As I sit here, I am completely exhausted. The emotions this past week have been surreal. All the waiting, all the joy, all the support and love...it's tangible grace on steriods!
My last post, I wrote it earlier than it was posted. I wanted it ready for our big announcement. But I had to wait almost a full week from knowing we were pretty much matched to having that confirmation. It about killed me! But God placed in my life this wonderful man who can read me better that anyone else, and he calmly had us pray when the emotions got too much. (Thank you Lord for such a man as Gabe!)
My weekend has been ridiculous! On Saturday, I dropped Gabe off at 5am for his flight to Japan. I went home and got a few hours sleep, then called my mom as I was getting ready for the day. While on the phone with her, an email popped up on my phone saying we had a confirmed match! It was so cool to share that moment with her, especially since otherwise I would have been alone. And I didn't waste anytime. I had my profile picture changed in less than a minute, followed quickly by the blog post! I couldn't wait any longer, 6 days was long enough for me. The emotions and phone calls to people quickly became overwhelming, but I was told the birthparents would call me that day, so I cancelled all my plans and stayed home. They never called, but I got the best sleep I've had in a week.
Sunday, I went to church. After the service, I asked the pastor to introduce me to some of the ladies in the church (all I knew were some guys from the softball team Gabe and I have been participating in). Pastor Brad introduced me to one gal, who introduced me to 2 more. They were all part of a couple's group that meets every other Sunday night. Gabe and I have been meaning to attend, but the softball games have been conflicting.
After church, I went with a Marine wife to Babies R Us to finish my registry. Her husband works with Gabe and is gone to Japan too. She is a Christian and has 2 boys. We had a great time getting to know each other more. As we were checking out with a few essential items for a diaper bag, I got an email saying the stroller/car seat Gabe had his heart set on was going to be discontinued. I knew they had one in the store because I had been debating buying it. I quickly got it and we left.
About 2 hours after getting home from shopping, our birthparents called. They opened the conversation saying, "We have some news for you but don't freak out....." Amazingly, God put his had of calmness on me and I didn't start freaking out. They told me they had been to the dr. that week and her amneotic fluid was low. She has quit her job, and is on bed rest (ish), while drinking fluids. They wanted to tell me the baby could be here a week from tomorrow (Monday). They didn't want me to freak out about not being prepared and because it was all happening so quickly. In my mind, I'm thinking, "Ok, this is fast but let's go! I've waited long enough!"I think they were scared I was going to bail ship on them. They have another dr. appointment tomorrow to see if there has been improvement. I'm not sure if the dr. is thinking induced labor or c-section or what. Right now JJ is measuring at 36-37 weeks and is 6lbs. So the dr. is not wanting to go past 38 weeks. Hearing all this is scary, but Gabe's sister had both her girls super early and they were 100% healthy, even at under 5lbs. The birthmother is short at 5'2", so I'm not too worried about it. And, with the baby coming early, that could be the answer to our trip home for the wedding, given Gabe still is given time off work and the baby is healthy.
My talk with the birthparents was again amazing. I am blown away by their maturity of the situation and their ability to see it from our view as well. They made it clear that we are the mother and father, and that they will abide by our boundaries. I didn't have to tell them, they already knew and expected it. I'm assuming adoption can be messy with boundaries and stuff, but I feel like we have the perfect couple to face it with. They are respectful, insightful, and they just get it. If we are to go through this, I'm glad it's with them. It's a best case scenario. So much better than I expected, especially after learning they are married. SUCH an answer to prayer.
After that phone call, I rushed off to the couple's group. 5 couples from our church, all with kids. They were so welcoming and made me feel comfortable which I appreciated, especially without my buffer Gabe to hide behind. They were all interested in the adoption want to be there for me. Most are military but different branches, and one is a fire fighter. I can just see myself clicking with the group and fitting in. The hostess has a 4 month old daughter and started giving me stuff to get by like a rock and sleep and a sling and stuff. I was overwhelmed again by God's provision and guidance. To have total strangers come along side me because we are all family because we are God's family, it's pretty cool to witness. I feel a bit guilty being the new one in the group and coming in with such immediate needs, but I guess that's life. But another answer to prayer to find a mommy jackpot and see their desire to help if/when needed.
