As many of you know, I was raised (mostly) in East Grand Forks, MN. Then after graduating from college and getting married, Carl and I set out to live in Colorado. Even though we loved it there, we felt as though we were too far from our families, so we decided to move back to MN only 1 short year later. We landed in this area for the sole reason that I found a job teaching Elementary Physical Education at Pinewood Elementary in Monticello, MN. We thought it would be a great location because it was close to Minneapolis and also closer to our families.
When we moved here I was 24, Carl was 26 and Jocie was 5. It was 9 years ago, and it feels like only yesterday. 9 years! Wow.
We are so excited to be moving back home to East Grand Forks because that's exactly what it is - home. It's always felt like home, and it will always be home.
But I cannot ignore the fact (anymore) that Big Lake/Monticello/St. Michael has been our home in many ways.
Jocie started school here - our first year here was her Kindergarten year
We bought our first (and only) home here
Carl and I have taught almost every year of our careers here
Carl and I both earned our Masters degrees here
We have met, worked with and developed friendships with some outstanding educators
When we came here we were a family of 3 and now we are a family of 6
This has been Ella's only home
This has been Claire's only home
This has been Carter's only home
We have met some AMAZING people that are more like family than they are like friends
So even though we believe with our whole hearts that we belong in East Grand Forks with our families and Carl's new job, it is with sad hearts that we have to say good-bye to our lives here. Even though our roots didn't grow as deep in this community as we thought they would, we still had 9 years of living, growing, laughing, learning, and loving.
I am going to try not to be sad that it's over, but be happy that it all happened.
If you know me, you know that I do not say "good-bye", I only say "see you later". Thanks Big Lake-Monticello-St. Michael ~ you have been an awesome home away from home. I can't thank the uber-close friends enough that I have built unforgettable relationships with and will continue to stay close with. We love you guys!
If you know me, you know that I do not say "good-bye", I only say "see you later". Thanks Big Lake-Monticello-St. Michael ~ you have been an awesome home away from home. I can't thank the uber-close friends enough that I have built unforgettable relationships with and will continue to stay close with. We love you guys!
