Baby Jesus We Love You
Away in a Manger
Little Drummer Boy
Happy Birthday Jesus
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
2 Year Ago Today....
2 Years ago today I was in a foreign country...
2 Years ago today I had left my 3 year old (nearly 4) halfway across the globe with family...
2 Years ago today my husband and I stepped out across the ocean
We were tired from jet lag, from delays and a much too quite room with strange noises outside. But then our lives changed forever...
2 Years ago today I met my son....
2 Years ago today I held him in my arms for the first time...
2 Years ago today I fell in love with a little boy I had just met...
My world was altered. All things fell into place. I thank my God that He ordained the events of 2 years ago today!
2 Years ago today I had left my 3 year old (nearly 4) halfway across the globe with family...
2 Years ago today my husband and I stepped out across the ocean
We were tired from jet lag, from delays and a much too quite room with strange noises outside. But then our lives changed forever...
2 Years ago today I met my son....
2 Years ago today I held him in my arms for the first time...
2 Years ago today I fell in love with a little boy I had just met...
My world was altered. All things fell into place. I thank my God that He ordained the events of 2 years ago today!
And He Comes Through Again!
Eli started the croupy cough last Wednesday night again. So, we started the breathing treatments up again as well. Twice a day, once before each time he slept. It seemed to help... some. Well, at least help to keep the terrible sounding cough at bay. However, his nose is running like a faucet. His little heart is racing to get that breath in and he is quite congested.
So, today we headed back to the doctor. Jeff and I both went this time, which I thought was good. Jeff knows who the kids doctor is now and saw the process that the clinic uses for getting you in the door so to speak. Anyway, the doctor prescribed an inhaler, since we have a breathing chamber to attach to it (this is used for little ones who don't really have the ability to use an inhaler right yet). If we did not have this we'd have gotten a prescription for Pulmacort to put in the breathing machine like we do with the Albueterol.
So, Jeff left to take Eli to the babysitter and I left to get the prescription filled then head to give a final. At Walmart I was shocked to find out that after insurance he prescription would cost $96! And there really wasn't a cheaper option. Then as I left I thought about that Pulmacort option that the doctor had mentioned. I went back in to see if that option would have cost less. Ready for this? If we had done the Pulmacort it would have cost $400! Thank you very much for making my $96 prescription sound cheap!
Then I went back to school. After my exam I went down to pick up my Christmas bonus check. This is the first bonus I have had from an employer in like 7 years I think. I was supposed to pick it up last Friday and forgot. So, I head down and the bonus check is for $100! Just enough to cover Eli's inhaler. Nothing short of God provision.
So, today we headed back to the doctor. Jeff and I both went this time, which I thought was good. Jeff knows who the kids doctor is now and saw the process that the clinic uses for getting you in the door so to speak. Anyway, the doctor prescribed an inhaler, since we have a breathing chamber to attach to it (this is used for little ones who don't really have the ability to use an inhaler right yet). If we did not have this we'd have gotten a prescription for Pulmacort to put in the breathing machine like we do with the Albueterol.
So, Jeff left to take Eli to the babysitter and I left to get the prescription filled then head to give a final. At Walmart I was shocked to find out that after insurance he prescription would cost $96! And there really wasn't a cheaper option. Then as I left I thought about that Pulmacort option that the doctor had mentioned. I went back in to see if that option would have cost less. Ready for this? If we had done the Pulmacort it would have cost $400! Thank you very much for making my $96 prescription sound cheap!
Then I went back to school. After my exam I went down to pick up my Christmas bonus check. This is the first bonus I have had from an employer in like 7 years I think. I was supposed to pick it up last Friday and forgot. So, I head down and the bonus check is for $100! Just enough to cover Eli's inhaler. Nothing short of God provision.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Congo
Today I had a weird experience. So, my heart has really been wanting to adopt again. Jeff isn't sure it is the right decision for our family and I am trying not to push. However, occasionally I have looked at waiting lists of children online and imagined the possibilities.
So, today I was doing that a little bit and came across something I had not before. I always kind of thought that if we did adopt again it would be Ethiopia again, and maybe it will. But today I became aware of adoptions through Congo! I was intrigued because one of the Thunder basketball players is originally from Congo and in our conversation last night Jeff made mention of Congo being a pretty rough country. So, I found it espeically interesting that I came across Congo adoptions for the first time today.
So if we were to choose Congo (if were were to adopt again at all) it would be cheaper than Ethiopia by about $5K probably, given Ethiopia's new 2 trip policy. In addition you can also do the escort service thing and have your child brought to the US for you without going to Congo. This may have some negative drawbacks, such as you don't get to experience your child's birthplace. However, it also has some positives, such less need to take off work, get additional vaccines, and the whole jet lag thing. In addition it would allow our whole family, Abi & Eli included to be part of the experience instead of left at home while we traveled to get a child.
I have no idea if this is God leading or just a yearning of my own. But it is something I plan to keep an eye on. The biggest drawback, however, is that the adoption agency we worked with the first time doesn't do adoptions here and we loved that agency. Feels kind of risky going with a new agency. But God can take care of that to if it He leads us this direction.
So, today I was doing that a little bit and came across something I had not before. I always kind of thought that if we did adopt again it would be Ethiopia again, and maybe it will. But today I became aware of adoptions through Congo! I was intrigued because one of the Thunder basketball players is originally from Congo and in our conversation last night Jeff made mention of Congo being a pretty rough country. So, I found it espeically interesting that I came across Congo adoptions for the first time today.
So if we were to choose Congo (if were were to adopt again at all) it would be cheaper than Ethiopia by about $5K probably, given Ethiopia's new 2 trip policy. In addition you can also do the escort service thing and have your child brought to the US for you without going to Congo. This may have some negative drawbacks, such as you don't get to experience your child's birthplace. However, it also has some positives, such less need to take off work, get additional vaccines, and the whole jet lag thing. In addition it would allow our whole family, Abi & Eli included to be part of the experience instead of left at home while we traveled to get a child.
I have no idea if this is God leading or just a yearning of my own. But it is something I plan to keep an eye on. The biggest drawback, however, is that the adoption agency we worked with the first time doesn't do adoptions here and we loved that agency. Feels kind of risky going with a new agency. But God can take care of that to if it He leads us this direction.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Nearly 2 years
December 13 will mark 2 years since we first held our son. I have become a bit reflective over a few areas of my life in the past few days. This is one of them. I find it amazing how God moves in our lives. I consider each my children and am profoundly grateful for something that is devastating to my family.
I am grateful for Huntington's Disease (HD). Now don't get me wrong. It is dreadful and seeing my father go downhill with it in the past few years has been so hard. I cringe to think of what is to come. I saw how it affected my grandmother, and it is scary to think that the HD status of my brother and sister has not been tested, course then there are my 4 (soon to be 5) neice and nephews who are also at risk. I hate this disease.
But, today I came to the realization that if it weren't for the fact that my family has HD I am not sure Jeff and I would ever have considered adoption. If it weren't for HD we wouldn't have Eli! What a startling realization this was for me today. To think that if my family were all HD-free, if HD had never darkened the door of my family, I would not have my son. It is a weighty idea to be sure.
On the flip side of this I am also keenly aware of another truth. If I had not tested negative for HD I would not have my daughter. We had decided that if I had HD I would choose not to have children. When that test came back negative, it was the green light for us. We could have kids, or at least try to, and through that we have our daughter.
So much of my family is deeply rooted in the presence of HD. It has forever altered my family, in so many ways. However, today I am extremely grateful that in regard to my son at least, it has had a positive effect. Because of HD in my family, Eli is part of my family. That God can take something so devastating and bring about good is humbling. It is His specialty and for that I praise Him today.
I am grateful for Huntington's Disease (HD). Now don't get me wrong. It is dreadful and seeing my father go downhill with it in the past few years has been so hard. I cringe to think of what is to come. I saw how it affected my grandmother, and it is scary to think that the HD status of my brother and sister has not been tested, course then there are my 4 (soon to be 5) neice and nephews who are also at risk. I hate this disease.
But, today I came to the realization that if it weren't for the fact that my family has HD I am not sure Jeff and I would ever have considered adoption. If it weren't for HD we wouldn't have Eli! What a startling realization this was for me today. To think that if my family were all HD-free, if HD had never darkened the door of my family, I would not have my son. It is a weighty idea to be sure.
On the flip side of this I am also keenly aware of another truth. If I had not tested negative for HD I would not have my daughter. We had decided that if I had HD I would choose not to have children. When that test came back negative, it was the green light for us. We could have kids, or at least try to, and through that we have our daughter.
So much of my family is deeply rooted in the presence of HD. It has forever altered my family, in so many ways. However, today I am extremely grateful that in regard to my son at least, it has had a positive effect. Because of HD in my family, Eli is part of my family. That God can take something so devastating and bring about good is humbling. It is His specialty and for that I praise Him today.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
They Made Fun of Abi!
I opened Abi lunchbox this morning to put the ice pack back in the freezer. Much to my surprise I found most of her lunch still in the lunch box. She only at 1/4 of a sandwich, a hand-full of goldfish crackers and a couple bites of her fruit salad. I was angry. In fact Jeff and I both sort of lit into her for that. Honestly we wouldn't really even let get a word in to explain.
Then about 5 minutes later I find her in her room talking to Jeff. Why did she stop eating? Because kids were making fun of her for the fruit salad. They told her it was yucky and were making fun of her for eating it.
The whole experience left me sad. Sad that she was made fun of. Sad that she didn't eat because of it. And sad I hadn't let her explain.
I apologized and we talked about what to do when kids make fun of you and I learned that I am going to pack really basic things in her lunch now. I don't want anything I do to make my daughter choose to go hungry to fit in.
Then about 5 minutes later I find her in her room talking to Jeff. Why did she stop eating? Because kids were making fun of her for the fruit salad. They told her it was yucky and were making fun of her for eating it.
The whole experience left me sad. Sad that she was made fun of. Sad that she didn't eat because of it. And sad I hadn't let her explain.
I apologized and we talked about what to do when kids make fun of you and I learned that I am going to pack really basic things in her lunch now. I don't want anything I do to make my daughter choose to go hungry to fit in.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
A funny from Abi
So we are in the car after I pick my kids up from daycare yesterday and the conversation goes something like this...
Abi : "Mama, do you know what a head, body and clothing are?"
So I am thinking, well of course I know what they are and you know that I know what they are so where is this conversation going? All the while I am not exactly focused on the conversation too because I am driving and I'll admit I was actually a little lost because I tried to get somewhere in an unfamiliar way.