God is still providing. I've overwhelmed by the provision in so many different ways and areas of my life. I almost want him to hit the pause button because mentally I can't take anymore! I feel so undeserving of it all, but am so thankful the dark valleys weren't for nothing.
Thanks to everyone for the love and support. I am so blessed to have so many friends and family all over the world. I have a beautiful life and an big part has to do with you guys.
My cup runnth over.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Finally, The Downward Slope
About 2 1/2 weeks ago, I was feeling discouraged about our adoption. We've been signed up for a year and a half and no one had expressed interest in us. I had spent the weekend updating our birthmother letter and website to show we had moved from Missouri to Hawaii. I spent the morning praying and expressing my discouragement to God, just feeling exhausted with how long we have been just waiting. I went to my computer and was surprised to find a message in my inbox from our agency. A birth mother coordinator had written us that a family wanted to learn more about us!
Over the course of the next few days, I learned more about the birthparents and answered some of their questions via email (all through the coordinator). Few days later we set up a time for the 4 of us to talk on the phone. We talked for an hour and it was amazing. The first thing they wanted to know was if we saw marriage as a life-long commitment. Then they wanted to know how our marriage was, and it went from there. They are very similar to Gabe and myself and talking to them didn't feel awkward at all. We actually didn't discuss the baby very much. Mostly, we answered questions, asked a few, and just got to know each other. The birth parents are very educated, articulate and you can hear the love they have for their baby.
After the phone conversation, we didn't hear anything for over a week. We started to doubt ourselves and play the 'what-if' game. We handled it pretty well, but the feeling of not knowing was heavy. Do we start prepping for a baby? If so, how far do we go? We didn't want to go all in and look like fools if it didn't work out. Finally, we took an evening out to get away from distractions and focus on each other. We found a quiet Thai restaurant and we talked. I finally came to the realization that this baby is God's, regardless of who raises him. So we just gave him to the Lord and let go of the illusion of control. And yes, it is an illusion.
Monday morning we got a email from our coordinator saying the birth mother agreed to move forward with us! So, I can officially say that we are having a baby boy!
God's hand has been so heavy in all of this. Here is a recap of his sovereignty.
Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us and shared in this journey. It has been an emotional few weeks. The past few years have seemed like such a long trail, but the downward slope has us at a run. I am glad I won't have lots of time to plan because I can get too wrapped up in the planning and it can overwhelm me. And besides, I've done enough waiting, right? Continue to pray as nothing is concrete until the baby is born, so there is always a chance they could change their mind. We just want God's will in the situation to be done regardless of the outcome, so pray for protection over our hearts. Also, please pray for the birth parents as it has to be a difficult time. They seem like a beautiful couple and we want nothing but the best for them.
Over the course of the next few days, I learned more about the birthparents and answered some of their questions via email (all through the coordinator). Few days later we set up a time for the 4 of us to talk on the phone. We talked for an hour and it was amazing. The first thing they wanted to know was if we saw marriage as a life-long commitment. Then they wanted to know how our marriage was, and it went from there. They are very similar to Gabe and myself and talking to them didn't feel awkward at all. We actually didn't discuss the baby very much. Mostly, we answered questions, asked a few, and just got to know each other. The birth parents are very educated, articulate and you can hear the love they have for their baby.
After the phone conversation, we didn't hear anything for over a week. We started to doubt ourselves and play the 'what-if' game. We handled it pretty well, but the feeling of not knowing was heavy. Do we start prepping for a baby? If so, how far do we go? We didn't want to go all in and look like fools if it didn't work out. Finally, we took an evening out to get away from distractions and focus on each other. We found a quiet Thai restaurant and we talked. I finally came to the realization that this baby is God's, regardless of who raises him. So we just gave him to the Lord and let go of the illusion of control. And yes, it is an illusion.
