We are working tirelessly to get everything moved into the new place by the end of the week. We are so close.
My parents have been true champs throughout this process, staying here in Virginia, helping us out in any way they possibly can. Cooking, packing, painting, running girls to and from practices and school functions, fighting traffic, chasing Jabba man, etc. They’re back home in Ohio now, but will likely need an extended vacation after this trip of chaos and hard work. I am one lucky daughter. I can offer our kids the same loving support when they are all grown up and making their own way in life.
This week has been challenging physically, especially for the hunk and I. But emotionally I know it’s hard on our girls as well. They are looking forward to getting into our new house and they are especially looking forward to their upcoming Spring break. They need some downtime from soccer and track, school and the overall bedlam that our lives have become as of late. They need their own rooms again and for those rooms to be unpacked and orderly. They need their ‘stuff’ to be available and to not be living out of boxes anymore. Kids are resilient. They’re not suffering or hurting in anyway because of this process. It’s actually exciting. They are blessed and loved, always. But they are ready for some routine, some normalcy and most importantly they need to find their rhythm in this new town, new school, new home, new life.
Keely’s first and last track meet of the season was this week. She will no longer represent Blair Middle School and that’s a big deal in the life of a 13-year-old. That’s a stiff change. A brave, strong attitude is needed to digest and tackle the newness that is coming her way. Keely is a remarkably solid individual. Seemingly, she has this entire situation on lockdown in her head. Sure, there’s some trepidation. But Keely is surprisingly ready to embrace her new Va Beach “Panther” mascot at her new Va Beach middle school and she’s anxious to try out for new teams, while making new friends and new memories. She’s a go-getter.
Teagan is ready to have a clean house again. The child would move to Afghanistan tomorrow if it meant cleanliness and tidiness in her world was imminent. She does not thrive in messy, half lived-in spaces. She is her Father’s daughter. Believe me when I say, the apple does not fall far from the tree. They both need minimal crap in their line of vision at all times and they despise trash and clutter and things that serve no purpose. I love that about both of them. Teagan’s room is spotless 95% of the time. Everything has a place. I have walked into my kitchen only to realize she has cleaned out the junk drawer or the refrigerator. She’s amazing. She’s so thrilled at the idea of being able to help with the organizational aspects of our new abode. I adore her for that, and for countless other reasons.
Our daughters are precious gifts from God. Who would I be without them? Who cares? I don’t. My world is whole because of them. Wheeeew! I think I’m more nervous about this transition than they are! It’s all so bittersweet. Change is awesome. I know we’ll all rock this new experience to the fullest, as we have every other major life change we’ve endured together. But still… There’s that ‘butterfly Mommy tumtum’ that gets a little frazzled at the thought of her babes starting all over again as the new kid. It’s all good and well. It’s just those darn unknown buggers that creep and crawl and tickle the anxiety spots in the brain.
At any rate, we are about 2 kayaks, 2 dachshunds, a canoe, a surfboard, a paddleboard and a teakettle away from being completely moved out of the rental. The new roof is amazing. Every time I drive up to the new place, I look at that roof and I can just feel my anxiety melt away. I guess the calm that washes over my body when I think about having a home with new appliances that work and a roof that won’t leak and warmth that exists because of quality insulation and new windows that will keep the cold out and the heat in, is an honest to goodness, true example of what it feels like to be an actual, real-life adult!
HA!
My how our priorities change over the years. I’m blissfully grateful for so many reasons. Knowing my family can settle in and grow in a safe and sound space is the most wonderful blessing I can imagine right now. I don’t take it for granted. I never will.
So, the pest dudes (aka: termite company) came to the house and finished up all of the necessary repairs. As part of the financing/HUD requirements, they had to replace some old termite damage beneath the house. That means replacing a few floor joists, putting down a new vapor barrier and spraying lots of “extremely safe for people & pets” poison in the ground around our home. The guy (who was adorable & looked about 7-years-old) was so reassuring that this type of chemical spray and treatment is completely safe. But unfortunately I didn’t fall off the turnip truck yesterday morning. Basically I’m now pretty much convinced that right after we move in, the entire family will all absolutely suffer permanent neurological damage for the rest of our lives – assuming we survive at all. I hate crap like this. But, I’m not calling the shots. If we want to get financed, we embrace the poison. And we love the old place, so….
Anyway, the girls and I recently watched the stars fade from the sky as we entered back into the bright noise of city. A few more days and we can admire each and every speck of the heavens, framed by trees, reflecting on water, every single night. I’ll drink in the Universe daily when this is all over. Preferably at dusk in a hammock with a cold beverage.
wildwoodhomestead 