It's been a topsy turvy week!  We lost the "pretty 4 brm perfect house" on Monday and the next day we lost the not-even-so-pretty house we had as a backup, close to the beach.  Just bumped by heartless agents and duplicitous owners.   Like, dumped on our heads!  You just wouldn't believe the story...Talk about desperate.  I was in a pregnant emotional panic!  The one house we lost because the owners brought in one more looker after us--while we were there even to sign the lease--who agreed to rent it furnished, so they wouldn't have to move their stuff out.  The "standby house" we lost because we failed to fax in a copy of my social security card, so they denied our application (even though they had my number!) 

After crying my hormonal eyes out in front of my poor bewildered 11 year old son, we went to see houses on Wednesday and Thursday, and today we got an acceptance on a nice 3 brm on the canal.  (The four bedroom we looked at had beautiful wood floors but wouldn't allow pets.) At this house on the canal there is a tall chainlink fence, so no children can wander to the bank and fall in, unless mom opens the big heavy gate, which a kayak can pass through easily!  It will be a great house for getting kayaks!  The yard maintenance and water is included in a reasonable rent price just a little above our military housing allowance, so the lawn is lush and green...very pretty! There are three palm trees in the backyard along with a large shady mango tree that bears real fruit.  There is a hammock hung up, children's fort/playset and a pretty covered back patio with hooks for hanging plants. The kitchen is updated, and compact, but quite sufficient.  The dining room, living room, den are all large, and there are french doors that open to the back patio for the breezes off the canal.  The bedrooms are quite small.  It really does pick up the breezes, which the house we're in does not.  So I will be so grateful for that.  It just feels wonderful to be in the backyard of that house.  It will be homeschool in the hammock!  I really really am coveting your prayers, my friends in blog-world, for this--or any house at this point-- to go through all the way.  After getting burned twice in two days, we are determined not to be discouraged or defeated!  Time is short.  We have to be out of this vacation rental in 10 days...it's either back to a hotel or move into a house.  We know God has a plan.  We're holding on to his hand.  "Nevah, nevah, nevah give up!"  --W. Churchill, right? 

No baby yet!  I'm still shy of my real due date by 3 days, so she's not late yet officially!  I've had some contractions today, and my dear man knows how to update the blog, so he can fill you all in with pictures and the news when things transpire.  God's grace is truly abundant, and we feel it very much to have the privilege of bringing one more baby into our family.  By the time this baby is grown I will have had so much experience with negotiating logistics for large family bookings, I can get a job as some sort of group travel agent!  And then I can officially say, "No they're not all mine!" 

Goodnight, from a little island way out in the Pacific,

Christa

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Posted by nsremom

Hello, from the little island in the Pacific Northwest. (Whidbey)

I prayed for you while reading your entry. LORD bring that poor girl a house!

Everything you're saying I understand. The 'allowance' (we had one to and I was willing to take anything at one point! I just wanted somewhere to live, other than the motel)

Kids are so resiliant and tough. I was just thinking today how wonderful it is to have homeschooled kids who don't take deep resentment or anger at being moved away from friends.

Remember being in school and friends were the most important thing? I do. But my kids (and yours) think family is the most important thing. Therefore, moves like we're making are not nearly as hard emotionally on them.

They just follow along. :) (my daughter is sleeping in a large walkin closet right now. And loving it. Go figure.

Praying for a healthy baby girl....tomorow. (giving you a day of rest from the last 2 days)

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Posted by Darrensgirl

I know that all this house hunting and loosing is aggrivating to the max. Particularly with a deadline hanging over your head. It's been my experience (and yours, too, no doubt,) that the right house WILL show up at the right time. It's just that waiting nuisance -which I'll be praying will be very quickly resolved.

As for your little baby, I'll be praying for perfect timing for her as well. They certainly can't be rushed, can they? Just out of curiousity, did you find that you showed earlier with number six? I'm only just shy of 16 weeks, but I find myself peering over a little tummy already. My friends with one or two have asked if i'm really closer to six months or so or if there are two babies. There's just one little Duke in there. Just curious what your experience was;)

Much love and continued prayers,
maggie

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Posted by ClagettsFLStyle

What an emotional roller coaster for you. I will be praying for you. In a few days you will be able to see how God worked it all out, but I know it's so hard to rely on that now!!

