Bad news

It's never ever good to get a phone call with bad news...but that's exactly what happened this morning. The people set to purchase our home have been packing and getting excited to move, just as we have been doing for our new home. The people buying their condo just decided to back out of the deal, walking away from it all, leaving both ourselves and our buyers high and dry. They were pre-approved for their mortgage and last minute decided to switch banks. That 2nd bank turned them down, giving them the legal opportunity to walk away. Not fair if you ask me! They were approved again by the 1st bank, but now they don't want to go through with it because they got 'spooked'. It's so unbelievable.

Both our buyers and ourselves were set to move...they've planned things with a contractor for changes they wanted to make on our home, and we've ordered carpets, appliances and light fixtures for our new home. So, if they can't buy our home, and we can't buy our new home, what now?!?

Fortunately the builder of our new home will hold it for us (for a while anyway), but that doesn't help out financially as we sit and wait for the money on our current home. I'd say 2/3 of our home is packed up. It's a mess, a disaster area and is totally not in 'show' condition. Our Realtor told me on the phone that we will have an open house here this Sunday. What?? Guess what I'll be doing all week...cleaning, straightening out and in between the tears, getting ready to re-sell?!?

I am in shock. I am in disbelief. I am totally and completely numb! I ask myself over and over why the Lord would allow this to happen, and I have no idea why. What is He trying to teach us? What is this 'test' of our faith for? I won't have the answers right now, but hopefully one day I will. In the mean time, I will be praying, crying, trusting and waiting.

Please pray for us. We have lost so much money already in caring for my Dad over the past few years, we are in fear of losing much more if our home doesn't sell. It's scary and I fear that my husband (or myself) will get sick over all of this. Stress is a BAD thing! Pray that our original buyers' home would sell and that we would be able to continue this process we've already begun with them. Pray for peace. Pray that God will give us the strength to 'wait on Him'. Pray for our children. I have no desire to homeschool them right now...not a good thing. Pray that they will continue to learn through this experience and that we will catch up on our 'book work' as time goes on. Thanks...I'll keep you posted.

Birthday Wishes

Today is Lionel's 14th birthday!! I can't believe it...where has the time gone?!? I am so proud to be his Mom and feel blessed that he is my son.



14 things I love about Lionel: (Just the tip of the iceberg!)

1. He loves the Lord
   
2. His big smile - dimples and all
3. His proficiency on the violin
4. His desire to learn things about history on his own
5. His silliness
6. That he enjoys shopping with me
7. His eagerness to learn
8. His kindness to animals
   
9. That he is so smart
10. His caring spirit - like when he helped care for my Dad
    
11. His creativity
12. The way he builds models with his grandfather
13. That he still has a passion for his Lionel trains
14. That he is my son and I GET to raise him!! What an honor!

Happy birthday my boy! I love you SO very much. May you always keep Christ first in all you do and serve him all your days. Keep making us proud!!
Love, Mommy

Very cool video

Found this video online and thought I'd share it here....it's very cool!

Twins

Lionel finished the model plane he was working on. He built this one himself so he could surprise Grandpa. Today we went over to visit my in-laws and Lionel brought the finished plane with him. Needless to say, Grandpa was surprised and VERY impressed. He built the same exact model years ago, so I snapped a photo of the two of them together with their planes.

They look great, don't they?



Here are a couple photos of Grandma and Grandpa's garage ceiling. Hmm, I wonder where Lionel got his inspiration from?!? =) Grandpa built these models himself...they are all replicas of real planes. I have to say that I think they look much better in person - very cool!





So far Lionel has now built 3 planes, and they're working on the 4th together. This time it's a big one! I'm sure one day his own garage will look very similar to this one. = )

Feelin' boxed in

This is a familiar scene in our home these days!


The walls are looking empty, the closets are cleaned out and the floors have now been taken over by big brown boxes! It's exciting but scary at the same time. We've never moved before (the first move from our condo into this house didn't count really, we were newlyweds at the time and hardly had anything), so this is all so new to us. I don't like the uneasy feeling!!! I'm a total organization freak, so not knowing where things are is bothering me. The boxes are all clearly labeled and sealed up, so it won't be hard to figure out where they'll go in our new home, so that should help.

The kids' toy closet...no room for anything but boxes now!




I can't even begin to tell you how many boxes we have filled already (thanks Lowes!)...and how many more we have yet to fill. We've gone through a bunch of tape rolls already and don't even get me started on bubble wrap and packing paper...which is definitely way overpriced for what it's worth!!!

The finished room in our basement is now a holding spot for packed boxes!


Cody has had enough already! He is tired of hearing the tape dispenser make that loud swooshing noise. He's tired of seeing all our 'stuff' moved from one room to another, and I'm sure is wondering what in the world is going on. Fortunately he will be at the pet spa for a few days when we do the actual move, but in the mean time...you can be praying for the adjustment he'll have to make in our new home. After what he went through in his life, this could once again be traumatizing for him. Here's his story if you've never read it.


