Snapshot Saturday: Moving
Behind the scenes of all the yummy goodness posted in the last few weeks, my little family and I have been trekking across this grand ol’ country moving. Despite having just moved two years ago from Wisconsin to Minnesota and having remodeled a home there that we thought we would live in forever, it seems my best laid plans for our lives have been uprooted again (and after moving seven times in twelve years, I have to say, I’m kind of tired of moving). Brian got an unexpected job change taking us to the southwestern wilds of Idaho (near the Boise area) and despite the bittersweet challenges of moving, we are grateful for this new adventure.
So in honor of moving, here are a few highlights (ok, and one or two lowlights mixed in) of our recent move:
– No longer having to drive two hours for any shopping; Costco and Trader Joe’s, you and I are going to be great friends.
– Officially trading the hot, humid, mosquito-filled Minnesota summer for the hot, dry Idaho desert summer (it actually cools down at night which is nothing short of a miracle!).
– Driving with the five kids and a packed to the hilt Yukon pulling a trailer loaded with a 4-wheeler, RAZR and treadmill on a 15-hour stretch to meet Brian and Maggie the Dog who were a few days behind us…and running out of gas in the middle of nowhere Montana. Super special experience I hope to never relive again ever.
– Finally being closer than a 12+ hour drive to family (parents in Oregon and Montana, lots of siblings in Utah/Wyoming). A six hour drive is basically next door in our book.
– Living next to my famous Aunt Marilyn because believe it or not, she lives just 25 minutes down the road. You won’t even believe the fabulous things we have cooking to share with you.
– Leaving dear friends that were like family to us in Minnesota (did I mention: moving stinks!).
– Having a fenced yard in our new-to-us-but-not-really-new house. What can I say, I’ve always wanted one.
While I hoped to make the chaotic business of our move without interrupting the rhythm of this blog, you may have noticed I was a little slow to respond to comments and questions over the last couple of weeks. Thanks for your patience even if you didn’t realize it was needed. We are pretty much settled and back to normal life (whatever that is) so hold on to your hats because there are some awesome back-to-school menu solutions and recipes coming your way soon! In the meantime, I’m off to update my resume (that doesn’t actually exist) to state my new job title: Moving and Unpacking Analyst and Expert.
I don’t know how I missed this before. We moved to boise a year ago from Chicago. So I’ve done the Midwest thing too. And I have four boys. I’ve been using your recipes for a while. Knowing we’re close makes you even cooler!! What part of Boise? We’re in southeast boise near the outlets/ simplot fields.
Hey Natalie! So fun to hear about others moving to this area from the midwest. We are way out the other direction from you (near Star). But I went to those outlets the other day!
Wow, Mel…I’m behind on the times…just realizing that you guys are moving!! We will MISS you in this “neck of the woods” but it’s so great you’ll be closer to family! Wishing you the best and glad we can keep connected on your wonderful blog!
Oh Mel, you’re the only one who understands the pain of a Midwestern summer- the humidity, the Mosquitos (got 8 bites from being out side 30 minutes just yesterday), the hot nights! Oy! Coming from the southwest myself, and now living in Chicago – no one understands my pain out here. 🙂
Best of luck settling into your new home! I would love to see a house tour at some point, if you’re up to it – especially the kitchen!
I am so jealous! Not about moving again (we have moved 10 times in fourteen years), but because you moved to one of my favorites places! I grew up in Boise and think it is the best place ever to raise a family! We actually lived jn Meridian about 7ish (we have six kids and I figure everything by which child was born where) years ago and was actually in a ward with Sara from Our Best Bites. Now my two very favorite food bloggers live in that area–I think I need to move back!
hey,
I’m a little more than jealous that you are in idaho!! in the best way…of course.
we (my husbandi and 4 kiddos) moved from the caldwell area about a year and a half ago to Pennsylvania. you are going to love it there in the treasure valley, it is a friendly area and there is good shopping within a close distance from about anywhere. good luck with your new adventure. Louie’s in meridian off of Eagle Rd. has amazing (authentic) italian food. eat some for me!
