We Did It!

Well the big move is finally over and I couldn't be more happy. We've decided that we will be hiring movers next time, it was not a whole lot of fun. But it's done and while we still have so much to do, at least there's no rush.

We closed on Friday October 24th and besides me leaving the check for closing at home and Brannan having to run home to get it, everything went really smooth. The lady who sold the house to us moved three houses down so she's our new neighbor. Which is nice that we know someone - and I need to ask her where the deadbolt key is.

My parents and my sister came up to help and as soon as we signed we headed to the new house to finalize paint colors. Then it was off to Lowe's and we had the main room taped off by Friday night. Saturday we were busy painting and one of the guys that works with Brannan helped us pick up our new range, microwave, refrigerator & tv stand from some very generous donors that go to our church.

Sunday Brannan's sister & her friend helped us paint some more and then we began the daunting task of painting the trim...which took us Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday -- and did I mention Thursday morning!!! We're still not done in the bedrooms so just pretend if you stop by.

I had the carpets cleaned Thursday morning and then Brannan and two guys he works with helped us move our big stuff Thursday night. By this time, I'm completely worn out and getting sick and by Friday morning I was completely sick and emotionally defeated by the amount of crap we still had to move.

I've come to the conclusion that we have way too much stuff that we don't need. The guys helping us move were from Mexico and I almost felt ashamed by the mass quantity of things we have. I think we are going to have to edit our belongings and start being better stewards of what God has given us.

So, back to my story, my dad showed up Friday afternoon like some kind of hero and lifted my spirits and helped us get the rest of the stuff out of our house. By the time the week was over we had taken 17 car loads and 3 moving truck loads of "stuff" to the new house. Big props to dad, Arnolfo & Pablo for helping because there is no way we could have done it ourselves...I was barely able to climb the steps at the old house by the end of the week.

Dad and Brannan got the stove, microwave and fridge in by the end of the weekend while I slept on the bed, sofa and then bed again (like I said, I was worthless by the end of the weekend).

But it has been wonderful. If you had the pleasure of visiting our old house you will really appreciate not getting locked into the bedroom in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. The new house's doors open with ease, the floors don't creek, there is no draft and TWO people can go potty at the same time! Dad was our first guest and while he slept on a mattress in the floor he seemed to enjoy himself.

Little dog has adjusted very well. As some of you may know - my darling husband never potty trained her - but because of our great new backyard she has been outside to tink & poo every time, no accidents. She isn't allowed in the carpeted areas, and seems to understand that...b/c we holler at her if she goes near them. She sleeps in her crate at night and doesn't mind one bit (I've been trying to tell B that dogs like crates for years...I think he finally believes me). The only thing she doesn't seem to care for is that she has to stay outside or in her crate when we aren't home, she doesn't seem to care for this at all but oh well, she's a dog.

To sum up,
We have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams. Sometimes I don't feel like it's really ours yet because it's so wonderful! And when I walk into the nursery and see those little clothes hanging in the closet I'm overwhelmed by God's grace & love. When we were in the process of looking and getting approved for a home loan I prayed to God that we would give all the honor to Him and we would use our home as way to glorify His Name. I hope we have to pleasure of welcoming all of you into our home that God built for us.