It’s time, at last! We have spent the last few weeks packing up. This last week became a dizzying frenzy of packing, organizing, purging, cleaning and prepping for today, the closing on our house! The last 24 hours were spent basically doing all the gross jobs you put off until you have to do them… the scrubbing of the trashcans, cleaning the sticky blue goo out of the bottom of the freezer… yeah, it’s been lots of fun. Why is it that a house that is kept in relatively good shape (I DO clean!) can become so disgustingly dirty when it’s time to move?!? Do the dust bunnies multiply more rapidly when it’s moving time?
My poor husband was, as usual, the complete work horse, staying up until the wee hours of the morning packing the moving trucks just so. He packed the trucks for our last move and not one thing was broken… he’s my hero ๐
I did tell him, in the midst of dozens of dirty footprints tracked through my kitchen, boxes upon boxes strewn across the living room, what seemed like 20 kids with poopy diapers, all wanting to eat NOW… that if I EVER mentioned to him that I wanted to move ourselves again, to promptly stick me in the eye with a hot poker. That should remind me of the pain of this experience.
We are now passing from the pain of moving OUT to the joy of moving IN! I know how difficult it is, the unpacking, the arranging and rearranging of furniture, the ‘getting to know you’ phase of moving. But this house we found (more like the house God found for us) is SO cool! While it’s not my dream house (my dream house would be built in the 1880’s, not the 1980’s), it’s really perfect for us. It’s located just a hop skip and a jump away from the best elementary school in the district. I can basically watch my kids walk to school. And the neighborhood has lots of mature trees, which I have missed so much. I grew up in Atlanta and the beauty of the foliage there spoils a girl to wanting to see green everywhere she looks! The house sits on a nice, big lot with lots of room for football and tag. It’s bigger than our old house, by about 700 very appreciated square feet. And we’ll have a basement (can I hear an A-MEN!) where the kids will have about 400 square feet to run, jump, scream and just plain mess up to their hearts’ content. We had a basement in our Illinois house and it was a godsend. On top of the basement for runnin’ wild, this house has an updated kitchen and bathrooms, so all the hard work has been done for us! We will need to do some stripping of lovely floral borders and some removing of terribly dated wallpaper. But I can do that myself. I can’t wait to get started… it’s a mama’s job to make a house a home and now that we’ve got a great house, I’m chomping at the bit!
When does school start???
Tish says
how DO you do it, girl? moving alone is a list-topper of streesful life events, but to do it as often as you do…and on top of 4 recent adoptions…and on top of flying to Iowa weekly….
my head is spinning!
YOU are my hero!
Don and Lisa Osborn says
So exhausted just thinking about all that…
Best wishes to you in your new house and neighborhood. It sounds incredible! Can’t wait to see pix and the kids playing in the new digs.
Sending wishes for energy and strength your way…
Lisa
skrpr_grl says
Good luck with your move and your new home. ๐
Kelly O’Rourke
Michelle says
Oh, I don’t envy your move with the packing up or unpacking…but oh the fun of exploring new places.
Barbie says
I am sure you guys are completely worn out but still have that excitement of something new. Post pictures when you can. I would love to see your new home. You are an amazing woman Stefanie!!
bytheriver says
Steph & Chris – congrats on getting through the worst part of the move! We are having trouble imagining moving 1/2 way across the country, much less doing so while one of you is making weekly trips to IOWA. Enjoy settling in. Stacy & Bruce
Jill says
All this, and you you still have time to blog???? May I call you “Wonder Woman”??
Anonymous says
You are one amazing family. I happened upon your adoption websites while a dear friend was adopting from China and have become attached to some of the families that were posting at the same times she was. I have never felt the need to comment before, but have enjoyed watching your family grow and been amazed by your actions. This week’s events have just amazed me. May God richly bless your family in your new home.
