I wanted to say thank you for all of the sweet comments and emails regarding our move. I can’t tell how much they mean to me. The prayers and all the kind words have been so sweet and I really appreciate them.
I’ve had a lot of people ask how we are all doing with the transition so far.
I decided to write it here on the bloggity blog. I’ll want to remember all of these details a few years from now, I’m certain of that.
This is definitely one of those posts that I struggle to publish because I worry that it’s too sad or too negative, but it’s real life and it’s what’s going on in my life right now. I’m certain there are some of you who will read this and probably be able to relate completely to all that we are going through.
Friday night, we were handing over our keys to our agent and I realized that I left my mini pizza stones in the oven at the house. We had to run back down and get them and everyone said goodbye (again) to the house and we all rang the doorbell on the way out. Ironic because I had a sign up, asking people not to ring the doorbell the whole time we lived there due to the dogs barking and babies napping. Leaving the stones was obviously meant to be. We all needed one last goodbye. We got one last picture on the stairs. It was bittersweet. This all is.
We left San Diego on Saturday morning. It was tough to leave. We had to say goodbye to our best friends who live(d) right down the street from us. As we hugged and cried, I said it was so crazy that we were saying goodbye there, in their front yard because that’s where it all began…in their yard. Right after we moved in, I saw my bff working in her yard and I went up and introduced myself. She might have thought I was nuts, but I just knew we were meant to be friends and we were. So were our husbands and so were our kids.
They are friends who are family.
I always say “you only get a few true friends in your life, so hold onto them for dear life.”
We’ll be friends forever, but it was awful to say goodbye. I will miss them living right down the street. I so pray that we have nice neighbors in our new hood.
We said one last goodbye to the house. It was a good one. I keep thinking of rooms and things that I will miss about that house. It’s funny because while we lived there, there were always a few things that I wanted to change and now, I am going to miss those things.
I had to say goodbye to my family at Christmas and last week and it was awful as well. I am hoping my mom and sister come for a visit soon! They better! The thing about family is, you know you will see them. That makes me feel a little better, but still I secretly wish that everyone that I love would move here too.
The way the little presidents have handled the move has been a little unexpected for me and it’s been a struggle for me.
They have been totally out of sorts. Lots of whining and crying and fighting, which I suppose is to be expected, but it is more than I expected at the same time.
Teddy has been sad off and on. But he is a pretty positive person for the most part. He’s definitely way whinier than usual, but I’m hoping that goes away soon.
He has been telling people “Well, Grace (cousin), I guess I’ll never see you again.” Such a tough concept to grasp. You move away but you can still see people that you love, after moving. The whole day yesterday, he kept saying “I just keep thinking about Sutton(his bff that we say goodbye to yesterday am).” It’s heartbreaking to watch them not understand all that’s going on. It’s hard to explain it to them. Really, I just think they are too young to grasp the concept in it’s entirety. We discussed Teddy’s new school a few nights ago and he told me that he was scared and he cried. Of course when his eyes filled with tears, mine did too. He’s never been nervous about school. He begged me for months on end, right after Reagan was born, to send him to school. I finally gave in and he walked in the first day and never looked back. So, the fact that he has been nervous was really unexpected for me. A huge blessing was a phone call from his new teacher on Friday, inviting him to come in for a few minutes on Sunday to see his classroom and meet her. It seemed to help and he is looking forward to starting this morning! Praying he has a great day!
Reagan has been a bit of a mess.
She is whining constantly and her smile and happy personality is not around as much as usual.
It breaks my heart. I hate watching either of my babies suffer or be sad. It kills me.
The most heartbreaking thing is that daily, since Thursday, she has said, numerous times a day, “I want to go home.” I’m in tears as I write this because the house we just left is all she knows as home. All, she wants is to go back there and be in the comfort of the only place that has been home to her. I feel awful about this. I didn’t expect it at all. It’s breaking my heart. This apartment doesn’t feel like home to me either. There are boxes everywhere. I am overwhelmed with all I need to do and I’m exhausted. I don’t even know where I will put our boxes and suitcases. I secretly wish someone would just come do it for me because I’m overwhelmed by it. My mom is always the best at this stuff and I’m so sad that she isn’t close enough to just drive over and help me. We don’t even have a kitchen table yet because we haven’t had time to get one and we need one. I think that will help. I can completely relate to what Reagan is saying. I feel like I want to go home too. In fact, that’s all I could think about all day Saturday and yesterday. Except I know that we have a new home to go to in a few months and that will be home now because we will be there, together, as a family.
