Home Sweet Home

Well after a morning of screaming, begging, pleading, and praying we got the call that we were going to close at 4:00.  This was the news that we had been waiting on. 
There are still some things not completed, but they will happen even if we end up having to send out a warranty request.  At this point I am just so glad that we are all going to have a home that is ours.  So many blessings. 
We got the the attorney's office and did not have to wait too long.  Of course the mortgage company did not do some of the things that we had asked.  Go figure.  After things slow down there will be several certified letters going out.  We signd the papers and then were told that they were still waiting on one.  We ended up watching another couple close and then still waiting for that one paper, well it was like three I think, but it was one document.  Anyway, we finally closed and left the attorney's office with keys in hand. 
We headed to Meemaw's to get the boys and the TV's and a load of boxes.  Why not go on and get started.  It is ours.  We had to have the TV's and the DirecTV boxes though because DirecTV will be at the house at 8:00 in the morning.  We headed to the house and let mom have the honor of using the keys and unlocking our front door!  It was an awesome feeling knowing that we were finally home. 

Thanks for everyone who has been there for this journey  While it has only just begun I also know that I would have lost all signs of sanity had it not been for you all.  I love you all and cannot wait to start this chapter in our lives! 

You Have Got To Be Kidding Me

It started this morning.  The weather just made it hard to get going and had all of us dragging, but we were up and at the house at 7:00 for what we hoped would be the final walk.
Well, we got there and of course there was a list and a lot of BS about why it would be good to wait.  Seriously I do not give a crap at this point.  There has been so many issues that I just cannot believe that they have waited till now to get on the ball.  John Michael and I played in the rain because I was so mad and upset that being in the house was not a good place for me.  We were told that everyone was on standby and closing would happen this afternoon.

Then the crap hit the fan.  Brandon headed to work and we worked at the house and waited.  Being so distracted meant nobody got much done.   But we tried.  Around noon the e-mail came and all hell broke lose, now they want to close on Monday.  Seriously?  We have to close tomorrow at the latest.  I am not thinking anyone understands the severity of this.  What I want to know is if we don't whether it will be the realtor, the builder, the mortgage company, or the attornies who pay for the loaded truck, the hotel rooms we will need, and the food that we will have to eat out at.  I am so tired of everyone saying it is someone else.  Someone needs to balls up and admit that they screwed up and dropped the ball.  From beginning to end this is a process that has me stressed and ready to drink.  When this is over and the papers are signed I am sending letters, making phone calls, and doing anything that I can to get someone to truly own up to this crap.  I really do not like people who bull shit and manipulate and someone will catch  the whole wrath of hell that I plan to bring down. 

Anyway, they are saying that it could be tomorrow I have called and begged and pleaded with everyone that I can so I am hoping that it did some good.  I plan to get up and get to work and go to closing when they call, the earlier the better.  I know that it seems selfish but a prayer that this is behind us tomorrow and the new house and th new beginnings are in front of us.

A long way from done

So today was a pretty good day at the house, I am continuing to pack up the office, but I swear it reproduces when I am not there.  I was making great progress when I kicked my toe, the one that is already seriously screwed up.  Anyway, it hurt like hell and put me in the chair with it propped up and well just killed momentum all the way around.  Not what I needed, but the good thing is we are so close that it is litterally a days work and it will all get done.

We headed to the house as soon as Brandon got home.  He wanted to get a list together since we have the final walk tomorrow.  The problem is we are a long way from done.  Not a comforting feeling at all.  The kitchen faucet still leaks, the walls still have a ton of touch up work, there is a crack in one of the bathtubs, there is still a hole in one of the closet doors, the fireplace is missing a part.  On the positive note the blinds and screens were installed.  So that is something.

AC Issues

The boys played kickball in the yard for a while today, in fact they stopped because they busted the ball. They are so funny, and decided it would still work as a hat, while they checked to see if we had an unpacked kickball or soccer ball.  They are not happy that baseball gear is all packed up but hopefully we will start unpacking in our new home this weekend.

So we went to the house to see what had been done to discover that the walls in mom's room downstairs and the office upstairs had been torn out.  Seriously, because this is going to help closing.  Other than that there was nothing that seemed to be happening.  Brandon says that they have done something with the AC since what they have left exposed are the AC lines.  I have so much to say about these builders and the company as a whole, but I am waiting until after we close.  Today was supposed to be closing day, but last week the builder decided that they could not make that deadline.  I am trying really hard to hold it in check but these lovely holes in the wall have about done me in.  Hopefully the rest of the week will be better as Monday has lived up to its reputation.

