It's Starting to Look Like Home

We had our first real-sit-at-a-table dinner. I made chili and fried green tomatoes. I thought it was befitting for our first southern meal. The girls are have started school. They both have about 900 students a piece. Hope was fortunate to have her new friend Hannah's area and home room. Her new classmates all assumed we lived by the beach (hey doesn't everyone?!). She is adapting well. Grace is a real trooper since she know no one in this state her age.

I have got lost a few times today. I wound up at the zoo, heading out to the smokies and going in the direction of South Carolina at certain points. I made a few people snicker when I asked if the hills were the Smokies. They informed me it was just a hill. Oh well. What is so great about this area is it has a lot of concerts. Switchfoot is coming next week and halloween night a Christian band Elevntyseven will be performing in the Walmart parking lot (which one-I have no idea).

With our stuff being slowly unpacked it is looking a feeling more like home. The weather is still good and everyday it seems the leaves change a little more. I have found my favorite grocery stores-I found one that carries every kind of grain and soy product. It's like Trader Joe's (my old favorite) only bigger. All the stores carry things I used to have trouble finding. While shopping at the store right down the street Grace came running down the aisle exclaiming 'they have grey sea salt'! Only my kids would get excited over cous cous and sea salt.

-Tina

We're Finally Connected

Well after much research we have finally settled on a company to provide our phone service. We were looking for the very best deal and have settled on ComCast. We now have phone and high speed internet, finally connected to the rest of the world. Until yesterday we were accessing a wireless signal from somewhere around us. We were able to access the internet and check emails, but could only do so by sitting in our living room. We now have our own access and have connected our wireless router. It is great to sit anywhere in our home and surf the net.
I am doing pretty well at finding my way around Knoxville. It helps to have to drive around as part of my job. I must do weekly checks on 8 residential care homes. Sertoma does alot of training. I am still working to complete my online stuff it is hard to find time to do this. On Monday and Tuesday I will be attending a Medication Certification training. I cannot dispense meds until I have passed this training. It's a BIG deal! I will be glad to get this one completed.
Earlier this week our stuff arrived from California. It was a very stressful day. I called the truck driver on Monday evening to find out how close he was. He said he was just crossing into Missouri. We discussed our street and his getting his truck up to our home. He said if he was unable to it would cost us an extra $250.00 for him to rent a moving van and also pay for someone to help him. We left this conversation there and I asked him to call us when he got closer. Tina and I decided to rent our own U-Haul on Tuesday morning. I again called the driver to let him know about the U-Haul he said he would be here about 1:00 Pm. He arrived at about 4:30 Pm. They loaded the stuff in the U-Haul and we took it to the house to unload it ourselves. Before they unloaded his truck, the driver told me it was still going to be $150.00. I asked him "For what?" He said because they had to unload it again at our house. I was pleased to tell him "we're going to take it from here". He seemed suprised. Needless to say he did not get any extra money from us that day. It feels so good to have everyone and everything here!
The bad news-on Wednesday the Volvo had some major problems. I was on my way back to Sertoma when I heard a pop sound. Shortly after that I looked in the rearview mirror and saw smoke behind my car as I was pulling into the parking lot. It is still sitting at Sertoma. I think it lost all the oil. The smoke was the result of oil dripping on the exhaust pipe. I am waiting to find out what the damage is. I hope it is nothing major, but feel it might just be. Now that the scooter is here, I have to get it registered and new tires. It will then be ready to roll. Fun is on the way!!!

Weather-it is starting to get cool here in Tennessee and Fall is finally in the air.

-Norm

Are We Home Yet?

We have now been here a week and a half. We finally got beds last night. You appreciate the little things when they are gone. We are buying things super slow -since we are debt free with the exception of a liveable mortgage, we are not putting anything on credit. I am telling you after "camping" indoors for so long, it was really tempting to not go for the 'no down payment no payments to 2008' thing.

