For Purple Mountain Majesty

 I checked one more time before locking the door behind me.  Kids in the car, engine running, we were heading out to run errands.  Flowers bloomed among the wood chips in front of the house, beautiful wooden shutters framed the windows.  A "For Sale" sign hung crookedly at the end of the walkway.  One short month ago, I had no idea that by October 1st I would have my earthly goods packed, our house would be sold, and we would be bound for Colorado in two weeks! I sighed, releasing the tension in my head and shoulders of a whole month of cleaning, sorting, packing, painting, and dealing with difficult people.  Whew, it felt so good to be done!  The swirling in my head subsided, and I allowed myself to savor the work of our hands.  Pure joy and excitement bubbled up in my soul, making me want to explode with giddy glee.  We are moving to COLORADO!!!!  The #1 best state to live, and Colorado Springs, the 6th best city to live in the whole country.  The place that inspired the hymn "America The Beautiful".  By far, the most beautiful part of the country I've ever seen, and I grew up in California!

It all began August 9th this summer, when our little family of five took the first vacation we had been able to plan in 3 years.  We decided on Colorado not only because everyone said it was THE vacation destination, but my sister Katie lives there and was very excited to show us around.  Our week there was epic.  We visited the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and fed giraffes and ate the world's best pineapple fro-yo; we hiked in the middle of the city of Colorado Springs in their amazing public parks, as well as the Garden of the Gods; we visited the aquarium and saw the sights of Denver, and enjoyed a wonderful relaxing time at Katie's beautiful home up in the mountains, taking the girls camping overnight for the first time (for them).  We greatly enjoyed the Coloradans' delicious cuisine and welcoming attitudes, and felt right at home.  Crossing the border back into Texas at the end of our stay, my throat swelled with sadness and I felt so heavy.  I said, half jokingly, "Honey could we move to Colorado?"

The idea of moving would not go away.  We didn't think it was possible but started looking up numbers anyway and figuring out what it would actually take to move.  The hardest part would be leaving family and friends behind in Canyon, but even then the Springs is only some three hundred odd miles away, an easy weekend visit.  TJ and I started talking to friends in the Springs and of course my sister Katie, who was ecstatic at the idea of having her nieces and nephew close by! She even came down for a weekend and was such a tremendous help packing and dragging furniture about, cooking for us and spending time with the kids.  I suggested a career change to TJ, who I knew was thoroughly unhappy at his job, and the small seed of the idea of moving grew overnight and blossomed into a full blown decision.  TJ spent hours researching statistics and every aspect of living in Colorado that he could, and I began giving away and selling items I knew we wouldn't need in case of a move.  Once we actually made the decision, getting our house ready to sell was the next step!  My sweet husband worked every evening and weekend till midnight every night, in spite of a toothache, fixing the last details of the house and painting.  I walked my feet off (over 10,000 steps per day!) finishing up a great year with my cinnamon roll business and packing to move.  I've decided to become a minimalist--how can any human need so much STUFF?!!!!!

Our home sold, cash for asking price, two days after hitting the market.  Every puzzle piece fell into place as if by magic, or maybe God wants us to leave Texas?  Even small details worked themselves out as if they had a mind of their own.  I am in awe, and even with the thrill of adventure upon me I have not once second guessed our decision to move.  I've noticed this with huge, life changing decisions.  If I never second guess it or have doubtful feelings, it's always been a good decision.  It's when I get anxious and start counting red flags is when I know I should stop and go no further!

The girls have been wildly excited for Colorado.  They loved our trip there and keep asking when we can move, and why it's taking so long.  I think they're mountain girls at heart!  I feel like little Heidi in the story Heidi by Johanna Spyri, homesick and longing for the pure air and clean living of mountain life.  Little Oliver is just taking it all in.  He hit the five month mark and brings pure delight to our family every single day.  He really liked Colorado too, as much as a baby can.  The altitude didn't bother him a bit!

We feel like for the first time ever in our lives we are choosing where to live and raise our family rather than simply following where opportunity led us.  Adios, Texas--it's been real! We are coming home at last.