And the countdown begins....

Today starts the official countdown to our big move!  I stayed home this morning in order to meet the moving trailer that will be transporting all of our belongings to Washington.  We decided to use ABF Freight.  They seemed the most dependable and it fit within our budget.  They dropped the trailer off today, and we will load it throughtout the next 3 days, then they will pick it up on Monday and take off.  Jon, Kaylee, Lilly (our dog) and I will actually leave on Sunday though, just so we can get a head start.  We plan on going to early church service, grab a bite to eat for lunch, and then head out.  We wouldn't feel right if we didn't go to Victory one last time before we head out.  We're on God's journey now so it is only fitting to soak up as much as we can before we leave, right?

Tomorrow will be my last day at work.  I discovered that I had some holiday pay that was accrued so I will be leaving for good at 11:30am.  They had a get-together at work today and my co-workers said goodbye.  It's really hard to let your hard work over the last year get handed off to someone else.  I know it is in capable hands though.  Jon's last day will be tomorrow as well, but he will work the full day.  I'm also going to cash in what is left of my Valentine's Day gift card and get that 1-hour massage that I've been dreaming of for months :). 

We have spent almost every night this week with a different set of friends who wanted to see us off.  We had dinner at the Cooksey home yesterday (Courtney, Corey, Carrie and Colton).  We will have dinner with the Meyer's tomorrow night (Colby, Jamie, Konner, Lexi & Logyn).  I get to have lunch with my dear friend Bonita Ramsey tomorrow after work.  Gosh, I wish I could spend 2 whole weeks and be sure to visit everyone who is close to me, but there is just not enough days in the week.  I know they all understand though and wish us well.  I was able to take a good picture of me and one of my oldest friends, Sandie (Jones) Denson at Kaylee's early birthday party.  She is someone who I have been in and out of touch with over the last few years but she has consistently been on my mind and heart.  I love that girl and her whole family.  I remember back when we used to do her paper route together and her Grandma would drive us around the neighborhood to do it after school.  *Memories*

Kaylee seems to be having a bit of a rough week, and it is hard as a mother to not feel guilty for causing her stress right now.  Her teacher, Miss Jenny, at daycare knows that we are moving though and she is being very patient with Kaylee.  I just hate that she is a bit more "out of sorts".  I will be relieved when we can get her in her own room, with her normal bed and pink & brown polka dots on the walls again.  I can't wait to see that little girl run free in a Washington park field :).

So....three days and counting.....God, please keep us grounded over the next few days and help us to stay calm throughout one of the most stressing times.  We know this is the plan you have for us, and we are along for the ride in your journey.  I can't wait to see what happens!

Washington or Bust!

We had a wonderful early 2nd birthday party for Kaylee, as well as a going away party for our family.  Many wonderful friends and family came to spend this special time with us, and it meant the world to Jon and I.  Kaylee enjoyed playing with all of the children.  Kaylee received more clothes than we ever could have asked for, and we are so very thankful for all the wonderful gifts.  As we announced at the party, we got an apartment!!  We will be living in Bellingham, WA when we move in 2 weeks.  It is a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom.  This will be the largest apartment we have ever lived in, and we are so very excited!  Jon said it is close to downtown Bellingham. 

We went to church this morning, and I could not have asked for a better message for Jon and I to hear.  The best part of the service for me was the worship.  I did not realize how much stress and worry I had on my shoulders until we got to church and started the worship service.  All of a sudden I found myself in tears, but they were happy tears.  To realize that God has made our dream of moving to Washington finally come true was exceptionally humbling.  It is hard to allow yourself to feel every emotion you are going through all at once.  I try to selectively process my emotions, or else I will be a wreck!  Well, I finally let it all go.  The stress, excitement, worry, anxiety, and exhaustion just all fell down to the floor.  I finally felt like God took it all away and said "Let me do this for you, stop trying to do it yourself!"  As a Christian, we all know that God is bigger than we can ever imagine, but we also have a hard time letting go of things and giving them to God for Him to handle.  Jon and I have dreamed of moving to Washington for many years, and to see this dream finally coming true just makes me speechless.  We want Kaylee to grow up there, and I am passionate about following my dream career there as well. 

We are so lucky to have had the experiences here together over the last [almost] 8 years.  Now that Kaylee has joined our lives together we can't wait to experience new adventures with her as well.  This is officially our first family blog post. I hope you follow us and join in our happiness while we experience this wonderful adventure!!

*Family pictures were taken by our dear friend Colby Meyer, Amarillo, TX