Six Crazy Weeks - Moving from Colorado Springs to St. George
Week One: The week where we had the IDEA and DECIDED to move to St. George
Saturday, June 4th
Megan came home from Girls Camp anxious to find out what team she had made for Club Soccer. We called Pride and found out that her Copa team would be split and most of Megan’s team were being pulled over to the Copa 04/05 team. Her coach, as obviously unaware as any of us that this would be taking place, quit on the spot. Megan’s friend Sammy texted all the drama that Megan had missed. Megan was in shock. [Megan had asked her coach for an early tryout at ECNL since she would be missing a day of tryouts being at Girls Camp. Coach Dave told her she was ok with the one day try out since he knew her and how she played. He wasn’t worried about it at all and told her to have a good time at camp. But unknown to us and to him, Megan should have been to both. The Copa 04/05 Coach didn’t bring her over and she clearly should have been with that group of players.] Megan then found out that an older coach would be filling in Coach Dave’s spot that season. Megan was familiar with him and was completely dismayed. It was a rough afternoon and we weren’t sure what to do. Without even thinking it beforehand, Chris whispered, “We could move to St. George!?” and Megan responded with a “Ya, maybe.” What?
We put the discussion on pause as we hosted a Goodbye Party for the Jacksons at Black Forest Park. So fun! Later that night as we climbed into bed, Chris said, “What would you think about moving to St. George this summer, if that’s what Megan wanted to do? A part of me wanted to say, “Are you kidding me? Coach quitting and team splitting up does not equal moving states.” But I didn’t… at least not out loud. We talked and talked until I was too tired to think.
Sunday, June 5th
We got ready for church and started our Emotional Resilience family class we were working on with the kids. Mid way through, Coach Howard (potential new coach) called and we put him on speaker to listen to him talk about the team and season and answer our questions. Megan just sank as he talked, occasionally shaking her head and hardly saying anything. It was a lot to take in. Coach Howard wanted an answer but watching Megan, we just couldn’t give it. Megan’s a pretty ‘go with the flow’ chill kind of girl, so her reactions were pretty unusual. We told him we’d discuss and get back to him by 6:00pm.
As soon as we got off the phone Megan started to cry. ‘Meg, do you want to talk about it?’ She nodded and the three of us headed into the front room while Emily finished the Emotional Resilience class with the boys. ‘Let’s pause our emotional resilience class to practice some emotional resilience’, I thought. Megan sobbed and finally said, “I just can’t play for him. The team wouldn’t be good. I wouldn’t get better. We discussed sticking it out and playing for Coach Howard, changing clubs, driving up to Denver for a new team, or calling the club director to ask for another tryout… but being 20th on an already full team didn’t feel like the answer either. So maybe move? That’s crazy.
We were already fasting that Megan would have a good experience with her Patriarchal Blessing later that afternoon. We knelt and added ‘help us figure out what to do for Megan’. And then we went to church.
When I got home after a Primary meeting, Megan was already sitting at the kitchen table using google maps to see how far away we would be from cousins and G&G Walton and Granny J, followed by doing an instagram search of St. George high school soccer teams. She nodded her head with approval at every new discovery - including blue jerseys for Dixie High - and Chris smiled. We gathered in the family room and talked about previous moves and our experiences making decisions and leaving friends. Chris mentioned that this felt similar to the inspiration we felt to move to Germany. We opened my blog to that post and Chris read it aloud. We cried as we remembered being led during that special time and wondered if there were hints to similarities.
I had a hard time thinking that all of this was serious. We had always talked about retiring in St. George. We love it there and just within the last year since signing our contract with the Wyoming job we had begun thinking ‘maybe we’re supposed to be in St. George earlier than we thought’. We even had a trip next month planned to check out communities, discover builders and maybe have a realtor take us around, just so we could do some research and see how it ‘felt’. But not once had we talked about moving there NOW or having Megan move before her Senior Year. It didn’t seem to add up. 1+2 should have equalled 3 but instead of simple math, it was an algebraic equation that was too complicated to solve. I spent some time outside on the front porch by myself praying and thinking. When Em found me I was crying, a little overwhelmed by the math I suppose. She was good to ask me how I was doing and let me talk about things.
Dad, Em and I headed to Megan’s Patriarchal Blessing with her at 4:00pm. Brother Campbell asked Megan to tell him about her. She said, ‘I play soccer’ and that was it. He had to coax some more details out of her and then he taught about the pre-mortal world before he started. It was a neat experience to be with her and hear the words of guidance, caution and blessings that could be her future.
