2 things you should know when selling a house

#1 you need to keep the house clean.
It's seems virtually impossible to keep a house clean, spotless and ready to show when you have children. I must say as frustrating as it can be or has been, my girls have been so good about helping me. It's definitely taken it's toll this summer, I feel like I'm always on my toes reminding them, but all and all we have survived...so far.

#2 (& I think the worst part) you're going to get kicked out of your house...a lot.
It's more than frustrating to be going about your day only to find out you have to leave the house, in the heat, for a couple of hours (aside from one week there has been a showing everyday). The girls haven't been able to have as many play dates because I'm afraid we'll have a showing and working on projects seem virtually impossible. So I guess you could say it's been a challenge to find things to do inside and outside our home this summer to occupy our time.

But, like all things, we've managed. We went out of town to get away from it, we've been swimming, gone to the bookstore and library, enjoyed more than one snowie, played at the park, roamed target (which is never good for your wallet), went to lunch/picnics, enjoyed cool movies, etc.

For example, today when we had to be out in the middle of the crazy 100 degree heat we went swimming. What else can you do?








[In true megan fashion, she's sporting the latest in bandaid technology...waterproof. I don't think we've gone a day this summer without one on.]



It's seems we've been busier than usual outside our home, but what I've realized this last week is our spur of the moment outings are giving us ample quality time together we may not have taken otherwise. So for that reason alone, selling my home has been a welcomed diversion. Don't get me wrong though, I am ready to be done.

been away

It's 105 degree outside and while I sit here on the computer comfortable inside, I can feel the heat trying to make it's way in. Summer is officially here and wouldn't mind another rainy day to soften the blow.

I just up and left town last weekend. I've never in my life made such a snap decision. Wednesday I sat watching my girls swimming in the pool and thought I just need to get away from the crazy for awhile. I guess you could say I'm sick of getting kick out of my house by realtors at random times and thought getting away would help clear my head. And it has. I brought the girls with me and we're crashing with my parents. We've been swimming and reading and enjoying escaping from what is waiting for me at home...the inevitable move and all the work associated with it.

I was up into the wee hours of the night finishing Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher. Although I enjoy the way she tells a story and quite enjoy her characters, I was disappointed with the last 1/3. It was 977 pages so I felt I deserved a little more for getting to the end, but it didn't quite have the ending that makes you sit and think awhile. It was too predictable and not in the good way. Make sense? I brought with me "Angle of Repose" and am looking forward to starting that today at the pool.

Speaking of the pool, it's basically all we've done all week (it's all we really can comfortably do with the excruciating heat). I've finally gotten to the point in my mothering where I don't have to sit next to my kids in the pool. It's perfect here too because we've basically had the pool to ourselves so I can easily sit and watch and know where they are at all times.

I realize after waking up this morning that June is over and I didn't do a giveaway this month. I guess with all that's been going on and really my apathy to blog at the moment (not quite sure where that's come from, I have lots to share), it just didn't happen. Hopefully when I get back I will be rejuvenated and feeling more like me instead of feeling like life is on hold. And I guess that's where I've been and why I wanted to leave town. I hate the feeling that I'm just waiting for something to happen and waiting to find out what the rest of my life will be like when I know very well that life changes constantly...there is no waiting. In Coming Home Rosamunde states, "things only happen once...it can be a bit the same, of course, but never quite the same". So I am trying to remember that my little ones are only little for so long (savor it) and remind myself that in my situation I'm only faced with opportunities. Opportunities to bring us closer to the life Adam and I want. It's unfortunate that these things are not easily had without a lot of work and emotional uneasiness, but I guess if it wasn't a lot of work it wouldn't quite mean as much when you finally got it.

I guess that's enough randomness for the morning. I have lots to catch up on, but hopefully when I am home I will have time to do so and share a month full of photos. Hope your summer has been great.

summer of change

I knew when I married him or at least shortly after that Adam was a nomad. He doesn't like to be in the same place for too long. He likes to shake it up always inching his way closer to our dream home where I am promised we will live out the rest of our days. He's all about getting uncomfortable for the sake of bettering our lives. I admire him for this, though I don't easily share this same philosophy. Being uncomfortable is well...uncomfortable.

I knew this house we bought 4 years ago was not the end of the road for us, but I thought we had an understanding that the next time we moved it would be dream house time (so I'm thinking 15 years away). Well, Adam found his dream house for an attainable price Thursday, June 4th and that's where the talks began. He asked me to go see the house with him and I flat out refused and left it at that. There was no discussion, I just said, "No, sorry I won't. I don't want to move." Saturday he asked me again. At that point I knew, I just knew his search had begun and he was ready to move on. I went. It was magical. It's hidden in a canopy of trees. I could see the girls growing up there riding their bikes along the tree covered driveway. I could see the summer nights spent out on the porch talking. Laughing. I could see that the old busted house could be made into something amazing.

Still...I don't want to move. I love my house. I love what we created. I love my neighborhood/neighbors. I love the schools. I would have a hard time walking away from it.

With that said,



our house is on the market.

I can't tell you how hard that decision was and what it did to me the first time I saw that sign in my yard. My heart broke. Needless to say my first week of summer was consumed with getting my house ready for photos and showing to possible buyers. According to Megan the clouds were not the only thing crying all week. I joined them. I listened to a lot of mellow music. I changed my mind and begged Adam to keep our home until he said "ok" only to back down already knowing we are doing the right thing by selling. Maybe I just wanted to know that he'd be willing to give up moving for me. He would. I know he would because he is the reason I agreed to it. I see the wisdom in it. The market right now is ripe with opportunities. This move could be very good for my families future, but ultimately when it came right down to it, after taking all of my feelings and desires into consideration, I love him and if this is what he wants I am willing to do it.

