Settling in; checking it out.

We have begun the process of settling in here in Chelmsford. The kids have done amazing. Dance classes are just cruising along, and the kids have made fast friends in their school classes. We are, of course, still surrounded by boxes and disorganization, but we will get there. The bottom line is, everyone seems very happy. 

We decided to attend a town historical society sponsored "farm fair" here in Chelmsford yesterday. There are a few things worth noting about our move. We have moved from a small, rural town of about 10,000 people, to an suburban city of just about 35,000 people. We love this in a lot of ways because things are so much closer. In addition, things like this seem to happen often and won't require an entire day devoted to traveling there and back. However, "farm fair" was a bit of a misnomer for these girls fresh off the Vermont land!

We took the girls only since Connor was at dance (where else!) There were the usual things like bake sale and lunch sale to benefit the high school sports teams. There were lots of displays like fresh honey (complete with bee boxes); pony rides; face painting (not even close to what we are used to with our gifted friends!); hayride; and some local displays. We had a blast. It was so nice to be able to participate in something in our town, and each girl ran into a classmate while there. 

Checking out the bees. We took home some fresh honey!  

Lunch break!  

 Siobhan took a pony ride, while Aisling got her face painted.

  

  

 Face painting. 

 

 Wagon ride!

 This was a cider press. The girls LOVED it. 

 

 The cider was tasty! 

 There was a weaving loom too. The girls had a blast with that one. 

I think a trip to the textile museum may be in order! 

After the farm fair we went to Grandma Susan's house to pick up a few things and have dinner. Another benefit of moving, our family is so much closer. We are very blessed. Dinner was lovely!

 Grandma's house is located on beautiful land, with hills perfect for rolling! 

One day at a time

I keep repeating this to myself. I've also have had the good fortune of having friends repeat this to me on a regular basis. In addition, phrases like "Let go and let God" have been helpful.

But this is so hard.

I wish I could make this easier for everyone.

Although, truth be told I think the kids are okay. Kids seem to be really good at just taking things one day at a time, and handling whatever comes their way. It seems as though the adults are the ones doing all the worrying. I guess that's a good thing.

Here's an update about our plans at this moment.

Al is working in Massachusetts and has been for about a month. He's been living at his mom's house and coming home on weekends.

My final day of work in Vermont was June 13. I've been home with the kids who finished school June 14th.

I am awaiting results from the BCBA exam. They are expected out July 15th.

I will most likely be accepting an offered position which begins in Massachusetts on July 22nd. I haven't accepted the offer yet, but it's a job with the company I wanted.

In order to be approved for the loan for a new house, we need to either sell our house, or have a salaried job offer (which I won't get until I pass the exam). Once we have those things we can make an offer on a house. We cannot close on a house until I have two pay stubs.

Given the timing of these two events; we will be without a home in Massachusetts for a few weeks. (We are still hoping to be settled in our own home by the time school starts).

We will be staying at my father's house in Holden Massachusetts from July 22 until we close on our own house. I am not sure yet what we will be doing with our pets during that time. We will be looking for camps and child care for the kids.

In addition, we will be staying in MA the week of July 8th so that Aisling can participate in dance camp with her new Irish dance school.

Our house will remain on the market.

This was not my plan. My plan was to have a house of our own at the start of summer. However, this has never been my plan and I need to constantly improve on remembering that. I will do my best to take things one day at a time. I appreciate all of the help and kind words that people have been sending our way. We are so lucky to have such wonderful friends. And of course we are beyond lucky to have family members that will support us during this time. Thank you.

And the Goodbyes Begin.

I have been very overwhelmed lately. So overwhelmed that I have a lot of blogging to catch up on. However, given that the chronology police don't read this blog, I feel okay about posting things out of order. (And when I say I feel okay about it, I mean it's taken me three weeks to feel mildly comfortable with it. Did I mention I'm a perfectionist?)

This Friday was the last day of school for all of my kids. And when I say "Last day" I mean last day ever in this state. It was a very emotional day for all of us. Below are some pictures from the school day.

Connor won a game and got to take home this flag.

Aisling and her special third grade teacher Mrs. McGrath

Aisling and her other amazing teacher Mrs. Lamb

Connor and his special fifth grade teachers Mr. Schmid and Mr. Mock 

and the wonderful Mrs. Osman. 

Siobhan with Miss Allison, who was toddler teacher for both of my girls. 

Siobhan navigating the big swing all by herself! 

And the climber, her favorite thing ever!

Aisling and some of her BFF's. 

I looked over and the three of them looked like such

 little teenagers; it caught me off guard. 

 

 Finally it was time for us to leave, and time for us to present the amazing Miss Erica with some gifts. Erica had all three of my kids in Preschool. They have been at Little Feats since Connor was six months old. It was very hard to say good bye.

I know this was the first of what will be many difficult goodbyes. Moving is so very very hard. Thank you to Milton Elementary School and Little Feats Day Care and Preschool for everything you have done for my children. I cannot express everything you have done for my children.