Today marks ONE YEAR of living in Minnesota. I knew nothing about this state except that it gets really, really cold. However, in spite of the cold, we still really, really like this place!
So far I’ve crossed nine items off my TOP 25 Minnesota Bucket List. I now want to add AT LEAST 50 more things to that list. I’m truly surprised at how much there is to do and see in Minnesota!
This morning, the 3 big boys and I went to breakfast and talked about the things we’ve loved most, the things that have been hardest, and the moments we remember most.
What we love most about Minnesota:
The people who have welcomed us! We also enjoy living close to the Mall of America. They boys could fish every day – so living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes comes in pretty handy! George’s favorite restaurant is Portillos and he was thrilled to find it here. Ted is thriving in his role at Target. I’ve enjoyed exploring a new state and discovering all the beauty and history here. We are also thankful for our new church.
Moments we remember:
Our neighbors intentionally stopping by to say hello and new friends inviting us into their homes or onto their porch for a drink.
The hard part:
Moving is hard too. The hardest was saying goodbye to beautiful Colorado Springs, our amazing friends and a church we loved. Clark said, “I miss walking into church where everyone knows my name.” (He and I are the SAME. We love to know and be known.)
I’m thankful to have discovered that Minnesota NICE is a real thing. I’m grateful for this journey with Ted, and the brave and courageous #eglyboys. Living a life of an adventure with them is more than I could ever ask for!
One year ago, New Life Church was hosting an amazing children’s/family ministry conference called The Gathering. It was during this conference that my husband accepted a job with Target, which meant we’d be moving to Minnesota.
I love Colorado, and I also loved working with this team at New Life. I was struggling with the idea that this chapter would be ending soon.
On the last night of the conference (last year), each person who helped lead the conference was given a box of cereal from Dr. Michelle Anthony – my (former) boss and Family Ministry Pastor. She gave me a box of S’mores and told me that she would like S’more of me. It took everything in me not to burst into tears right then. Just a couple days later, I’d be sharing the news that we’d be moving and she’d be getting S’less, not S’more.
I went home from the conference and shared how I was feeling with Ted. He encouraged me to come back to the conference in 2019 and volunteer.
So this year, I went to Colorado for a Volunteer Vacation! I came to assist, learn, and connect with my New Life friends!
When I first arrived in Colorado Springs – tears filled my eyes. This city has such a special place in my heart, and I was so happy to be back.
The morning of the conference, I drove over to New Life Church with my friend Holly, and helped with the last minute details. All morning I was greeted with love and hugs from friendly faces. It was pure joy.
Because my kids weren’t with me, I got to focus my whole week helping wherever needed … AND catching up with SO many dear people. I loved every minute of it.
In a season of all things new, spending several days in a place that holds so much familiarity & treasured relationships, felt like a well-timed gift.
Though I didn’t sleep much, I came home from my Volunteer Vacation refreshed and full.
If you have some vacation time coming up and aren’t sure what to do – consider a “Volunteer Vacation!” Take the opportunity to go somewhere and help with something. Every non-profit organizations can use an extra set of hands. And when you make time to bless someone or something, you always get blessed in return!
Here is an (affiliate) link to a book filled with ideas on short term adventures that will benefit you and others!
Though we are the most interconnected generation of all time, we are the loneliest generation as well.
We have hundreds, maybe thousands of ‘friends’ on social media, but rarely spend time with people one-on-one, eye-to-eye, really getting to KNOW each other.
This pandemic’s made it worse! We are currently asked to STAY HOME and STAY APART.
We may text and comment on pictures, but rarely have a heartfelt, deep, face-to-face conversation. And when was the last time you HUGGED someone (besides your children)?
After moving to Minnesota, I’d been feeling lonely. My loneliness was causing me to be on social media MORE, but that pseudo-connection left me feeling emptier and lonelier.
We now live in a world that makes it possible to live void of human contact. We can live a virtual life. VIRTUAL connections are not a SOUL connection.
The same technology that promises to help us be more connected than ever is – in some ways – making people more disconnected that ever.
