Bloom on the Tree

Out my bathroom window I noticed this little flower bloom on the branch of a tree. It's been hanging on that branch for several days while all of the leaves have fallen and the other branches are bare. Amazing how it's still hanging on. And sometimes, I feel just like that little flower blossom. Hanging on to that branch when the other branches are bare and the wind blows through the limbs daring the blossom to hold on tighter. 

So keep on hanging on little flower. I'm right there with you!

Moving On

Plans are being made. Boxes are being packed. Life is about to change. With all of the changes we are preparing for in the upcoming months, the stress levels go from high to low to high again. But, as I have struggled with all of the details involved with moving, I spoke with my father the other day and he said something to me that just felt like warm sunshine wrapping me up in a tight hug. 

He told me he really appreciated the fact that our family is moving back to Virginia. That statement made all of our decisions, doubts, and challenges melt away. It was at that moment that I knew that our plans were going to work out for us. That things were all going to be fine. It was as if an angel was out there lifting some of the heaviness off my shoulders. 

And I'm certain that angel will guide us on our journey and help make everything just fine. 

Mid-Month Update

Well, since my last update, we have listed our house for sale by owner. So, if you know anyone who would like to move to the area, live on a golf course, and enjoy a swimming pool, let us know!

The girls have been busy at school. Shelly has had her share of up and down days at middle school. She told her teacher that she just really missed her mom. And so, we talked about it and I let her know that I can relate. As a 1st grader, I cried every day of school for the first month (what a pain for my mother---wish I could tell her how sorry I am). I hated leaving my mother. Hopeful that she will work through all of this and it will all be okay. But, I'm realistic and I know it can take some time. 

We have had painters painting our upstairs in a very neutral palette. We've also showed our house to several realtors, as well as, individuals who are interested in the house. That means the house needs to be "show ready" all the time. :(

We are also a bit obsessed with playing the card game Speed. It seems like the perfect stress reliever/diversion from life!

We are working on how to make our move a little less stressful by lining things up ahead of time. It's a bit overwhelming and there are days when I just want to bury my head under a pillow and go right back to sleep. But, that's not really an option. So, I will continue to take it all one day at a time and pray for the best and listen to my Joel Osteen podcasts.

Life

I recently had a conversation with an acquaintance about our plans to move. She asked how the girls were doing and mentioned that she thought Lily seemed happy about it. 

My answer was, "yes, the girls are excited, but we all have our ups and downs about it all because it's real life." 

What my answer to her really meant is that these plans of ours aren't created within a Facebook or Instagram post. There's no special filter to make it all appear perfect or craftily worded update to make our life sound better than others'. This is real life with its ups and downs, highs and lows, and anxieties and excitements. And, I'm all about keeping it real.

Funny photo of the girls, their grandpa, and their cousin in VB making silly faces.

So, some days will be easier than others, but we will make the best decisions we can for our family and have a positive attitude about our life changes.