Last Day!!

Today is our last day actually living in our little house! 

Tomorrow morning we have our final walkthrough and then our closing.  Then we will come back here, load up our cars with things we are not sending with movers - TVs, food, etc. - and suitcases with clothes for a few days, and head down to the house.  I will begin cleaning, and Randy will come back for another load or two plus Ryan, and we will stay at the new house tomorrow night.  Thursday morning Randy will bring Ryan back for school.  I may or may not follow him up here, depending on what is left to be done up here - I'm betting that I will be coming.  If we have a lot of the non-mover stuff out of here by then, we will do some cleaning here - the bathroom, the floors, etc.  I'm hoping to get as much done on Thursday as possible so we have less to do on Saturday.

Friday the movers come, so we'll only be without furniture for two days.  Today I bought an air mattress so Randy and I wouldn't throw our backs out sleeping on the floor.  The seller is leaving us a daybed, because he doesn't need it, so Kaleigh will sleep on that.  The boys will sleep on the floor with blankets and sheets and the GIANT pillows I am almost done making them. 

Well, off to continue packing.  I have pretty much had my fill of packing tape and bubble wrap!

ONE WEEK TO GO!!!!

Well - if you aren't keeping track (or just didn't bother to read the title) - we are down to one week until closing.

Needless to say, I am a *teensy* bit frazzled.

I have been stockpiling individual sized homemade freezer meals for a couple of weeks, and this week I am supplementing that with family sized freezer meals, so today I made a lasagna.  I figure for at least a week after the movers leave, I won't have the time or energy to cook, so I'm trying to prepare ahead for that.  Tomorrow I'll make a family sized chicken and broccoli pasta.  Friday I'll make a family sized baked mac and cheese.  That will probably be all I can manage for family sized, but I will also have plenty of individual meals, as well as sandwich stuff, and a freezer full of roasts and hamburger.  So I think we will be good while we settle in.

Our closing has been moved back 2 hours (originally scheduled at 9) to accommodate a final walkthrough in the morning.  Apparently the seller has actually PLANNED to finish moving out the morning of closing.  I can only shake my head, because I cannot imagine planning to finish at the last minute.  I am the kind of person who plans to finish something several days ahead, so that even if it takes me an extra day, I am still ahead of the game.  I just don't get it.

After a couple of challenging days with the kids, they are both having a very good day today.  I hesitate to write that and hex the whole thing, but I figure I have a responsibility to put it in print, since there is a strong likelihood that no one will believe me later!

I have been going through the tedious process of getting homeowner's insurance rates.  It looks like we will be very likely staying with our current insurance company, because all the quotes I have gotten back so far have been really high.  Like, speck-in-the-upper-stratosphere high.  I don't understand how companies like that stay in business, but I guess it's not my problem. :)

Well, I guess I need to get back to work :).  Later!

9 Days / Packing Update

Well, we are down to the single digits!  It is hard to believe we are one week and two days away from handing over a large portion of our savings account and moving into our new house!  I think I am into the pinching phase now - this house is our realistic/moderate dream home.  That is, I know we could not have found a home we loved more that was in our price range.  It's hard to grasp the idea that we will soon be moving out of "postage stamp" and into "practically perfect in every way."  We have been squeezed into this tiny home (that again, we have been SO grateful for!) for over three years now (ever since we got our first foster kids), and it feels wonderful and indescribable and nearly inconceivable that we will finally have all the space our family needs.  I remember last summer when I was really beginning to feel desperate to move, and the Holy Spirit spoke quietly to me and reminded me that God is in control and would bring us to the home for us when the time was right.  I then began to pray every day that He would do just that, and help us to be content and patient while waiting.  Now that those prayers are coming to fruition, I add the prayer that God will help me to never ever take for granted the blessings He has given and is giving us every day.

Sorry for that ramble, but apparently I just needed to get it out!

Randy and I were able to get LOTS more packing done this past weekend.  I have a list of things to do this week - besides packing I also have several school assignments to do, some filing to catch up on, and some freezer meals to make for our first week or so in the new house.

Next week Monday and Tuesday I will be packing the last of the dishes and all of the nonperishable food items from my "pantry" shelves and the kitchen.  Tuesday I have to go get the cashier's check for the closing; Wednesday morning we close; and then we will be loading up our cars with stuff we don't want the movers to take, and heading down to the new house.  I plan to do some cleaning there, starting with the fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and pantry; and Randy will be making another run or two from the old house to bring more items that we don't want the movers bringing.  If I get my first cleaning things done, those runs will include frozen and refrigerated food, and in between stocking the fridge and freezer, I will work on cleaning the floors and carpets.  If there's any time left in the day - and if I'm not totally exhausted! - I'll work on unpacking the other items.  Thursday morning my mom will come watch Middle and Little, while Randy and I take Ryan to school and come to the old house to do some cleaning and bring more items, if there are any left.  Friday morning my mom will come get Middle and Little and take them back to her house, while Randy and I take Ryan to school and meet the movers at the old place.  If there is still anything left for us to take, we will load up the car and follow (lead?) the movers down to the new house, where I - um, I mean WE (bahaha!) will direct the movers to the appropriate places with the boxes and furniture.  I love to be bossy in charge the ORGANIZER.