Monday morning we got a email from our coordinator saying the birth mother agreed to move forward with us! So, I can officially say that we are having a baby boy!
 |
| Yes, that does say Sept 18, as in less than a month away! |
God's hand has been so heavy in all of this. Here is a recap of his sovereignty.
- Birth parents live 10 minutes away from us. This means the baby can come straight into our house after discharge from the hospital. It also means we don't have to travel to and from the state the baby was born in for the birth and finalization of the adoption and have those expenses; because everyone involved lives in Hawaii, there is no red-tape between states. What a blessing because it would get expensive quickly, and it will be nice to settle in within our own home.
- Baby is due Sept 18th. My prayer for several months has been that God would give us a baby on a day of significance, as a way of forever reminding me that he had everything under his control even when I couldn't see it. My birthday is Sept 21. I have had to slightly retract this prayer as my sister is getting married Sept 27th and we have tickets to fly home. So we hope the baby can (naturally) come early but only if it is safe for everyone involved.
- Our September trip home for my sister's wedding would include time with both our families. It is the only trip we have planned to see our families and it is doubtful they would be able to visit us in the future. But if for some reason this trip doesn't work out, we want to reschedule it for some future date.
- Gabe and I have had the worst time picking out a baby boy name. In 2010 we picked one name and never changed it. JJ. From there, we picked out the name James, and finally Jensen. Jensen James will be our name. This is super cool because both birth parent's name start with J.
Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us and shared in this journey. It has been an emotional few weeks. The past few years have seemed like such a long trail, but the downward slope has us at a run. I am glad I won't have lots of time to plan because I can get too wrapped up in the planning and it can overwhelm me. And besides, I've done enough waiting, right? Continue to pray as nothing is concrete until the baby is born, so there is always a chance they could change their mind. We just want God's will in the situation to be done regardless of the outcome, so pray for protection over our hearts. Also, please pray for the birth parents as it has to be a difficult time. They seem like a beautiful couple and we want nothing but the best for them.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Hawai'i Life
Look whose back! I praise God that Gabe and his unit arrived home safely mid-June.
 |
| Just off the bus! |
Gabe took me to Waikiki for a day. Lots of shopping and touristy things, but there is no parking, and was so hot! We spent the day wondering around and ended the day at a nice restaurant where we ate on the beach.
 |
| Waikiki |
We also had the honor of spending 4th of July at Pearl Harbor Base (not memorial). Fireworks are not allowed on base, and Pearl Harbor had a widely advertised event for military families. Security was high. No cameras, No backpacks. Even purses were limited to a clutch size. Oour water bottles weren't even allowed....until they ran out of water for purchase. We had lawn chairs (thanks mom), and just enjoyed watching people buzz around us. There were a few kid attractions, lots of food, and a 3 Doors Down concert that made us flashback to high school. The fireworks were shot off of a docked navy vessel. It was a short fireworks show, but there was something special about being at such a historic, patriotic place surrounded by people who are so similar to us in lifestyle.
 |
| Pearl Harbor Base: Navy Vessel is in the background to the left |
 |
| My first fried twinkie. Gabe refused to even try a bite. |
 |
| "Illegal" water bottles (Psyco is Gabe's unit nickname....Psyco Fox Co) |
We also spent this past month and a half to get our homestudy endorsed. We were blessed to find an agency that is using bits and pieces of our last homestudy while updating new information. We didn't have to have references, but we had to do state and federal clearances again. We also had to update our financial status and medical documents and other things like that. It doesn't seem like alot, but everything takes time. We had our home visit a few weeks ago and I think it should be written and approved quickly.
Most recently, I got a job! After 8 interviews, a temp agency found me a job as an HR assistant. A small company is looking to develop a HR department and needs someone to help start that department. Right now, the VP is also in control of the HR department, but it has become too much for her and she needs to delegate some duties. Today was only my 3rd day of work, and I love it! I work 6 hours a day and the job feels like a career. I'm hoping this temp-to-hire turns into a permanent job.