Abi becoming more insistent restates the same question.
Me: "Abi I am not sure what you are talking about, can you explain for me?
Abi: "Mama, you know, like when you write letters."
So now I am picturing her writing the letters A, B, C etc. I am thinking maybe they are giving the parts of the letters names of *head, body, clothing* but again this is still not making much sense.
Abi: "Like when you write a letter there is a *head* then a *body* then a *clothing*.
Me: I cracked up! "You mean closing!" LOL
Abi : "Mama, do you know what a head, body and clothing are?"
So I am thinking, well of course I know what they are and you know that I know what they are so where is this conversation going? All the while I am not exactly focused on the conversation too because I am driving and I'll admit I was actually a little lost because I tried to get somewhere in an unfamiliar way.
Abi becoming more insistent restates the same question.
Me: "Abi I am not sure what you are talking about, can you explain for me?
Abi: "Mama, you know, like when you write letters."
So now I am picturing her writing the letters A, B, C etc. I am thinking maybe they are giving the parts of the letters names of *head, body, clothing* but again this is still not making much sense.
Abi: "Like when you write a letter there is a *head* then a *body* then a *clothing*.
Me: I cracked up! "You mean closing!" LOL
Monday, November 22, 2010
Starting to Wear Down...
Well, so let's see we have had a case of strep throat with Abi and breathing problems resulting in an ER visit and a lengthy visit the following day at the doctor's office with Eli. Then since then everything had been pretty even keel. Must admit, almost dull.
Then this past Thursday Jeff got a call from our realtor that we might be getting an offer on the house. Music to my ears! The other realtor/couple wanted to make sure we had arrangements made on how we were going to pay the deficit to the bank in order to close out the loan before they made an offer. We informed them that, yes, we had that all arranged. We waited with baited breath to see what would happen. We waited through Friday, and Saturday, and Sunday, and yes it is Monday and still nothing has happened. At this point we assume no contract will now come from this situation. What a royal disappointment! I thought we were seeing a light at the end of this tunnel, but I guess it was just a reflector on a dead end.
In church on Sunday, Pastor Jamaal spoke on our ability and indeed responsibility to be thankful in ALL circumstances, but I must admit ... it is SO hard! It feels like we are getting nowhere and boy that trip to nowhere is sure taking a LONG time. By my estimations the house really needs to be under contract by January in order for us to avoid double payments on mortgages.
I keep having to remind myself that even if double mortgages happens, we are still going to be okay. It won't break us financially or anything. We will be able to make those double payments. But I sure hope that God brings that buyer with that contract making that all unnecessary.
Then this past Thursday Jeff got a call from our realtor that we might be getting an offer on the house. Music to my ears! The other realtor/couple wanted to make sure we had arrangements made on how we were going to pay the deficit to the bank in order to close out the loan before they made an offer. We informed them that, yes, we had that all arranged. We waited with baited breath to see what would happen. We waited through Friday, and Saturday, and Sunday, and yes it is Monday and still nothing has happened. At this point we assume no contract will now come from this situation. What a royal disappointment! I thought we were seeing a light at the end of this tunnel, but I guess it was just a reflector on a dead end.
In church on Sunday, Pastor Jamaal spoke on our ability and indeed responsibility to be thankful in ALL circumstances, but I must admit ... it is SO hard! It feels like we are getting nowhere and boy that trip to nowhere is sure taking a LONG time. By my estimations the house really needs to be under contract by January in order for us to avoid double payments on mortgages.
I keep having to remind myself that even if double mortgages happens, we are still going to be okay. It won't break us financially or anything. We will be able to make those double payments. But I sure hope that God brings that buyer with that contract making that all unnecessary.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Thankfulness
We started a new series in church today on Thankfulness. To be honest I expected the same sort of sermon we've all heard on this idea before, but I was wrong.
An illustration given was the following:
Suppose you are really struggling with something and you talk to a good friend about your struggle. It is within the capacity of your friend to be able to help you with your struggle. And after your talk your friend says "I will help you with _____ ." In such a situation our next response would (most likely be) "Thank you!" Now, our friend has not yet actually helped us and yet we thank them. Interesting!
I have someone who has helped me so much more than any friend. I have God. It is within God's capacity to help me and He has said he will. Yet what do I do? I withhold my "Thank you" until I actually see God's help arrive. I act in such a way that shows my lack of faith in My God! How humbling! How little faith I have had.
So, today I want to conclude with this "Thank you" to My God.
"God, thank you for selling my house. Thank you for sending the right buyer and for getting us an amount that we can be okay with."
An illustration given was the following:
Suppose you are really struggling with something and you talk to a good friend about your struggle. It is within the capacity of your friend to be able to help you with your struggle. And after your talk your friend says "I will help you with _____ ." In such a situation our next response would (most likely be) "Thank you!" Now, our friend has not yet actually helped us and yet we thank them. Interesting!
I have someone who has helped me so much more than any friend. I have God. It is within God's capacity to help me and He has said he will. Yet what do I do? I withhold my "Thank you" until I actually see God's help arrive. I act in such a way that shows my lack of faith in My God! How humbling! How little faith I have had.
So, today I want to conclude with this "Thank you" to My God.
"God, thank you for selling my house. Thank you for sending the right buyer and for getting us an amount that we can be okay with."
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Halloween at Our House
We had a very busy Halloween here, complete with strep throat (Abi). It slowed us down for part of what we were going to do but the kids still had 4 Halloween parties that they went to and ended up with far too much candy.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Our New House
Yep, we are in it! We've stayed there 2 nights thus far.
It has been interesting as we've moved in. There are toys and books the kids haven't see in 4 months. You'd think it was Christmas the way they have been occupied with their own belongings. Makes me think we should periodically hide stuff and bring it out months later.
Also interesting has been the sheer amount of stuff! I mean, really! When did we acquire so much stuff???
So, where do we stand now? Well, pretty much all the furniture is in (except our dresser) and a (new) bookcase that was broken when we opened the box, so now needs to be exchanged for a new one. Most of the kitchen is unpacked, but I haven't yet found my pots and pans or glasses. Many (but not all) of the clothes and kids' toys are unpacked too. We still have lots of boxes in the garage to go through and I am anxious to clean the floor.
Also it is worth noting that the house is still not quite done. We have a huge amount of trash (like a trailer full) in the backyard that is overflowing onto the deck. There still remains some painting and tile work left as well.
But the 20 minute drive this morning to get the kids to daycare (as opposed to 50 min) was to die for!
It has been interesting as we've moved in. There are toys and books the kids haven't see in 4 months. You'd think it was Christmas the way they have been occupied with their own belongings. Makes me think we should periodically hide stuff and bring it out months later.
Also interesting has been the sheer amount of stuff! I mean, really! When did we acquire so much stuff???
So, where do we stand now? Well, pretty much all the furniture is in (except our dresser) and a (new) bookcase that was broken when we opened the box, so now needs to be exchanged for a new one. Most of the kitchen is unpacked, but I haven't yet found my pots and pans or glasses. Many (but not all) of the clothes and kids' toys are unpacked too. We still have lots of boxes in the garage to go through and I am anxious to clean the floor.
Also it is worth noting that the house is still not quite done. We have a huge amount of trash (like a trailer full) in the backyard that is overflowing onto the deck. There still remains some painting and tile work left as well.
But the 20 minute drive this morning to get the kids to daycare (as opposed to 50 min) was to die for!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Wiped Out
I am so wiped out.
Jeff has been working on the house today after working at his real job. So I had the kids to myself tonight and they were just nuts.
Add to this that I gave a test where I had a test average of 59% including two 9's and an 11. Not too uplifting for me or my students.
Then there is just this perpetual exhaustion from driving 70 miles one way, waking my kids up at 6:00 am and not feeling like this house will ever be done. With my father-in-law out of town, nothing is really going very smoothly. Jeff is really not wanting to move in until after his Dad gets home. He wants his Dad to check all the house and make them fix what is undoubtedly going to still be wrong. So, I suspect, as I had already thought, this weekend will not be the big move.
Yep, I think wipped out are the right words to define my emotions right now.
Jeff has been working on the house today after working at his real job. So I had the kids to myself tonight and they were just nuts.
Add to this that I gave a test where I had a test average of 59% including two 9's and an 11. Not too uplifting for me or my students.
Then there is just this perpetual exhaustion from driving 70 miles one way, waking my kids up at 6:00 am and not feeling like this house will ever be done. With my father-in-law out of town, nothing is really going very smoothly. Jeff is really not wanting to move in until after his Dad gets home. He wants his Dad to check all the house and make them fix what is undoubtedly going to still be wrong. So, I suspect, as I had already thought, this weekend will not be the big move.
Yep, I think wipped out are the right words to define my emotions right now.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
2 More Weeks?
This has been the longest "2 Weeks" of my life and it is still going.
It has been in reality at least 6 weeks now that we thought we had "just 2 more weeks" left til we moved into the house. Yes you read that right. For the past 6 weeks we have been told at different points along the way that it would be just 2 more weeks.
In fact my father-in-law told us last night it would be next weekend. He is the eternal optimist! He's been a wonderful person through all this. We're staying in his (and my mother-in-law's) home and they have been so gracious. However, this 2-week mantra is beginning to wear on me. My mother-in-law told me a week ago, take whatever he tells you and double it for the time frame.
Well, up until the last week I had kept my anticipation in check, but now I'm just so ready to move in. So, when he told us last night it would be Oct 9th, I did get my hopes up. Then this morning my husband (the perpetual pessimist) told me he is doubtful of the Oct 9th date. You see my in-laws left today on a trip. This means that anything that my father-in-law would be doing - installing hardware, changing door hinges etc., that is still undone because the painter is not finished (don't get me started on the painter - let me just say that there is a reason he was cheaper than the others - his equipment keeps breaking, making all of this take longer) is left to Jeff to do. Problem? Well, Jeff is now working full-time and he is not sure he has time to get done all that he was left to do. Parts of this are items that must be done before we can have our final inspection.
This is depressing! You see I am gone to a conference Oct 13 - Oct 17. So, if we don't get in on the 9th and it is pushed back, it is possible I will not even be here when we are cleared to move in. So, then Jeff gets to move in alone? while juggling the kids? Yea, that doesn't sound too likely, so that means another week, ie: Oct 17th after I get back from my conference.
So, are you counting, yes that is another 2 weeks from today.
I am beginning to think that when I ask "How much longer" on the house getting done it is like the question "How much longer" when you are on a trip. There is a set reply. On the trip that reply is "about 20 minutes" and so the set reply here seems to be "2 weeks."