Well, I'm off to find what else I can pack....I'm not sure where the kids are right now...I hope I didn't pack 'em! =)

Choices - the good the bad...and the ugly?!?

We have too many choices in this country...way too many!!! How many times have you gone out to dinner, only to look at the menu and not know what you should choose because there are too many things you like (or dislike)? How many different vehicles have you owned (or wished you owned)? The more I look around, the more I realize that there are too many things...and they all pretty much look the same, act the same, or serve the same purpose. Why? Why do we have so much when people in other countries (and in certain parts of our own country) don't have anything??

What led me to think this? We have been shopping for things we need for the new house lately. We need to purchase appliances, light fixtures and carpets among other things. Here's a perfect example...when we were at the appliance store, we not only could buy our dishwasher in 4 different colors...stainless, black, white or almond...but we could buy it with stainless interior - or not, controls on the outside - or not, ones with extra places for large quantities of dish soap - or not....and that was just one model of one particular make. This same company had about 12 different dishwashers in that series alone! Oh my goodness...it's AMAZING the choices we have!

When we went to the lighting store we looked up and were instantly overwhelmed at the number of lights overhead. Whoever thought buying lights would be such a major task?? Did Thomas Edison know his invention would get this complicated?? We were in the store for an hour before we even figured out where to look for certain fixtures. There are chandeliers, pendents, flush mount, sconces, lanterns, lamps, lights with fans, bathroom fixtures and foyer lights...to name a few. When you finally realize where you want to hang your light fixture (on the wall, the ceiling, under a cabinet, free standing etc.), you need to decide what style you want...Mission/Craftsman, contemporary, country, Mediterranean, nautical, crystal, European, Asian, art glass or rustic. Then, on top of the style, you need to figure out the finish...wrought iron, bronze, brass, chrome, white, nickel etc. Are you getting the picture? It's simply overwhelming!!

We finally decided which light fixtures to purchase, but I have to say it was kind of stressful. Here are the fixtures we chose. PLEASE don't tell me if you don't like them...they're NOT going back, I'm NOT changing my mind and I will NOT listen to you...picture me like a little child covering my ears singing "la la la la la la la" at the top of my lungs. =)


Dining Room:


Foyer:



Kitchen:


Guest Bathroom (on either side of the mirror):


Kid's Bathroom:


Living Room:


Master Bathroom (with 4 lights, not 3 as shown):

Lionel's Bedroom: (by far the 'coolest' light fixture!)


Sweet-Pea's Bedroom (the most elegant girly light fixture we could find!):

So there you have it. The rest of the fixtures are just 'plain' ordinary fixtures...probably the kind Edison could picture. =) Now...we have to meet with the carpet guy to pick out bedroom carpeting. Here we go again...plush vs. berber vs. shag etc. etc. Blue, green, red, pink, white, beige, brown...the colors are endless! AAAAAaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!

Of course this is all fun...it's just unbelievable the amount of choices we have in this country!!! These are the simple ones too, so complaining is NOT an option.

By the way, we did purchase the stainless steel dishwasher with the extra soap dispenser, the controls on the outside and the stainless interior....not that you care...but at least if you come to our home for dinner one evening, you'll know who 'what' cleaned our dishes. =)

...and yes, we are thankful to the Lord for all these choices. They all belong to Him anyhow, we're just borrowing them for a while.

Catching Up

OK...BREATHE....

Phew, the week has been very busy! Not too long after Cody was groomed last week he came down with a bad infection, so he had to be partially shaved, cleaned up and given a shot of Cortisone at the Vet's office. We also have to give him medicine twice a day and treat the infected area. It's been sad to see him in so much pain, but he's improving. He was more like himself today than he has been, so we know he's getting better.


Sweet-Pea was sick with a bad cold, but she too is improving. She still managed to get to her skating lesson last week which was great. She doesn't like to miss her lessons since skating and inconsistency don't go hand in hand. She improves a little bit each week and she absolutely loves going. Her coach is THE BEST, so I'm sure that's part of it. =)


Lionel has still been building his planes with Grandpa. They both love building the models and talking about military aircraft. They're a riot...they both know so much about these planes. Lionel completed his 2nd plane already. I'm not sure what it's called, but here's a photo of it hanging in Grandpa's basement....


He is working on a bigger model at Grandpa's house now, but he also started one at home. He wants to surprise Grandpa and show him how much he's learned from him. He's doing a fantastic job and hasn't had to ask us for help at all...not that we'd know what to do. ha ha

Here's the plane getting pinned on the template...it's pretty intricate work which is a good thing...it's teaching Lionel patience!


Working hard...


