HOUSE SOLD

COPIED from Levi's blog but with great joy!!!

Thats right, you read it here first. The closing is official. I only one one home and it is in Rowlett, TX. I may do a series of posts talking about the emotions and amazing way we saw God provide for us over the last 13 months.

It still seems very surreal but I am so thankful!!

AWESOME Church Service

So tonight out church band, Fusion, was asked to speak at a local church and Levi did a short devotional thought. We've sung at other city wide church services before no big deal right..it's a lot of fun. Tonight was TOTALLY different! New Life is an all black church that just rocks the socks off!! It was awesome. They loved on us so much and were so accepting of our "rocking" music. We took the kids and they just ate them up. We got to worship with their praise team before our band played and they were awesome. I loved it. I told Meagan I think I've got some soul in me because I just felt so comfortable there and wanted to groove and move along with them. When we got up to sing...it was incredible. They sang with so much umph ( I know not a real word) and passion and charisma. I felt so much energy from them, it was awesome! I truly felt like I was worshiping with other brothers and sisters and that they were family. I don't know what I expected or thought it would be like. Honestly, I didn't give it much thought but was pleasantly surprised. I kind of got the idea that maybe this was a glimpse of what heaven will be like. It was awesome. I took the kids after we sang because it was almost 9. I would have liked to stay for the revival speaker but couldn't. I had to get home, put the kids to bed, and tutor.

32 Today

Today was my 32nd birthday. It sounds so weird to say that and see it in print. Crazy!! I don't feel that old, although I don't think 32 is old at all. We had a good day, very laid back. Levi got a sitter for the evening (a crew of them actually) so we went out for a nice dinner. It was so nice and we really enjoyed each other's company. Sometimes when we go out, we just sit in silence just because it's so rare but tonight we talked a lot. It was very nice! I'm looking forward to this next year and all of the goodness that it holds. I am very thankful today for my life. I'm so grateful for my parents, I miss them so much. I'm thankful for Levi's family. I'm thankful for Levi and my kids. I cannot imagine my life without them. I'm thankful for this church and for all of the lessons we've learned and will continue to learn. I'm thankful for God's blessings and provision. This last year has been really tough and honestly I don't know if I'd do it again but in the same breath I'm thankful for the strengthening of my faith and my character. I've seen God do miracles in our life through situations and people and that has been priceless to me. So, I guess I would do it again.

Sidenotes: Our house is still set to close Friday and it looks like it really will happen. We took Allie to the groomer today to finish what we started. She looks like a rat or as Addy says with her arms stretched out as far as they can go, "She looks like a HUGE rat!"

A Good Sunday

Well today was a good day. We're all tired and the kids are asleep thankfully. Today we were WAY down at church which is understandable being Memorial Day Weekend. And I was selfishly glad because we didn't have our usual crew of school age kids so I got to stay in the service and hear Levi preach. This is the first time I've heard him since we've gone weekly and the second time since we started Catalyst. It was so nice. I also didn't have to sing because we did a percussion Sunday. We had 3 high school guys playing a box, djembe, and the congas (or similar). They did awesome. So, it was nice just to rest and enjoy the service from the audience. Levi did really good. I'm so proud of him. I really enjoy hearing him speak! It was a nice break!

Then, tonight we went to a doggie birthday party. It was fun. We're really enjoying making new friends.

Allie's a Keeper

So, today I took Allie to the vet and she got a clean bill of health. I cannot believe it. She's a real sweetheart! She and Becker are definitely establishing Alpha dog and there's been a lot of yippee barking today but it has quieted down and they are getting along pretty well.

Allie the Dog

Okay so I just read Levi's blog from today about me and the dog. Well, there was a white miniature schnauzer. I emailed about it last week and figured it was gone. Well, the owner contacted me today to tell me she wasn't gone. So, the kids and I drove over to see her. The owners sounded really nice on the phone and like they had taken great care of her. Sidenote, yesterday we went to the pound just to "look." They had a couple of schnauzer mixes and we just wanted to see. Well, I almost busted out crying at the pound...it made me so sad. I had decided to just let the dog thing die for a while. That is until I talked to this lady today. I walk into this house which was pretty cluttered and messy. I look at "Allie." She had mats of hair all over her body. She had the sweetest little face but she was so skinny. It made me so sad. I knew I had to take her even if we didn't keep her. I asked the guy about house training...yes she is. I asked about fleas...no he's NEVER seen her scratch. I asked about walking on a leash...she does okay. So, we get her home and shave her down because she is that matted, her tail looked 3 or 4 inches longer because it had matted hair on it...schnauzers have nub tails. How do you have an inside dog or outside dog for that matter that is so matted she has sores underneath? How do you let a dog get that way? Why wouldn't you just surrender her to the pound? I found myself getting angry and sad all over as we were bathing her. She had fleas all over her. Our neighbor Robin, came over and helped us shave and clean her. Becker didn't have a dang clue what was happening but didn't like it at all. She does appear to be house broken and does okay on a leash...she pulls a little. She looks a little more like a white rat right now but she's a sweety. Addy tried to get her to let her hold her tonight but all she wanted was me...it kind of made me feel good that I saved her little life.

