We're not in Kansas anymore

I never thought moving closer to family would be hard. 

When we moved to Arizona it took me a long time to get adjusted.  It took a long time(the entire time) for me to be able to call it home.  But we did it.  We adjusted, found friends, got jobs, enjoyed serving in church, and had a routine.  Arizona is where Dan and I bought our first home, learned how to live with each other(that is a process, still trying to master it), and where we tried to build a foundation of trust and love in our marriage.  Arizona is where I became a mom, where my kids best friends are, and the only place our family knows as home.  That miserably hot place is where we met some of our dearest friends, and "extended" family, where our favorite youth in the world live, and the only weather our wardrobe supports.

Moving to Idaho has been bitter sweet for me.  I am excited for the job opportunity for Dan, thrilled to be closer to family, but sad to think what we we've left behind.  I adore seeing my kids with their Nanny and Papa, wrestling with Uncle Caleb, and meeting their cousins for the first time.  But my heart shatters into a million pieces when they ask if we can call Sethy and Tessa to come play.  Or when they come home from church and are confused because Kit wasn't in nursery again.  And as silly as it seems, seeing their sandal lines fade tugs at my heart strings.

While being "home" with my kids as I look for a job has been a blessing, it is extremely hard because I have no place to be or no one to see.  I'm trying hard not to wish this time away, or get down on myself for being useless, because I know it will pass quickly.

Idaho is a different place.  A lot different than what we're used to.  But I'm trying to embrace those differences because I know this is where we are supposed to be right now.

So here's to embracing those differences and finding the sweet among the bitter:

We got to make butter for our activity at library story time.

While driving around looking for places to live, Camden suggested we live with the cows and sprinkles(sprinklers watering the farm).  I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that all we saw for miles was farmland and livestock.

My kids now know what a llama looks like because we get to pass one every time we "head into town".

On Dan's day off we took the boys to a fun park where they got to feed squirrels salt and vinegar chips right from their hand.

My kids are thrilled every time we look out the back window and see the farmer driving his tractor in the field(the same field they grow corn for Kellogg's Corn Flakes in) 

We stopped for huckleberry sodas at a cute nostalgic soda shop.

A baby birds head is peeking out from the perfectly built nest on the back porch.

I have to admit, I have tried clicking my heels three times hoping to be back home.  But I am grateful for the memories we are making and trying to enjoy this pace of life while it lasts.