The little presidents don’t understand the concept of building a house. They can’t comprehend that this place we are staying in is just temporary. I think it’s all super confusing for them. It’s funny (also annoying) how the timing worked out. I’m sure there is a lesson here for me. The house is behind schedule which is to expected. I’m just hoping that it’ll be ready sooner rather than later. I think this in-between is hard. It’s especially hard on the little presidents which I hate. Reagan begging “to go home” numerous times a day makes me cry each time she says it.
I am praying that all of us look back in a year and think this was the best decision that we have ever made.
Right now, is the tough time. It’s just hard.
I am positive it wouldn’t have been this hard if we were just moving to a different/new house in our (old) area. Leaving a house is hard but leaving a state is always the worst. I did it a bunch as a kid. I know how it is. It’s even harder as an adult with children because you leave behind your support system. Now I can understand how hard it was on my mom each time we moved. Family, friends, the pediatrician, the babysitter. Those people. The people who help me get through my days and the people you rely on for help with the kids. I miss them all already and we have been gone a day.
Right now, I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss our house. I miss the dogs. I miss a lot of things.
I keep trying to remember that this was clearly God’s plan for us.
I am trying to remind myself of that anytime I feel sad.
I keep repeating my favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11 to myself, a million times a day.
Mr. Fancy keeps saying “it’s all going to be good.”
I love his positivity.
I’m sure it’s all going to be good, but right now, right now, it’s hard.
I just want Teddy and Reagan to be back to normal and to feel like this place is home…at least for the next few months.
ashley, what a heartfelt post. I can feel your struggles through your words. i will be praying for you and your family. i admire you for following your hearts and trusting in god’s plan. I WILL ALL BE GOOD!
Thank you Andrea! xoxo
Praying for your sweet family! Following God’s will is often never easy or painless. Praying!
I hope things get better and Teddy has a great first day at school. 🙂
praying for all of you!
Thank you so much sweet friend! xoxo
Thank you so much! xoxo
I feel your pain, I last had to move in 2009 and then 6 months later in 2010, both my kids were quite emotional with it all, the upheavel and not knowing if we were going to move again.
The first thing I did when we moved into the house we are at now – hopefully our forever home – was to make sure their bedrooms were the first to be sorted out and organised. That way they had a place to go to with all their personal belongings and they felt safe.
Sending some prayers and warm wishes to you and your family xx
That’s a perfect plan Laura! I am hoping I can get their rooms all set up prior to moving in, so that their areas are not in boxes and chaotic like the rest of the house is bound to be! Thank you for the prayers! xoxo
Hey! I follow you on Instagram & just started reading your blog. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you (and kiddos) however you seem like a very strong easy going person so I know you will meet new friends easily. If I lived in Texas I would be knocking on your door. Sadly I live in Rothesay NB Canada so not possible. But I can pray & I will be for you. For quick finish of your new home and amazing neighbors. Xo holly_hop
Thank you Holly! xoxo!
We too just moved from CT to NC with two little boys (3.5 and 1.5). The move itself was not hard, but that time inbetween while we lived in a temporary place was terrible. The kids were out of sorts, not sleeping well and I was miserable! once we moved in a few months later they were happier than ever. it was hard on everyone, but in the end it all worked out. good luck and remember its only temporary. i yearned for a place again to feel like home and it does. hang in there!!
Thanks Irene! I am so looking forward to getting into the house and having our things back. I am positive that everyone will feel better once we are home! Until them I am exhausted! haha! xoxo!