It has been in reality at least 6 weeks now that we thought we had "just 2 more weeks" left til we moved into the house. Yes you read that right. For the past 6 weeks we have been told at different points along the way that it would be just 2 more weeks.
In fact my father-in-law told us last night it would be next weekend. He is the eternal optimist! He's been a wonderful person through all this. We're staying in his (and my mother-in-law's) home and they have been so gracious. However, this 2-week mantra is beginning to wear on me. My mother-in-law told me a week ago, take whatever he tells you and double it for the time frame.
Well, up until the last week I had kept my anticipation in check, but now I'm just so ready to move in. So, when he told us last night it would be Oct 9th, I did get my hopes up. Then this morning my husband (the perpetual pessimist) told me he is doubtful of the Oct 9th date. You see my in-laws left today on a trip. This means that anything that my father-in-law would be doing - installing hardware, changing door hinges etc., that is still undone because the painter is not finished (don't get me started on the painter - let me just say that there is a reason he was cheaper than the others - his equipment keeps breaking, making all of this take longer) is left to Jeff to do. Problem? Well, Jeff is now working full-time and he is not sure he has time to get done all that he was left to do. Parts of this are items that must be done before we can have our final inspection.
This is depressing! You see I am gone to a conference Oct 13 - Oct 17. So, if we don't get in on the 9th and it is pushed back, it is possible I will not even be here when we are cleared to move in. So, then Jeff gets to move in alone? while juggling the kids? Yea, that doesn't sound too likely, so that means another week, ie: Oct 17th after I get back from my conference.
So, are you counting, yes that is another 2 weeks from today.
I am beginning to think that when I ask "How much longer" on the house getting done it is like the question "How much longer" when you are on a trip. There is a set reply. On the trip that reply is "about 20 minutes" and so the set reply here seems to be "2 weeks."
Monday, September 20, 2010
We're Home
Jeff flew to Ohio on Saturday and that afternoon into evening he loaded a Budget moving truck with the last of our things that we left in Ohio. Well, that is technically not entirely true. At 12:30 on Saturday night (or shall I say Sunday morning) I was awakened by an exhausted husband because it wasn't all going to fit. We made some decisions and left a few things.
What did we leave? We left my mountain bike, a 42'' TV, a dryer and a wood picnic table. Now the picnic table we were going to leave anyway, but the rest we were trying to get home. The TV and mountain bike we were going to donate to a garage sale raising money for another family to bring a child home from Ethiopia. Unfortunately it didn't make it home. The dryer was a last minute decision, it allowed us to fit in Eli's mattress, my jewelry case/full length mirror, and the vacuum. We decided it was ok to leave it because it had been making a funny noise and so would be needing repairs anyway. So, we figured by the time it was repaired we'd be out at least $100 and it will only cost about $250 to replace it anyway.
So there you have it. Well not quite all of it. Jeff did leave a menagerie of things in the garage that our wonderful realtor is going to take to Goodwill for us.
So, while we are not in our house yet (they are saying by Oct 1st) we are officially out of Ohio, though we do still have a house that no one apparently wants to buy there. I know I am a broken record on this one, but if you know anyone who needs a house in Ohio, please send them our way. It really is a beautiful home at an excellent price...
What did we leave? We left my mountain bike, a 42'' TV, a dryer and a wood picnic table. Now the picnic table we were going to leave anyway, but the rest we were trying to get home. The TV and mountain bike we were going to donate to a garage sale raising money for another family to bring a child home from Ethiopia. Unfortunately it didn't make it home. The dryer was a last minute decision, it allowed us to fit in Eli's mattress, my jewelry case/full length mirror, and the vacuum. We decided it was ok to leave it because it had been making a funny noise and so would be needing repairs anyway. So, we figured by the time it was repaired we'd be out at least $100 and it will only cost about $250 to replace it anyway.
So there you have it. Well not quite all of it. Jeff did leave a menagerie of things in the garage that our wonderful realtor is going to take to Goodwill for us.
So, while we are not in our house yet (they are saying by Oct 1st) we are officially out of Ohio, though we do still have a house that no one apparently wants to buy there. I know I am a broken record on this one, but if you know anyone who needs a house in Ohio, please send them our way. It really is a beautiful home at an excellent price...
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
The House Next Door
Before we put our house on the market the house next door was listed "For Sale By Owner" for $195K. Shortly thereafter they listed with a realtor for $179,900. Ours at the time was listed in the $160's and is currently listed at $154,900. Yes if you did the math correctly theirs is listed at $25K more than our house.
So when it went on the market I made the claim to Jeff. "If that house sells before our's I am throwing in the towel."
So I guess the towel has now been thrown in. The house next door to ours, which is about 100 ft^2 larger and has a master bedroom on the 1st floor has just been sold. Yep you read it right.
All I have to say to the idiot who was willing to pay $25K extra for 100 ft^2 and a 1st floor bedroom is I hope it was worth the $25K, because I am pretty sure you are OUT OF YOUR MIND!!!!
So when it went on the market I made the claim to Jeff. "If that house sells before our's I am throwing in the towel."
So I guess the towel has now been thrown in. The house next door to ours, which is about 100 ft^2 larger and has a master bedroom on the 1st floor has just been sold. Yep you read it right.
All I have to say to the idiot who was willing to pay $25K extra for 100 ft^2 and a 1st floor bedroom is I hope it was worth the $25K, because I am pretty sure you are OUT OF YOUR MIND!!!!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Ethiopia?
Something new is developing. During the week of meetings before my first week of school at my new school, we had the global outreach coordinator speak. In his talk he mentioned that if you had any inkling of a desire to do a mission trip to let him know.
So....
I did.
I touched base with him and told him that "at some point" my husband and I would love to lead a trip to Ethiopia. "At Some Point" So, turns out that point may be next summer. I am setting up a time to talk with a gentleman with Christian World Foundation (the foundation associated with Christian World Adoption through which we adopted Eli) sometime this week.
Can't believe it may be really happening! So, for now it isn't adoption, but this is good too, and who knows how our hearts might be stirred back in Ethiopia with all the beautiful children with such great needs...
So....
I did.
I touched base with him and told him that "at some point" my husband and I would love to lead a trip to Ethiopia. "At Some Point" So, turns out that point may be next summer. I am setting up a time to talk with a gentleman with Christian World Foundation (the foundation associated with Christian World Adoption through which we adopted Eli) sometime this week.
Can't believe it may be really happening! So, for now it isn't adoption, but this is good too, and who knows how our hearts might be stirred back in Ethiopia with all the beautiful children with such great needs...
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!
WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!! But I want you to hear it as it happened. So let's back up to this past Friday.
Last Friday Jeff was offered a job at my school. OK, so yea, I realize I already wrote about that but what I didn't really expound on was the angst it brought on Jeff. We really thought this would be the ideal job. I mean, he'd be in my building, on my floor even! But what Jeff had not anticipated was then offering him such a low amount. In some ways it angered him, that they thought he was either 1) worth so little or 2) desperate enough that he'd settle for so little. So Jeff tried to get in contact with the IT director yesterday and set up a meeting for today at 1:00 to discuss salary.
Onto the 2nd company, a well-known product, a company that will survive even if the economy isn't doing so hot. So he had a 2nd interview today with this company at 9:30. To this point he wasn't really sure what was going to happen with this, but suspected at best he'd be offered a job as a IT support person basically. So after this interview I get a call at about 10:30 (yes just 1 hour later). Jeff tells me he has accepted a job with this company as their new IT Project Manager, reporting directly to the VP himself, and get this... are you ready???.... are you sitting down... the pay? DOUBLE what my school offered him. I am NOT exaggerating.
Can you say CLOUD NINE! Can you say WALKING ON AIR? Well, I say...
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
As Jeff and I are reflecting on this now (hindsight is 20/20 you know) we are absolutely dumbfounded at this all. There are so many *if ...* that we can't believe it. Just to give you a taste ...
If Jeff's phone had not mysteriously whitheld the voicemail from the K-12 School Job that Jeff had wanted, Jeff would have interviewed for this position, a position he was perfect for. Had he got this job? He'd have a longer commute (45 min as opposed to 30) and be making at least $20K less a year.
If my school had offered him just $2 more per hour (which was the salary he requested), he would have taken the job and told the VP for the other company he'd already accepted another position and never have gone to this 2nd interview and be making HALF of what he will now be making.
Those are the two most prominent, but you get the idea. WOW, what else is there to say but...
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!
Last Friday Jeff was offered a job at my school. OK, so yea, I realize I already wrote about that but what I didn't really expound on was the angst it brought on Jeff. We really thought this would be the ideal job. I mean, he'd be in my building, on my floor even! But what Jeff had not anticipated was then offering him such a low amount. In some ways it angered him, that they thought he was either 1) worth so little or 2) desperate enough that he'd settle for so little. So Jeff tried to get in contact with the IT director yesterday and set up a meeting for today at 1:00 to discuss salary.
Onto the 2nd company, a well-known product, a company that will survive even if the economy isn't doing so hot. So he had a 2nd interview today with this company at 9:30. To this point he wasn't really sure what was going to happen with this, but suspected at best he'd be offered a job as a IT support person basically. So after this interview I get a call at about 10:30 (yes just 1 hour later). Jeff tells me he has accepted a job with this company as their new IT Project Manager, reporting directly to the VP himself, and get this... are you ready???.... are you sitting down... the pay? DOUBLE what my school offered him. I am NOT exaggerating.
Can you say CLOUD NINE! Can you say WALKING ON AIR? Well, I say...
PRAISE THE LORD!!!
As Jeff and I are reflecting on this now (hindsight is 20/20 you know) we are absolutely dumbfounded at this all. There are so many *if ...* that we can't believe it. Just to give you a taste ...
If Jeff's phone had not mysteriously whitheld the voicemail from the K-12 School Job that Jeff had wanted, Jeff would have interviewed for this position, a position he was perfect for. Had he got this job? He'd have a longer commute (45 min as opposed to 30) and be making at least $20K less a year.
If my school had offered him just $2 more per hour (which was the salary he requested), he would have taken the job and told the VP for the other company he'd already accepted another position and never have gone to this 2nd interview and be making HALF of what he will now be making.
Those are the two most prominent, but you get the idea. WOW, what else is there to say but...
PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Job Activity
Sorry for the long absence, but I must say it was merely because in all honesty I had nothing to report. Well, nothing that was for public consumption at the time anyway. Let me speak of the house first. We had a showing yesterday. The realtor that showed it said his buyers did like it but had several more they are seeing today. Hate to say it but we've heard that line before.
