Watch out for falling trees!

Last week we had a picnic dinner at the campsite my grandparents were staying at. They have a huge motor home/coach that they travel all around in...very plush! That's the way to travel my friends! Anyway, we were all hanging around the picnic tables eating when the wind started to pick up. But no problem...we were still enjoying the great outdoors while we ate our fried chicken. Then the wind started to really pick up! But it still didn't stop us...we held our ground. Finally, the wind started to blow crazy hard, to the point little branches we falling to the ground. Then, we saw a huge branch (maybe it was even a small tree) fall near the coach. Then we started to worry, and thought maybe it would be a good idea to move the party inside. All of sudden as we were trying to clean up the tables we heard the branch above us start cracking. Now, let me just add at this point that the tree we were under was a Globe Willow. Let me also add that we once had a Globe Willow in our front yard...that is until we woke up one morning to find half of it laying in the road. These trees are notorious for falling over in hard winds. So hearing one crack above us, yes, I was worried. Then at one point we thought a chuck was coming down and we (as in me...and maybe my mom) scream, people start grabbing children and find cover. Well, the tree didn't fall. But we all had a good laugh and headed inside the coach...because you never know, it still looked iffy. Did I mention it was really windy! No joke...campers were leaving their campsites because they thought they may get crushed by a tree in their sleep! So, the point to this story...Morgan has been traumatized ever since. She thinks that the slightest breeze will bring a whole tree down...on her. Yesterday, Haley was playing across the street with some friends...Morgan stood on the porch for a while scoping out the trees...decided that they were moving too much and came back in. She watched them through the window. Today, we were all out back playing...Morgan stood by the back window watching us. No matter how much we try to convince her that she is safe, she doesn't budge! She will not go outside! Ryan just took the dogs for a run with Haley on her bike. He tried his best to get Morgan to go too...wasn't happening. Now she's sitting in the middle of the living room playing Cootie Bug...by herself...and every now and then when she hears the leaves on the trees rustle in the wind she glances up with a very concerned look on her face.

I hope she gets over this soon.

Starting School

This was a big week for two of my girls. Haley started First Grade and Morgan started Preschool! And me...well, my world has turned upside down. I enrolled Haley in her new school, which is on the other side of town, so between dropping her off and picking her up (not to mention the two days a week that I have to take Morgan to and from school) I feel as though I'm always driving somewhere. And my mornings have turned into complete craziness. Trying to get everyone ready...breakfast, dressed, hair combed, teeth brushed, lunch made, and hopefully get Piper nursed before we get out the door (although sometimes she gets the big diss), is extremely challenging for me. And I'm trying really hard to do all that without having to raise my voice. I must have yelled, "CAN YOU PLEASE COOPERATE!!" a thousand times this week! Yes, it's complete craziness! Hopefully, it will be easier when I live closer to the schools!

Haley, ready to go!

Morgan at her school.

Ready to learn!

Summer is over?!

Haley starts school tomorrow. I can't believe it...I can't believe she's in first grade...I can't believe that Summer is over. I've been so preoccupied with this house that I've forgotten to celebrate the fact that my little girl is starting a new school year and what an exciting thing that is. I decided to enroll her in her new school. We went to the Back to School Night and met her new teacher. I have to say I'm a little nervous for her...in a new school and all. She won't have all her old classmates and neighbors around...it makes me a little sad. She doesn't seem to be too worried about it, in fact she's looking forward to it...I know she'll do great!

Turns out we've hit another snag with the house. I hope it won't be a deal breaker...it can't be...it just can't be. So I'm back on the emotional roller coaster, as today was not a good day. I'm trying to put on a happy face for Haley though...tomorrow is her day to shine!

Approved!

So...finally...the bank got back to us. We have been approved! There are a few conditions they have given us along with it...nothing too bad I guess. At least nothing that will become a deal breaker.

But to be honest, I'm still a little nervous. I finally got the approval, but I don't think I'll truly be at peace until the papers are signed and the keys are in our hands. But this is definitely a step in the right direction!

Tonight we are doing our final walk through...very exciting! Turns out, the sellers did way more improvements/repairs then what we asked for from the inspection. So that's a plus!