First Load

Well, we got the first load ready to take to the new house, we are just ready to close so we can take it.  Brandon and Danny loaded the trailer completely.  Corey, we promise we will have the trailer to you as soon as the move is over.  It seemed easier just to pack it tight and then unload once we get there.  You have been a life saver for letting us use it, I am so sorry we have not been able to get it unpacked before now.  The motivation is different now so it should happen quickly.   We seriously owe you big time, thank you again.

My toe is still seriously killing me.  I am not a fan of pain, and I have a lot of that happening right now.  Typically I have a pretty high threshold, but this is not even fun. 

We headed to the new house to find that they had done a lot, but also made some bigger messes.  For instance mom's bedroom closet door has a HUGE hole in it.  We are down to less than a week and we still have no blinds, no screens, a leaky faucet and an air conditioner that is not working.  Grrrrrr!!!!

OUCH!!!!

So today our to do list was long but we knocked it out one thing at a time.
We started with a pain in the rear errand that I am just glad it went well and is done.  I will be so glad when closing is done so we are set and maybe things will calm down and we can start just enjoying the new house.  It has been so exciting, but also pretty stressful.

We came home to get to work and try to go through some things.  We were moving a dresser and well my toe decided it did not want it to move and tried to stop it.  It broke my big toe nail and I know that I invented some words and breathing techniques.  On my way to sit down I managed to bleed all over my toe and the driveway, which completely freaked John Michael out.  Brandon and Danny were awesome and doctored me up.  All I know is I am not sure that I have ever hurt so badly, and remember I have two children.

We headed to the house.  We were meeting Dale, Teresa, B, and Meemaw there to show them the house.  We ended up hanging out for a while, and it was nice.  I love spending time wit hthem and just hanging out, no pressure!  We love yall and are so glad that we were all able to meet up and show you the house! I cannot wait till we live there and can either hang out by the pool or at least have the option to sit down or get a drink.  They had delivered a refrigerator, not the refrigerator, they are having to let us use a loaner to start with because the one that we picked out (and paid for) was dropped off the truck.  The one that they left seems small but I think it is because it is smaller than what we are use to and the hole is for the one we ordered.  Hopefully we will have that one soon! 

We headed home and to say that my toe is killing me is an understatement.,  I am miserable, I contemplated a bottle of wine and a pain pill.  

Sticker it Up

This morning started off with the walk through.  We were at the house at 8:00 am ready to get started.  Denson came with stickers, warranty information, and a notepad in hand.  We walked through every room with a sheet of stickers and made notes where they were needed.  We had a list, this is the first step in getting closer to closing.  I am so ready to close, and I hope that they get everything done, if we have to postpone it again I may lose my mind and my temper both things I prefer to keep in check.  We went over the outside of the house and we left, hoping that this is the first step towards the last.

Brandon had to get to work, it is Thursday after all so the boys and I headed home and got to work. There is so much left to do and even though we are almost there, sometimes like now almost just is not good enough! 

We worked pretty much until bedtime!  I also got the last of the eBay items ready to ship, I am pretty much done with that until after we move.  I have packed up eBay boxes, but for now I am just trying to get it all done.

Much Needed

So today was pretty pointless as far as what I was able to accomplish, the rainy day had me pretty laid back.  I was all ready to go to my photo shoot this morning, but the client was worried it was too wet so it just sent me in a what to do mode, which is never good. 
John Michael wanted to bake something.  His own something, so he made "John Michael's color mystery food" I have no idea what it tasted like but it looked pretty scary, it was blue, purple, and green and he would not let me see what he put in it.  LOL!  He is such a creative little guy.  When his mind is set, he usually finds a way to make it happen.  And cooking is not hurting anything, well he mixes and I put it in the oven.  He said it tasted horrible.  LOL I took his word for it and so did everyone else.

We went to the house today and spent about an hour going through each room and checking things out.  The walk through is tomorrow so we wanted a list to make sure we did not miss anything.  I am so excited, one week and it looks like it will be OUR house!  So so so ready!

Well everyine is finally asleep so I am headed there myself.  Good night everyone.  Brooke, know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!  The picture your mom shared of you in the hospital was so inspirational.  As always your smile can light a room.

Fine Art

Today was a great day.  Brandon and I got up at 6:30 and went to work.  He fixed breakfast for us all.  Bacon, Sausage, Pancakes, and eggs for him and the boys.  It was definitely good and I was super thankful for the great start.  The boys were excited too, eggs are Danny's favorite and pancakes are John Michael's so everyone was very happy with the breakfast.
After breakfast we headed to see the new house.  We have not been all weekend.  We were so excited to see that the sheetrock guys had been back and did a great job with the huge holes that had to be fixed.  They missed two, one in our bedroom and one by the return vent downstairs.  They had hung the mirror in our bathroom which was great to see but the other bathrooms still did not have theirs.  I am guessing sometime this week.  They had also sanded the floors upstairs so hopefully the carpet and new pad will be down soon.  So many things so very little time.  It will all get done though, especially if the contactor's will get their act together.