I have now ventured out beyond the library and am starting to get my bearings. Hey, there is even talk about our stuff coming this Tuesday! Tonight we actually went into downtown Knoxville (about a eight minute drive from the house) and did the "touristy" thing. We went to the Sunsphere and World's Fair Park-all built for the 1982 World Fair hosted by Knoxville. It has a great view and is so nice to know there is tons to show visitors (if we get some). Downtown looks somewhat like San Francisco sans the fish smell and sourdough bread.

We did something that I would deem southern; we went to a home show. Imagine our suprise to walk in and find actual homes in the convention center. Mobile homes as far as the eye can see. Jokes on us. On the flip side the downtown area boasts gorgeous live theaters and beautiful stone cathedrals.

It so funny driving around looking at all the sights. I know I am here, but Norm and I both feel like we are still just visiting. I still can't believe we pulled this off. The girls seem real happy to. Grace was missing Red Bluff at first but now she keeps thanking me for moving here.

I went to register the girls at school. They are actually on vaction this next week so they will start next week. We went to Hope's school for drama club sign ups and she will audition for a play next week. She is very excited. Plus we found out the band is going to Disneyworld this April. What's pretty cool is without all the distractions, Hope and Grace (and all of us, for that matter) have gotten closer. Hey, its hard to fight with the only kid that sounds like you. We have quite a few people stop us and ask us where we are from.

-Tina

Tennessee Y'ALL

The night we spent in Memphis, I was able to get online and give Norm the number to where we were staying. It was great to hear his voice. To our suprise our house was closing earlier than anticipated and we could stay there the following night! The catch: I had to be in Knoxville by 2:45 that day. It it were just me, the four hundred mile trip wouldn't be a problem but, just before Knoxville the time changes to eastern time zone so we lose another hour. We were on our way at 7am and got there with 15 minutes to spare.

I met the best realtor ever: Lisa Tolman who has gone above and beyond for this little adventure. We went turned on water and electricity, picked up Lisa's thirteen year old daughter Hope has been emailing, and headed to our new house. It was weird to have to ask which one it was!

We all really liked it (okay the pink carpet and walls are a little much). It had everything we wanted. Hope is thrilled; she actually gets the master bedroom with her own full bathroom and we get the bottom floor to ourselves. Norm did a great job. It is about a country mile to the main town down a country road lined with brick colonials and it is only a 15 min drive to work for Norm.

So there we were, our new home that overlooks beautiful treed hills. I think I was so worried about the actual move out I didn't give the move in much thought. We pretty much still have just the clothes on our backs with no furniture and ways of communication. Alone in a completely new town without even a phone book. Norm tried his best to show me around. But with an area bigger that Sacramento, it will take awhile. The most frustrating thing is me. I want everything to come together today. I have to remind myself that it will all come together in time.

We have been here for a few days now, no phone (hey, we got a phone book), no garbage, no furniture. We did buy a washer. This is starting over at its definition. I have n0 way to cook (sure, I know that might sound great, but after while, its not). I am hoping to have a phone soon (although all our stuff is in storage in Sacramento, why, I don't know). We have only been able to get online at a fast food restaurant as well. Our speech definatly stands out. One girl stopped to listen to us talk (how does my realtor know its me as soon as I say hello).

The girls haven't started school yet. All we still have our summer clothes. And while the weather is just perfect (low 80s to mid 70s), we are not prepared.

But I complain. I really like Knoxville. I think I will like it even better when I get my bearings down. The house is great and the girls seem to be happy (who wouldn't be after 11 days in a car with Mitchell; he's fine too).

-Tina

New Mexico

We made it to the place where Bugs Bunny kept messing up in all his cartoons; Albuerqueque New Mexico. New Mexico is really pretty if your into rocks. I was into rocks for the first two hours then I would have killed to see a tree. In NM, I woke up to take Mitchell on one his many many bathroom breaks, went outside to a glorious sight; about twenty hot air balloons above our hotel. I turned on the tv to see what was happening. I think we were the only people in the southwest to not know what was going on. It is a week-long hot balloon celebration held annually called the Fiesta Balloon Celebration. About 7oo,ooo people attend this event and it was spectacular. There were balloons of all colors and shapes; even a Darth Vadar one.

