Between What Is and What Will Be. . .

That’s where we are right now.  I suppose, if I really stop and think about it, that’s where we all are, right?  You and me?  We’re not yet where we are going to be and we’re not where we used to be.  Soon enough we will be talking about where we are and where we used to be. 

Transitions.  They happen nearly every day, I’m sure.  Some transitions are big and others are small.  However big or small, I believe all transitions are important.  If ever a person was guilty of over-thinking transitions–I am the worst offender.  I tend to let my mind linger over thoughts and dive head first into the deep end of the feelings.  I let them wash over me until it hurts–or at least my obsessing over them completely aggravate those around me (read: Chad).

On the morning of July 4th we were preparing to travel the 25 minutes to what will be our new home.  As I let my mind wander to the many memories that linger in the walls of our current home, I felt tears well up in my eyes and immediately hit the “Stop” button on my thoughts. 

We are excited about this move, I told myself.  This move is going to be so great for our family, I continued to cheer on my obsessive self. 

When we arrived at the new place I was pleasantly surprised to see the progress that had been made.  I don’t get there very often and was shocked to see that rooms had formed and the roof was the next task to be completed.  Suddenly, the feelings of anxiety about the move lifted as I watched Charlie, Chanelle, and Meadow race from room to room and become excited about the changes that will soon come.

My heart began to pound with excitement as I thought about this new beginning for us.  I saw all the changes and most importantly the extra time that this move is going to give our family and suddenly I couldn’t wait.  I started asking questions like, how long do you think it will take?  When can we move in?

I felt the shift begin to happen.  We got in the car and my eyes welled up for a different reason. . . I felt excitement.  It didn’t hurt that when we took a new route home we came across this little place. . .

 
Fresh veggies and jams sitting in a tiny little stand all by themselves with a sign instructing us to “put money in the can”. 

I have a feeling that we are moving to a different kind of world and you want to know something?  This city girl thinks she might enjoy country life.

Later that evening after about 567 ‘is it time yet’s’, 321 ‘can we do them now’s?’ and 875 ‘how long until we can do them’s’ we made our way outside to do our fireworks.  Well, actually, they are smoke works because we live in the city and fireworks are a no-no. 

It was better than the tune of the ice cream truck.  Within seconds a crowd gathered in the middle of the road to watch the evening events. 

While the kids watched smoke rise up into the air, Chad and his Dad did what most responsible adults would do. . .

. . . they chased each other while throwing snapy-poppy-things at each other. 

I think the other adults in the neighborhood were a bit concerned and so joined to keep an eye on the uhh. . . more kid-like adults. . .

Meadow’s no dummy–she knows where she is safest–as far away from her Dad as possible.  Apparently all the other children agreed. . .

I stood back and watched this scene and felt that tug again–that place between what is and what will be.  Sad to say good-bye to the lovely life we’ve had here, but excited to say hello to what will be. 

I guess that is what life is all about, isn’t it?  Hello’s and good-bye’s.  As I process this move that is happening in just weeks, I am keenly aware of the importance of celebrating where we are right now.  Enjoying these precious moments in this place that I’m not so sure our kids will remember. 

And so that’s what we do.  We enjoy where we are and make memories while I capture it all on film.  Someday they may not remember the details, but I believe these pictures will spark a place in their heart where so many of our “firsts” happened. 

We made sure to close our evening out in the most perfect way. . . just the right amount of fire to not get us in trouble with the fire department.

However, Chad informed me that next year–since we won’t be in the city we can have ‘real’ fireworks.  Stay turned for that. . .

Have a great day!