We have been so excited for John to start his new associate-ship, counting down the months, weeks and then days until we were to leave. Yet when that day arrived, I couldn’t help feeling really sad to leave Ohio, a place that truly felt like home. We were in a fantastic ward, with wonderful people who I loved and miss terribly already. Even though everyone can make the best of every ward, some are gifted more than others with talent, sincerity, service and compassion; our Canton ward was all that and more. I really tried having a good attitude yesterday at church, but I missed our ward that made us feel so loved and welcomed. I miss the new friends I had made. They were the kind that even though you knew each other for just a short time, you could be friends forever. I do not want to lose touch with any of them!
Our neighbors too were exceptional. How we miss you as well! Caleb loved running (and I mean running!) over to the neighbors yard to see ‘kids’ (as he called them, even if there was only one at home). If only we could have moved our neighbors and the ward with us, Bellingham would be the perfect place! I’m sure I will really like everyone here as well, but Ohio has found a special place in our hearts, even if it was only for a year. The only thing (and yes, it’s quite major!) that I will not miss about Ohio, is our stinky house!!! We opened up boxes here and everything stunk sooooo bad! What a gross yucky smell that house had! I’m so happy to have a nice house that smells wonderful! Here’s a picture of our new place below. Pictures of the inside will come soon!
Alright, so now the scoop on the move! We loaded the truck Monday, thanks to all the help from the ward (thanks to all those that said goodbye as well, so sweet to stop by!), and were ready to go for Tuesday. My flight left at 6:55am from the Cleveland airport, a little over an hour away. I had gotten 2 hours of sleep that night before, due to all the last minute cleaning and packing I had to do. I piled my two carry on (who wants to pay the $25 these days to check in luggage?!) bags and Caleb’s back pack right by the door. I wanted to fit in my computer, so I took my wallet out of my bag to make room, and set it by the door. Two hours later, I woke up and we were ready to go. John asked me as we were leaving, ‘do you have your wallet?’ And I answered ‘yes, I packed it in last night!’ Of course, I forgot the part where I took it out to fit in the computer… So off we went to Cleveland! We got to the airport, I searched in my bag for my wallet, and realized, I had forgotten to put it back in, I was mortified! It was 5:55am, there was no way to make it back to the house and grab my wallet. Nor could Dave, John’s dad who flew in specifically to help us move (he is an absolute saint!) run it up in time. I spoke with a Delta representative who said there was no way I could get on the plane without my ID, even though I knew that, I had to ask. I went back to report to John, who mercifully was not mad, but very sympathetic to my cause. He said to ask if we could somehow look me up if he had his ID. Once again, another long shot, but we had to try. I asked the same lady, who once again gave me the same response, no. I would have to pay a fee for both Caleb and I to change our flight, leaving later that day, and would not be non-stop like the one we were supposed to catch. And drive all the way back home and back again. The tears could not help but begin to fall. I had maintained a sense of composure up until this point, but there was no stopping the stream. On seeing the tears, the lady asked where I was going, I told her to Salt Lake City. She then asked what time, I told her 6:55am. The Delta lady then asked if it was the non-stop flight, I answered yes, and her eyes brightened. The flight had been moved to 8:00am that morning, had I not gotten the new itinerary? No, I had not and was overjoyed to hear these words! There was still hope! I ran out to John to tell him the good news! Dave, John’s dad could run my wallet up just in time! The poor guy had never been in Cleveland before, and to have him drive up to the Cleveland airport was not an easy task, but we were desperate, it was our only chance! I was so fortunate to have left my keys at home that morning, otherwise that would not have been an option and I would missed my flight. My guardian angel was in full force during this whole move, this is only part of the many miracles I had! Besides a few major meltdowns at the airport with Caleb, we managed to make it up to the gate (with wallet in hand!). When I had checked in for my ticket, the kiosk said the flight was overbooked and I could volunteer at the gate to be bumped. Even though I had only gotten 2 hours of sleep and had a very grumpy toddler at hand, I was excited! The chance of free tickets was too good to pass up! I went up to the gate agent and asked if he needed any volunteers to be bumped for another flight. He said he didn’t think so, but he would take down my information just in case. About 10 minutes later, the plane began boarding and I heard my name called. I thought that this was a good sign for sure! The agent called me up and said they had enough seats for everyone, but—he had changed our seats. I didn’t think much of that statement. Until Caleb and I got on the airplane and saw what seats we had, 3A and 3B up in first class! Miracle number two! I was scared that there had been a mistake. I didn’t want to sit down and start drinking the water that was so nicely waiting for me or lay on the pillows and blankets that were on my seat. But the ticket did not lie and I did not hesitate too long! What’s kind of funny is, Caleb wanted to sit in the back of the plane and not the front! I know everyone up in first class was worried Caleb would ruin their flight, especially since they had paid good money to sit up there. I was every bit as worried as well, Caleb had only slept 4 hours the night before and was terribly tired. I only hoped he would fall asleep right away with no crying involved. Another miracle, he did! And I had the most wonderful time riding first class, being served a hot breakfast with a cheese omelet, bagel with cream cheese, fresh fruit, juice and yogurt, all the while watching a movie. The horrible start of the day with the whole wallet problem turned out to be incredibly nice! I don’t know why the agent moved us up to first class, but I certainly wasn’t complaining!
