Susanne at Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday’s Fave Five so we can share our favorite things from the last week. This has been a wonderful exercise in looking for and appreciating the good things God gives. Click on the button to learn more, then go to Susanne’s to read others’ faves and link up your own.
I have multitudes of favorite things this week — or two weeks, actually, since we were moving last week and I wasn’t able to participate then. I don’t know if I can condense it to five — we will see!
1. The move went relatively smoothly. My husband’s company paid for movers, but we hadn’t contracted with any yet because we wanted to wait until we officially closed on the new house. Then when we did start calling them, it looked at first like none would be available the week we wanted to move, but one came through. Then we had several phases of moving: Wed. the movers came and packed; Thursday they loaded the truck and then we drove to TN that evening; Friday they unloaded in TN; Saturday Jim rented a U-Haul and drove back to SC to move Jason and Mittu into our old house while Jesse and I stayed here and started unpacking; Sunday he loaded up his mom’s things from her assisted living place and brought her here to TN, and then we moved her into her new place. Moving three households in one week seems absolutely crazy, but it had to be done, and everything worked out pretty much as planned and went fairly well. A few mishaps, but nothing major. Even though there is still a lot to do, it feels a little more relaxing because we can do it at our own pace now.
2. My new house! I could make a FFF just about it. I already wrote about it here, but to make a subset fave five, some of my favorite things about it are that it is one level — no steps except for a couple at the front and side doors; the kitchen/dining area has a more open feel than our old house; the kitchen has many more cabinets, much more counter space, a walk-in closet pantry, and lighting over all the counters; a garage (we’ve never had one before! And garage-door openers! So far I still get a little thrill pushing that button!); our master bathroom (only the second time in 31 years we’ve had one); pink floral towel racks left in the master bathroom by the previous owner as well as a pink and green striped rug; walk-in closets; quiet neighborhood….let’s see, I think that’s more than five already.
3. Two neighbors have come over to introduce themselves. One brought produce from her garden, the other brought home-made jelly. Both invited us to their churches. It’s nice to be welcomed!
4. Jim’s mom has adjusted really well to her new place. We had wanted to set up her room as much as possible like her old one, but we couldn’t because it is arranged so differently. But she doesn’t seem to mind. Jim and I had a meeting with one of the ladies in charge this week (we had met before, but this time we got down to the nitty-gritty details) and we’re really pleased with how they handle things and the attention they give her. She came out for lunch while we were there and saw us and came over, then one of the residents came over and welcomed her and invited her to eat at her table. When I visited her yesterday, she exclaimed how nice everything was and how good the food is. 🙂 So far there doesn’t seem to be much confusion, except the first day she went down the wrong hall. This facility is a very small, homey place, and so far we’re really pleased.
5. Jim’s relocation package included a bit of money for “incidentals,” and since we went from one and a half bathrooms in the old house to three full bathrooms in the new, we needed some new towels. I got some to match the pretty towel racks in our bathroom:
So that’s five already, and I haven’t even mentioned yet that Jesse had his first experience with the youth group here and enjoyed it, that a dear friend agreed to take the ladies’ group in SC, at least on an interim basis, and they had their first meeting Monday night and did fine. It’s a blessing to know I am leaving it in good hands. And I have mentioned my GPS before, but it has been invaluable in finding our way around a new town.
So it has been a very good if very busy couple of weeks. School starts for Jesse next week, and though he is a little “weirded out” by the thought of starting a new school — he had been in the same Christian school from K-5 through 10th grade, so this is his first time to be “the new guy” — I have every reason to believe he’ll do fine, and I am looking forward to settling in to a new routine.
Stray Thoughts 
PRAISE GOD!!! Isn’t it WONDERFUL!? I am sooooo happy to hear YOU sooooooo happy!!! And I’m glad the new place for Jim’s mom is good! THAT alone could make or break your peace of mind! And I know Jesse will do great next week! God is WITH him!
Your new neighbors sound nice and very thoughtful. Pretty new towels.
WOOT!!! I’m glad everything is going so well. That was real nice of the neighbors. 🙂 Glad Jesse liked the youth group. Kids are very adaptable I think. And I’m glad mom is adjusting. That great news. Have a wonderful weekend my friend 🙂
Wow Barbara that is a whole lot of moving and I understand the necessity. May God restore all your strength after that! I’m glad you are enjoying your new home and what nice neighbors to reach out to you in that way. Have a great weekend…
I’m glad everything is going so well, especially with Grandma and Jesse! 🙂
LOVE the towels!! 🙂
I love the tour of your new house! Moving is always a busy time but it sounds like you are settling in well.
Oh my, I’m standing up and applauding! I think you’ve described the smoothest, most painless move I’ve ever heard of. Love your gorgeous new towels too! Well done, Barbara. ღ
Without a doubt I have to say if my last move was a easy as your move I may had done it more often. No really it is so important to be on one level that is the first thing I would be looking for.
Neighbors! that come over with food and stuff are the best. I have been here almost 1 year when I went and introduced myself to my neighborhood.
I love your photo of towels there is something about groups of things in photos that is eye catching.
Well, I wouldn’t say it was an easy move, especially for my poor dear husband who had the bulk of the other two moves on his shoulders. But there were no major mishaps and everything happened on time — nothing major broken, at least that we’ve found so far. One hurricane lamp was broken and some hats were smushed. It was exhausting, but went almost according to plan.
Wow! It’s hard to imagine how things could have gone any better.
I am so glad you are all moved and settling in nicely. I was very glad to hear that your mom in law as also handled the move and the place where she is is working well for her.
Thanks for being such a great and faithful part of FFF over the the last couple of years, Barbara!
Sounds like everything’s going great — I’m SO glad to hear that! Nice neighbors, getting your MIL settled in. Three moves in one week? That’s crazy, but I’m glad it worked so well for you. I remember those pretty pink flowered towel racks, and I LOVE your new towels!
My kids went to the same school PreK-12, so I know how your son must feel. But in my experience, the new guy is always incredibly cool since everyone else is old stuff — tell him that!
Take care and enjoy your new place!
It sounds like you have awesome neighbors! That’s wonderful!
Was out of town all of last week so I’m playing a bit of catch up now. Glad to hear things are settling down as you settle into your new home!
I am glad everything in your new home is going so well! I have said a prayer for Jesse’s new school experience and will continue to do so until you give us the thumbs up. How great that you’ve landed in a neighborhood with Christian neighbors who are willing to reach out and welcome you. God is good!
Wow, Barbara – you are amazing! You have kept up with your blogging despite your busy-ness!! I am glad that Grandma has settled well!
Blessings on your new week.
As always, I enjoyed your Fave Five.
Mama Bear
Barbara ~ I loved reading about your new house and how much you enjoy it! A move can go either way. I’m so glad it’s been so positive for you.
Would love to be FB friends … but I don’t know your last name! LOLOL!
Candy
Good to read about your move! Glad things seem to be going well. I can’t believe you had to move 3 households at one time!!
Ps. yes I have read Edith S. book you referred to on my nannykim blog! Kim
I’m glad I set apart some time to go through my favorite blogs and I’m glad I visited you after some time away from blogging. I really enjoyed reading your updates about the move. I’m happy hear that Jim’s mom has adjusted really well to her new place. You have a beautiful family and lovely house.