Happy Birthday, Son

About 8 or 9 years ago, I remember a conversation that I had with my dear friend, Amy.  The conversation went something like this:

"You realize that when the kids turn 8, we're half way to driving?"

"Wow.  Really?  Well, that means when they turn 9, just a year later, that we're half way to graduation."

That time is now.  At the end of December, Jared acquired his learner's permit. Tomorrow, he turns 16.  When did this happen?  I'm just a couple years away from turning 40, and I'm cool with that.  But my baby, he's turning 16!  That, well, that's what I'm struggling with.

I love watching my children grow up.  I love spending time with them.

Jared is growing up and becoming a wonderful young man.  He's kind, considerate, helpful, loving, funny, caring, passionate.  I love you, and very proud of all things that you have accomplished.

Happy birthday, Son.

Happy New Year!

Wow!  Really?  Can it be?  I guess so!  When we all wake up tomorrow morning, it's going to be 2013! 

Twenty-twelve was a good year for us.  I feel very blessed.  We moved into our house.  Kids have been doing great in their bowling adventures.  I sang in the Candlelight Processional.  We saw family and friends in Ohio, Georgia, and Florida.  Chris shot his first Florida deer.  Jared got his driving permit.  I've been loving pintrest and have made a few of the projects from there -- including jar labels and laundry soap.

So what lies ahead in the new year?  Well, it means mom becoming comfortable with her baby driving. :-) Actually, both of her babies driving as Nicole can get her permit in October -- and she wants it! (help me!)  It will be a year to continue working on the house and making it "ours." 

What does 2013 have in store for you and yours?  It is my wish for you, a happy and healthy 2013. 

Happy New Year!!!

What's Up?

So what's up?  I can't believe that it's really been since April that I posted.  I've had many ideas, I guess that I just haven't followed through with them.  Sorry!  So what has been going on down here?  Well...

In April, I went seasonal at Disney.  What does this mean?  It means that I get to choose my schedule. I tell Disney when I can or cannot work.  It's been working out great!  I don't have to ask for days off for the kids bowling tournaments, for holidays, or whatever.  :-)

Jared spent a few days at the end of June in Las Vegas for a World Team Challenge bowling tournament.  While didn't come away with any wins, he did come away with a huge amount of experience which is awesome.

July, the kids and I traveled to Ohio for a week visiting with family and friends.  We then headed to Indianapolis for a week -- for yet another tournament for Jared.  For his first time at Junior Gold, he did really well.  He learned a lot about himself that week.

We were finally able to start the new school year at the beginning of September.  I want to say that this is the latest that we ever started -- and it felt really strange.  We'll still be able to finish early to mid-May; we just lose the flexibility that we're used to.

Well, there's been a lot going on with the kids -- what about mom and dad?  Well, things are status quo with Chris.  He will be heading out hunting this fall, so he's excited!  As for me, well, I've already mentioned work.  I also started singing Christmas songs again as a part of the Candlelight Processional at Epcot.  If you haven't heard this before, go check it out!   This link will take you to one of many videos you can find on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtFr8dm3D_A&feature=rellist&playnext=1&list=PL01E299601FEDAD89

Home business? Maybe...

I've been toying around with the idea of starting my own Disney trip planning business.  I have an idea for a company name, but other than that, I'm not sure where to start.  I want to focus, not on the dates and accommodations, but rather on the trip itself.  Helping people to decide which days to go where, help them set up their dining ADRs, help them figure out where certain characters are for photo ops.  Though, I would help with the accommodations if needed.

I have so many ideas, but I also question if this is something that people would be willing to pay for?  If so, how much?  Do I charge per trip?  Length of trip?  So much for a...b...c...?  Guess what I need to do is a bit more research and go from there.

What are your thoughts?  Is this a service that you would be willing to pay for?

Roots

A good friend of mine recently commented about how she is just feeling like she's settling in to her home, here in Florida.  She and her family moved to the area about 4 months after we did.  I've been thinking about this lately, but I must admit that I have felt like we were settling in to our lives here in Florida.  It wasn't until this final move that I realize that while we're settled -- our friends, daily routines, church, etc. -- we haven't been able to put down roots.

