Moving East

Thirteen years ago, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, two "kids" loaded up a U-Haul truck and headed west, from North Carolina to California. We were so young, and we had such dreams about what we thought God was going to do. It's hard to believe that was 13 years ago! We stayed in California far longer than we had ever expected and during that time God worked in ways that we never could have imagined. It's amazing to think back through the years and remember all the ways God has shown Himself faithful in our lives. He's given us two precious children and many wonderful friends; He has abundantly provided for all of our needs; He has carried us through difficult health issues; He has blessed us with great biblically-based teaching, both at church and through our educational pursuits; and through it all He has grown and shaped us into the people we are today, preparing us for our next adventure.

 
Today, 13 years later, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we're heading out on a journey to take us back across the Mississippi River, this time to a new life in the Midwest. We're excited and scared; happy and sad. There is a such a jumble of emotions, but in the midst of those emotions, we are grateful for the Lord's clear leading to move us in this direction. Our experience has shown us that we can't even begin to fathom God's plans for us. But we know that regardless of what He does with us and our family, He is sovereign in it and is moving in our lives for our good and His glory. Our hearts ache as we leave behind some incredibly rich relationships. But as believers we are grateful that although miles may separate us physically, these relationships built on the foundation of Christ are enduring throughout eternity.


Before we left California, my sister made me a book and included the words to this song. I love it as it describes so beautifully, the way our hearts feel right now.

Blessed be the tie that binds, our hearts in kindred love;

The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

Before the Father's throne, we pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims, are one, our comfort and our cares.

When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain;

But we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.

This Glorious hope revives, our courage by the way;

While each in expectation lives, and longs to see the day.

We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear;

And often for each other flows, the sympathizing tear.

From sorrow, toil, and pain, and sin, we shall be free;

And perfect love and friendship reign, through all eternity. Amen.

Truax Family Reunion

The kids and I had a great time spending a week in Idaho with my whole family. It's been over two years since my parents have had all of their kids and grandchildren together, so it was a huge blessing that it worked out for all of us to end up in one place before we head east. With us moving to Chicago, our family is now spread out in 4 different states so it may be a while before we're all together again.

We drove up to Idaho with Micah and Bonnie so the kids enjoyed swapping cars - the big kids rode together and the little kids rode together. It was a long day (16 hours) with many stops along the way, but being together made it a little more fun. And at one point Uncle Micah got brave and took all 4 kids in the car with him so my mom, Bonnie and I could all ride together. We thought he was crazy, but he survived and we enjoyed the girl time together.

In Idaho, we all stayed together at Bobby and Joy's house. It was crowded with 3 families, but the layout of their home really was perfect for that many people. The cousins had so much fun together, both inside and outside.

Jasmine and Ashlyn loved playing with Biscuit. They thought it was a grand idea to put him in the little car and push him around.

And this was our adventurous late night trip to buy cards so we could play a game while the kids were in bed.

Ashlyn enjoyed cuddling with Aunt Joy Joy

It was cold out, but that didn't stop the kids from playing outside. They got much use out of this swing set in the back yard.

Micah was thrilled at the opportunity to help mow the lawn. Here he is learning how to start it. I hope he still enjoys it so much next summer when it's time to mow our lawn!

Ashlyn enjoyed finding Jasmine's little electric car to drive around the driveway

One afternoon we took the opportunity to go to Givens Hot Springs. It was great to get the kids out of the house and they loved the big, warm swimming pool. Ashlyn had lots of fun in the shallow end. She spent a long time pushing "Baby James" (the blue ball) around in the float ring. She loves little James Olbinski so her pretend babies now carry his name.

The girls all had a fun time going out for "tea" one afternoon. This was Nana's birthday request and we had so much fun!

These girls love any excuse for a tea party!

Barbara, Bonnie, Kris, Joy, Bonnie, Ashlyn and Jasmine

On Friday we had a Thanksgiving Dinner together (I didn't seem to get any pictures from this though) and then the cousins had an early Christmas as they exchanged gifts with one another. Let me tell you though, as a kid it is so hard to have presents out all day, but you don't get to open them until the evening. They were bursting at the seems by the time "present time" arrived!

"Hurry up and take the picture so we can open the presents!"