We rushed off to go check it out. Very cool.

In my rush I either left behind my cell phone or it has mysteriously disappeared in the car (if you saw the car, you would completely understand how this could happen). From this point on I no longer could contact Norm or anyone for that matter. On top of that we are staying at all motel 6s on the way since they are pet friendly. From Ca. on, no Motel 6 has wifi. When I asked in Oklahoma they didn't even know what I was talking about. So I have each morning (after taking Mitchell for a walk of course), I went in search for a signal to keep in contact with Norm. The strangest place was connecting to a gun club in Oklahoma City.

Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas were thankfully, uneventful. We have beening driving about six hours a day and then getting a room for the rest of the time. I am trying to time our arrival at the same time we move into the house. So we have been taking our time. We are now in central time zone and trying to get used the change. We spent the night in Russellville AK. It is very pretty. I do believe this is where my mom's relative's live. True arkies; you know, turkey feet nailed to the inside walls as decorations, holes in the floors, no plumbing. Yes, this is the sturdy stock I come from. My parents had visited a few years back and brought back video. It was unbelievable.

Memphis
We arrived in TN on Wednesday, ten days of travel. I have got some strange looks from hotel staff when I explain what we are doing. It sometimes overwhelms me too. Everything rests on my shoulders, and it weighs down on me. I thought I would be more sad on this journey but I have been so busy decided where and when to stop, what way to go, I haven't had time.

I bought girls MP3 players for the trip. This has been interesting; each girl singing at the top of their lungs to different songs. It is a lot like that scene in the movie RV. The girls have done great, it has been stressful on all of us and we have had our moments, but all in all, I could not ask for better traveling companions. If only one of them could drive. Some alone time would be nice too. I have had them and the dog only feet away from me the entire time. Oi vey.

Why Are You Moving?

I have been needing to post this for quite some time.

One of the most difficult things a person could do is to leave the security of their hometown. I had lived in Red Bluff, California my whole life. It represented a place of security. It was the place I met my wife. The place where we were married and where we have been raising our daughters. We purchased a house and made it a home. We had been involved in the girl's schools and ministry. I had a great job that I really enjoyed.

So why move?

We had been talking about moving since the summer of 2006. The question was "where would we like to live, if we didn't live here"? Last summer we flew to Tennessee, first flying into Memphis, heading to Nashville and ending the trek in Knoxville. On the way back to Memphis, our family discussed which city we liked best. We all agreed on Knoxville and began researching the city. We looked at real estate, into employment opportunities and the possibilities of starting a business. All areas looked very promising.
We placed our home up for sale, but with the slow real estate market-no one was coming to see it.
In May, while on my way home from the races at the Shasta District Fair, I sensed God said to me "get out of here". I was not praying or doing anything "spiritual" just riding my scooter. When I arrived home, I told Tina about this message. We discussed putting our home on the auction block. This can be a very nervous thing and it was for us as well.
One Saturday before the auction I was out pulling weeds in a planter at our church. Again I feel I heard God's voice "Do not worry. I am going before you and preparing the way". That sure felt good, but was this really God speaking or is it just me? Again, I shared this message with Tina.
The day of the auction came and our family took a trip to the mountains during the actual auction. This was a nervous time. Our house was selling with no minimum! A few hours later we arrived back to the house to find we had done well. God was making a way! However, the actual money changing hands seemed to take FOREVER. When we moved out, we moved in with our pastors. I stayed there until I left for Tennessee. Tina and the girls stayed there awhile longer. Being in their home was such a blessing.
I gave my two weeks notice to the Opportunity Center. I wished it could have been a month notice because that is what was needed. The next week Hope got a very serious eye infection that required us to stay for at least three more weeks. My last day of work at the Opportunity Center was August 31. I left for Tennessee the following Thursday with no job or house to go to. Heading for a job interview with the promise that God was going before us and not to worry. I guess you can call it a "Peter Experience" (Matthew 14) but I can not afford to look down. To this point everything seems to have fallen into place. The only major challenges have been camping, missing my family and them bringing Mitchell across the United States.
I got the job I drove across the United States to interview for. We should be signing papers to purchase a house this Thursday. Until then I am staying at the home of our realtor. I guess you could call it house sitting until the family arrives.
God has been true to His word. It remains to be seen how He will use us here, but I do believe this is the place and this is the time. We are blessed.