It did not say, ‘Move to St. George’ (darn it) but when we got home she was ready to call Coach Howard and decline the spot in Pride. It was a little scary but watching Megan feel good about it was inspirational. After one more family prayer Chris headed back up to Wyoming and I called my parents. Could we really be doing this? I explained our last twenty-four hours with our many emotions and told them we were likely headed to St. George… and soon. So grateful for their love and interest. They asked lots of questions and it was good to talk through everything.
Then I went straight to the storage room and grabbed bins of toys to go through. Emily instantly came to help. She’s my organizing buddy. We went through Fisher Price animals, car tracks, lego and then headed downstairs to sit right on the floor of the storage room and go through even more. Whether we moved or not, I guess it helped keep me busy as my brain processed. I stayed up way too late.
Monday, June 6th
I woke up feeling good. I spent most of the day going through bins from the storage room and shifted between feeling on top of my emotions to wondering what on earth we were thinking.
Megan came to me and said, “I was just writing in my journal about Girls Camp. I was reflecting on the theme - TRUST IN THE LORD. I really think this soccer setback was meant to be. I would never have considered moving to St. George if this hadn’t happened, but I really do think this is what I’m supposed to do.” This was pretty impactful to me. I love that she is having moments with the Spirit helping to teach her. Later, talking to a friend, Monae, we determined that Heavenly Father doesn’t really care about soccer, but He cares about Megan and having a personal relationship with her… and that maybe a soccer situation was the way that she would look and Hear Him. I loved that thought so much. Megan’s faith has really been the catalyst for this move.
My mom sent me a BYU Devotional called ‘NEVERTHELESS I WENT FORTH’ by Anthony D. Perkins - which I was so grateful for. I listened intently and wrote some notes in my hearken notebook…
Seek to be led by the Spirit and go forward with Faith.
Quality for the Spirit by keeping the commandments. Consistent scripture reading and prayer and church and temple attendance.
MOVE forward in Faith (even without perfect knowledge). Personal Revelation will only come from time to time. Take our decisions to Him in prayer. Spend time in the scriptures and at the Temple. He used an example of Kevin in Home Along: ‘Guys, I’m eating junk and watching rubbish - you better come out and stop me!’ Sometimes our prayers are like this! haha. - ‘Heavenly Father, we’re selling all our stuff and moving to St. George - you better stop us!’
Commit fully to inspired decision and live in the present. Doors usually open to the fully committed.
Draw on the Strength of trusted friends and family to sustain the journey.
Nephi was led by the Spirit not knowing before hand the things which I should do… nevertheless I went forth. No specific answer. Moved forward knowing the Spirit would direct him when needed.
Loved this quote… “Your life will be of curious workmanship uniquely pleasing to the Lord.”
Takeaways: We will get promptings of the Spirit when we have done everything we can, when we are out in the sun working rather than sitting back in the shade praying for direction. REVELATION comes when the children of God are on the move. (Elder Oaks)
Loved this too: You can feel no response? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of His trust. When you are living worthily and your choice is consistent with the Savior’s teachings and you need to act, proceed with trust. (Elder Richard G. Scott)
I took it all in and then send Chris the link to the talk. 45 minutes later he called me and we talked about it for an hour. It was a really great talk. And then I went through bins of things in the storage room. I stayed up too late again.
Tuesday, June 7th
I woke up with a little anxiety. I literally felt it in my chest and had to really think about breathing deep. Pretty unusual for me. I spent the day going through old memory boxes, taking pictures of things, sorting and cleaning the house. Busy work keeps my brain calm.
Brian called and I talked to him about St. George. Mike called during that call and I called him back and talked to him until Scott arrived. Scott had a work trip in Colorado Springs and brought Foster along for a Father/Son trip. They showed up in a cool convertible and my boys were so excited. We talked for awhile in the living room and then Scott and I and the three boys headed over to Torchy’s for dinner. Lots more talking. Then home to talk some more — after a fun convertible ride for the boys. As I talked through everything, it all seemed to make sense and my anxiety disappeared.
During the boys joy ride I called Megan J who was at the airport while on a layover in New York. I shared news of the last two days and she was shocked. “I literally haven’t talked to you for one day! How could this be happening?” We talked and talked. This is crazy.
Wednesday, June 8th
Wednesday morning I sent a text to Chris at 10:19am saying “I’m feeling good about this, hon. Can we go to the temple on Saturday?” Now it was his turn to feel a little anxiety. All along I thought he was the sure one. It was his idea. He felt like we had been receiving and pushing away little hints that moving this year would be a good idea. But me being sure made it a little more real. When he had a break an hour later, he called and we talked for a long time. So grateful for all these talks. So much processing in such a short amount of time.