Sorry - that run-through of my future schedule was probably sort of boring, but it helps me feel less chaotic if I list out the plan and can refer back to it later :). 

If you are so inclined, please pray for us during this crazy time!  Lots going on, some general and some specific.  There is a specific situation that I would appreciate prayer for, but can't give details here.  God knows, so please just pray that He will work out the details smoothly and without unnecessary... processes.

Thanks!

Off to file!

15 Days / Packing Update

Hard to believe there are only 15 days left until we close.  Packing is coming along, but I still feel very far behind.  This past weekend, I was able to get a bunch more done in the basement, and Randy and Hunter went through the garage and packed and sorted everything.  They also found a ton of boxes, which was great, because packing supplies are so expensive.

Today I got another box of kitchen stuff packed and started on another; I cleaned off the dishwasher and fridge and threw a bunch of stuff away; I packed the rest of our winter outwear and accessories (now we will get a big snowstorm); and I packed a box of the kids' school stuff.  I took a break to fold some laundry before I got behind on that.  Now I need to run to the bank and then get back on packing.  

I also have several school assignments that are due the week after we move.  Not sure when those are going to get done.

I just keep thinking about being in the new house.  That should keep me going for the next couple of weeks.  Continued prayers are welcomed and appreciated :).

25 Days / Packing Update

I cannot believe we have only 25 days until closing.  Four weeks from today, we will be cleaning up the old place, looking around for the last time, and walking out the door to start out in a new place.  It boggles my mind to think about it.  I am very thankful that God gave us 5 years in this house; it was a blessing at the time we found it, and as we have outgrown it, God has given me the opportunity to experience difficulty and inconvenience so that I would never take the awesomeness that is our new home for granted.

This week I got some of the boys' stuff packed, and Ryan decided to pack most of his clothes, as well as some of Hunter's.  I also spent a large chunk of time yesterday packing my closet and a couple of my drawers, as well as about 3/4 of Kaleigh's toys and a few articles of her clothing.  My entire closet is emptied now, except for Kaleigh's dresses and my formals.  Two of my drawers are emptied, and the third drawer in that dresser is just some baby items that will be easily packed into the "baby stuff" box; then that dresser will be empty.  Tomorrow I will be moving those boxes down to the living room - which, along with the basement, will be the "staging area" for the movers to take from - and also doing some more work in the basement with Randy.

Yesterday I used up the last of our Large boxes and almost all of our Medium boxes, so we'll need to stop and pick up some more either tonight or tomorrow morning.

We really need the IRS to get on the stick and get us the rest of our return, so if you are so inclined, please pray that that happens soon.  Thanks!

33 Days / Packing Update

Also a picture fix for those of you who haven't seen the pics yet...

Well, after a couple of very busy days where I didn't get much done, I finally made a little bit of progress yesterday.  On Tuesday, I did start to pack up the kitchen, but ended up going through all of my plastic containers with lids (you know, the Gl*ad and Zip*loc ones that are disposable) and matching them all up.  I have no idea how it happened, but I ended up with a massive amount of lids that had no containers.  I expected to have a few, but not so many.  Anyway, into the recycling those went, and then I packed about half the containers, keeping out the ones I use the most.  Sounds easy, but was a little time consuming.  By the time I was finished, it was time to make supper.  And everyone knows that by the time I make supper, feed everyone, get the kids ready for bed, and clean up the kitchen, I am done for the day.  So that was all I had gotten done this week, until yesterday.

Yesterday, I finally had a less busy day.  After quiet time, when the kids were done with schoolwork and enjoying some play time, I was able to get a big box, a small box, and half of another big box packed with more kitchen stuff.  I couldn't believe how much stuff I had put away in the backs of cupboards, waiting for the day I would have a kitchen I could use it in!  Now I'm even more excited about my new kitchen!

And the deck off my kitchen and dining room:

And the Patio and Balcony:

Oh all right, and my living room...

And loft/library/office...

 

And Master Suite...

And while we're at it, I also can't wait for the kids to have their new bedrooms...

 (Kaleigh)

(Hunter and maybe Ryan - he's an indecisive 14yo)

If you hadn't seen these on FB yet, I hope you enjoyed this little preview.  

