students and spouses and Christian Studies students and spouses. It was a tremendously moving evening despite being very tired.

Tonight is the neighborhood dinner at a students house where we will meet others that live in our area. Looking forward to meeting more people.

Tomorrow is convocation with a worship time and communion, then a picnic for all students and staff.

The parents head home tomorrow night. Their help the past two weeks has been tremendous and we will miss them.

Ed started working Wednesday, doing inspections for the company he worked for back in Michigan. He has two more inspections to do today, so they are keeping him busy!

Job front on my end is still slow. Lots of jobs out there, but not many for a stay at home mom for the past 7 years. Still looking daily though and continuing to pray for patience and guidance.

That's all from this side of the country!

Our house

So we found a house after crashing at Jason and Mandy's (thanks again...a ton you two) with a day to spare before the big 'ole semi came. I don't really have any pictures of moving in day b/c:

1. It was Ed and I who moved everything off the semi, with the help of our amazing mover Dennis and his wife. He pulled up and said, "Where's all your help?" Our reply, "You're looking at it." It went really smooth and only took 4 1/2 hours to unload everything.

2. All our things had to go into the garage rather than the house as the carpets were going to be cleaned the next day. So moving went in stages. Truck to garage. Garage to house. Contents to cupboards, crevices, shelves. Any place that was open, something went in it.

Here is one picture of our kitchen/eating area before it started being unpacked.

















We're more settled now than we were a week ago thanks to Hillary, my parents and Ed's mom. It's been quite the two weeks!

The kitchen/dining area. Ed bought a wire rack and a microwave stand (and a microwave) as I ran out of cupboard space fast. I do miss my other kitchen, but am settling in well here.
































The green room. This is off the kitchen/eating area and warms up pretty good from the eastern sunrise (and brightens up really early in the morning too).





















A picture from the green room one of our first mornings here.

















The living room is where Ed's office is, the piano and the couches. It's a nice cozy place with lots of books to be read. It has two pocket doors, so the room is able to be closed off when necessary.





































Our bedroom. I thought our bedroom at the other house was huge. We rattle around in this one. I told the kids when company comes, they can come sleep in our closet. Or any of you with babies that come and visit us, your child will be sleeping in the closet. Seriously....it's big enough for a pack and play (which I brought with) and room to walk around it. Not because your child deserves to be sent to the closet. :)

















Our very green bathroom attached to our room. Glad I don't dislike green. The kids have been in the tub more than I have.
















Exterior of the house. Front and back. I took the mountain pictures today as I wanted to preserve them for all the cloudy days that we will have coming up. Either the clouds or the townhouses being built behind will come first. I think if I owned this house and lived here, I would be sick to my stomach losing this view to a two story row house that will be four feet from the back fence. So sad.

































































So there you have it. Our casa for the next few years. So come whenever you like. You will have a place to lay your head, a table to eat some food and some company that would love to see you.

1st Day of School

Today starts a journey for Ed that was placed on his heart years and years ago.
To become a counselor.
He talked about going back to school well before Sam was born.
Today he is taking the first step of a desire God seared inside of him so many years ago.
It has been quite the journey getting to today. Years of finding himself. Times of hardship. Times of growth. Today he was ready.
I am so excited for him that after over a decade (and then some), he will be learning about what he loves. That he is starting something that we have talked about for years. I know his heart is going to be stretched. Our marriage is going to be stretched. We are going to learn a lot of new things over the next three years. There are going to be sacrifices. A lot of sacrifices. But in the end, I know it will be worth it. It already has been worth it. To know he's going to be able to do what he absolutely loves makes it all worth it.
We are exactly where God wants us.
We are ready for the ride.

church: week 2

Yesterday we visited yet another church we found on-line. We had one picked out, but after doing some searching on their site, I realized that they use a video to teach the kids (which I'm not at all against, but to use it every single Sunday I don't necessarily agree with). So we went to our 2nd choice. Of which after doing some searching on their site, noticed that the sermon series was exactly what Jill posted about last week! We were very skeptical. So we went back to church #1, then church #2 and finally decided on church #2.

