Let's move across the country again, because that's fun!


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Well, we did it. We made probably THE toughest and most humbling decision yet in our entire marriage and decided to pack (and sell) all of our belongings and make the trek back to our roots in California. Our last day here in the state made for Lovers will be September 25th. I am so many sorts of emotions right now, but I can honestly say the overall feeling I have is peace. And that is always a good sign that you're heading in the right direction.

We left California for Virginia two years ago, hoping Virginia held some promise for us as Jared started grad school. While the fruits of his labor haven't been immediate, we have faith in the future. I don't know what California holds for us this second time around, but I know it will be good to be surrounded by family. Jared has 3 different great career leads that would only be possible to pursue if we were in California, so until one of those (hopefully) gets sorted out, we'll be bunking up with my family for a couple of months until we know where we will certainly be. Jared and I are from the same hometown, so lucky for our kids, they will have two sets of grandparents to play with and exhaust :)

On the flipside, that means we're leaving behind beloved Virginia, a state that has been nothing but kind to us! Well, I take that back, the winters are downright AWFUL, but I guess 90% of the states have terrible winters, so Virginia isn't alone with that. But Virginia, oh, is a beauty. My heart is aching about leaving just a smidgen too early to witness the changing of the leaves and the crispness in the air. There is nothing like an East Coast Autumn. Mostly, we are sad to leave our lovely friends whom we love so dearly. This really hasn't hit me yet that we are leaving, so I'm sure a blubbering post will be up here within the month once the truck is packed and farewells have been said :( Our friends have been like family to us.

What's making this transition easier to bear is that I'm kinda looking at this as "going home for the holidays," since we'll be there October - December. And that seems nice. But I'd be lying if I said the California ventricle of my heart isn't speeding double time at the thought of being under palm trees again. So I'm letting out a big boo-hoo for leaving Virginia, but a loud hoorah for returning to the Golden State!

23 comments:

  1. Im going to miss you. Although we hang out once every two months I still consider you a very dear friend. You have been my friend since our babies were little :-) I remember meeting you at the fountains you were so easy to talk to and we immediately clicked. I will miss you Kendra, but I am also happy that you feel a peace about moving and that peace can only come from God as a confirmation that this is a good move for you and your family. Who knows maybe he had you move out here because he knew I needed a bit of your sunshine in my life. I love you and I am happy for you and I'll just pray that Scott gets more business trips out to California but in the mean time I am the best pen pal anyone could ask for xoxoxox

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  2. As bummed as I am to not have you as a neighbor any longer, I am thrilled for you to have such an amazing amount of family time in a truly beautiful state. Good luck to you and Jared with all of the exciting things that the future holds for you. You and your wonderful family will be missed!

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    1. You have been such a wonderful friend! Thanks Autumn for all your love :)

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  3. I could never leave Virginia, but then again it's got my heart + family. I can only imagine what a joy it must be knowing you'll be back within arm's reach of your family again! That's the true "home" :) Good luck with the move!

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  4. We recently made the decision to move across the GLOBE, back to Sydney (my hometown)! It's been a crazy decision and I go through big mood swings about it constantly, but ultimately although the thought of going scares me, the thought of staying makes me feel worse. We definitely want the change and are excited about all the new possibilities. It's just hard saying goodbye!
    Anyway I totally relate and it was super-comforting to read about other people going through similar things. :)
    We're probably going to want to start a family of our own soon and I think being near my parents will be really important for me, when that time comes. So! Here we go...!
    To new adventures! :)

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    1. Hooray for making the plunge and going with your heart! I believe change is always good for the soul, so best to you and your adventure across the globe!

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  5. Good luck with the transition back to California. That's where my roots are, so I can appreciate your desire to return to the sunshine state!

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  6. welcome back! you'll be coming to california just as i'm preparing to leave. ha! possibly to virginia. weird, huh? we're in the same job hunt situation and frantically searching for something, anything before hubs leave the marine corps on october 11. so scary to have a a firm deadline. good luck to you!

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    1. haha, that would be funny if we traded spots :) Job hunting is certainly awful, but hope something turns up for you soon! Jared has looked in to the military, too, actually, but the Airforce rather than the Marines. It must be nice to have a deadline in a way, because you kinda can plan for the future. I'm waiting for something concrete to come through and I hope it's sooner than later. Best of luck, Bri!

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  7. wow...what a major adventure for your family! good luck with everything!

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  8. There is nothing better than being near your family. Wishing you luck on your new adventure!

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  9. We just left California to come back to VA.. We love both so much, but there is something to be said about being close to family. Good luck!

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  10. I had a similar experience years ago when my parents had a custody battle over us kids. It was up to me to make the decision: to stay or move with my mom. I ultimately could not deny my gut. I went with that feeling of peace and I am so glad I did! If it feels good, then everything will turn out more than all right. Best wishes!!! Congrats on moving home.

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  11. yay! welcome back to california, friend! we are in the san luis obispo area. will you be close by? hope the transition goes well and the kiddos adapt okay to the new environment. good luck mama!
    xo
    jenna
    mama daze blog

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  12. So excited!!! Take care and good luck! I love your family!! And we've never met...that's okay right? :) Love you Kendra,

    Shauna xoxoxo

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  13. Oh wow, that is soon! At least if you're planning on selling all of your furniture, etc. you're still hitting the end of yard sale season. Oh man, thinking about selling all of your stuff to move across the country totally takes me back to everything from when we did that a couple of years ago. Haha. It is such an amazing (in a good way) experience, but so crazy to prep for. If you have any questions about how to get rid of that much stuff that fast (and still make $$ on it), feel free to ask. We will miss having you out in VA to visit! I'm glad we got to see you a couple of times at least while you've been there! Best wishes with the move and everything ahead friend!

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    1. Thank you, Heatons! I hope to make some trips down to Santa Monica ASAP and spend some quality time with your family!

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  15. Praying for you and the family as you make this move back home and start a new journey again. Moving is always filled with mixed emotions for me so I know what your going through. God has a plan and will see you through it till the end!!!

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  16. We too just made the decision to move back to our hometown and it has been pure bliss! It's like we never left...and now our daughter can experience all the joys we did! I think things always work out the way they're supposed to!

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  17. Welcome back to Cali-for-ni-a!! Or as my husband refers to it, the promised land ;) Hope the move goes smoothly!

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  18. Be sure to plan a trip in there to Santa Monica! We'd love to see you guys in SM1!

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