My loneliness caused me to spend the day in tears. I had left all my friends 3 years ago when we moved from the Chicago area to Colorado. Then I left all my new Colorado friends to pursue an adventure in Minnesota. (Click here to read about it)
My husband saw me and listened to my sadness … then encouraged me to do a few things that he thought might help. (Husbands love to FIX things.) At first, I didn’t want him to FIX it…I just wanted to FEEL it. Then, I slowly acted on his suggestions and it really DID help! If you find yourself feeling lonely, these ideas might help you too:
Reach out to old friends.
I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to catch up with people who know you and love you. Do it. Call an old friend today.
It’s important to choose a handful of friends that are “lifers” … friends that you want to stay connected with for life. Those are the friends you need to continue to check-in on and reach out to.
Call one (or five) old friends and tell them you are LONELY! Letting someone know how you feel invites them to encourage you, pray for you, check in on you, and spend time with you.
I was feeling sad that very few friends had reached out to me, then I began to realize I had not reached out to anyone either. I have one friend who lost her father, another friend just went through a divorce, another friend moved across the country. I had not reached out to ANY of them!!!!
Wow, I was throwing myself a pity party, then realized I was not doing what I wanted others to do for me!
2. Reach out to new friends.
I had very few people in this new state that even knew my name. But the few that knew me, I contacted. One was my neighbor…we just sat on each other’s porches and talked while our kids played. I invited the one other lady I knew out to dinner. It was refreshing to chat with other ladies and begin to build friendships.
When we sow genuine seeds of friendship – love, encouragement, time, and affirmation – we WILL reap a harvest of good friends.
3. Get outside
Get OUT of your house!
Take a walk, soak in the fresh air.
BONUS:PEOPLE are outside!
This might sound silly, but I intentionally went on walks and bike rides with my kids around my new neighborhood JUST to meet our neighbors and find potential friends.
My first good friend in Colorado was someone I met at the playground when our kids were playing together.
So…get outside!
Since it’s winter in Minnesota and harder to be outside…I’ve found places to go INSIDE! The library, classes at the gym, my church, and a Bible study.
I was actually writing this post from the cafe inside my local gym. As I’m typing, a lady from my church recognizes me and says hello. We talk for a few minutes and she asks me what I’m writing about. I was so embarrassed to answer honestly, but took a deep breath and said: Loneliness. She then INVITES me to her house. This is exactly what I needed and would not have had happened if I’d stayed inside – wallowing in loneliness.
Movement creates opportunity!
Get out of your house. Smile. Be friendly. Stop and chat with people.
4. Start a Gratitude List
Start writing a list of things you are grateful for. I’m currently writing a list of 1000 things for which I’m thankful based on the book One Thousand Gifts gifts.
If you look for the good, you WILL find it!
When I began to focus on the things I DO have rather than what I don’t, my attitude began to change. My shift in perspective caused my heart to mend.
5. Connect with your Heavenly Father.
We are never really alone. Our Heavenly Father is always ready and willing to spend time with us, comfort us and heal our wounded hearts. It’s easy to forget that God is with us all day long…ready to listen and connect. He’s the one Friend that will never leave or disappoint us.
…But I am always with you. You have held my hand. Psalm 73:23
…You can be sure that I will be with you always… Matthew 28:20
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18
So don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you. I will support you with my right hand…Isaiah 41:10
The closer we get to God, the fuller our hearts will be and the less lonely we will feel. However, it’s okay to ask Him to provide us with strong friendships! He’s the one who said:
“It’s not good for man to be alone!” (Genesis 2:18)
If you’ve moved recently, I wrote a post called “LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE” with some similar but additional ideas and encouragement. You can click here to read it.
If you are feeling lonely, call me or send me an email! I’d be happy to chat with you!
If you’ve found something that has helped you overcome loneliness… leave me a comment!
One of the joys in moving is how small the world seems when you find old friends in new places. I love how I can see God directing my path as I meet people at just the right time and place.
