{reflections.}

It's hard to believe that 2 years ago from right now, I was frantically packing boxes, organizing {as much as I organize- which is not much}, and preparing to make a move across the country. I don't wish for it to be 2 years ago. I look back on that time as pretty much blissfully horrific. Is that possible?!? It was the hardest thing I've ever done to leave somewhere I absolutely loved, somewhere my heart felt truly connected with the people who lived there, somewhere that it just felt "RIGHT"... I don't wish to go back to those feelings, those tears, and the constant pep talk to my heart to "BE STRONG!"... I do not wish to ever have to tell my best friends good-bye like that again... I do not wish to ever again have to say good-bye to the house my first child was brought home to from the hospital and spent the first several months of his little life in... But most of all, I do not wish to have to contend with the confusion my heart felt during the months that followed our move. Moving is a big deal. Moving out of state is a bigger deal. Moving across several states is an even bigger deal. And moving somewhere you don't particularly WANT to live, is the biggest deal of all. 

After the above, I'm sure no one is still reading... But just in CASE you ARE still reading... 

The last 2 years have been a huge growing experience. For those of you who are rolling their eyes at the dramatic paragraph above, read on:

-I have learned that whatever STATE I'm in, I can be content. 

-I have learned that as long as I have my husband, my children, and my Jesus- it is HOME.

-I have learned that no matter where you live, people are human.

-I have learned that even though I'll always prefer to not live here, I have found true peace in living here.

-I have learned that being close to my family is a splendid thing indeed. Something I can't imagine giving up now that I have experienced this luxury.

-I have learned that Ohio is a good place to live, too.

-I have learned, as a matter of fact, I really actually kind of like living in Darke County, Ohio. I kind of even like Greenville.

-I have learned that great friends are hard to come by, and I can maintain my friendships across the many, many miles even if it takes more effort on my part. 

-I have learned that new friends are incredibly hard to make.

-I have learned that even though I think of Washington, and our loved ones in Washington, every single day...

I am truly at peace with where the Lord has brought us. And though it's not always easy, I thank Him for bringing us to where He has brought us. We may never fully understand why we are here, but we are very thankful for His guiding hand and rich blessings to us.

The GREATEST blessing of all that has come from our move is being close to my family... The memories we would have missed by fulfilling something we "prefer" rather than something that has been an enormous benefit for our children...

{miles & pappaw pushing snow in the bob}

{ga-ga stopped by to bring miles a valentine's cupcake... a huge hit with jed, too.}

{fun with cousins...}

{pappaw & ga-ga- the greatest in my boys' eyes. and they made that move worth every tear.}