Smooth Move

It's overwhelming to me to be in a place in my life that requires help. And not just, "I'll pray for you" help, or "I'll give you a donation to get you going" types of help. When you move you need bodies. Strong bodies. Bodies that you trust to not dent your furniture and not to be totally disgusted when they pull your bed from the wall and see a years worth of night time feeding nursing pads that were hiding under there (so embarrassing). I was humbled by the volunteer spirit our friends and family extended. We had some curve balls during the two day move. Things that were not on my many lists that I made while wondering how in the heck were we going to get out of here. Phoebe was sick (puking sick), Matt's grandmother (who has had lots of health problems and lives an hour away) had to be revived twice because her heart stopped, and Matt was called out on a SWAT mission in the middle of the night the day of the move so only got a few hours sleep. Yikes. The list of helpers who came to our aide is incredible. Our pastor, friends to just to offer a hug, some SWAT members, even a neighbor came over with her rubber gloves on ready to clean. When pastor Ben stopped by he asked how he could help. I gave him three options:

1. Go though my toiletries and decide what I need for six months, what I can pack and what I can throw away.

2. Clean bathtub

3. Entertain babies

Any guesses on what he chose?

And the winner is.....
He lifted some heavy boxes too. Thanks Ben!


Matt even found this bottle of coke that he has been saving from our trip to Ecuador, 15 years ago. (and he made fun of me for saving my shoe box of jr. high notes.) Anyway, I think that he was delirious from lack of sleep that night and lifting heavy ojects popped a few brain cells because when I forbade him from packing this glass coke bottle to yet another home he decided not to waste it.







The family is adjusting to our new temporary living environment. New sounds to explain to Tobin. New little dogs to get used too. A new refrigerator to try to squeeze our four gallons of milk into. Spending more money on gas driving to Church and preschool (and a coffee because hey I am out and about and why the heck not).

We are staying with my friend Michelle. She is just simply amazing to open her lovely home to my family. She has transformed her dinning room into a playroom and reorganized her storage and extra rooms for us and all the stuff that makes a family work for six months. Most of you know that I am a easy going person. But I don't do change well. I like routine. I crave predictability. So this has been challenging for me. The first morning I woke up I stumbled into the kitchen hungry and out of sorts. I wanted my kitchen and my oatmeal and I wanted to punch the woman who was waking up in my old house twirling around MY kitchen like she owns the place (and then I looked at my bank statement and remembered she did in fact own the place and I was going to burn for thinking such thoughts). I opened the cabinet next to the stove and then I saw that Michelle set aside a shelf just for me with my oatmeal, brown sugar and cereal bowls. And I smiled that my friend was so welcoming and thoughtful to bring me this little comfort of home. I knew then that everything was going to be fine.

I have to say that everyone is adjusting better than expected. But the member who is feels like he is in heaven is Rosco. Michelle has two little dogs and her home has a dog friendly environment. Rosco was limited to non-carpeted area in our old house. Now he has free range. And a new spring in his step.

We will be breaking ground next month and have a move in date September 12th. I will be using this blog to record our progress. I want to remember it because I AM NEVER MOVING AGAIN.

Treasure in the Trash

As many of you know, we're moving. We've been cleaning out closets, drawers and cupboards all week trying to pack stuff up for the big move. We've found all kinds of cool treasures that have been lost over the ages. Said treasures included the lid to the crock pot (missing since 2003), My first cassette tape ever purchased "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul, a box of macaroni and cheese (expiration date of 2002), but the best one of all, was a poem that Matt had written for Tobin not too long ago when Matt was working a lot and was leaving early in the mornings before Tobin was awake. Tobin would wake up and be devastated he didn't get a chance to say goodbye, until he found Daddy's note that he left him. I opened a drawer and found several notes, pictures and this poem Tobin has apparently been squirreling away as keepsakes. (side note, Tobin frequently checks the trash to make sure we haven't thrown away any of his pictures, candy or toys, he's very thorough). Anyway, I thought this poem was sweet, below is what was written:

"When you wake, Dad will be gone
So I’ve left for you this silly song
You can sing it almost anywhere
You can sing it wearing your underwear
Sing it with mommy while laying in bed
Sing it to Roscoe as you pet his head
Remember the words, don’t forget even one
For this silly song was written for my first born son

"Silly Stew"

Squirrels, Frogs and Kangaroos
Love to eat silly stew
In a skillet or a pot, icy cold or even hot
In their tummy’s it hits the spot
To get real big, stout and strong
They all know to sing along
For silly stew isn’t just food
It’s a hearty adventure for any mood
Squirrels eat with their little paws
Frogs chew with their slimy jaws
Kangaroos stuff some in their pouch
Then watch TV on the couch
For every little bite they eat
They know it helps grow great big feet
So next time someone offers you some silly stew
Remember an important thing or two
To grow big and strong, fast and tall
Just make sure you slurp it all"

I have lots of thoughts running though my head as we leave this house. Just two nights sleep left here. I am tired and grieving a bit too. Phoebe woke up in the middle of the night throwing up. I explained to her that her being sick was not on my schedule. She listened, obeyed and has since healed herself (genius). Matt has just been a champ getting this move to move smoothly. As I pack up all our stuff and weed though the junk and find a few treasures I am reminded that Matt is my home.

Going Once, .....Going Twice.......

Many of you have asked about how the sale of our house has been going. So to appease the angry mob I'd thought I'd give you an update.