Now, the thing here is, we have 2 weeks. Exactly 2 weeks from yesterday Jeff will fly into OH and will pick up a truck to move the rest of our things. Why? You ask. Well the current prediction is that our house in OK will be ready in 3 weeks. We'll see. So that means for 2 more weeks our OH house will have furniture in it, then it will be empty. We are also nearly at the 5 month mark, 5 months that our house has been on the market. It's getting old. It's really got to go!
Okay, so onto more positive news. So, Jeff has been offered a job, but, well, the pay is not real good. In fact it is less pay for a more qualified position than the first job he had out of college 10 years ago. So, while the job itself it is a good thing, it is kind of discouraging at the same time. BUT, he also has a 2nd interview with another company on Wednesday. From the first interview we believe the pay for this job will be $15K - $30K more than the job he has been offered already. It is worth noting that he believes both jobs would be good jobs with good people and in good environments. I am kind of on pins and needles here! What will happen!?! We can "survive" on either one, but obviously things would be, well, $1000 to $1500 easier per month if he gets the 2nd job. While I keep praying for God's will, I also keep praying that God's will is the 2nd job. :)
So that is where we are now, still in a holding pattern a bit. Living with my in-laws for the time being, but I have started school and Abi has as well. She is enjoying herself as am I. A couple not so good things are that I have 149 students! This is more than 50% more than I had last semester at my previous school. In addition, we have to leave my in-laws at 6:25 each morning to get the kids to day care in time for our day care provider to get Abi fed and to school on time and for me to get to work on time. This has taken its toll on the kids some. They do great Monday - Wednesday, but then by Thursday they are grumps when I get them up. We will gain about 30 minutes more sleep each morning when we get moved. Just one more thing to look forward to!
Hopefully we will have more details about Jeff's job soon and hear some positive news on the house in the next two weeks. Until then, we ask your prayers over Jeff's job and our house.
Now, the thing here is, we have 2 weeks. Exactly 2 weeks from yesterday Jeff will fly into OH and will pick up a truck to move the rest of our things. Why? You ask. Well the current prediction is that our house in OK will be ready in 3 weeks. We'll see. So that means for 2 more weeks our OH house will have furniture in it, then it will be empty. We are also nearly at the 5 month mark, 5 months that our house has been on the market. It's getting old. It's really got to go!
Okay, so onto more positive news. So, Jeff has been offered a job, but, well, the pay is not real good. In fact it is less pay for a more qualified position than the first job he had out of college 10 years ago. So, while the job itself it is a good thing, it is kind of discouraging at the same time. BUT, he also has a 2nd interview with another company on Wednesday. From the first interview we believe the pay for this job will be $15K - $30K more than the job he has been offered already. It is worth noting that he believes both jobs would be good jobs with good people and in good environments. I am kind of on pins and needles here! What will happen!?! We can "survive" on either one, but obviously things would be, well, $1000 to $1500 easier per month if he gets the 2nd job. While I keep praying for God's will, I also keep praying that God's will is the 2nd job. :)
So that is where we are now, still in a holding pattern a bit. Living with my in-laws for the time being, but I have started school and Abi has as well. She is enjoying herself as am I. A couple not so good things are that I have 149 students! This is more than 50% more than I had last semester at my previous school. In addition, we have to leave my in-laws at 6:25 each morning to get the kids to day care in time for our day care provider to get Abi fed and to school on time and for me to get to work on time. This has taken its toll on the kids some. They do great Monday - Wednesday, but then by Thursday they are grumps when I get them up. We will gain about 30 minutes more sleep each morning when we get moved. Just one more thing to look forward to!
Hopefully we will have more details about Jeff's job soon and hear some positive news on the house in the next two weeks. Until then, we ask your prayers over Jeff's job and our house.
Monday, August 16, 2010
House Activity
Well, we had 2 showings on Sunday, which was encouraging. 2 showings in one day! Be still my heart! Then we got the following feedback today.
Family #1 - they saw 10 properties and narrowed their search down to 4, our house was not among them. Why? Not a big enough yard. Ok well, that's not something I can change, sorry!
Family #2 - our house was #2 on their list with their #1 house around the corner priced $3K over ours. But that doesn't matter because they plan to lo ball the other house and our house is their back up plan. But then that means if it comes to it they will lo ball us too I suspect. The other house does show well online, and it does have granite in the kitchen. But, it does NOT have a finished basement! How much more could you do with an extra 300 ft^2 of space? Yep pretty sure that is more important than granite. Guess we'll see what happens. But that house is vacant, so I will bet they will play "Let's Make a Deal" and it will never come to us to get to play.
I was so hopeful! Jeff is going back to OH on Wednesday through next Monday to go with a friend to a race Friday - Sunday. On Thursday he is going to have a garage sale to get rid of some big items we are not going to move including a 42'' TV, kitchen table, wood picnic table, Little Tikes swing set, washer, dryer, and stove. Sure hope they bring in big bucks! So, seems like it'd be perfect if he had to cancel his return flight in order to get a moving truck, pack it all up, and drive it home. And since the ticket is with Southwest, he'd even be able to reuse the amount toward another ticket later.
Okay, so this is my new perfect plan. Someone needs to make us an offer that we can agree upon by Sunday night 8/24. Do you people hear me? This is the plan, please get with the program and let us get moved on!
Family #1 - they saw 10 properties and narrowed their search down to 4, our house was not among them. Why? Not a big enough yard. Ok well, that's not something I can change, sorry!
Family #2 - our house was #2 on their list with their #1 house around the corner priced $3K over ours. But that doesn't matter because they plan to lo ball the other house and our house is their back up plan. But then that means if it comes to it they will lo ball us too I suspect. The other house does show well online, and it does have granite in the kitchen. But, it does NOT have a finished basement! How much more could you do with an extra 300 ft^2 of space? Yep pretty sure that is more important than granite. Guess we'll see what happens. But that house is vacant, so I will bet they will play "Let's Make a Deal" and it will never come to us to get to play.
I was so hopeful! Jeff is going back to OH on Wednesday through next Monday to go with a friend to a race Friday - Sunday. On Thursday he is going to have a garage sale to get rid of some big items we are not going to move including a 42'' TV, kitchen table, wood picnic table, Little Tikes swing set, washer, dryer, and stove. Sure hope they bring in big bucks! So, seems like it'd be perfect if he had to cancel his return flight in order to get a moving truck, pack it all up, and drive it home. And since the ticket is with Southwest, he'd even be able to reuse the amount toward another ticket later.
Okay, so this is my new perfect plan. Someone needs to make us an offer that we can agree upon by Sunday night 8/24. Do you people hear me? This is the plan, please get with the program and let us get moved on!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Another Niece/Nephew
Last year was the year of the baby... I mean I have 5 sisters-in-law and 1 sister. Last year (from June - February) 4 of my sisters-in-law (all of them on Jeff's side) gave birth to a baby. Just found out that the 5th of my sisters-in-law (my brother's wife) is now pregnant. So, 6 months, count 'em, and another one is pregnant!
As for my sister, ... well they are done if you know what I mean :).
Me? Well, we're not really sure where we stand on that at the moment. Jeff kind of feels like our family is complete, but I'm not so sure. What I do know is that even though I'd love 2 more (have one and adopt one) I can probably only convince him to do one or the other (if even that :) ). So if I have to choose (or get to I should say) I'd say I'd rather adopt.
Adoption is the heart of God, I think. That God can take a child born not of my body and create such a love in my heart for that child and that child for me is nothing short of a miracle. It gives me just a taste of how much He must love me. That I, His child through adoption into His family can have such a Father! Wow! I am really just not sure how anyone chooses not to adopt!
So, as far as our family. We're staying 4 for now... we've a lot on our plates right now anyway. What with having 2 house and not living in either one, Jeff still not in a permanent job, me starting a new job, the kids starting daycare, Abi starting 1st grade, well I'm not sure we need any more excitement at the moment. But in a year... who knows :) ?
As for my sister, ... well they are done if you know what I mean :).
Me? Well, we're not really sure where we stand on that at the moment. Jeff kind of feels like our family is complete, but I'm not so sure. What I do know is that even though I'd love 2 more (have one and adopt one) I can probably only convince him to do one or the other (if even that :) ). So if I have to choose (or get to I should say) I'd say I'd rather adopt.
Adoption is the heart of God, I think. That God can take a child born not of my body and create such a love in my heart for that child and that child for me is nothing short of a miracle. It gives me just a taste of how much He must love me. That I, His child through adoption into His family can have such a Father! Wow! I am really just not sure how anyone chooses not to adopt!
So, as far as our family. We're staying 4 for now... we've a lot on our plates right now anyway. What with having 2 house and not living in either one, Jeff still not in a permanent job, me starting a new job, the kids starting daycare, Abi starting 1st grade, well I'm not sure we need any more excitement at the moment. But in a year... who knows :) ?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Last Days of Summer
Well, next week starts the new adventures of real life here in Oklahoma.
I have meetings starting on Monday and Abi starts school on Wednesday. Both kids will start day care on Monday as well. And Abi starts Dance on Tuesday.
Oh, and just for fun I should throw in that Jeff is going back to Ohio on Wednesday (til Sunday) to go to a Nascar race with a friend of his. That should really make my week easier (NOT!).
What about the OH house you ask? Still not sold. And we lowered the price another $5K yesterday.
What about the OK house? Well it's getting closer, I think.
What about a job for Jeff. Still have some irons in the fire, but no interviews or anything lined up. But there might be some temp work that pays well.
So what have I been doing this last week of summer you ask? Well, so far we have gone to White Water (a water park) twice and Frontier City (an amusement park) once. I had a meeting on Tuesday at my new school and have another one on Friday. Tomorrow I plan to take the kids to the Splash Pad and to see Shrek Forever at the dollar theaters. Yep, we are making the most out of this last week of summer.
I have meetings starting on Monday and Abi starts school on Wednesday. Both kids will start day care on Monday as well. And Abi starts Dance on Tuesday.
Oh, and just for fun I should throw in that Jeff is going back to Ohio on Wednesday (til Sunday) to go to a Nascar race with a friend of his. That should really make my week easier (NOT!).
What about the OH house you ask? Still not sold. And we lowered the price another $5K yesterday.
What about the OK house? Well it's getting closer, I think.
What about a job for Jeff. Still have some irons in the fire, but no interviews or anything lined up. But there might be some temp work that pays well.