Anonymous says
Hi Stefanie! Good luck with everything!! Are you like me?? I cannot wait to get everything unpacked when we move!! I will do it all in a weekend because I am such a freak about it!! Hope it all goes smoothly for you and the gang!! I am dying to talk to you about Shepherd and how things have been, but know how crazy you must be right now!! Email when you get good and settled!!
Ann (Lizzie’s Momma)
Patricia/NYC says
The new house sounds fantastic!! I wish you ALL the best as you make the move! May it go smoothly & quickly for all of you! And I totally agree with "Tish"…YOU are my hero, too!! ๐
You will be closer to Iowa now, too, right?
Post pics when you can! Can't wait to see your new digs!
HUGS!!
Patricia
Mia-Bella says
I’m exhausted just reading that post…I’m in awe of how you are doing it all..I barely manage working with one child. You amaze and inspire me.
Congratulations on your wonderful new kid friendly home…it sounds absolutely perfect.
Melissa
sara says
Happy UN-packing, sister!!
mom 2 many says
Are you just moving locally or PCS’ing? Have fun,
we get to do it next week!!
One Happy Momma says
Congratulations on your new home!
Hope you post some pictures when you get a chance.
Best wishes to you in your new home!
Blessings –
Cathy
The Ferrill's says
How exciting Stefanie! I will pray the transition is smooth from place to place! So when those moving trucks roll through B’ham, PLEASE stop to get gas and let me see your beautiful family!!!!!!!!!! ๐
I have read some of your posts I missed, and Shepherd’s sweet little feet look amazing.
I’m so happy and encouraged to see how well things are going, and I’m inspired by your cheerfulness and joy through lots of life changes!
Go girl! Go GOD!!!!!!!!!
Prepster says
So excited for you!!! Will you post pictures of the new house? I would also love to see what you do to the inside. I love your taste! (Okay, okay, I know it’s a lot to ask, but I can dream! It’s not like you’re busy or anything. ; )
Prepster
Michelle says
Oh, how I love to build and decorate a new home!! I can’t wait to see pics of the kids frolicking in their new back yard. You know I’m praying for you!
Amie says
Is there anything you can’t do girl? Seriously! You Rock girl!! Safe Travels and can’t wait to hear how the trip went!
Lots of love!
๐
Amie
Table for Six says
we are close to each other now! how about that coffee we spoke of last year :O)
have tons of questions for you regarding hospitals for us – ( our Drew has clubfeet) we received PA for our little guy – yep= the one!! WOOHOO
when you come out from the boxes get intouch! i only have a couple basement boxes left to do.. which they are in the basement so I might just leave them.. especially since we are moving again (PCS) in 10 months… YIKES
Jill S.
http://www.tableforliu.blogspot.com
ww says
Your family is definitely amazing! How do you do it? Any tips? Wishing you continued happiness and love in your new home. Wendy
Amy Rankin says
Where did you move to? I know you posted that you went through Birmingham on the way…are you in Alabama?
Just wondering if you are nearby…
Another Dongguan Mom,
Amy Rankin in Faunsdale, AL (where?)
;o)
Chris and Deb says
WOW…..you guys do have so much going on right now! Blessing to you all as you are about to start a new chapter in your new state and your new home! Safe travels!
Ashley says
Good luck and prayers for a safe move and a speedy settling in are being sent your way!
Ashley
Wendy says
Wow, it sounds really exhausting. Good luck with the move and can’t wait to see your new place. It sounds wonderful!
How you do all this and fly back and forth to Dr. Ponseti is amazing!
Desiree says
Moving is so exhausting, especially with children. Praying for you girl!! A basement…hmmm, does this mean youre about to become a northerner???
Kate says
Okay…I’m an occasional reader…following along…thinking “how does she do it??”….and then you move. We moved last January….just a hop, skip…and jump, too…and I still find myself a bit overwhelmed with all there is to do. And I have, you know, ONE child. But tonight, reading your blog….”it’s a mama’s job to make a house a home”….struck me to the core. You are so calm, so giving, so…go with the flow….and right!! YOu have renewed my sense of purpose. Tomorrow is a new day…and I am going to make the best of it!!!