Matt and I decided to take a "stab" at trying to sell our house ourselves. With his parents and brother being in the business we knew we had their professional advice at our disposal so it made the challenge less daunting. We've had the house on the market for almost five months. During that time we've had a steady flow of interest. We entered the selling market at a BAD time. Times are rough in the real estate market here and it's winter (not the pretty snow white winters you all might be experiencing but our cold, wet, gloomy winters the NW brings.) We also have a major construction project going on next to our house. In the end it will really beautify our neighborhood but right now it looks like an ugly newborn baby (Not your baby, Your newborn was the most beautiful baby. But you know the ones I am talking about......) Matt has done a great job as a tour guide. He gives them all the facts and numbers about the house that I would surely mess up. "Gas or Electric heat? Well I'm not sure. I can tell you that I push this button when I want the house warmer and I push this button when I want the house cold. Any other questions I can answer for you?"

The first perspective buyer was a hard one for me. To have this woman looking in my cupboards and closets trying to see if she wanted to buy my home was a bit much. I had to fight my urges to have Tobin make ghost noises from the attic, while reassuring her that they were friendly spirits and as long as you didn't move the furniture no harm would come to her. I didn't tell her any fibs. BUT I did cry.....in front of her......Matt was comforting but not pleased.

Another looker that showed interested was the. oldest. man. I. have. ever. seen. alive. He shuffled in and Tobin automatically asked him why he walked so slow and why he had hair in his ears. Thankfully he was completely deaf and gave him a yellowed tooth nod and smile. With talking to him more I almost choked on my morning bourbon when he told me he was looking for a new home for him and his MOTHER!!!!! (I refrained from asking if his mother resided in a urn located on his mantle. )

We've had lots of lookers tell us that they want to make an offer and then they disappear off the face of the earth. We did have one offer but it was way low and we just were not that desperate.

Matt and I talked last week about whether or not we should turn to a Realtor. We decided that we would give it till February. We prayed about it and asked God to make it clear to us whether or not we should list it or not. The very next day, Matt got a call from a couple in town from Oklahoma. This Friday we showed the house to them and they loved it. They flew here to make an offer on a house across the street. They were very disappointed in how much work needed to be done to it and were about to fly back home when they saw our cute little house. Called us and saw the house. My kids were completely charming. Tobin even called the guy, "grandpa!" He lit up! Long story short, they made an offer the next morning. It was just a little under what we were hoping to get out of the house so we countered and they accepted!!!! We have a buyer.

Now let the packing begin.

Sunday Open House: The Nursery

People, I have saved the best for last. To conclude my Open house series I am going to get a bit emotional. When Matt and I first walked into this house and I walked into this room, It was as if God whispered into my barren soul...."This is were you will rock your babies." Matt and I had been trying for a baby for over two years when when moved into this house. My heart was heavy and tired from hurting after monthly heartbreaks. I didn't know if my babies would come from me or adoption at that point but I was sure that this room ,with the round door, would someday hold my dreams. Before I became pregnant I used this room to pray in. I would sit in the rocker and allow God to give me hope and strength to keep trying. When I was pregnant with Tobin I would often go in his nursery and with a joyful heart would arrange and re-arrange every detail. I apologize in advance for the multitude of pictures from every angle possible. But really they are not for you but for me. Leaving this house is leaving the place where God gave me my family. And I want to remember this light that floods their room and given me much, much joy.

Matt and his work buddy became parents within a few month of each other. They each MADE these changing tables. The cool thing is when the babies don't need them they can be turned over to use as a regular dresser.

My friend Rachel MADE these sweater for the babies. Too precious to pack away.

Tobin and now Jabe's crib.

Phoebe's crib.

This house might be where my family was born but our new home will be where my family was grown. And that my dear friends gives me more excitement then I can express on this page.

Sunday Open House: Tobin's Room & Bath

Tobin's room was so fun to decorate. I choose a vintage cowboy theme. So many others helped with the details. Grandma Pam Made the quilt!
The Tee Pee was a gift from my Dad and Jerry.
Grandpa Mike made the lamp.

Most of his clothes are from spoiling grandma's.

This dresser was my great-grandma Shaw's.
I framed these pictures from the Golden Book, "Dr. Dan". (I took the book from my mom's saved books.)
I got the pillow sham from my sister-in-law Dorinda.

Angie got me this cute little "Buckaroo" block.
Angela found this hand stiched quilt for $15 at a sale. My In-laws gave me this rocking chair long before I had babies to rock in it.

This is our up stairs bathroom. All oringal tile.

Next week will rap up my open house with my favorite room. The Nursery.

Sunday Open House: The basement

Ok so not the most flattering part of the house but because I will probably never have a basement again I suppose it's deserving of a post too.

When I was pregnant with Tobin we took on the task of splitting up the basement and adding a living/office/bath/media/exercise room. It's used for all and we are so glad to have added square footage to the house.

The laundry or as I like to think of it.....my second home. I am here all-the-time.

The staircase

Matt's workshop. I guess I occasionally go down here to retrieve a screwdriver or picture nail but other than that......it's not my cup of tea. Matt also has his "reloader" equipment down here. What? You don't know what a relaoder is? It's where Matt makes his own ammunition, Silly. I can't believe you even had to ask.

Whelp. That's it for this week.

Open House: Backyard

Sorry went a little paparazzi on my backyard this afternoon.

Gotta love making s'mores in your backyard.

This fountain works with a flick of a switch from my basement. Love the sound of water.
Our garage is more like termites holding hands but it keeps the rain off the lawn mower so it's not worthless.

Matt made this built-in BBQ a few years ago. It's gets lots of use.

Gotta love cheep labor.

Proof we have a dog

Signs of children.

We'll miss it.