House Update

Earlier this week we went to look at another house in the same neighborhood as the one we had put an offer on. We actually like this second house more than the first- it was a corner lot, with a bigger yard, about 80 more square feet of house, and a fireplace. One thing that we found out about this house was that it had had a cracked slab because of soil expansion. Our Realtor looked into this for us and found out that many of the houses in the area had similar issues, to the point that the developer had bought back homes from people, or repaired the damages that were reported. The house on which we had put this offer was literally one street over from here and probably had some of the same issues (especially since we saw a crack across between the tiles in the kitchen floor.) We had already waited 2 weeks to hear back from the bank that owns the first house, and not knowing any of the background about the foundation of it etc. we decided to go ahead and withdraw our offer. We really like the second home, but there are a couple of things about it that just don't work super well for us (where the fireplace is place, and the lack of a closet in one bedroom). So we are continuing to search. It's a very stressful situation, so I'm really hoping we find a place soon and can relax a little! I will make sure to post when there is any news.

STILL Waiting

I was hoping that I could just wait and post that we'd found out, and hopefully gotten our house. However... it has been over a week and we are still waiting for the holding bank to make their decision. It's possible that we could hear later today, but it's also possible that we will be waiting through another weekend. We have been trying to keep ourselves busy and our minds off the waiting, but it's extremely stressful. We've taken our time to reevaluate our material lives and pass along things that we really don't need to those who need them. It's a great feeling and will benefit us whether we are just decluttering our lives, or hopefully preparing to have less to move.

The kids had a good time at the hockey game last Saturday, and each got a free team jersey. There were only going to be three or four move home games, so we assumed this would be our last this season. Then on Wednesday night we got a call offering us tickets for that night's game. Needless to say we jumped at the chance. It was awesome. The seats were near center ice and only 4 rows back... tickets we just can't afford to buy. Both kids had such a good time. Reagan loved dancing to all the music, and Adam loved watching the game- so many colorful things moving around! Thursday the kids and I went to a double baby shower for two of our friends who are expecting new baby girls soon. And in the evening Reagan got some special time with Daddy while Adam and I went to Mom's Night Out with the mommies from our play group. At least we've been keeping busy, but of course the house has still be on our minds. Hopefully this stressful waiting will come to an end soon and I can post news!

Still Waiting

Well, since we didn't hear back on Friday, we pretty much have to wait through the weekend to hear back. And with the Monday holiday this week, that means that we won't hear until Tuesday at the earliest, and possibly not until Wednesday. This weekend is going to take forever to go by!

At least there a couple things going on this weekend to keep us busy and not thinking about it. Tomorrow night we're going to a minor league hockey game. (Reagan loves going and is totally into hockey.) And on Sunday Ro has the day off and it's the 50th Daytona 500! Hopefully that will help us get through until we find out!

Fingers Crossed

Today we made an offer on a house!!! Amazingly it was only the second house at which we looked! We love it, and are hoping our offer gets accepted! It may take a couple days to hear back as this house is bank owned, and every offer needs to go through their interior approval process. We've moved 7 times in the last 6 years, and are looking forward to the 8th move to a place we will stay for years. Waiting to find out if we've gotten the house is super stressful.. I am anxiously awaiting any kind of call from our Realtor... though hopefully one with good news! We could definitely use some prayers for a speedy and favorable decision.

House Hunters

Today we officially became house hunters, as we went to look at our first house. We had a really good feeling about this first one we were going to see, and still really like the place but decided not to make an offer on it. It was originally listed by the owners who were trying to sell it before foreclosure.. which unfortunately didn't work out for them. We found out this morning that there were already 2 offers on the place before we went to see it. We really liked the size and everything.. but it would need a lot of work.. new paint, and lights and carpet etc. That all wasn't so bad, but there is an un-permitted addition, and they did some weird things running electrical all over the back yard. We just decided that with all the work that would have to be done, it wasn't worth what they were asking for it. And so the search continues! We are going to look at another place tomorrow afternoon. We're sure we'll find the right place for us eventually. We're not in any rush and can take our time looking, but we'd really like to get into our own place, and I think now that we've started looking I'm going to be anxious until we've found it and the deal's done. lol

One of the most wonderful things about having more than one child is getting to see them interact with one another. Yesterday Reagan decided on her own to go play with Adam when he was a little upset, and was able to get him to calm down for a while by shaking his rattle for him. Then when he got upset again, she tried to pick him up, and reported that "Ammum heavy." She also was comparing his hair to her crayons and has decided that he is a "pumpkin head" because he has "orange hair" like her crayon with the pumpkin on it. It's so amazing to see the world through a child's eyes. She loves to tell him he's doing a good job when he kicks the toys on his bouncer, and will lay on the floor with him under his baby gym and tells him how to kick at the toys and what animals and colors they are. Yesterday she also was teaching him letters from her alphabet puzzle, and he just looked so interested. Today she wanted to take pictures with him, and loved giving him hugs and holding his hand. It's amazing what a good big sister she is. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful children who love each other so much. We are reminded every day of why we wanted to have more than one. They are such a gift from God. Every child is. :-)

Year of the Rat

Happy New Year!
Welcome to the year of the rat!

Reagan celebrating in her cheongsam

Snowy Day

Two days ago we finally got some real snow around here. Of course by that afternoon it was all gone again... but I did get the kids out to play in it that morning and just wanted to share some of the pictures.

Superbowl

As pretty much everyone knows, today was the Superbowl. It was Adam's first, and we had a good time watching "ball ball" as a family. Of course Adam had to wear the family's official first Superbowl hat and booties! I'm including pictures of Adam (above, Superbowl 2008), and Reagan (below, Superbowl 2006) in the official gear. Anyway we were really excited to see the Giants win!! We're Bengal's fans really, but don't like the Patriots, and also wanted the Dolphins to keep their title as the only team with an undefeated season.