Things they are saying...

Lately, these two little boys of mine have said some of the most hilarious [and slightly inappropriate] things around the house... Including, but not limited to....

-"Mommy, where's my rape?" ... Excuse me?  "My rape-no.  So I can cook with you."  .....APRON.

-A certain child, in the bath tub, playing with his little hiney, so I ask...

 "Sweetie, why are you doing that with your bottom?" 

 Child says, " So it can fill up with water."  

I say, "Oh really?  Why do you need to fill it up with water?" 

Child says, "So I have plenty for the winter."  In. all. seriousness.  

I left the room and laughed til I cried.  Apparently he saw this on Animal Planet? 

-"Sometimes, half is called half.  And the other times its called half."

-"Thas ser-ous business." says one little boy regarding the food still left on his plate.

-"Mommy.  Mommy.  Mommy!  .... MAMACITA!!!!!"

"NO FAIR!"  There's nothing special to that.  Other than I hear it 239873593275 times a day.  And it drives. me. nuts.  

What's happenin'

Well it's still cold!  But today instead of snow it's rain, so that's an improvement.  Maybe.  Sometimes the moisture and dampness brought with rain is colder and chillier than a snow day.

I was telling a friend earlier this week that while there is much busyness on the horizon, right now there is not much busyness.  At all.  So sometimes the days tend to drag on with our only outing being to the grocery store or weekly library time.  We ventured out to the Kohl Children's Museum about 25 minutes from here.  It was similar to Marbles but a bit much.  Sensory overload to the max.  Luke and Everett would often walk into a new area without an idea of the theme and where to even begin.  After 2 hours Luke just stood still and said, "So I think we can probably go now..."  Not to mention this is one area we saw the cost of living a solid 65% higher than good ole Raleigh, NC which made for an expensive 2 hours.

We have a lot in the coming weeks and months, which will be nice.  Luke starts a "Jungle Safari" class next week at the community center where he will learn about a new African animal each week as well as play games, make a craft and more.  He is beyond thrilled.  Everett's library time starts next week also, which will be a nice change for him.  They do things on a monthly basis at our library so this month it was Luke and his 3-5 year old story time (parents and siblings not included).  Luke also starts soccer in 2 weeks!  We have some fun things going on this summer, including our baby brother making his debut in July.

It's also been a huge gift all around having Billy home every week.  When he traveled on a regular basis we were both really focused and he was so intentional on making sure the boys got their daddy time.  But now that he's home more, there's more freedom to enjoy time all together as well as for him to just take a breather every now and then and not worry about a to do list all. the. time.  Some nights after dinner the boys go down to the basement to play and Billy and I have uninterrupted conversation...CRAAAAZY.  I know.

While the days can be lonely for me at times, it's also been good time to do things I normally wouldn't do or haven't had time to do.  Like read a 450 page book in one week.  Two weeks in a row.  Or teach Luke to read (Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons).  I've tried out several new recipes that have been on my list for at least a year.  It's also given me time to look into getting my counseling certification through ACBC, which happens to have a center within an hour of us (praise the Lord!).  So all in all things are good.  We are learning a lot.  Enjoying our "newlywed bliss" all over again.  Learning the territory and experiencing new cultures.  And so thankful for the unwavering peace we've been given from the Lord.

A week ago today...

It's officially been 1 week since our truck arrived at our new home and the unpacking began.  My mom and step dad arrived the next day and the serious unpacking, putting together, errand running began.  It was a blessing having them here to entertain the boys almost all day every day.  It gave us much needed uninterrupted time to try and get things a little more settled, and it made the first week a little less lonely!!  A few things we love about where we ended up... a park in the neighborhood.  Along with 2 ponds, a dog park and a library within walking distance.  Not to mention the world's best grocery store that is like a combination of the food and restaurant like atmosphere from Whole Foods, pharmacy and toiletries of Target, ease and simplicity of Harris Teeter, and the prices of Kroger.  Such a simple thing to be excited about, I do realize...but seeing as I spend a large portion of my time revolving around food and groceries and hungry boys, it's rather delightful.

The weather has strangely resembled the unpredictability of North Carolina, as it was 54 and sunny on Monday while today we woke up to 4 inches of snow.  Billy started his new job this week and our family left.  It has definitely been more quiet around here but we are getting into a new "normal."  Like staying in our pajamas until 10 am.... or 3 pm.... or until bedtime when I put a new pair on the sweet child who is still in his pajamas at bedtime....