May Jehovah Jireh, who see's your need, provide just the right place for you.

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Posted by Hawaii

I was browsing through blogs here and saw we have a new neighbor! E komo mai a Hawai'i!

My name is Sheri, and I run the Homeschool Nations blog for Hawaii. I also have a personal blog here under pro3128. I'm the leader of the Kamahale homeschool support group over on the leeward side.

Have you met Palm Tree Pundit yet? She lives over on the windward side.

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Posted by Happyhome

Praying for all the excitement and changes in your life right now.

Blessings,

Angela

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Posted by Anonymous

What many trials you are facing right now! What an "opportunity" for God to show himself to you and others. Don't worry about the phone call--you have enough on your plate!! Kayaks are fun--I hope that house works out, if not something better will, right?
Missy R just had her baby early this morning--Elisabeth Joanna. I hope for your sake that you will deliver soon--one more uncertain thing answered.

And yes, I think that Titus' face looks a lot like Jess' when they smile. There's no denying that scrunched up, happy look. I love it!

We have VBS this week, and to tell you the truth, I am not looking forward to it. I am exhausted and know the toll this will take on little Titus-boy. Why is it that Romans 5:3 is so hard to live out? :)

With Love,
Al

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Posted by Anonymous

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about the housing frustration! I would have been an emotional basket case after being rejected twice in a row--and I would certainly have taken it personally! : ) BOy, at 40 weeks, I don't deal with ANYTHING unexpected very well, and not having a house lined up would definitely qualify!

I'll just answer you over here, instead of at my blog--yes, I tried castor oil with Anna. I had to take a prodigious amount for it to have any real effect (yeah, I tend towards constipation, LOL). I took it on Sunday and again on Monday before my bowels of iron took notice. Tuesday I went to the doctor for my 40 week appt. I was 5 cm dilated but not in labor (no contractions at all really), so she sort of nicked my water and sent me over to the hospital where they started some pitocin. It was a very easy labor and delivery, so Anna was definitely ready (and I think the oil helped me dilate a bit more), but she did pass meconium in the womb. I did research before taking the stuff and was convinced that it didn't pass over the placenta . . . but now I'm not totally sure! They did an amnio wash while i was in labor, and Anna was fine. With Grace, I was very constipated right before being induced but didn't take any oil because I was afraid of the meconium--in retrospect, Anna's labor was so much easier and better, I wish I had! I never took it with the others though. So . . . how's that for a long wordy answer to your simple question?! I'm praying you go into labor soon!!!!!

Claire
www.psalm127.blogspot.com

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Posted by callmekate

I left a comment here a few days ago and it has disappeared! Or maybe I hit the wrong button - who knows. Anyway, I'm still praying for you! I certainly hope you've found a place to live by now (June 12) and maybe you have your baby in your arms right now. I do hope things are going better all around for you and will continue praying. I'm so sorry you've had all these things to deal with. God is faithful and will meet your needs, I'm sure of it. Take care.

Kate

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Posted by EEEEMommy

I'm sorry things didn't work out for the first two houses! God must have a reason, but it's still frustrating! I hope things work out with this new house. I love how you accentuated the positives and told us all about the lovely back yard with just a brief comment about how small the 3 bedrooms are. I'm praying that God will expand the space in those bedrooms and give you creative ideas to fit everyone in!
Continuing to pray for you and a safe delivery! Maybe today even!

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Posted by Darrensgirl

Hi Krista,
Just want you to know I'm praying for you all as you face lots of transition in the next few days. For strength, a smooth move and a thriving sense of humor in the midst of craziness:) Oh, and if that little lady is still hanging out inside your belly, that she'd arrive at the perfect time in all this! You know, Sara Margaret was my little lingerer-10 days over due. She was just too comfortable! I hope this newest little one doesn't pull that stunt:)
Love to you all,
Maggie

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