Roots is what we need to put down to help keep us grounded.  It's what tells us that we're not moving anymore.  That's what I've wanted for my children -- and now it's coming true!  We're slowly, but steadily, settling into our new home.  We're learning what downsizing means (well, at least I'm trying to learn).  Unpacking takes time; time that I don't want to use.  I wish I could wiggle my nose, have 1 wish, and it would be finished -- everything have it's own home.  Since that will never happen, it's up to me to find everything a new home.  The kids are planning out their rooms: layouts, decor, etc.  It's fun to watch as they work towards making their rooms theirs.

Roots.  What roots do you need to transplant?  Which roots do you need to set into place?

It's August...really?

Well, the beginning of the year I did so good at keeping up with my blog.  And well, I guess life happened and I got away from writing.  We have enjoyed many visitors this year -- it has been wonderful!  At the end of March, my sister and her family came down for an extended weekend.  At the end of April into May, Jared and Nicole each had a friend from Ohio come down to visit for 10 days.  In June, Greg and his fiance visited.  Now, in just about 10 days, we'll be in Ohio visiting for a week!

At the end of March,  Jared and Nicole started their adventures with braces.  It has been a rough road having to adjust what they cannot eat.  Chris and I are not willing to "break the rules" very often.  We don't want to prolong the adventure any longer than we need to. :-)

So, what else have the Whittaker's been up to this summer?  Well, bowling...and more bowling.  We're currently at the bowling alley at least twice a week.  Both kids are in summer leagues on Mondays and then on Wednesdays they are practicing with 2 awesome, gold level coaches.  They are a part of an Elite Bowling team that will bring opportunities beyond belief.  The first team that was put together traveled to Las Vegas for a national tournament.  I can't wait to see what doors are opened for these two!

I promise to write more sooner than later.  I have many ideas running through my head!

Blessings,
B~

Nascar, baby!

I grew up watching Nascar and continue to love watching it still today.  There are some that think it's a redneck sport and it's boring to watch as all the drivers do is take 4 left hand turns all day.  I have to admit that there are some races that are pretty darn boring.  There are others, like today's race, that definitely carries some excitement.  I'll also admit, that there are drivers that I root for...for them to be wrecked! lol  Does that make me a redneck?  Maybe.

However, there is one thing that happens at every race that keeps me watching for years on end.  It's what football, basketball, baseball, golf, wrestling, and every other sport does not have.  What is it, you ask.  It's prayer.  Yes, there is a prayer spoken at the beginning of EVERY race.  The Nascar powers-to-be are not concerned with offending people.  There are tens of thousands of people that watch the race on tv and in person that could be offended.  If they are, well, oh well.  I'm not one to go out of my way to offend someone, but on the other hand, I truly feel that there are many things in this country that are done "to not offend someone."  But when that happens, you are going to offend someone...  Oh how I digress...

We, as Christians, are called to "pray without ceasing" and that's what Nascar embodies for me.  With the prayer at the beginning of the race is a reminder that it doesn't matter what you're about to do, but we are to pray and invite God into the space.  These men are working and invite God in.  Today's winner, Trevor Bayne, shared his is victory lane: "I keep thinking I'm dreaming. We prayed before the race. We do that a lot. This just shows how powerful God is."  This was said on national tv!!!  I was so excited to hear this.  I also saw that his team prayed before Mr. Bayne climbed out of his car in victory lane...  

Thank you, Trevor Bayne and the Woods Brothers Racing team for sharing your faith with others.

Thank you, Nascar...

Blessings,
B~

Living in the memories or the present?

I was chatting with a friend earlier today and she mentioned that she had read my blog and when she was finished reading, her first thought was that I was living in the memories, the past and not in the now.  When she shared this with me, I found myself getting a bit defensive inside.  Then as I was driving home, I thought more about this and came with to the conclusion that she may be right.

I realized that if I'm getting defensive, it's probably true.  I truly believe that your history is what makes you who you are.  Your experiences, the good ones and the ones that you want to forget, shape your life.  However, we can't stay living in those moments.  We need to remember to move on, learn from those, and heck, let's make new memories!

New memories is what moves us forward.  During the past year and a half, we have been living in the memories of what was.  Nicole was in ballet...Jared was in a scholarship bowling league...Both kids were in a Saturday morning league...We were part of a wonderful co-op...The kids had wonderful friends...Our church had a wonderfully active youth program...  Everything here is past tense...