Thursday, June 9th
I spent the day making another giant mess in the living room. I took pictures of all my mom’s hand painted crafts and made piles for the Goodwill. Then I cleaned the house and talked to my parents. Emily and Megan had Romney, Brynn, Aiden and others over to hang out.
Our Realtor, Ben came over at 6:30 to look through the house. He wanted to wander by himself and take some notes and then came to find me to give me the report. He was throughly impressed with the house. It was really fun to hear his compliments and discuss the suggestions he had so that we could get it on the market as soon as possible.
Friday, June 10th
More cleaning, organizing, sorting, cleaning out drawers, making piles and getting rid of things.
Matt hosted a goodbye hang out for Trey Neilsen. All the group came over to hang out, head to the park and eat popsicles. It was fun to talk to Ashley when she brought Trey over. Love her. They are headed to Arizona - deciding to move without an exact plan for a job. Interesting to talk to her and share our thoughts of moving.
Chris got home from Wyoming late. So good to have him back.
Saturday, June 11th
Chris and I woke up early ready to head to the temple. On our way out of the neighborhood, we saw signs for a Cordera wide garage sale and a few people on our street had things ready out to sell. I had already been going through so many things this week and had make an extensive pile but hadn’t made time to get it to the Goodwill yet. In an instant we decided that we would turn around, wake up the kids and pull everything out to sell. Emily helped Dad carry several big things out and we unloaded lots of items on tables and started selling. Several things went quickly. Then we handed over the responsibility to Emily and Megan and let them sell the rest of it while Chris and I headed back to the temple. We made about $200 but also got a lot of things moved that we just wanted gone. It was great.
Our session was really good and we enjoyed being in the crowded Celestial Room with countless other people making decisions about whether to move or not ; ) but we outlasted them all and enjoyed being there just the two of us. We had a great talk and were filled with peace and excitement. ‘Alright Heavenly Father, we’re selling all our stuff and moving to St. George. You better come out and stop us.’ : ) We continued our conversations at one of our favorite restaurants in Denver: Seasons 52.
Then a Target trip, and then some lawn work with the kids. Chris rented a thatcher and did the entire lawn several times to help it thrive. Emily and Megan had a huge group of friends meeting at our house and they were anxious to go but worked hard to finish — even a few friends pitched in to help so we could finish faster. We took Luke and Matt out to get shakes and then picked up several gallons of Blue Bell Ice Cream for Em and Meg and their friends when they came to hang out later that night.
Week Two: The week where we put the house on the market AND it went under contract
Sunday, June 12th
We had Romney and Jane over for dinner and ice cream since Jon and Megan are in Norway.
Monday, June 13th
I helped Megan and Luke pack and clean their rooms.
We stopped at Target for snacks and then drove Megan, Tessa and Luke to FSY at University of Colorado Colorado Springs. We got in line to check in at about 12:00 with Mindy and Saralyn. We had great conversations about our decision to move to St. George and I got a little emotional talking about Megan and her faith in this.
Megan and Tessa headed to their dorm room and Tia and I walked with Everett and Luke to their dorm. They were SO EXCITED. They are going to have the best week together. The night before I told Tia the news of us moving so that Everett would be able to process before the week started. Tia said there were tears. So sad, but I’m glad they have this week together. Matthew joined us and was SO sad that he wasn’t staying… especially because Ian and Thane were together. He can’t wait for when he can go.
I talked to my parents : ) and did lots of cleaning to get ready for pictures tomorrow.
Chris, Matt and I enjoyed a late dinner at Panera Bread.
Tuesday, June 14th
A lot of last minute cleaning to get ready for pictures. Matt helped me in the morning and then headed off to Ian’s house.
The photographer came at 10:00 to take pictures of the house. She started with the drone outside to do the yard and front of the house and then moved to the inside. I hung out at the pool while she shot and when I came back she said, ‘It was a privilege to take pictures of your house. You have a very special feeling here. Good luck to you and your family.’ That was nice of her. Glad to have pictures done. The blues are pretty vibrant but otherwise they show the house pretty well.
Wednesday, June 15th
I got a few presents for Ryan ordered, some amazon returns done and got a refund for a recent Shutterfly order. Then I made another trip to Lowes and Target.
Chris cam home early and we did some errands to send the old computer back, wash the van, and pick up supplies at Home Depot.
Chris and I went over to the Hales to talk with Joe and Tiffany. So good to get caught up with everything. Tiffany’s mom isn’t doing well and she had just been out there. She ended up passing away a couple days later. We talked about her family and then about moving for a long time. Love these friends.
A few BE REAL’s from the last week or so…
Thursday, June 16th
Called Mary Seaquist and had a long talk about everything. She understands a lot about a sudden move, even though it wasn’t the original plan. Grateful for her friendship and to be able to process everything with her.