Overall, life is good. We have great neighbors, have a great location both on base and on island, and we are settling in. All the pieces are settling in.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Aloha!
Well, I have officially made it to Hawai'i! It was quite an adventurous trip and settling in has taken longer than I anticipated. But here is a run down on my traveling adventure.
I left Springfield mid-May and traveled to Omaha to spend some time with some friends and had the honor to witness a very dear friend marry her dream man. It was a great time of seeing friends I hadn't seen in years, and gave me a break from responsibility for a few days before the craziness started.
From Omaha, I drove to St. Louis. I arrived at my hotel and spend the evening cleaning my car out and running to Target for last minute things: snacks for the plane, a water bottle, etc. The next morning I drove my car a few miles away to ship it. I was so nervous that I would get there and my paperwork would be outdated or invalid. But an hour later, my car was checked over and I was good to go. I was even complimented that for the age of my car, it was in unheard of condition (a genetic OCD thing I inherited from my dad). After my car was checked in, the shuttle from my hotel picked me up. The next morning, the shuttle took me to the airport. AND then the craziness started.
After getting up at 4:30am, we made it to the airport on time. We, as in: Gibbs, a huge kennel, a even bigger suitcase, a roll-on carry-on, and myself. We get to the airline and there are NO carts outside. None inside. I start to freak out. Well the shuttle guy unloads me and takes off. Because I have Gibbs, I can't do the curb-side check-in. So I had to wait several minutes before someone from the airline could come get a huge cart and take me inside. Once inside, there is a huge line and everyone is grumpy. I was getting worried we would miss the 1 hour mark to check-in, but we barely made it. After Gibbs got checked over by TSA, they carted him away and I felt like a mom who had just dropped her kid off at a new daycare: free but worried. I got to my gate to see the flight had been moved but no signs had changed. They were boarding by the time I got there. But then we were delayed because of fog in Dallas (my connection). All I could think of was it was more time for Gibbs to be locked up in a loud scary area. Well, due to the delay, by the time I got to Dallas, I had to run for my connection which was in another terminal. When I say run, i mean run. They were at least half boarded by the time I got there and I was freaking out that it wasn't enough time for Gibbs to get on the plane. And because I had to run for my flight, I didn't get to stop for anything to eat. Thankfully some of Gabe's habits have rubbed off on me and I had some snacks.
The flight was pretty uneventful. I spent my time updating our adoption profiles, reading a book, and watching the on-flight movie. I was just too on edge to sleep, then I was too tired to sleep. After we landed, I found baggage, and got a shuttle to my rental car. After a quick check-out with the car, I proceeded to try to locate the building where I was to pick Gibbs up. That took awhile and was frustrating. But once I found it, I was in and out in 10 minutes with Gibbs, who did not smell all that pleasant. The airport has strict rules about not allowing animals outside their kennels until you are off their property so the kennel was loaded straight into the car and all I could think about was finding a gas station to get him out and take out the nasty puppy pads taped on the bottom of the kennel. So, to do that, I had to get off the interstate and drive around a bit. I've heard stories about avoiding certain areas, but it was hard to tell if it was a bad area or not because everything just looks different...a bit older and worn. I found a place, got Gibbs out, and cleaned up a bit. But the tiredness and the situation stressed me out alot. I had been so worried about Gibbs having another panic attack (he had one when our house was emptied), but he did awesome. The whole trip, he listened better than he usually does, which is saying alot.
So after our detour, I had no idea where I was and my GPS took me on some side roads. It was a pretty view, but by that point I was hating the island and hating the move, and hating Gabe for picking Hawaii. So I got the base, found my hotel, and was a grump. They wouldn't allow me to wash Gibbs in the tub, I couldn't get an appointment to get him washed, and my tiredness made the whole issue of Gibbs being dirty a million times worse than it really was. So I ran to the store and got cleaner to clean the crate (at least get rid of that smell), and some refreshing spray for Gibbs. I was in the store, about to pass out (remember, I hadn't had a meal, just snacks), glaring at every person in uniform. Got back to my room and decided I would run someone over if I drove out for food, so I ordered a pizza. Guess what? They brought the wrong pizza. But I ate it and went to bed after being up for 20 hours. So that way my "welcome to the island".
