The Move

Before we knew we got the job and before we had Kimball, I kept getting the impression to start packing even though our plans were kind of up in the air. So, being big and pregnant, I started packing what I could, books, movies, decorations, kitchen stuff we didn't use on a daily basis, etc. Whenever I went shopping, I'd grab any available empty boxes and bring them home while making the goal to pack at least one or two of them a day. It was hard to be motivated because we didn't know if we would get the job and I didn't like packing away our home. But, when all was said and done, I'm grateful I followed that prompting. Although it seemed like a never-ending process, I did get quite a bit done, which helped in the last few days of packing and moving.

Thank goodness Jayze was home so he could help entertain Aidan while I packed, packed...and packed. So.much.stuff. You know that one scene in Harry Potter where they're in the Gringotts Bank and whatever they touch multiplies? Well, it seemed that way with our stuff. I'd pat myself on the back for packing up tons of boxes, then turn around and there was STILL more stuff. Ugh. Moving is not my favorite.

Apparently we're Micky Mouse, Spongebob, and Mike Wazowski fans...

Daddy entertaining while Mommy packs.

Aidan loved these finger puppets from our awesome neighbors. Thanks, Hobbs!

Lots of bubble sessions with this kid. Again, while Mommy is packing...

This cutie slept through most of it. :)

The hardest part was knowing we were going to say bye to the place we called home. Rexburg was where Jayze and I dated and got engaged, bought and sold our first car, had our first apartment together (plus two more), worked on campus while going to school, had our three precious babies, and where we both graduated from college. Lots of milestones, beautiful memories, and wonderful friends were made in Rexburg, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Out of the three places we lived, the trailer was by far my favorite. The bishop was great, the ward was welcoming, and our neighbors were so nice. It's where we brought Aidan and Kimball home from the hospital. It also had pretty cheap rent. ;)

Last picture of our home.

Thank you to everyone who brought us dinner, watched Aidan, helped us clean and pack, helped us lug our stuff to storage, brought Aidan and us snacks for the trip, and for all the prayers and kind thoughts sent our way. We really had so many tender mercies along the way, and many earthly angels came to our aide. We could not have done everything we did without so many of our friends' help. 

THANK YOU!

It was definitely bittersweet saying goodbye, but we're grateful for this new direction and path.

Update

Wow, where to start?

Since I last wrote, we officially got a job, packed up and cleaned our whole trailer (minus packing up the actual trailer as well as some odds and ends), gave Kimball his baby blessing, and moved across the country. Whew - I'm tired just thinking about it all over again. But it all turned out really well!

Job:
It was made official a couple of weeks ago - Jayze got a job! Our very first, salary paying job. I love what someone said to us - we're a success story. :) It's just the thing we were hoping for. Jayze is doing a 10-week training program for the position he applied for, and then we're going to be relocated somewhere else for the actual position. So, for now, we're in Michigan! It's been quite the change, but I'm already falling in love with the gorgeous trees and the really nice, welcoming people.

Packed up:
Since we're only going to be in Michigan for 10 weeks, we put the majority of our junk stuff in a storage unit in Idaho and will get it when we move to a more permanent location. But golly, who knew we could horde so much stuff? And it seems like they're all needs, too. Yikes. I'm glad it's all boxed up though, so we don't have to worry about packing it all over again when it comes time to move. And let me tell you, packing and cleaning with a toddler is fun, frustrating, hilarious, and slow. I'm just grateful Jayze was able to help out so much. And my sister. And our neighbors were lifesavers, too. Sometimes it really does take a village.

Aidan's in there somewhere...

Kimball's baby blessing:
Note: Thank you SO MUCH to my amazing sis-in-law, Emily, for the beautiful pictures.

Our last Sunday in Rexburg was June 5. We knew we could wait to give Kimball his baby blessing in our new ward in Michigan, or even in our next location, but we realized we really wanted to give it where all of our friends are, where more family members could attend, and where he was born. Can you believe we have three Idaho babies?

It ended up being the perfect day. The whole McCleve side was able to be there (minus Silas - we missed you!), and we were so, so grateful that Jayze's parents could be there. They were so busy that weekend, and we really appreciated them making the trip to see their new grand baby. We appreciated everyone making the trip. There was so much love and support from both family and friends, and we really felt blessed.

It was a special day. The veil was definitely thin - at least for me - and I could feel Alma close by before, during, and after the blessing. Our three boys are so precious to me. My heart was full, and I'm so grateful for the sweet spirit I felt that day.

Side note: We had a hard time finding a white outfit, so we went with blue. The thing that made me feel better about it is that light blue always reminds me of Alma. So that little outfit helped me keep my first son in mind throughout the whole day.

Moved across the country:
This should be a whole blog post in and of itself (and it probably will be). Did you know that it is 25 hours from Rexburg to Michigan? 25 hours! Yep, I'm surprised we made it, too. Aidan was a total champ, though. He was good for the most part (I mean, who doesn't have meltdowns when they have to be in the car 10+ hours a day?) And Kimball only had meltdowns when he was hungry or had a wet diaper. I'd call that a success.

I think it helped, too, that we broke it up in three days. But by the third day, I think all of us were ready to be out of the car. Thank goodness for juice, a DVD player, toy cars, a patient husband, and a pacifier. #reallife.

Okay, he is just the cutest. And I love Kimball there in the background.

But seriously, does anyone have any good advice for how to keep your child's head from dangling when he or she falls asleep in the car seat? It was the most frustrating thing - I felt so bad for Aidan when he tried to sleep.

I kept trying to stuff a blanket by his head for a little cushion. It worked for a couple of minutes...

So now we're in Michigan starting this new chapter in our lives. I'm excited to see how it all unfolds.