WE HAVE AC AGAIN!!

So, our window for the AC man was between 11am and 4pm. Yeah, he doesn't show up until 3:45. But, it is fixed and our house is cool. We have all been so cranky and out of it. I'm so glad we're cool and happy again.

And, my van has been acting WEIRD so we got a new battery and that seems to have solved the problem. So, everything is sailing along.

The house is still a go.

WOOHOO!!

I will tell you that last night as I laid in bed and couldn't fall asleep because I was so stinking hot and uncomfortable. I thought about people that couldn't afford to have their air fixed. We are on the tail end of our 1 year home warranty, thank goodness. What do they do? Stay miserable I guess. It made me feel bad for complaining about being hot.

Tuesday Update

Well, it's still hot today. We called the AC company twice before we got a for sure answer. They are ordering the part but won't be able to come back until Thursday. Yeah....Thursday in this Texas heat!! It is crazy.

Today was a good day despite being hot. I actually was a science fair judge at the school where we were doing our preview services which was a lot of fun. It almost made me miss teaching. I really enjoy that interaction with kids and other teachers. I do miss teaching but would not give up the opportunity to be at home with my own kiddos. Xuan took Addy to the Arboretum and Levi kept Keegan. Keegan has turned into Rip Van Winkle due to this heat (I guess) and slept super late so Levi and Addy cleaned out the garage. It looks so good in there! Go Levi!!

I am not cooking this week, at least until our AC is fixed so we had a nice dinner out and then I met with our Preschool team at Starbucks. I am so excited about the ladies that will be teaching that age group. Thanks girls!! You don't know how much that means to us...you guys rock!!

It was a good day!!

House News

I forgot to add this in the previous post...our house was appraised last week. They are just waiting on the official report to be submitted. We're still looking like a go unless it appraises for some crazy amount. We should be good, we went through this a few months ago and the appraisal was good. We'll keep you posted. Thanks for your prayers!!

Monday Monday

It's 3:15 and no AC man...no call about an early cancellation so I wait. It's hot. I'm ready for a cool house. The problem is when the AC guy comes, I can just hear it, "Well ma'am, the problem is yada yada yada (air conditioner talk) and we have to order the part and it won't be here until...." Holy COW!!! Are you kidding me!!! Let's pray it's a quick fix and they'll have the magical part in their truck.

We had a great Sunday yesterday. Keegan did not wake up until 11am..yes, that's right. I couldn't believe it either. He must be having a growth spurt and need the sleep. So, he did MUCH better in the nursery at church...thanks Shelley. I'm so glad my kids love ya!! We ate dinner last night with a new family and they are SOOO cool!! We had so much fun with them, we felt so comfortable. It was great! I am starting to feel complete here and like things are coming together. It's awesome! I came home and put the kids to bed, listed a few things on EBAY and played Mario Kart. It was fun and relaxing!

Now back to being HOT!!!

NO AC

We had a great Saturday except for one thing...our AC went out yesterday. They're coming Monday to fix it but it is just yucky feeling inside. Fortunately, this weekend hasn't been so bad but it's just musty feeling...YUCK!! Also, my van is being finicky...it has started not starting...I don't know what exactly is draining the battery. It's crazy. Before we moved here, a year ago, the mechanic told us that at any point, our motor would go and we'd either have to replace it or get a new vehicle. Well, it's kept going for a year, thank God...literally. I hope it keeps going. I am a pro at jumping the van now. It's such a pain though. So, we're having major "issues" this weekend.