I think I'll bring my camera and take some photos too. Perhaps I'll post them if I'm feeling brave...I don't want to jinx anything.

Nothing yet...

It's Thursday morning...I have no news yet. However, the appraiser that appraised the new house came through for me. He was able to look at the house Tuesday, and got the appraisal back Wednesday...so that was a relief! So yeah, I'm still waiting on the approval from the bank...I'm really bad at waiting...have I mentioned that? I'm completely stressed at all times...I'm ALWAYS thinking about the loan. Will it go through? Will they say "No, you can't refi and take out a new loan at the same time."? Will all this get done in time? I think I'm driving everyone bonkers...especially Ryan. I think I ask him a dozen times a day, "Do you think we'll get the house?"And I'm not sure what to do with myself everyday. Do I start getting things ready to move? Should I enroll Haley in her new school so she can be there on the first day? It may break her heart to start her here and then pull her out two weeks later. I talked to my realtor yesterday, and we can do the final walk through on the house tomorrow! That seems so official to me...I started to get excited...this is actually happening!! But then I just freak out again about the loan. This is so hard for me. I'm scared about what my life will be like if I lose the loan...lose the house. I'll be devastated, that's what...just devastated. I don't even want to think about it.

Down to the Wire

I've been a wreck...this entire month has been extremely difficult for me. It's hard to do anything else but think about getting into this house we want so badly. We have put everything into it and this whole process is extremely arduous...we've come so far...and we're getting closer to the deadline. A lot needs to happen this week, and all I can do is wait, and hope that people are moving quickly for us. Our lender has assured us everything will be fine. But he said that three weeks ago too, and since then we've had numerous road blocks that we've had to jump over and every one of them has cost us a few days...a few days that we NEEDED, and lost. Now we're down to the wire...and everything comes down to this week. We thought the sellers may work with us on the deadline (23rd), and maybe move it back a couple of days. However, we found out that there is another party interested in the house that are willing to pay more than we are. So that option is out. The sellers are probably hoping we fail so they can get out of the contract and potentially make more off the house. I'm scared...I don't want to lose it.

My emotions have been completely out of control. My kids have seen me cry more this month than ever...I think they are surprised to see my "softer" side.

The other day Ryan and I were in the kitchen talking (I was crying at the time):

Haley: "Mommy, why does your face look like that?"

Me: "I was crying...I'm upset about the house."

I can see Haley thinking as she's sitting at the table. And then with a very serious look on her face she says: "Mommy, I've thought about it...and you can have my piggy bank."

Me: "Oh Haley, you are such a sweetheart, but a house costs much more than what's in you piggy bank."

Haley: "No mommy, there is like 1,000 moneys in it...it's FULL!"

I think our children have been hearing us talk finances too much lately.

4 Months

Piper is 4 months! My does time fly! A few weeks ago she started sleeping through the night, but just recently decided to go back to her old ways. She's been getting up a couple times a night again. Not fair! But she is such a happy baby...first thing in the morning she greets me with her smiles! She loves her pacifier! I do not leave the house without it, but in a pinch, she'll resort to sucking on her toes or fingers...but mostly toes.

She had her check up yesterday. She weighed in at 11 lbs and is 25 inches long.

Inspection and Appraisals

My parents arrived this week! Just in time...we had the home inspection yesterday and I really wanted my dad to be with me...so that was nice. Everything looks great, other than a few minor repairs here and there. Eventually the roof will need some work, but for now it's fine. Both my parents loved the house! And walking around it again just made me fall more in love with it! I'm starting to decide what should go where...how to set up the toy room...and my craft room (yes, I will get a spot for my paper crafts, sewing machine, and kid craft supplies...oh how glorious!!).

But then I stop myself...wait Kelly...wait until everything is a done deal before you get too excited. Too late. I'm excited.

Like I said before, we are refinancing this house...so we needed to get an appraisal. Unfortunately, we have a number one flake working on it. He said it would be turned on Monday...it's now Wednesday people...and no appraisal yet. I'm in a time crunch!!! I don't have time for people to sit around and pick their noses...get your job done Mr. Lame Appraisal Man, and turn it in when you say you're going to do it!!

