Making the transition...

I know, I know... I need to update our move before I lose the few faithful that visit. Thanks for your patience and prayers.

Well, there are still half opened scattered boxes in each room. The photo above is from moving in day 2 weeks ago. Hey, I never claimed to be the uber-super unpacking mom. It is harder to focus on what and where everything should go now that the kids are back with us. Not that that is a horrible thing; I just simply find it difficult to remain focused on a project. I can't imagine why?

Community living is an adjustment for this "ex-home owner" and I guarantee it will offer many high points, as well as, the moments to keep the apartment door locked with the "Do not Disturb, please" sign dangling from the door knob.

The families and couples (haven't met the single seminarians yet - not here till next week) are encouraging in their frankness of seminary life and graciously offer advice, guidance, rides to IKEA, Target, mapping out Trader Joe's directions, local farmer's market and many play-mates for the children. As a matter of fact, I think one day I had 10 very energetic girls stuffed into Hannah's and MK's room. Luke has a friend that he is obsessed with and literally demands to spend every waking moment with him.

Each Thursday, at least for the summer months, is a shared potluck -- need I say more? Alleluia! One semi-thinking brain cell rescued from oblivion land of "what to make and then clean up" for dinner. The fellowship shared is a wonderful time.

I miss my chute...

The dreaded laundry dilemma, which is probably one of the biggest concerns to many moms, is a shared room, just outside our door. Thank God for small graces. Wait! it gets better -- it is coin operated! Sadly, we figured doing 2 loads a day, like I did in the previous residence, 5 days a week, will more than pay for a "BMW" style washer & dryer in the next 3 years. Me thinks we need to start wearing one outfit per week or none at all. No, that won't go over well. Try telling this to fashion diva, a.k.a. Hannah. Yeah right and Mr. C & Luke will never ever roll, jump, or run in the mud, including MK who delights in her insect finding and dirt baking skills. Her speciality in, but of course, worm-pies.

On a good note: the apartment is nice with a spacious patio overlooking a quaint lake full of ducks, swans, frogs, and peaceful late summer night-time sounds of the crickets. We lived on a busy street in Niagara Falls and this is a bonus to our transition. We no longer hear nor feel the vibration of car stereos...what a relief.

We walk to church, to get the mail, and to throw out the trash (Colin's job). I can even order my groceries on-line -- how cool is that? So, we save on gas and I at least hope that this will contribute to shedding some unwanted pounds, for most of the walking requires one to walk uphill.

May God give me (us) continued strength in transitioning, as we learn, grow, forgive, and love as Christ first loved us.