You really are a marvel!!
Kate (and Lia too!)
Amie says
girl… you doing okay? Did you pass out from a heart attack cause your house is so flippin cool? are you hiding in a box afraid to come out? Are you hanging out at your cool elementary school down the street with all the awesome kids in the hood… or are you just dead tired and passed out on your couch lying next to a half eaten bag of oreos…
Hope you are hangin in there..
Sending love-
Amie
Mike & Ramona says
That’s it! You’ve proven it, you are a super-human. How have you managed to go back and forth to Iowa and pack up to move?
The new house sounds great! What I wouldn’t give for a basement!
Wendy says
Hey, I thought I had posted a couple of days ago but don’t see it now. Just wanted to wish you all the best! Hope you all love your new home and community!!!
3 Peanuts says
Stephanie,
You amaze me…you just got home from China, you are traveling back and forth with the casting, and now you move yourselves! I am so impressed. And you look beautiful and smiley in the photos!
We are getting ready to move too—far away so this post hit me.
I wish you the best in your new home—It sounds perfect!
Kim
Colleen says
whoo hooo how exciting!! Can’t wait to hear how you are all doing in the new house : )
Paul & Chelsea Gour says
Hey Stefanie, I love your blog and have followed it for a while. I live in Charleston, SC and I also adopted a child from China with club feet. We are having her casting done in St. Louis with Dr. Dobbs right now. I wanted to let you know that I nominated you for a blog award and if you would like to accept the award, just follow the link to my blog and capture the button to display on your blog!
Chelsea Gour
http://www.gourfamilyadoption.blogspot.com
DiJo says
Hey Stef!
Sorry it has been so long since I checked in. And, I thought I was having a crazy summer!!!!! ๐
Blessings to you as you begin yet another adventure! I know your new home will be beautiful in every way!
What a gift to have you as a new neighbor!!! Enjoy every hair pulling, hot poker minute!!!!
Hugs,
Diana (Who has a 2 year old today!!!!)
Janelle says
Congratulations on your new home – it sounds wonderful, especially the big yard & extra room. I enjoy the settling in process immensely and hope your family feels happy & peaceful in your new space. God bless you and your new home.
post photos sometime!
Rina says
I nominate you supermom…you inspire many of us…
http://www.shpiruk.blogspot.com
Rina
Rebecca says
Thinking of you, girlfriend!!! You are an amazing chica. ๐ I’m sure you are lovin’ the new place!!! 1 word: BASEMENT!!!! YEAH!! ๐
R
A Momma in Waiting... says
I just wanted to say Hi! and that I’ve been peeking in on your family. Your family is beautiful. Good Luck with your new home, moving can be stessful and exciting at the same time. Blessings, Terry
Lindsey's mom says
OMGosh!! I cant believe you adopted again! SO wonderful!! This is Kathy T from Anchorage. You adopted Jude from Gutian and sent me a photo of Lindsey just before we left for China!! I had not checked out your blog and am sure glad I just did!!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Kathy T
Anchorage
http://www.lindseyli.blogspot.com
Chelley says
thinking of you…….
Susan says
Amazing.
End of comment ๐
Kellyann says
We just did this back in March. Have fun! All I can say is I’m glad it is over and I don’t EVER want to do it again!
Mel says
“…that if I EVER mentioned to him that I wanted to move ourselves again, to promptly stick me in the eye with a hot poker. That should remind me of the pain of this experience.”
This made me giggle. ๐
Your house sounds wonderful. I’d love a house that stands on its own bit of land, like a lot of the American and Canadian houses do but that’s not as commonplace here. (I’m in England) And detached houses carry a much higher house valuation, so I might well be crying for the moon there. I might have to settle for semi-detached but I’m not being sandwiched between two other houses, no way.
Ugh, that makes me sound really fussy. ๐