We did all 3 of our parties today and had a great time. We ate at Marilyn and Andrew's tonight. Andrew did brisket...oh my lands....it was absolutely delicious!! They were wonderful hosts and we had a great time hanging out with our friends. Addy and Keegan have done great this weekend...they're such troopers. We are eating dinner tomorrow with a new family and we're so excited. I love meeting all of these cool people, it really is awesome how God provides at just the right time.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow (that's so cool that I'm looking forward to church).
I love seeing the new faces and seeing the other faces return with smiles. I look forward to seeing the kids and our friends and just catching up. It feels like we're where we're supposed to be...that's an awesome feeling to have:)

Week in Review

This has been a busy week. The days have been pretty laid back but our nights have been busy: Monday I tutored (a little), Tuesday we had band practice, Wednesday I tutored (a lot), Thursday we ate dinner with the Bloomers while Levi and Brad (okay Brad but Levi held the spotlight) fixed Levi's brakes. We had a great time with the Bloomers, they just feel like old friends. They tolerate our kids okay well they laugh at our kids...all I have to say is paybacks are coming Bloomers!! Our house is still a go. The inspection went great. The appraisal is supposed to be sometime this week. It might have been today or maybe tomorrow. We're still supposed to close May 30th which will save us one last NC house payment and the buyers a big interest payment. Keep praying!! The kids have done great this week. Keegan continues to be his own little person. He is definitely more challenging. We're trying to figure out what works with him. Addy was always pretty easy and would listen. Keegan gets mad! He's just like his dad....okay maybe he has a little of me in him :) I've really enjoyed my time with the kids this week. I think maybe because we just took it easy. Today was Levi's day off. He stayed at home while Keegan slept so it gave Addy and me Walmart time which is always fun. Addy does really well shopping, she doesn't ask for too much and we really just have a good time. Okay, I'm rambling and it's late. I hope everyone has a great weekend. We've got a lot planned but it will be fun!

House Again

Okay so our counter offer was accepted and we're supposedly moving closer to not being the proud owners of two houses. We are going to close May 30th....that's what we're shooting for. Both sides want to have this deal sealed as soon as possible. We began faxing today and we'll have to overnight back and forth to get this accomplished. Yeehaw!!

On a crazy note, we realized that our house loan here was somewhat messed up which leaves us in the hole but not like owing on two houses in the hole. I guess that's life. I'm glad we caught the mistake, we might be able to fix it with the mortgage company and attorney but I kind of doubt it.

It kind of stinks that we should be able to celebrate (which we are going to do) but then find this other bum deal...oh well...we're still celebrating.

House Saga Continues

It looks like we just got an offer on our house...full asking price (well, I say full, after it was reduced A LOT since it was first put on the market 13 months ago). We are doing some countering over closing costs but it looks like if it goes through we'll close at the end of May. I am being cautious but hopeful. They are approved for the loan and Levi's talking to the lender as we speak. Please keep praying!

House

Please keep praying for our house to sell. Levi talked to the interested buyer again today and again she has confirmed that they want our house. She is equally frustrated that her mortgage lady will not return calls due to vacationing...which I understand but HELLO, call the lady back. So, I'm trying to be patient, trust, and pray. I know God will provide and I know God will take care of the situation. My job is to just rest in that knowledge. Thanks for your prayers!

Happy Mother's Day

I had a great 3rd Mother's Day!! I woke up to flowers and breakfast in bed. Levi got doughnuts and pigs in a blanket. They're not called pigs in a blanket in Texas but that's what they are. They are yumolicous!! Addy brought me the gift that she and Keegan made. It was a ceramic tile of their handprints. It was very precious and I will cherish it! She was so proud. Levi got me a massage...boy will I enjoy every second of that! We had a great day at church. It is so refreshing to go to church and see all the happy faces. I look forward to it every week and I am so thankful that I do. I don't want it to be so routine that it's monotonous. Our church is very different and you never know what kind of music you're going to hear...maybe some U2, maybe some Bob Dylan, maybe some Madonna (okay I just threw that one in to throw you off)! It's awesome and I am truly enjoying it. We went to lunch, it was really dinner. I still can't get it right calling it dinner since church is usually in the morning, our's is at 2pm...yeah crazy I know. Try doing it with kids...it's NUTS!! Anyway, we have become friends with the two adult kids and their spouses and one of the spouses sister and husband. So, we went out to dinner with those 3 couples, their parents, and the Sprangs. It was great. We had an awesome time and topped it off with Braum's ice cream, again yumolicous! I'm amazed at how kind people are and how gracious. I am trying to be grateful and thankful and notice God in each of these people. Not just with that crowd, but with our church as a whole, their generosity and selflessness astounds me. You know I talked about the family this week that lost their house in a fire. Our church, of like 50 raised almost $1,000 for them in less than a week..isn't that cool! I'm amazed and astounded and I'm so thankful. We're still waiting on that offer on our house. I'm bummed about that but can't be for too long because I continue to see God's hand of provision over us and am thankful for the opportunity to trust and wait on Him. I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day! Mine was ROCKING!!