Micah was so excited to get Cars 2! He has been talking about the dvd since he saw the movie in the theater this summer. It was first thing on the agenda for Saturday morning!

Ashlyn loves dressing up so she was excited to get this new Snow White dress and some shoes to match.

While we were all together we got some pictures of the family. Here's Papa and Nana with their 6 grandchildren. We also received news this week that #7 is on the way! Bobby and Joy are expecting a baby in May!

In case you hadn't noticed, this is one dedicated Bronco family! Even one of the cars is Bronco blue!

Boise State played Texas Christian on Saturday and while some of the crew braved the cold to go see the game, the rest of us went to Joy's brother's house to watch it in the warmth of a beautiful home. It ended up being a sad day as BSU lost to TCU by one point, and with it lost hope for a BCS bowl game this year. But the kids had lots of fun playing outside while we were watching the game.

Go Broncos!

Cousins!

Micah and Josiah found this fun toy and ran it til the battery died.

Josh and Ashlyn

I thought it was freezing outside, but that didn't stop these kids. They had so much fun playing in the ditch behind the house. Not quite sure what they were doing, but I guess it was fun.

Ashlyn was in heaven driving herself around on this vehicle!

While we were watching the game, Nathan was busy in Chicago unloading our moving truck. We were grateful that several men from the church came over to help him get all our stuff out of the truck and into the house.

Our new home in Chicago! And our new van in the driveway. We so wish that we could have that vehicle for our cross-country drive. But our drive in the Accord will make us appreciate the van all the more.

I love the tree in the front yard! But Nathan was less than excited about it. Between this one and the tree in the back, he filled up 18 bags of leaves!

All good things must come to an end. Sunday was the last day of our Truax family reunion as the Thomas family was heading back to CA on Monday, and the kids and I were heading north with my parents to Washington. It was a hard day knowing that good-bye was coming, but was still a wonderful day together. We enjoyed going to church with Bobby and Joy (we even got to hear Bobby teach in Sunday School), then lunch out at Chapala.

Bonnie and I took the opportunity during nap time to get away for a few hours to reminisce over a cup of tea. She was a big influence in us moving to CA in 1998. During our time there we had the blessing of having her live with us for a few years and then later being neighbors down the hall at Oaktree. And even when she moved ALL THE WAY out to Ventura (it seemed so far away at the time), we still saw each a few times a month. God has been so gracious to give us much time and MANY memories together in our adult years. The greatest blessing has been raising our children together through early childhood. I'm so grateful that our kids very best friends are their cousins. Leaving them is the hardest part of leaving CA. But, we're hoping for a visit this summer so we can begin to explore the Mid-West together!

So thankful for the blessing of a sister!

For dinner we enjoyed some yummy clam chowder, compliments of Uncle Micah. Just this past week Lure Fish House (the restaurant that he manages in Camarillo) celebrated its 1st Anniversary. Way to go Micah! You've done a great job with the restaurant! Maybe you should consider opening one in Chicago?!

In the morning we reminded the boys that this would be their last day to see each other for a while. That's a big deal when they've seen each other at least once a month for all their lives. It was great to see them have a wonderful day playing together!

 Before heading to bed, Josh and Josiah had special traveling presents for Micah and Ashlyn.

Ashlyn got some lacing dolls

And Micah got a license plate game. We love looking for all the different license plates whenever we travel. This is the perfect thing to help us track all the ones we find on our way to Illinois.

Pajama clad cousins ~ It was a late night as we were letting them have lots of extra time to play together.

And of course, lots of extra pictures too!

I love getting fun pictures of these two crazy boys!

One more picture of Josh and Ashlyn. I was actually a bit surprised at Ashyln's response to saying good-bye. I didn't think she'd really understand, but as soon as I told her it was time to say good-bye to Josh, she burst into tears. The tears came flooding again the next morning when she realized he really was gone. So sweet to see their love for one another. So sad to separate them by two thousand miles.

As I said, it was a late night, especially for the two older boys. We were all hanging out in the living room, and Josiah and Micah were looking at Nana's pictures on her phone. Joy happened to notice that Micah was so tired he fell asleep on the couch behind Nana. I was astounded! This kid never falls asleep anywhere but in his bed. So I had to take a picture of it and send it to Nathan.