-Norm

Grand Canyon

Today we headed out to the Grand Canyon. Before that, we stopped by Bedrock City just outside of the Grand Canyon. When I was little, I visited the Grand Canyon. Do I remember it? No. I remember the cheesiest little joint; Bedrock City. So we stopped by.
When we got out to look at the Grand Canyon we were amazed. I think all of us asked if it was real. It was so stunning it looked like a portrait. This in itself was eventful but add Mitchell in the mix and you've got something. Mitchell's front paws never touched the ground he was pulling so hard on his leash. Both Hope and I have blisters. He never let up. It was difficult to enjoy the wonder all around me when I was practically carrying Mitchell. I envied all the dog owners with their mellow dogs. It was tempting to throw a ball over the edge and see what happens, but the girls said no.

By the way, it is way cold 60s and low 70s with very gusty winds. We were not prepared for that.

-Tina

The Happiest Place On Earth?

The following day we were to go to Disneyland. I had purchased tickets in advanced and Mitchell had received his shots the day we left so we could kennel him at Disneyland. We were set to go; our motel was in eye shot of the park. I went down to the car to get Mitchell's paperwork; it was nowhere to be found. The girls and I scoured the car and the motel. It looked like a robbery gone horribly awry.

After giving into my emotions for a moment, I decided (Hope said it aloud first, so I am giving her the credit), to call the vet and have them fax his paperwork to the motel. Ah, a moment of lucidity. Paper in hand, we were able to kennel him and enjoy the remainder of the day at Disneyland.

The next day Grace tripped over Mitchell's leash (it's always Mitchell) and sprained her wrist. Painful joints aside, we loaded up to travel to Las Vegas. Everyone knows Vegas is the place for kids and a dog. Just as we were leaving, the air conditioner started making a terrible noise and smell. I would bet Mitchells next dog treat it is a belt. So we had to cross the desert with no air at all. We made it, drove around the strip and eventually headed for Flagstaff. There are many other pretty darn funny stories, but I promised my traveling companions I would not embarass them on this blog (mitchell is so sensitive).

-Tina

Tina's Turn

The only time I've ever blogged was for school, but I felt it was time. With Norm safely settled in Knoxville, gainfully employed and on our way to being homeowners once again, (yes, sight unseen for me), it was time for me, Hope, Grace and Mitchell (yes, Mitchell) to move.

These past several weeks have been quite interesting. Norm and I have been married for so long, you grow accustomed to things. Gone is the person who takes out the garbage, checks the fluid levels, help raise the kids, dicipline Mitchell, finding my keys. No more 'honey, could you..'

I have talked big up to this point. Heck yea, I'm going to move along across country with the girls and Mitchell (yes, Mitchell). When I packed up the car (it took all three of us to close the trunk), reality sunk in. I was alone, going a way I've never gone, to house I've never seen, to a place I know only one person; my favorite person, but still just one person.

Our trip down to Disneyland was pretty uneventful with the exception of stopping at every rest area down the 5. It was like traveling with a pregnant lady in her third trimester after drinking a venti mocha (I have had a lot of time to think that analogy up). What normally took us nine hours took twelve.

By the time I got into Anaheim, I was exhausted. The week of very little sleep had hit. For past week I have been so worried that I would forget something major like taking the kids out of school or closing the bank account, forgetting Mitchell (well, that would be ok). I was so tired I couldn't find our motel. I was beside myself. I gave up a desparate prayer and within a few seconds I found myself on the right road about one quarter mile from our motel. Sometimes thats the way God does things, others not so fast.

I am still pretty tired from having to take Mitchell at four in the morning for a walk, but at least we made it here. Only 2200 miles to go.

-Tina