Yep, that's right, I'm back. Getting online was pretty easy, though we did have buy a new modem, which was an added expensive we didn't count on. But other than that, it's gone well. I'm so glad to be back on. I've missed everyone, and I'm so thankful for all your comments and well wishes on my cbox. It was so sweet to read all of them tonight. Thanks.
The rest of the move went good. I did sprain my foot on the last day, with almost the last box. It still hurts, but not as much as when I hurt it. Paul, couldn't help with the last load since he had to work. It was raining/snowing and Paul told me to be careful on the back on my sister's pick-up truck. He didn't want me to slip while climbing up or down. We were over half done with the truck and I was going to climb up on the truck and help Sarah (who had better shoes on and we made sure she wasn't climbing up or down), but I remembered what Paul said and didn't do it. Then, on near to the last box, I was carrying a heavy box and my foot slipped on the wet cement and twisted weird. After scaring my mom with my scream, and worrying my kids, I rested a bit. I made sure it wasn't broken or anything, and we finished up. I should probably be resting it more, but that's hard to do when I have a house to set up. Today was mainly setting up the kitchen and arranging the garage to an easier way to get to the boxes and somewhat of an order of them. It looks good. I'll take some pictures soon to share. I really need to get going and get some sleep. We are still behind on our sleep, but we are getting use to the house. We are like it, and though we are downsizing, and have to get rid of a few things, it's nice.
Thanks again for all your well wishes and encouraging words. They really lifted my spirits tonight. Oh and D, sorry I wasn't on, we couldn't set up our internet until after 5:00pm my time. Hopefully tomorrow we'll catch each other on.
Yep, you read it right, I will be offline for a few days. If all goes right, I'll be back online on Thursday early afternoon. But, we all know what can happen when getting internet set-up for the first time in a new house. So we'll see. I was hoping not to miss any days, but it just didn't happen that way. So to my chatting friends, sorry I wasn't on today to chat (D, I know I said I would be, I just didn't have the time, sorry). I know it's only a few days, but I will miss being able to see what's going on with everyone in the next few days. So I hope to catch up with everyone soon. If it's a little longer, just be patient, I will be back on. :)
OK, now this is what's been going on and what's going to happen in the next few days. First, the hotel has been great. The kids even got to go in the pool for a bit tonight. We just didn't know if we would have time, and the kids were so bummed. But tonight it turned out we did have some time, so they got to play in the pool for a bit. We had a very long caravan of people on Sunday trying to get all of our things out to the new house to store in the garage. We had my sister's pickup truck, full, with a full trailer she was pulling, the same with my nephew, then our little pickup, our Jeep and my dad's SUV. All packed to the hilt, following each other on the long drive to the new home. Actually, we got a little split up, because a couple of cars had to go get gas first. But we all got out there safe, and unloading quickly, had some chicken, then got on the road again. We were hoping to do a similar load again (yes, sorry to say, that didn't get all of our stuff out to the new house ). By the time we finished eating, made the long drive back, filled up with gas again, and loaded back up, we could only do two full pick-up trucks. My nephew lives somewhat near where we moved, so he filled his truck up and we borrowed my sisters pickup truck, and brought a somewhat full load. We did get all the furniture out, and now there are only boxes left. Today, I didn't go back out to the old house. To tired to make the long drive, and truly couldn't get much done anyway. We still can't start to move our things into the house until Tuesday afternoon after the carpet is dry. So today I picked up some bathroom things, me and the kids went to the house and cleaned the bathrooms, shelves, door frames (from kids fingerprints) and the refrigerator. We hung the new shower curtains and rods and bathmats. As tired as I've been, that didn't really make me tired, it was fun. I was having so much fun cleaning and setting up our new house. Paul met us at home, the new house of course, then we got some food and headed back to the hotel. After we ate, and cleaned up, Paul from work, me from cleaning, we let the kids swim, cleaned them up and now just resting and watching baseball playoffs. I am doing some laundry too in the hotel, because I'm not sure when I'll get my dryer. So as nice as this hotel is, and we are completely blessed to be here, it's definitely been different than when we stay as a vacation.
