The last couple weeks have been flying, and I mean FLYING by (!) around here. We’ve had a zillion balls in the air at all times it seems, but now we’re at the point where our packers are on their way this morning and the “to do” list has dwindled significantly. It’s go time!
Last week we were focused almost entirely on inspection report repairs, and this week our focus shifted to saying a load of “see ya laters” (I don’t do goodbyes!), patching up nail/anchor holes, touching up paint, and setting things aside that we want/need to move ourself.

On Monday, we did our portion of closing on this house since we’ll be leaving a few weeks before the actual closing day. It’s crazy to me how little paperwork there is when selling a house compared to buying. Whew, buddy! We also did our final (minimal!) grocery trip, which was kind of exciting to me. We went as a family, got a few things to get us by for the next five days, and squeaked out of there with groceries that cost us about half of what we usually spend in a week. Ha!
On Tuesday, I had coffee with our MOPS mentor and then ran out that evening for dinner with my girlfriend, Alysson. While I was getting ready that night, I heard Jamie rummaging for the girls’ shoes to take them to go get free ice cream cones around the corner at Dairy Queen.
He’d heard about the free offer from a commercial while he was watching the news, so he spontaneously got them ready and was out the door. He is awesome.
We also spent that day working as a team to get everything out of the attic, an area that packers won’t touch.
We had a good laugh as old, random boxes and storage containers came out one by one (we stopped a few times to look through old mementos) and agreed that we’re going to take our time this spring and summer going through these boxes and simplifying.
Jamie also took the trampoline apart (in 45 minutes total – color me impressed!), and as soon as Sadie saw it she said “Oh no. Broke!” It’ll be set up soon for you, baby girl!
On Wednesday the girls and I got out of the house for a little bit to meet my friend Kitty and her son at the playground, and while Hadley had herself a ball as usual, Sadie seemed extra whiney and “off”. I think she’s starting to show that she senses things are confusing and out of routine right now, but soon enough we’ll be settled and have this transitional season behind us.
It’s easy to forget that times like this are often just as exhausting for little ones, who understand just enough to know that something’s up; they’re just not quite sure what.
I’ve joked with a few people that the day before the packers arrive (which was yesterday) is typically my least favorite day in the moving process because it was the day that’s meant for setting everything aside that we’re moving ourselves. This stuff includes our belongings we’ll need for two weeks until our trucks arrives, things we’ll need to get by in our house for the 36 hours we’ll be there while it’s empty, and of course the things that the movers won’t take or that we don’t want them to take (i.e. liquids, valuables, technology, etc.)
I’ve had a running list on my computer for a week or so that I’ve added things to as I’ve thought of them, and there’s probably at least 100 bulleted items, if not more. I’m not sure how we’ll fit it all in our vehicles, but we’ll play around with it and make it work!
We cleared out the playroom/sunroom on Tuesday and designated that as our “do not pack” space, so everything that we’ll be loading in our cars went into that room yesterday.
It’s crazy how stuffs “breeds” and you end up stumbling upon so many things that you didn’t realize also need to go in your own vehicle and not with the moving truck. This is generally why this specific day is my least favorite, but hey, it’s done!
We’re planning to send the girls to the drop-in daycare today while Jamie does his “final out” stuff at work and I tend to the packers. It’s his last day to wear his uniform as an active duty officer, and he’s feeling the significance of that. He’ll sign out officially on Sunday, and I’ll breathe a big sigh of relief for him when that’s done. I think pulling away from post that final time will be the textbook definition of bittersweet.
What a week. What a season. What a life!
PS & and a little FYI: When you ETS out of the Army, they will pay for packers and movers to your final destination. They will also cover the expense of having your belongings in storage for 3-6 months (exactly how long depends on a few different things). We’re having our stuff put into storage for a little under two weeks, and will request a truck to come with our stuff the day after we close on our Alabama house.
Hi! I’m Erica, and I absolutely adore sharing my life on this website with you! I come here almost daily to blab about all of the things related to being a regular wife and mother in today’s ever-evolving society. I share about our new home, what’s on our kitchen table, what we’re hanging in our closets, where we’re traveling to next, my crazy 5 a.m. work outs, how I make time for girlfriends, our faith, and much more. We always have a lot of balls in the air and somewhat thrive on the chaos. I believe in the power of story-telling as a form of inspiration and entertainment, so I’m here to do both! I was born and raised in north Alabama and recently re-planted roots here again after my husband transitioned out of the Army (he is now in the Reserve and it’s going so well!) I’m a super proud mom to three little girls (ages 7, 4, and 1) who seem to be the stars of the show around here (for good reason – they’re pretty great!) I’m so glad you found me and are here reading! I hope we can get to know each other here on the blog as well as Facebook and/or Instagram. xoxo