I know it has been a really long time since I posted....I'm really sorry about that. I'm sure you were probably expecting Christmas pictures and you will get plenty in the next post. We've just had a lot going on.
First, let me explain the title of this post: The Big Blue Mitten Awaits. Translated, it means.....we are moving to Michigan (the state is shaped like a big mitten and this time of year, on the weather channel it is pretty much always blue in color).
Let's see if I can make this story short....
When we moved to Ohio last June we were hoping Brian would be promoted and be able to stay in this area. That is why we bought our house in the middle of the region, so wherever he had to go within northeastern Ohio, he could make it work. However, despite assurances (but not promises) there aren't any openings in this area and it is time for Brian to move up in the world of medical device sales. He needs his own territory. So, we are on our way to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Once we get passed the next 6 months we both think it will be a great move for us. Grand Rapids is a really beautiful area (especially in the summer....very close to Lake Michigan), all the schools have outstanding test scores, and it seems like an outstanding place to raise a family. On the job side of things, it is a very healthy business environment and Brian should do well in the health industry. Perhaps the best part is that we will finally have a sense of permanence....at least for a while. To this point, we've really had to go where the company has asked us to. Once we get to Michigan, the ball will be in our court. We can finally really settle down, make new friends and not feel like we might be picking everything up again in a year or so.
The primary downside is leaving our friends and family that are very close-by here in Ohio. We've become spoiled to having loved ones less than an hour away. We are also going to have to try to sell our house during a not-so-appealing time in the real-estate market. We are going to try to do it For Sale By Owner, but might have to rent it out if we don't get lucky quickly. And of course we will be on the search for a new home in Grand Rapids. On the upside, Grand Rapids is only a managable 4-5 hours from here and it only adds 2 hours of drive time to get to Macon. Another upside is that Air Tran flies into Flint, Michigan for cheap. Grand Rapids has an airport, but from what we've seen it is pretty pricey. Flint is less than 2 hours away, so we'll just make that little trek to head south.
Brian's start date is technically February 1st, but I don't think they can expect him to be there and working by that date. We hope to find out more in the next few days, but that gives you at least an idea of our time-frame....sooner, not later. We'll keep you posted on what it is like moving from a cold place to an even colder place in the middle of the coldest part of winter!!!
In the meantime, we are trying to get our house show-worthy. As an added bonus, when we arrived home this morning at 5:30 am after driving through the night from spending 12 days in Georgia for Christmas we quickly discovered water gushing out of our shower knob. (The part you pull out and turn to hot or cold.) We are extremely thankful that our drain worked well and the thousands of gallons of water when down and not into our home.....it could have been absolutely horrific. Instead, the plumber that came today said he's never seen it happen before, but part of the knob broke and will have to be replaced. It is just unfortunate that it happened while we were gone for almost 2 weeks. We aren't sure when the bust happened, but the water wasn't freezing cold that was coming out and we have already seen part of the effects of the water heater working overtime in our gas bill....well over $200, and the last day was December 29th....we didn't get it shut off until this morning....4 more DAYS of gushing. We just THOUGHT we would save money by being gone 2 weeks in December. I can't even imagine what the water bill will look like, but I'll be calling first thing on Monday morning to see if there is some sort of protocol for issues like ours. It is unfortunate that it happened, but as I said, it could have been MUCH worse. We will have to fix the knob (part will be ordered on Monday) repaint the bathroom, and dry out the carpet in our bedroom. It didn't flood the room, but the moisture in the air made everything a little wet. Hopefully this is our only house challenge.
At least we know we are pretty good at moving. This move will make 5 moves in 5.5 years. Sheesh. Brian has been really sweet and doesn't want me to feel like he is dragging me around all over the place. I am so proud of him, his job, and his commitment to our family, how could I be anything but supportive? I hope it doesn't appear that we take moving lightly...we do not, and it sure is a pain, but practice makes perfect, right? Lord knows, we should know what we are doing....this time we just get to try it with a baby! Once again, I am extremely thankful to be able to work from home....wherever that may be. My profession is not only a passion of mine, but has been such a blessing as well!
So, please think of us in these next few weeks/months as they are sure to be stressful. Please pray that we find an excited buyer for our home and that we find a home for ourselves that is just what we need. I also ask for peace and a sense of calm. We know it will all work out, we just hope the journey getting there is smooth and with as few curve balls as possible!
Love, hugs, and here's to a wonderful 2009!
We're going to meet Santa!!!
On Tuesday evening in Grand Rapids, we decided to find a Santa Claus. We were just going to go to the mall, but several people told Brian that the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park would be a fun place for us to go while we were in town. So, we checked it out. There were over 40 trees decorated in holiday tradition around the world.....and Santa was coming to visit! 
Santa stayed in his sleigh in a corridor of the facility near the entrance so although we originally planned on taking Connor's hat off for the big meeting, we left it on for warmth. Mrs. Claus was quite taken with our little man and didn't want to give him up. Connor liked her too and was fascinated with her red velvet outfit! I think he tried to eat it a few times. :) I guess next year will be the big test to see if he is still so willing to "sit" in Santa's lap.
We all enjoyed looking at all the trees and Connor really liked the lights and all the people. He was awake until the very end and snoozed in his carseat as we walked through the outdoor sculpture part in the snow! 
Overall, it was a very fun experience and once again I'm thankful that Connor does well around people!
By about noon on Friday when we were ready to leave, Connor was pretty much tuckered out. I love this little picture because he is holding the rattle in his hand, and yet he still has his thumb tucked under. He was sucking his lip too, but you can't tell that from a photo. Once again, he was a great little trooper on the 5 hours journey home. Mitsy and Toonces were happy to see us all when we got here!
After we arrived on Friday and got settled into our hotel, the Nealons babysat while Brian and I went to a cocktail hour hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Weems that followed the rehearsal. It was fun to get to see the crew again and although we missed our little man, it was nice to have a night out without him. :) I'm also not sure how it could have happened (I blame multiple moves and having a baby) but Brian and I met Bert Bondi for the first time! Bert is Megan's husband and I feel like we've been friends for years because I've heard so much about him, but it was great to finally get to meet in person. Megan, he's a keeper (despite the whole SEC thing :)). By the way, Bert, you owe me lots of pictures from the wedding and the cookoff....I know you say people always just say they'll send pictures, but I'm waiting!Overall, the whole evening was a lot of fun, and only a precursor to the next day. I have no pictures of Lara because she was only there for a very short time...I don't blame her....she needed her beauty sleep. :)
The wedding was the following day in the afternoon. We sat in the back row with Connor in his car seat in case he decided to erupt for some reason. Thankfully he was an angel and we enjoyed the entire, beautiful wedding.
Just Married! Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Weems
I love this one because you can see Lara's beautiful dress!