So, here is the next few days. Tomorrow will be utterly crazy. My family decided to buy a U-haul truck to help move my niece into our old house. Because they have it for a full 24 hours, they loaded up as much of our house that will fit. Then between that and their vehicles they will bring out the rest of our boxes, clothes, food and electronic equipment tomorrow. I'm not sure how far they got, but if all went the way they wanted it to go, I won't have to make the long trip back tomorrow to finish packing up the house. If they can't get all of it (I'm not sure what size truck they got), then I'll head out in the afternoon and bring some more back. In the late afternoon, if I don't have to make another trip out to the old house, I'll then be starting to bring in the beds and start setting up the house. The carpet should be done and dry by then, and hopefully the kitchen floor will be done by then too. But if not, I promised I wouldn't set up our kitchen until it was completely done. But that's o.k. I can start to set everything else up. So Tuesday and Wednesday will be spent getting the house in a livable order. Beds, couch and kitchen. It's nice the bathrooms are done, and the carpet will be done tomorrow. So, all I have to worry about deep cleaning is the kitchen, and I can do that before I start putting things away. Windows need to be cleaned, and the blinds that were left there, but all that can be done while we are moving in. The natural gas gets set up tomorrow, electric has already been switched to our name and like the water, is already on. I have to get the water in our name which I'll do tomorrow. Our satillite tv won't be set up until Thursday, just like our phone and internet. That is a bummer, but at least it's not next week. Back in Illinois, it would have been put off for at least a week. So I am blessed it will only be a few days. So, will trying to get the house in a functioning order for a few days, if things go well, on Thursday it will be a great break to be able to go online.
Well, this has been way long, to make up for the lack of blogs I'll be putting out in the next few weeks. I'm also putting a few pictures in of our new house. I haven't gotten any outside pictures yet, I keep forgetting. But these are good 'before' pictures, and as I get things set up, I'll slowly put in 'after' pictures. I'll miss all of you, and hope to be back on soon. Blessings to you all.
Living room, views from master bedroom and from kitchen.
View from gas fireplace to master bedroom and kitchen, then picture of master bedroom.
Master bathroom and kitchen
Sarah's room then Paulie's room.
Before and after pictures of the kids bathroom (after cleaning and setting it up).
Just to let everyone know we have started the moving process. We signed the lease today for the house, and we've started moving and storing things in the garage at the new house. We can't move into the house until Tuesday afternoon, because they are having the carpets professionally cleaned and new lenolium laid in the kitchen Tuesday morning. But, Paul can't keep making that long drive. So we are moving what we can this weekend with my family and storing it in the garage. Then we'll be staying in a hotel on Sunday and Monday. That way, Paul doesn't have to drive long. I will have my laptop and wireless internet at the hotel so hopefully I'll be able to update a bit in a couple of days (I have pictures ). Otherwise, I might be off line for about 6 days. I need to call to get the internet set up, and I'm hoping to call on Monday. So, it's happening just like I thought. Completely slow, then wham, a mad rush. We will definitely be on our toes for the next few days. Please continue to pray for us. Thanks. OK, we just got home from making the long round trip twice today, it's 10:00pm, and we still have laundry and packing to do. Yes, prayer is definitely needed.
Yes, I can finally say it, WE GOT THE HOUSE! Our renter's references all went good, and he was happy to hear we won't tear up the house. So he went over the contract with Paul and he agreed to it, we go to sign the papers on Saturday. They are having the carpets professionally cleaned, so we won't be able to actually move in until early next week sometime. I am a little bummed about that, but it saves me from having to clean the carpets myself. I am blessed by that. We can start putting our boxes in the garage, so we can slowly start getting a few things out there. I think we can start moving things out there, and even spending the night on Wednesday, I think. Paul and I haven't had a lot of time to talk today, only on his breaks, so I'm not positive. I'll know more when he gets home tonight.
My girlfriend came over today and helped me pack up about 1/2 the kitchen. I am so very blessed by her help. Mary, thank you so much, I couldn't have done it without you. So the house is over half packed by now. I will finish up the rest tomorrow, and truly get it down to just a few things for the next four or five days. We've also been blessed with a dryer we needed. We had a gas dryer, which stays with the house, but we need an electric dryer for our new house. A friend of mine has an electric dryer just 'sitting' in her garage that she said we can have. Thank you Lord for this shower of blessings.