A few things I've learned so far in this process and life in general here in Buffalo Grove:
-Everything takes longer.  As in at least an hour longer.  A quick run to the grocery store is not quick.  A quick trip to Ikea that is 25 minutes away ends up being a 4 hour trip.  Running into Target?  More like a stroll in the park.
-When you are browsing rentals in which you plan to reside, always look at light fixtures.  And washer/dryer connections.  We were a bit surprised to find that not a single room in this house has an overhead light fixture.  AFTER we arrived of course.  We were even more surprised to find that our electric dryer did not work in gas-run house.  And even MORE surprised to find out it would be close to a $1500 fix to either buy a GAS dryer equivalent or have the house wired to accommodate our electric dryer.
-If you think you will need 1 or 2 pairs of clothes per person during a move, add an extra 2.  Or 4.  Or wash every article of clothing before you leave.  Because the movers *might* drill a hole in your washing machine.  And all the Lowes within a 30 mile radius *might* be out of stock on the washer and dryers you want.  And it *might* take more than a week to get your new ones delivered and installed.  Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything...........  (DO YALL KNOW HOW MUCH LAUNDRY THIS FAMILY PRODUCES IN 9 DAYS?!)
-Always ask...
In aforementioned scenario when your washing machine might get completely damaged, and the claims department of the moving company offers to replace the unit they damaged... it is worth asking them to replace the entire set.  After all doing laundry in 5 year apart machines that don't match would be a travesty.  You might be pleasantly surprised that they will indeed buy you an entire new set.
-Then when at Lowes and you are looking for your new [paid in full by said moving company] set to wash the ungodly amount of dirty clothes piling up in the house, and they are out of stock, why not ask them to match the price from the less expensive ones that aren't in stock on the $500 more expensive ones that ARE in stock.  You might again be pleasantly surprised that they will accommodate your request.  Even when those are too out of stock.  But hey, you just got a brand new washer and dryer for free, worth twice as much as your current machines, and completely eliminating the gas/electric dryer problem.  Thank you, Lord.

All in all it's been a pretty good week, though I cannot believe it's only been a week.  We are thankful for the area in which we live and our house, though dainty and little yard, is quite cozy and homey already.

And here are a few pictures just because.

This is how Billy does Ikea.  

Little Pajama man...

In real clothes!  On our beautiful sunny day.  We were sweating.  

:)

Best. Library. Ever.

Little bookworm.

Did I mention this is the best library ever?

Case in point.

Going on two hours at a library.  Within walking distance from our house.  So excited about this!

We moved: as told through my iPhone

I just told Billy that I at this moment while I am not sad, nor happy, angry or upset,  I am so mentally and physically exhausted that I could cry at any moment.  Full tears.  ugly cry.  for no reason.  And while that makes absolutely no sense, I am hormonal and pregnant and have been couped up with my kids in a mini van and a hotel room for 4 days.  4. long. days. YALL.  Ok only 3.  But still.  

So without brain dumping every overly emotional thought that comes to mind in this moment, because let's be honest, as my kids are asleep (in the back of my mini van, of course) this will be the only time that I actually have to process a full, complete and coherent thought or sentence, even if it is overly emotional, I will leave you with just pictures.  That may or may not have been a coherent [run on] sentence.  Oh and I will give captions, too.  

Here's what moving with the Grimme's has looked like....

Our atlas moving truck with the best team ever.  I laughed that they brought a truck this big.  Now I am crying that it was actually full and they are bringing every last piece into our new [1000sq ft smaller] residence. 

Um.  The worlds best going away gift.  Given by the worlds best friends.  Now I might be crying because I miss my girlfrands. 

Cute, right?  Morning of day 2's drive.  Our 8 hour drive took 12.  No big deal.  My kids and 75 lb Weimaraner loved all the togetherness almost as much as I did.  

Move in day we woke up to a fresh 4 inches of snow on top of the 37inches that were already there.  I wish I could say I stayed warm and cozy inside.  I tried.  But the doors being open for the movers all day gave me the option of sitting on the floor inside a 48 degree house or getting back in my mini van with my kids and dog.  I opted for the 48 degrees.  I might sell the van on Craigslist after this trip.  Sh.  Don't tell Billy.......

Did I mention they are sick?

And have been wearing the same pajamas longer than 24 hours?

Well.  That's it for now.  

*disclaimer: I am tired.  And love my kids.  And love that we feel led to this place.  I am not bitter.  I am blessed by the most amazing husband who brings me m&m's and diet coke and puts up with me.  And I'm also listening to a great album I haven't paid attention to in a while titled Live at The Banks House: Will Raegen.  Good for the soul, y'all.  

Well, the cat's out of the bag...

1. I am pregnant.
2. It's a boy.
3. We are moving to Chicago.

Since most of you are probably most astounded by number 3, let's start there.

It's been a whirlwind and a very strange string of events.

We have family and friends in Chicago that we got to visit this summer.  During one of our drives I turned to Billy and said, "Wouldn't it be amazing to live here near Ray & Sarah, and be part of this incredible church plant [with people we know/getting to know from Raleigh]??"  To which he replies, "Yes.  But I don't have a JOB in Chicago and we just bought a HOUSE in Wake Forest."  Both valid points.

Fast forward 6 months, a random phone call for a work from home position based out of Chicago, a whirlwind of an interview, and a senior management job offer on the spot later - we found ourselves with a [slightly unwanted] job opportunity in Chicago.  The job they interviewed him for was not what they wanted to hire him for, thus asking Billy and our family to relocate to Chicago.

