God Blessed Texas

We are in Texas! Time to get fat. Seriously. Burgers, Mexican, Barbecue - the triple threat. It has been great trying to build up a fat reserve for Honduras. We have been spending time with the fam, the original Bicecreams, splitting time between Austin and San Antonio. What does spending time with the Bice fam include? Babysitting our newest edition, Courtney - 4 months, wrestling with the bros (Billy, Tommy, Andrew and Zach), eating, and trying to keep up with Mom who definitely has adult onset ADD. When we said wrestle with the bros, we actually meant completely dominate them..."Go to sleep or I will put you to sleep!" Everything has been good as to be expected as Texas is the best place on earth...

We are currently trying to figure out what to take with us to Honduras, and this means Greg has been giving the "Needs vs. Wants" lecture on a daily basis. Why can't Emily understand that we do not need to have candles, toe nail polish, our wedding album, and her entire wardrobe, of which most of her "outfits" have not been worn in years! On the other hand, Greg can find an argument to defend that nearly every suggested packing item (SPI) is a want (he somehow was able to even create a case against bringing deodorant...have you seen how much he sweats?) At this point, we have agreed on about 4 SPI's...sunscreen, bug spray, wristwatch, and a backpack. At least our skin will be protected, we will always know the time, and we will have a place to store our prized possessions. With only 19 days to go, we better get a move on in creating the SPI list! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

With only 7 days left in Texas (three of which will be spent in LA), we are rushing around trying to tie up any loose ends. We have been attempting to get our permanent residency changed to Texas....which involves securing new Driver's Licenses, changing our mailing address (with the USPS, bank, etc.), transferring/canceling bills....and most importantly, memorizing our new address! So far, we have knocked off a couple of the tasks, but still have more to go. Speaking of, we better get a move on!

The Final Countdown

HERE WE COME!

39 days until the BIG MOVE! This week marks our last official week of work in United States. Then, after a series of cross-country excursions (Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas, California, Texas, North Carolina, Washington D.C., North Carolina, Texas, Ohio, Florida...in that order...and those are only the trips the Bice's are taking together) we will depart for our much anticipated relocation to Honduras.

We spent the past five days selling off our furniture (by Tuesday afternoon we started a buy two items, get one free policy), boxing stuff for goodwill, trashing lots of junk, and sending whatever was left in a trailer bound for Ohio. During that whole process, it became evident how stressful 'stuff' really is! There is a sense of freedom that comes with getting rid of things. At least for now...until I reach for something I need and realize the family two doors down now own it. Oh well! All the big stuff is gone, now it is just a matter of collecting the few things we have left laying around and preparing them for the road trip ahead.

We are sleep deprived and a little stressed, but have one more thing checked off the to do list! Thanks to all of you who helped us!