Both kids are still bowling...We have wonderful friends...We are 1/2 the church youth group...We are a part of a wonderfully active support group... We live 30 minutes (14 miles) from Walt Disney World... We are living in the present while holding on to the memories.

We are....waiting for the next chapter in our lives.  Thank you, for opening my eyes!

Are you living in the memories or in the present?

Blessings,
B~

Valentine's Day memories...

We are on our 9th year of homeschooling.  For the 1st 7 years, we were a part of an AWESOME homeschool co-op.  It was this wonderful group of moms that helped me to grow, not only as a mom and wife, but also as a homeschooling mom.  There were so many questions in the beginning and I had a wonderful support group to glean from. 

Every year had had some kind of Valentine's Day party as well as a party through our county support group.  There is one year, that I particularly remember.  In 2004, I was helping to plan our county party.  It was going to be GREAT!  Well, at least in my opinion it was. lol  But I had been suffering from endometriosis for several years and I was about to have total hysterectomy...the week of the party.  Some would say that this was poor planning.  I know was!  I had a really, I mean REALLY hard time letting go of the party planning.  I knew my friends that offered to step up and take over would do a wonderful job, but it was after all, my baby.  Well, I did turn it over and all was good with the world.  Chris was home from work to be with me during my first few days home from the hospital.  He took the kids to the party while my mom came over to "babysit" me. 

Well, the part that makes this Valentine's Day so memorable is because it was the very same group of friends from co-op that set up 2 weeks, yes I said two weeks, of dinners for our family.  It's not that Chris doesn't cook, but it's was because that's what this godly group of ladies do.  One mom specifically chose to bring us dinner on Valentine's Day.  I still remember the menu, well at least part of it: lasagna, salad, bread, and brownies for dessert.  She included heart shaped candles, paper lace place mats.  It was an amazing dinner from an amazing friend.  She didn't have to go through all of the trouble to make our dinner special, but she did.

It's days like today that can make me a bit of a debbie downer.  It the memories that I must hold on to while I'm creating new ones.  These are the days that I need to remember that my friends in Ohio are only a phone call, email, or text away.  Jared and Nicole love their Florida friends, as do I.  However, there's nothing like the friends that you have grown up with; those that you went to class with.

Happy Valentine's Day, dear Ohio friends!!!

Blessings,
B~

A Busy Mind....

As always, my mind is racing.  There are days that I really miss home.  Ohio home.  I see pictures of my nieces and nephews on facebook and I just wanna hug them and kiss them and squeeze them to pieces!  I see posts of friends traveling and wish they were coming to see us.  We are planning a trip back to Ohio in November for by brother's wedding.  I'm excited b/c this will be the first time that Chris and the kids will be back since we've moved.  It'll be the first time that they get to meet Sophia Anne...and she'll be over a year old.

High school.  Junior High.  These are on my mind.  Jared will start high school this fall and I'm trying to make sure that we have a good plan in place for him.  There are so many options: "normal" homeschool, AP courses, dual enrollment, CLEP, Florida virtual...oh my!  Nicole starts junior high, 7th grade.  There's not much change that will happen with her, but we are closing the door on the elementary years.  I remember growing up and 6th grade was in elementary...We're leaving those years behind.  They were good.  They were fun.  They were simple.

Well, I finally get to work tomorrow.  It's been over a week since I worked last and I have missed it.  I also have one day next week.  Parks are closing early because it's considered the slow season, which it really is.  Now is the time to come down and visit!  But with the parks closing early, there are fewer parades which means fewer hours scheduled.  I thank God every Sunday morning when I check my schedule and see at least one day.  I know many that aren't scheduled at least one day.

It's getting late and my mind is still racing.  Good night!

Blessings,
B~

It's that time...

It's that time. The time that Chris's mom and dad start their journey back home.  We have had a wonderful visit celebrating Christmas here at the house, New Year's Eve at the Polynesian, Jared's birthday at the bowling alley...Spent the day all together at Epcot and then the kiddos and grandparents spent the day at the Magic Kingdom.  We have loved having Buck and Janet around and tomorrow's gonna be a difficult day. 

Saying good-bye is never easy and tomorrow isn't gonna be any different.  As long as Nicole continues to feel better, we're planning on running over to the parks to play, to be distracted.  Will it work?  Probably for awhile, that is, until we get home.

Love to you all!

Blessings,
B~

Is it really Jan 12th already?