Now, to fast forward a little bit. Caleb and I arrived in Utah, spent a few days with my family before John arrived with the truck. John’s dad kept driving with our car up to Washington, what a trooper they both were to drive all that way! To drive by themselves for 15 hours a day (and even more some days) was incredible! While in Utah, I spent time shopping for rugs with my mom (which have turned out fantastic in the house!), went downtown on the tracks, went to Lagoon, caught up with my cousin and her cute little boy (I had so much Aim!), seeing my brother, his wife and their two adorable kids. Caleb was happy to have so many playmates! I love going to Utah and catching up with everyone, my family is so wonderful. The trip didn’t last long enough.
(Caleb at the water fountain down town)
(Sister, brother and me!)
(Don't these two look so much alike?!)
(Grandpa Randall with Caleb)
(My momma and me)
(The three girls: sister-in-law, sister and me!)
Miracle number four happened during this time. At Lagoon, a big theme park in Utah, we got caught in a terrible rainstorm. Caleb and I were on the swings (a fun ride that swings you around literally in swings), when the dark grey/purple clouds that had been threatening for the last hour, opened up and poured down on us. We were soaked in two minutes! I had wanted to ride as many rides as possible before the rain hit and had postponed dinner, all of which my family were eating at the moment, under cover. Here Caleb and I were exposed and drenched! I ran with Caleb under a tree (which provided hardly any cover, it was raining that hard!) and stuffed my camera down my shirt to keep it dry. I then took hold of Caleb and ran with him out in the open, trying to find my mom and sister who were eating on the other side of the park. Because I either did not position my camera well, or because I do not have enough on top to hold it in place, the camera slipped, unbeknownst to me out and onto the ground. I ran and ran until I came to a tunnel. One minute after I stopped, a lady comes running up to me, wet as if she had taken a fully clothed shower and pants, ‘Is this your camera? You had dropped it all the way back at the swings! You run fast for carrying a little one!’ Miracle number four! What were the odds that someone would have seen the camera fall out and even more incredible, follow me all the way across the park in the pouring down rain, with lightening and thunder all around, just to give it back to me? Yes, my angel had followed me to Utah! So many miracles happened this last week, I am thoroughly convinced someone up above is watching out for me!
(Above is Caleb on the swing, right before the rain started to pour, he looks worried!)
After 5 days in Utah, it was time to hop in the truck and take our turn in the long trek westward. We drove 16 hours from SLC to Issaquah, WA, where John grew up and his family presently resides. We spent only a few short days with his family, all of whom are the most wonderful people as well. They would have to be since they and only they (besides John and myself) moved every single box and piece of furniture into our new house! Due to some miscommunication with the ward, we didn’t have anyone but ourselves. We had Bonnie (John’s younger sister) Scott (younger brother) and his mom come to move everything in. Grandma Terri had Caleb watching duty, while us 4 loaded up and somehow moved everything in. Basically, John’s whole family could be celestialized and taken up to heaven immediately!
We still have quite a bit of organizing and unpacking to do, but we’re excited to be here. I didn’t want to miss this chance to let everyone know in Ohio, how much you touched our lives and to thank everyone on both sides of the family, for all the support and help you’ve been in our move. We couldn't have done it without you!
