long overdue update

Well, if it isn't already obvious I haven't been as good about the blogging thing as I had hoped. So, anyway, lots has gone on during the last six weeks, but not much of major importance. August is a fun month for our families we have several birthdays and then Labor day followed right after. I ran my first 10K on August 31st, and that was very satisfying, in fact I think I just may take it to the next level and try a half marathon this spring. It was especially satisfying because I ran it with Andy, my sister, brother and sister in law. And, I finished in under an hour which was my goal:)
September seems to be absolutely flying by! We have had lovely cool weather, which has reinforced our decision to move back to the Midwest. I am still unemployed which is a problem I need to work a bit harder to resolve, but I will!
Anyway, no complaints! have a great day.

The Big Move!

Well, I haven't blogged in a while and there is a pretty good reason for that, I was in the middle of packing all my earthly belongings and driving 2,000 miles to Chicago!!!! It's been a crazy last week, that is







for sure. We squeezed some last minute fun into our time in California by going to Disneyland, going to our friend Ray and Marissa's cabin and having Andy's cousins up from LA to see our house! Then Andy's parents flew in and the insanity ensued. I had packed a few boxes over the past few weeks and was thinking that really, it wouldn't take much to finish up the rest and get the truck packed. I was wrong!!!! If it weren't for Steve and Jan, I'd still be in Bako packing. They were two whirlwinds and everything got done "tout suite"!!! Then we hit the road and spent four days getting here. We stopped in Denver two nights to see my friend Callie and her family and that helped break the trip up a bit. Needless to say my butt is still sore from sitting!!!! We are now waiting for the moving truck to show up with all of our stuff which will be promptly put in storage at Andy's parents house!!! We are going to live with my parents for a month or so until we find an apartment or house to rent.
Anyway, this move has been crazy and I am exhausted, but I think it is a good thing and I am excited to start getting involved here and making a life. Thats all for now!!!! More after our stuff comes.

Good Friends

So last night we had to say goodbye to our good friends Kirk and Rachel and their kids Wyatt and Olivia. It was really hard and one of the things that makes leaving Bakersfield really difficult. It would be one thing to leave if we didn't have any good friends here, but we do, which has been a blessing while living here, but a bit of a curse as we get ready to leave.
I am realizing how important good friendships are and the work that they entail. I have taken that for granted often in my life and allowed relationships to come and go, but I would like to work on not letting them go as often.

Renters!!!!

Ok, I think we have renters:) I am so excited. We haven't officially signed the lease yet, but I think it is a done deal.
I am also really excited about the fact that we do not have to drive a moving truck with a car being towed behind it. That would make for long days of driving!!! We found a company that drops their trailer in the driveway, lets you pack it and then drives it wherever you want. And, it was no more expensive than the alternative.
Now, we get to make stops along the way without worrying about parking the Penske, and we can drive faster and over mountains.
Yeah, for things working out:)

Crazy last few weeks!

So, welcome to our new blog!!! I thought this would be a fun way to keep people up to date and to stay in touch with our many friends and family across the country.

(The siblings at the wedding)

These last few weeks have been super crazy and a bit stressful for our family.
We went back to Chicago at the end of May for my bro's wedding (very fun) and while there Andy found out about a job opportunity at a high school in the Chicago area. It wasn't something that we were actively pursuing, but was an opportunity that was "placed" in our way. He had a phone interview and was offered the job. This was the hardest decision we have had to make together. We have some great friends here that make life here worth it. But, after much prayer and many tears we accepted.










Now on to the stress of moving!!!! We currently own a house in Bakersfield where the market has totally crashed in the last year. So, we have to find renters and be renters from long distance!!!!
But, even with this stress we are very excited to move back to Chicago to be close to our families there.
It is funny, I have always known that family is important to me, but being away the last two years has really solidified that.
OK, so I'll be updating regularly and would love to hear from all y'all who read this (not that I'm expecting lots!!!!).
I'm off to start packing and organizing.