It was loud.
A complete 180 from last weeks church.
They used a smoke machine during the songs (of which we only knew one).
We met the pastor, the children's director, teachers and people actually said hello to us (and smiled while doing it!).
My parents even met people we didn't meet.
The drummer was on a jazz kit but it was absolutely, amazingly miked so well that it sounded like a full set (After the service I told him his drumming was great. He said thanks and that he broke two drum sticks playing. My response, "Sweet!").
The kids had a blast.
We found out it's a Nazarene church.
The song the sermon was on was It's Not My Time by 3 Doors Down and it rocked (even made my mom jump when the full band came in). The sermon was based in Daniel 3. Great sermon too.
I think we'll be going back again.

moving day

Two weeks ago today we flew away from very deep roots and our home state. Here is segment one in our journey to the Evergreen State.

Moving Day(s)

The day before our truck came, my brother, sister-in-law, 3 nephews and one niece from Ohio and my sister-in-law and niece from Belding came over to help pack. I seriously would still be packing my kitchen if it wasn't for them.









These are my two 16 year old nieces who when together are inseparable.











That night, friends brought over dinner and we enjoyed hanging out and laughing. A lot. It was a very sweet night.











Friday the truck came at 7:30 a.m. Friends came to help load and brought lunch. My brother and sister-in-law from Tennessee came along with my uncle, cousins and 2nd cousins from Northern Ireland to help us out. Our entire house fit on the front half of the 53 foot semi. Dennis and Karen (the couple who drove the truck) were absolutely amazing. They have been doing this together for 37 years. 37 YEARS!



The van was put on the back of half of the semi via a flat bed tow truck.














There was a lot of laughter during the course of the day. And at the end, a lot of tears. It sure hasn't been easy and I miss my friends so very much.

Today I realized that I am more than likely going to be grocery shopping for 3 kids (no...I'm not pregnant). There were 8 of us at the dinner table tonight. Three parents, us 4 and the little neighbor girl. I think she's going to be over a lot (she's been over a lot so far). I think she's going to be one that we are going to fall in love with. She's going to be going through a lot as her mom starts radiation for breast cancer in a week. I have no clue what her home life is like, but I do know it's different than ours. She still looks at us strange when we pray before a meal. I hope she feels comfortable in our house and enjoys hanging out there. I hope I can let my bubble pop and be stretched outside of my comfort zone. I prayed to live exactly where God wanted us to be. I think there is going to be a lot of growing in this house for all four of us. There already has been.

randomness

this is a quick post as the library closes in an hour and 10 minutes (one more week with no internet....it's hard!)

We are slowly getting settled into the house. It took Ed and I (plus our amazing semi driver) 4 1/2 hours to unload the truck. The next morning I woke up to my entire body unhappy at me. But we did it. The piano was last and is all snug in the living room now.

We visited a new church this morning. Electric drum kit. That's all I'm going to say on that one.

I'm still looking for a job. It's a bit difficult with no internet at the house and it's hard to look sitting in the kids section on a little stool with one or both kids asking, "do you have a job yet?"

People here are so friendly. Neighbors came over on the first day to introduce themselves (and pretty much shared their life stories in a matter of 2 minutes). The little 4 year old girl next door (who Alina has now made friends with and brought home the 1st day we were there) informed us yesterday, "I'm going to be gone for awhile as I have to go with my dad to pick up a friend who's getting out of jail." Boy...did we live in a bubble before.

The parents come tomorrow. We found a CHEAP couch/hidabed on Craigslist (LOVE CRAIGSLIST!) that Ed and I will be snoozing on for the next two weeks.

I know how to get to the store, bank, library (which are all within a block of each other) and the airport. The map has become a very good friend.

I have exactly one hour to scour for a job.