Catch Up

This week has been good...okay so it's been okay...I've been in a pretty funky mood ALL week...seriously. Maybe that's just life or maybe things are just getting to me but it's been bad. We've kept busy and maybe that's part of it, maybe I just need to chill out and not go so much. It's like the crazy, jam packed weeks are together. This coming week is a little more laid back. We're going to try to go to the Arboretum on Tuesday but that's it as far as play dates. I'm trying to get to the gym at least 3 times this week but I would love to go 4 times a week. I'm doing pretty good with my "Couch Potato to 5K" training plan. I really hoped for a significant weight loss but as of now...nothing to report. I know it takes time. I am trying to make better food choices too. It's so hard.

Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I'm feeling guilty for being short and impatient with Addy all week. She's such a sweetie...she's definitely coming into her own. She wants to be so independent. She's started some behaviors with Keegan that I definitely want to nip in the bud. At the same time, Keegan is so rough with her and he's started biting. It's really random though, we've gone like 3 days without him doing it, I hope it's just a phase. He has never connected...Levi and I have always been there to intercept. I am amazed daily at how different my two babies are from each other. Addy is so petite and girly. Keegan is a rough and tumble boy. Addy was always content to play by herself and do her own thing. She loved being with other people. Keegan wants me right there most of the time and cries when I leave him. Addy was never physical as far as hitting, biting, head butting, etc. Keegan can be fierce. I definitely have my work cut out for me with both of them just in very different ways. I'm so thankful for them and hope I continue to learn and grow and be challenged.

I hope all of you moms have a great Mother's Day. I am so very thankful for my mom and wish I could be with her tomorrow...maybe that's part of my funk. I hate being so far away from family.

Please Pray

We got a call from a lady who saw our NC house a couple of weeks ago. She said she would be calling back tonight or tomorrow with an offer and just wanted to let us know. Please pray that this will go through. We are so ready to only have one mortgage payment and see what that feels like. It's been an awesome time of growing and stretching and building faith but it's been hard. I know that God does AWESOME things. He makes sense out of things that shouldn't make sense...like being able to afford two mortgages. He has used people to help and bless us and for that I will be ETERNALLY thankful. Please pray that this will go through!! I'll keep you posted...

Rain Rain ......

Well, we woke up this morning to the sound of rain and thunder and lightning....and Becker whining....he's not a fan of storms. On days like this, I just want to dig further under the covers and stay there. I wish I could. I guess the Arboretum is a no go, bummer.

This week's docket (I think I'm using that correctly right?)...

This week will hopefully be laid back....I think I'm going to take the kids to the Arboretum tomorrow. It's like a botanical gardeny kind of place but they have a lot of cool stuff for kids like face painting, a petting zoo, and tomorrow they're having some thing to do with milk. Maybe they'll have a cow. It will be nice, as long as it doesn't rain. Wednesday is my big long tutoring day...oh joy. Thursday is a FREE day...I'm excited and Friday we're doing a Mother's Day craft party here. It should be a fun and relaxing week.

On a sidenote, I do that a lot because I have random things that I want to share....I am switching Keegan over to cloth diapers this week. I know that's probably crazy for a lot of you to read but I've had a few friends randomly talk about it. I am trying to be more green and do things intentionally for the environment. It's also cheaper. I'm kind of nervous about it but I feel like it's the right thing for me right now...I'll let you know how I feel about it in a couple of weeks. I do think it's funny how those things are so cyclical. It's like nursing was that way, it was cool then it wasn't cool and now it is.

I hope you have a great week.

It is what it is.....

We had a great weekend. It always goes by too fast. Levi refs soccer every Saturday so it's just kind of weird. I like it when we can just hang out and be really laid back. We need the moola so it is what it is right now. We had a new couple over Saturday and got a chance to get to know them. It was very cool. They are very cool I should say. We had a great time.
Our crowd Sunday was down. We were missing a bunch of our regulars. The funny part is, almost all of them called before and told us they were going to be gone. I thought that was pretty cool. It's always exciting to see who is at church and just anticipate what God is going to do.
It looks like the Sprangs are going to get a contract on their house. I'm glad for them. I can imagine the relief they feel. Trying to sell these houses has been a long road and I'm glad their's is ending...I wish our's were. It's kind of funny, I've felt the doubt and worry come up for me about our house in North Carolina and I so don't want to feel that way. I know God has us here for a purpose and I know He will take care of us. I have experienced that and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that He will take care of us. Humanly, it's hard for me to stay in that "happy place" for lack of a better term. I actually fasted today. I said a couple of months ago that I wanted to make that a habit and I've kind of fallen off the wagon. It definitely focuses me in the right direction and gets my eyes back where they need to be. I really want to make that a weekly or bi-monthly deal. I want to be totally dependent on Jesus for everything and I need that reminder to refocus. It's funny how you can be cruising along pretty good and then feel like you fell in a ditch. That sounds funny but that's kind of how I've felt the past few days....weird, I know. I'm ready to get out of the ditch.