Praying for you. I remember picking up and moving from NYC to a house in the suburbs with a 3 week old baby girl, not a friend to be found, or a family member closer than four hours, a new found job as a stay at home mom, a car for the first time in my a
Life with no clue where to go and a husband who still worked long hours in the city. The adjustment was harder than I had ever imagined but if it makes you feel any better it was only four years ago and it seems like an eternity. It did turn out “all good” (just like my husband said too), and now, we’re happier than ever living with two little girls in the burbs. I’m praying for your littles, I’m sure it’s the hardest on them but having only read your blog and not even knowing your I know that you’re the best person possible for the job of easing them into this transition. I’m sure you’re already coming up with creative ways to help them feel extra loved, extra safe and extra comfortable!
Thanks so much ELM! So glad to hear you are all doing well!! xoxo
I’m so homesick it hurts. I saw a picture on IG the other day and I could feel San Francisco. I could smell it, I could feel the wind on my face. I’m hoping this goes away soon.
One thing that really helped out boys, was when we moved out of my MILs house and into our own. They got their stuff back and had a place that was theirs. Their toys, their bed, their clothes.
It’ll get better.
Thank you Angelina! I am so sorry you are homesick! That is so hard! prayers for you! xoxo!
Praying sweet peace over you today. This made me so sad as I was reading it this morning. God always has a plan and always has something for us to learn in the midst of whatever it is we are going through. Praying for strength and clarity and an overwhelming sense of peace over you!
Blessings,
Keisha
Thank you Keisha! xoxo!
Ashley, it will get better! Its so so hard right now, I know, but each day will bring a bit more calm and peace for you. Right now though, it’s ok to cry. My brother lives in Houston and I’ll be there soon – I wish I could come and help you unpack and give you a hug! 🙂 We moved when my kids were 4 1/2 and 2 and it was also very difficult. We too had to stay in temporary housing while our house was being built. One thing I discovered was that my 4 year old thought all of our possessions were gone for good, since we had to put everything in storage. despite all of our explanations about where we were and why, he still didn’t get it. He finally caught on 🙂 and his anxiety lessened, but I remember being so surprised at how hard the move was for him. Try not to worry about all the boxes and what needs to be done this week. Just spend time with your sweet kiddos and take a deep breath. The aquarium there is a lot of fun – maybe a field trip is in order! Hang in there… Xoxo
Thank you jen! Teddy totally thinks all his stuff is gone for good, Reagan too! I have explained it a lot and still they don’t understand! I’m sure once they get into the house and see their stuff again, they will understand! 🙂 xoxo!
You are on the right track, keep God front and center in this experience. then “man-up” cause you can. LOL I love you!!! Mom
Thanks mom. Manning-up! Love you!
I love your blog. Praying for you and the LP’s. I’m an army wife and we have 5 children. I know exactly what you are going through as we have moved many times to different states and overseas! It’s rough, hang in there, it will be over soon. Make the best of it and enjoy these times.
Thanks Allison!!! I can’t even imagine doing it overseas with 5 children! Prayers for you! xoxo!
Ashley, thank you for sharing this with us! I can’t imagine the emotional roller coaster you must all be on, but recognizing your and your children’s feelings and talking/writing about them is the best thing you can do! i am sending loving prayers your way to help you all get through this time and i look forward to reading the post a few months from now about how this move was the best decisions of your lives and how happy the little presidents are in their new home & life! XO
Thank you Jana! xoxo
Sending lots of prayers your way, I can’t imagine as I have never had to do this but as your husband says “all will be good” in due time! Newer follower of your blog and IG feed and I adore you and your sweet family and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers in these coming days that things start to get a bit easier for all of you! Hugs!
Thank you Liz! xoxo
I felt the very same way when we moved to Houston almost 7 years ago. I, too, left my best friend, family, a wonderful job but I knew it was what we needed to do. Seven years later and I want to cry when my husband talks about a job transfer. You can do this!
Thank you Ann! I’m glad to hear you grew to love it! xoxo
Saying prayers that God will grant peace for you and your sweet family. I can definitely relate. Our family moved to three different states over the course of the kids early childhood,leaving all of our extended family in the first move.It was challenging to say the least but in the end it all worked out! Mr Fancy is right! Hang in there
Thank you Melissa! xoxo!
First of all, welcome to texas, y’all! You and the little presidents should go for a starbucks date once teddy gets out of school. Keep doing the same things you all did in cali and things will get back into a routine sooner than later.
Thank you Leisha! xoxo!