And now I am off to get ready to take my kiddos and my flowers girls from my wedding to the JELLY BELLY Factory! =)

36 Days / Packing Update

This past weekend, Randy and I spent a couple of hours packing in the basement.  Well, I was packing; he was going through paperwork and either tossing or setting aside for filing or shredding.  I got about half of my craft items packed.  That is, candle-making supplies, jewelry-making supplies, cross-stitching: all packed; sewing and scrapbooking: not packed, mostly because they are all in their own containers or storage, and I'm not sure whether I should just transport them that way, or pack them into larger boxes so I can let the movers take them without worrying about them.  Still debating that one...

Yesterday I either packed or bagged for Goodwill all of Kaleigh's books except: our favorite, Where the Wild Things Are, 4 Care Bear & Rainbow Brite books my cousin lent her, and a couple of activity books (colorforms, magnet book, etc.).  Lest you think I am totally cruel and heartless, the top of the box is open; she's not allowed to get into it, but if she gets tired of the books she has, I can take out a couple at a time while still keeping the majority of them packed.

We also went through all of her toys together, throwing away some "garbage-y" toys (old happy meal trinkets, broken pieces, toys in rough shape that she never plays with, etc.) and organizing everything that was left.  I packed all of her games and more involved items that we keep put away anyway, and told her that if she doesn't keep her toys organized and put away, they will be getting packed.  This should be interesting.  I think her dress-up clothes will get packed soon.

The next few things I am mentally planning to attack are packing a few random items of clothing that are either too small or too big for Kaleigh, bagging some clothes that the boys pulled out for Goodwill, starting to pack up parts of the kitchen that we don't use regularly, and gathering up movies and CDs and packing the CDs.  Not sure where to go after that, but I think I'll take care of these steps first and see where that leaves me.

Closing In!

Only 45 days until closing!

Why is it that yesterday I had 65 days until closing???

When oh when am I going finish all the packing???

Isn't there a packing faerie out there somewhere?  Surely she isn't too busy to lend me a hand!

Or a frontloader...

Rambly Update

Well, I made some progress with packing yesterday, although it didn't really feel like it.  I packed three more boxes of books - all of our books are now packed with the exception of Kaleigh's books, and a few of Hunter's and my books because we will definitely need something to read in the next few months.  I also bubble wrapped some breakables which I had taken down and set carefully in boxes.  I'm getting rid of any knick-knacks that don't have sentimental value, but that still leaves a fair number of items that are purely ornamental.  Well, a few of them also play music.  Some of them will go nicely in Kaleigh's new pastel yellow and lavender room, but I haven't decided where the others will go; perhaps the library.

Hunter is on a quarter break right now.  It was actually supposed to be the week before last, but I lost track of time, and it worked out well because he got to start with the blizzard last week; so he didn't feel left out when all the other kids in the neighborhood had a snow day!

My husband just called as I was typing.  He was just surrounded by a car accident caused by the guy behind him reading a message on his phone when the rest of traffic came to a screeching halt.  The cars behind and next to Randy were in a collision; Randy was completely protected and was not even touched by any part of the accident.  I am simultaneously thanking God for keeping him safe and praying that those who were hit are all safe and not injured.

In two days the form we need should be available on the IRS site and we should be able to file our taxes.  For the first time EVER, I cannot wait to file.  I also can't stop thinking about the new house.  I'm a little nervous too, because that's what change does to me; but I know God has a plan for us and will get us through it, and I keep reminding myself of that.  One thing I'm really looking forward to in relation to the area to which we are moving is that I will be able to reconnect with a couple of friends.  Being where we are now has made it difficult to get together with people; this move will make socializing - for both me and the kids - more... convenient.  And while I've been spending a lot of time thinking about how great that will be for the kids (they do get regular socialization, but they are very social beings, and would do well with a little more), I'm beginning to realize that it will probably also be good for me.  I know, it seems obvious; but try to remember that I am not at all a social being; for the most part in general I prefer being alone.

For today, I suppose I will continue to focus on the living room.  There are a bunch of loose movies and cd's in there that belong elsewhere, but that would actually be a good thing for the kids to help me with.  I can probably go ahead and start packing up cd's, too, now that I think about it.  We don't use them all that often right now, and they're not as organized as they used to be either.  Might be a good idea to just start that one fresh in the new house.

Children are stirring.  Time to go make breakfast and do Zumba!  Happy Tuesday :).

 

To Do List 1/28

Well, Randy ended up staying home yesterday with a sinus infection.  It's always nice to have him here, but inevitably interrupts our daily routine, not to mention any plans to get things done.  I did get some more things into garbage bags, but I'm not crossing anything off until it's completely finished.  I hope to get that finished today, as well as getting the stuff over to Goodwill's donation center.  I would also like to make some homemade cereal and some homemade snack bars today :).

