The Move

The Move

Sunday October 20th-22nd, 2013

approximately 1,643 miles and estimated just over 25 hours w/out stops

Leaving out from Perry's mom's house.

Macie getting her last lovings from Ms. Meredith.

Silly boys.

Da hubbies. 

Sorry Crystal; our group pic turned out to be a video recording :( 

Everyone was in good spirits waking up in the car the next morning (10/21).

I wanna say somewhere in Illinois.

St. Louis. (Ahh, Missouri...the longest day of my life. Will not miss it.)

Iowa.

We ended up leaving out later than planned as Perry (THANKFULLY) bought a container thingie to go on the roof of our Traverse to help clear up space inside our car. Best. Purchase. Ever. Amber was a great help getting so much packed in such a little space. We got rid of a lot of stuff and are starting over, which is cool because this move is all about new beginnings. 

After Zeke's baptism, we met with our landlord for final walk thru and that went well. Amber and April followed us over there; it's like we just could not say goodbye. Then Amber came back to the in-laws with us while Perry and the guys did the roof carrier thing. That's where we said our goodbyes. Then we went to the Seymour's and said our goodbyes to them. Sunday will be 3 weeks and I still can't believe all this has come to be.

Perry was supposed to start the driving with me taking over in Kentucky because I've never been in let alone driven in Kentucky and wanted the new experience but of course my man got tired somewhere in Tennessee so that is where I took over. Quite honestly, and he will tell you this as well, I did most of the driving. I may have teased my husband, the truck driver by occupation, about this, but I guess doing this as a living would make this move more tiring. We stopped somewhere in Kentucky for an hour or so to get some rest (in the middle of the night). We were in a Waffle House parking lot, right next to a gas station. That next morning in Illinois we would realize someone had stolen the license plate off our car during that short amount of time. We called the authorities in Kentucky and because we didn't realize it until we were in Illinois, they told us to report it to them, but Illinois said because it happened in Kentucky we had to report it with them - it was a huge mess, nobody wanted to help, so yeah we drove cross country with no license plate and by the grace of God were never pulled over. We did hit up the North Dakota tag office first thing and am currently awaiting our new plates, meanwhile, they've given us a ticket to keep in our windshield. 

Monday AM when the kids woke up, we were somewhere in Illinois and that's when we stopped for breakfast.

Missouri took forever. I think because we hit it during the day, and our stops were longer so the kids could get out and play. But for me it was like, "My gahhh does this state EVER END???" I was ready to see MORE, yet we were STILL. IN. MISSOURI. Oh-my-gah... We'll be taking another route whenever we visit Ga. Sorry, y'all, I'm scarred. 

Kids did great. Macie, my one who hardly ever naps, napped so much of the trip. The boys were great. The only restless ones were me and Perry. Kids were perfecto. In fact, at one of our many stops in the never-ending-state-of-Missouri, I told my husband we need to buy the kids a treat because they have been just so darn well behaved. They seriously deserve the best kids ever award. I was completely surprised. Makes me wanna do more trips - they got my hopes and expectations all built up now! ;) (Big thanks to Farah for the game ideas and jokes. And to the inventor of the portable DVD player and my arch enemy, the DS; turns out there really is a time and place for technology! (:  ) But seriously, my kids were great - am super proud of 'em all!

We ate dinner at a little pizza diner in middle-of-nowhere Iowa. It was cute. The last stretch was hard. 'Cause it's just that; a long stretch of sameness. I remember getting to Fargo and thinking it looked just like it did on a House Hunter's episode I saw. It seems like a nice area. Somewhere between Fargo and Bismarck and my husband could not go on anymore. He pulled over again. I could not rest because of our previous experience in Kentucky, so I forged on (maybe this happened before Fargo, I was so tired, everything all kind of runs together). Then, we switched. But I know between Fargo and Bismarck we pulled over and Perry wanted to sleep for a minute (cue pic below). However, the kids and I were pumped, wide eyed and bushy tailed. This is when the boys played outside the car for a few, and finally I took over driving. Dude, we were so close and Perry wanted to sleep. I don't think so buddy.

Passed out (10/22).

This pic is kind of creepy. But dude was passed out in the front seat, and the kids and I could not sleep at this point for we were finally in the home stretch. There was snow dust covering the ground - might as well have been a blizzard to my kids. They wanted out, who am I to deny these kiddos when they've been cooped up in a car for so long - so what if it was 5-something AM? 

Finally. Made. It.

Christmas tree?

North Dakota is like a beautiful person who is not photogenic. It is beautiful, but I feel like I have a hard time capturing it's beauty on picture. But that's just my opinion.

Asher is in that tree.

Zeke and Mace-Mace playing a little game of b-ball.

Monkey man, Asher, found a new tree to occupy.

That would be my bed.

First day back at school (10/28).

Macie wanted in on the first day of school pics.

First day back at school (10/28)

Don't let this pic fool you. Though Zeke was initially more nervous, he has adjusted quite well, whereas Asher has since begged and pleaded to go back to Georgia.

Day 2 back to school and the boys were bus riders for the first time, ever. Macie waiting patiently with big bubbas.

Zeke was a bit nervous, but turns out they both enjoy the bus now. They are the last pick up, first drop off, so they have it pretty well. 

(Technically, they could walk to school. I can drive to and from and still have not driven a mile.)

Waiting on the boys to come off the bus.

We are still working on furnishing the home. The boys beds are temp ones til theirs comes in. We are working on making this house a home. Just a little, fyi, before y'all get the wrong impression.