After I got some sleep, the next day was better. I was up reaaaaallllly early (5 hours behind), so I made some calls early and got Gibbs a grooming appointment right away. So I took him down to a town close to the base, dropped him off, then traveled back to base to go to the housing office to get the keys to our house. That didn't take long. I really do like our house. We have a grassy area right in front of us, with a golf course, restaurant, and mini golf right across the road. Behind us, is a block of grassy areas and a playground. So lots of places to walk with Gibbs right close to the house. We are also a 2 minute drive from a dog park, the shopping areas and the beach. And we are close enough to the gym and Gabe's work that he can run or ride his bike to either. The house is set up like a townhouse and it is a good size for what we need.
Unfortunately, our household goods weren't going to arrive on time, but the housing office offered loaner furniture. BUT they didn't have time to deliver it before Tuesday (this was Thursday). This means no pots and pans, no basic cooking supplies. No bed or blankets. Just a stove, fridge, and microwave. I did some shopping for paper products, a pillow and blanket, and freezer meals. I picked up a clean Gibbs, and we started to settle in. The first thing we did was try to get cable and internet because we had NOTHING. But that didn't come for a few days. So it was a really really boring first few days. We drove around, checked out the library and shopping areas, but there wasn't much to do and I didn't want to explore too far away from home without Gabe.
After 2 days of nothingness, I got cable (we didn't have a TV, so I bought one on a great sale). A day or two later, I got internet. Then finally, Tuesday rolled around and I got my loaner furniture! Upgrade!!
So I spent a week of nothingness. I went to the library to print off documents for our home study, I registered Gibbs with the city/county of Honolulu and on base, and did small errands like that. But there was only so much I could do without Gabe.
I got a call our furniture was here, but they couldn't deliver for a week, which put it the day after Gabe got home. I was bummed but my mom helped me see that it could be fun to set up our home together. Well, I got a call a few days later saying they could deliver the day before Gabe got home and I jumped at the chance! As far as he knew, he was coming home to an empty home with the movers coming the next morning. So I was excited to surprise him. They came and got everything unloaded in 3 hours. There was an issue with the bed frames: they stripped some screws so the mattresses couldn't go on the bed until we got replacements. But thankfully our bedroom is ginormous and had the space for a queen sized frame and a mattresses on the floor.
So that's the run-down on my crazy trip out here. I know people always ask me how I did it. It went so much smoother than I had prepared myself for. And even though my lack of sleep had me hating the place for the first 6 hours, everything is ok now and I'm slowly enjoying it more and more.
I left Springfield mid-May and traveled to Omaha to spend some time with some friends and had the honor to witness a very dear friend marry her dream man. It was a great time of seeing friends I hadn't seen in years, and gave me a break from responsibility for a few days before the craziness started.
After getting up at 4:30am, we made it to the airport on time. We, as in: Gibbs, a huge kennel, a even bigger suitcase, a roll-on carry-on, and myself. We get to the airline and there are NO carts outside. None inside. I start to freak out. Well the shuttle guy unloads me and takes off. Because I have Gibbs, I can't do the curb-side check-in. So I had to wait several minutes before someone from the airline could come get a huge cart and take me inside. Once inside, there is a huge line and everyone is grumpy. I was getting worried we would miss the 1 hour mark to check-in, but we barely made it. After Gibbs got checked over by TSA, they carted him away and I felt like a mom who had just dropped her kid off at a new daycare: free but worried. I got to my gate to see the flight had been moved but no signs had changed. They were boarding by the time I got there. But then we were delayed because of fog in Dallas (my connection). All I could think of was it was more time for Gibbs to be locked up in a loud scary area. Well, due to the delay, by the time I got to Dallas, I had to run for my connection which was in another terminal. When I say run, i mean run. They were at least half boarded by the time I got there and I was freaking out that it wasn't enough time for Gibbs to get on the plane. And because I had to run for my flight, I didn't get to stop for anything to eat. Thankfully some of Gabe's habits have rubbed off on me and I had some snacks.
