packing, hugs & goodbyes

Packing was not a desirable part of our move. As we started the tedious pack up process, Miller canvased the house from room to room asking what we would take with us. "Can we take my bed?"  "Do my toys get packed up?" He quickly figured out what Miss Carla & Mr. Jeff would need us to leave to make their new house work {like kitchen cabinets and the sink...ha!}.  We left behind his memories of Islandora too..we couldn't pack his neighborhood friends up in boxes to take with us.{sigh} It's the people and coziness of our block that we'll miss the most.

 We had many drop in packers over the summer to help us with the tedious bubble wrapping process and box assembling. Miller really got into paper cutting and assuming the role of master packer. Friends delivered boxes and extra bubble wrap from their recent moves. Such a blessing to our family & we loved the camaraderie too. I made it a goal not to let packing ruin our summer fun. Taking time to play as a family was a priority during all the madness.

We cleaned, donated, and threw away so much. At times, I felt like we were just one stack away from the TV show Hoarders knocking on our door.  The kids loved the freedom of open spaces in the rooms as we packed. Eliza Kate joyfully unpacked a couple boxes. It takes lots of patience to move with preschoolers.

Miller was at the perfect age to help.

He even role played the part of our professional mover with a loaded up dolly cart.

My man worked hard to get everything done that we needed to do. This was our first move together...tack on a couple of kids and we had so much stuff. He organized and took apart the beds before the movers pulled up our driveway. He was directing the movers while my neighbor helped me pack up our kitchen. Little by little our rooms were cleared.

Miller was just a little disappointed that he missed the truck while at water camp. His depression lifted when I pinky promised the truck experience on phase 2 of our move. As we went from room looking at our empty house, I remembered what it felt like when we moved in and planned out all our rooms. I got excited for the newlyweds taking over our home and I realized that 406 was no longer ours.

Kisses , hugs, and rowdy goodbyes before we drove down the block the last time. It's not goodbye for good, just see you later.

KuJo & Miss Katie where even on their nightly walk to wish us well on our way.

A couple of friends made their way down the street to say one last goodbye. Blessed to know that Miller is so loved. A sweet little time with our last few moments at our home. We waved a thousand waves and it tugged at my emotions with our final goodbyes.

 It's official! It's sold! God taught us patience to find just the right buyer after our first buyers backed out in April. We learned a few lessons in endurance, faith and resting in God's perfect timing.

 Excited about our new journey & praying for our new direction. We know our next home with leave us with new memories to carry with us.. We're hoping that we fall in love with our new house soon.  In the meantime, we're stalking neighborhoods and listings. It's taking patience for just the right fit for our family. Trying to step out of the search, so God can step in. We want to be just right where he wants us as a family.

Isaiah 30:18
¹⁸But God's not finished. He's waiting around to be gracious to you.
He's gathering strength to show mercy to you.
God takes the time to do everything right—everything.
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.
The Message