My husband has an encouragement he likes to give while I’m styling events. “Say it out loud and see if it sounds like a good idea”. This comes in handy when I need a floating table and go through 8 different plans before deciding on nine helium filled balloons (all smiles when it worked!).
If only we had listened to this advice while planning the direction of the last two years of our life. Brilliant plans, that we would move to San Diego with twin toddlers and that Matt would go to seminary to get his Masters of Divinity (because he is crazy smart like that and loves the study of God). Genius plans, that he would become a notorious blackjack card counter (did I mention he is crazy smart).
Until recently this is what we did; studying/blogging together late into the night and weekend trips to Las Vegas to pay our bills (cue in hardest year of my life).
If you follow me on twitter you may already know that we are moving in just a few weeks. My husband has taken a new job and our family is moving to Reno, NV. I have a hundred thoughts on this move… there is no Anthropologie in Reno (gasp!), but it is only three hours from San Fransisco (hooray!).
Mostly though we just want to be boring for awhile; love God, love our family and work hard.
In the midst of this difficult season there has been so much good in life. Thank you for being a part of that good. Starting this site has been a bright point of our year for sure, and one that I am looking forward continuing on in even better ways. You are rock stars (seriously!) thanks for being here. I wish I could give you each a hug today…
Photo by Jackie Rueda via the wee lass.
PS. They’re releasing a documentary on the blackjack team Matt played on. If you are interested in a bunch of Christian guys counting cards (ironic I know), see more here.
blessings.
I wish you and your family all the luck in the world with the big move! I’m a huge admirer of your work – your beautiful blog is a welcomed escape from my day job and I am so glad to have found you! I know this will be a crazy hard but exciting next month for you but we’re here supporting you all along the way! xo
Thanks… you totally melted my heart with that sweetness!
I lived in Reno for a year and I have a real fondness for it. Reno can be a very inspiring place for a creative person! The thrift stores and antique stores are second-to-none, and it’s about an hour’s drive from the jaw-dropping gorgeousness that is Lake Tahoe. Best wishes for a smooth and stress-free move!
Marie, thanks! I have already heard of a few “must visit” thrift stores that I am very much looking forward to:) Glad to know you liked it.
New adventures! By ‘old’ friends!
Wow that is big news although I bet it feels good to finally be sharing it with everyone! I wish you the best of luck in Reno–being close to SF (and presumably Napa Valley) will be fun!
HI Victoria! I have a very little present for you and your so beautiful blog …
http://maniecreative.blogspot.com/2011/05/un-premio-e-una-collana.html
kiss!!
You can do it! Reno is close to Tahoe, right? And I’ll buy you things from Anthropologie and send them to you so you don’t have to pay the ridiculous shipping rates.
Wishing you all the best!
And ps that film looks fantastic, will be watching after the release!
We are moving in two weeks! Up north in Norway, above the polar circle!
And no Anthropologie? Try no Starbucks…
But we are really looking forward to it and best of luck with your move to Reno as well
Signe, thanks… Oh my, no Starbucks?!? That would be tough, but it does sound beautiful. Here’s to new places (hooray!).
You can DEFINITELY do this. Reno is gonna be awesome, it’s gonna be everything you make it
Victoria, I know you and your husband will be an encouragement to many people by sharing your story. Praying for a safe and smooth transition as you embrace all of life’s new blessings in Reno. This film has me intrigued!
How exciting-while I know this must feel a little crazy, I think it’s going to be a wonderful place for you guys! And you can be sure John and I will watch the documentary-it sounds fascinating!
Victoria you made me lough out loud with the card counting – and you summarized it brilliantly in your PS…card counting Christian guys – too funny.
Best of luck with the move. We don’t have Anthro here in Ottawa either ;(, helps me not spend money.
Christian guys counting cards – how hilarious!
You know what they say – a change is as good as a holiday and what’s wrong with being a little boring for a while?! Good luck with move, I don’t envy the packing part though!
Hugs to you on this lovely Thursday,
Stephie x
YAY for new beginnings. Praying that it’s the start to a better year for you…and keep up the awesome work you are doing!
New beginnings are so exciting and so scary at the same time! I hope your move and all your transitions go well. I always love seeing the new blessings and opportunities God presents with new beginnings
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Okay, your life sounds so awesomely hilarious, count me in! (c: Honestly, that story is something that if you said *that* out loud, it would sound like a movie plot! I’m so glad you stopped by my blog so I could find yours, it is awesome! And you can bet your design style (sorry, just had to make the betting reference (c:) that I will be looking forward to following along on the shenanigans…
Wow, I wish you the best in your move. Everyone who follows your blog can see that you find (and create) beauty in everything and I’m sure you will do the same in Reno! Can’t wait to read how everything goes and may blessings follow you and your family wherever you are.
oh my goodness that is so crazy about your husband! My husband is currently trying to convince me to move to Reno as well as its close to Tahoe. Maybe we’ll be neighbors
Yes, you should definitely listen to him! That would be amazing:)
sooo…totally random, i know, but my husband and i just moved to reno not quite two years ago, and started a church here about 9 months ago. i enjoy your blog immensely (though i’m relatively new to it), and am just getting ready to read your “holy rollers” story. anyway, if you’re looking for a church or a friend while you’re here, i’d be happy to meet you.
Mel, thanks! We actually already have a church that we know and plan to connect with in Reno, but I would love to catch up with you once we are settled:)
well, i wish you the very best in your move. bring some jackets, cause it’s still stupid cold here. and SUP is a terrific place for lunch!
let me know if you need anything when you get here, and i’ll be happy to help where i can!
[...] I mentioned this right before we moved to Reno. My husband was a professional card counter and played for “the church team” portrayed in this film. The documentary is true to life, both the highs and the lows of playing professional black jack. It is very odd to see a story from your life portrayed through cinema like this and we could not speak higher of the guys who managed this team. In support of their work, I’d love for you to check it out. Although he opted not be a named cast member Matt makes a few cameo appearances throughout the film sometimes with bleach blond hair and sometimes in a bright pink sweater:) [...]