This happened to us when we moved to Colorado in 2015, I wrote about it here.
It’s happening again in Minnesota. Here are three examples:
One:
I told myself that when we got settled here, I would reward myself with a massage. Well, we are finally feeling settled and I found a massage therapist in my town and booked an appointment. Her last name is very unusual – yet familiar. I had friends in Tulsa, OK with the same last name. I looked this massage therapist up on social media – and realized that she had married into an amazing family I know in Tulsa. I knew her husband, her in-laws, aunts and uncles! It was so fun to meet her and catch up on the people we know in common. And the massage was great too!
Two:
I shared a while back about a group of ladies that I ‘randomly’ bumped into at a coffee shop right after moving here. (You can read about it by clicking here – scroll down to “River Valley Church”) Those ladies have become friends and have helped me get to know SO many others! They’ve welcomed me into their community and I’ve loved getting to know them.
Three:
I went to a woman’s conference recently. As we were walking in, I met and started chatting with a lady. I really connected with her and wanted to sit by her so we could continue talking – but I was with a large group – and I didn’t know any of the ladies very well, so I didn’t want to force myself into a seat next to her. However, it just happened that we DID get to sit next to each other and had time to chat some more. I loved hearing her story and the interesting things that have happened in her life. I asked if she’s ever written her story or had an outlet to share it and she responded, “Yes, I help run the TwinCitiesMomBlog.com and am a blogger.” Wow! I told her I had just begun writing for the Colorado Springs Mom Blog before I moved. This new friend and I exchanged numbers and I look forward to connecting with her in the future.
Are these three incidences RANDOM COINCIDENCES? I don’t think so!
The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. Psalm 37:23 (The Living Bible)
These experiences have been added to my GRATITUDE list! When days are hard and I’m feeling lonely in my new place, I remember that slowly, doors will open and new friendships will form. I may find an old friend who becomes a new friend, and new friends who will eventually be old friends!
Do you have a story of “coincidence?” Share it in the comments section!
Enjoying our final Pikes Peak sunset from our home in Colorado
Last week we said goodbye to Colorado – to our friends, to our home, and to that beautiful chapter of our lives.
Jared and Holly Newman – life long friends
Lots of friends came over to give us one last hug, we went to the Newman family’s house for one last dinner and I went to church one last time to see Kari Jobe and Louie Giglio! (It was so good!)
Early Wednesday morning two kind gentleman showed up at our house and started packing. Somehow, those two guys had my house completely packed and loaded on the moving truck in just 3 days!! (I think it took me 6 weeks to pack when we moved to Colorado)
Our family flew to Minneapolis on Saturday morning. Clark asked if we were in “first class” because the flight attendant offered him a snack and a drink. (He’s only flown one other time – and that was on another airline)
Before we moved, I told the boys that when we arrived in Minnesota, I’d let them spend $20 each at the Mall. It gave them one more reason to get excited about the move.
George was THRILLED to explore this place and had a hard time just picking out ONE thing. $20 doesn’t go very far there, but he found a set that he was excited to build.
Clark chose to buy a remote control car.
Paul wanted new running shoes. (I gave him a little extra since he chose RUNNING SHOES!)
I picked where we ate – Wahlburgers. (It was great!)
They wanted to ride ALL the rides – but we picked one – The Ferris Wheel! It’s kind of crazy riding a Ferris Wheel inside a MALL!
Monday morning, we met the movers at our house.
There were a few things about this house that made me fall in love with it:
I could tell it was a neighborhood with LOTS of kids – nearly every house has a play set, a trampoline, a soccer net or a basketball hoop.
It has a nice backyard…big enough for FOUR boys to run some of their energy out with a game of tag or soccer.
It has LOTS of trees! Since I’d no longer be able to see Pikes Peak, I wanted something pretty to look at and I do! I love all the trees and water in Minnesota.
Within an hour of pulling up to our home, the boys had already met the neighbor kids on both sides. They played all day. Clark called it the “best day ever” and said he’d be sad if I picked ANY other house in Minnesota.