Besides the kids, the dog and homeschooling...life has been busy busy busy because of our upcoming move. Our closing date is set for April 30th, so keep us in your prayers for a smooth move and closing of both homes...our old one and our new one! If you pop in to see us these days, you'll be greeted at the door with an empty box and some packing tape. That's pretty much all we've been doing lately.

The in-law part of our home is all packed up now and ready for the move. The cabinets are empty and there's nothing on the walls. Boxes adorn the floor, and the furniture is all pushed aside...it's kind of sad. The memories of Dad living there are still so clear, so the way it looks now doesn't change things. Today while I was packing up some things from my desk a photo fell out of the pile of my Dad standing in his room at the nursing home - just a few weeks after he moved in there. That was such a hard time for me. I felt like such a failure - that I failed my Dad because I couldn't take care of him 24/7. The only reason he was moved there was because all the doctors insisted he needed nurses and doctors around him to monitor his seizures, diabetes and Alzheimer's. He had so much going against him medically. I know that it was the best thing for him, but I also know how I felt seeing him in there, so...I think the best thing for me, is to pretty much walk away from this house so those memories fade away.

I am ready. In less than 7 weeks, we will move out of the house we've called home for the last 14 years. We will start a new chapter in our lives that, Lord willing, will eventually move us out west to Colorado. One move at a time though...

On top of all that, Lionel is also sad because his best friend, "N", of almost 14 years is moving away in just a couple weeks. They were born just 6 weeks apart, so they've known each other all their lives. We knew one day they'd part because we'd be moving, we never realized "N" would move first. It's sad and my heart breaks for Lionel. Pray that he will fill that friendship void quickly!! He and "N" have so much in common, so it won't be easy...that type of friendship just can't be replaced!

Here they are posing with "N's" brother....


That's about all that's going on here. We're getting quotes from moving companies that are making us cringe, but there's not a whole lot we can do about that. You'd think that we were moving to Europe, or better yet Siberia, with the prices they're charging! Cha-ching!! I can hear it now. Care to make a donation? =)

I'll try to get some photos of the packing - I'm sure you'd just love to see our home in chaos...something that's been very difficult for an organized person such as myself to deal with.

Have yourself a happy weekend...I'm going to see if I can find my way out of this box-filled room now. Let's see...where's the door?!?

Doodle Day at the Spa

Today our Goldendoodle, Cody, got a makeover haircut. He was starting to stink a bit even though we bathe him regularly...mainly because of his long hair. It's extremely thick and curly which is adorable, but it's difficult to deal with. So, we brought him to the Vet's office today and they gave him a complete overhaul! =)

He got a couple shots that he was due for, and then went to the spa area to get a much needed wash, clipping and whatever else it is they do to make him look and smell wonderful!

Check him out...





So what do you think?? He looks so much better now doesn't he?? He's SO SOFT too!!! His beard is a little longer than I'd have liked, but it's still much better than before. We can easily trim that little bit down on our own if we decide to. You can definitely see the 'Golden' in him from his mom. Such a beautiful color!!





Yeah, OK Cody, we know you don't like getting your picture taken!!




Let's just hope that it doesn't snow again this week, or even worse...rain!

Rain and mud + newly groomed and washed dog = miserable owner!!

ha ha ha Fortunately, Cody is exhausted after his day at the Vet's office. I'm sure he will sleep well tonight....he's already under my desk, laying on my feet while snoring away! Silly Doodle.

Of Microscopes & Men

OK, so maybe 'men' was pushing it. After all, Lionel is only 13, but it was a catchy title, don't you think? =)

We are still learning about Kingdom Fungi, and this week we've been having fun with experiments! 'Yeast'erday Yesterday we worked with yeast...a unicellular fungi that does not need sunlight to grow. They have the ability to ferment carbohydrates, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide in products such as wine and bread. It wasn't only gross to work with (as it grew), the smell was enough to make my stomach churn!

Our supplies:

• Microscope
• Dry packet of yeast
• Clear glass
• Warm water - 2 cups
• Methylene Blue
• Clear slides
• Slide covers
• Eye dropper

We simply put a packet of dry yeast powder in warm water, let it sit a while and then looked at it as it began to grow under a microscope. We added Methylene Blue to one of the slides to see it clearer. Fascinating stuff!!

Here is Lionel looking for the cells


What he was looking at - low power


Medium power - you can clearly see the cells. T hey were moving and attaching to one another - pretty fascinating stuff (but again - the smell was horrible!)


This is the view with Methylene blue added - it's so much easier to see now!


We waited an hour... check out what happened to the yeast mixture in the glass!! It was so disgusting!


Again, Lionel prepared the slides and looked under the microscope.


Low power with the Methylene blue added


On high power check out the cells...WOW! They got a whole lot bigger in just 1 hour - which is exactly why bread rises when you use yeast!


Besides performing the experiment, Lionel had to draw and label his cells. He's having more fun in Biology than I ever did in public school, that's for sure! Now, if I can get that yeast smell out of my nose, I'll be all set!