February 20, 2008
Our Last Day in California
My mom and Kristin (my sister-in-law) were so gracious to come to California for our last weekend there to help us get our stuff together. They were awesome help and helped us pack up the last of our things and get the house smokin' clean! If it weren't for them and the many friends that pitched in, Josh and I would have been doomed. I felt so loved by all the help we received.
On our last day in California, Sunday, February 17th, we left our hotel and went to Starbucks for some coffee while Josh went to exchange our rented SUV for a giant van. Caleb ate some applesauce and pretty much just flirted with us the entire time (those EYES!!!). We ended up running a million odd errands that day, including a random trip to Pier 39 in San Francisco, but made it to the airport (SFO) at about 10:30 p.m. to hop on our plane to Minneapolis. Josh returned the rental van and we stood in line with Caleb, Henson (our dog), and Five (our cat). Then we realized that our flight had been cancelled. Yes, cancelled.
The man behind the desk said, "Well, I could put you all in a hotel, but you have a dog and cat with you. So, I really don't know what to do."
NWA stinks stinks stinks. Josh has sworn them off for all time, merge with Delta or otherwise.
We eventually ended up eating at a 24 hour Lori's Diner in the airport before taking a shuttle down to the San Jose airport. We hung out there before getting on an early morning flight which landed us in the Twin Cities just after noon. I stayed up as late as I could trying to sort through our suitcases and add some sanity to our lives.
That day was crazy. But, we made it here safe and sound. The weather has been cold, but the warmth inside and the incredible views have been far worth it. Caleb is happy and talkative so far and Josh is also doing well. We are all so excited to start this new chapter in our lives. And tomorrow, the house hunting process begins!
February 7, 2008
My Little Helper
Well, we officially move in 11 days. I've been working during the day, with Caleb in tow, trying to pack and organize our stuff. I've hardly made a dent in the garage, let alone the rest of the house. Before baby Stephanie would have been done with the garage by now and been moving forward with the house, but I have to remember not to compare myself with that old self. The with baby Stephanie is working really hard, but has to take breaks for feedings, diapers, cuddles, and fun time. She has to stop when Caleb tries to help close a box or decides to explore a stack of washcloths. He seems to really be enjoying this time though, and that makes me happy.
Hopefully I can finish off the garage by Saturday morning so that I will have one full week to pack and clean the house. I should have reinforcements coming in by then to help with it all, and I am very thankful for that. I am just trying to lay the ground work so that the reinforcements actually have laid out tasks that are ready to go when they get here.
I can't wait to be done with this move and relaxing in Minnesota. Although, Josh and I hung out with some dear friends tonight that we may or may not see before we go. That was probably my first real emotional understanding of what it means to be leaving a place you've called home for six years.
Photo Description: I have been working hard to organize and pack our stuff. I had to set Caleb down for a second while I moved a box and my best choice was this dog bed. He thought it was the neatest place and started laughing and kicking so I took this pic on my cell phone. What a funny little helper! (Caleb is 5 months old)
February 3, 2008
You Say Goodbye, But I Say Hello
We're moving. I'm ecstatic, I'm sad, I'm overwhelmed, I'm living in a pile of boxes with a huge list of things to do. But mostly, I'm happy. Josh and I have been so blessed here in California. We've had awesome jobs, awesome church, and awesome friends.
All of that aside, I'm so excited to rejoin our families & friends in Minnesota. I miss all of the seasons (yes even the painful cold of winter) and I miss my parents' hobby farm. I miss the Sunday afternoon brunches. I miss my nieces and nephew's everything. I miss the sibling rivalry. So, while I'm leaving a lot behind in California, I feel that there is so much to be gained by going back to Minnesota. God has opened a door for us and our lips are filled with praises to Him as we walk through it.