George agreed and said this is his favorite house we’ve ever lived in.
All the boys have been sleeping SOO good in this house. I haven’t been wakened at all by any child! It may have something to do with the fact that they RUN, JUMP, PLAY, and SWIM all day! (Maybe that’s the title of my new book?!!)
We are grateful for a smooth transition and looking forward to making many happy memories here.
Thanks for your prayers, comments, texts and encouragement through this process!
Minnesota was not on our radar. It was not in the plan.
I guess sometimes we go off script and follow the adventure of the unknown, unfamiliar.
After I went through the stages of grief, I’m choosing to move forward in joy, trusting we will find and create beauty in a new place.
Though we chose Colorado as our place, my true place is with my family. Wherever they are is home. Where they are is my place. They are my people.
My people. My place is wherever they are!
My favorite quote over the last couple of weeks has been:
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Thank you Dr. Suess!
Our friend and pastor, Daniel Grothe, reminded my husband that when we moved to Colorado, we were ALL IN! He recommended we have the same attitude in Minnesota. Be ALL IN. This is such a good reminder, such wisdom. Thank you Daniel!
If it’s a neighborhood sale, let the coordinator know that you are participating so they include your house on the map.
4. Price your items!
PLEASE sell your items CHEAP! Remember, you want to GET RID OF EVERYTHING! It doesn’t matter if you paid $60 for those boots, list them for $5.
How to price clothes to SELL :
Take a piece of printer paper, and write/type:
Buy 1 item, pay $2
Buy 3 items, pay $5
Buy 10 items, pay $10
Leave several of these “pricing sheets” around your clothes!
This forces people to look through your stuff and BUY MORE so they can SAVE more – which means you will SELL MORE and MAKE MORE MONEY!
How to Price Books:
One book 25cents, 10 books for $1!
My kids have their own little table and love to sell drinks and snacks to hungry, thirsty, or just plain KIND customers!
How to price Snacks and drinks:
50cents each
Optional last day – mark everything down by 50%. I LOVE it when I go to a sale and the owner says “Everything’s half price!” I always find stuff to buy!
Optional last hour – everything is 25 cents!!!
5: Prepare!
I leave cars parked outside my garage a few nights before the sale so I can start setting up.
The night before or morning of the sale, I go place “GARAGE SALE” signs out – pointing people the way to my house.
The Crazy Garage Sale Lady!
Morning of sale – prepare your “FANNY PACK” that you WEAR ALL DAY!
lots of ones/fives/quarters
extra price stickers
a sharpie
your phone
Set most of your stuff out on your driveway so people who are driving by can SEE IT! The more they can see at first glance, the more they will want to stop and shop.
Start early – I was outside working at 6am for any early birds that wanted to stop by. The sale started at 8.
6. Negotiate and SELL!
If people ask if you will take $5 for an item you are selling for $10…always works with them. Remember – YOU WANT TO SELL EVERYTHING! You DON’T want to pack it up and donate it. And please, DO NOT bring it back inside your house!
Extra tips:
My neighborhood has a ONE DAY sale. I did this last year, and the day was fairly busy, but it’s hard to justify doing all this work for a ONE DAY SALE. This year I decided to open on Thursday, Friday and SATURDAY!
I didn’t do a LOT of pricing until the night before and morning of the sale. I DID have the price sheets written out that I mentioned earlier.
The morning of the sale (starting at 6 AM), I priced items as I set them on tables or placed them along my driveway.
OfferUp – Are you familiar with this app? I love it. It’s free to use and you can sell your stuff in three easy steps. Take a pic, describe your item, price it. I had several items from my garage sale listed on the app. When someone sent me a message about something they wanted, I told them I was having a garage sale, gave them my address and asked them to come by. Every person that came to pick up their item, bought even MORE items from my sale!
Thursday I had customers start arriving at 8 AM and slowed down by noon. I closed about 12:30 so I could do some things with my boys.
On Friday, customers starting arriving at 8 AM and slowed down by noon again. I closed at 12:30.
