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.