I can't believe that we're almost 1/2 way through January!!!  Really?  Wow....  We have enjoyed a SLOW month!  We're still enjoying visits with the in-laws.  I'm only working 1 day a week.  Obviously, I would rather be working more, but I'm grateful for the hours that I am receiving.

The kids are slowly getting back into the school swing after taking a holiday.  Truthfully, it's taking me a bit to get back into it too! lol  Both are still bowling and will be bowling in a tourney in two weeks.  Thankfully, we only have to drive 10-15 minutes to get there!

Well, I should be going since the kids are diligently working on their school work...Have a great day everyone!

Blessings,
B~

Happy New Year!

What a year this has been!  January -- Jared turned 13...  February -- joined a DisneySchooling homeschool group...  April -- I started working at Disney... July -- my sister had her 4th child...  August -- Chris lost his job...  October -- Chris found a job...  November -- surprise trip to Ohio...  December -- Chris's parents have joined us for the holidays...  And this is just the highlights!


We have been blessed and feel blessed.  We started out a year ago not knowing too many people and feeling a bit lost.  I'm so thankful for the wonderful mom's and teen/tweens that God has brought into our lives.  We have made wonderful friendships and can't wait to nurture those relationships. 


As the new year approaches, I wish everyone the best.

Happy New Year!

Blessings,
B~

Ride wild, anyone?

What a wild ride we have had these last few weeks.  We started our new school year on August 2.  As with any year, it's always a bit slow the first few days, especially when you're introducing new curriculum.  We have slowly started getting into more of a routine.  Gotta love that!  We are co-oping with a family that moved to Florida in February from NOLA.  Lori is teaching her youngest daughter and Nicole science, while I am teaching Lori's oldest IEW!  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get something going for Jared.  But, I think he almost prefers it this way because he can go at his pace -- fast! lol

It's been almost 3 weeks now, that Chris lost his job.  It has been a time of huge adjustments.  We can only keep placing one foot in front of the other as we follow God's path during this time.  We know that God is bigger and will provide for our needs.  We're grateful that the company went ahead and paid out his 3 weeks of vacation time as well as my part-time hours at WDW.  It's not much, but it's more than what we have.  Chris has had a few nibbles, but no big bites.  This morning he is meeting with a headhunter, pray for the best! 

I know that many of our friends here in Florida and some in Ohio, have gone through unemployment at some point for various lengths of time.  I've sometimes wondered "how'd they do it?  I know it can't be easy..."  Well, now it's our turn.  It's not fun -- or easy -- to watch your hubby fiddling around the house, trying to find something to do. 

The kids have been bowling all summer long.  Nicole earned $75 in college scholarship money!  Whoo-hoo!  I'm so proud of her!  Jared has been bowling in a special, Junior Gold league.  Junior Gold bowlers can compete in top tournaments that can lead to Junior Team USA and Team USA.  Currently, he is the youngest bowler in the league and going into last week -- he was 2nd in the standings!  In a league where it's all about your total pins, no handicaps, I was expecting him to be somewhere in the middle...but 2nd?  It completely blew us away!  We'll find out Monday where he's going to finish.  First place will receive a paid registration to 2011 Junior Gold National tourney.  Second place will receive any left over money as scholarship money.  It doesn't matter to me where he finishes.  Just know that he's able to bowl competitively with high schoolers just blows my mind and makes me one proud momma!  A few weeks ago, Jared had a fellow bowler ask him where he went to school, where he lived...the young man wanted to recruit him for the high school team!  Kind of funny since Jared's only starting 8th!!!  Kudos to both, Jared and Nicole!!!  We love you both!

Blessings,
B~

We are blessed!

Has it really been since January when I last posted?  Wow!  I really need to apologize for being gone so long!  Our family has been richly blessed these past few months.  At the end of January, beginning of February, I found a Disney Homeschooling group.  It's a yahoo group for families that want to meet up and "learn" at Disney, though, we do so much more.  I have met some AWESOME mommas and kiddos!  I find myself, though, in an unfamiliar position.  I have some of the oldest kiddos AND I have been homeschooling longer than any of them with the exception of one other family!  I'm so used to being able to run to others for advise.  Now, I am one of the ones that others have come to asking questions. 

