In the last two weeks we have packed up all our worldly possessions, spent a few nights "camping" in our own home, went to a wedding (actually we only made it to the reception because we were still packing), spent the night in a hotel, moved, unpacked, unpacked, unpacked and oh yeah, took care of three kids in the midst of all of it. And Griffin started a new job. It's been pretty slow around here. :-)
We are slowly finding a new normal here. It helps that I lived here before and know where to buy groceries, get gas, the quickest route to the ER, and the quickest route to a Starbucks. The kids love their new home and the stairs they get to climb multiple times a day (since we moved from a ranch home). I am loving my beautiful and spacious kitchen and all the storage I have now. Hopefully pictures of the new home will come soon. In the meantime, here are some pictures of the last two weeks.
My baby.
My big boy.
The moving van.
All empty.
Our last lunch.
Making new memories in our new home in Ellie's new big girl bed.
I'd be lying if I said I'm not tearing up looking at these pictures and thinking about the last few weeks. I loved that home and all the people that entered it and got to live life with us there. It is sad to think that season of life is over. Sad. I know there are good things for us here. Really good things. I am excited about being here but I am also sad. The kids asked about their preschool friends today and I tried to explain why they are there and we are here. They asked about our old neighbors Jim and Marie and I had to try and explain that too. Moving isn't easy. The kids are resilant and they are already excited about their new neighbors that had them over for a playdate today. I am excited about our new neighbors too. I'm excited to attend PSU events and activities, to be involved on campus again with the Navigators and to see our family grow (not in number but in years) here. I'm excited for the home that God provided for us here, right by a park and a great walking trail. But, as I try to figure out the new normal for us, our daily routine, fun activities to do here with the kids, etc. I mourn the loss of Lancaster and all God provided for us there. Four years ago when we moved there I was thankful to be there and no longer in Philly but I longed to be back in State College. Now, five years after I left (when I married Griff) I am back. God brought me back here. He answered many prayers of mine and Griff's. And for that I am excited to see what He is going to do here in and through us.
I haven't updated this blog in quite awhile. I have put pictures on Facebook more frequently simply because of ease. But, in reality I had a third child, we put our house up for sale, we sold our house, we packed our house, we moved, we unpacked a house and I am thoroughly exhausted. Some nights I have layed in bed thinking about possible post I could write and pictures I could post but it never went beyond just thoughts as I dozed off to sleep.
I can honestly say now, that I love State College and it is home to me and us. The kids are adjusting and loving the neighborhood. We have a park right across the street with great walking trails and we have some wonderful neighbors (they are the Joneses as well. Haha). The kids love playing together which is a big change from our old home in that my kids were the only kids around.
State College in the spring is beautiful. Seriously, I love it. Everything is blooming and looks incredible. We are blessed to be near wonderful like-minded friends, and our kids love one another (see picture of Ellie and Rachel playing dress up). We have a great home that I love and consider a true miracle and blessing that it is ours. Griff has a whopping 7 minute commute to work and could walk it if he wanted to. This is a huge change from the 30-45 minute commute he has had since we were married. I can drop off his lunch during the morning or he can come home for lunch and see the kids and that has been so fun. I'm excited for warmer weather and picnics on campus and exploring the duck pond, arboretum, all the bike trails and amazing parks.
I think another thing that is making State College more enjoyable now is simply that life is getting a touch "easier". Really, life with three kids four and under isn't easy but it is easier now than it was a few months ago. Thatcher is over 20 pounds and for those that don't understand babies that is huge. He is 8 months and his chubby rolls look like muscles. He is a cute butterball but he is also a workout for me to pick up out of the pack-n-play or carry around. But, he is now sitting up and I don't have to carry him and the carseat around all the time. Praise the Lord. Ellie is potty trained. Again, praise the Lord, she picked it up so quick. Thank you Jesus! And Riley is the typical first child, follows the rules and tries to keep Ellie following the rules and tells me when she isn't. And we can now be outside playing. Having the windows open and another place to play and wear the kids out is wonderful. So, we are trying to thrive and enjoy this crazt, exhausting, yet blessed season of life..
