“Is she here taking pictures because we’ve entered the cleanest house in town contest, Mom?”
Until last night, my 5 year-old daughter was fairly oblivious to the decision-making, planning, and packing going on in the background at our home. She knew Mom was suddenly meticulous about cleanliness and keeping things neat (she probably thought she’d entered the Twilight Zone), but she didn’t spend much time analyzing the why. When our real estate agent came by to take some pictures for a listing a few weeks ago, she simply thought we must have entered a contest. Not exactly, but I’m certainly praying my hard work will equal the grand prize of a sold home.
After much praying and deliberating, my husband and I have decided to move our family in August so Tim can attend law school. The idea of school has been in the back of our minds for awhile and we knew he would return to school eventually. We just hadn’t pinpointed the when exactly.
I think some of the most difficult decisions in life come when you have a choice between two good things. We have a great life here. We adore our friends. We’ve come to love the community. Our children are happy and thriving here. Work life is good and we live comfortably. When we considered law school now, however, it felt like the right move. I know it’s cliche’, but we’re not getting any younger. Our kids, on the other hand, are still young and moving now won’t be as challenging for them as it might be in the future.
We fretted over the timing of announcing all of this to work, family, friends, and our children. I’m not certain if we got it right. I am incredibly grateful, however, that the responses we’ve received to our news have been overwhelmingly positive and supportive! I’m sad to leave this home we’ve built, but excited about the possibilities of navigating a new place and making new friends. Remind me of this in a few months when I’m in that grrr place of culture shock, okay?
We decided to tell our kids about the move last night, enjoying an ice cream and stories at the park. Tim told the kids we had news to share before leaving for work yesterday morning. I called the local librarian and asked if she’d help pull some age-appropriate books on moving for the kids. We sat down for stories after dinner and told the kids the key to our big news would be in the books.
Ezra, at 3, never really comprehended the big news, but Ella eventually did. The Berenstein Bears might make me crazy some times, but last night I was thankful for their simple, positive move to their tree house. Ella asked lots of great questions and is very excited about the move! We’ve visited our new city a few times, as well as our church there, and an honorary aunt and uncle who live not far from our new town home, so we’re not moving to a totally unfamiliar place. If she does fret later or has more worries or questions, I have books to talk about that as well. For now, she’s ready and excited to go!
The next three weeks are going to be crazy busy full of moving boxes, keeping the house clean to show to potential buyers, saying goodbye to dear friends, and preparing to move. I have a few great reviews and giveaways, but things will probably continue to be a bit quiet here until we get settled again.
Fingers crossed!!
This is so great, I will try to remind you soon haha. Are you going to be much further from where you are now?
I’m excited for you guys! You’ll have a a great experience I’m sure.
Good Luck with the move! Ihope it is smooth. Will you have more space in the new home?
Wow, that is big news! Good luck with everything that goes with it. I wish you a smooth transition!