So what have I been doing this last week of summer you ask? Well, so far we have gone to White Water (a water park) twice and Frontier City (an amusement park) once. I had a meeting on Tuesday at my new school and have another one on Friday. Tomorrow I plan to take the kids to the Splash Pad and to see Shrek Forever at the dollar theaters. Yep, we are making the most out of this last week of summer.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
More Frustrations
Well even though we had two showing this week, they were unsuccessful showings, with little feedback other than that the second family wanted a bigger yard. Sorry that's not something within my power to change. So, that's a bummer.
The bigger bummer though was what happened with the job interview we thought Jeff had. OK so let's back up a little. In early July when we first moved back here we thought Jeff might have better luck getting interviews if we had an Oklahoma phone number (as opposed to a clearly long-distance one). However, we were reluctant to give up our Ohio numbers because Jeff still had a few job applications "out there" that had the Ohio number on them. So, we decided to get a go-phone.
Now back up to this Wednesday. Jeff was out of the house and I heard the go-phone ringing. When it finished I checked the Voice Mails. There was one on there from a school district that Jeff had applied to. This was THE job, the only one out there with this new phone number on the application. Jeff had set up an account with the employer and had both his OK go-phone number and is OH number on the account. I was pumped! The VM said they wanted to set up an interview on Monday or Tuesday. Very exciting!
So, on Thursday I am in a meeting learning to use my new laptop when I check my phone and see a text from Jeff. He called the school district that had left the VM. Here we go ... are you ready... the VM was 2 1/2 weeks old and the position had been filled already. Jeff was crushed. I was crushed. It was almost more than I could stand. Jeff said he nearly started crying on the phone when the lady at the school told him. He was near tears on the VM he left me after he found out. I seriously thought I might throw up.
We are still not 100% sure how this all happened. Jeff says he checked the VM on the go-phone daily and the message was not there. It would seem that the go-phone had some sort of issues with this VM. So, the go-phone is no more. Just to prove the point Jeff decided to throw the phone at the brick wall outside his parents' home....TWICE. OK so maybe not the most mature thing to do (and try explaining it to a 5 year old as well). I think he made his point though.
And what is even worse that faulty technology is the school itself. They called 1 phone number, the OK one. Remember what I said earlier? The account he had on file had 2 phone numbers on it, the OK and OH one. So, why ask for 2 phone numbers when you only are willing to call 1? Also, ever heard of email? You also asked for Jeff's email address? How hard would it be to send an email or make 1 more phone call. I mean really are you that inept? So, I am hard-pressed to say that where I have more anger, at a messed up go-phone or a lazy secretary making phone calls for interviews.
We went that night and changed our phone numbers to OK numbers.
Now as kind as everyone thinks they are being with comments like...
"It just wasn't meant to be."
"God must have something else in store for you."
"Things will work out."
.
.
.
ETC.
I must say. As true as these statements may be, they really are not helpful. Tell me you'll pray for us. Tell me you are disappointed with us. But comments like these feel so shallow. They don't feel like the one making them really understands at all.
Do you have ANY IDEA what we are going through! ANY IDEA that if our OH house does not sell we can't get a loan for our OK house? ANY IDEA that Jeff has been out of work for 1 year completely and the 2 years prior to that he made $200 a week as youth pastor! Do you have ANY IDEA how hard this all is?
Please pray. We SO need God to make a way in this seemingly endless standstill we are in.
The bigger bummer though was what happened with the job interview we thought Jeff had. OK so let's back up a little. In early July when we first moved back here we thought Jeff might have better luck getting interviews if we had an Oklahoma phone number (as opposed to a clearly long-distance one). However, we were reluctant to give up our Ohio numbers because Jeff still had a few job applications "out there" that had the Ohio number on them. So, we decided to get a go-phone.
Now back up to this Wednesday. Jeff was out of the house and I heard the go-phone ringing. When it finished I checked the Voice Mails. There was one on there from a school district that Jeff had applied to. This was THE job, the only one out there with this new phone number on the application. Jeff had set up an account with the employer and had both his OK go-phone number and is OH number on the account. I was pumped! The VM said they wanted to set up an interview on Monday or Tuesday. Very exciting!
So, on Thursday I am in a meeting learning to use my new laptop when I check my phone and see a text from Jeff. He called the school district that had left the VM. Here we go ... are you ready... the VM was 2 1/2 weeks old and the position had been filled already. Jeff was crushed. I was crushed. It was almost more than I could stand. Jeff said he nearly started crying on the phone when the lady at the school told him. He was near tears on the VM he left me after he found out. I seriously thought I might throw up.
We are still not 100% sure how this all happened. Jeff says he checked the VM on the go-phone daily and the message was not there. It would seem that the go-phone had some sort of issues with this VM. So, the go-phone is no more. Just to prove the point Jeff decided to throw the phone at the brick wall outside his parents' home....TWICE. OK so maybe not the most mature thing to do (and try explaining it to a 5 year old as well). I think he made his point though.
And what is even worse that faulty technology is the school itself. They called 1 phone number, the OK one. Remember what I said earlier? The account he had on file had 2 phone numbers on it, the OK and OH one. So, why ask for 2 phone numbers when you only are willing to call 1? Also, ever heard of email? You also asked for Jeff's email address? How hard would it be to send an email or make 1 more phone call. I mean really are you that inept? So, I am hard-pressed to say that where I have more anger, at a messed up go-phone or a lazy secretary making phone calls for interviews.
We went that night and changed our phone numbers to OK numbers.
Now as kind as everyone thinks they are being with comments like...
"It just wasn't meant to be."
"God must have something else in store for you."
"Things will work out."
.
.
.
ETC.
I must say. As true as these statements may be, they really are not helpful. Tell me you'll pray for us. Tell me you are disappointed with us. But comments like these feel so shallow. They don't feel like the one making them really understands at all.
Do you have ANY IDEA what we are going through! ANY IDEA that if our OH house does not sell we can't get a loan for our OK house? ANY IDEA that Jeff has been out of work for 1 year completely and the 2 years prior to that he made $200 a week as youth pastor! Do you have ANY IDEA how hard this all is?
Please pray. We SO need God to make a way in this seemingly endless standstill we are in.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Opportunities? Sure Hope So
Well, Jeff has a job interview with a local school district IT department next week. This would certainly be a God-send if it works out.
We had a house showing yesterday, from which we heard nothing. But we have another showing tomorrow, so maybe that one will be the ONE.
We also decided that we are going to try a couple other churches around where we will be living. Just to see what else is sort of "out there." We are trying to be very open to where God could be leading us and are just not sure we will know if it is the church we have gone to a couple times just yet.
About 2 months ago I posted on Facebook that if I could just have a glimpse of how this all works out .... WOW would that ever be helpful. Again, I feel this way. If we only just knew we could maybe actually be at peace here. But all these decisions and all the unknown is enough STRESS to make anyone CRAZY!
We had a house showing yesterday, from which we heard nothing. But we have another showing tomorrow, so maybe that one will be the ONE.
We also decided that we are going to try a couple other churches around where we will be living. Just to see what else is sort of "out there." We are trying to be very open to where God could be leading us and are just not sure we will know if it is the church we have gone to a couple times just yet.
About 2 months ago I posted on Facebook that if I could just have a glimpse of how this all works out .... WOW would that ever be helpful. Again, I feel this way. If we only just knew we could maybe actually be at peace here. But all these decisions and all the unknown is enough STRESS to make anyone CRAZY!
One Decision Made
Well one decision has been made. My kids will be going to a home day care next year. Yesterday the kids and I visited a home day care that we saw an advertisement for at Abi's new school. It will cost $10 less a week than the day care center we were going to put them in. For both kids, Eli full-time and Abi before/after school it will cost us $155 a week for day care. This is the least expensive I have found. So we decided to go check out the home yesterday.
The drawback to this daycare, you see, is the drive. It is another 5-7 minutes out of the way. And as bad as this sounds when the lady said it was in a double wide I had my doubts. As I was driving out I thought there was no way this would make sense. But I will tell you what, the home inside is so nice. It is light and clean and practically new! I loved it. I really liked the lady as well. Her name is Amy. The kids seemed to connect and wanted to stay as well.
As we left I knew this was the one. The right place for my kids to be when I could not be with them. Abi raved about it and I clocked the time back to my new (unfinished) house, 20 minutes, but it would have been 15 min to the other one anyway. I called her back in the next hour and asked that she keep spots for us.
Yea! One decision made. At this point any decision feels like progress.
The drawback to this daycare, you see, is the drive. It is another 5-7 minutes out of the way. And as bad as this sounds when the lady said it was in a double wide I had my doubts. As I was driving out I thought there was no way this would make sense. But I will tell you what, the home inside is so nice. It is light and clean and practically new! I loved it. I really liked the lady as well. Her name is Amy. The kids seemed to connect and wanted to stay as well.
As we left I knew this was the one. The right place for my kids to be when I could not be with them. Abi raved about it and I clocked the time back to my new (unfinished) house, 20 minutes, but it would have been 15 min to the other one anyway. I called her back in the next hour and asked that she keep spots for us.
Yea! One decision made. At this point any decision feels like progress.
Monday, August 2, 2010
A Few Updates
Today we registered Abi for school. She will be in 1st grade this year. Sometimes I look at her and think that cannot be possible. I still remember (though vaguely) life before kids. She simply CAN'T be in 1st grade! And yet here we are.
While we were registering her we noticed a flyer for an at-home day care. The kids and I are going to check it out tomorrow. It would be $10 cheaper a week than the traditional daycare we currently have arrangements at, but it would be less convenient. It is an additional 7 minutes or so out of my way to get the kids there in the morning.
In actuality we are still trying to assess if day care is necessary for Abi. It is possible that she could ride the bus to and from school from our neighborhood. But the timing might be cut short for me to get her on the bus, then get Eli to daycare, then get me to school to teach by 8 AM. This is the issue on M/W/F. Then the issue on T/Th is in the afternoon. I don't get done teaching until 3:15. School lets out for Abi at 2:50. Not sure when the bus would get her back home. If we knew for sure that Jeff could be there at these moments that would be fine. But at the moment we have no clue.
Jeff's job situation is still up in the air. There may be a possibility of a church job opening up. But that is still in the air because the church is currently searching for a primary pastor as well. Until that is settled the youth pastor job there will not be "posted" so to speak. I think this is where Jeff's heart is leading him and potentially where he feels God is leading him. However, until there are more concrete details this too is up in the air.
For the meantime Jeff can certainly work for his Dad or brother, but for many reasons this is not an ideal situation long-term. The question is in the short-term does it make more sense to juggle Abi not being in day care (savings of $210 a month) or does it make more sense to simplify things and pay the $210? I sure wish I could see into the future. Sure would make decisions easier don't you think?
