Monday, November 10, 2014

Where We've Been and Where We're Going...

Well, helloooooooo stranger!  (brushes dust from keyboard)

It's been pretty lonesome at the blog lately.  No worries, I have no plans to abandon this sucker completely.  In fact, we'll be needing it much more very soon (teaser...)!  I'm not sure what form it will take, but it will certainly continue to bring you the latest and greatest from the Stavenger family.

You may be wondering, WHERE have I been?  If you're social media savvy, you know I've had my hands full with a big project.  Remember when I told you that maybe, MAYBE in my distant dreams, I could make a go of being a calligrapher?  Well, I took a big step towards that dream by opening my own Etsy shop!  It's been a learning curve, I'm still figuring out the ins and outs of the business, but for the most part I've been very happy with it.  Now I just need to get some more prints out the door, and I'd be even happier.  OH!  You want to order one, you say?  Head on over to All The Pretty Letters and check it out!

Now, for the biggie.
And I do mean big.

A couple years ago, we started searching for the perfect place for our family to put down roots.  Our sights were set on the great state of Colorado, and we began to pursue a job there for Chris.  Unfortunately, we felt God closing doors all over the place.  Housing was expensive, jobs weren't available, there was an uneasiness in our spirit...the list goes on.  Reluctantly, we surrendered that dream and opened ourselves up to ANY direction God may point us.

As we explored various corners of the country, one area in particular caught our eye.  Having never been there, Chris and I visited Charlotte, North Carolina a year and a half ago.  We fell in love with it.  Both of us felt a strong pull in our hearts toward this city.  And though we had no immediate plans to relocate, we added it to our list of possibilities for the future.  The future came quickly last spring, with a near-miss landing a job.  It was disappointing, but we put our trust in God's timing and resumed life as usual.

Then, a few weeks ago Chris had the opportunity to interview for what seemed to be a job tailor-made for him.  It exceeded every expectation he had, and they were quite satisfied with him.  We waited anxiously and prayerfully for "the" phone call for several days, and when it came, we excitedly accepted the offer.  This means, of course...
WE'RE MOVING TO NORTH CAROLINA!

While I'm SO excited about what is to come, I'm in the process of sorting through a lot of emotions...namely, the anxiety that comes with a cross-country move.  I know some of you have done this, and done it frequently, so I covet your advice and recommendations!  Also causing me an element of sadness is the impending separation from our friends and family here in Fargo/Moorhead.  I'm grateful that we will always have a reason to come back and visit, with some family rooted in this area.  

So that explains why the blog has been a little sleepy, and why it may be pretty sparse in the weeks to come as we have much to do in preparation for this adventure.  But on the other side of this mess, you can count on frequent updates from us as we attempt to keep you all as near as possible virtually.  Thanks for being a part of our lives, and for your support in all of our endeavors!


61 comments:

Your band pal Roddy said...

Being a person who has made countless moves across both the States as well as the Pacific Ocean, I will assure you of this one thing; it is never as much of a struggle adjusting as we make it out to be in our head.

You and your family are so very well grounded that home, true home, will always be where you are. Friends come and go and despite what we fear, there will always be more. How could they not be drawn to your super bubbly awesomeness? :)

I have no fear that the Stavengers will make North Carolina a more wonderful place and look forward to seeing tales of your adventures in the south.

Good luck!

Jamie Stavenger said...

Roddy, that basically made me cry. Geeeeeeezzzzz...(tissue...)

Ashley Lapointe said...

Congrats! You'll be closer to us!!!

Rachel Piersol said...

I am so excited for you guys in your new adventure!! Although I am selfishly very sad to see you go:(...hope to see you one last time before you go, you'll be in my prayers! Not sure that NC can handle all the little Stavenger cuteness though:)

Kari P said...

When do you go NC friend? jealous your timeline is different than mine. we are in our 10th house in 14 years. I'm awesome at moving. Let me know if you need anything!

Marisa Solberg said...

Tell Andy to not worry! I Will take over for you on worship team!

Jacqueline Steiber said...

So happy for you guys! Crazy journey but NC is a great state :)

Dayna Graveline said...

Exciting news....and warmer weather! Praying for you!

Marie Wright said...

Wow!!! Good for you two! Prayers for all of you!!

Kristen Hendrickson said...

Congrats!! North Carolina is looking pretty good to me today...

Sarah Faust said...

No.
::puts on best pouting face::

Nina Thiel said...

Congratulations! I thought of you when I heard on the news last night re: the upcoming weather in your neck of the woods this week and next… Maybe you can move tomorrow… : )

Darlene B said...

You will be missed for sure. God's blessings to your family!

Erin Hill said...

We are so incredibly happy & excited for you! What journey this has been.

Sarah Sciarini said...

Holy cupcakes!! That's huge news!! How exciting!

Heids said...

wooohoooo! You've gone public! Buy bye snow snow and more snow!!! So happy for you guys!

Mandy Weaver said...

Congrats Jamie! I know I've been terrible at visiting you in Fargo, but will FOR SURE be visiting you out there? When are you leaving?

Chelsa Swaser said...

The great and mighty adventure of life. Congrats! We love that area, too.

Crystal Matthaei said...

I have been so blessed by you and your family... Particularly my little buddy, Carter! I am going to miss you guys! Lots of love and prayers coming your way through all the exciting changes!

Angela Strand said...

You're getting out of the frozen tundra?! I'm so happy for you & your family. Good for you,

Jodee Iten said...