Soon after I sent the picture, Micah started giggling and opened his eyes. He was totally tricking us, and he got quite a kick out of that. What a stinker! Look at that picture above - didn't he look like he was really asleep?!

The Best of Friends!

One more sleepover for two tired boys.

We are so grateful for the time we had together as a family! (I only wish Nathan could have been there too. We miss him terribly - only 4 more days to go!) We are blessed beyond measure that our family relationship is strengthened by our mutual commitment to Christ. We pray that each one of these precious little lives in our family will also one day commit to following Christ and seek to live their lives to honor and glorify God. Praying, praying, praying for God's work in their hearts!

Our Last Weeks in California

Once we made the decision for Nathan to accept the position at Harvest, life got crazy! Nathan had less than 2 weeks to wrap things up in California and we made the most of that time - packing, painting, putting our home up for sale, visiting with friends and family, and celebrating his birthday. Then Barb and the kids had a few extra weeks to finish up the rest of the packing and have as much play time with friends as we could possibly fit in. Here are LOTS of pictures from some of the things we did...

We celebrated Nathan's birthday a few days early at Lure Fish House in Camarillo. We love this place, so it was fun to enjoy one more dinner there with the Thomas family.

After dinner we went to Universal City Walk where these 3 kiddos ran til they dropped

While the others were running around, Nathan and Micah suited up for a flight in the wind tunnel. Nathan's request for his birthday this year was for him and Micah to do this together.

Nathan had a lot of time in the wind tunnel at Ft. Bragg, but it's been many years since then. It all came back easily though and he had fun flying around and showing Micah how to do it!

Next came Micah's turn. He did GREAT! And he even had good form with his arms! Good job Micah!

After Nathan stepped out, the instructor flew him up high. Micah loved it!

Way to go boys!!

Ashlyn enjoyed one last trip to our pool, but she insisted on wearing her new boots that she gets to take to Chicago! I don't think she'll be wearing this outfit there though - at least not this winter!

We were excited to be able to enjoy one more Harvest Party with our good friends, the Sedy's. It was a beautiful day to hang out outside!

Good Friends!

Although the kids were eager to carve pumpkins, the Daddy's ended up doing much of the work.

Having fun in the dirt

However dirt is never quite enough for Micah. He found a way to make mud and brought Bethany along to join him in the fun. These were two muddy kids!

We love to spend time with the Sedy family!

Kristin has grown to be one of my closest friends over the last several years. I am so thankful for her godly example, encouragement, and friendship through many ups and downs in our lives! Her friendship is such a sweet blessing from the Lord and I will miss her terribly! But I'm thankful for the many means of communication we now have to keep up friendships across the miles.

 

 

We made a quick trip up to Sacramento to visit Aunt Tasha and Grandpa Tom. And we discovered that we'd never taken our kids to a buffet before. Micah was on overload with all his choices at the Golden Corral.

Celebrating Nathan's birthday with Doug and Matt. Thanks for the wonderful dinner Jenny! It was such a blessing to have a place to celebrate in the midst of our craziness.

Tea Time with Aunt Bonnie! Bonnie bought Ashlyn this beautiful princess-like dress for her birthday and it was perfect to wear for a dress-up tea party. This was actually a late celebration of Bonnie's birthday, but we finally made the time to get it into the schedule. Ashlyn sure does love her Aunt Bonnie! Ever since she was a baby, Bonnie has been the only one (aside from Nathan and I) that she is always willing to go to.

We are so thankful for the many wonderful Sunday School teachers Micah has had during our time at PBC. A few of them are some of our closest friends now. Here's Micah with his most recent teacher, Miss Kimmy. We will miss her!

Ashlyn called this our "Chloe Date" and she was so excited about it. Taking kitty in the car! What could be more fun than that? She had played with Chloe's cage for a few weeks prior to this and was thrilled when it came time to actually put her into it. I don't think she quite understood what it meant though. We decided that it was going to be too difficult to take Chloe to Chicago with us so Bonnie and Micah graciously offered to take her for us. Not easy for me, but it was really the perfect solution - Bonnie lived with us when we first got Chloe over 10 years ago and she also lived with Bonnie for 6 months during our time away in Israel - so Bonnie and her family is who she knows best, aside from us. And she has adapted beautifully to her new home. Ashlyn, on the other hand, is having a harder time. She has gotten very into animals in the last few months and was more attached than I thought. I realized today how very much she is missing her kitty when she tearfully asked to see her again. I tried to tell her that maybe we could get a fish like her friend Bethany's when we get to Chicago. She looked at me with a very disturbed face though and informed me, "You can't pet a fish."