We got an email from our Realtor yesterday morning stating that the Seller was out of town and we likely wouldn't hear anything until Monday.  I'm a little bummed and a little nervous, but trying hard to just keep praying, keep calm, and carry on.

In the meantime...

• Gather paperwork for mortgage guy
• Get large garbage bags for everything slated for Goodwill
• Put said stuff into said bags
• Take all bags of stuff to Goodwill
• Finish filing 2010 paperwork
• Get filing box for 2011 filing
• Set up 2011 filing box
• Get Rubber*maid or Steri*lite containers for transferring storage that is currently in cardboard boxes
• Transfer and label said storage items
• Continue packing up items that are not currently needed.  Be selective, and toss anything that is not useful/important/essential
• Some packing in living room
• Go through each person's clothes and separate for moving, storage (seasonal), or donation to Goodwill

To Do List 1/27

Obviously I wasn't able to check anything off my list yesterday.  I did get started on putting the Goodwill stuff into garbage bags though, which I intend to finish today.  I also did a bunch of laundry, since apparently my kids think they need clean clothes to wear, or something. 

The showing was great.  The kids loved the house (knew they would) and my mom was able to get there after school, and she loved it too (knew she would).  We wrote up an offer and should hear something today.

In the meantime...

• Gather paperwork for mortgage guy
• Get large garbage bags for everything slated for Goodwill
• Put said stuff into said bags
• Take all bags of stuff to Goodwill
• Finish filing 2010 paperwork
• Get filing box for 2011 filing
• Set up 2011 filing box
• Get Rubber*maid or Steri*lite containers for transferring storage that is currently in cardboard boxes
• Transfer and label said storage items
• Continue packing up items that are not currently needed.  Be selective, and toss anything that is not useful/important/essential
• Go through each person's clothes and separate for moving, storage (seasonal), or donation to Goodwill

To Do List 1/26

Going to our second showing of a house today.  Very excited, and very nervous.  Good thing I have some things to keep my mind (a little bit) busy.

• Get large garbage bags for everything slated for Goodwill
• Put said stuff into said bags
• Take all bags of stuff to Goodwill
• Finish filing 2010 paperwork
• Get filing box for 2011 filing
• Set up 2011 filing box
• Get Rubber*maid or Steri*lite containers for transferring storage that is currently in cardboard boxes
• Transfer and label said storage items
• Continue packing up items that are not currently needed.  Be selective, and toss anything that is not useful/important/essential
• Go through each person's clothes and separate for moving, storage (seasonal), or donation to Goodwill

To Do List 1/25

 I decided it would be easier to keep track of my progress if I post a new entry each day.  Then I can add as I need to, while continuing to see what I've accomplished every day.  

All I ended up doing yesterday was schoolwork for both classes, but so far today I have gotten a few things done.

• Get large garbage bags for everything slated for Goodwill
• Put said stuff into said bags
• Take all bags of stuff to Goodwill
• Finish filing 2010 paperwork
• Get filing box for 2011 filing
• Set up 2011 filing box
• Get Rubber*maid or Steri*lite containers for transferring storage that is currently in cardboard boxes
• Transfer and label said storage items
• Continue packing up items that are not currently needed.  Be selective, and toss anything that is not useful/important/essential
• Go through each person's clothes and separate for moving, storage (seasonal), or donation to Goodwill 

 More to come...

To Do This Week

So much to get done this week.  Classes start tonight, and our teacher already gave us reading to get started on.  My online class already has an assignment due by 5:00 p.m.  Who said online access to classes and assignments was advantageous, anyway??

For those who don't know, we are actively looking for a house.  We think we found one on Saturday, when we went to three showings with our Realtor.  It's such a perfect house for our family that it is very motivating for the cleaning/organizing/packing factor.

So, in addition to preparing for both classes, I have some organizational and cleaning goals for the week.  I was going to assign them to specific days, but I think instead I will just list them out, and check them off as I finish them.  I did get some cleaning, organizing, and purging done in the kitchen yesterday, which, though it was kind of small in the grand scheme of things, felt pretty good to get accomplished.

• Get large garbage bags for everything slated for Goodwill
• Take all bags of stuff to Goodwill
• Finish filing 2010 paperwork
• Get filing box for 2011 filing
• Get Rubber*maid or Steri*lite containers for transferring storage that is currently in cardboard boxes
• Transfer and label said storage items
• Continue packing up items that are not currently needed.  Be selective, and toss anything that is not useful/important/essential.
• Go through each person's clothes and separate for moving, storage (seasonal), or donation to Goodwill. 

I'm sure more things will come up as I work through this list and think of other things that need to be done.


In the meantime, Happy Monday!