Posts Tagged ‘moving’

Neighborhood Vibes

Wednesday, March 8th, 2017

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
It’s hard to believe we are approaching almost a year since we’ve moved to Georgia. We enjoy our new town, neighborhood, and especially the friends we’ve met.

It’s refreshing meeting new people from different backgrounds. In previous years, we came from a military “family” where we literally get placed into our own group of friends and try to make relationships with people who all live the same type of lifestyle. I did make some life-long friends, but it’s also nice to get to know others who have a different perspective on the world.

Jack and Tate are developing better and better relationships with friends from school and in our neighborhood. The other day a bunch of kids were down at the cul- de- sac with an impromptu lemonade stand. The kids were all working together. Jack offered up a sleeve of cups. One girl was the advertiser, one boy was the salesperson, several were in charge of music, and others made their lemonade concoction. It was great to see the kids, of all different ages, playing well together. Soon after, parents joined in on the fun and had their own social gathering.

This is exactly the type of thing we hoped for when we picked our neighborhood. A tight group of people interacting and having fun. I’m thankful my kids get to grow up here and enjoy the benefits that come along with it. As the temps begin to warm up again, I look forward to more outdoor gatherings.

Phew!

Wednesday, August 24th, 2016

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Jack and Tate made it through their first full week at their new school. They were nervous the first morning, but by the time they stepped off the bus, they were more relaxed and excited for the year ahead. I love seeing their smiles each afternoon and hearing about what new activity they did each day. Getting past the initial unknowns is a big relief for all of us.

As a child, I never moved to a new school. I have friends today that I went to elementary school with (including my husband.) Although I was nervous for Jack and Tate, I’m happy we had the opportunity to move them while they were still young, rather than uprooting them as teenagers. They already have friends knocking on our door to play after school. I’m proud they stepped up to the plate and showed me they’re perfectly able to stand their ground in a new and unfamiliar place.

Their take-home folders are already full of projects and homework. I’m sure we are all in for a busy, fun and fulfilling year for both Jack and Tate. This will be a year they’ll never forget, and I hope they make life-long friendships and memories just like I did.

 

 

 

Bump in the Road

Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Jack and Tate’s school hosted a “Meet and Greet” where the boys met their teachers, toured the school one more time, met the bus driver, and listened to a new student orientation. My husband was out of town, so all the responsibility fell on me. It was A LOT to take in. There were several hundred people roaming the halls, and by the time I exited through the doors, I was very overwhelmed. I knew it would be a chaotic evening, but with a new school come new policies, rules, bus schedules, tons of questions, new technology for parents and students to learn, trying to find answers to the 85 questions we had, and a lot of unknowns.

As the boys and I were leaving the school that night, it was thundering, lightning, and raining heavily. We held tight for a bit hoping it would pass, but no luck. It was beyond dinnertime, and all three of us were starving. I promised my kids dinner out and we’d get to the restaurant lickety-split. Finally, we gave up and made a run for the van. We were drenched beyond belief.

Then…. My van battery died…. completely dead. I told myself, “NO, this can’t be happening!” My husband is out of town, it’s pouring down rain, I have two starving kids in the back seat, I have a monstrous headache from all the information overload, and this is the absolute worst timing. I took a deep breath, and scrambled to find a familiar face to help. I knew things could be worse, and this was just a little glitch. Eventually, I got the van up and running, had a new battery installed the next day and life went on.

The most positive part about those stressful minutes was a little voice in the backseat who was so concerned about my stress level. Tate repeated over and over and over… “Mommy, please don’t worry. We will fix it. Some days are terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days.” His sweet little heart, and his memory of one of his favorite books, immediately calmed my nerves. I’ve been telling Tate something similar to his words for the last several years when he has a meltdown. This time he was helping me get through a meltdown. I’m beyond thrilled Tate showed some empathy and took it upon himself to lift me up from my otherwise frantic evening. Perhaps all our meltdown pep talks are finally paying off.

Settling In

Wednesday, June 8th, 2016

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
We moved into our new house roughly two weeks ago. It was bizarre at first. It sort of felt like we were on vacation. Now that we’ve slept in our own beds for several nights, it is beginning to feel more like home.

Jack and Tate are acclimating to the move wonderfully. Tate, our social butterfly, is getting off to a great start. He has no problem speaking to anyone. Our next-door neighbors have two boys that are about the same age as Tate, and he loves the novelty of daily (sometimes hourly) play dates. Jack is more shy, but has made friends, especially after I helped him introduce himself to the other neighborhood kids. I meet new neighbors daily on our evening walks and trips to the swimming pool. My husband and I are very happy with our choice of neighborhood after meeting so many friendly people and children galore.