At the end of March, I applied and was hired at Walt Disney World!  I am coming up on my 3 month anniversary!  I cannot believe that I am working at my dream job!  I am working on Main St at the Magic Kingdom.  Specifically, I work as a Park Greeter and Parade Audience Control.  In layman's terms, I am the first people you meet at the turnstiles and I work the parades by keeping people where they need to be to stay safe as well as keeping the walk ways open for the through traffic.

At the end of April, we moved once again.  Thankfully, this move was only 15 minutes instead of 15 hours!!!  We love this house much more than where we were originally.  This house has a pond in the back (so no back neighbors!) as well as a private pool!  It i definitely getting used and abused! lol

Well, that basically brings us to today.  Nicole is currently at church camp this week.  She was excited about getting back to camp.  Jared will be attending an Adventure camp sponsored by our church camp.  He'll be traveling to North Carolina for his week away.  He's getting really excited about his trip.  In August, my sis is expecting her 4th baby!  So, we're planning a trip to Ohio to visit her and the babe and everyone else that we can squeeze into one week!  I'm really excited to see everyone, but I'm already dreading the good-byes.

Well, I have probably rambled on long enough for this post.  I will be sure to make my next visit much, much sooner! 

Blessings,
B~

Happy New Year!

Ok, maybe I'm a few weeks late.  But hey, better late than never, right? lol  Celebrating Christmas was wonderful this year, well other than the frigid temps that followed...  Chris' brother, Greg, came down for several days over the holiday.  His special gift was to the kids...2 full days at Disney!  Now, of course, Chris and I knew all about it.  I actually set up their dining reservations (no surprise there, lol).  All three kids enjoyed their time at the parks.  They even had a few unexpected surprises which always nice!  While Greg and the kids were at the parks, Chris was at work which meant I had 2 days all to myself!  Yeah!  But, the first day I spent about 8 hours putting the finishing touches on my very first digital scrapbook, School on the Rock's Beauty and the Beast musical.  I actually received the book yesterday and absolutely love it!

Our time is a lot for flexible and relaxing than it was in Ohio.  Mostly that's because the kids are not as active as they were.  We're not in a co-op or an active support group, which is sad because the kids really miss their friends.  Nicole's ballet is on hold this year, we'll see what next fall brings.  They are both still very active with bowling.  Jared continues to out-shine most of the other bowlers.  Very few weeks go by when I don't hear a compliment about his bowling.  One of the coaches still says that he can't believe how old Jared is!  Nicole is hold her own too.  She is currently carrying the 4th highest girls average!  Most Sundays, we go from church to practice, which as always, continues to pay off.  This coming weekend (Jan. 23 and 24), they are in a city-wide youth tourni.  Team event is on Saturday, while the doubles and singles are Sunday.

The only other big news going on around here is that this weekend Chris and I will have a teenager in the house!  AAACK!  When did I get this old?!  Jared has been counting down to his 13th birthday since LAST year!!!!  But this week, he had a meltdown.  He is really missing his friends and family that would normally be at a party for him.  At one point, he was ready to trade this move for one day back in Ohio for his birthday. :(  We're doing what we can to make it special, but it's hard.

Blessings,
B~

Happy Holidays!

Well, when I started this blog, it was my intent to write every week. But as time has gone on, I have realized that our life is well, boring! LOL! Our schedule is very, very light compared to that in Ohio. In someways, it feels wonderful. And in other ways, it drives me nuts. But, that's ok. There are times when we need to slow down and I guess that this is one of those times. Chris was able to come down at Thanksgiving and it was awesome to spend time with him. While he was here, he had two job interviews. Tomorrow, he starts his new job! We're so excited to finally be able to be a family again. We also feel very blessed because there are few job opportunities down here as well. We have been able to spend a couple of days at the WDW parks. December 3, the kids and I spent the day at the Magic Kingdom for the first day of taping of the Disney Parks Christmas Day parade. For those of you who did not know, the parade is not live, but is taped the first weekend of December. It was a lot of fun. We were able to see Yanni Voices and American Idol's Kris Allen perform. You'll have to watch Christmas morn to see if you see us! The kids are getting excited for Christmas. The tree is up, the gingerbread train is complete, and of course, the nativity is out. We'll start our cookie baking tomorrow. Chris' brother, Greg, will be joining us for a few days at Christmas. He arrives Christmas morn. It'll be nice to see a familar face! It has been difficult though, to get in the holiday spirit. No, not because of the weather, but because of not being with our friends and family. We are not very established yet, and that makes it difficult when friends and family are so important to us. Well, I don't know if I'll be back before the holiday. If not, it is my wish for you and yours, that you have a wonderful holiday. You all in our hearts and prayers. Blessings, B~

Where has the time gone?