Living room.

Living room.

Formal dining room turned Macie's play room.

Standing in mud room looking at kitchen and into laundry room.

Master.

Stairs.

Boys play area.

They talk big talk about wanting their own rooms, they fib.

Extra bedroom. 

Let's just keep it real, folks, we're co-sleepers.

Zeke's Baptism

Sunday October 20th 2013 

2:30pm at Browns Bridge Community Church

Zeke's baptism fell on the day of our move...intentionally. As the day approached, I thought for sure I had lost my mind to have had planned it this way. But once it came to be, it went so smoothly and beautifully. It was one so memorable. I am so thankful we chose to do it this way.

There has been a couple times since kindergarten that we attended a thing at our church (per his request) with Zeke explaining what baptism, etc. It became more serious a year ago when Zeke became persistent and we attended once more and started the interviewing process. For whatever reason, we felt best to hold off and wait. And we did. And he kept pursuing, kept asking. He knows baptism isn't what 'saves' us, just FYI. I guess we just wanted to make sure it was a heart thing. He was saved one night after coming to me and asking me to prayer with him. He had been persistent ever since. Once again, we started the or picked up, the interview process which went incredibly well. Zeke's answers blew me out of the water how well he understood things about God and Jesus and what Jesus did for us, how he understands baptism - I mean, things I didn't know or think of in that way. Incredibly proud doesn't do justice to how I felt listening to my boy talk about his/our Savior. It was incredible. We all agreed we felt like he was in fact ready. And so the next baptism was scheduled for 10/20 (this all happened over the summer). 

Two weeks before the baptism, the kids come in and shot their video kind of telling "their story". They even get to do a fun little photo shot. The ladies must've thought I looked rough. As  Zeke went back to do his, there I was in my sweats and big tee, late from trying to pack, I had developed pink eye, and was just overwhelmed and exhausted. They asked and I explained about the move and everything. They must have taken note and I'll explain why later.

Day of baptism, they have all the kids pictures going across the screen with fun facts about them. Before each kids baptism, they played their video. We will receive a copy of Zeke's and I so cannot wait! What a treasure to have! 17 kids were baptized that day. Zeke's story was/is precious. And he definitely gave me a shout out wanting to "thank my mom" which completely melted my heart. 

The whole thing was incredible. We were surrounded by loving friends. Perry's mom, step sister and dad also came out, as well as his high school best friend, Tim and his wife, Brittany. So appreciate their support. Amber and her kids came, April and Gracie, Sheree and her girls, and Crystal with Dustin and Meredith. Both of Zeke's small group leaders were there as well. And we saw Caleb, who was mine and Perry's MoneyWise mentor when we went thru that program at church! It was such a cool way to come full circle, our last time at church. 

We had to get to church early to drop Zeke off. We wouldn't see him again until the baptism. They played songs of worship. It was so good. I can't even begin to explain. It was truly worship. Wholeheartedly, true, genuine, sincere, did not care who saw, lemme raise my hands in the air, worship. Our group took up an entire row. It was beautiful. You could feel the presence of God. It was incredible. After some songs, they started the videos and baptisms. I love hearing everyone's story. Some made me tear up. Getting to witness these young kiddos profess their faith in Christ - beautiful! Precious! Incredible! Blessing! Jeff baptized Zeke. It was incredible. After all the baptisms, the kids came on stage, there was confetti, music. There was talking throughout this. The whole thing was incredible. Really, I was blown away. Shocked. It was amazing, awesome. If I'm being repetitive it's only because it was that good.

Then each kid, like, went to their own spot where family and friends could pray for them. One of Zeke's small group leaders, Brayden, came over and prayed. I felt so compelled to pray and started to, but the tears took over I couldn't finish. I feel kind of silly looking back, but God saw my heart. Again I was blown away because I wasn't expecting everyone to come over there to pray over Zeke but they did! Zeke was surrounded by those who love him! My boy was covered in love! It was the most incredible experience ever! 

From there, we went back to our table where the church provided cake and drinks and a gift. Perry's mom bought Zeke a special cross necklace and bracelet as well as one for Macie and Asher. Both of Zeke's small group leaders came by for a pic and to say 'goodbye' to him. As did Jeff. The church went above and beyond to make this a memorable experience. They gave Zeke a Bible and card. As well as a "birth certificate" (pic above) for everyone to sign. It was all personal; everything having Zeke's name on it. Like, I just love that church so much. They do what they do with excellence. 

Jen, the lady who works at church from two weeks prior that I was talking about, left a card in a bag for our family for our move. The church provided us with many, many, many gift cards for gas, food, etc. for our move! And two worship CDs! I was blown away! She came by and hugged me and said, "I know, I know." 'Cause she knows. 'Cause she was listening to the leading of the Spirit. I mean, I don't know, but that was a blessing. God is so good to provide. The way this move was on then off then on again in such a short time, and then Perry missed so much work leading up to our move because his truck was down but ya know what? He took care of us. All of our needs (plus some) have been met. He is faithful to provide. Nothing is ever hopeless. As long as you have Jesus, you have hope. 

So, that day was special. I am so happy for Zeke. So proud of him. So thankful to be alive and to have been there to see him be baptized! Life is precious, folks. With everything that happened this last year in mind, I am so thankful to have been there. I am so happy for my boy! So happy with his choice - HIS choice! So proud :) He's  a great son and now a great brother in Christ. :)