Final Moving thoughts... or at least for now.
A good friend of mine, Bill F., (not my husband Bill), said he wanted to know about the 'unpacking'. So Bill this is for you =)
Let me go back to the packing for a moment and mention that while I was packing I marked the boxes with their appropriate number and what is inside each box. If you recall, each room, or section, in the new house had a number so all the boxes were marked with that number, so that the movers would know where to put each box when it came off the truck. Of course, there were many boxes that were designated to the garage. In the garage I had 2 sections, my numbers were 12 and 13. The 12 area was for things that I will need soon, and area 13 is for the 'whenever'', meaning not sure when or if I will unpack them. (Umm, then do I really need them? That thought for later)
In the garage, as I marked off the sections, I had the movers put the boxes in the correct section, with an aisle in between so I can see every box, and they had to be turned so I could read what is in each box on the side. Each box was marked, i.e., 'decorator items', on both the top and the side. That way, when they are stacked up, I can still see what is in each box. As I mentioned before, it takes a little longer in the packing, but the unpacking is so much easier.
We were blessed to be in a position to move things into the house before the movers came. We moved all the kitchen boxes into the new house and got the kitchen unpacked and set up several days before actual 'moving day'. We also moved all the clothes from the closets.
Moving day arrived, the boxes were delivered to their appropriate room or space, and now it is time to unpack.
I always start with kitchen, family room and master bedroom so that I can at least feel like I have some control over the situation. It's nice to have a place where we can unwind, take a break, etc., and feel like we are actually living here. Since the kitchen was already finished, I was able to move pretty quickly to the family room. You may be like us, in that there is mostly furniture in that room, not a lot of other stuff, so it didn't take long to get that room set and feel cozy.
From that point on, we just continued over the next few days to each of the rooms. As I was having a party within 2 weeks, I unpacked the boxes for the dining room right away, china, candles, etc.
It works well for us to do a room at a time as it gives a more settled feeling when you can check off each room. Now this doesn't mean each room is beautiful, fully decorated, etc. but it means you can walk in the room, no boxes, beds are made. Decorating and fine tuning will come next, but initially, you can walk into each room and not feel overwhelmed.
So there you go. I hope you haven't been too bored with the nuts and bolts. Of course, if you were too bored or uninterested, you probably didn't make it this far.
Good luck on your move. My goal is to NOT move for 5 years. That might be a record.
Blessings-
MERRY CHRISTMAS! May the love and joy of Jesus surround you and fill your heart with His peace.
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This is beautiful - I want to share a poem with you that touched my heart. This was sent to me on a forward list by a friend. I don't know the lady who wrote it, but she is gifted, and she believes in the love of Jesus and the Hope He offers.
In the tragic events of last week, she was inspired to write this poem. Blessings as you read it.
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"My wife wrote a poem this morning as she was thinking about the shootings in Connecticut. I would like to share the poem with all of you...I would also like to say--put down your cell phones and play with your kids today.....and every day. I see people (myself included) often placing so much time and emphasis on unimportant things. Re-focus your life where it needs to be. God and family.
"William Smith
Here is Cameo's poem. If you like it, feel free to share:
untitled
Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38,
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say,
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"This is Heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their Savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
And in that moment was joy, that only Heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
And as if He could read all the questions she had
he gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.
Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
Then He and the children stood up without a sound,
"come now my children, let me show you around."
Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran,
All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."
