We're here.

We are all moved in. Most of our boxes are unpacked and we're slowly getting organized. We haven't ventured out too much. Mostly runs to Target and World Market. Tonight we did visit the Farmers Market, which is something we went to every Friday night in Monrovia. We were happy to find out that there was one about 5 minutes from our new place, that takes place every Tuesday night. I love getting fresh vegetables and handmade earrings:)

I'm a little overwhelmed by the moving, having a cranky baby who is crawling, pulling herself up to stand and getting into everything, unpacking and organizing, being in a place that's completely new and not having a church to go to. So stressed. God is good though and I know He's going to bless us here.

On Our Way.

We're all packed up and on our way... Almost. We're staying overnight at my parents and leaving tomorrow morning. Bright and early. I'm looking forward to the 5 hour drive because I get to spend it with my sister. So thankful she's coming with me. Not only because it'll be helpful with the baby, but it will be wonderful to just talk and enjoy each others company.

I'm excited because we're embarking on our new adventure. God is so good! Please pray the drive goes well and safely!

Leif and his 30+shoes.
I only own about 7 pairs. Ridiculous.

Saying Goodbye.

I don't like to say goodbye. I avoid it at all costs. I'm not sure why I hate it so much, but I do. Tonight I had to say goodbye. I didn't cry, but I almost did. A good friend of ours threw us a wonderful going away party. I got threw all of the goodbyes but when it came time for me to say goodbye to him, I wanted to cry. I hated the idea of being far away and not having random visits from him. I've been really positive about moving, looking forward to the change and the adventure. But this week has been so hard on me. Its set in that my friends are now going to be hours away, not minutes. We actually have to plan in advance for their visits and may go months without seeing them. How scary is that?

Never in my life have I ever had to start over. Even going away to college I knew a good amount of people. Actually, I could go anywhere in Southern California and know people. But now at 21, I'm finally (for reals) going to be on my own. Its so foreign to me and this week I really wondered if I could do it. Am I strong enough to start from scratch? I cried a lot this week and prayed. Tonight made me dread Sunday even more. I love dinner parties that include good conversation and dancing. So comfortable and perfect. At the same time though it made me wish it was here already. I think I'm kind of looking forward to being out of my comfort zone. I am so grateful for the wonderful people who have been by my side the last few years, especially the last four. God has blessed me and shown me His grace and love through their friendships. I know He'll provide that again. I just have to trust and be patient. I've also decided that I'm not really going to be saying goodbye because really I'll see all these people again. Maybe not every week but for weekend visits and holidays, which I'll take!

Also, here are some pictures I took at Disneyland the other day:

I think Riley enjoyed her first trip.

I think this was Riley's favorite part. Sitting on daddy's shoulders.

6 Days

We're 6 days away from moving. 6 days away from becoming residents of the bay area. 6 days away from finally having a dishwasher. 6 days away from having our own backyard. 6 days away from being completely on our own. 6 days away from leaving family and friends and basically starting over... 6 days away from our new adventure!
People keep asking me how I feel about it, and honestly I'm so excited and anxious. I want to move already. At the same time though, I'm having a hard time with the idea of leaving people, especially my parents and my church family. I know God is going to bring people into our lives, people that will bless us in many ways. I just wish I could just bring everyone with me:)

Pish on Packing.

I hate packing! I especially hate it because I'm doing the majority of it alone. See that pile there? That's a lot to me... And I was so proud of myself but then I walked through my apartment and got that sinking feeling. I was no where near being done.

Lucky for me I'm having a packing party tonight so hopefully that will make a difference:) And this is helping me get through the day: Black Cab Sessions. Its a website that features different bands playing in black cabs in the UK. Its one of the most brilliant things I've ever seen. Go check it out, you'll be happy you did.

By the way: HAPPY JUNE! Celebrate by having a picnic, going to the beach, swimming, having a bbq... You know summer things:) Welcome this month right!

New home.

My new room

We signed the lease for our new place yesterday. It's in Monterey...well, technically it's Seaside. About a mile or two from Leif's work. He could ride a bike or walk:) Its also 0.8 miles from good friends of ours. Only God could make something like this happen... There is no way Leif and I would have thought to look for housing where we did if it wasn't for someone at his new job telling him about it. Then it just so happened that our friends also lived in this community. And within walking distance. Only God!

Our home is going to be in ex-military housing, which is kind of fun. Our house... well I guess really it's a duplex, was built in the 1950's and I'm in love. Anything built before 1970 is perfect to me. It's also double our apartment size, so that's a plus. I also love that we live in a community that is both civilian and military. I feel safer knowing I'm surrounded by the Navy, Army and Air Force :) Too bad I don't get their discount.

I'm excited to have a front and back yard. I will be able to have my garden that I've been wanting for! I'll also finally have my dishwasher and my own washer and dryer. Thank Jesus! Seriously, I'm tired of doing the dishes by hand, and doing the laundry was becoming a lot more complicated now that Riley is moving about.

Leif and I are so excited for the move. Our packing party is on Tuesday and we'll be packing up until about the 12th or 13th. Then we're off the 14th. The closer we get to moving, the more ready and excited I become. 14 days!