Anyway...like I said, I hate relying on others for something this important. I feel helpless.

In other news, Piper has her four month check up today. I can't believe it! Four months already, wow!

Going through the motions.

I really haven't been in the mood to post anything lately. In fact, I just don't feel like myself these past couple of weeks. Truth is...I've become obsessed with this house I hope we move into. It's all I think about. I go about my days during the week...I had a great weekend with Ryan and the girls...but it's as if I'm just going through the motions...the house is always on my mind. I've been on edge too because of it. So often the girls will come up to me, "Mommy...mommy...mommy...mommy...mommy...mooooooommyyyyy..." only for me to lash back, "WHAT!!". And then I have to explain why their mother is completely zoned out, "Look, I just have a lot on my mind right now...okay?".

And of course, news travels fast around here. People are starting to ask when we're moving. And my reply is always the same, "Well, if all goes well with the loan, Sep. 9th." Then I feel the need to explain it further because if I leave it like that people will think we have financial issues...which we don't. Yes, things will be tight...but we're ready! It's just that we need to scramble to refinance this house as an investment property and get rid of the FHA loan on it. Then pull another loan on the new house. So...all this needs to be done by closing (Sep. 9th). And then I have this fear that some road block is going to pop up last minute. Basically, everything is left in the hands of my lender...and there is nothing I can do...except sit here and wait...and try not to go crazy.

I just don't want to lose that house. I've already spent two Summers looking at houses, and nothing has felt like home until this one. The thought of starting over and looking again devastates me. It just needs to work out.

Happy Anniversary!

11 Years Baby!

I Love You!!

More party pictures

Here are some pictures of Saturday's festivities. We had a combined kids party in the morning and then a family dinner in the evening. Good times.

Birthday Girl!

I know there are only four candles...it's all I had left. She had six when she blew out the candles at the kid party...honest. Unfortunately, at the kid party I only put three candles in Morgan's cupcake. One of the kids had to fill me in that she was turning four not three. Thank you...I'm glad the kids were paying attention. I added another one just in time.

The kids were being blinded by the sun.

Haley opened very similar presents as Morgan. She loved them! She has been zipping around on her scooter nonstop. And for some reason she looks so much older to me when she's on it...weird. I can't believe I have a six year old!!

Too much stress!

I think I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown. This housing stuff...it's just much more complicated than I ever imagined. All the people out there that can't manage their money and got themselves in trouble with their loans made it ten times harder for the people who handle their money well (us). Since we're keeping the home we currently live in we have to deal with a whole new set of complications. New laws are made, rules for this and that...it's absolutely ridiculous!! It's as if we are being punished for other peoples' mistakes! We're having to jump through so many hoops to make this work. I don't want to get into any detail...but let's just say many tears have been shed (by me) these past two days. But, I think we've finally found the path we need to take to make this work. Fingers crossed.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Haley Girl!

You turn 6 today!

I love you!

Houses and Birthdays

A lot has been going on these past few days.

So lets see...well, we ended up putting an offer on that house. They of course countered with something ridiculous, so we countered again with, what we thought, was a good compromise. We crossed our fingers and hoped for the best. They accepted! So now I'm terrified, yet extremely excited. I hope everything turns out okay with the inspection...I would hate for things to fall through at this point. It's an older home, so you never know what's going on behind the walls, but it looks to be well taken care of and that it was a loved home. It's just so charming!

Also, this week we were gearing up for the girls' birthday party on Saturday. Bad timing with the whole house thing going on. I felt very disconnected as a mom all week...my mind has been so distracted. But, I think their party turned out very well. We had 8 kids come...we filled the two hours with musical chairs, relay races, pinatas (yes, two), cupcakes, and presents. They seemed to have had a lot of fun! Then that evening my brother and his family came over for a bbq and more presents and cupcakes. Needless to say by the end of the day I was exhausted! I'll have to post pictures tomorrow.

Now today, I just want to keep it low key. I wouldn't mind staying home all day...maybe working on some scrapbooking, perhaps a little cleaning (I'm surrounded by yesterday's mess) and I'll try to wrap my brain around the idea of moving to a new home...wow.