The carpets were being cleaned at 1:00 so Matt and I headed to the Cordera pool to hang out. Matt ended up hanging out with Paige Brinton for the whole afternoon. I headed to the dealership to get an oil change for my van and then back to the pool to chat with Jenny Brinton and Jen Swendsen.
At 6:00 our house was officially on the market.
Tiffany called that evening wanting to see if their friends could come by and see the house. At first we said they couldn’t because of the carpets just being cleaned but then we mentioned that they were welcome to come by and see the main floor if they wanted to. They walked over, met us and were instantly interested. With all kinds of enthusiasm, Heather said, “I’ll take it!” as she walked in to the entryway. She was very complimentary — almost too complimentary to take seriously. They checked out the entire main floor and then asked for an explanation of how many bedrooms and the basic floor-plans of the top and bottom floors. Then they headed to explore the garage and yard.
When Chris and Matt and I decided to take a walk together a half hour later we found them still talking to Kelly and Ami and Joe and Tiffany in the front yard. Joe quietly whispered, “They are really interested.” Then they all started joking of the many things they would do to make the neighborhood look bad for other viewers. It was pretty funny. We stayed and talked to them for a half hour before heading on our walk.
Friday, June 17th
Two official viewings! The Peck Family scheduled an official walk through with Ben there to answer questions. Later that afternoon we had another viewing, from an interested family ready to make an offer after their visit. Exciting!
Ryan and Cassie drove from Provo to Colorado Springs with a full car load of things ready to move to Tulsa, Oklaholma! It was fun to see them and be the perfect stopping point for their trek to their new state. So excited for them and their new adventures! We celebrated Ryan’s birthday a few days early by taking them to Modern Market for dinner and giving him a few presents. Happy Birthday, Ryan!
Saturday, June 18th
Saturday morning was the morning of kids coming and going. But for a half hour ALL of them ate French Toast and Buttermilk Syrup together with us… Ryan and Cassie on their way to Oklahoma, Emily, Romney and Brynn on their way to BYU and Megan, Luke and Everett home from FSY! Loved having everyone together for a minute!!
Saying goodbye to Emily as she heads back to BYU Summer Term with Romney and Brynn. It’s been so much fun to have Emily home. Emily and Megan had a great month or so with a fun group… one of their friends wrote a message on Em’s car since she was sad to see her go.
Saying goodbye to Ryan and Cassie as they head off for Oklaholma!
Megan spent quite a bit of time packing for Tahiti and then packing up a lot of her closet and special things.
Fun to have Ian, Cade and Everett hang out for most of the day. Lots of playing at the pool and in the backyard doing flips.
Chris and I went out to dinner with Ryan and Mindy at one of our favorite restaurants in Colorado Springs… NaRai Thai. Fun to spend the evening with them.
Week Three: The week where we packed and put Megan on a plane to Tahiti
Sunday, June 19th
Father’s Day! Excited to celebrate Dad with some Father’s Day Festivities. A few meaningful letters, frames with pictures for his place in Wyoming, a few Travis Mathew t-shirts and another AZUL game. So grateful for you hon! Such a great husband and father. We love you.
Monday, June 20th
Ryan’s first day of work in Oklaholma!
Emily’s first day of BYU Summer Term.
Made banana bread… trying to use up everything I have. Hardly buying any groceries at all this month!
Lots more packing!
Tuesday, June 21st
A few BE REAL’s from the last little while. Using up food, packing boxes, cleaning out the garage, packing up artwork and picture frames with Mindy and packing a few more dishes.
Wednesday, June 22nd
Megan left for Tahiti today. I dropped her off at the airport and then she checked in and flew from Denver to LA, where she met up with her Humanitarian XP group. I got to text with her for just a minute as her group was gathering and she seemed excited… especially since she discovered that she would be swimming with sharks! I just know she’s going to have such a great adventure! Love this girl.
Thursday, June 23rd
Lots of days where the dining room table looked like this… covered in all kinds of external hard drives while Chris backed up everything. So many side projects going on these days! …and Happy 24th Birthday to Ryan today!!
Friday, June 24th
I was up early. I always am these days. As soon as my brain remembers what’s going on, then I can’t sleep again.
Yvonne came at eight to help me pack. I texted her to come at 8:20 so I could run down and get some bubble wrap from Lowe’s but she volunteered to pick it up for me, which was so nice. She was here for two hours and we got a lot accomplished and I was able to share a little of our story and why we’re moving and then talk about her life. She really has a lot of difficult circumstances she’s dealing with and it breaks my heart. So grateful for her to be so willing to help.