On Saturday, customers started arriving by 7 AM. This was my busiest day because the entire neighborhood had a sale. But again, it slowed way down after noon so I just started pricing everything WAY down. If someone picked something up, I’d say – “Take it for a quarter!”
Overall, it was a fairly successful sale. I made over $200 and the boys made almost $75 in snack and drink sales!!! Clark is always the rockstar salesperson. He stays and sells from the beginning til the very end.
With a few things that didn’t sell – I did three things.
1 – Packed a box for goodwill.
2 – Packed a box for a friend that could use some boy clothes.
3 – Packed the rest and gave to a friend who is having a sale NEXT weekend to raise money for a trip she wants to take!
Are there any tips YOU would suggest for a successful sale? Leave me a comment!
Two and a half years ago, when we decided to move to Colorado, I had mixed feelings. Part of me was excited about the new adventure, and part of me felt fear and even dread! I didn’t want to say good bye to all the things and the people we loved. I didn’t know anyone, or much of anything about Colorado! Then I stumbled across this quote:
“Always in the big woods when you leave familiar ground and step off alone into a new place there will be, along with the feelings of curiosity and excitement, a little nagging of dread. It is the ancient fear of the Unknown, and it is your first bond with the wilderness you are going into.” ~ Wendell Berry
Wow. I clung to this quote like I would a favorite Bible verse or security blanket.
Along with the quote was a picture of a tunnel on Gold Camp Road in Colorado Springs. I was determined to one day, find that tunnel, get a picture of it and post the quote.
On Thanksgiving 2017 – this dream finally became a reality!
We have an annual tradition of going out as a family on Thanksgiving morning. We like to spend the morning hiking or exploring. Since we didn’t have any friends or family in town this year, we decided to try to find the tunnel. We weren’t exactly sure where it was or how far we’d have to hike/drive. Someone sort of told me where it was, and we headed off.
We drove past Helen Hunt Falls and continued up the mountain until the road became a dirt (Lower Gold Camp Road). We continued on this gorgeous road about a mile until – “wah – lah!” There it was, right in front of us. We parked and explored this incredible tunnel. It was everything I had imagined and more. Stunning, spooky, enormous, and picturesque!
I’m grateful to call Colorado Springs home. I’m glad I was able to move beyond the fear (and the dread) of leaving what was familiar and those we loved to embrace this new adventure! I honestly can’t believe we get to call Colorado home!
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. – Melody Beattie
In 2015, Ted received a job offer for a position at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). This was a company he had followed for over a decade, reading and using the material they produce on leadership. What an honor to now get to be a part of their team!
We decided to first “rent” a home until we knew which part of town we wanted to live in. After living in Colorado Springs for about 6 months, we were getting familiar with this great city, and knew which area of town where we wanted to buy a home. After looking at several houses, we found the one that we knew was our ‘home.’ From the first time we walked inside, we could feel the love and comfort in this home, and could imagine ourselves living there. We would soon find out that the family selling the home had moved here from Naperville, Illinois (not far from where we previously lived) and attended the same church as us!
We put an offer on the house and included a letter about our family – why we wanted their home and what we loved about it. The house had only been on the market 6 days and we knew others were interested, but thankfully, we got the house! They let us know that the letter was what made them want to sell their home to us.
We set a closing date for the end of April, but the lease for our rental home was through September. I called the Rental Agency about breaking our lease. They quoted all the fees involved for doing that, and my heart sank for a minute. Then I remembered a conversation I had with someone who knew the owners of this rental home. I remembered her telling me that the owners were planning to moving back soon after living overseas for five years. I wondered (to myself) where the owners would live since our family was renting their house.
I asked our rental agency if they would contact the owners of our rental home to see if they might want their house back.
Amazingly, the owners said, “YES!”
We did not have to break the lease or pay any fees for moving out early!!!!
I hope you’ve enjoyed following us in this journey as much as I’ve enjoyed telling you! It’s been fun to look back and see how God has gone before us, opening doors at every step. We took a leap of faith and flew. I hope it’s inspired you!