Our OH house is still for sale. But we do at least have a showing tomorrow at 10:30 EST. That's good news anyway. Our OK house is still kind of at a stand still. I am getting kind of anxious. I have to report to work in 2 weeks. Abi starts school in 2 weeks. This holding pattern has got to give. That OH house has got to go away! I so need my life to MOVE ON!
While we were registering her we noticed a flyer for an at-home day care. The kids and I are going to check it out tomorrow. It would be $10 cheaper a week than the traditional daycare we currently have arrangements at, but it would be less convenient. It is an additional 7 minutes or so out of my way to get the kids there in the morning.
In actuality we are still trying to assess if day care is necessary for Abi. It is possible that she could ride the bus to and from school from our neighborhood. But the timing might be cut short for me to get her on the bus, then get Eli to daycare, then get me to school to teach by 8 AM. This is the issue on M/W/F. Then the issue on T/Th is in the afternoon. I don't get done teaching until 3:15. School lets out for Abi at 2:50. Not sure when the bus would get her back home. If we knew for sure that Jeff could be there at these moments that would be fine. But at the moment we have no clue.
Jeff's job situation is still up in the air. There may be a possibility of a church job opening up. But that is still in the air because the church is currently searching for a primary pastor as well. Until that is settled the youth pastor job there will not be "posted" so to speak. I think this is where Jeff's heart is leading him and potentially where he feels God is leading him. However, until there are more concrete details this too is up in the air.
For the meantime Jeff can certainly work for his Dad or brother, but for many reasons this is not an ideal situation long-term. The question is in the short-term does it make more sense to juggle Abi not being in day care (savings of $210 a month) or does it make more sense to simplify things and pay the $210? I sure wish I could see into the future. Sure would make decisions easier don't you think?
Our OH house is still for sale. But we do at least have a showing tomorrow at 10:30 EST. That's good news anyway. Our OK house is still kind of at a stand still. I am getting kind of anxious. I have to report to work in 2 weeks. Abi starts school in 2 weeks. This holding pattern has got to give. That OH house has got to go away! I so need my life to MOVE ON!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Despondent
I am feeling a might depressed tonight. Seems like there is so much that needs to be DONE but none of it is anything I can DO.
Jeff's job interview went okay he thought but not well enough he felt that he would be offered the job. He suspected he'd know in the next couple weeks.
Nothing has happened with our OH house selling. We had a great open house with lots of positive feedback on Sunday, which has now amounted to a big whopping nada.
Our OK house seems to be at a bit of a slow down. This is a mixed blessing. While I'd love to get moved in and have my own space, in reality until the OH house sells we cannot qualify for the loan. Big Problem. So if the slow down on the OK house allows us long enough for the OH house to sell, this could be a plus actually.
We do have one decision we have made. I called the school district we were trying to transfer Abi into this past Monday. They informed me they would not decide to admit or decline to admit her until the first day of class. This is not okay. First she'd miss the first day of class. While not ideal this is not actually my big issue. The big issue is there is only one day care that buses into this school. To reserve her spot now would cost $75, and if she is not admitted we'd lose $75. To wait and not reserve her spot means the spot might not still be available if she is admitted. I simply can't risk any of this. So, I decided to stop fighting the issue and send her to the school she is supposed to go to. If we decide to next year we can transfer her in and know sooner because we'd apply sooner. On the upside the day care we were able to get the kids into now will cost us $30 less a week. That is a savings of $120+ a month! Obviously a good thing. :)
So a bit of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy outlook I'd say. At this point I feel helpless. There are two HUGE things that need to happen (OH house to sell and Jeff to get a job... just in case you missed that above) and I can to NOTHING to assist in any of it.
Helplessness is such a hard feeling. When you feel this way you feel like giving up and certainly the glass is half-empty in my life right now. So, I am going to try this again...
My Wish List
1) OH house sells and SOON!!!
2) Jeff gets a job he'll enjoy (and pays decently)
3) the OK house is NOT finished before the OH house is sold
and the next one is new...
4) that I keep my sanity in this whole process
God, I need your help when I am helpless. You know what you have planned for us. You have brought us here and provided me with a good job. You have provided an amazing opportunity for us with this house and I believe that you know better than I do what we need. You know we need our OH house to sell. Please send the right person to our home to make us a good offer and allow us to move on. You know Jeff has struggled with his job situation ever since we left OK. Please guide him to the job you'd have him take. Allow things to fall into place so that he'd find fulfillment in the job you have for him. I know your plans are best and your timing is perfect. Give me optimism when I am down and encouragement when I feel like giving up. I love you God. Amen
Jeff's job interview went okay he thought but not well enough he felt that he would be offered the job. He suspected he'd know in the next couple weeks.
Nothing has happened with our OH house selling. We had a great open house with lots of positive feedback on Sunday, which has now amounted to a big whopping nada.
Our OK house seems to be at a bit of a slow down. This is a mixed blessing. While I'd love to get moved in and have my own space, in reality until the OH house sells we cannot qualify for the loan. Big Problem. So if the slow down on the OK house allows us long enough for the OH house to sell, this could be a plus actually.
We do have one decision we have made. I called the school district we were trying to transfer Abi into this past Monday. They informed me they would not decide to admit or decline to admit her until the first day of class. This is not okay. First she'd miss the first day of class. While not ideal this is not actually my big issue. The big issue is there is only one day care that buses into this school. To reserve her spot now would cost $75, and if she is not admitted we'd lose $75. To wait and not reserve her spot means the spot might not still be available if she is admitted. I simply can't risk any of this. So, I decided to stop fighting the issue and send her to the school she is supposed to go to. If we decide to next year we can transfer her in and know sooner because we'd apply sooner. On the upside the day care we were able to get the kids into now will cost us $30 less a week. That is a savings of $120+ a month! Obviously a good thing. :)
So a bit of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy outlook I'd say. At this point I feel helpless. There are two HUGE things that need to happen (OH house to sell and Jeff to get a job... just in case you missed that above) and I can to NOTHING to assist in any of it.
Helplessness is such a hard feeling. When you feel this way you feel like giving up and certainly the glass is half-empty in my life right now. So, I am going to try this again...
My Wish List
1) OH house sells and SOON!!!
2) Jeff gets a job he'll enjoy (and pays decently)
3) the OK house is NOT finished before the OH house is sold
and the next one is new...
4) that I keep my sanity in this whole process
God, I need your help when I am helpless. You know what you have planned for us. You have brought us here and provided me with a good job. You have provided an amazing opportunity for us with this house and I believe that you know better than I do what we need. You know we need our OH house to sell. Please send the right person to our home to make us a good offer and allow us to move on. You know Jeff has struggled with his job situation ever since we left OK. Please guide him to the job you'd have him take. Allow things to fall into place so that he'd find fulfillment in the job you have for him. I know your plans are best and your timing is perfect. Give me optimism when I am down and encouragement when I feel like giving up. I love you God. Amen
Sunday, July 18, 2010
A Bit of Light
So perhaps there is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel we are in.
in Ohio ... a house showing today resulted in 4 families coming through the house. 3 out of the 4 were interested according to our realtor. In addition the house next to ours just went on the market with a realtor (it was FSBO before). To our pleasure, it is priced $20K higher than ours. I think this makes ours look like an even better deal than it did before.
with Jeff ... a job interview! Monday, July 26 Jeff will interview for an IT job with a Vo-Tech. Obviously the upside is that it is a job in his field. The downside is that it would be a lengthy commute, roughly 45 min - 1 hour I'd guess.
with Eli ... potty training was a complete success. Even better than I could have hoped I'd say. No more diapers during the day and we are now at 4 days of dry diapers after waking up after night.
So, also the Oklahoma house is projected to be done in 5-6 weeks, that is like the first week of school for me! It would be awesome to be in then, but honestly the OH house MUST sell first! So far we have heard nothing from the school about Abi's transfer paperwork. My plan is to call tomorrow to see if there is anything they can tell me.
We covet your continued prayers.
in Ohio ... a house showing today resulted in 4 families coming through the house. 3 out of the 4 were interested according to our realtor. In addition the house next to ours just went on the market with a realtor (it was FSBO before). To our pleasure, it is priced $20K higher than ours. I think this makes ours look like an even better deal than it did before.
with Jeff ... a job interview! Monday, July 26 Jeff will interview for an IT job with a Vo-Tech. Obviously the upside is that it is a job in his field. The downside is that it would be a lengthy commute, roughly 45 min - 1 hour I'd guess.
with Eli ... potty training was a complete success. Even better than I could have hoped I'd say. No more diapers during the day and we are now at 4 days of dry diapers after waking up after night.
So, also the Oklahoma house is projected to be done in 5-6 weeks, that is like the first week of school for me! It would be awesome to be in then, but honestly the OH house MUST sell first! So far we have heard nothing from the school about Abi's transfer paperwork. My plan is to call tomorrow to see if there is anything they can tell me.
We covet your continued prayers.
Monday, July 12, 2010
On the home front...
in Ohio... our house is still for sale, anyone need a new home?
in Oklahoma... our house now has a roof and stairs to the new "upper room". That is exciting. But I haven't actually seen it for myself, only pictures from Jeff when he has been working. I plan to go see it on Thursday with a friend who is in town this week.
with Abi... she is adjusting very well to being here. She doesn't really talk too much about Ohio. There is just so much to do here that she is pretty preoccupied with cousins and such. We did get White Water/Frontier City season tickets. I had to literally push her down the first water slide, but after that she was all smiles! We filled out transfer paperwork for her to get into a school close to my work. We may not know anything until August. And we visited one of the day cares that transports into that school. It was pretty ok I thought. I think we also picked out the dance studio she will attend. She will be in ballet, tap and jazz this year. She is very excited.
with Eli... today was day 1 with potty training. It went better than I would have hoped for. We actually only had 1 accident. Very exciting! I don't do well with being cooped up in a house all day, but he is now down for a nap so I can relax a bit now anyway. I have plans to stay home 2 more days to ensure that he is ok before we take an outing with big boy underpants on. Oh and wonder of all wonders, Eli was tall enough (3 feet) to ride all the tube rides at White Water. He was worried after the first one we put him on, but after that he warmed right up to them and loved it!
with me... well I have a department meeting next Monday, which I am really excited about. I think I will get to set up my office and find out more about MyMathLab, which I will be using for online homework in the College Algebra Class I am teaching.
with Jeff... no news yet for any job stuff. Not good... not good at all.