At 10:30 I ran over to Megan Jackson‘s house and picked up my mattresses and said goodbye. Her car was completely packed and she still had a pile of things she wasn’t gonna be able to fit. I cried when I gave her a hug goodbye. She said she wasn’t going to even say goodbye. I know I’ll see her a lot but it’s just not the same as the living ‘right down the street’ that we’ve enjoyed for nine years. She got a late start leaving and was pretty exhausted so she spent the night in Rock Springs. I called her right at 9 o’clock to get the update and she was just pulling into the hotel. Bless that girl. It’s been a hard move.
Ian and Matt were together most of the day back-and-forth between houses.
Luke has spent a busy three days with friends and used this day as just a chill day at home.
I spent most of the day packing up things and gathering them from around the house. Nothing on the walls now. Most of the cabinets or drawers are empty. But there’s still plenty to pack.
Chris got home from work about three, and began working on backing up pictures and photos while I took a nap.
Ben called him and together they went through the inspection report. Not much to do except get a cleaning for the air conditioning and fireplace and produce a five-year certificate for the roof. Hope it all goes well.
At dinner time Chris and I and Luke headed to Costa Vida to grab a bite. Luke’s choice. And had fun talking about future careers for Luke. Love those one on one conversations.
Saturday, June 25th
I thought Chris would sleep in longer which would help keep me asleep longer but we were up by 7:30, which I guess is OK. He got working on computer stuff and I decided to start my day with a work out, which I haven’t done a lot of lately. It’s going to help me feel better I think! I’ve just felt so anxious to get working and feel like there’s so much to do that I’ve pushed aside exercise and I can feel it taking it’s toll.
We went out to dinner with Amy and Scott Richins at Thai Mint and they paid, which was sweet. It was so fun to be together and catch up! It’s always good to talk about our story and hear about their great experiences as Bishop and wife. We love them.
Week Four: The week where we sold everything and Katie came for the weekend.
Sunday, June 26th
Chris hasn’t been sleeping well recently.
We had Come Follow Me with the boys and then went to church.
We sent off a list of furniture - and the price - of everything we would be selling to the family purchasing our house to see what they wanted anything before we sold it on Facebook Marketplace.
Monday June 27th
Chris working in Colorado Springs.
I posted SOOOO many things on Facebook Marketplace. Barstool and stools, living room couch and loveseat, mirror, coffee table, white coffee table, pbk bookshelf etc. it really took me all day. Heather and Ami came over to look at the furniture again. They might be interested in buying a few things.
Chris got home at 4:00. We got lots of good things done. We tackled half of the storage room, packed more boxes and moved the piano to the garage with the help of Ryan, Max, Spencer, Hans and Joe. Someone came to buy and pick up the white coffee table.
The boys were really helpful today. They did a lot of weeding and helping dad whenever he asked.
Chris is now on a liquid only diet getting ready for his colonoscopy. Watched only 10 minutes of our Korean drama before he fell asleep.
Tuesday, June 28th
Woke up early again. 6:45.
Our Home appraisal happened this morning so Matt went to golf with Ian, Luke headed to work with Chris and I left to get my hair done so we were all out of the house.
I sold the Pottery Barn kids bookshelf system this afternoon for $150. A lady drove down from Littleton to pick them up and I helped her load them into her truck.
I had a pretty bad migraine but I was eager to chat with Mindy so I went over to the pool to see her for an hour. Good to catch up.
Then more packing. I got three or four good boxes packed tonight… winter coats and jackets, the guest room bedding and more.
The teachers quorum hosted a pool party as a goodbye farewell party for Luke. Then Everett and Hyrum came over and they hung out for several hours.
Matt went over to the Burkholz‘s to learn ax throwing and make their own targets. He loved it.
Wednesday, June 29th
Chris and I drove up to Denver for Chris’ colonoscopy. While he had the procedure done, I talked to Mike outside on the phone. Chris had two polyps removed (pre-cancerous) which puts him at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. He’ll need to have another colonoscopy in 7 years.
Wednesday night Katie drove in about 9 PM. She had planned to drive the next day but after arriving at work and seeing that nothing much was going on she decided to pack up and drive right then. She made us keep it a surprise from the boys. Be Real happened right at 9 PM and so I took a picture with Matt on the couch as he was binge watching season one of Stranger Things. Right then we could see Katie’s Be Real photo pop up, which was her standing in front of our house. Matt was like… what?? It was perfect timing and really such a fun response. Then the door opened and he ran to her!
Luke was at a party with his friends including the new FSY girls watching episodes of season 4 Stranger Things.
Thursday, June 30th
Look what we got in the mail… a cardstock flyer of our own house and agent.
