thoughts on moving.

• It's a lot more difficult to move when you have three children.  Our last move was only with Peanut in tow and Buddy in belly.  No going back now.
• Hands-down, we have the kindest friends on the planet.  The offers to help with childcare and dinners have been much appreciated.
• Peanut is learning the art of guilting me.  We sold the swing set on Saturday and then on Sunday she looks at Buddy during lunch and asks all nonchalantly "Want to go out and swing after we eat?"
• Operation Clear out the Pantry = drinking instant coffee.  Bleh.
• Popping bubble wrap used to be so fun as a child.  I think I now know how my mom felt about it.  (Sorry for feeling the need to pop every single bubble, mom.)
• I get the joy (and distraction) of happening upon treasures as I pack.  The latest is precisely the reason I will not allow my girls to have bangs.  The impossibility of getting them straight.  Case in point, Sweet P's visa medical photo:

• I'm obviously stressed and irritable.  Ask my husband.  
• Pandora Charlie Hall radio seems to help ease the last bullet.
• My children do not need very many toys.  The last couple days we've heard tales about Ginger Bear being in the operation room for surgery, and Peanut spends her time bringing "get well soup" and "get well notes" to her.  It's been a long recovery.

• If you stop by in the coming days, you may leave with more than you bargained for.  A friend dropped by something yesterday and left loaded up with shredded cheese, butter tubs and pumpkin puree.  At least she appeared happy with the exchange.  
• Peanut's sweet friend got teary tonight when she heard we are moving.  This is going to be more difficult than I ever imagined.  
• The Lord provides encouragement at the right moments.  Thriving Family magazine just arrived with a huge section on moving.

• It also included a bunch of travel game ideas which should help me keep my sanity on the 40+ hour drive in the most intense heat of the summer.  Good times await, friends.  

• I wish I could be profound in my words about how much I will miss this place and all the blessings we have experienced during our 3.5 years here.  Life has changed immensely and I have lived it with some amazing people.  I leave here dragging my feet but with an expectant heart for all He has planned  in Nevada.  
• You may not know where to find me for the next couple weeks... I may hardly know myself... but I hope to continue to pen my thoughts right here at the table.  

Blessings, angela