Okay so how can you help? Please pray for 3 things... 1) our Ohio house sells, 2) Jeff gets a job and 3) our Oklahoma house isn't ready before the Ohio house is sold. Thanks!
in Oklahoma... our house now has a roof and stairs to the new "upper room". That is exciting. But I haven't actually seen it for myself, only pictures from Jeff when he has been working. I plan to go see it on Thursday with a friend who is in town this week.
with Abi... she is adjusting very well to being here. She doesn't really talk too much about Ohio. There is just so much to do here that she is pretty preoccupied with cousins and such. We did get White Water/Frontier City season tickets. I had to literally push her down the first water slide, but after that she was all smiles! We filled out transfer paperwork for her to get into a school close to my work. We may not know anything until August. And we visited one of the day cares that transports into that school. It was pretty ok I thought. I think we also picked out the dance studio she will attend. She will be in ballet, tap and jazz this year. She is very excited.
with Eli... today was day 1 with potty training. It went better than I would have hoped for. We actually only had 1 accident. Very exciting! I don't do well with being cooped up in a house all day, but he is now down for a nap so I can relax a bit now anyway. I have plans to stay home 2 more days to ensure that he is ok before we take an outing with big boy underpants on. Oh and wonder of all wonders, Eli was tall enough (3 feet) to ride all the tube rides at White Water. He was worried after the first one we put him on, but after that he warmed right up to them and loved it!
with me... well I have a department meeting next Monday, which I am really excited about. I think I will get to set up my office and find out more about MyMathLab, which I will be using for online homework in the College Algebra Class I am teaching.
with Jeff... no news yet for any job stuff. Not good... not good at all.
Okay so how can you help? Please pray for 3 things... 1) our Ohio house sells, 2) Jeff gets a job and 3) our Oklahoma house isn't ready before the Ohio house is sold. Thanks!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
A Whole New World
Abi's dance recital was this past weekend. The song they danced to was "A Whole New World." You can see her lovely photos we had taken and the stage rehersal, dress rehersal, and final recital videos below.
Stage Rehersal
Stage Rehersal
Dress Rehersal
Recital
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
I AM TICKED
3:20 Wed 6/16 Call from our realtor to see if our house can be shown at 4:30. This causes us a potential problem because we are now down to one car and I have to leave around 3:30 ish to get into school to print and administer my final exam tonight.
But we pull it together. I take our dog to our friend Amy's. I take our 2 cats and Abi to our friend Sheila's. I head into school. Jeff stays at the house to move boxes out (remember we are in the packing stage here) to the garage and to clean the house (side note: he had already just patched a hole in the wall from moving the couch out of the basement earlier that day). Then he puts Eli in the bike trailer and heads to the park. In my spirit I felt like we had accomplished the impossible! This had better be it!
5:35 I get a call from Jeff. He has just gotten home with Eli and THE PEOPLE NEVER CAME!!!!!! Yes you read it right.
Jeff called our realtor who called the other realtor. The 2nd realtor said the family was under a time crunch and unable to see it today. Yet, she apparently didn't know that a hour earlier when she scheduled the showing?!? You can't be serious! What is more is she didn't even have the common courtesy to call to cancel, offer an apology, etc!
I think there is steam coming out of my ears right about now!
But we pull it together. I take our dog to our friend Amy's. I take our 2 cats and Abi to our friend Sheila's. I head into school. Jeff stays at the house to move boxes out (remember we are in the packing stage here) to the garage and to clean the house (side note: he had already just patched a hole in the wall from moving the couch out of the basement earlier that day). Then he puts Eli in the bike trailer and heads to the park. In my spirit I felt like we had accomplished the impossible! This had better be it!
5:35 I get a call from Jeff. He has just gotten home with Eli and THE PEOPLE NEVER CAME!!!!!! Yes you read it right.
Jeff called our realtor who called the other realtor. The 2nd realtor said the family was under a time crunch and unable to see it today. Yet, she apparently didn't know that a hour earlier when she scheduled the showing?!? You can't be serious! What is more is she didn't even have the common courtesy to call to cancel, offer an apology, etc!
I think there is steam coming out of my ears right about now!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Stressed Out
Jeff is out of town, in OK working on our *new* house, okay tornado damaged house is a more accurate description.
I have been a *single mom* now for 6 days.... stress.
Jeff has a job interview tomorrow.... stress.
We have a house showing on Friday.... stress.
And finally, I think now at 1:00 am my son has an ear infection.... excellent!
I have been a *single mom* now for 6 days.... stress.
Jeff has a job interview tomorrow.... stress.
We have a house showing on Friday.... stress.
And finally, I think now at 1:00 am my son has an ear infection.... excellent!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Abi's Kindergarten Graduation Play
Grand Old Flag
Background on the Star Spangled Banner
God Bless America
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Check off the To-Do List (aka: Answers to Prayer)
Updates on my previous To-Do List
1) Check arrived in the mail today, YEA!
2) All expenses are reimbursable per HR Dept at my new employer, YEA!
3) No news on the house we are trying to sell!
4) Bought the house below! Details from my mother-in-law were that the house was purchased for $60K and my father-in-law believes we can put $80K-$100K into it and per my mother-in-law it will be worth $250K. Not too bad! Equity of $90-110K when we get the final loan, YEA!
5) Per my mother-in-law the man from whom we bought the house works at an air force base and needs civilians to fill 3 different positions. Again, per my mother-in-law, he says if Jeff applies, he will hire him. After he has spent X amount of time (she said how long but I didn't catch it) he can transfer to a different division, like Computer Networking, which is his field. Jeff was unable to locate where to apply and the actual positions online for these jobs, but his parent's are checking into it tomorrow for us. So, maybe it is a YEA! Certainly will be a YEA! if he gets one of the jobs.
Now I hate to push, but that still leaves 1, maybe 2 things on the To-Do list for this week. But I'd say that is pretty good progress for the first 3 days. Now, people... let's get this thing DONE!
1) Check arrived in the mail today, YEA!
2) All expenses are reimbursable per HR Dept at my new employer, YEA!
3) No news on the house we are trying to sell!
4) Bought the house below! Details from my mother-in-law were that the house was purchased for $60K and my father-in-law believes we can put $80K-$100K into it and per my mother-in-law it will be worth $250K. Not too bad! Equity of $90-110K when we get the final loan, YEA!
5) Per my mother-in-law the man from whom we bought the house works at an air force base and needs civilians to fill 3 different positions. Again, per my mother-in-law, he says if Jeff applies, he will hire him. After he has spent X amount of time (she said how long but I didn't catch it) he can transfer to a different division, like Computer Networking, which is his field. Jeff was unable to locate where to apply and the actual positions online for these jobs, but his parent's are checking into it tomorrow for us. So, maybe it is a YEA! Certainly will be a YEA! if he gets one of the jobs.
Now I hate to push, but that still leaves 1, maybe 2 things on the To-Do list for this week. But I'd say that is pretty good progress for the first 3 days. Now, people... let's get this thing DONE!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
My To-Do List (aka prayer list)
We just said goodbye to my sister, her two oldest kids and my parents today. They came to visit for 3 days (4 nights). It was such a good visit... but now down to business. We have a 5 part to do list. I'd really like to have it all checked off ASAP, so I am going to need some cooperation!
1. Waiting for a check ($860) to come in the mail, now officially past due (4-6 week timetable and it has now been 7 weeks)
2. Waiting for details from HR at my new employer about reimbursement from moving expenses (he emailed last Tuesday that he'd call soon... I am pretty sure that now 5 days later has never counted as *soon* in my world)
3. SELL THE HOUSE!!!!!!
4. Get for sure details on the potential house I posted about earlier, things are still looking good, but no contract yet between my father-in-law and the homeowner.
5. Job offer for Jeff.
That should be accomplishable this week, if all you people would just get with the program! SERIOUSLY PEOPLE!!!!!!
1. Waiting for a check ($860) to come in the mail, now officially past due (4-6 week timetable and it has now been 7 weeks)
2. Waiting for details from HR at my new employer about reimbursement from moving expenses (he emailed last Tuesday that he'd call soon... I am pretty sure that now 5 days later has never counted as *soon* in my world)
3. SELL THE HOUSE!!!!!!
4. Get for sure details on the potential house I posted about earlier, things are still looking good, but no contract yet between my father-in-law and the homeowner.
5. Job offer for Jeff.
That should be accomplishable this week, if all you people would just get with the program! SERIOUSLY PEOPLE!!!!!!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The House Pre-Tornado
This is the house I showed you in my last post, but before the tornado came through... is this for real? I mean could it really work out that this house would be mine? I am too afraid to even hope for this right now. Things just don't work out for us this well, like ever!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Ups and Downs
With all this change, my emotions have been a wreck recently. The good news is we have had 2 more house showings, but on the flip side, no contract. Our relator called us after the showing yesterday to let us know that the couple really liked the house. He is their buyer's realtor as well. They are in a time crunch because their house is under contract and they need to make a decision within a week as to where they will move. But again, on the flip side, he had several more houses he was still planning to show them before they decided. The stress just may do me in by the time this is all over.
Then tonight my mother-in-law emailed my husband this picture
This is a house that was damaged in the most recent tornados in Oklahoma. Why you may ask does this pertain to us? Well, my father-in-law has been looking for a fixer-upper, a good deal, etc. for us to buy when we move. So, after the tornados he went out looking for a deal. He believes he can buy this house for $50K, put $80K into it and it will be worth $240K or there abouts. All I really know is it is about 2600 sq ft. and honestly it looks like it was (and will again be) a very beautiful home. So obviously this is in the *good deal* category.
So some positive news maybe. It would be about 15 minutes from where I work and the local schools appear to be good. It isn't exactly in a large town, but I think we can deal with that ok. Sure would be nice to have a mortgage in the $130K range, and of course the instant equity too!
Now if this house would just sell...
Then tonight my mother-in-law emailed my husband this picture
This is a house that was damaged in the most recent tornados in Oklahoma. Why you may ask does this pertain to us? Well, my father-in-law has been looking for a fixer-upper, a good deal, etc. for us to buy when we move. So, after the tornados he went out looking for a deal. He believes he can buy this house for $50K, put $80K into it and it will be worth $240K or there abouts. All I really know is it is about 2600 sq ft. and honestly it looks like it was (and will again be) a very beautiful home. So obviously this is in the *good deal* category.
So some positive news maybe. It would be about 15 minutes from where I work and the local schools appear to be good. It isn't exactly in a large town, but I think we can deal with that ok. Sure would be nice to have a mortgage in the $130K range, and of course the instant equity too!