 |
| My lap: Purse, Laptop, Snacks, Water bottle, Kindle, Book, and blanket from airline |
The flight was pretty uneventful. I spent my time updating our adoption profiles, reading a book, and watching the on-flight movie. I was just too on edge to sleep, then I was too tired to sleep. After we landed, I found baggage, and got a shuttle to my rental car. After a quick check-out with the car, I proceeded to try to locate the building where I was to pick Gibbs up. That took awhile and was frustrating. But once I found it, I was in and out in 10 minutes with Gibbs, who did not smell all that pleasant. The airport has strict rules about not allowing animals outside their kennels until you are off their property so the kennel was loaded straight into the car and all I could think about was finding a gas station to get him out and take out the nasty puppy pads taped on the bottom of the kennel. So, to do that, I had to get off the interstate and drive around a bit. I've heard stories about avoiding certain areas, but it was hard to tell if it was a bad area or not because everything just looks different...a bit older and worn. I found a place, got Gibbs out, and cleaned up a bit. But the tiredness and the situation stressed me out alot. I had been so worried about Gibbs having another panic attack (he had one when our house was emptied), but he did awesome. The whole trip, he listened better than he usually does, which is saying alot.
So after our detour, I had no idea where I was and my GPS took me on some side roads. It was a pretty view, but by that point I was hating the island and hating the move, and hating Gabe for picking Hawaii. So I got the base, found my hotel, and was a grump. They wouldn't allow me to wash Gibbs in the tub, I couldn't get an appointment to get him washed, and my tiredness made the whole issue of Gibbs being dirty a million times worse than it really was. So I ran to the store and got cleaner to clean the crate (at least get rid of that smell), and some refreshing spray for Gibbs. I was in the store, about to pass out (remember, I hadn't had a meal, just snacks), glaring at every person in uniform. Got back to my room and decided I would run someone over if I drove out for food, so I ordered a pizza. Guess what? They brought the wrong pizza. But I ate it and went to bed after being up for 20 hours. So that way my "welcome to the island".
After I got some sleep, the next day was better. I was up reaaaaallllly early (5 hours behind), so I made some calls early and got Gibbs a grooming appointment right away. So I took him down to a town close to the base, dropped him off, then traveled back to base to go to the housing office to get the keys to our house. That didn't take long. I really do like our house. We have a grassy area right in front of us, with a golf course, restaurant, and mini golf right across the road. Behind us, is a block of grassy areas and a playground. So lots of places to walk with Gibbs right close to the house. We are also a 2 minute drive from a dog park, the shopping areas and the beach. And we are close enough to the gym and Gabe's work that he can run or ride his bike to either. The house is set up like a townhouse and it is a good size for what we need.
Unfortunately, our household goods weren't going to arrive on time, but the housing office offered loaner furniture. BUT they didn't have time to deliver it before Tuesday (this was Thursday). This means no pots and pans, no basic cooking supplies. No bed or blankets. Just a stove, fridge, and microwave. I did some shopping for paper products, a pillow and blanket, and freezer meals. I picked up a clean Gibbs, and we started to settle in. The first thing we did was try to get cable and internet because we had NOTHING. But that didn't come for a few days. So it was a really really boring first few days. We drove around, checked out the library and shopping areas, but there wasn't much to do and I didn't want to explore too far away from home without Gabe.
 |
| My set up for the first night: frozen lasagna, movie on the computer, and my "bed" |
 |
| Upgrade! |
So I spent a week of nothingness. I went to the library to print off documents for our home study, I registered Gibbs with the city/county of Honolulu and on base, and did small errands like that. But there was only so much I could do without Gabe.
