Sep 27 2011

{ Redefined .. }

Mummy Hershey Bars (credit here)

(wreath from Etsy)

I found a house to rent in Rapid with a lease that ends next summer. Buys me some time to wait for a West Blvd home to come up for sale. The house I found sits on 3 acres, and I can only imagine how much fun I’ll have shooting out there.

Which also means I can hang pumpkin wreaths on the door and plant flowers and NOT make best friends with every contractor in town as they work to save an old house (that I am still in love with, by the way).

I have two weeks of booked fall sessions in Rapid starting Oct 7th (for all of you – watch your inbox for information. It’s time to start collaborating, which is half the fun!) and plan on getting Caeden settled into his new school. Claire will start Montessori in January and … well … we’ll be home.

I’m really doing it. I’m moving home…

Lindsay told me a few months ago that Wayne would have taken a $100,000 loss on this house and moved home in a heartbeat if it had been the other way around.

I know that is true. There is no dollar amount that justifies staying in Colorado without family (L&J are most likely moving to Casper after their baby is born in December)

The kids will be picking pumpkins out of Grandpa and Grandma’s patch, trick or treating on West Blvd (as I peek into each and every house as the door opens…ahem…), and EVERYTHING is going to be better – lunch with girlfriends, rediscovering Rapid … and letting the anxiety of doing it all alone slide away as I redefine community, family, friendships, and what it means to be a part of something wonderful.

So. Deep Breath.

Let the packing begin.

XO.

Posted in New Beginnings

12 comments

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Kati W. - September 27, 2011 - 8:06 am

Yesterday I stumbled upon your blog after seeing an amazing photo you took on pinterest. The link took me to a picture of your sister, announcing her pregnancy. Of course, it didn’t take me long to begin to read YOUR story, and I wanted you to know that it has been one of the most touching, heartfelt and honest reflections I’ve ever read.

Your photography and your writing inspired me in such a wonderful way yesterday that after I had clicked “older posts” at the bottom of each page about 200 times, I felt like I knew you. I know I don’t, and that you certainly do not know me, but I just wanted you to know that you are amazing — and that you can certainly do this. Good luck to you in Rapids, and know that there is yet another stranger looking forward to reading about your new life there.

Sincerely,
Kati W.

Tricia - September 27, 2011 - 8:45 am

I can’t wait!!

Please let me know if I can help.

Love,
T

Kacie - September 27, 2011 - 9:08 am

I wish I was there to help. This truly is music to my ears! You deserve to “not do it alone.” And I will just have to pop in and visit when I head that way in November.

Alexa - September 27, 2011 - 10:08 am

Yay! Sounds great!

Susan Valentin - September 27, 2011 - 12:17 pm

That is really great news and a very wise decision! I can’t stop smiling for you!

Beth - September 27, 2011 - 12:31 pm

You are the bravest person I know. I hope I’m just like you when I grow up:)

Mirys - September 27, 2011 - 12:50 pm

Dear Val:

I´m sooooo happy for you! All this packing and moving really puts some sparkling in our lives, isnt it true? All the possibilities… a new begging… a deep and sweet breath! Oh girl, you deserve it!!! So enjoy it!!!

I´m always here! Fingers crossed for the best to happen to you!

XXX and blessings.
Mirys
http://www.diariodos3mosqueteiros.blogspot.com
(from Brazil)

hels - September 27, 2011 - 6:31 pm

Love you Val. You deserve all the happiness in the world!!

Walburg's/Jorgensen's - September 27, 2011 - 7:22 pm

SOOOOO exctied for you and the kids! Everything happens for a reason and I am sure Dave and Donna will LOVE having you sooo close! Wishing you the best of luck as you start this new chapter!

Laura - September 28, 2011 - 9:10 am

Exactly what I would do too. You need your family close – and that includes your parents.

But didn’t you already have boxes in the garage? I’m betting you don’t have much packing …

Good luck with the move! Can’t wait to see photos.

Cassie - September 28, 2011 - 9:22 am

Hey! Shoot me an email (i had to delete all my contacts because of a nasty virus that was running ramped through them). I want to visit!

Jami - September 28, 2011 - 10:26 pm

Oh this makes my heart happy. I love this chapter in your life and know it will be one full of adventure.

In the Moment | Valerie Koop

{ Redefined .. }