almost there...

We finally signed the papers today on our new house....but WAMU (the seller) won't sign until Monday. I hope it's no later than Monday. At least we're getting there. So this weekend we will be busy drafting a tentative game plan, doing some more packing, and cleaning. We are all looking forward to having our own home. Mom and Dad are even giving us a house-warming gift... his name is Rhody. His part lab and part rhodesian ridgeback. They inherited him when they bought their house, so they thought they would make it a family tradition I guess. No... we've really been wanting a dog. The folks still have our "old" dog Bandit, but with his health issues it's better he stays where he is. Rhody seems to have a great temperament and would be a good dog for the boys. Needs a little training, but nothing we haven't conquered before. We actually bought a doggy bed today at big lots and some bones and doggy toys and bowls. Now we just need a dog house and food, etc.... Maybe we'll bring him home in December. We have to get rid of some fire ants first.

Anyways.... it will be a busy few weeks, so keep us in your prayers.

Happy Halloween!

Well, Cavan had a cold this Halloween so we celebrated at home. But they had fun. Cavan was a dinosaur (looked more like a dragon to me). Corbin was a ninja. He should have been a dragon slayer. Don't worry... they didn't miss out on candy. They knocked on my door and got candy after saying "trick or treat". They loved it! Corbin is actually sleeping with his ninja sword. We are going to leave the costumes out for them to play dress up with.

Pumpkins!

Say CHEESE!

This was the day to mow the yard and get things done around the house. While out front, I noticed a neighbor was having a garage sale. It didn't look like they were getting much business, so I decided just to go look and say hi. Once there I discovered a dream buy. I quickly returned to our house and retrieved Carl. The neighbor was selling OLD cameras and leather camera cases that had belonged to her aunt. There was film from 1965. We got it all for $26. 4 Cameras and 3 cases plus the old film! We felt bad for getting such a steal, but we were "cheesing" all the way home!

Choices, Choices, Choices.....

TOO many decisions to make... YIKES!
We are supposed to close on a foreclosure on Thursday. It needs a thorough cleaning, some minor repairs and, most of all, paint and updating! I've always enjoyed dreaming up room designs (doesn't mean I'm good at it), but now that I have to make an actual decision that has to last an extended amount of time.... I'm in trouble! Overwhelmed to say the least.
I thought I had decided on paint colors, then I went to look for drapes or something for the patio door. I found one I like, but have to decide on a color.... than I have to make sure it matches the wall color otherwise I have to change the wall color. Needless to say...Carl is not much help. He says, "Whatever you want, Honey!" Typical male response.
Pretty soon I'll have to pick out tile and laminate floors and carpet colors/type. Carl's already asking me what I want for landscaping in the front yard! I'm exhausted just thinking about it all. Carl says his knee starts hurting just thinking about all the work we have to do prior to moving in.
I just try to remind myself that it will be worth it. We are getting a good deal and it's a house we plan to stay in long term. We are sooo ready to be "officially" settled and be able to do whatever we want to the house. Carl's mostly looking forward to fishing in the local lake down the street.
I guess I need to put a fishing license on his Christmas list.

Darth Vader or a Fireman?

I picked up Corbin from school yesterday and he was telling me (as much as he can) about his field trip. He proceeded to cup his hand over his mouth and make breathing sounds. Was he imitating Darth Vader? NO... it was the gas mask a fireman wears.
They went to the local firestation for a class trip. The fireman put on the full gear for them to see.
It was just amazing how Corbin was able to develop a "sign" to tell me about the gas mask. I bet he will be really good at charades.... so watch out!

Cavan nabbed his plastic fireman's hat and walked around making siren noises. He's a silly cutie too.

Up and Running... or stumbling?

YIKES! The website is up and running with many more upgrades to come. I got my first order yesterday... sooo exciting! It was actually from one of Carl's bosses. She loved the site and is spreading the word. Some of the excitement fizzled though when I realized I made an error on the personalizing fee. Needless to say... it's fixed but I only made about $2.oo. OH WELL!!! I'm looking at it as a learning curve and it could have been worse.
Anyways... check out my new site www.alangreyfavors.com
We hope to have the credit card processing up by Monday (paypal only for now). Then we will have our "official" launch.

The Chicken Sisters

That is the title of Corbin's first library book. The Chicken Sisters by Laura Numeroff. His class has been going to the library on Thursdays. Yesterday he actually got to check out a book to bring home. We've already read it twice. It's a really cute and kinda funny book. Definitely worth checking out.

House Hunter...

wow... house-hunting can be quite the chore. We thought we had a house... made an offer... no deal.
So we started again yesterday and expanded our search to the next city north. we have 2 possibilities (short-sales). will look on saturday and probably make our offer and pray for the best.

this doesn't come at the best time, but is there really a "best time". maybe it is the best time with the market the way it is. we found a house that is way under market value and when the market improves, it will greatly appreciate. so i'm hoping. it does need a little work, primarily just deep cleaning, paint, and eventually new flooring. we are pretty excited too.

so if it works out... i'll let you know and post pics of our "first" home!