Mel, I would say this move is a good one. Being close to family has to feel good. We moved away from our family and hope someday to get closer. Of course with our four kids living in four different states now will still make it very difficult to get everyone together. Look forward to seeing and tasting your new recipes and those made with your aunt. Best wishes always for you and your family.
Along with you and many other readers, we’ve moved a fair share in our thirteen year marriage. And having moved in August/September a few times, I know that nothing kills a summer like knowing you will be moving at the end of it. I’m sorry you had to leave your friends and house behind. And I hope your kids adjust well in their new schools!
Thanks for keeping up your blog. You are an amazing person.
I live in Meridian!! So excited for you to move here. I really hope to run into you one day. I’ve loved your site for a good 6-7 years now. You are a staple in my house with so many recipes. Moving does stink. Good luck with it all. It’s an exciting time to move this way. Today was the groundbreaking for the Meridian Idaho LDS temple. Sweet! Excited to hear more of your adventures. 🙂
Craziness! That’s exciting to be closer to family. The good thing about moving so many times is you don’t have a lot of time to pile up unneeded crap! I’m a purger, but I need to move to do a really good purge! Congrats and good luck!
That is a great photo of all the craziness a move is. What a rockstart to drive all five kids by yourself in the car. I can’t believe you are settled. We also moved this summer (West Texas to Eastern Florida)…… and we are not settled! I’m glad you are closer to family and I know you will adjust beautifully to Idaho. I have family in Choteau Montana and visited this summer. I was quite surprised by the number of mosquitos in the middle of the day that were out so I’m guessing MN was similar. And didn’t notice an interruption in your blog!! You are amazing.
Welcome to the great state of Idaho!! So glad your here and hopefully here to stay 🙂
Hi Melanie, you and my older brother Clint graduated from High School together. Anyways, my family and I live just outside of Bismarck, ND and just wanted to let you know if you run into any kind of situation in ND please feel free to contact us and we can try to help anyway we can as your caravan treks to Idaho!. Best of luck in the move.
Welcome to ID, Mel! It’s a great place to live! Bring that RZR to the sand dunes and we can go for a spin!
I’m new-ish to your blog, how did I not know you were from Minnesota? Yay!! I live in Chaska; where were you in the state?
Hi Amy! We lived way up north in Roseau, about 10 minutes from the Canadian border. 🙂
Love it! Well, not really, but we have moved 8 times in 9 years! Our record in one place is 2 years, and it is brutal! It is never good when you have to tell people you move more frequently than those in the military. Good luck!
I was so surprised to hear about your move because there was no interruption on your blog. I just don’t know how you manage everything so well. You really are my hero! As one who has always lived far away from family, I am so happy to hear you get to be closer to yours. Best of luck to you all!
Welcome to the Boise area! We love it here and hope you will too. I know a number of people who work from home and could choose to live anywhere, and moved here because it is such a great place to raise a family. I’ve been following your blog for years and even though I can enjoy your yummy recipes no matter where you live, it is fun to think you are a little closer. I’m still surprised you managed all your regular posts and a major move. Good luck settling in and starting school!
We’re from Utah, but are actually on vacation right now in Cascade, ID. About 2 hours NE of Boise. Beautiful! Especially if you like fishing, hiking, camping, and all that fun stuff. 🙂 We’re renting a cabin and we’ve loved the area. You’ll have lots of fun!
Mel, the truth is out! You have discovered the secret of cloning! No one person can do all you do! Some town in Idaho is very lucky to be getting your lovely family. God bless!
i borderline want to cry tears of joy for you knowing you’re by a costco now! moving is the worst!!!! so glad you got through it!
Welcome to Idaho Mel!! I was born and raised here and am now raising my kids here (we are in meridian). I hope you love it as much as I do and that you are able to get settled soon. Hoping to run into you at church or the grocery store sometime!!
Here’s hoping this is your last move for awhile! I moved a lot as a kid and it was so hard, but I’m sure it was 10 times harder for my Mom. You are a moving rock star! Thanks for sharing all of your amazing recipes with us!
