Between here and Facebook, I’ve been getting a ton of questions about our move and have been feeling the love both near and far. You’ve all encouraged us more than you could ever know. There have been a few questions repeated, so I’m going to answer them here.
How are you feeling about the move?
We’ve all been having waves of emotion. I’ll be excited, then sad, hopeful then nervous. Little Miss had her first meltdown yesterday about her room. She didn’t want to leave her room and wants her new one to be painted exactly the same. I told her we could probably arrange that (but I’m sure that she’ll change her mind a few times before then once she knows her options). But the underlying current has been peace. God has made it apparent that this is the right place and the right time, and we’re taking it a step at a time watching Him show up and lead us through the details.
What is your timeline for moving?
As soon as our house sells. So far, the company has been very gracious and has not given The Narrator a deadline. They said it can’t be open ended, and obviously we don’t want it to be either, but they don’t see a need for setting a deadline yet. We’ll be meeting with and choosing a realtor this week and we’ll go day by day from there. I’m not-so-secretly hoping to move spring-ish, meaning after the coldest season up there and before the hottest season here. We’ve moved in the Florida sweltering heat before and I’d rather not do that again!
What part of town will you live in?
As my brother-in-law said, “let the tug of war begin!” Since we’re moving back to the town we went to college in and lived in for 5 years after we got married, we’re fairly familiar with the area. Friends and family have been passing along very helpful information about the various parts of town they live in and their local school districts. Another friend presented a very good case regarding one part of town: “Once you cross that highway, the snow tends be a lot worse.” I will definitely keep that in mind! Yikes! Our goal is to keep The Narrator’s commute much shorter than the 45 minutes he now drives one way. But really, compared to where we live now – traffic up there is a piece of cake. Well, except for the whole snow and ice part. However, Nana & Papa have presented the most persuasive case yet: “If you live in X part of town, then Y is not too far and would be a good meeting spot for swapping kids for the weekend.” Um….hello! SOLD!
How are you going to handle the cold?
Miserably! I’ll adjust, and my blood will thicken again. I’ll do my best to not complain in the mean time :). I grew up in Ohio and I learned how to drive in the snow and ice, so I’m sure it will all come back to me. I do tend to have a problem with the super cold air though – it makes me gag. As soon as I step outside I start to gag uncontrollably. It’s a good thing I learned how to knit because I’m going to need a stockpile of scarves in every color because I’ll most likely be wearing them non-stop September through May. I’m not too worried about the kids because I have friends and family who are connected to the mom underground supply chain. And with so many cousins in the picture, we already have quite the swap effort going, I’ve just previously passed on the heavy winter items. They are however, going to have to learn to keep their socks on. That might be a problem. I’ve also started a notebook with a running list of things to keep my eyes out for – including flannel sheets. I remember as a kid being so excited when it came time to start using the flannel sheets each year. So soft and warm and cozy – no wonder I could never get out of bed!!
You should live near us of course. That way you’ll obviously not be pandering to one group of family or another. 🙂
A wise man once said “there is no bad weather, only the wrong clothes.”
I love flannel sheets too, but my wife can’t deal with them, so we have an electric blanket. Very nearly as wonderful, I highly recommend one. 🙂
Target has flannel sheets on sale right now (funny because flannel sheets in FL should always be on clearance) — I think they’re all Christmas prints, but are still cute (and the kiddos will love).
Well to make some good on the “why the heck would you choose michigan” question……I meant to say family and friends excluded… why would you choose it. I just cant imagine living in that weather for the majority of the year….it horrifies me personally but my family does it in RI and loves it. And like you said, you did it before. I will admit tho, if I had the chance to a few weekends alone with my husband once in awhile, Id probably move to Alaska!!!!!
Of course Topher. 🙂 We used to have an electric blanket. Might have to get one again. And we all definitely have the wrong clothes for MI winter!
Casey – thanks for the tip! I’ll have to check Target for sheets!
Melissa, you crack me up! There is something magical about fall and the change of season – that’s my favorite time of year, and then there’s the first snowfall that is so pretty, and it’s generally cheery through Christmas and early January. However, come Feb, Mar, Apr, yeah it gets old and everyone goes stir crazy. But then the tulips pop up, sometimes through the snow, and it all gets better again. It’s a different way of living. But it is nice to go swimming in the summer and not worry about sharks or alligators 😉 I’ll be reading my own comment come next March. lol!