Praying for your family, Ashley. I’m sure this transition faze will be the hardest, but I’m sure it will be all worth it in the end!
Thank you Cami! xoxo!
I moved twice, out of state both times, when I was younger, and it was hard. Honestly, sometimes it’s still hard to think about it. The thing is, I know everything happens for a reason. I never would’ve had the education I had, or met the friends that I have, or met my husband, if I hadn’t moved to Indiana. There’s definitely a tough period of adjustment, but it’ll get better!
So true! I moved a lot as a kid and it was tough but it made me who I am. It never gets easier to move and say goodbye! xoxo
Hang in there, Sister. Your head is in the right place, this *IS* definitely the hardest part. It’s almost like grieving the loss of an old life. Every time we move states I go through a “funk” for about a month before I’m able to pick myself up and start establishing a new life/routine. It happens, and knowing it’s normal and other people go through the same thing always helps me.
Thank you Lindsey! xoxo!
Big hugs and Prayers. Moving sucks. it is physically and mentally trying. and don’t get me started on the emotions part. The good news is that it will only keep getting better from here! xo
Thank you Julia! You are right! Totally sucks!!! Glad you can relate! xoxo!
I can’t imagine how hard this move must be on all of you! hang in there and hopefully day by day it will be easier. I hope teddy has a great first day of school and the little presidents start to feel more at home and relaxed. Hopefully your husband is right and a year from now you won’t be able to believe how sad everyone was!
Thank you Nat! xoxo!
Praying for you and your sweet family! I can’t imagine how hard this all has to be. As a houstonian and contributor for Houston moms blog, i just wanted to say welcome to houston and hang in there!!!
Thank you Chelsea! xoxo!
Bless ya’lls hearts. I know this has to be extremely hard for everyone, and even harder on you as a mother. I’m hoping it gets easier on you all! Hang in there and keep looking at the silver lining:)
And I LOVE that you posted this. Real life happens all the time, and the fact that you chose to blog about it shows what a brave and wonderful person you are. Not everyone can show their “real” side!
Thank you Lauren! xoxo!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this move. hopefully Teddy will make some new friends today to help cheer him up!
Thank you Danielle! xoxo!
My dear Ashley, today is the first day of “The Move is over”!! Realization of we did it and exhaustion has set in along with two little ones who have been wide-eyed at all the changes going on until now! Reagan probably is extra grumpy without her BFF the dog – to her, her world is really torn apart. I get it, too much work in an apt! Plan on not doing much this week. Get out and about, learn your new area, rest, sleep, and play with the littles. Once they feel better your pep will too! Your blog was true to life today, honesty is life? xoxo
Thank you ME! xoxo!
New to your blog. I love it.
I love the bible verse you have included- it is one of my favorites when i am inbetween seasons.
this too shall pass.
Thank you!! xoxo!
Praying for you and your fancy family. Following God’s will is often hard, but remember his peace is always there. praying he holds you and your fam bam close and that you start finding new connections in your town that is now your new “home!” xoxoxo
Thank you Sabrina! xoxo!
I read this verse this morning and thought it might be encouraging to you too:
it is the lord who goes before you. he will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. do not fear or be dismayed. deuteronomy 31:8
god has big things planned for your family with this move. thanks for sharing the journey and your honesty with all of us.
Thank you Molly! xoxo!
Saying a little prayer for your family. Wishing happy thought and lots of new fun friends and things.
thank you andie! xoxo
Hi! I have followed your blog but this is my first time to comment! I just wanted to tell you that I was in your exact shoes this past August. My kids are similar ages as your kids and we moved out of state (Texas actually!) and away from all of our families. It was HARD and it still is. But I promise you, your new area will start to feel like home soon. The kids will adjust, you won’t live every day on the verge of tears. It just takes time! But I relate to every emotion you listed, it brings back so many emotions. If I knew you in person I would just give you a big hug! Hang in there, and sometimes I think a big sobbing Ugly cry is needed to help with those emotions! Hugs!!! Xoxo!
Thank you natalie!
xoxo!
I shook my head in agreement as i read your post. We are an Army family and have had to do our fair share of moves as a result, it’s never easy. We recently moved from Texas to Washington D.C. and this move has been anything but easy on all of us, but especially my 7 year old. the good news is this is slowly becoming home and we are all getting adjusted, I have faith that you guys will too. Lots of prayers for your sweet family as you make this transition.
