Did you know...

...that Paul and I have moved every year since we were married?

First stop: 791 Wymount Terrace, June 2005.  I loved living here so much that I cried when we decided to leave.

Next, Deseret Towers, T Hall, June 2006.  DT was a big part of my BYU experience.  I loved it.  I get teary when I go back to where it was.  Can you blame me?  Paul and I first met (on our blind date) at DT.  T Hall was Benjamin's first home.  I only wish I could explain the many, many reasons why Desert Towers has a special place in my heart.

(Okay, I don't really miss the mini-kitchen with no counters.)

(Or this wallpaper.)

In August of 2007 we moved into Wyview and shared a building with freshman boys.  Interesting experience, to say the least.

Then in July of 2008 we left our BYU home for a new one in Bellingham, Washington.  This house on Cherrywood Ave. was a great place for us.

In June of 2009 we packed up again and moved to Juneau, Alaska.  This single-wide trailer is probably the least-favorite place I've ever lived, even when counting the home I stayed in in rural Honduras with no electricity or modern plumbing.

After Juneau we moved back to the Cherrywood house, and then in April of 2010 we purchased our first home in Lynden, Washington.

 So after six moves in less than six years of marriage, wouldn't it be appropriate to continue the trend?




Next stop:  Ketchikan, Alaska, sometime around April 1, 2011.  And this time it's not just for the summer.

We are now accepting guesses  for how close to that date our baby will be born.  We'll talk about good (bad?) timing later.


*EDIT*  Since someone asked I thought I'd clarify:  It's not a permanent move (thank goodness).  It should be for about one year.  We're not selling the house, but we ARE looking for renters!  Any takers?

The Move, part 1

So we moved. It was a whirlwind of cardboard, packing tape, sponges, vacuums and paint. We are so thankful for the many friends and neighbors who helped us with moving boxes and furniture, watching the boys and giving us dinner. I couldn't even begin to list the people who did so much to help.

It was sort of strange to empty and clean the house we rented for nearly two years, but relieving as well, if you know what I mean. That house was so perfect for us in so many ways, and such a blessing. Great rent, good landlords, awesome location, fantastic ward, and sweet next-door neighbors. We couldn't ask for more. But for some reason, whenever I walked in the door, I never felt "at home." I never loved it. I've lived in places that have been so hard to leave because of my (possibly unusual) emotional attachment, but that wasn't one of them. The more time that passes, the more fond I feel of the place. But at the time we moved out, I had no desire to look back.

So, back to business. We moved out and cleaned. The boys helped.

Washing chalk off the house

Vacuuming was Rhett's favorite

Then we moved in.

First things first, the master bedroom needed a new coat of paint. Thank goodness the entire house wasn't this color when we moved in, although it was in the recent past. The people who painted the other rooms didn't care to remove things like pieces of tape and painted right over them, preserving (at least for now) the brilliant minty green color underneath. Thankfully they also painted over the deep purple color in other rooms of the house (such as the bar room; see below and imagine what that would have been like).

Benjamin staying busy in his new room while we moved stuff in

Every time we move we say, "We don't have that much stuff." Until the new place looks like this and we wonder, "Why do we have all this stuff?"

The kitchen was the first thing (after the carpets) to get a good scrubbing. I can't do anything without a functioning kitchen.

Evidence of unpacking

The toy corner of our new family room (which used to be still is a bar, until we can tackle that project)

(See???)
The beer fridge has now been recycled, thank goodness. But we're not sure what to do with the bar, for the time being...

We are currently in the process of remodeling the main bathroom. I always have been, but now I am really thankful for my handy-man husband! He has done so much to make this house work for us!