I’ve mentioned a few times that we’re in the midst of packing up. In just a few days we’ll be moving into a bigger house. Not just bigger, but one that we’ll be sharing with my parents! I’m very much looking forward to this move, but I’m also discovering (again) that moving can be hard emotionally.

As we get closer to the move, my nostalgia hormones are kicking in. I’ve lived so much in this house. I know that on moving day there’s going to be some sadness as I say good-bye.

I’ve had three babies actually born in this house. We first moved in when I was pregnant with our third baby, and he’s 13 now! I’ve brought three babies home from the various places that they were born to this house. 

I’ve entertained countless guests here. We’ve had missionaries and pastors stay here. I’ve talked with other pastor and missionary wives. We’ve laughed and cried together. We’ve had our entire church over for a meal more than once.

We’ve done numerous renovations. This house was a dump when we moved in. Since then we’ve upgraded all the floors on the main level and in our bedroom. We’ve painted (and re-painted) nearly the entire house. I’ve wallpapered. We’ve totally redone the kitchen with new cupboards, adding cupboards, a new counter and backsplash. Recently we did a complete overhaul on our bedroom with in-suite bathroom (which I’m going to miss – the house we’re moving to only has one bathroom – about the only negative thing I can say about it). 

We celebrated numerous birthdays and anniversaries, Thanksgivings, New Years, etc. 

Many of my children have learned to ride bikes, skate boards, scooters, etc. in this neighbourhood. We took out the old, broken down swing set and put in a new one.

We’ve walked countless times over to the library to borrow books or participate in some library programme.

We’ve progressed from Kindergarten all the way to Grade 12 here, but our first graduation party will be at the new house. 

I’ve had a great little garden here both vegetable in my backyard and plants and bushes in my front yard. Some years we had a great harvest. Others years I wasn’t quite sure what I had done wrong, but clearly something was off. Sigh. I’m not a great gardener, but I do enjoy it.

Our living room is sunk down one step, and we’ve watched baby after baby learn to escape.

We survived the Northeast blackout in August 2013 where we lost power for about a day. Then in 2013 we survived the loss of electricity for a couple of days due to an ice storm. We were blessed. Some people went two weeks without electricity.

I know that I will make new memories in our new house, but right now that’s all it is to me – a house. Soon though it will begin to feel like home. We’ll make new memories there. For right now though, I’m just a little sad at leaving this house. I’m glad I have the memories and the pictures to back them up.

Does moving make you sad or excited?