We’re moving to Tennessee next week, so this week is focused on wrapping up the packing, last-minute details, and more goodbye get-togethers.
Last week was a hard week for me. I think the reality of the move really sunk in and I had to process and grieve what we’re leaving behind. I shared the above picture on Instagram and said:
Half of my house is now officially in boxes and ready to be moved to TN. It’s been a bittersweet week of goodbyes… But these flowers on my kitchen table remind me of the beauty of new beginnings, new adventures, and new community that is ahead. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement as we take another leap into the unknown and trust God to continue to guide us one step at a time.
I’m so grateful for the memories we’ve made in Kansas and the wonderful five and a half years we’ve had to live so close to family. Ever since we moved back in 2008, we felt like our time here was probably just a season, so we’ve tried to really treasure our time here. And we’re so very grateful for it!
After a week of processing, I woke up today feeling really excited about the future… There are many doors of possibility and opportunity awaiting us in TN and God has confirmed over and over again that this is where He’s leading us. So I’m looking forward to what’s in store for our family as we make this move. Whatever lies ahead, I know it’s going to be an adventure! 🙂
Here are my six goals for this week:
Last Week’s Goals:
Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals
1. Finish reading More All-Of-A-Kind Family with the kids.
2. Write a love note to Jesse.
3. Have an at-home movie date with Jesse.Personal Goals
4. Work on memorizing & reviewing Romans 1:1-29.
5. Exercise four times.6. Finish reading
Though Waters Roar, In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day, andPraying for Boys.
This Week’s Goals:
Marriage/Mothering/Homemaking Goals
1. Finish packing up the house.
2. Write a love note to Jesse.
3. Take the kids on a fun outing.
Personal Goals
4. Work on memorizing & reviewing Romans 1:1-29.
5. Exercise four times.
6. Finish reading Secrets of Dynamic Communication, The Busy Homeschool Mom’s Guide to Daylight, and Chasing Francis.
How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives! You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.
Alli Harden says
Crystal this was so inspiring to read. We just recently moved our three children to Kentucky from Ohio after living there for almost six years. We know God has led us here but the last couple months have been hard. I am finally coming out of a funk and reading your positive attitude this morning made me realize I am not alone. Good luck to you and your family!
Crystal Paine says
{Hugs!} Moving can be very hard… I just prayed that you’d be able to plug in where you are and feel encouraged today.
Nicole Checolo says
On behalf of all the Volunteers we say Welcome to Tennessee! I’m not sure where you guys are headed, but if you need a family outing Cade’s Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains is breathtaking!
Angela says
My family and I are facing a huge out of state move in the next few months. I’m so overwhelmed and unsure of where to even start with packing. We’ve lived in the same house for 15 years! I know if I can break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces it won’t seem so bad. Does anyone have any resources or advice they’d be willing to offer up? I need something like “Moving for Dummies”, lol!!
stories of our boys says
Yikes. I haven’t blogged about weekly goals because I’ve accidentally lost sight of the week and have been settling for daily goals. Thanks for this reminder to keep looking at the bigger picture. I have such a tendency to forget to plan! Good luck on your move!! I’m sure you’ll love Tennessee.
Steph says
We moved to TN two years ago! If you end up near the Nashville area, we go to a wonderful church in Mount Juliet, TN. Website: Joychurch.net. Your family would love it! 🙂 Safe travels and God’s favor (Ps. 5:12).
Kimberly Crenshaw says
I moved here to TN 14 years ago. Welcome! May the Lord keep you all safe and sound during your move.
Kamila says
Thinking of you as my house is half packed. Moving from CO to VA. Excited. Another move. 6th move since 2007. We can do this Crystal! Beautiful opportunity to get rid of unneeded stuff and sort thru the belongings. Safe travel. God’s with us.
Anna @ The DIY Mom says
Great goals. I hope everything goes really smoothly for your move.
And I’m sure everyone will be glad for the fun outing. Before our last move we made sure to do a few fun things with our kids right before we moved and it definitely made it easier and more exciting for them.
Teri says
I may have missed it, but have you (or will you) be sharing what awaits you all in TN? We moved to middle TN about 2 years ago for my husband’s job with Dave Ramsey’s company. It’s a great place to live, and if you ever want to visit once you’re here, I’m game. 🙂 Best of luck with packing!
