Moving: Week 5

July 7, 2009

It's crunch time. The movers and the renters will be arriving next week. The kids are bored, bickering like crazy, and watching too much tv. The house is in absolute chaos as we sort and separate everything we own: stuff going to Italy and stuff going to storage. And in the midst of all of this I decided we needed to paint and re-upholster all of the furniture I have been picking up on the side of the road or at garage sales. Why didn't I do this sooner? Since Noah's eyes are healing so well and since he is going a little bonkers at home I was able to sign him up for camp around the corner from our house. He will start today and I think that will be a very good thing. Camille will be spending some time with our neighbor who recently went through babysitter training and that will also be a good thing. Just too crazy for them and for me to have them in this pit of chaos and expect them to behave and be happy. What was I thinking? Note to self for future moves: sign the kids up for summer camp before and during moving week and no more surgeries right before moving.

Update: July 8th
Thank you, friends. It is stressful but just a few more days and this stage will all be done...that's my mantra this week!

Happy to report we were all much happier at the end of yesterday. Noah was made camper of the day on his very first day of camp. Camille is counting down to when she can "babysit" the girl next door...she seems to think she is the babysitter! My mom and I have been making progress. Just gotta keep going. Have I mentioned yet that I am a packrat and it is a good thing we move every three years? I can't imagine what this would be like if we had lived in one place for 20 years. Oh wait, actually I can. I have several good family examples of what that would be like. Another reason to work through this painful stage of moving. Ok, back to sorting, seperating, and dreaming of Sicily.
Karen said...

I feel you! Also, when returning from overseas don't move in with family member who has already agreed to host other family members-- too many people under one roof! And, never try to buy a house over a holiday weekend with all family members present! And don't rely on a relatives car, internet, or printer working. Aiyaya! This has been a crazy rtn to the US. I wish I was going back to Sicily with you!!

Cami said...

Oh dear. This makes me scared. I have a feeling my kids will spending an abundance of time at my mom's and sister's. But really, how often can I drive them over there? There is plenty to be done all day long! I don't know where to start . . .

katy said...

I couldn't have done the move without my in-laws. They took the kids from morning until bedtime. And ran errands. It was a life saver!

Oh, remember to buy any over-the-counter medicines you use or ones for the kids (Tylenol, etc) OTC meds must be purchased at a pharmacy and many need a prescription. Bring contact solution too (if you use it) This must be purchased at the Ophthalmologist here, not sure about Italy, though. Can you buy all this stuff on the base there? If so ignore me :)

Thinking of you and wishing all the best.

Gemelli in Sicilia said...

Totally feel you too and we have only moved across the county not country or to another country. I am excited for you all and cannot wait to help guide you in Sicilia!

Unknown said...

Ugh! Good luck with all that, but just think, soon you will be in beautiful Sicily!

Anonymous said...

Oh you sound very stressed. I think the camp and babysitter will be a good thing. I don't know how you do it with all the kids running around in whiny mode. (Oh wait, that's my kids being in whiny mode, sorry) Good luck on that down hill slide. You'll get there. Hopefully with everything you need too.

I was just reading about a family moving to Ethiopia to do some mission work. THey could only carry so many rubber tubs of 'stuff'. (clothes,books,dishes,etc) They had to cut back in a big way. She said the only thing she misses is books. My point? Make sure you get the necessities, the things you can't live without. THe rest will fall into place.

Jan

Corinne said...

I'm glad you updated so I could know that it worked out okay. I'm sure you just keep dreaming of how you will be living in ITALY SOON!!!!

Mom said...

Congratulations to Noah on his "Camper of the Day" Award! Way to Go!!
I love that Camille thinks that she is the babysitter. She must feel very empowered.
Glad you have your Mom there to help you with the sorting and packing and that it is almost over.

Anonymous said...

Good job Noah! Anytime Camille wants to babysit at our house, send her over. She and Ansley can compete to be IN CHARGE.

Jan

Emily said...

Oh gosh, I can remember feeling this way when we moved. It's a tough one, especially with kids, but rest assured all the hassle will be forgotten once you're actually here. Good luck! (oh, and I love your blog!)

Clan Mac Mama said...

Oh Lucia, I totally understand. I'm trying to figure out why I wasted the last month of staying at the beach running the roads looking for a house to buy and we just ended up renting anyway. UGH. Anyway, it will be over soon and you'll be lounging by the sea in Sicily. :-) I am sending happy travel vibes your way and praying for a safe journey and easy move.
Ciao,
Tiff

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