So we're getting uncomfortable. We're going to see what happens. If our house sells we'll move. If not, we'll stay. Either way we'll be together (the 5 of us) so it doesn't really matter where we end up...even though it sort of does. :)

beginning to the end... house exterior

Six months ago we started this insane project. I suppose it wasn't insane, but it sure felt a bit crazy...buying a new house, rennovating it, and moving from our cozy life. Something we had already done in the past and one that I wasn't too eager to start again. It was not an easy process and for me one that came with lots of frustrations, but now that it's over I couldn't be more grateful for the decision and ablity to make this dream a reality. I guess you never really get anything of value without work (blood sweet and tears). I love love love this house. Could not be happier with the results.

click on photo for bigger view

life is much better when well!

I am feeling so much better and so has my mood. I think it also helps that Adam went and picked up our mail yesterday. I had 2 magazine waiting....perfect for an evening lying in bed. He even went out and bought a mailbox, but it is yet installed. We need to wait for the siding to get done, which should be Friday. Looking forward to that. I know Tess really likes the house pink, but I am tired of it.

The house is looking much better on the inside. I hung my magnet boards and was able to get the laundry room decluttered so I can walk in it now. I would really like to start hanging pictures, but they are still waiting for us at our old house. That will probably have to wait for after Adam's trip.

Anyway, thought I would post and say I am doing better...much better. I don't know why I try to talk to anyone when life is crazy and I don't feel good. There is nothing worth saying because it all comes out negative. Though, sometimes you just need to get it out.

edited to add photo (I suppose I could have taken a picture with the kitchen instead of just the wall.)

Its done!

It is so weird to enter my studio and see emptiness. Really glad its done. I was so fearful of this room until Amber took charge and showed me the way to the finish line. Man I love that girl. Check out all the boxes I filled from that one room (they are not all there either). It is a ton of stuff, not as big a stash as some, but I love it. I hope to find new treasures when I unpack everything.

When I am done with this post I am taking my computer apart and packing it up. I really hope to complete my house today. I suppose it all depends on the kids.

So I will leave you with one more layout I finished right before I started this packing craze. It is a two page layout, but I am waiting to put a quote on the other one so I will share as soon as I get it finished. Cool to think I will be in my new house then.

adios

thank you thank you

to my awesome friend Amber that helped me pack up. I don't even know how to thank her. She went above and beyond and I so apprciate her being willing to give me most of her day. We did the entire kitchen and most of my studio. She rocks. I can't believe she volunteered for this, but am so grateful she did.

reality is overwhelming

after a conversation with adam last night we decided that we need to start moving some of our stuff over...ie kitchen cabinets, vanitys, fixtures, etc. Anyway, there is no way I want to live in a home with 3 kids and no kitchen so I am leaving. I am going to stay at my parent's house for a couple of weeks. We are planning on moving the the weekend of the 10th which is very soon so I need to get cracking on this house. Today I spend all morning looking for boxes which turned out to be a joke. No one has boxes. I did end up getting some from my mom and lori hooked me up with a bunch tonight when I saw her. Anyway, my point is we have so much stuff. I spent the afternoon boxing up some things and the 14 boxes I had are maxed out. Sadly, I cannot see a dent. I never realized how much stuff we have. When I considered the girls rooms I just got discourage. So much crap to move. I don't think this whole moving thing would be as discouraging if I at least had boxes. If you have any please send my way.

So besides the boxes the job does seem very daunting because I am doing it myself. Adam is working very hard to get the house ready so he will not be here during the packing stage. I do think he is going to take care of his stuff (closet, cloths). Thank you for that. So off to boxing my life away.

Moving on

So interesting how individuals come into your life, give you what you need, and move on. Life is truly fascinating that way and helps me to see the bigger picture, to more fully understand the plan God laid out for us. We are all connected and all of us here to help each other get back to where we started.

I find myself in that situation. Having moved into an area I thought I would be for at least 10 years, creating relationships I cherish, and yet circumstances show the true nature of my connection...it was the right time in my life to meet this person, learn my lesson, and move on.

There are a few people in my life now that I long to take with me and yet I know because of our place in life it doesn't really make sense. This one woman I am thinking of is many years older than me with children in college and just at a completely different stage in life. She understands me and has taught me so much about myself. She can see beyond the blinders I have on and given me something to hold onto and cherish about the person that I am. Thank you so much for coming into my life. A priceless gift I will not soon forget you have left me with.

life update

ok so i haven't really been great at blogging for the last month. So much is going on in my life that i just haven't had time to write, or i should say i haven't taken the time.

What's up, well my husband and I bought a house and we're in the process of remodeling it (right now waiting for plans). We are also working on plans to bulldoze the house we are currently living in and building two houses on our lot.

So like I said, lots going on, lots to think about. I am trying to stay focused and not get stressed out, which is usually my way of dealing with big changes. Honestly I hate doing stuff like this, but i know it will benefit my family greatly (a part of me does like working on a big project). Plus the new house (old house remodeled) will be really awesome. Looking forward to being able to design a home that works for us.

So i am getting my daughter registered for kindergarten and searching for a new preschool. Having a hard time because of the late start, but i know all will fall into place.