Break from Packing/Cleaning...

Currently, I am packing what's left in our house and starting the "rub down" to get it all fresh and clean before our friends move into it.

I think it is time for a break...

As you can imagine, life has been a whirlwind lately. But, last night, I was reminded that when things are really hard, it helps to remember what really matters most in life. I was told that it helps to make a conscious effort every day (every minute, if necessary) to think of these things...

It has helped today.

Want to know where we are in this whole process?

Currently, Caleb is with Benjamin in Waxhaw, NC. Last night, Caleb and his dad were up LATE building and packing our crate. This crate will be shipped to Papua New Guinea and will arrive Mid-April. We will be in training from January 24-Mid May, so we won't need those things once we move.

We are officially "moved in" with our friends Joe, Amy and John. They have graciously offered their home AND attic to store our neverending supply of crap. We are now sleeping at their house. It really is fun to watch the boys have a "brother for a month". They are a week apart in age, so they are SO similar. It really is adorable. It is going to break my heart when we move away. Ben is really going to miss his buddy John.

Next week, we will continue to get our house ready for our friends (cleaning the carpets, touching up paint, washing the floors, etc). Then, on Friday, we will head NORTH! I am SO excited about this trip.....but sad, too, becuase it is the last time we will see some people for a couple years. We will spend the week-end with Joe, Christina and Abby (Ben's Godparents and Future Wife). Then, on Monday, I get to go out with my best friends from high school- Dawn, Rindi and Elise. We are going to Sabintino's (Little Italy) for dinner. I am beyond excited! Monday through Christmas Eve Morning, we will be with MeeMom and PopPop and Uncle Andrew in Baltimore. Then, we head to York, PA to see Buna, Grammy and all the Great-Grandparents, Great-Aunts and Uncles and more from Caleb's side of the fam. After that, we head to New Jersey to see Ben's BaBa and Great-Grandpa. We will visit with my Aunt Juju, Uncle Frank, Uncle Ron and their family. FUN TIMES. We will be in New Jersey for Ben's birthday and we haven't decided if we will drive home on his actual birthday or the next day. We are planning a North Carolina joint birthday party on Sunday, January 3rd for Bena nd John. That should be fun!

WHEW!

After this trip, we are in the homestretch- waiting for the visa. Once the visa comes, our butts will be on a plane, with 2 suitcases each to our names and a whole new "adventure" ahead of us!

I hope that you are all having a wonderful holiday season. Please remember to take the time to focus on your priorities and not your stress levels. It really does make a difference.