I got a call our furniture was here, but they couldn't deliver for a week, which put it the day after Gabe got home. I was bummed but my mom helped me see that it could be fun to set up our home together. Well, I got a call a few days later saying they could deliver the day before Gabe got home and I jumped at the chance! As far as he knew, he was coming home to an empty home with the movers coming the next morning. So I was excited to surprise him. They came and got everything unloaded in 3 hours. There was an issue with the bed frames: they stripped some screws so the mattresses couldn't go on the bed until we got replacements. But thankfully our bedroom is ginormous and had the space for a queen sized frame and a mattresses on the floor.
 |
| Our bedroom is big enough for 2 beds...I'm spoiled! |
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Moving Time!!
So, the last few posts have been an example of how God has reminded me He is in control and working things out. Our home was such a beautiful tangible example. And yet, He has had to remind me and teach me the same lesson already. Being human has made it too easy to let the waves of life consume me and take all my attention.
Before the movers came, I put my huge table on craigslist. Huge, as in massive. It was a 58" x 58" pub size table with 8 oversized chairs. I loved the table, but it was big in our house and not knowing if it would even fit in our future home and having a weight limit for the house, it was easier to just sell it. I had a scammer at first, so I lowered the price to get away from being a target, and I got a hit! I texted with a lady and her husband was coming to pick it up. I was a bit nervous because I usually don't have someone come to my house for craigslist, but how was I going to get this table to a walmart parking lot? I had a friend over and had my pepper spray handy. When the husband came, the first thing he said is that he knew our neighbors....the only neighbors I know! He crossfit at a local gym and I think Gabe had even crossfitted with him. So that made an uncomfortable situation feel lots better. And the cherry on top was the wife texted me a picture of the table all set up in her gorgeous living room.
Today was packing day! I was really nervous and didn't know what to expect. I wasn't as prepared as I wanted to be. I had dishes in the dishwasher, rooms weren't clean, piles of donate/sell were next to piles of keep stuff. I was dreading morning to come. I had 3 movers arrive and they immediately split up and tackled the house. I was presently surprised to see a lady who came in and did our kitchen. A huge bodybuilder guy worked on the master bedroom, and a quiet awkward man did the spare bedrooms. They are ROCKSTARS! I had my house packed in 5 hours. Everything. Garage too. They had a system and didn't really want or need my help. I did a few things like take the curtains down, but they had everything under control and I felt like I was hovering. The lady who I was talking with as she packed my whole kitchen in under 2 hours (which is amazing because I have about every gadget possible) told me that their job is to do everything and I'm just suppose to sit down and relax. And I did. Beat a few levels of Candy Crush too. But in the midst of so much stress, most of which is self-imposed, a situation that made me feel like I was drowning at first turned into a relaxing walk in the park.
There are still a few things to figure out. I'm not allowed to take any candles, batteries, light bulbs, scentsy wax packets, opened chemical cleaners, nail polish, anything flamible, etc. So I have to sort through all those things and give away or toss them all. Also, as a goverment move, they are required to use their own packing supplies. So any old boxes I had in the garage or attic weren't used, so I have to get them broken down and given away. Also, lots of donation stuff that needs to find a home. It's not too overwhelming, but I have to get it done by Tuesday and it will be several trips. BUT, I think I found someone to take all the boxes and have a pick-up scheduled for my donation pile. It will get done, it just takes time and planning.
Later in the evening, I missed a phone call from the housing office in Hawaii. I was at dinner with some friends and started to freak out! After I actually listened to the voicemail start to finish, I learned that I had 24 hours to accept a house they had open for us May 27th. Gabe told me I was to take the first house offered. But this was easy to say yes to because May 27th is the day I was planning on flying out anyways! AND, the house was in our first choice housing choice! It will either be a duplex or a quadplex. I'm not sure yet which one, but we will have a minimum 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom. I'm excited about this particular house because the main floor is open, all the bedrooms are upstairs with the laundry room. It is a newer neighborhood. It's not as close to the beach as our 2nd choice, but they are almost brand new homes!
