Our Big Move

Saying Goodbye:

On April 29^th we waved good-bye to Texarkana and headed west for our new home.  It was really hard to leave.  John and I had literally built our family there.  All our little ones, but one, were born in the same hospital, all in the same city and all brought home to the same house.  Within the seven years there everyone at church, daycare and work became our second family.  They will forever hold a special place in our hearts and thanks to technology; we will be able to keep up with a lot of them.  J



Boys Waving Good-bye as the U-haul is packed

 

The New Home:

Our new home, in one word- HUGE!  We went from a 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1500sq ft and .3acre to 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2300 sq ft and 1 acre.  As I’ve unpacked boxes I wonder “How did we fit in the old house!?” 



Our New Home- January Picture


The kids have more space and seem to enjoy it.  We have two boys to a room, Makeala has hers and then the largest room is a playroom.  Bribery, rewards and spoils fill up the play room and allow for some fun playtime.  We even bought a futon so we could have a place for any visitors- the boys know the room has to be cleaned first.  J


Makaela navigating through the playroom

Our backyard has turned into a big playroom as well.  We were able to put up a see-saw airplane a gift from Christmas and we finally gave in to a large play set that the boys had been wanting.  We had no more excuses on why we shouldn’t get it!  Since the house faces east and backyard west we tend to spend the morning hours in the backyard playing on the play set and the evening in the front riding bikes and such.  I do think the one thing we miss other than grass in our old backyard is shade!  

On the airplane see-saw

The boys and I have unpacked boxes, figured out shopping places, and found a recycling drop-off to get the house where we need it.  We still have pictures and the formal dining to figure out, but I have to admit I’m starting to lose interest a little.  I’m sure it will pick back up because my OCD won’t let it sit too long.  It’s just that I also have ADD, so I get sidetracked with things like the garage, mowing or picking up rocks.  Then I am a big procrastinator so I will spend the morning watching the kids play on the swing set, play in the pool in the afternoon, or ride bikes in the evenings.  We’ve also been to story time at the public library, which we will have to go back when we are not traveling.  The boys are very excited to use the new library card.  Between the OCD, ADD and Procrastination I’m a well rounded at home mom!  J



Too many boxes of toys- Makaela fell asleep helping with the playroom



Morning Fun on the swings!



Cooling off in the pool



Firsts in our new home:

Noah finished out his Kindergarten year and was able to ride the bus to and from home for the first time.  That was a big hit with all the boys!  We were up in the morning waiting for the bus to come and pick up Noah, then in the afternoon we would watch for it again. 



Watching Noah drive off on the bus

Makaela has started crawling and pulling up, she is going to be in great shape since the house is so big she really has to travel to find mom or the dog bowls.  The boys are learning she disappears fast!  

Crawling down- walking soon!

Noah, Caleb and Ian also slept outside in the fort/tent for the first time.  Noah and Caleb had camped with John before in the tent, but they hadn’t slept in their fort.  Ian experienced his first overnight outdoors.   John, myself and the three boys went outside before bed to watch the planes and look at the stars.  Then the boys settled down in the fort, John went into the tent, and I went in the house to sleep with the two little ones.  Caleb and Ian only lasted about 30 minutes before they were in the tent with John.  Lady also decided she needed to sleep out there with them.  Noah did really well lasting almost 2 hours in fort by himself.  He blames the wind for blowing the chains on the swings and keeping him up.  I’m not really sure when any of them will try it again.  I really wish I had a picture of John, Lady and the 3 boys in that tent I’m sure it was pretty funny!



Goodnight Mom!



We couldn’t be happier right now.  Things have really seemed to work out for the best.  John and I both thank God that we didn’t end up going across the country like we had thought.  We’ve already started on the memories close to friends and family where we wanted to stay.  North Texas is our new Home Sweet Home!!