MomDD - I know....whatever happens....you will be just fine!!!!

soogies, I bet you have great spirit and bravery too...think about it. You do.

OWJ - it is very hard on men ... I know it has been on dh. It has been an interesting 3 years. I will surely let you know :)

Soogies - I am serious ((F))

Grcxx3 - thank you - we will be - as long as we have our health I have realized we truly have EVERYTHING. Now... dd is only 13 and doesn't grasp that.

Monday morning - the waiting continues....my stomach is in butterflies.

Have you told your kids yet? Would your sd go with you? Is she is rising senior or junior?

I definitely think the waiting and not knowing is the worst part.

No, the girls do not know, you are all blessed (HA HA) to know ... no reason to tell the girls when there is not anything to tell yet.

My son and DIL do know, as they want to move to Texas (I personally think they would not care for it there but that is just my opinion) Her parents are speaking of retiring there (I think they would LOVE it there).

We are unsure on how the next year would be spent - it is likely that I would stay behind and allow the girls to finish up their years and dh would commute. Anyway we do it is not going to be pleasant.

Dh needs a job - if he hears one more time "over qualified" "no positions at your level" "this would be a large income adjustment" - I think *I* might scream.

::::sigh::::: I do not envy you. And I agree with not telling the girls until something is definite.

Hang in there MomDD. I hope things work out the way you want them to. ((f))

<< Her parents are speaking of retiring there (I think they would LOVE it there). >>

Something tells me there is a river of unsaid words in that comment.

I provided the link to the times article because it is information, momdd, not because I think you are a bad parent who callously chooses to move about the country without a thought to how if might affect your children. I thought that was obvious, and so it appears to have been except to those unfortunates who were moved often and, seemingly, with long-lasting impact, even to indignation on a travel board (laugh).

<< Her parents are speaking of retiring there (I think they would LOVE it there). >>

Something tells me there is a river of unsaid words in that comment.>

Nawhhh... not really. They would just fit in wonderful. They like big trucks, off roading, motorcross, ultra conservative in views (they make me look like a bleeding liberal!).

I did read the link btw and thank you for sharing it. No word today...

<He said military children fare well because the military eases transitions, and new children in military schools are usually in the same boat.>

My kids never had any problems actually they enjoyed going to new places learn new cultures and make new friends.

My older son still remember with fondness his elementary school years at Taipei International School.Taking the taxis were so cheap that many kids took them to go to school..:)

LOL...I had to google motorcross because I'm really not sure what it is, and if you are off-roading in Dallas/Plano, it means you've missed a corner with your BMW! :D

<<I thought that was obvious, and so it appears to have been except to those unfortunates who were moved often and, seemingly, with long-lasting impact, even to indignation on a travel board (laugh).>>

No, trickiewoo - no long-lasting impact - except in a positive way. I have fond memories of all the places I lived (well, of the ones where I was old enough to remember) and have even maintained close friendships with people from those early years. Although I can't say I "liked" moving around a lot as a child, as I got older I realized it gave me a set of skills and an outlook on life that many of my friends who had never moved lacked.

I have read many articles about the problems that can arise from moving kids around. As I stated earlier.....from my experience, a lot depends on how the parents (particularly the mother) deal with it. A positive attitude, a sense of adventure, a willingness to meet new people, an openness to new/different experiences, and a sense of humor go a LONG way in making such a move successful!

I will add that extensive research is also important - to try to fully understand the city, neighborhood, and school system you will be moving into.

I will add that extensive research is also important - to try to fully understand the city, neighborhood, and school system you will be moving into.>

Yes, if this ends up happening - we will do that of course.

There are some pluses to moving to TX from CA; no income tax, cheaper living altogether, less stress and tension, great BBQ, lovely people, you can say "ya'll" all the time and talk as slow as you want. Life in general, imo, is slower in TX. Seasons. People are nice and unhurried, cheaper insurance, rent, homes, etc. Gas, even, I think. Good schools. Easy to make new friends (this is a plus for the kids). Things, overall, are just more relaxed there.

Heavens - thanks for the encouragement.

Dh and I finally had a chance to talk - one day at time.

The waiting seems like the worst part.

Dawn, please know that I understand all about yanking up yourself and your family from a place you love.. to head to the unknown.

Don't worry about not knowing anyone. Texans are very friendly and you will have good friends shortly after arrival. (Despite what others imply, we have plenty of trees and grass here. And lots of lakes!)

Additionally, I would be highly disappointed if you did not let me be your "Welcome Wagon"! :) I would be happy to give you local tours of anything to which you state interest.

I'd be happy to familiarize you with the language ("tarred" means you're exhausted, "awl" is the black stuff that flows from a well); guide you around both Fort Worth and Dallas proper; take you to a couple of our best attractions; introduce you to other nice people. :)

There are a few Fodorites here. I'm sure we could have a get-together shortly after your arrival! :)

You have my number. Please call if "y'all" are comin' and we'll make plans!!! :)

In the meantime, have a glass of wine and take one day at a time. :)

Signed,
Your "already here" friend...
Paula

awhhh Paula - you are going to leave me for the land of Italy - at least I can live through you going there :).

I remember being so worked up about my ds joining the military and you being so wonderful. That worked out fine, and this will too I am sure.

Yes, I will count on meeting you. I just want to KNOW ... one way or another - so we can move on - one way or another.

We did talk, and it appears that we will all go as a family right away - so you never know... we might have that gtg by Sept ((f))

Hijacking for a quick second (since I know a few on this thread know what I've been going through)!

Just heard from #1 son. He just finished his first shift of his first job ever! He is working at some Pakistani restaurant and that is all I know but what a relief! He is also looking into being a dog walker.

We are flying out in a few weeks for a visit. I know it's going to be hot but he's really excited for us to see where he is living, etc.!

YEAH!!!!!! YEAH!!!! YEAH!!!!! So great Cats!!!

I am super excited for you and for him...who knows..maybe we will be there at the same time :)

Thanks, Dawn! I'm happy for him. He sounded really happy when he called. It has to feel good!

Taking bets on whether we actually make it there in August. He and gf break up every other day!