 

 

Both kids got one more haircut with our favorite hair stylist - Myra, at Kids Cuts and Waves

Moving Day! Micah was so excited about packing up the truck. But the best part about it, was that the truck being delivered meant Daddy was home again! It was only a few days in the midst of several weeks of being apart, but we were sure thankful to see him again. And we are counting down the days until he joins us in Idaho and we don't have to be apart anymore.

We were so grateful for the 10 men who came to help load up our truck! God graciously answered many prayers in relation to our moving experience and this truck and it being loaded up in about 4 hours was one of them. We had some great packers - they filled up every little space they could and we used less space on the truck than we had anticipated, which means we saved a little from what we had budgeted. Yay!

All tired out at the end of a busy day

Micah enjoyed watching the trailer get loaded onto the truck

One last family picture in front of our home. It was harder to leave the house than I had thought. So many memories that we made there. We're thankful for God's hand in each one of those and the wonderful blessing that this home has been for us. And we were thrilled to get an offer on our home the day after we moved out! Now we're praying for God's hand in working out the details to finalize the sale.

Nathan was home just in time to celebrate my birthday. But with nothing left in our home, our kids were concerned about how we were going to have Breakfast Birthday Cake, our family tradition. Nathan had it under control though and didn't miss a beat in planning an alternate location to continue on our tradition. Thank you Nathan! You were so thoughtful to be focused on my birthday in the midst of such craziness! And thanks for sharing your home Robinsons! We are going to miss having such wonderful neighbors!

The celebration continued at lunch with a special meal and dessert at Bonnie's house

And when Nana offered to watch the kids so we could all go out to eat at Lure, we jumped at the chance! I branched out and tried the Idaho Almondine Trout. It was wonderful! But my favorite still lies with the Salmon.

~Sisters~

 

 

It has been such a blessing to live near my sister for so many years! Thanks for doing so much to make my birthday special this year Bonnie! I love you and will miss you more than words could ever say! I'm so thankful to the Lord that He made you my sister!

Thankful I was still here to celebrate Baby Morales. Auntie Vonna has been such a special part of our family for several years. We're sad that we're moving so far away just as she is awaiting her own little one, but we're looking forward to seeing lots of pictures once she arrives! (Hint, Hint)

Good buddies ~ Micah and Daniel

Micah and Daniel first got to know each other in Cubbies when they were four, when both their moms were Cubbie leaders together. With not too many boys their age at church we were eager to set up play dates for these rambunctious little boys. They really got to be good friends though when their family moved closer to us and we worked out a date night swap. When Micah took Daniel to AWANA as his guest last year he was proud to introduce his friend as he exclaimed "We're good friends because we have date night together every week!" What a blessing for the adults and for the kids! God was so gracious to develop some precious friendships all the way around with that arrangement. We are really going to miss the Velikorodnyy family!

Our last Sunday at church was difficult as saying good-bye is hard to do. We have been blessed by the love, care and support of our church family. And in those relationships God has given us many wonderful friendships.

And since saying good-bye at church is hard to do, Kristin and I decided we'd rather go somewhere else to say good-bye so we headed to the play place at McDonald's. The kids had a ball running and climbing and we enjoyed our last few moments to talk in person.

We spent our last few nights in California at the Lotz home. It was a blessing to share that time with friends rather than be in an empty home. And Ashlyn was thrilled to sleep with the big girls! Thanks for letting Ashlyn sleep in your bed Courtney!

Kelly has been Micah's best friend since they were together in the nursery. There weren't a lot of little boys and Kelly is always lots of fun, so he gravitated toward her. Because of their friendship, God has given us a wonderful friendship with the whole Lotz family. They have loved our family and cared for us in numerous ways throughout the years. Thank you Lotz family! We'll miss you!