To be honest, I feel like so much of our life right now is consumed by preparation for this huge change. So many of my thoughts go toward planning for that, so it's only natural that the blog would reflect it as well. But we are still chugging right along with the every day, despite the fact that October 14 is just two months away.
So what's going on in the Castrodale home? I'll tell you.
A lot of working. I'm working, of course, but there's nothing new to report there. Andrew is currently working a pretty manageable Mon-Fri schedule, but that will all change next weekend when he starts working 7-days a week/12-hours a day - with hours that will change every week (7a-7p, 7p-7a or 11a-11p). Oh goodie. But we get weekends together for now, which we're very thankful for.
A lot of traveling. We've driven to NC for 7 of the last 12 weekends. Weddings, showers, family stuff, etc. That is a lot of driving and a lot of not sleeping in my own bed, but it's also a lot of awesome family and friend time. We're thankful that we have the opportunity to see them all so easily right now because that definitely won't be the case once we move in December.
A lot of thinking about four months from now. Because we're moving. We keep talking about the "dream sheet" we have to fill out this week and how we're going to rank the options. Right now, we're thinking San Diego, Hawaii and Groton, CT will be the top three. But we go back and forth between whether or not Hawaii will be #2 or #3. It's SO exciting to think about, but part of me wants to fast-forward to November when we'll actually have orders. Until then, it's just a good bit of praying and daydreaming.
A lot of looking at our cute dog. What? It's the truth.
A lot of talking and praying and planning. For various reasons, we've both been thinking about healthy ambition, the kind that is God-given and the kind that makes the most of the talents He's given us. We so badly want to find the balance between pursuing some long-term career goals of Andrew's and not falling prey to the American Dream, as much as I hate that term. I know God can and will use us in big ways, but it's important that we're grounded through the whole process.
A lot of quality time. Couch cuddles. Saturday morning coffee. Drives into the country. Sappy, I know, but this time feels so precious right now. I don't know if it's the thought of welcoming another human into our life in a few months or the fact that Andrew's time is so limited due to work, but I just want to soak up every minute of my time with him. What can I say, quality time is my love language.
I could go on and on and bore you with more mundane details, but I'll stop there. Just know that in the midst of the busy and the crazy, we're doing really well.
God is good like that.
San Diego or Hawaii?!? I'm jealous. In a big, big way.
ReplyDeletei feel like im always talking about my future baby too!! it definitely consumes your life!!! crazy how fast the pregnancy flies too!!!!! ohhh those are some AWESOME locations to move to, lucky girl!!
ReplyDeleteYou guys should definitely move to San Diego! :-) It's so lovely here and I go to the best church, with the coolest people ever (marrieds and yet-to-be-marrieds). Living by an ocean that doesn't hurl hurricanes at you every year is pretty sweet too. Keep me posted on what happens!
ReplyDeleteWe've heard the best things about San Diego, but everyone wants to go there so it may be hard for us to get it. We'll see!
ReplyDeleteI know. I can't believe it either.
ReplyDeleteI know! It's insane.
ReplyDeleteLots of work! : -) Rudy looks so cute! And take me to Hawaii please (I'll need a large suitcase).
ReplyDeletebest of luck getting your first choice! I will say, though that Hawaii has some really great advantages too. One- the hospital and medical facilities here are pretty easy (for what they are) and after having a baby it may be nice to have a relatively close drive. You won't have to worry about the cost of schooling your child right now either- which is important because education is $$$ here starting with preschool. The NEX is huge, frustrating because it is so busy sometimes but it is literally a Macy's department store. We have some really great churches here. There is this spirit of Ohana, family, and every one really welcomes new families into their group. how am I doing? Our COLA is awesome. The step from 0-1 to 0-2 has the largest net profit in Hawaii because of BAH. So, if you don't take housing and you find an awesome place, your COLA + pay + BAH is SWEET. The beauty, history and spirit here is amazing.
ReplyDeleteoh yes the final weeks before baby! they were some of the best. we made sure to really enjoy the last few weeks alone because we knew our lives would never be the same! such an exciting time :)
ReplyDeleteI love this post. Best picture: Rudy.
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