I expect to be all settled in by mid July.

Moving. It's right up there on the fun scale, tied with the years I had three kids in elementarily school that all had to conduct in depth science fair projects, complete with the tri-fold cardboard backdrop displays the week before spring break. Good times. (Seriously, next time I have to move, I think I will just sell all of my worldly belongings except my shoes and start over from scratch.)

Oh, and a bit of advice to any of you out there planning a move- keep a bag or box in a spot you can find (like the back seat or trunk of your car) with a pair of pliers, a wrench, and a screwdriver. Trust me, you'll need these items more than once as you dismantle and reassemble your washer and dryer, your bed, and that darling little corner desk that needs the legs removed to get it through the doorway to your office. If you forget this tip, you'll be frantically searching for a butter knife that is also in some unmarked box to get those legs off that desk. ( Please, don't ask me how I know this.)

Another challenge I had not anticipated- hooking up the cable box to my television and actually getting the desired result of good clear reception with accurate color quality. Sounds easy to you? Well, trust me. It's not. Mmm hmm, my television is working, but all of the people on all of the stations look the exact shade of blue as Papa Smurf. (What is up with that?!) Oh, I am sure I have some wrong plug in somewhere, or a do-hickey that needs to be adjusted, but it's just one more frustration I do not need right now.

As for the unpacking part of the move..well, I am over it, already, people. Forget unpacking. I want to decorate and accessorize...I want to nest. (I have my priorities in life straight, thankyouverymuch.) It's winter in the pacific northwest, for gosh sakes. It's cold, and it even rained here yesterday. That's nesting weather in my book. I want this ridiculous unpacking to be done yesterday. I am ready to feel the warm hug of welcome and security each and every time I open the door to my new home.

Seriously, I am pretty sure that my packed moving boxes are mating and multiplying every night while I am in bed asleep. I have roughly unpacked about 472 boxes, or at least that is what it feels like (and from the looks of my garage I am not off by more than two or three) and as of now, I still have not unearthed the beaters to my mixer, nor the pillow shams for my bed. 472 boxes down, 365 to go.

Happily, what I did stumble across, was my collection of Christmas stockings. I have more than one for myself and for Moose because..well, because, I think they are such a charming holiday adornment, and they bring back fond memories of childhood. I hang them on the mantel in the living room, of course, but also, sometimes I hang them on the backs of my dining room chairs, and I like to hang one at the foot of my bed.

I actually had quite a dilemma this year, because my new home has a second fireplace in the bedroom and I was torn as to whether to hang my stocking there, or on the bed. In the end though, I couldn't resist hanging it on the foot board of my bed, as always. It's makes me feel all warm and fuzzy every time I walk into my bedroom.

It's beginning to feel like I am really home.

Comments

[Susan]

You have a fireplace in the bedroom? Oh, I would love that! The stocking on your footboard is charming and dreamy.
I remember packing and unpacking when we moved into our house. not. fun.
But, what a great feeling when it was finally done! You're getting there, Tracey!
Before long you'll be feeling at home and revelling in the joy of your home sweet home!
Blessings!

[Sara]

Oh Tracey! I can just imagine how miserable it is to have to do all that horrible unpacking when you should be putting up a Christmas tree. A fireplace in your bedroom almost makes it worth it though, huh?

I've been reading your blog for years, following your journey and I have to say that you are almost at the finish line. You went from devastation to coping to thriving and now you are slowly making your dreams come true.

Hang in there hon- I have a feeling that you'll be all settled in in no time.

Sara
www.shinyredhouses.blogspot.com

[Tina]

I'm sure your new home will be lovely in no time at all! We just moved 1,500 miles and we are currently in a rental. It takes a lot of joy out of the unpacking process, for sure! You know, all that joy! haha

Thanks for sharing when I know you are exhausted!

[Maggie]

Hi Tracey,
Just reading about your move and unpacking is making me tired. This is probably due to the fact that in the Spring I will be doing the same thing. (groan).
Love the idea of a fireplace in the bedroom..... you lucky girl.

[sharon grant]

I hope you are happy in your new home , alot of changes in one year hu?

[Andrea]

You're getting there, one box at a time. I can't understand how you get as much done, as quickly as you do.

[Diane]

Ohh Tracey thx for checking in with all your friends in blogland. And I am going to also be happy for you with your bedroom fireplace can just hear the crackling fire as you have all your mags and fav books tumbled on your cozy bed. And I am so impressed you even know what to do with your tools. Alas not one of my talents but I do attempt if hubby is not around. Give Moose a kiss on his soft nose for me. So happy for you girlfriend! You make us proud.

[Jill]

I feel your pain Tracey! We moved in October, and I don't think we'll be unpacked before mid July either! Partly because we're working on the house, but it's so frustrating trying to find certain things. I don't know how many times we had to run out and buy things we know we already have - somewhere!

