money and moving

Yesterday I spent $7,200, and we still have several other moving expenses to plan for still.  I had hoped that when I spent that kind of money it would have been towards paying something off (school loans, cars...), or putting a down payment on a home.  I guess that will come someday.

But for today, the money was used to get us moved.

Relocating across the country costs a lot.  And apparently when you choose to do so in July, it costs even more.  I guess July is the month of moving, according to the multiple moving companies I called in hopes of finding the best deal (fewest days in transit, with lowest cost.)

Our cars are scheduled to be picked up on July 11th, and make the 2,500 mile journey on a truck.  We are hoping they will make it to KY by July 21st, which makes us car-less for 10 days.  On July 11th we will start to load up the rest of our loot into a trailer, this stuff will hit the road on the13th, and is guarenteed in KY on the 19th.  Which means 5 days of camping out in an empty apartment, and one day in a hotel in KY.  July 18th, we fly to KY - Paul, me, and the three little loves.  It will be the first of many airplane rides for my sweet kids, I just hope that my kids are indeed sweet on the 18th, and that we aren't that family on the plane. 

And now that all the plans are made, I have bittersweet feelings about it.

Today is my nieces birthday party, her first birthday party.  I am missing it because I had to work...boo for being an adult and having to make adult decisions to go to work instead of calling in "sick."  I am having a pity party for myself really, but I am super bummed that we are missing this special occasion.  I am the kind of girl who actually enjoys family get togethers.  As I sit here at work, I am reminded that this will be the first of many missed birthday parties.  Only not because I have to work, but because relocating across the contry does that.

I am super excited for my family, for all the upcoming changes - for the start to a fulfilling career for my husband, for a gladly welcomed new RN position for me, new friends, for a fresh start in a new state, for a home with space large enough for my family, for preschool in the fall for Ryk (hopefully).

But I am so sad to leave behind family, all of our extended family.  I am sad for me, but I am most sad for my kids.  I grew up with my cousins, still love them to the moon and back.  So it is exceptionally hard for me that they won't get this.  Ryker already loves his cousins so much, in fact just yesterday Ryker asked me - "are we moving so that we can be closer to my Nana and to my cousin P?"  and as I held back tears, I explained that we are moving because we need a bigger house, and to be closer to daddy's work.  We still haven't touched on the whole moving 2,500 miles away requiring a 35 hour car drive, or a 5-8 hour airplane flight to see family yet.

The never ending "to do" list has branched out into other lists including: "to buy" and "to pack for the airplane."  I have 8 days left with a car, and 6 of those 8 days we are already scheduled to be doing something with family or for me to be at work.  So I have a LOT to get done!  While I love the chaos that July is bringing, I am looking forward to a restful, more settled August.

And so, I guess, I am looking forward to life in KY.  Just wish I could pack up all our family and bring them along, and since I can't we will just have to Skype.