I'm so happy for y'all! You will love Charlotte! Please let me know if you have any questions! Moving creates so many mixed emotions, but you are moving to a great city and it will be a fun adventure!

Jenna Eby said...

So happy for you Jamie! I know we chatted about it when my move came about and I'm so glad to hear it's all falling into place! And yeah to warmer winters!

Uncle Ray said...

I just spent an hour clearing our snow, after a long icy round trip drive to Sioux Falls. Jealous doesn't begin to describe how I feel. Good luck, and congratulations!

Erica Spenningsby said...

Congrats!!! Charlotte is a wonderful city! You'll be super close to my hometown, Wilmington, so we'll be able to visit y'all, the next time we are in NC! Good luck with the move! We have one coming up in a couple of weeks, as well - to Austin, TX.

Katie Martin said...

I haven't read the whole blog post yet, but! My boyfriend's family is in Charlotte and I loveee the city!! I will have to connect you, they are a wonderful Christian family:) SO exciting!

Katrin Magladry said...

I pinned one of your prints. So beautiful!!!!

Caryn Shapiro said...

You will LOVE the south!!! Can't wait to hear to rollin ya'lls off right and left.

Jeannette said...

Wow! You will love NC! We lived in the eastern part of the state for a year--Seymour Johnson AFB! When do you move? My best advice after about 20 moves is label, label, label!!

Amanda Nieman said...

You will be missed, but I'm so excited for you and your family! Warmer weather in your future!! I have a friend who lives in NC and they were on the beach last weekend.

Jessie Soukup said...

Love NC!! I have lots of family there and Darren has been wanting to visit so now we will have more reason to go!

Colleen Erickson said...

I've always wanted to visit North Carolina!

Krista Metro said...

Hey Jamie, congrats on moving down south!! We will be neighbors....not exactly sure how far, but probably less then 3 hours. I'll google it after I get done writing this. We will have to have you to our home for some southern sweet tea!! I think the weather will be a little bit more doable...and I can say that since I grew up in Minnesota!! LOL

Sue Rogers said...

Congrats to Chris and best wishes to you & your sweet kiddos, Jamie. Our son & family live in Columbia, SC, about 90 miles away. We have visited many places since they have lived there. Much to see and do and the beaches aren't too far away. Enjoy your new adventure!!

Angela Sluder said...

Woo hoo! So glad it's official and public! We're thrilled to have the Stavengers come to Charlotte!

Patty Matthews said...

You are moving to one of my favorite cities! Could be that two of my grandchildren were born there! We wish you all the best and know you will enjoy making it your 'home!' Blessings.

Anne Davis said...

Congratulations your family will be missed!

Kathleen Swann said...

You chose one of the most beautiful areas in our country. You certainty won't have as harsh winters. May God bless each new step as you find a new home for your family.

Tanya Wright said...

Very exciting!! I always knew you were a southern girl at heart;)

Marisa Meeks said...

I am so jealous! Congrats and good luck! As you know, I am particularly fond of some Sluder's in that city!!!

Emma Grigg said...

That is exciting! Congrats on the new job and good luck with the move.

Amelia Towle said...

I'm so excited for you!!! I've only been through the airport there, but I liked it.

Amelia Towle said...

I'd venture to say that my moves have been a bit different from what yours will be (and you'll get a truck instead of 3 suitcases), but it's always an opportune time to de-clutter. Enjoy it!

Rick Olson said...

Congratulations Jamie and Chris on the new job and the move to Charlotte. It's one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. The weather is warmer and it only snows there a couple of times a year. We'll miss you guys!

Linda Parker said...

Jamie, I am so happy for you and Chris. Charlotte is an awesome city. When is the anticipated move going to take place? Hopefully you can get out of Fargo before the snow gets to deep. Also you are much closer to Florida. I hope your mom can make the move, too.

Julie Foreman said...

You are right about Colorado housing getting expensive! While it is pretty here, I think North Carolina will be a better state to raise your children. Good luck with everything Jamie! Although who needs luck when God is on your side?

Carol Pickle said...

Charlotte is soooo lucky to get such a great family!!!

Sharon Vallerga said...

Darn thought you might come closer to home... Do you realize how many more friends you will be adding to FB lol!! And how many more lives you will enrich with Gods Love!! I will keep you in my prayers as you start this new exciting journey!!Congratulations!!!

Brandy Carlson said...

Of course, I am really excited for you guys! I want nothing but the best for you and your family! I am saddened to see you go and I will miss you. You will be amazing in NC! You have a lot to offer anywhere you go! I am blessed to have you in my life and as my friend. Thank you for the many fun years (playdates, B&N, Birthdays, home parties, 4th of July...). Love ya! If I can help in anyways please just ask!

Kelli Vivatson said...

That's great Jamie! Happy for you and your family! Leaving the polar vortex just when we start getting cold!

Carrie Stavenger said...

As long as you promise me that when I come visit during Spring Break you will have a nice, Southern gentleman waiting for me, than I will be ok with all of this.

Mary Gotta said...

Congratulations to your beautiful family! You will definitely be missed, but North Carolina is a beautiful place and Charlotte will be so blessed to have you and your talents there!

Janet said...

Congratulations! A stunning city to raise a family. You will be missed. When?

Rob Young said...

Congrats on new beginnings!!!

Tiffany Hull said...

Yay how exciting, so happy for you and the family!

Leanne Lytle said...

Congratulations! Christopher Lytle needs to read this post. :

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