Out the window I guess! hahaha! What have we been up to these past few weeks? A lot and not a lot! We are getting acquainted with a new church. The kids are also keeping busy with bowling. We are making it to practice every other week. It's not what the kids are used to, but so far, it's what's working. We're finding ourselves spending quite a bit of time over at Disney...Surprised? I doubt it! We spent the day of Halloween over at Disney. We started the day at Blizzard Beach waterpark. (The kids are really enjoying the weather to be able to hang out there.) We then spent the afternoon at Disney Quest. Jared and Nicole really enjoyed being able to design and "ride" a rollercoaster. That evening the kids were able to trick-or-treat at Downtown Disney. This weekend, we visited Downtown Disney enjoy the Festival of the Masters. It is an outdoor art show with glass, folk art, photography, and metal working exhibits. There was also chalk artists. They started on their masterpieces Friday morning and were completed by this afternoon. The artwork was simply amazing. Nicole really enjoyed watching the progression, hence why we were their everyday this weekend! As I close this today, I am asking you to lift up a dear friend of mine in prayer. She and her two girls were in a serious car accident two weeks ago. The girls are healing quicker than Mom, but they all have a ways to go in their healing. Mom has been told it may be 6 months before she is back to "normal". Right now, Mom is not able to do much of anything because the pain is so much. I have been able to help out with a meal and watching the girls a few days. Those of you who know me, that's what I do... Again, please keep the family in your prayers they can really use them. Blessings, B~

Seriously?!?

Seriously? Yep, we had yet another week of illness in the Whittaker house. This time, it was Jared. I am so tired of the kids being sick! So, what did we do last week? Well, not much! The kids were able to go bowling on Saturday. While Jared's scores were good, Nicole rocked it! She had a high score of 156! I can't say enough on how proud I am of my children!

Chris has had a nibble for a job, but that is where it has stopped. It's kind of depressing, but we're doing our best remembering that it is God that is in control....not us! At his current employer, the hourly workers had a vote last week on a new contract. Well, they voted it down. Honestly, I do not blame them. From what I have learned of the contract, I probably would have voted it down myself. Now, we are waiting to hear if and when (more likely the when...) management closes the plant. Overall, we're beginning to settle into more of a routine. School in the mornings, bowling on Saturdays, church and bowling practice on Sundays. We're planning to include a trip or two to the waterparks or to Disney Quest each week as something fun to do. If Jared and Nicole had their way (and obviously they don't! lol) we would be at the waterparks or Disney Quest everyday, all day! I hope that everyone has a great week! Blessings, B~

What a week...

Finally. We are finally getting Nicole healthy once again. Last weekend, Nicole started to get sick. By Friday, her cough wasn't getting any better so we went and saw the doctor. We found out that she has an Upper Respiratory Infection...She is finally acting like the Nicole we know! What really stunk, was that Nicole was sick over her birthday! She had her yummy birthday dinner, but I still owe her a trip to DisneyQuest and the waterpark. Today was the kids second week of bowling and boy, I love watching them bowl! Jared bowled: 234, 138, 183; for a 555 series. Nicole bowled: 105, 126, 87 ; for a 318 series! This was really good for Nicole after her week of being sick. Jared has caught the eye of one of the coaches. Does this surprise me? Nope, not in the least! The league is much smaller than the one in Troy. There are only 32 bowlers (8 teams of 4), but they seem to have a lot of fun. The bowling alley here offers free practice to their bowlers...Sundays from noon-2pm. We'll have to see how often we'll make it because of church... Tomorrow we are heading out to New Covenant Church of the Brethren for church. I'm excited, yet nervous about the unknowns... All in all though, things will be good. I'm really hoping that we will feel that the church is a good fit because the other Church of the Brethren's in our area are 40+ minutes... It is my prayer that we will get a little more settled and organized this week. It's really difficult to feel settled when you have boxes sitting everywhere. The kids are being really good sports and are sharing extra space in their closets to store other "stuff." Blessings, B~