#14

We've been in Utah for almost a month now. I feel like life just sucked that month away from me and I can never get it back. Not that I'd want to- moving is kind of awful. This was our 14th move, which basically makes us patriotic gypsies. So although we're "used to it", this one may have taken the cake for the move that most made me want to eat all the chocolate and cry all the tears. But I didn't do either of those-I didn't have time. I did buy a couple of cases of Coke to see me through. I know, I'm very edgy (or desperate to get through the day). We had our Reynolds reunion two days after we got here and then Braden had to go back to Oklahoma to Air Force for the last week and a half. Now he's back and we're trying to set up shop, which in our book means building and painting in addition to unpacking and organizing. I think I'm somewhat of a taskmaster when it comes to moving because we don't have the luxury of doing it at a normal pace. Also, I do this thing where I can't relax until my house is not only functional, but cute as well. It's exhausting and annoying. I am completely annoyed with myself.
      Another reason we've been consumed with the move-in process is because Utah is full of wonderful people- people we used to know and want to see again, people we don't know yet and want to get to know, people we know and want to see more of, people who are passing through and want to have lunch. It's a really nice problem to have. It's felt a bit chaotic at times but I've been overwhelmed with the volume of truly amazing friends and family we have.
      Thus far the kids have really missed Oklahoma so much and haven't really made any friends that dull that pain. I'm sure that will change but right now their hearts are in transition. The ward has been super friendly and I am loving being so close to so many ways to spend all our money so many stores (Hello again, Costco!).
     Elise attended a kindergarten preview for a few weeks and that really helped her feel ready school. The other kids got to go and check out the school and I could tell it helped them feel excited. The thought of sending them back is a mixed bag for me. I feel so happy for them to have experiences that I could not give them. And I feel anxious for them to have experiences that I would not give them. I feel like they will learn more, and learn it better. I feel like I will have less stress and therefore be a better mom (hopefully). I am excited to have some alone time with the younger half and I welcome a more reasonable pace of life that includes working out at the rec center. But I will really miss being a part of all of their everythings. I'm happy for all that they will learn and do, my heart just aches to be a part of it.
   On the whole, we are so thrilled to be here and I recognize daily what a blessing it is. I have this surreal feeling often where I just look around and marvel that we're not just here on vacation, that we really live here for a bit, and that reminds me of all the prayers that were answered to make it so. Our being here right now for this little season is a miracle. You'll never convince me otherwise. I hope the wonder of that doesn't diminish as time goes by.
   Here's to (yet another) new beginning. I hope in two years that we have spent countless hours in the temple, that we have laughed through dozens of cousins nights, that our relationships with family are deep and dear, that our kids will mourn another group of wonderful friends, and that we will have loved and served with no regrets. I hope Braden finds joy and passion in his work, I hope I will have established myself as a doula, and if we're being honest here, I hope some muscles return to my body.

We're picky people

You know what they say- you can't pick your family, but you can pick raspberries with your family. 

We really like to forage together. We've done this several times over the years and it's always a winning experience. It's just the right amount of togetherness and also space; team work yet competition. Plus anytime you can eat from the earth I think you should. 

Do you know what's missing from these pictures that is in all our picking pictures from Alabama? Adorable ringlets and sweaty noses born of humidity levels only the devil himself could have inspired. In place of these things, you'll notice Braden looking calm and even carrying a baby. He likes it here. We all do. Although the kids can't allow themselves to admit it because they think somehow that means they don't love and miss Oklahoma with all their hearts. 

I want to have a picture at the end of this sequence with stupid amounts of raspberry jam in it. But I don't think we made it home with that many. However, we did make it home with all our kids and that's always a relief. 

Here's to a lifetime of berry picking with the people I would have picked if family picking was a thing.