There is probably so much more to say, but I'm so tired right now. We are getting ready to go out for some dinner. I just had to get this out for everyone. I will try to take some pictures soon to share. Thank you so much for all your prayers and encouragement. It was truly needed. You are all a blessing.
I feel like I barely start working, and I get tired and need a break. For those of you who have moved recently (I know Jenn has) , is that normal? I worked about 1 1/2 hours this morning, packing up the rest of the kids toy closet and the china cabinet, and I was so tired. So now I'm on a break. And what's the best thing I can think of doing while on the break? Blogging of course. But I am slowly getting things done. I'm just not good without a deadline. To know we are moving 'sometime' with no exact deadline is a little hard. But I'm pushing through. We still haven't heard a definite answer about the house, but we received an email from the owner of the house. He said he received our email of our renter references, and he's going to be calling them in the next day or so. I take that as a good sign. I don't think he would be calling our references if he didn't want to rent to us. So we are still waiting to hear if he'll rent it to us, but we feel a little more encouraged knowing that.
We are pretty sure the deer are now living in our back yard. They lived outside of our house about 2 years ago, that time in the front yard. They just hang around all day long, for about a month or so, then they are gone. They weren't here last year, but this year they seem to be living in our back yard. For the past three days they are there every morning. They are very cute.
Other than that, not a whole lot is happening. We have taken a couple of weeks off of school, so there's nothing to update on that. We are mainly just packing and getting ready to move. Paul is doing o.k. with the long drive, though it is starting to really bother him the more days he has to do it. It seems to get worse each day. I do pray we know about the house soon. If you think of him, please pray for him during this time. It is very hard on him.
Thanks for all your encouragement and prayers. It's nice to read them all day long, and know there are people out there praying for us. It's such a blessing. Thanks.
As you read in this post, we didn't get the house we were waiting on. Though we are disappointed, we know the Lord has only the best for us. So once we got the news we started looking for some other houses. We found two we liked in the town Paul works in (we were looking in towns about 25 minutes away so we would be more in the country). We called on both, and they said to come drive by, and if we were interested, we could call and they would let us in to look inside. We packed up the kids, and made the long drive to the big town. We knew this wouldn't be the easiest drive, because though we weren't getting any snow, that town was. It was snowy, sloppy mess, but we knew we had to go.
We got to the first house, and the man was there fixing it up a bit, so we got to walk around inside right away. It was nice, and had lots of 'cuteness' to it. There were a few things that weren't exactly what we wanted, but it was doable. We took an application, and went to the next house. We looked around outside, for about 2 minutes, and we knew we wanted to see inside. So we called and waited about 20 minutes for the owner to come over. He let us in, and it was beautiful. It was set up in such a cute way. It's a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house, with a 1 1/2 car garage and a nice fenced in yard. The rooms were already painted, one in a boy's room, one in a girls room. The kids bathroom was right by the rooms. The living room was a very nice size, and the kitchen had some nice working space with room for our dining room table. The washer and dryer area was right off of the kitchen, next to the door of the garage. From the garage, you could go out to the fenced in back yard. There was a privacy fence on both sides, then a chain link fence on the back because it was backed up right to a big farm land, then mountains in the background. Well, we are pretty sure of the mountains, it was snowing so hard we couldn't see them, and we were trying to remember this area by memory. So we are not positive. The garage was nice and clean and usable for storage. The backyard, though it wasn't huge, was a very nice size for our kids. Plus it was on a dead end street, so it was nice and quiet.
So that is the main parts of it. Here are the cute, unimportant things, but things that blessed me. The living room had a gas burning fireplace with a mantel, I've always wanted a fireplace mantel to put our family pictures on. The kitchen had a garbage disposal and a dishwasher. I had a dishwasher for about 2 months once, now our dishwashers are our kids. Above the sink in the kitchen is a 'window' that looks right out to the living room and toward the kids room. There is room above the kitchen cabinets to put knick knacks, and shelves by the washer and dryer area for storage. Here's a biggie for me, it has a master bathroom. It's a good size bathroom, with floor to ceiling shelves for storage and a new shower/bath enclosure. It also has a nice closets in each room.
