Monday, April 30, 2007

Boxes, Boxes, Everywhere!

What are the top three most stressful events a person can go through in life?

1. Death of a loved one.
2. Divorce.
3. Moving- (greater the distance, greater the stress.)

Thankfully, I haven't experienced # 1 recently, and I hope to never experience # 2. I am smack dab in the middle of # 3. Everything is lined up as far as the actual move goes, but I am up to my waist in boxes, piles of things to be packed, a trip to the DMV (license expired on my birthday and I am just now getting around to renewing it), and getting an oil change in my car for the long trip. I am very happy about it, don't get me wrong. But the distance of our move, with three young kids and two cats has me dreading the drive. Sean and I have two cars, so we must drive separate. I guess I shouldn't dread it because it only makes things worse, but I can't help it. We can either make it a 2 day trip (12 hours of driving per day) or a 3 day trip (8 hours a day). I am guessing with a baby it will be the latter choice. Fun, fun!

On a lighter note, Gavin is reading! I guess whatever big brother Connor does, Gavin has to do too! As Connor was doing his assigned reading last night (and struggling a bit) Gavin asked if he could try to read the book. Gavin read the book flawlessly. He sounded out every word, but did not need any help from me. Way to go, Gavin!
Connor is the "Star of the Week" in his class, so he gets to feel really special all week. This morning he brought an "Estimation Jar" full of marshmallows to school for all the kids to guess how many were in the jar. Then they all count them out. (How many? 29....shhhhhh.)
Brennan learned how to wave "bye-bye" and thinks it's a fun game to play with Connor and Gavin. He is trying to stand by himself without pulling up to something, and is letting go between objects like the coffee table and couch...I foresee a walker in a couple of weeks. He's getting to be such an independent little stinker! Babies grow up wayyyy too fast!

I haven't taken a picture of anything in weeks, so sorry no visuals. Wish us luck as we have a very long journey ahead of us in the weeks ahead.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Update to the Update!

So just when you think you've experienced a lot, there's always more. While I was in Utah for my mom's wedding (which was lovely by the way), we received two offers on the house. Well, one was already on the table, but the offer really stunk. ($10,000 off our asking price, which was already very low, plus closing costs of $5k.) Um, no thank you. BUT the nice thing about that stinky offer was another family who loved our house found out that there was already an offer on the home and gave us a full price offer! WOO HOO! They are a nice looking Indian family (dots, not feathers) with three kids and are relocating for his job. I couldn't have asked for better news! Sorry for driving you all nuts with my OCD about the house selling and such.
Our builder called Sean on Sunday and told him there was a cute rental property just a block away from the entrance to the neighborhood where we will be building, so we hopped into Mindy's car and drove up to MG to take a look. We'll take it! It will do nicely for a temporary place and I feel fortunate that it became available at just the right time.
So......barring any unforeseen delays, the moving company will load up our stuff on May 10th. We close on May 11th, but decided to stay at Jane and Terry's for a few days so that the kids can finish their last 3 days of school. (The school year ends on May 16th.) We'd be missing all the fun parties and Connor's graduation, so a few extra days isn't that big of a deal. Sean will fly out to meet the movers, then fly home to drive one of our cars back. Whew! I am tired just writing about it. I am looking forward to it, however.
More good news this week! We finally have our floor plans finished! It's really hard to show them on my blog because of all the architectural lines and measurements, so I have attached a visio drawing that is an accurate representation. Just click on the image to expand it for better detail. Feedback is welcome, good or bad. Any suggestions? (Sorry Connor, no slide to your bedroom). I don't have an elevation picture, because it is being tweaked, but here is the rest:

Main Floor:
(Approx. 2279 sq. ft.)

Basement:
(Approx. 2416 sq. ft.)

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Update

Life has been an absolute tornado of activity since April Fool's Day. We listed with a Realtor on April 1st, and since then have averaged 2 to 3 showings a day! Yep, lots and lots of traffic is good... or so I thought. We haven't received any offers yet. Possibly because we are asking for pre-qualification from a mortgage lender before we will accept any potential buyers' offer... (a.k.a. no dough, no go!) Hopefully it will weed out any unwanted hassles, but there are still no guarantees. So I don't know if we've just had a bunch of tire-kickers or what, but I know the right people are out there somewhere!
Where are you, adorable young family who will love our home?
Or grandparents? Anyone? Bueller....Bueller?

You know what the best compliments have been from all the Realtors who have visited? That my "House shows like a model home"...."Immaculate condition"....."Beautifully decorated".... "Nicest house on the market for the price"..... Wow, MY house? That's quite a feat I must say, considering I am NOT a neat freak or wasn't until 10 days ago. I have to admit, it does look pretty darn good but I feel like the "plastic slipcovers on the furniture mom"! It'll be nice when my kids can actually play with their toys again, or I am not so worried about a Cheerio stuck to the kitchen floor. Got to keep positive....this is the week it will sell!!!! (Please let this be the week it sells!)
I am woozy and weary from all the cleaning products!

Sunday, April 01, 2007

APRIL FOOL'S!

We like to play jokes on April Fool's Day. Sean is the biggest prankster of all and it seems to have rubbed off on Connor and Gavin. For the past two years, the boys have schemed up their own little "jokes" to pull on me. Last year they put underwear on their heads, shoes on their hands, and shirts on their legs. I wish I could find the picture I took of them, but alas, no such luck.

This year, they came up with this after their baths. I have to give them credit for creativity. (Especially the tusks on Gavin.)


My life is never dull with three boys in the house.
(I am just grateful the joke didn't have any farts involved.)