Friday, July 1st
Katie and I went and got pedicures done at the shops at Briargate (an early Birthday present) and then met up with dad and the boys at Torchy’s for lunch, which was fun. I finally tried gel nails. We both got a pedicure and then I had a manicure as well. I think I’m going to like them.
We took Chris’s car in for an oil change and then settled into the family room with the only remaining TV still up and watched the last two episodes of season 4 of Stranger Things on VidAngel. Fun to watch with Katie! I packed things quietly in the background during the first one and then after dinner watched the second one which was nearly 2 1/2 hours long. Fun day and got a lot done!
Saturday, July 2nd
I was up early today. I woke up about seven and headed down to walk on the treadmill and work out. Then started packing things up and finishing a few boxes. We’re doing really well with packing! I’d say we’re ahead of the plan.
Chris, Katie, Luke, and Matt headed on a run together and then we made protein shakes.
Someone came to buy the high game table and barstools and picked up the octagon mirror as well. Another person came to buy the foosball table. We’ve done well selling all the things!! Still need to get rid of the piano and sell the sectional downstairs.
We headed to the pool and spent a couple hours in the hot sunshine. Then had lunch at home.
Late afternoon we headed up to Denver for our last Colorado Rockies baseball game. It was so much fun. We ate skittles, pretzels, nachos and drinks and watched the Rockies win the game. So fun. We had to wait a while, but the game ended with one of the best firework shows we’ve ever seen! It was amazing! Then the longest wait to get out of our parking structure. Still, it was a great night and a fun memory for one of our last Colorado activities!
Week Five: The week where we had goodbye parties and packed all of our things into a U-haul
Sunday, July 3rd
Our last Fast Sunday in Cordera. These weeks have been so fast paced. So much to mentally process, so many decisions to make, so many things to go through and sell, so much to clean, take to goodwill and pack… so when Brother S texted to see if I could speak in church in a week, I just had to say no. Writing a talk would take me a week and I don’t have a week. So this Fast Sunday I felt the urge to stand and bear my testimony. I talked about how we could feel the Lord leading us… about the scripture that is now a favorite… D&C 78:18 and about the blessings that come as we follow His plan for us. It was emotional standing in front of my ward and my friends and like always, I felt the Spirit as I spoke what I believe. After Sacrament Meeting Sister Eccles came to give me a hug. I cried again and couldn’t quite stop the tears from flowing. When I finally got down to the Primary Room Sunny looked at my blotchy face and said, ‘If you need a minute, I totally understand.’ Then she gave me a hug and said, ‘Maybe this isn’t helping, is it?’ It’s not, I said as the tears came again. I really am so grateful for my calling and the opportunity I’ve had to work with Sunny, Anne, Crystal and Tricia. Wonderful people. Such a great ward! An hour later when Primary was over I think my eyes recovered a little. I should have had a killer migraine but I seemed to do ok. Grateful for that.
We celebrated Katie’s birthday a little early and gave her a few presents on Sunday afternoon. While Dad and I were in London we picked up a Harrods journal and keychain for her upcoming trip with friends. Plus some money for some fun shopping or to help with travel expenses.
Monday, July 4th
Happy Fourth of July!!
We started out day with breakfast at SNOOZE, which was delicious! Fun atmosphere, good food and always great music.
In the afternoon we headed to the pool for awhile and then played AZUL and ate peanut butter pie.
Dad left at around 6:00pm for Wyoming. At 8:00 Katie, Luke and Matt and I could hear some nearby fireworks so we ran outside and sat on the porch. Our neighbors down the street were lighting some fireworks so we sat on the front steps to watch from afar. Then I went and grabbed some glow sticks and we make them into bracelets and adorned our bodies. I had the best idea to play some games with the glow sticks. We got into partners and kept track of how many glow sticks we could catch out of 12. Matt almost caught all of them. When he started throwing to me I missed, again and again and again. I kept closing my fist too soon and missing entirely. It made me start laughing hysterically. Then I was laughing so hard that there was no WAY I could see or catch, which only made me laugh harder. So hard that tears were rolling down my cheeks. In a brief second I thought “I’m going to remember this memory forever — outside in the dark, in front of my Colorado house for the last time celebrating the Fourth of July with Katie, Luke and Matt.” And that split second thought made my laughing tears turn into crying tears. But since it was dark, no one could tell and I just kept on throwing glow-sticks in the dark. : ) We ended up sticking all of the glow sticks in Katie’s bun just to be silly and then we wrote out a Happy 4th message. Loved being with Katie and the boys tonight.
Tuesday, July 5th
Katie saying goodbye to the house and heading back to Provo. So fun to have her home for the weekend.
One more goodbye visit with Matt’s piano teacher, Gina, who is very sad to be losing him and wanted to give him a box of her very favorite See’s Chocolates.