[Marietta Hoschak]

Tracey.... I am so looking forward to your decorating.... I know your home will be worth all the planning and work you place into it... It will all come.... Take time to enjoy the season....

[The Sewing Queen]

I'm with you kiddo. I'm looking forward to seeing the decorated new home. Who cares if we decide to eat off paper plates as long as long as we can enjoy your wonderful Christmas decorations. How many trees this year? Remember when you had at least two? It'll be so much fun because we'll all be together.

[Sally]

I hear ya' about moving! We just moved from the west coast to the Midwest. This time we sold or gave away most of our things that filled a 2,800 square foot, 3-car garage home. We only took what could fit in one POD (6x8x16 ft.). And I have to say, it was a good feeling! A POD fills up quickly, so I was forced to look at everything carefully. Do I really love this enough to move it again? Now that we are settled here, I don't even miss or remember most of that stuff! It is a great feeling to streamline! I hope your settling in goes quickly! I know it is one big pain.

[Cheryl]

Hi Tracey, I know what you are going through! My last move, which I hope will be my last for a long, long time, I vowed if I have to move again I am getting rid of everything and starting over. And by the way, the boxes do multiple while we sleep. I know this for a fact. Hope you get your basics put away and have a little time to do some decorationg and enjoy the holiday. And hope it feels like "home" real soon.

[Debbie V.]

Tracey,

A fireplace in your bedroom - how wonderful!!I can defnitely sympathize with you moving this time of the year as we moved at Christmas three times in a four year period because of my husband's job. Hang in there - it will all work out!

[Carol P.]

Maybe you can breath a little bit now. God bless your day.

[seanymph]

I have packers coming Thursday and Movers coming Friday. I have no idea where Im going to land and will be temporarily with my bfs folks. You however are home. Remember that when your unpacking, your so lucky.

You will be settled by the time Im trying to find that butter knife to screw something together....the butter knife someone else packed and knows where it is lol

[Gaia klass]

Hang in there! It will all get done one box at a time! The stocking on your bed is darling. Oh, how i would love a fireplace in my bedroom!

[Carter's mama]

Love love love the bed!!!!

[Cindy~My Romantic Home]

I was feeling sorry for you until I got to the part about you having a fireplace IN YOUR BEDROOM! There will no sympothy from me, only envy! haha..I'm only kidding!

I always make sure I know where my coffee pot, coffee grinder, coffee filters and my coffee beans are when I move! I need my coffee! I learned that leason the first time I moved!

[Cindy~My Romantic Home]

Oops I misspelled "sympathy"!

[Bambi]

You're home. You are really home now. Completely unpacked or not, I'm sure it's wonderful. Can't wait until you feel settled enough to start sharing your new home one room at a time. I am so happy for you.

[nicki]

I am so happy for you. I have been following your blog for a few months and have gone through and read from the beginning. You inspire me. I have had my own challenges this year and in 2010 there will be more. I admire your attitude, your good and thoughtful life decisions and look where you are now?! Close to your family and your beautiful grandchildren. (And that fireplace in the bedroom!!!) Sending warm wishes for this holiday......

[Elaine L.]

In my book, one . . . can . . . NEVER . . .
have too many Christmas stockings.

A fireplace in the bedroom, how romantic, you lucky gal!

I am so looking forward to watching your new place evolve.

~elaine~

[Carrie]

Due to unforseen circumstances we have moved...9 times in the last 15 years....I can totally relate...urggg...but it sounds as if you can see the end in sight. Yeah! And two fireplaces....how lucky!

Loved Camas Antiques...can't wait to get back there again soon!

Stay Cozy, Carrie

[Karen]

You make moving sound like so much fun lol! I have only moved a couple times in my life, and I used to think it would be exciting to move all over the place all the time. NOW, I'm rooted for life, living on property my dad bought the year I was born! Karen

[Sharon]

Just think how much like home it will feel by Christmas ... and you can start making new memories.

[Vicki]

HEY, no dilemma...just buy MORE stocking for the fireplace!! That's what I'd do (O:
I may be making a life change and moving soon. Not looking forward to it but I've moved before and know you really do survive..
Have fun with your new home and keep sharing.

[Barbra]

Now THAT was a grrrrreat "read" Tracey; proving that you DID unpack your sense of humour in it all! :o) Hope you don't wear yourself out trying to get it all done at once Tracey -- a "Silent Night" is somewhere between the boxes. xx

May your Nest be Blessed Tracey,
Barbra ---

[Julie from Kindred Spirit Soap Co.]

Tracey, let me know if you need some help. It will be like a treasure hunt :)
Julie, Kindred Roses

[AJ Finsand]

Ah, not to worry my new NW friend! You'll have this 'nesting weather' until mid July!!! And it won't be long before you'll start feeling 'caged in' bu it. Not to worry then either, because when the sun DOES shine up here, it IS GLORIOUS!

aj

P.S. Haven't forgotten I still have your bag of stuff.