Pictures soon. Seriously.

we're here

It's hard to believe we had family and friends over a week ago today to help pack our house. It seems forever ago, but a lot has happened in the past week! Here's a quick update.

1. We loaded a massive semi (we couldn't have done it in 4 1/2 hours without our amazing friends and family...even from N. Ireland!) on Friday with our entire house. Our driver Dennis, is amazing at packing our entire house into 24 feet. We literally had 1 foot to spare.

2. We said many tearful goodbye's on Friday. I'll be honest and say it sucked saying goodbye. Though it wasn't a goodbye forever. They (and we) know we'll be back really soon.

3. We sent the kids back to Lansing. One with Grandma, one with Uncle John and Aunt Crystal, so Ed and I could walk through the house one more time.

4. We left our house of 4 1/2 years. Locked up nice and snug, ready for the next family who is going to own it.

5. We were back 1/2 an hour later as our realtor stopped by and he couldn't get in as the door knob was acting up. So with the help of our neighbors, we were able to break into our house (all the keys were on the counter) and fix the door knob (thank heavens for that roll of packing tape in the car).

6. We made our way to Lansing, spent the night, visited my dad in the hospital and took off to the airport on Saturday.

7. Flights went smooth, were all on time and all our luggage made it. We finally made it to a hotel that had vacancy after 20 hours of being up/traveling.

8. Our friends we met back in November (who moved here 2 months ago) have graciously given up their bedroom for us so we can have a place to stay until we found a house.

9. We found a house. It's further than where we have been looking, but realized quickly the houses in our price range in the city were in that price range for a reason. Ed will have a short commute, but will be in class only 3 days a week. Sam's school is 15 minutes away in which we will be driving him there.

10. We've spent time downtown, time getting lost (a lot of time...Ed bought a car compass), time at Sam's school, time looking at what felt like a bazillion houses and time at our new place.

11. I'm amazed: that there are Thai restaurants every few blocks, that there is a 2 story Target (that starts on the 3rd floor with an escalator for the grocery carts), that cars actually make it up the hills here without tipping over, how many pine trees there are, how beautiful the city is, that people will carry on a conversation with you even when they don't speak English and don't care that you don't speak their language, that there are palm trees here, that Starbucks charges $10 to use their internet access (even when you buy a drink), and how many organic stores and fresh farm markets there are.

12. Our parents fly in Monday. My dad was released from the hospital this past Tuesday after being in a week and a half and got the O.K. from the doctor to come here next week.

13. We "move" into our house today. More like move into the garage as the carpets are being cleaned tomorrow, so we have to wait until Saturday to move all our furniture in.

14. Pictures will be coming.

reliving the past

In junior high, the one thing that I always wanted (and never did get) was a skate board. Yes, I was a tomboy. Didn't like wearing dresses, loved being outside exploring and riding my bike (complete with a banana seat) over all the jumps that were made on an empty lot, cared very little about style and was a far cry from popular in school.

So when Sam saw a skate board today at a garage sale, we went halfsies. He paid 50 cents, I paid 50 cents. He carried it around to all the other neighborhood sales and even locked his door (when all the other ones were unlocked) so no one would take it. The minute I turned off the car in the driveway, he was running to the garage to don his helmet and biking gloves and started riding. It was hard driving away all the motherly worries of "he's going to fall and break his arm like his friend did. He's going to break wrists. His nose. His knees. He's going to break everything." and just let him be a boy. All I need to do is remember to breath, swallow my heart that jumps to my throat, smile and clap while encouraging. He absolutely loves it.

Who knows, maybe I'll take it for a spin after he goes to bed tonight.

pre-move

Ed gives great background information here about how we came to the decision of moving.

back to packing...

biker boy!

This past Saturday a little town next to us had a road bike race around a 3/4 mile loop. Men and women would ride for 40 minutes plus 5 laps (the same loop over and over and over again). There were wipe outs a plenty and standing right on a corner having 30 men whip by you at a high rate of speed tends to make you want to step back. I realized it was something that I would not enjoy doing as racers are mere inches from each other at all times. No thank you.