I did get to scrapbook with some of my playgroup Mommies last night. It was a lot of fun. We stayed up way too late but it was so good to get some pages finished and for me to remember how much I LOVE to scrapbook. It's therapeutic for me. I love to look back at the pictures of the kids. It brings back all the good memories and I feel like I'm back there. I also can't believe how big they are and how much they've grown. It's always nice to be with my friends. We can talk about girl stuff and men and just be who we are. We're all so different but for the most part accepting of each other, I love that. I'm thankful for that.

On a side note, we got a call from one of the other pastors in our community tonight. Funny thing, we have about 3 church plants within a mile radius of each other and they all love each other. It's so cool. So, one of the pastors called to tell us that a house 2 doors down from where our church property is was burning down to the ground. When we had our "faux" ground breaking, a man pulled up to welcome us and wish us well. We think it's this man's house. Levi and our friend drove up there and then later Levi road his bike back up there to see if the people were outside. My heart breaks for them. I can't imagine the loss and knowing everything is gone. Levi is asking our people to help. I know they'll show up BIG and help this family out. I can't wait to see how Catalyst will be a catalyst in this family's life.

Good Night

Okay so I'm about to hit the hay. Levi reffed a few soccer games tonight so we didn't see each other all day until about 10:30. I was busy getting some cooking done. He did call on his way home and he stopped and got the Pinata!! Woohoo!! Thank you Levi!!

Tomorrow is a busy day. We have a birthday party at 2pm at Chuck E. Cheese and then we're having some friends over for dinner. I've just got to get some last minute things done but hopefully it will be a light day that we can enjoy.

I hope you're having a great weekend. I remember when I was teaching how much I LOVED Fridays. Can I get a woot woot from you teachers? I still enjoy Friday but it's just kind of weird now. That was very random. It's late and my brain has turned to mush.

Good Night!!

Sweet Dreams

I just tucked both of my angels in for the night. This week was another crazy one. We're having a Quatro de Mayo party on Sunday for church and a personal bbq at our house tomorrow. I volunteered (yeah, you heard me right--volunteered) to get all the food at Sam's. I love Sam's. I was going to do a click n pull order for the church stuff and just swing in for a leisurely stroll for a few personal things. Well, I realized that my week had quickly filled up with things to do so I had to go on Wednesday and couldn't do the click n pull, you have to give them 12 hours notice or something. So, I am pushing the kids and about a jillion pounds of Quatro de Mayo supplies around Sams along with a HUGE bag of dog food and the massive package of paper towels for us. It was crazy. I need to learn that about myself, I think I can do more than I can and then I get mad about it. Not mad at anybody just myself. I feel myself feeling overwhelmed and then I feel like my kids suffer because I take that out on them. I hate that. Today, I had to get some of the non Sam's items and I just realized I still haven't gotten the pinata...I guess that's tomorrow. UGH!! Anyway, today I had Maddie, my friend's daughter and she plays so good with Addy so it's fun. We just did a lot of running. As the evening progressed and I drug Addy and Keegan to one last grocery store, I felt myself just expecting more of Addy than she could give. As I laid in bed with her praying tonight, I asked her to forgive me for being "mean" as she calls it. Most of the time, "mean" means telling her to quit screaming or taking something from Keegan or asking her to put her toys up but tonight mean was appropriate for Mommy being impatient and short tempered. Usually, I leave her in bed awake after our routine of reading a story, then a Bible story, then praying, and then singing. If Daddy puts her to bed, he adds an original "Once Upon a Time" story in there, usually involving a princess with red hair and blue eyes. Tonight, I stayed until she was asleep. I fought back tears as I thanked God for these precious gifts He's blessed us with. I don't ever want to take them for granted or rush through phases of their lives because I'm busy or "volunteer" for more than I can "sanely" handle. I love them more than life itself and I would do anything for them. I am so grateful that I get to be Mommy to two of the most precious beings on this planet.