Then off to GOLF for Matt.
Lots of pool this month for Luke and Matt. They are trying to enjoy it to the fullest. We’re selling the pool table to the Larsons!
Wednesday, July 6th
We’re making so much progress!
Thursday, July 7th
A great day. I texted a few friends who had volunteered to give me some help and Mindy, Jenny, Saralyn, and Sunny came over to help me wrap a few big pieces of furniture. We did my headboard, a nightstand, my long mirror and piece underneath the TV and then went downstairs and did the buffet and the desk and four other pieces of furniture. I was really surprised at how much we got done in the hour. When they asked what they could do next I said that’s it. Everything is going really smoothly. I didn’t have anything else for them to do!
I texted with Mary Seaquist for a while and then called Megan Jackson and got caught up which was nice.
I took Matt and Luke to the doctor for their sports physicals and vaccine updates.
Matt hung out with Ian all day. Jens and Cade came over too and they played pool, jumped on the Egberts trampoline and then went to eat dinner at Mindy‘s house.
Mindy brought me dinner. Sweet-and-sour chicken and Luke and I watched it as we ate it as we watched Hart of Dixie. Matt’s friends commented that I’m always watching it. It has been my packing show this month!
At 6:00 I took Luke and Matt and Ian down to Altitude Ninja Gym to use their last token on an open gym night. I think they had fun.
I took some pretty pictures of the house with the sunset behind, and then talked to my mom and dad. My dad‘s PSA numbers are going up and are now at 600.
Then I talked to Katie about her birthday party at my parents house. She’s getting ready to head to Bear Lake tomorrow.
Then I took all the pictures off my camera and put them onto my computer. It’s been a month since I’ve done that!
One more day until I see Chris and we get everything ready for the move!
Several Be Real’s from the last two weeks before our move.
Friday, July 8th
Lunch with my Primary Presidency at Modern Market. These ladies are remarkable… so much fun getting to know them. Fun to talk about our families and talk about the things that led to this quick move. We’ve been together for over three years and Sunny, Crystal and I have been in for a total of four - with Ali as our president. Good times.
Friday night the sky was beautiful and I decided to head outside and take a walk and take Luke with me. We hopped over the back fence and wandered down the path. Cordera is getting streets ready for building right behind our house… it’s a perfect time to move - right before a big home is built directly behind us. I sure love the cement pathways behind our house though. We’ve always loved taking walks around the neighborhood! It was such a beautiful night… colorful sky, warm evening temperatures. It’s definitely a hard time to leave Colorado! We’re going to miss our little neighborhood.
Saturday, July 9th
I thought I was ready for the move but I wasn’t prepared for the number of people who were going to help us and that they would all want something to do immediately. Haha. At 9:00 the Larsons, Hans Egbert, the Richins, the Kinniard boys, TJ and Kaden Greenwood, Brother Vincent, Scott Brinton, Bryan Rasmussen, and the sister missionaries came ready to work - and it was great. Most people helped for about an hour and a half. A few good friends stayed for another 45 minutes. By about 11:00 Chris was headed back to the U Haul place to pick up an additional trailer for our last bit of stuff.
At 3:00 Chris and I headed up to the Denver airport to pick up Megan from her trip to Tahiti. It was so great to hear her talk about how much she loved her group and counselors, the people of Tahiti that they served, and everything about the trip. I’m so glad. She read some of her journal so she didn’t miss anything and got emotional telling us about her counselors and that everything they said was exactly what she needed to hear and that they, through the Spirit confirmed that she really was supposed to move to St. George. It was a neat testimony builder for her and I’m so glad she has continuously felt the Spirit through this process.
Saturday evening we met at the Black Forest Park for a Goodbye Party hosted by the Larsons. It was fun to talk with the Wyeths, Brownings, Larsons, Greenwoods, Brintons… The weather was good and the kids had so much fun. As soon as Megan had a shower and got ready she joined us at the park and enjoyed ONE LAST NIGHT with her friends. Lots of good friends and cute boys came out to say goodbye.
Week Six: The Week where Chris and Megan drove the U Haul to St. George, and we said goodbye to Colorado Springs
Sunday, July 10th
Chris and Megan left at 6:00am and drove the big U Haul from Colorado Springs to St. George. They made pretty good time and got to Shelley’s house at 6:00pm.
Our last Sunday in the Cordera ward. I did pretty well. I was able to say goodbye to Sunny and Crystal without tears. I guess I had already gotten them out the week before.
Love this cute picture of Dad and Megan!
Monday, July 11th
In St. George, Megan went to her first Dixie High soccer practice from 6:00-8:00am.