CRAZY, RIGHT?!

After much prayer, late late LATE talks through every scenario, and a last minute trip to Chicago (in the middle of vortex number 2), we felt like it was an obvious YES to move to Chicago.

Shew.  It is so so hard to leave.  Billy and I have both lived here for over 20 years.  Most of our parents are here.  We are leaving behind our beloved church family and our most precious friends, some we have known over 15 years.  But we also know that what lies ahead is a sweet sweet blessing for our family, an adventure and opportunity for our family to grow deeper with the Lord as we depend on Him in an unfamiliar place.  We are also moving into an unknown territory in Billy's career as he will now be home 99% of the time.  When we first got married and for the first 6 months of Luke's life he was literally gone every. single. week.  Him being home is huge for us, as we welcome baby #3.  While a blessing I am sure it will bring on a new set of challenges as we have never actually lived with one another longer than 14 days.  Ok maybe 20 :)

There are many ways in which the Lord has already gone before us and for that we are so so grateful.  Truly, the details of how this has all played out is quite incredible.  A few things we are most thankful for is our sister and brother in law + nieces will live relatively close, we were provided a personal reference OB for baby boy 3 from our current OB, and we already have a church we will be able to call family.  There is also a homeschool CO OP that I was wanting to participate in with Luke next year here in Raleigh....and there is one in the same suburb in which we are hoping to move.  So thankful!!

Here are a few answers to questions in which we have been asked recently....

Billy's new company will take care of our house to sell and buy out if needed.
They will move us.  And our cars.  And our dog.
His new start date is March 10.
We are moving before said start date.  Please note that is in exactly 1 month.  AHH!!!
We will probably take a trip to Chicago this weekend to find a 6 month rental until we better know the area.
WE ARE NUTS!  And it is only by God's grace that I do not end every day in a puddle of emotions on my kitchen floor eating chocolate cake and ice cream.
Thankfully I'm just sticking to the chocolate cake and ice cream portion of that last statement...

The Handmade Christmas List

I love crafting.  And I love gift giving.  And as we approach the holidays and the season to give, I don't think there's anything sweeter than a thought-out gift from the heart.  Below you'll find a list of my favorite DIY Christmas gifts, complements of Pinterest of course :)  Once the holidays are over and gifts have been given, I'll share pictures of my version of the below gifts!

Snow White Costume

This is a link to a FREE PRINTABLE TUTORIAL for a 2T-3T Snow White Costume.  Pair this with the Snow White storybook (on Amazon Prime for less than $4.00)!

Olliblocks

These Olliblocks are one of my favorites, though you do have to pay for the Printable.  However, they have a starter set that includes 4 different character sets which is the most economical of the options.  Grab a little Mod Podge and be on your way!

Sleeping Bag

This free tutorial is another favorite, and I'm hoping to use this for my boys.  Though with all the other handmade goodies in the works it might just have to wait until their birthdays!

Personalized Serving Plate

Ok seriously?  Too cute and oh so easy.  Makes a great hostess gift!!

Personalized Coffee Mug

This didn't come with a tutorial other than a tag line, "Paint Pen on a Dollar Store mug!"  So, I tried it out myself, and so so easy + adorable.  I used scrapbooking stickers and dotted away!  I packed it in a box full of K Cups my Keurig loving sister in law :)  

And lastly, 

Custom Coasters

I've seen these done with Scrapbook Paper, but I love this for grandparents or those that have been to really awesome places with great pictures.  

Do you have any favorite DIY gifts?? 

I Want What I Want

Lately in our home we have been talking in much detail about worry and trust.  Our first born is a worrier and can be a bit controlling.  A rule follower to his core, and everything he does is with a plan in mind.  This is fun at times, comical others.  And sometimes very irritating.  Stepping back I see that at the very end of it, it is worry.  Worry that things aren't going to go his way; things might not go according to his plan.  What if...  There's not enough... But I want... That's not how we....

At the end of the day it is worry that he's not going to get what he wants, that it's not going to go the way he planned.  A trust issue.

And this week as I stared down at 6 little faces from Compassion International in need of a one time emergency gift I was worried.  I didn't trust.  I didn't believe we could help because..
what if we could use that money for Christmas gifts.
There's not enough to pay for them and also new tires, oil changes, etc.
But I really wanted to buy the materials for Billy to build our dining room table.
That's not how we budgeted that money.

And I see that I have the same trust issue.  I worry.  Will there be enough, Lord?  This is not what I wanted.  This wasn't my plan.  And while keeping the kids pictures out on the counter for a few days in hopes that I might have a change in heart and stop being so selfish my husband walked in with a check from a doctor he saw over 2 years ago.  Enough to cover every one of those children's immediate needs.

So this evening as I wait for my absolutely lovely Bible Study ladies to arrive I am filled with praise.  Praise that my God is the God who provides.  And breaks the chains of worry.  And reminds me that even when I don't want to and I am stuck on wanting what I want when I want it.... He is still God.  And He has not finished His work in me.

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness." Psalm 37:3