Welcome to Idaho!! I’m in the Nampa area and we love it here. We moved back and forth between Idaho and Utah 6 times in the last 6 years. Moving is the pits but it’s nice to land closer to family.
I love your recipes and am very happy you’re so close! : )
Ah, Mel . . .you are truly loved! And, yep, I knew you were a super woman. I have been swamped with a huge remodeling project over the last couple of weeks that has consumed almost every waking moment. If I were “Mel” I would be easily handling 6 other projects “without blinking an eye” You are such a beloved inspiration! I am so thrilled you are now close to your wonderful and famous Aunt Marilyn. Carrying you in my heart as you plow forward in unpacking boxes, getting the children settled, and continuing to maintain such an excellent website that blesses so many of us.
Not going to lie…I am really happy to read the comments here because I was kind of thinking I might be a nutcase because of how SUPER excited I was to hear that you moved to the Boise area! So many great comments about embarrassing themselves in stores and being stalkerish!!! HAHA… you all are my kind of people!!! I am a loyal reader and swear by every recipe that I have tried on your blog… and that is A LOT! We just moved to the Boise area a month ago and are so happy to be here… but I feel your pain of unpacking. I feel like I gave away and threw away SO much before we left…did things just multiply on the road??? Good luck with getting settled in… Fingers crossed that I run into you someday!!! (Well, my fingers are crossed) 😉
Born and raised in Boise – now living in Utah. Welcome to the west. I congratulate you on your fenced yard and close proximity to fun stores. Good luck and I hope not too many people mob you in their joy to welcome you to the area!
I also just moved to Boise and love it so far! Welcome back to the West!
Still sad….. But….I’ll be visiting you every week on here when I do my meal plan. So happy to have met you!
Oh, and I have a cousin living in Meridian…if you run into any Isaacsons, they could be related to me. 😀
Well, I have to say I’m sad that you are no longer a MN/WI girl, as I’ve been both my entire life. It was fun to have you in my backyard! Nonetheless, I wish you the best out West, and look forward to keeping up with your kitchen adventures here. Onward!
Congrats on your new move! I’m sad you had to leave your beautiful home behind. I hope you love it here in Idaho. We live in Meridian and have for 7 years and LOVE it here. Great weather you will love as well!!!
Hi Mel! My name is Mel too, and I live in Boise, ID! Let me just say that finding your blog about 9 months ago (I realize I’m way behind here) has been the best thing to happen to my kitchen in 17 years of marriage!! I love it! Anyways, I’m sorry about all the moving you have had to do but Boise is a great place to live and raise kids! I don’t know if you’re a church goer, but I’ll put in a plug for mine – Faith Community Bible Church. It’s a good one- ask for Mel. 🙂 Welcome to the neighborhood!
Good luck on the unpacking. We wish we could move!! 11 years in the same starter home with baby number five on the way!!
I am SUPER excited to see your post on menu planning for the new school year… hope it is tomorrow!!
Congrats on your new adventure…and I feel your pain. 🙂 We recently left Tualatin (where I was really hoping to someday meet up for lunch when you were visiting your in-laws) and moved to Colorado. This is our 11th move in 15 years (with five kids, too) and I’m feeling like I never want to do it again. And I agree – a seven hour drive to see family seems like a Sunday drive to us now. 🙂 Good luck getting settled in and I hope you love Boise. I’ve always thought it seemed like a great place to live.
Wow Mel, you never missed a beat on your blog–I never guessed you were writing & packing! Awesome! You will LOVE having Costco & Trader Joe’s in your back yard. Looking forward to the “Dynamic Duo” of Mel + Aunt Marilyn (ooh & Costco + Trader Joe) recipes! 🙂
Is it wrong that I am excited about the proximity of Aunt Marilyn? lol
You are a trooper and I often wonder how you do it with 5 children when I barely want to take my 2 to the supermarket! Good luck and best wishes!
Mel!! Congratulations! so pleased you are back in the West! You will love your new area!! Boise is a great town to live near! I live in the Seeley Swan Valley..not too far from your Mom’s area. welcome back home girl!
