Hello!

Well, we've made it! What a whirlwind of a couple of weeks: packers, movers, goodbyes, driving, lifting, heat, swimming, cancelling service, starting service, no phone, no power, register for new schools, find sheets = STRESS! Even with all this and more, it's been fun, we're all excited and the kids have been amazing. We already miss everyone in Utah, but we have been loved immediately by new friends in Arizona. So many people really are amazingly kind and good. I said I would try and do better at posting even if it's just to give a quick little update.


Hello family. Hello new friends. Hello Arizona. Hello pool! Hello home.

Goodbye...

I'm in a bit of shock and unbelief that this moment is here. I'm sitting in a house full of boxes. It's surreal that I will be leaving this house in less than 72 hours. I haven't allowed myself to be sad at leaving OUR home, OUR friends or OUR memories. I know it's the right thing to do. I've felt peace and comfort many times. I've also been blessed by so many things going right. I'm sorry for those of you who have been in the dark. Trying to sale this house was a big chore and many things have been keeping me busy since I last wrote four long months ago.

The tears are flowing freely now as I write the truth. I'm leaving. I'm starting fresh so to speak. I feel like I'm saying goodbye to Mark all over again. Even though I know it's a good thing, the pain is not gone. I still miss my best friend. It hasn't gotten any easier when different events happen and the reality of him not being here slaps me so abruptly in the face. And yet, I KNOW that he is here helping me. I know that Mark has been behind me in this decision. But as I sit here in the quiet of the night, listening to the familiar sounds of this house I know so well, my heart hurts. I try to take it all in, and soak up all the memories of this house. I never want to forget, but I'm afraid I will. I can't say more.

Our dear sweet friends are hosting an Open House Farewell for our family on Friday, July 25th from 6:00-8:00pm. The location is in our home's same circle, house #1644. We would love to say goodbye to those who can make it.

We will never be able to thank any of you enough for all the love you have given to our family. We have been very blessed, and I pray that each of you will be blessed beyond measure for the unselfish service and charity you have given. I will try to do a better job at keeping this blog updated. I hope you will keep in touch with us as well.

Goodbye friends. Goodbye family. Goodbye Draper. Goodbye Utah.
Goodbye home.