Reality

March 24, 2010
I was struck hard with reality today.  I am SO close to moving on in my life.  I'm SO close to having a new house, kids in a new school, being in a new ward, making new friends, figuring out a new life.  I can begin to taste it.

I was in Superstore today buying a few groceries.  I remembered that we're out of apple sauce and cheese strings for Kaia's lunch.  Then is hit me - Kaia only has 2 MORE LUNCHES at this school.  Just TWO!  I'm not even close to being ready to go.  I haven't packed very much, I look at "our house" on the computer with excitement, but I can't really believe it's going to be where I live.  It'll be SUCH a huge change.

Edmonton has been home for me for almost 4 years.  I have SO many memories here.  When we moved, Kaia was in nursery still and Kienna had just started.  Saryn was 6 days old and Jarett was starting a new journey through the MBA and Law Schools.  I didn't know anyone in the ward (and only a couple people in all of Edmonton) I was coming to (that I knew of) and it was going to be a big change.

April 6, 2010
Well, today I'm writing this from my moms house in Calgary where I'm just 10 days away from getting possession of the house.  My kids are starting school tomorrow and I'm really nervous.  I remember being in Grade 2 and having a really hard time adjusting to a new school when I moved to Calgary and I think I'm reliving it through them.  Kaia broke down crying tonight because she misses Mme. Henry and is nervous about her new teacher (after having Mme. Henry, I don't think any teacher could measure up).  Kienna is worried that the boys in her class might be bullies.  It isn't easy to change, but we'll just take it a day at a time.

While I'm thinking through this, I would like to list the top things (in no particular order) that I have loved and will miss about Edmonton:

1. Friends.  I have loved getting to know new people.  I have also loved learning what they've taught me about myself.  It has been great going out for girls nights to houses, restaurants and stores late at night.  I have had a lot of fun getting to know other young moms and will always treasure their friendships.  It is in Edmonton where I have found some of my closest friends ever and I have been forever changed because of them.

2. The Ward.  This ward has been SUCH a great ward.  We range from poor to wealthy, newly wed, single and long time marrieds;  Babies are born frequently and older people celebrate their 60th anniversaries;  We have strong members and new members;  and we all love and care for each other.  I have felt such a great affection from all the members and it is really hard for me to leave them.

3. The Summers.  Although Calgary generally has better weather, I think that Edmonton has the most beautiful summers I have seen anywhere.

4. Kaia's Teacher.  Mme Henry was phenomenal and showed so much love to her students.  Kaia misses her and I'm so sad that Kienna won't be in her class next year.  I asked if she'd come to Calgary, but apparently she wants to stay where her family and her job are.

5. Our pediatrician.  Doctors have been nightmarish in Calgary for me.  I have LOVED Dr. Davidson and have always been able to get an appointment really quickly.  I also have hardly ever waited in the waiting room.  It's been great to have a doctor who is LDS as well.  It's easier to explain things to someone who has the same basic belief system as you do.  We will miss him as well.

6.  The rent.  Although our townhouse has it's definite flaws, we have thoroughly enjoyed paying $120 in rent over the past 4 years.  Saving us probably more than $50,000 has been what has enabled us to get into a house right out of school.

7.  Our Location.  We were 2 blocks from a temple, 2 blocks from the kids school, backing onto a little field and a 2 second walk from very close friends.

With all the excitement and all the fun of moving, I don't want to sound gloomy.  I am thrilled that school is almost over.  We'll be in a real house with a real job and I couldn't be more excited.  I do, however, have a soft spot in my heart for Edmonton which I never thought would be there.

I will likely be in Edmonton for just a day or two when we do the official big pack up, but we're in Calgary now and I feel like we're there.  It's kind of crazy.  This place I've been yearning for for 4 years is here!  I can't believe it.  WAHOO!!