Of course we said we really wanted to rent it. He really seemed to like us, but of course wants to check our references, and he had a couple of things to fix in the house. So he said we should hear something from him no later than Thursday. Again, we wait and pray. Though I don't like the waiting, and feel very stressed sometimes from all the waiting, we will wait and pray. We'll continue to look for houses in the area until the Lord tells us for sure this is the one. One of the funny things about all of this, is, well you remember how I said there is a 'small' big town and the a big town we go to. We have been trying everything to go to the 'small' big town. But the Lord seems to be guiding us to the big town. That's where Paul got his job, and that's where this house is. The church we really like, which is a Calvary Chapel, is down in the 'small' big town which will be farther away now. But there is another Calvary Chapel, that we have visited and liked, only 5 minutes from this house. So that is something we are still praying about. We do like this other one, it's just bigger, so no small church feel. But it has some nice outreaches and it has 'home church' groups too. It's not like we can't make the drive to the other church, but we were looking to get involved in a church in the same community we lived in. We'll just have to keep praying and seeking the Lord on that one. At least there is some options now.
I'm going to try to blog on something else for the next few days, and keep my mind off of all this. But I did want to update everyone. Again, thanks for all your continued prayers. I want to give the Lord all the glory for all He has done and continues to do for us. Though it's hard to wait, and I tend to complain a lot sometimes, I do try to always remember that He has only good planned for us. I know that He will give us the strength to wait. And though we were really looking to move more to the country, and I am always nervous living in a neighborhood again, I know He'll give me strength for that too. Lord, I'm sorry for times I've complained and not trusted you. Help me get through these next few days, and continue to trust You if you chose to move us to a neighborhood and not in the country. I love You.
Well, we found out today that we won't get that house. We are sad, and truly not sure what the Lord has for us. But we are calling on a couple of other houses and getting ready to make the long drive to the big town and look at some houses today. They are in neighborhoods, not out in the country like we wanted, but they are closer to Paul's work. So we'll see what the Lord has for us. This is just a quick update, since we will be heading out the door here in a bit. If you think of us, please keep us in your prayers. I'll let you know what happens when we know.
Well, it's getting late, and I know some of you are wondering what happened with the house today. Well, we haven't heard anything yet. I've called a couple of times, and our friends aren't home yet. So, since it's almost 8:30pm our time, I'm guessing we won't hear anything tonight. But the fact that she hasn't called yet to say that they have paid, is good news. So all we can do is wait. We had a rain/snow mix for our weather today, so I never made the long drive to look at the houses. The drive out here can become dangerous quickly, during the winter months they actually close the highway when it gets real bad. So, since it wasn't a necessity, and Paul really doesn't like me making the drive in this kind of weather if I don't have to, I didn't go. I'm feeling like I'm getting a cold, so going out in damp, cold weather wasn't what I really wanted to do anyway. So I guess it's more patience training for me.
Not much else happened today. We did pack a few boxes from Paulie's room. But every time I really started going, I got real tired. Like I said, I think I'm getting a cold. Plus, Paul said not to push myself to much today. It's nice that the weekend is here. Our time together has been real short lately. He has to leave so early, and gets back late, then has to go to bed early to get up the next morning. But it's Friday night, no early wakeup tomorrow, so we are enjoying a nice MLB playoff game, and just relaxing tonight.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. I'll try to keep you all updated when we hear something. We'll either be packing tomorrow, or prayerfully, going and looking at the house and signing some papers. But it's all in the Lord's hands and though I'm not excited to keep having to wait, I am trying to wait patiently. I think now that Paul is home, it will be easier. I'll try to write more soon.
Ok, this is only the second day of packing, and I'm calling it quits for the day at only 3:00 in the afternoon, is that bad? I tell you, packing is not one of my most favorite things to do, but to do it without knowing when and where we'll be moving, is so very hard. I am the type of person that moves much better and quicker when I have a time frame, a goal in mind. So yes, we have a goal, to move, but we have no time frame, that's why it's hard. I get to a room, and have to think, what I can do without for a few weeks or a month? Is this something that can stay in storage if we get a smaller house? It's just so hard. Yet, I don't want to waste these days doing nothing. Plus I'm getting up about an hour earlier with Paul, around 5:30am . I figure if he has to be up and working, I should too. So my mornings I get things done, then lunch time comes, and I have the hardest time getting back to work. We did finish packing up our room, Sarah's room and part of the homeschool room with things we don't use much. Now, remember, when I say finished packing up, it's not really finished, since there's still lots of things in each room not packed. But it's finished in the sense that I have packed all I can from that room for now. I want to start on the hallway closets, which has all their toys in them. That's going to be hard. Maybe that's why I gave up, to overwhelming.