It's just little things like how the table sold to a "safe" person, a overwhelming situation turning into something I don't have to worry about at all, and getting a house at the perfect time. And I think being on a list for the house, we can have an address for Gibb's paperwork. And if not, Gabe got a friend who is going to let us use his address. It can be easy to overlook the lesson when I look at each situation separately; take for granted how everything works out. But seeing how everything is falling into place perfectly and all at once, it is so clear who is pulling all the strings. Yes, I'll need to be reminded at the next bump in the road. And need to be reminded again when we focus on the adoption again.
PS: I wrote this super late....sorry if it has spelling/grammer (grammatical?) errors (Sam)
Before the movers came, I put my huge table on craigslist. Huge, as in massive. It was a 58" x 58" pub size table with 8 oversized chairs. I loved the table, but it was big in our house and not knowing if it would even fit in our future home and having a weight limit for the house, it was easier to just sell it. I had a scammer at first, so I lowered the price to get away from being a target, and I got a hit! I texted with a lady and her husband was coming to pick it up. I was a bit nervous because I usually don't have someone come to my house for craigslist, but how was I going to get this table to a walmart parking lot? I had a friend over and had my pepper spray handy. When the husband came, the first thing he said is that he knew our neighbors....the only neighbors I know! He crossfit at a local gym and I think Gabe had even crossfitted with him. So that made an uncomfortable situation feel lots better. And the cherry on top was the wife texted me a picture of the table all set up in her gorgeous living room.
Today was packing day! I was really nervous and didn't know what to expect. I wasn't as prepared as I wanted to be. I had dishes in the dishwasher, rooms weren't clean, piles of donate/sell were next to piles of keep stuff. I was dreading morning to come. I had 3 movers arrive and they immediately split up and tackled the house. I was presently surprised to see a lady who came in and did our kitchen. A huge bodybuilder guy worked on the master bedroom, and a quiet awkward man did the spare bedrooms. They are ROCKSTARS! I had my house packed in 5 hours. Everything. Garage too. They had a system and didn't really want or need my help. I did a few things like take the curtains down, but they had everything under control and I felt like I was hovering. The lady who I was talking with as she packed my whole kitchen in under 2 hours (which is amazing because I have about every gadget possible) told me that their job is to do everything and I'm just suppose to sit down and relax. And I did. Beat a few levels of Candy Crush too. But in the midst of so much stress, most of which is self-imposed, a situation that made me feel like I was drowning at first turned into a relaxing walk in the park.
 |
| Kitchen boxes |
Later in the evening, I missed a phone call from the housing office in Hawaii. I was at dinner with some friends and started to freak out! After I actually listened to the voicemail start to finish, I learned that I had 24 hours to accept a house they had open for us May 27th. Gabe told me I was to take the first house offered. But this was easy to say yes to because May 27th is the day I was planning on flying out anyways! AND, the house was in our first choice housing choice! It will either be a duplex or a quadplex. I'm not sure yet which one, but we will have a minimum 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom. I'm excited about this particular house because the main floor is open, all the bedrooms are upstairs with the laundry room. It is a newer neighborhood. It's not as close to the beach as our 2nd choice, but they are almost brand new homes!
It's just little things like how the table sold to a "safe" person, a overwhelming situation turning into something I don't have to worry about at all, and getting a house at the perfect time. And I think being on a list for the house, we can have an address for Gibb's paperwork. And if not, Gabe got a friend who is going to let us use his address. It can be easy to overlook the lesson when I look at each situation separately; take for granted how everything works out. But seeing how everything is falling into place perfectly and all at once, it is so clear who is pulling all the strings. Yes, I'll need to be reminded at the next bump in the road. And need to be reminded again when we focus on the adoption again.
PS: I wrote this super late....sorry if it has spelling/grammer (grammatical?) errors (Sam)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)