During the middle of the race there was the Tour de Kids. 4 races were held. The first was for 4 and under and on training wheels. They rode 200 feet of the course. 2nd heat was 4 and 5 year olds. 3rd was 5-7 year old and 4th was 7-9 year olds. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups rode one lap of the course.






Sam rode in the 3rd heat of 5-7 year olds. There were about 30 kids racing in this heat. Sam started at the front, but slipped off the pedals at the start and ended up in the back half of the group. We went down to wait before the finish and saw three little guys round the last corner for the last stretch and Sam was one of them. The three finished side by side and he was considered in 2nd place.


He also rode with the 7-9 year olds and finished 10th, but riders 1-9 had bigger wheels on their bikes compared to Sam who had to ride twice as hard to keep up with them.


He was exhausted, but he absolutely loved it! Each kid received a blue ribbon and a free t-shirt. I think we've created a monster and I'm sure there will be more races ahead.

new slant on an old love

I've had a long history of loving popcorn. I think now, more than ever, it has become one of my favorite foods.

One Christmas Ed bought me a huge jug full of kernels for my hand-turned style popcorn maker. I then went over to the microwave popcorn side. For years I was so-so in love with the 3 minute, fast made popcorn in a bag.

About a month ago, I was craving popcorn. Really craving it. To the point that I was ready to go out to the store just to buy some. I knew the handy bags were gone, so I started searching for some loose kernels. I knew I had some around somewhere. Alas, I found the jar with some kernels in it, but then went to look for my hand-turned style popper and then sadly remembered I sent it to Goodwill as it was no longer functional to my taste.

Think, think, think. Then! Then I thought I'd try it in a pan on the stove. Have never done this before, but I was really wanting that popcorn. For those that know me, you would be proud that I didn't even search the internet for a recipe on how much oil to use vs. kernels. I poured in oil, poured in kernels, lidded it, and started shaking over the hot flame.

After that first bowl, I was hooked. I don't believe I can go back to the 3 minute bag option. All kernels pop, which leaves less to throw away, I only put a bit of butter and salt on and off I go. And for $2 a bag, it can't be beat.

Ahhhh popcorn. I think I'll make some tonight.

day 3

This morning I get back in the saddle again to bike to VBS down the road. 4 trips total. It is only 1.4 miles there and going takes only 6 minutes. Coming home takes much longer as it is all up hill. And pulling 50 pounds up hill is not the most fun thing to do. Day one I had to walk part way up. Day two I barely (and I mean barely) made it up. I couldn't shift down any more gears. But I somehow did it without stopping until we got home. In the middle of this hill, while Sam is doing circles around me, this tiny voice comes from the back.

"Mommy? Why are we going so slow? I want to go faster please!"

At least she used her manners.

from here

today was the day of no turning back.
the point of no return.

today we sealed our decision with 4 one-way tickets to Seattle.

no, the house hasn't sold.
no, we don't know where we're going to live or work.
we don't know a lot.

but one thing we do know. after more prayer than we even thought possible, seeking His word, and more prayer, we're taking a risk God has planted in our hearts to do and we're doing it. we can't disobey. this is truly a step of faith.

a step that's happening in 3 1/2 weeks. August 16th, we're getting on a plane at 3:00 pm to fly to the other side of the country without a return flight planned.

until christmas.

Two things I think are great surprises for myself.

1. Forgetting that I folded all laundry from the dryer, go to do laundry, open the dryer and find there are no clothes to fold. Score!

2. Forgetting I cleaned out the dishwasher, go to get ready to do the daily, unexciting task of cleaning out the dishwasher just so it can be loaded again, open the dishwasher to find it only 1/4 of the way full of dirty dishes! Ahhhhh bliss.

Either I'm becoming forgetful or I'm in such a sad state that an empty dryer and barely full dishwasher become such exciting things that help make my day.

Probably a bit of both.