We still haven't heard anything about the possible house. Though we might hear early, the people have until Friday to pay the back rent. My friend says she won't know if they paid or not until Friday night. But then I wonder. If they don't pay, how long will it take for them to move out? And if they do pay, then what do we do? I did call on another house today, and I got the address. Maybe tomorrow I'll go out and drive past them. I say them because as much as I want the house we are waiting on, I've never seen it. Yep, that's right, I've never even driven past it. I just know the description from what my friend has told me. But we are o.k. with that. I really couldn't justify driving all that way just to drive by a house, but now that I have two to drive by, then maybe. I'll have to think, do we need anything. Oh, we do need some more boxes, I can get those while I'm out there. Give me enough time, I'll come up with some reason.
So what are we doing right now? I'm blogging, Sarah's blogging and Paulie is playing XBox. Yep, real productive. I'll start dinner in about an hour. We have to eat so late now, well late for us, because of Paul's long drive. I know, I'm complaining way to much, sorry, I guess I'm having one of those days. Looking at all the 'issues' instead of all my blessings. But I know in time, all this will work out, and we'll be unpacked, living in the area we want, Paul doing the job he wants, and starting school again. And you know what, I'll find something new to complain about then. Aren't we all like that at times?
I thought I would share a picture to show that we are actually working. We still have no idea where we'll be moving to, but we are packing and getting ready for the move. Because, we will be moving somewhere. Paul made it fine through the long drive, but I do pray we move soon. The drive is long and tiring, so we'll see. There is another house we are thinking of, it's more expensive, but it fits our needs much better. It's Christians who rent it out, and there is a possibility of it being open to rent on Friday. The people in there now are behind on their rent, and they have until Friday to pay. If they don't, they are out. So, though I don't pray for anyone to be out on the street, I do pray if it's the house for us, that it would become available. Maybe, become available even before Friday. But I have taken enough time off of packing, I must get back to it.
I am a wife and mother of two. I started this blog to share the things the Lord shows me in my journey as a wife, mother, homeschool mom and His daughter. And in it all to "grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
II Peter 3:18
But other than that, it's gone well. I'm so glad to be back on. I've missed everyone, and I'm so thankful for all your comments and well wishes on my cbox. It was so sweet to read all of them tonight. Thanks.
If all goes right, I'll be back online on Thursday early afternoon. But, we all know what can happen when getting internet set-up for the first time in a new house. So we'll see. I was hoping not to miss any days, but it just didn't happen that way. So to my chatting friends, sorry I wasn't on today to chat (D, I know I said I would be, I just didn't have the time, sorry). I know it's only a few days, but I will miss being able to see what's going on with everyone in the next few days. So I hope to catch up with everyone soon. If it's a little longer, just be patient, I will be back on. :)
If they can't get all of it (I'm not sure what size truck they got), then I'll head out in the afternoon and bring some more back. In the late afternoon, if I don't have to make another trip out to the old house, I'll then be starting to bring in the beds and start setting up the house. 
). Otherwise, I might be off line for about 6 days. I need to call to get the internet set up, and I'm hoping to call on Monday. So, it's happening just like I thought. Completely slow, then wham, a mad rush. We will definitely be on our toes for the next few days. Please continue to pray for us. Thanks. OK, we just got home from making the long round trip twice today, it's 10:00pm, and we still have laundry and packing to do. Yes, prayer is definitely needed. 
. I figure if he has to be up and working, I should too. So my mornings I get things done, then lunch time comes, and I have the hardest time getting back to work. We did finish packing up our room, Sarah's room and part of the homeschool room with things we don't use much. Now, remember, when I say finished packing up, it's not really finished, since there's still lots of things in each room not packed. But it's finished in the sense that I have packed all I can from that room for now. I want to start on the hallway closets, which has all their toys in them. That's going to be hard. Maybe that's why I gave up, to overwhelming.