Our boxes are unpacked, but the house is still disorganized. I have to remind myself that there is no rush to get it all set up. Nobody is going to inspect our home. It is more important that we spend time familiarizing ourselves with our new town, and making sure Jack and Tate feel comfortable. My husband and I are happy to say we’re finally home, and we look forward to raising our children here for years to come.

Last Day of School!

Wednesday, May 25th, 2016

We said goodbye to our friends last week. This week, Jack and Tate said goodbye to their school. Our emotions ran high over the last several days. I’m excited one minute and sad the next. Honestly, I didn’t think it would be this hard to leave. Our youngest is finishing Kindergarten, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around how quickly the years are flying by. In two years, Jack will be in middle school. Wow!

We really enjoyed our little elementary school. The teachers and staff were nothing but fantastic to both Jack and Tate. Even though schools in our state aren’t highly rated, I’m confident my boys received a great foundation for their education. Am I nervous about their transition? Absolutely, but I know that no matter where the boys go, there will be an adjustment period.

I delivered a note and some freshly picked flowers to the school office, thanking them for four wonderful years. To my surprise, when I set the vase on the counter, I was in tears. I have no idea where the burst of emotions came from, but those tears reminded me that we are all going to miss the great teachers/staff, the fun learning environment, and the friendships my kids enjoyed everyday. I’m looking forward to seeing what the new school offers. Hopefully it’s the same, if not better, than what we are used to. We are looking forward to a fresh start and a new adventure in life.

 

Heartfelt Goodbyes

Wednesday, May 18th, 2016

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Whatever your age, it’s tough saying goodbye to friends. As a military spouse, I feel like saying goodbye is always part of the deal. It’s never easy, but we have to do it. This time is different. My kids are the ones who must say goodbye, and start a new life in a new place.

Last week, Jack’s classmate friends had a small going away party for him. We met at a Mexican restaurant and enjoyed plenty of chips and salsa. The kids sat at their own table and were giggling the entire time. I watched Jack and his buddies interact, and had some sad feelings. He was comfortable. He has built relationships with each of them. A couple of the kids started preschool with him, almost 7 years ago. They all grew up so quickly, and it was neat watching them grow together. I quickly shook off those sad feelings and smiled at the camaraderie all the kids shared. I hope Jack builds those same types of friendships in the months to come.

Tate doesn’t have as many friends as his big brother, but he made a very close friend this year named, Livi. Livi has been his “buddy” since the day he started Kindergarten. Jack will giggle and tell you it’s Tate’s girlfriend. I know they are just two great kids, but I’ve never seen Tate so happy as when he is around Livi. I’m not certain he understands fully that he won’t see her after next week. We made sure to have one last play date before their final tennis lesson this week.

I am confident Jack and Tate will eventually make great friends in our new town. I know an adjustment period will take place (for me too), and that’s okay. The only thing that makes me happy is that they are both still relatively young and we are no longer a full time military family, so we don’t have to move anymore. We can all make lifelong friends in our new home without the dread of another move.

Farewell, Friend

Wednesday, March 25th, 2015

Jack met one of his best buddies, Ethan, in Kindergarten. Since the first day of Kindergarten, Ethan’s name has  been mentioned in most of our conversations about school. Jack and Ethan have been great friends through first and second grade as well. Ethan is a great kid and one I don’t mind coming over to play. Eventually, I got to know Ethan’s mom and really enjoy their company.

Last week, Jack mentioned on the way home from school that Ethan was moving. I was startled because I hadn’t heard anything pertaining to this from his mom. I didn’t think much of it, because sometimes kids think or say things that aren’t always accurate. Then Friday came. I picked up Jack from school and he didn’t seem his happy self. He climbed in the van and immediately told me he was sad and upset. I could see tears building up in his eyes and I was very concerned. Well, sure enough that was Ethan’s last day of school. He was moving over the weekend.

I know what it’s like when friends move away and it isn’t easy. I can’t imagine what it’s like for a 7 year old. Several of Jack’s friends have moved in the past, but Ethan was one of Jack’s first best friends, and I knew it was hitting him pretty hard. I did my best to talk him through it and made sure we would be in contact with Ethan in the future. By the time we arrived home, Jack was feeling better. I don’t know if it was the pep talk we had or the distraction of his toys.

I immediately called Ethan’s mom when we arrived home. She informed me it was a quick decision to move, but they would be living about an hour and a half from where we do now. We promised each other if we were ever in the same area we would try to get the boys together. Ethan invited Jack out to dinner that evening to ease his emotions and have a proper farewell. Jack was very excited to know he would get to have one last play date with Ethan. He even wanted to use his own money for his big dinner out.

When Jack arrived home from dinner, he seemed in much better spirits. Jack and Ethan gave each other a high five and promised to keep in touch. As a mom, it breaks my heart to see my son’s best friend move. I know Jack is strong and will make many new friends along the way. He’s learning through these experiences, and so am I.