Chris hired movers who helped unload and load a few things at the St. George house and then the rest at the storage unit. It was a huge amount of work, but they finished in just a few hours. After lunch at Viva Chicken, Chris headed to the airport to fly home. Shelley stayed at the house until Thursday so Megan could practice with her new team.
I enjoyed a fun lunch with friends… Saralyn, Mindy and Amy. We talked about life and moving and then got into deep feelings and parenting things. Amy gifted me earrings that said ‘COURAGE’ on the tag. I just about broke into tears opening it but I managed to keep it together until towards the end of our lunch and conversations. Like I always say, time with good women is sacred time. I’m so grateful for these ladies and always feel like time spent together helps us answer each others prayers. I feel lifted every time we’re together.
Tuesday, July 12th
[Megan went to Dixie High soccer practice from 6:00-8:00am in St. George and then hung out with Granny J.]
Chris worked in Colorado Springs and I did quite a bit of touch up painting,
Matt went to golf with Saralyn and Campbell‘s and I picked them all up at 1:00. I dropped off the Campbell’s and Ian and then Luke and Matt and I went to Fiiz to get gift cards and then to Dick‘s to return some thing and ended up buying them black crocs and blue slides. They were so happy they would not stop saying thank you to me all day. Turns out shopping therapy works for teenage boys too. We went and got Luke a couple new pair of shorts at Old Navy as well and then home.
Luke Matt Everett and Ian went to air city for an hour and then Chris picked them up and drop them off at the youth activity at Black Forest Park where they played water balloon activities. They said they had a blast! Made fish and rice and corn and cauliflower rice for dinner. Definitely using up the last of our food. When they got home Matt, Ian and Jens hung out in our basement for a while!
Wednesday, July 13th
[Megan went to Dixie High soccer practice from 6:00-8:00am in St. George and then hung out with Granny J.]
Emma Patterson came over and we walked behind my house and through the new Cordera neighborhood trail. It was so much fun to catch up and hear all about her life. We had a great time walking and talking. Why didn’t we do that more?
At 10:00 we headed to the Pool with Mindy and Luke and Matt and Brooklyn and Ian. We’re going to miss the Larsons so much!
Chris called and we had a half hour conversation about how we will get all the vehicles to St. George and when. haha. Then I called my dad to talk about all the vehicles and how I wish he could help us drive. He was so happy to hear all about it and wishes he could help with that so bad!
Packed all of Chris’s Wyoming things and clothes in the van. Went and dropped off Goodwill things, got a manicure and then met Chris at the Colorado Springs airport where he is parking his car, filled his car with his Wyoming things so it’s ready to go and then drove over to the windshield repair shop to grab Megan‘s car that he had left there then drove to Panera bread to eat and then drove home.
Yvonne came over at 7:00 and talked for an hour and helped me pack the van.
We delivered Fiiz gift cards to friends who helped us move. I talked with Peggy for 20 minutes. She was so sweet to talk about how much it meant to her the things I did when she had cancer and how our kids have grown up so much during the time we’ve lived here. She begged me to keep in touch and send her updates all the time. Love her! Talked with Scott and Amy for 20 minutes. Amy talked about how much it meant to her to go to lunch and we talked about how good women talking about good things is consecrated time. Love those two!
At home we finished packing everything into the van, wandering around to see what else we could find. So many last minute things to gather.
Dad picked up Matthew from his goodbye party at McKenzie Sidwell‘s house and then Luke up from his goodbye party at Everett Saxton‘s house. Jennifer Wyeth texted me that Presley was crying after the party. Tia texted me that Everett came into her room crying after he left. So sad to leave good friends!
Chris, Luke, Matthew and I went over to the Larson‘s to say goodbye. I got choked up as soon as I entered the room but was able to maintain emotional composure throughout our 30 minutes talking with them. Mindy gave us a card with a whole bunch of treats for the road. We gave them a card with a Marigolds gift card. We will miss them so much! When we got home I found Matt crying on his mattress when I went into his room. Definitely sad for all of us.
Thursday, July 14th
I woke up at 7am to good luck texts from Jen Wyeth and Megan Jackson. I didn’t have a crying hangover headache so that was a good sign. We finished putting things into the van and left by 8:30. We had hoped to just sail out of town without another crying session, but Luke forgot his scooter at Everett’s house so we had to head over there for one last goodbye. Tia started to get emotional. Everett too. It made me so sad. Luke and I got a little choked up as we drove away.
We did pretty good - the three of us driving to Midway. Dad went to work and then drove to the Lodge later that afternoon.
Megan went to Dixie High soccer practice from 6:00-8:00am and then drove up to Provo with Granny J and then Midway later that night with Katie and Emily.