Now if this house would just sell...
Sunday, May 16, 2010
The "Perfect" Plan
Okay so I write this a bit tongue in cheek, realizing that only God has the perfect plan for how this will all play out, but this is, in my limited human understanding, my perfect plan for our moving situation.
Okay, so the target date is to be moved by mid August, because I start faculty meetings August 20th and teaching August 26th.
So here's the plan: The house is under contract by mid June and we are able to go home for the 4th of July. This is good timing because I teach until June 16 and Abi has her dance recital on June 19. So we could leave that next week for OK, we could take the animals all with us, as well maybe a load of stuff, maybe even take both our cars.
Then while we are in OK we can secure housing and Jeff would be available for job interviews. Then we'd return to OH to pack and close on the house. We'd leave the kids and animals in OK with family as well as one of the cars.
We could pack it all up in OH, moving back to OK in time to close on a house there in late July. Jeff could start a job beginning of August and Abi would be all set to start first grade.
So, what do you think? I'm not asking for too much, am I?
Okay, so the target date is to be moved by mid August, because I start faculty meetings August 20th and teaching August 26th.
So here's the plan: The house is under contract by mid June and we are able to go home for the 4th of July. This is good timing because I teach until June 16 and Abi has her dance recital on June 19. So we could leave that next week for OK, we could take the animals all with us, as well maybe a load of stuff, maybe even take both our cars.
Then while we are in OK we can secure housing and Jeff would be available for job interviews. Then we'd return to OH to pack and close on the house. We'd leave the kids and animals in OK with family as well as one of the cars.
We could pack it all up in OH, moving back to OK in time to close on a house there in late July. Jeff could start a job beginning of August and Abi would be all set to start first grade.
So, what do you think? I'm not asking for too much, am I?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Nothing Happening
I feel sad actually right now. Nothing bad has happened exactly, but actually nothing has been happening at all, and we really need some things to happen! No one has even come through our house for 10 days!
10 DAYS!
I feel like we are in a staring contest. We are trying so hard not to blink, coaxing the other person (any buyer at this point) to blink first. But it is getting so hard not to blink, so hard not to feel discouraged. I mean I know we still have a couple months before it's crunch time, but seriously, do we really have to get that far into this thing?
I read a thought for the day about a year ago that said "I know that life isn't fair, but just once could it be not fair in my favor?" If I had a quote that described my life, this is the one I'd use. As it says, I know life's not fair, but looking around it so often seems that life is just easier for everyone else. It seems that things just fall into place for others. Never for us. I mean just once could things work out for us? That's not asking too much is it? Just once for things to work out?
Going along with the need for the house to sell,.... heck I'd just be grateful at this point to have people coming to look at it..., is the need for a job for Jeff. Bless his heart, he has applied for a lot of jobs over the past 3 years we have been here. It's hard to see the struggle, and it is hard to not to feel frustrated too. For the past 9 months it has been just me bringing home any income. While I make ok money at the school and then tutor like crazy, every month it seems we are short. We really need Jeff to have a job for financial reasons. But perhaps even more important, he needs to have one for fulfillment, something to do, to feel good about doing.
I am worn out, just emotionally drained. God, I know you are there, and I really need your help. I need you to sell this house. I need you to get Jeff a job. I need your provisions. You have always met our needs and I know you will this time too, but the relying on you is so hard sometimes. I know I am to live by faith, not by sight, but God, my faith feels so weak. So much seems to hang in the balance here. So many "what if's" plague me. I need your strength. I need you to help me rest in you.
10 DAYS!
I feel like we are in a staring contest. We are trying so hard not to blink, coaxing the other person (any buyer at this point) to blink first. But it is getting so hard not to blink, so hard not to feel discouraged. I mean I know we still have a couple months before it's crunch time, but seriously, do we really have to get that far into this thing?
I read a thought for the day about a year ago that said "I know that life isn't fair, but just once could it be not fair in my favor?" If I had a quote that described my life, this is the one I'd use. As it says, I know life's not fair, but looking around it so often seems that life is just easier for everyone else. It seems that things just fall into place for others. Never for us. I mean just once could things work out for us? That's not asking too much is it? Just once for things to work out?
Going along with the need for the house to sell,.... heck I'd just be grateful at this point to have people coming to look at it..., is the need for a job for Jeff. Bless his heart, he has applied for a lot of jobs over the past 3 years we have been here. It's hard to see the struggle, and it is hard to not to feel frustrated too. For the past 9 months it has been just me bringing home any income. While I make ok money at the school and then tutor like crazy, every month it seems we are short. We really need Jeff to have a job for financial reasons. But perhaps even more important, he needs to have one for fulfillment, something to do, to feel good about doing.
I am worn out, just emotionally drained. God, I know you are there, and I really need your help. I need you to sell this house. I need you to get Jeff a job. I need your provisions. You have always met our needs and I know you will this time too, but the relying on you is so hard sometimes. I know I am to live by faith, not by sight, but God, my faith feels so weak. So much seems to hang in the balance here. So many "what if's" plague me. I need your strength. I need you to help me rest in you.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Despondent
I am feeling despondent. I know God has the house sold already but I don't deal with the unknown very well. We can make no plans on housing in OK until the house sells. We can make no plans about the moving process itself (who will help us, if we will make more than one trip, etc) until the house sells.
I am giving and grading finals this week then summer school starts next week. And while I look forward to the money for sure, I am not looking forward to teaching it. It is a class I have never taught out of a book I will likely never use again. I have a colleague loaning me all her materials from teaching the same class this semester, but I feel so unprepared, and yet unmotivated to be prepared too. Not to mention it means coming in Monday and Wednesday 6:30-9:45 for 6 weeks. That's not real motivating either.
We wait. We wait. In the grand scheme of things I know this all matters very little. But until it is all settled, I will be anxious over the outcome.
There was a family that came by and looked at the house Saturday then came back to the open house we had on Sunday. But there again our house is among 4 that they are considering. Jeff and I can't even imagine liking 4 houses enough to consider them. That is just now how we have always felt when house shopping. So even with the good news that we are in the top 4 on their list, my mathematical brain still does the math, 25% chance, that is not a good chance.
I am giving and grading finals this week then summer school starts next week. And while I look forward to the money for sure, I am not looking forward to teaching it. It is a class I have never taught out of a book I will likely never use again. I have a colleague loaning me all her materials from teaching the same class this semester, but I feel so unprepared, and yet unmotivated to be prepared too. Not to mention it means coming in Monday and Wednesday 6:30-9:45 for 6 weeks. That's not real motivating either.
We wait. We wait. In the grand scheme of things I know this all matters very little. But until it is all settled, I will be anxious over the outcome.
There was a family that came by and looked at the house Saturday then came back to the open house we had on Sunday. But there again our house is among 4 that they are considering. Jeff and I can't even imagine liking 4 houses enough to consider them. That is just now how we have always felt when house shopping. So even with the good news that we are in the top 4 on their list, my mathematical brain still does the math, 25% chance, that is not a good chance.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Were You There?
Today in church the children's choir sang "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?" Take a look. The voice you hear? Yep that's my Abi!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
House For Sale, New Job, Move Immenant
So much has happened since I last blogged... ok so obviously an understatement since it has been nearly 2 months since I blogged. But in reality all the *news* has only come this past week really. So, here's the scoop.
2 Weeks ago tomorrow I flew to Oklahoma and interviewed at a university within 45 minutes of where all my and my husband's family lives. The interview was on a Friday with a follow up call from one of the university administration on Tuesday. An offer was made to me on Wednesday. I asked if there was any additional amount they could offer and they called back the following day with a $4,000 increase! I was elated and accepted the offer. I returned my contract via email on Wednesday and snail mail on Thursday. I turned in my resignation where I am on Monday and told all my colleagues and students today of my new offer.
As a result, we have a house to sell. It went on the market yesterday. The average time on the market for houses like ours here is 55 days. We worked feverishly to get it on the market by yesterday though, just in case there are those out there trying to make a decision by the end of April for tax credit purposes. For job purposes we need to be moved by August, so there isn't a true *rush*. But the sooner the better. I have to stay until June 20 to teach a summer class and for a recital for Abi. We have a friend here who has offered her spare bedroom if we need it.
2 Weeks ago tomorrow I flew to Oklahoma and interviewed at a university within 45 minutes of where all my and my husband's family lives. The interview was on a Friday with a follow up call from one of the university administration on Tuesday. An offer was made to me on Wednesday. I asked if there was any additional amount they could offer and they called back the following day with a $4,000 increase! I was elated and accepted the offer. I returned my contract via email on Wednesday and snail mail on Thursday. I turned in my resignation where I am on Monday and told all my colleagues and students today of my new offer.
As a result, we have a house to sell. It went on the market yesterday. The average time on the market for houses like ours here is 55 days. We worked feverishly to get it on the market by yesterday though, just in case there are those out there trying to make a decision by the end of April for tax credit purposes. For job purposes we need to be moved by August, so there isn't a true *rush*. But the sooner the better. I have to stay until June 20 to teach a summer class and for a recital for Abi. We have a friend here who has offered her spare bedroom if we need it.
Monday, February 22, 2010
New Family Photos
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Eli turned 2!
So sorry for the delay! Eli turned 2 this past Saturday. We had a small party, 3 other families joined us at our home. We had sandwiches, chips and cheese dip. veggies, fruit, little smokies, popcorn and I made a chocolate chip cookie cake (Jeff decorated it beautifully) served with vanilla ice cream (Eli's favorite).
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Abi Turned 5
On Monday Abi turned 5! Can't be possible I think that 5 years ago today I was an emotional wreck. My baby was not learning to nurse I felt like a failure. I also didn't want to use formula, who could afford that? Certainly not a graduate student making so little. We have come so far. Now she is a thriving 5 year old in Kindergarten excelling at most all she tries.
Abi has wanted a guitar (her own size) for about 2 years now. Jeff got her a guitar for her birthday. Whenever Eli touches it she says "No, Bubba. You can have one when you're 5."
She is a gem.
Abi has wanted a guitar (her own size) for about 2 years now. Jeff got her a guitar for her birthday. Whenever Eli touches it she says "No, Bubba. You can have one when you're 5."
She is a gem.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Big Prayer Request
Tomorrow (Thursday 1/21) my husband has an interview for an IT job here in Ohio. It would be a Godsend. We so need this!
Monday, January 4, 2010
15 Years Ago
15 years ago a 17 year old boy asked out a 15 year old girl. She said yes. Today they are happily married (11 years) with 2 beautiful children! My happily ever after!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)