Crystal Paine says
That’s so exciting that your husband works with Dave Ramsey! We LOVE him, if you hadn’t noticed from my blog. 🙂
We’ve had some doors and opportunities open this past year and, after much prayer and discussion, we really had a peace that making the move to TN was the right move for our family. Some details are still be hammered out, but we are excited about the possibilities ahead of us! Thanks so much for sharing in our joy!
Martina says
Love moving, not only because you get to experience new things, but also it give you a reality check on how much stuff you have in your home you don’t need. We have been purging the last 2 years and still have at least 5 bags once a month to give away.
Crystal Paine says
Yes! I think moving every few years is an amazing way to stay motivated to keep clutter at bay! 🙂
Angela R says
I have a few goals this week too!
1) I have some cards & photos I need to send off, including a birthday card to our Compassion child in Brazil. These are sitting on my kitchen counter and this needs to get done stat.
2) I have some kid-related school things to take care of – volunteering one day, making a play costume another, and helping my kids prep for the spelling Bee tests tomorrow.
3) I want to start cleaning my garage (again)! I don’t know that I’ll get it all done this week, but I’d love to focus a few hours of good elbow grease getting it emptied & tidied.
Congratulations & good luck with your move, Crystal!
Lana says
Over twenty years ago God moved our family from Florida to South Carolina. He knew what He was doing and we have been so blessed. Hugs to you as you make this leap of faith.
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much!
Lori says
We moved from Tennessee (our childhood home) to Vermont 1 1/2 years ago. It is so hard but it’s getting a little easier each day.
Jenny @ Women With Intention says
Praying for a smooth move, happy transitions and blessings to come!
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so very much!
Erin @ My Mommy World says
It must be so hard to move away from your family and friends 🙁 I hope that your move goes well and that you have a wonderful time in TN! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Melissa says
I’m surprised you have any reading goals this week. Seems like packing and spending time with family will take most of your time this week!
I can’t wait to hear about your new endeavors in TN. We may be making a 1,000 mile move in a few months, so I’m taking inspiration for your move.
Crystal Paine says
I may be shooting high, but I’m hopeful that there will be a few pockets of time to get some reading done… it’s so relaxing and refreshing for me, so I try to make it a priority.
Ginger says
What an emotion-packed and busy week ahead! Will miss you here in the land of Oz, but excited for everything that is ahead for you and your family!!! 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much, friend!
Shelli says
My family and I are moving from Kansas to Texas (near Fort Worth) next week. We’ve been in Kansas for 5 1/2 years. Goodbyes are hard, and so is all the packing! I’ve been thinking of you and praying for you as I finish boxing up my house!
Crystal Paine says
{Hugs!} to you as you make this big transition!
Joanne says
How exciting. I have lived in the same state all of my life. I would love to experience other places. But I know that with a handicapped husband and son that is not an option. Have a great time in TN and see where God leads you.
Patricia says
I’m helping my sister pack up to move& it has been hard on her. She is moving in with my other sister due to health reasons & she has to get rid of most of her stuff ( not a lot of room). I bought her a pretty Easter plant in a little red birdhouse so she would have something pretty to look at amongst the chaos of moving. Good luck with your move & safe travels!
Crystal Paine says
What a sweet sister you are!
Victoria says
I pray your move goes smoothly and that the children adjust well.
Crystal Paine says
Thank you SO much!
Sarah D. says
We’re packing up to move out of state next week too! I’ll be praying for you as you go pack, move, and get adjusted.
Becki @Running with Team Hogan says
Your goal of “finish packing up the house” made me smile: written like it’s such a little task and yet I’m sure there are many, many parts to this goal. My goals for the week seem so small next to your mega-goal. 🙂 My goals include increasing my exercising, getting back on track with sugar, and washing/packing away winter coats (I hope we don’t need them again).
Crystal Paine says
We’ve broken the packing down into daily pieces, so it’s gone pretty smoothly. I just have 3 rooms, a closet, and part of the garage left. So it’s not too overwhelming — or so it seems right now! We’ll see how the week pans out! 🙂
Allyson @ All Our Days says
I’m sure at a time like this you are so grateful for your minimalism tendencies 🙂
Crystal Paine says
Yes, definitely! It truly has made packing a lot easier — especially since I went through the house from top to bottom over the past few months and got rid of quite a few things in preparation for the move.
MP says
I live in Tennessee…. it’s a great place! :0)
Yvonne Reynolds says
What an exciting opportunity for you and your family to move to a new area!
Crystal Paine says
Thanks so much!