Saying Goodbye

Many of you have been asking me how things have been going. "Are you all set to go?" "Are all your bags packed?", "How are you feeling about going?", etc. Firstly, thank you for asking me these questions- even if they are just to make conversation. It's sometimes hard to put what I'm really feeling into words at the exact moment I'm asked. I thought, if for no one else but myself, I'd try and write it down so I never forget the emotions that go hand and hand with saying goodbye to so many things all at once. Last Friday, Colton and Grant had their last ever day at Widford Lodge Preparatory School. Grant has been teaching in this wonderful school for just over 6 years and Colton began his first stop into the world of education here. It's a school which holds itself at a very high esteem- and rightly so- as it was ranked in the top 25 private schools in the UK. The teaching staff and families have a lovely attitude towards the school, the children and the academic world- as well as a very family based way of running things. It's been a pleasure for us as a family to be a part of this school, both on the employee and student spectrum. With that said, one would have thought I would have been prepared to say goodbye...but on the Friday afternoon I felt like my little world stopped when I saw Colton walk out of his classroom for the last time with his wonderful teacher- tears in her eyes as he hugged her and said goodbye. (I of course had already been blubbering like a baby waiting for him to come out. Pathetic. ;-) It's in the last and final hugs and the "thank you for the part you've played in my family's life", and the not knowing when I will see you again- if ever in my life- that I am struggling with the most. I remember a quote I received in high school from a friend which said "there are people who come into your life and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprint on your heart. And you are never the same." I'm not the same because of these people. The teachers my kids had in preschool and kindergarten who saw my kids grow, cared for them, helped to develop them, played with them and loved them. The Sunday School teachers who invest in my kids lives each week- who show them godly examples of a Christ filled life, sing with my kids, make them laugh and teach them truth. The friendships who feel more like family than friends and who treat my children like their own whenever we are together. Their grandparents who know how to do nothing without loving these little ones no matter what. I am learning in saying goodbye, how to really enjoy, really cherish and really love. Each day and each moment- as if it were my last-- because it might be. As for the practical sides of things, we are pretty much ready to go. We have had two big containers shipped over with all our belongings (mostly toys!) on the 12th of December, and all we have left in the UK are clothes and Christmas gifts. I have been thoroughly spoilt by Grant's mom, Laura, as she has been doing all our laundry for us since we have been living with them! (This is a particularly wonderful treat for me as Laundry is by far my most despised chore!) Our evenings are spent either seeing friends, wrapping presents while watching Parenthood (love!), or relaxing. It's a lovely pause in what is normally a very chaotic time and I feel very blessed to be able to enjoy these evenings and moments without too many "normal household duties" to accomplish. Peyton and I even made mince pies yesterday- which is one Christmas recipe that I will definitely be taking to the states with me and making each year. :-) (Mulled wine, too....;-)

As for the children and Grant, well- I would have to say excitement is the general theme at the moment. The promise of a basement and the kids each having their own room again (they've been sharing since October 15!) is enough to make them go crazy. The kids (and sometimes Grant!) are constantly quizzing me on what American words are the same, and what do we say differently. (Trash can/rubbish bin, Aluminium/aluminum, aubergine/eggplant, Trousers/pants...this one could cause potential trouble...as the word 'pants' in the UK means 'underwear' in America!) However, my kids biggest concern was making sure that no matter what country they are in- the word for garlic bread is the same. (I totally understand, kids..:-) it was a huge weight lifted knowing they mean the same thing in both countries. :-) Pair all this alongside the thought of all their toys magically appearing in our new house and Colton getting to ride a school bus...well I think they might just burst. I'm glad for their excitement because it would be so much harder if they felt sad and scared. It's helping me to get through each day with a smile and less tears. Kids teach us so much. Mine have been a particular blessing to me in these bittersweet moments when they hug me tighter or tell me I don't need to cry- because they will "always be my baby". I will tell you one thing...I'm so happy I get to do this adventure with my three favorite people. They are my world. Let the adventure begin! :-)