Thank you Hailey! xoxo!
Oh my heart breaks with and for you all right now! Moving IS hard…especially when the littles don’t understand. I moved out of state when I was 13 and that was terribly difficult and yet I was able to understand that we’d see our family and friends again in the future.
I think it’s completely ok and natural for you to allow yourself and your littles to mourn leaving your home, family, friends and more. you need to do that so you can look back and see how far God has brought you.
Knowing that God has lead you to this place is so encouraging, which I know you know, because He has incredible things for you in Houston (again, I know you know that). Once things settle down a bit, boxes are unpacked and life finds a normal routine, I’m sure Teddy and Reagan will feel at home…even in the apartment.
Continuing to pray for you and your family as you transition!! Thanks for your honesty and publishing this post.
Thank you Kristal! I appreciate the prayers! xoxo!
The only times I have moved have been for college and then when I graduated college. It’s hard! I can totally understand how hard it can be on kids, but the awesome thing is how resilient they are! And honestly, I feel like it would be easier to move with little kids than with kids who are in elementary school or older! I’ll be praying for y’all that you get comfortable in your new surroundings soon! I live in dallas but I so wish i was in Houston and could be neighborly!
Thank you Maureen! xoxo!
I have been following your blog and Instagram for months. This journey of yours has been particularly touching for me to follow as my husband and I are getting ready to leave Southern California to move to Dallas this summer. I can’t thank you enough for your willingness to share and your honesty. We too will be leaving our support system behind and have a two year old we will be thrusting into change along with us. My thoughts have been with you for weeks. Hang in there and thank you again!!
Thank you!!! praying for a smooth transition for you! xoxo!
This breaks my heart. I have yet to move with kids, but our house goes on the market on Monday, and if and when we sell, we will be moving with 4 of them who only know this one house as “home”. It WILL be good. It will. And it will be just how it’s supposed to be. Hang in there! Praying for you and your sweet family. xo ~Jenn
Thank you Jenn! Praying for you! xoxo!
I am so sorry! I remember all of our childhood moves and it was hard, but I do remember how much it bonded our family. And I went back a LOT to visit my friends and family. I know how you feel and how scary and awful it is. I’m praying for you all.
Thank you erin! xoxo!
That is my very favorite verse, my boyfriend actually bought me a teddy bear wearing a t shirt that says it! Everytime I feel fearful or stressed, I just remember that. I am heading off to college in the fall, so I keep trying to remember that daily since I will be leaving most of the things I have always known behind. Just like you, i’m not sure how things will turn out, and i’m pretty apprehensive. But I shouldn’t be so worried…God has a plan! I can’t wait to see how things turn out for your family! 🙂
Thank you Madison! Praying for you! xoxo!
It’s all going to be ok – more than ok, and much much more than ok – you will love it all one day, you’ll see; meantime, I too am praying for you!!
Thank you Maria! xoxo!
Ashley,
Know that God is with you during this time and has the most wonderful and perfect plan through it all. It can be so hard, and I am praying for you! It Will get better soon, you are smart to focus on the positives. Start by making a small list of things that might help you/kids feel more at home and even if it’s just 5 little things, do it. Also, I’m not a mother but all the kids i nannied in college behaved much better with routine. Get them in a good routine and they will be fine! In a year or so, the kids probably won’t even remember this! It’s sad that they can’t fully understand, but it may be better than moving teenagers that are already rooted with friends, school, sports etc.
Prayers and love coming your way!
xoxo
Thank you Lucy! xoxo!
Bless your heart! I’m sending hugs from Kentucky for you and your littles!!
Thank you Elizabeth! xoxo!
Your dogs couldn’t move with you!?!? Where did they go!?!? that makes me so sad I really hope they are just with your in laws or parents not at the humane society 🙁
We are living in a temporary apartment. Our dogs are used to a yard and would not be happy living in an apartment. They are staying at my mom’s house until our house is ready and are happy to be with their wiener dog siblings. I would never drop them off at the humane society, they are family and will be back with us as soon as our house is ready. 🙂