Acclimating to a new life

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

Oh, I've missed "seeing" you! :) We've been slowly acclimating to a new home, a new yard, a new schedule, a new everything since our big move and Michael's first few weeks as a pastor. I'm very behind in so many, many things - and that's because I've made our daughter's transition a top priority. She's doing well, but missing friends and family - and I'm working hard to get routines in our new life: chores, playtime, meal preparation, quiet time, etc.

Our new home is much much larger than our little apartment was, so chore time is very different from before. Every day Alannah takes care of her cat, empties the flatware from the dishwasher, makes her bed, puts away her clean laundry and uses the Dirt Devil on the wood floors. She often helps with dinner preparation. These tasks are very rewarding to her, although some she does on her own and others she needs prompting or even pushing.

I'm hoping to enroll her in summer day camps, and I've already signed her up for special days at the children's book store. We haven't checked out the library yet because we've discovered that we have LOTS of books that were packed away. But I do want to see if there are summer programs at the library for her.

All of this is to say that I've barely been on my PC this week. I'll jump on the board when I can, but I wanted to explain why I haven't been around much.

I hope you are having a blessed season in your life!! It's a SEASON OF THE HEART for me! :)

[Bek, aka opeysmama]

Stacey I'm so so so happy that your life is so blessed, okay hectic right now but blessed! YOU do what YOU need to do for YOU and YOUR FAMILY!! :) We are always here and love you no matter what. Oh yeah we miss you like crazy, but we all know that our time allotment here comes and goes at times. HUGS!! So happy to hear all the positive reports!! Keep leaning on God and he'll hold you up there girl!!

Love you my sister!

[ArtcTrish]

We've all missed you so long, some time with "us" is better than none! You are such a great mom!!!! Good luck unpacking!

[Amy Eileen]

It's so good that you are focusing so much on Alannah right now, she definitely needs it. I am sure she will have lots of friends in your new home in no time. Sounds like she has a lot of structure in her life and that's going to help her considerably. :)

[Sandersmr]

Summer is a tough time in some ways to move because you don't have the routine of school and meeting friends that way. So we understand the need to spend a lot more time with Alannah. I hope you are getting some photos so that when things settle down, you will have plenty of material to scrap!!!

[showme]

Stacey, it is soooo easy to see that you are a #1 mother and #1 wife. What an example you are setting for us, even while you're not scrapping. I KNOW firsthand how hard it is to get established in a new community, and my prayers are that each family member will quickly establish new friendships. No one, until you are in this position, can realize the value of a place like DSAG.

[yhalos]

Oh Stacey, we've waited so long for your return just knowing you are here is uplifting. You do have your priorities straight and I admire that. You are an exemplary mom, there should be more like you and maybe the world be be a whole lot better for it. Hope you acclimate to your new home and surroundings quickly....lots of love and blessings Yolanda

[rlma]

Stacey, we completely understand! Family is first for all of us, so getting your new stage in life on track should be a priority for you. We will all be here when you can!

[Jen]

Totaly understand family should come first. Just enjoy your time getting use to everything in your new home & area. Pop on when you can.

[Scraplikecrazy]

Gosh Stacey, I'm just glad I found you. I've been looking all over for you, then I finally found you here. So, I'm new to this site, but this looks like an amazing place to be. It seems very intimidating, and I'm sure I'm not nearly as artisitic as everyone here, but it looks like I can learn at lot here and I'm excited to start diving in.

[Debb Cozzi]

Oh DON'T be intimidated!!! We welcome ALL levels of scrappers...we really are just about helping each other grow in our skills, no matter where you are starting out!! I'm happy you found Stacey too! and look forward to your contributions. Please know that you will be warmly welcomed!!!

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

Gosh Stacey, I'm just glad I found you. I've been looking all over for you, then I finally found you here. So, I'm new to this site, but this looks like an amazing place to be. It seems very intimidating, and I'm sure I'm not nearly as artisitic as everyone here, but it looks like I can learn at lot here and I'm excited to start diving in.

MARIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW ARE YOU?? I'm so geeked to see you here!! Welcome!!!

[Stephanie]

Ok, I must have replyed to this in my dreams...

Stace, its such a big transition! I hope Alannah can settle in soon, and I hope Michael's schedule lightens up. I for one know how hard chruch work can be, how demanding it is, and how its sooo NOT an 8 to 5 job....and I wasn't even a minister! It takes special people who have to be different to work as ministers and overseeers of the Lords flock.

Much love...

[vanillalatte]

Oh, Stacey!!! We totally understand!! It's so wonderful just knowing that you are here and part of our family, you go do what you need to do and we'll be here waiting when you're ready to come back! Hugs to you, sweetie!

[Scraplikecrazy]

MARIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW ARE YOU?? I'm so geeked to see you here!! Welcome!!!

LOL, I'm good, and so thrilled that I tracked you down, take care of yourself and your family, I know how exhausting moving and transition can be. I'm ready to pick up learning great things from you!
Maria

[Donna]

We're all here to learn.........I learn so much from everyone here!

[Birgit Kerr]

I'm with Stephanie ... I thought I replied to this too lol
Anyways, yes, moving is hard, especially for a little girl, especially during the summer vaccations. It's just harder to make friends and everything is new and mommy and daddy aren't established yet either .... but it sounds like you're making good progress! Just pop in when you get a minute and say HI! We'll be here ... waiting ... ;) {{{{Hugs}}}}}