Bittersweet

Well, we're a week out from the big move, and everyday, I feel differently about it. Most days, I feel anxious to escape the heat and start our adventure at the foot of the rockies. But some days, I experience a little bit of magic here that leaves me feeling a bit nostalgic. Like today, we joined a neighbor and her daughter as we drove to White Rock lake to walk and feed the ducks. We laughed at Ryder, how he threw the bread an inch from his foot and didn't even flinch when the ducks launched at his toes. We laughed at Finney, running backwards in circles while dropping bread crumbs for the ducks to follow her. She is always looking for a game of chase. It was a nice day at the lake, as long as we stayed in the shade. As soon as it started to heat up, we headed for my neighbor's house. We ate an assortment of foods that she fished out of her fridge, while Ryder chased the dog and Finney jumped on the trampoline. At naptime, we all felt the tiredness set in. Walking back to my house, I thought to myself, 'I'm really gonna miss them...I'm gonna miss this street. The one that gives us new and beautiful moments everyday.' Dallas may not have the mountains, but it does have amazing people who have loved and inspired us for years.

I'm reading this great book called Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist. She says "in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a sliver of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak, and that rejoicing is no less rich when it contains a splinter of sadness." I have been so encouraged by her words because I am truly experiencing a season in my life that feels bittersweet; two strong emotions warring with each other. It's encouraging to be reminded that it is a healthy battle going on in my heart where God is busy both blessing and refining.

Here's a few pictures of people I will definitely miss:

This is Fin and Ryder with their cousins on Father's Day. A rowdy group of kids that LOVE playing together. I have watched each of them grow from beans to big kids. I feel pretty lucky to have that kind of history with such a sweet group of littles.

My brothers and their wives. Thankful for them and the many dinners, lake trips, ski trips, pool parties, and friendly competitions we have had over the years. They create something special in my life, consistency, support, wisdom, fun...etc.

These are the girls that I met in a new mother's group at our church, just after Finley was born. Our oldest kids have grown up playing together weekly, and we get together monthly for a girls' night out. This was my last girls night. I don't think I will ever forget the people who were in my life as I made the transition into becoming a mom. It was rewarding, but indescribably painful. We laughed and cried together.

Our send off party at our neighbor's house. Such a sweet night of visiting with our friends and neighbors. I'm just continually reminded of the Lord's faithfulness in bringing these people into our lives. This picture represents many different stories. There are people that Ted biked with, those that showed up to help move us out of the apartment, friends from high school, neighbors who invited us to countless dinners, or brought dinner when we had our babies, there are accountability friends, friends who have loved on my kids, and people who scrubbed my shower to get the house ready for a showing.

All that said, we feel confident that God is leading us to Colorado, and though we will miss seeing these dear friends on a regular basis (mom and dad, you're included), we know that God has something special for us there. We're really excited, torn, but excited.