Tough Week

Well, I think some of the McClearys are starting to process our huge change. That has caused a few rougher moments, recently.

It started last Saturday (7/20) when my parents left after an 8 day visit. It was extremely hard to have them leave. I was completely surprised by my reaction to them heading back to Illinois. Right after they left, I went for a run. It was really good for my soul to run, but I had some trouble breathing at points because I was just so emotionally overwhelmed. I'd love to say the run worked all my emotions out of me. However, the next day was our first visit to a local church. The positive was that everyone was so nice and welcoming. I think that morning in church was the first time I had sat and just breathed since this whole ordeal started on May 8th. As a result, I finally began processing all that had happened. Plus, the church sang a lot of songs my childhood church sang, which in turn made me think of my parents. Tough morning.

I am much better today. I still got teary-eyed while writing this out, but most days I am better. I did have a rough week at work and I heard from some friends back in West Lafayette which had me missing our old home, but I do see myself improving. 

Well, sort of improving--until one of my kids is upset. Max had a tough Thursday. He had been weepy all day, according to Kevin. When I got home I held him and asked what was wrong. He just snuggled in and held onto me. He said he thought he was just having a bad day. Then he was quiet and continued to cry and let me snuggle him. After about 5 minutes, he finally said something, but it was about a friend back in West Side. That made me pretty sure that his "bad day" was more about processing a transition that he just couldn't explain.

Jason also had a tough day on Wednesday. He didn't want me to go to work and had some tears. I think he wants to hang on to the things that are constant for him during this time of so much change.

Ok, so that was some of the not so good parts of the week. We did have a really bright spot, though! I registered the boys for school on Wednesday. I had all three boys with me and all four of us were blown away by how great we felt walking out. Every person was so welcoming and positive! The boys had a chance to meet staff members from their schools. It was so obvious that every person there truly loves their job of working with kids!

One other bright moment was the follow-up by the church we tried last Sunday. Again, so friendly and welcoming. We went back today.

Also, for the boys, they've started meeting other kids. There are siblings across the street that they play with almost daily. Plus, Luke has started football practice and seems to feel great about that! He came home sweaty, stinky and with a glowing smile! That made my heart soar!

Each day we see and feel improvement. I never thought this would be easy and I expected tough days. Even through these rough moments, I know we will be ok. This is just part of the process.

Here are some pictures of how our house is becoming more of a home.

Sports Bar/Media Room

Luke's Room

Maxwell's Room

Jason's Room

Master Bedroom

Laundry Room

That's right...we are already getting stuff on the walls!

A Few Funny Photos

After my last post I realized I left out some early photos that are kind of funny to see now. 

Our first trip to Walmart after closing on the home had our Ford jammed packed! It looks like we are hoarders!

The few items we brought with us.

First breakfast (& meal) in the new home! We had no dishes or furniture!

Oh, and we received a very nice welcome from our next door neighbor!! :)

The Past 10 Days

We closed on our new home on July 9th. Our goods were delivered on July 10th. I've been so busy unpacking and it continues to be a work in progress. As a result, I'm just going to share pictures of the past 10 days.

Here are two of my favorite things about our new home. The view from the loft.

And all our of outdoor living space.

We love our new home!

Exhausted

After a crazy 2 months (this all started on May 8th), I'm just ready to be done. The boys have endured so much, especially since both Kev and I have been short-fused due to the stress.

The boys have rolled so well with each step. I've been amazed at their adaptability! That being said, I think they are exhausted, too. They all three crashed so hard last night. We had on Duck Dynasty and J didn't make it to the end.

Luke literally fell asleep within 2 minutes after the show was over.

My Max-man held on until the TV was turned off. After that, he was out super-fast, too.

Now that we are down here, I'm just ready to get these 3 little guys settled. I'm ready to give them back the routine and consistency they need and want. 

In the end, we made this move for them. We didn't want to have to uproot them when they were even more entrenched within their old school. We want to provide all we can for them. We picked the new town specifically for them and the school district it will provide for them. They are the focus for every decision we've made. Man, I love my 3 little men!

We Made It!!

After a morning drive, we arrived in Prosper, Texas!

Some photos taken by the boys...

After letting the boys inside their new home and driving by their new schools, we had some lunch. Now we are poolside! 

Final Stretch

We are ready to hit the road for our final miles to our new home.

We will actually head straight to our new home to let the boys walk through it. Then we will be at a hotel the next two nights before our closing on Tuesday!

Please say a few prayers tomorrow, though, because that is when I report for my first day of work. Nervous, anxious, excited -- just a ball of craziness.