New Job

Wednesday, December 10th, 2014

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
After 12+ years of military service, my husband and I made the decision to get out of the Navy and off of active duty. He landed a job as a pilot with a major airline and starts his training this week. The boys and I are very happy for him and looking forward to this new way of life.

Although he has resigned from active duty, he will still be attached to the Navy Reserve Unit with his old squadron here in Mississippi. He can still fly for the Navy, part time, and enjoy the nice military benefits.

Once our friends learned my husband has new job, they immediately asked when and where we would be moving. I would love to move right away, but it looks like we’ll stay put for a while, making our transition to this new life a little easier. We like our school district and we want to minimize the impact on our children. We want to do as much research as possible before we relocate because it will possibly be the last move we do until the boys are in college. We are trying to avoid rushing and risk having to move again.

My husband has done several deployments away from us before, but not in recent years. Now he will be traveling extensively again with his new job. The adjustment with him being away is going to be tough – along with the demands of being a single parent for weeks at a time, but I’m up for the challenge. Face time will be our best friend. The boys and I look forward to boarding our first flight with, “First Officer Daddy.” The world is our playground.

Teary eyed

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Living a military life has its ups and downs.  The deployments, distance from family, and last minute moves can all be rough on a family.  However, the relationships I’ve formed with many friends along the way has been incredible.  We all live in the same “world” and deal with the same issues from day to day.  We understand each other and help each other.  There is always some one who answers my questions about the best school, the best dentist and the best place to eat.  In fact, when we show up to a new place there is usually a welcome packet full of information.

Unfortunately, this week I have to say goodbye to FIVE of my dear friends.  They are like sisters to me.  I know I can count on them for anything… including watching my children on a minute’s notice. Our children attend the same schools, we exercise together, BBQ on the weekends, and occasionally go on day trips with and without our kids.  It’s unfortunate that all five of them are leaving at the same time.  I’m really going to miss them.  Two of them are moving internationally.  Thank goodness for video chats and social media.

I’ve been pretty bummed with “the end” sneaking up.  I do not like saying goodbye, but we’ve been lucky to know at least one person who already lives in the new town.  I’ve always had someone to call and help house hunt or give me information about the new town.  I have also reciprocated the help with others providing the same tasks. We all move around and sometimes we eventually meet up again.

My children have developed relationships with my friends children who are moving.  This has been the first time my husband and I had some emotional issues to face with our kids.  Jack is at the age where he understands he won’t be seeing his friends for possibly a really long time.  We showed him where his friends are moving to on his map.  We hope it will help him get an idea of just where in the world they’ll be.  Who knows, maybe someday we’ll make a visit.  Italy sounds really nice right now.  I am not a fan of putting my kids through sad situations, but I know they will make new friends along the way.

This is all part of being in the military.  I am a stronger person for having this life.  I’m confident my kids will be stronger as a result.  When my husband is out of town for a week I rejoice because it isn’t a month or six months (or longer.)  I try to tell myself “things could be worse” and I always have low expectations.  This way if things get out of control they can only get better.  Yes, there are days (many days) I wish I lived closer to family and had a “normal” life, but if I didn’t experience the life I have now I would not be the person I am today.

Moving, Part Two

Monday, October 8th, 2012

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
So, we made our big move last week to a new apartment. Overall, it went pretty well. The movers were on time and efficient. My parents hung out with Haley so that we could focus on the task on hand. I have said it before and I’ll say it again– I don’t know how people manage without family close by!

When we got to the apartment, our landlord was there with his crew, installing appliances. They assured us they would be out of our hair in no time. Famous last words! They took the whole day– and some of the next– to finish everything they needed to do. Unfortunately, that made it difficult for us to clean and unpack. We were annoyed until my husband returned to work, and his co-workers chastised him for his attitude. They were incredulous that we were complaining about getting new kitchen appliances in New York City: it’s virtually unheard of! Upon reflection, we laughed at ourselves. But what was actually bothering us was our inability to get everything ready for Haley.

A delay in settling into a new apartment is precisely the sort of situation that would have rolled right off of our pre-Haley backs. We would have just spent our time strolling through the new neighborhood, eating out rather than cooking, and unpacking a few boxes each day for weeks. That’s not such a good strategy with a toddler who gets into EVERYTHING. There are hazards all over the place and it takes extra care to watch her these days. Luckily, we are still two-against-one so we can take turns being productive and keeping Haley entertained and at bay.

Now that I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of getting organized, I’m looking forward to exploring our new community. I can’t wait to meet other parents and sign Haley up for some toddler classes. And to figure out where to get a perfect cup of coffee. I’m sure before we know it the apartment will stop feeling like an endless to-do list and will just feel like home.