Hi Mel, I can’t tell you how excited my friend, Marie & I were to learn you’ve moved (close) to our next of the woods. We live just west of the Treasure Valley in E. Oregon. Every since we saw that you moved to the Boise area we have been plotting some way to get you here to visit! :-)) However, in reading through the comments, we were happy to see you may have a little meet-and-greet! Hoping that will happen. We have been TOTALLY blessed by your site and have started many a conversation with, “So I made this recipe from Mel” for “Have you tried Mel’s recipe for ……(fill in the blank). So good to welcome you to the area! {mabel}
I used to live south of Boise and I actually really loved it even though before that I claimed I never wanted to live in Idaho. I miss a lot of things about it. Good luck finishing the move and adjusting to a new place!
Yeah for those of us in Idaho!!! We have lived in Meridian for 8 years and love it! I love your website and use it daily! Best wishes in the new adventure and hope the unpacking and adjusting to new surroundings go smoothly.
Mel, I was raised in ID! And I was just in Boise a week ago. Can’t believe you’ve moved. Never had a clue – your blog just ran without a hitch. Not sure how you do it all. I hope Brian appreciates you! Moving is so hard -and with five kids and a blog (and a dog!), that makes it even trickier. Love your recipes. Love that you’re closer to northern Utah where I live now with my family (and cook for them from your blog all the time!) but miss that you’re in MN since I served my mission there and loved that little connection. Good luck to those little boys of yours as they start school and work to make new friends. Can’t wait for some Aunt Marilyn recipes!
Thanks for the moving well wishes everyone! I am thrilled that so many of you have chimed in to say you live in this neck of the Idaho woods. Instant friends (wait, is that weird?)! Can’t wait to connect with all of you in one way or another – I’m thinking a totally casual and fun meet-and-greet somewhere would be awesome especially after we un-bury ourselves from the chaos of moving. 🙂 Thanks for the warm welcome!
Wow! We just moved half way across the country as well, so I truly feel your pain!
I must say Mel, I hope Brian knows that he is one lucky man to be married to such an understanding and awesome woman!!! I see a really nice piece of jelwelry or furniture in your future !!!! Good luck with your move!!!
So Mel, I am so excited for you to come to Idaho but I am still so very sad that your cousin, my next door neighbor, moved to Indiana. I think it almost would have made it all better if you could have bought their house and been my new neighbor. Darn the timing. Good luck getting settled and you are a rock star for still posting great recipes!
I’m a little jealous. We moved OUT of the city to a 14 acre farm and instead of being just minutes from such wonderful stores as COSTCO, Trader Joe’s, Fred Meyer etc. I am now a good half hour without traffic. It might not seem like much compared to where you came from but for a city girl like me it is a BIG adjustment.
Idaho is great. We love Oregon but Idaho is a state where all of us agree we could handle living.
WHOO HOO You just got a lot closer to Seattle! I can totally relate to that comment from that woman about jumping up and down in Costco if she saw you. I obviously am not close enough that that would ever happen, but I’d totally be right there with her if it did. 🙂 I’m excited for you and you for and your family. God bless you in this new and exciting season.
I started hyper-ventilating when I saw you were moving to Boise! I live in Meridian and I am so thrilled that you will be moving here! I would love love love to meet you and help you get settled! I so feel your moving pains, in my thirteen years of marriage we have moved 12 times. Welcome to Boise, and hopefully we can meet up some time!
I’m about to embarrass myself, but I squealed like a little girl when I saw that you moved near Boise. I live in Kuna and have been following your blog for years. Just about everything I make on a weekly basis is from your site (BBQ chicken salad with creamy cilantro dressing and soft pretzels for dinner last night, cinnamon swirl bread for our toast this morning, your best ever chocolate chip cookies in my cookie jar right now, and tonight we’ll have orange chicken and baked brown rice… just as an example). If you see a lady at Costco or Trader Joe’s (or Winco – a great grocery store!) squealing and jumping up and down… don’t be afraid. Just walk away and she’ll calm down. Honestly, this is a wonderful place to live and I hope you all are able to settle in quickly! Welcome to the Treasure Valley!