Team Allison's Next Chapter

A New Adventure~ A new journey for us Allison's! I feel like it's time to tell friends and family that we are moving to Washington this summer. After 8 years in Gresham/Portland we are onto the next chapter. We are very excited and of course it's a bitter sweet move... It's bitter in that we will be a 6+ hour drive from Eugene -my forever home, and to John and Jake it's "our-gene." ( Side story- Jake told me the other day that there are 2 "You-Genes" he said, one at Grammy's and one at Megan's. See, to him Eugene is not the name of a city, it's the name of his 2 favorite homes away from home:) -And 3+ hour drive from Portland: our 2nd home. It will make visits with beloved family and friends less frequent; but I believe more special and for longer time spent, and if it's possible- more fun! It's already a party every time we are in Eugene because it's just how the Wilson's do it...but now we can party for longer!  And it's always a party at our family  in Gresham (Noyes') home...so now we will have to have more sleep-overs and stay-cations and maybe we can meet in the middle at Great Wolf Lodge for family fun!!!  This will be the first time I (and my boys) will live in a different state. It'll be strange to raise our kids in Washington and not Oregon?? What?? It's weird! They will grow up as Washonians. Is that what they're called? At least we will remain in the Northwest. I never thought I would head north to more rain and snow and gray skies. However, if we moved somewhere hot and sunny, it would be too far away from the ones we love. Here's the deal-Michael was hired as a coach for a fabulous institution. He loves his co-workers and has many good friends in Washington. He's having a blast and I'm thrilled for his new career move. I love to see him happy and in his element. He deserves it so much.  If you know us well, you know what we've been through the last 3 years. It's been a long and winding road full of pot holes and speed bumps. Mike has remained positive and full of grace and forgiveness and his strong faith in God the entire time. I, however, have been psycho and pessimistic and depressed. Not the entire 3+ years...but I've had my many crazy-feel-sorry-for-us-moments. I don't know how he continues to rise above and display massive integrity and strength. He is the epitome of an honorable man. His first priority is his faith in God. Then me and our boys. He is so in love with all of us. He has taught me how to focus on all we are blessed with. It's easy to feel down-and-out when your financial situation and the lifestyle you are used to takes a 180 turn. But we have amazing friends and family and children. We have our health and a home and freedom. Wow I sound so cliche and cheesy. But it's true! My cup runneth over.  Now, bear with me this will sound like an acceptance speech. It must be said. Out loud. First, thank you Jesus. The dog days are over. The dog days are done. Can you hear the horses? Cause here they come! Amen. I want to say thanks to my parents for the unconditional support and love. You're always there for us. There are hardly words to express how grateful we are for your love, help, support, advice, and listening ears. Get ready to drive to Everett a few times a year!  Thank you to Mike's Dad and Carol who have kept us afloat for 3 years. Your generosity is mind boggling.  Thank you to my grandparents who have shown amazing support to us in several ways. They surprised us many times with their love and support; it usually came after another horrible hardship and a night of prayer. Mike would say "See, Hun, God is on our side." They always made us feel thought of and prayed for. We admire you and love you both immensely.  My whole family has been a source of comfort and support. I have the best family ever! Shout out to my siblings.  My friends are crazy awesome. It's during the tough times you find out who your true friends are. When you're climbing a mountain, some folks just can't make the climb with you. And that's ok. But it sure makes you appreciate the ones who love you for who you really are. Linda Noyes-I'm talking to you. Your love and generosity and Team Allison mentality has been a savior in my life. Your family is the best and we love you guys immensely. Not only did you bring us what we needed, you never doubted the truth. You became our best friends. All the days and nights of making memories with wine and beers and BBQs and decks and patios and fires and dinner theme nights and birthday celebrations and queen for a day and stay-cations and laughter and listening to me complain and just being you being a good friend to me. You really have taught me what a good true friend is. You and Dan and Grandma and Laurie and Kyle too. We love you all dearly. We will miss you. I'm going to make you visit me. :) LYLAS.  And lastly, thank you to my boys Johnny and Jakey for staying strong. You're the best kids ever! The lights in my life. I hope you love our new home and don't worry we will ALWAYS remain loyal Duck Fans. (That's their biggest concern...not switching schools or being far away from family, it's that we aren't supposed to live where Washington college teams do:)