We came home and Brandon got to work on editing a wedding and I got ready to go to a bridal shower.  I was helping to host it and it was at the Birmingham Muesem of Fine Arts.  I have to say the place was perfect and Brennah was stunning as always.  Vickie, my cousin, has so much creative ability in her one hand that the shower was perfect, a little southern charm for the California Girl!  It was great and I am so glad that I was a part of it.  I am also sorry that Julie was unable to fit the artichoke picture in her purse, maybe a smaller one will work better. 

I came home to dinner on the table.  It was a nice change of pace for me not to spend the day in the kitchen.  Brandon was able to get the wedding almost done, which is nice because then we can get the rest of the office packed up.

John Michael has swimmer's ear so he was up and down all night.  I am hoping he feels better in the morning, this is the first time we have been through this and since I am still paying off medical bills from his last surgery I am really hoping we will make it through this without a trip to the ENT.

Pre-Walk and Good Times

So this morning started pretty early.  We had to be at the new house at 8:30 for the pre-walk through.  I am not really sure what the builder is waiting on to do a punch list, since we are supposed to be closing in a little more than a week. The pre-walk went pretty good, they made another list that was just like the list that I sent them, because again they have yet to take care of any of the issues we have been addressing, some of them since day one.  Grrrr!  All I know is when this process is finished and we have a home I will be so glad.  Hopefully that will be a week from next Monday.  I guess what happens this week will give us the amswers.

After the walk through we headed to the house and got to work. I got the bookshelf in the office almost completely done, still a little bit on the top, and I got most of the crafts packed up.  I also boxed 2 boxes for eBay, I am on hold until after the move.  I still have a few things to list now, but that aside I am done.  We got the boys pool table taken down and ready for the move. 

After dinner we headed to swim with some amazing friends.  Kimy you gave us all a much needed and much deserved break from working around the house.  The boys had a great time and so did Brandon and I.  John Michael got to work on swimming some and even jumped off the diving board twice with no floaties.  Danny had a nice water gun fight, which he loves.  It was really great to hang out and see some friends and just not stress for a few minutes.  Thank you so much again!

Now we are home so may the stressing commence!

We Have Power

So this morning was slow going.  I was not 100% for anything.  By the afternoon I was feeling some better, but still not how I needed to feel.
Brandon actually got off decently early today which was good for our todo list.  We headed out when he got home and got started checking things off.
We headed to the new house where there was not much going on, but the power was on!  This seriously tickled the boys.  I think it will take me a year to figure out which switch works which light, fan, or various other device.  I cannot wait to start learning though.  The gutter men were also there working it is super hot so I can imagine that they are seriously not enjoying being on the roof.  I seriously appreciate them though!

We got a lot of boxes today.  Thank you to the ABC stores and to the Piggly Wiggly in Clay!  We seriously need them so we definitely appreciate them. 

When we got home we got to work.  Packing boxes, cleaning, tossing, and whatever else we could do.  Overall it was a great day, it was definitely a very productive one!

Happy 4th of July

Happy Birthday America!
I have to say this is my favorite holiday.  It was my dad's too.  This holiday should mean so much to everyone and while we were all enjoying our freedoms today I hope that everyone took a second to remember why we have them.  The military men and women of America's past, present, and future have risked it all for us and for the country that we love.  To them and to their families, thank you.
We headed to the house and what is so dang frustrating is that where there could be new progress they are having to back up and do it again.  They have the carpet up and the old pad in the trash.  The new padding has been delivered and I am guessing it will be installed tomorrow.  I am hoping that they level the floor first.  We will see.  I asked the builder to remind them and make sure it was done, but I have asked him a lot of things that have not been done so we will see what happens.  There are so many things that still have to be done and so many things that still have to be fixed and yet we are a little over a week from closing.  Seriously people let's get on with it.

We packed a good bit today but also just tried to enjoy the holiday together.  I think we all had a great day, it was productive and relaxing which is a hard combination to master.  Tomorrow I will go back to trying to get the office done or at least close to it.

Welcoming July

So today is July 1st which is exciting for so many reasons. 
The first is that if everything goes as planned we close in 15 days!  Praying for smooth sailing from here on out.  So ready to be at our new home.  I am so ready to enjoy the house, the new beginnings that I feel are coming with it.  I am so ready to enjoy the pool with my family, and I am ready to meet all of the great neighbors.  So far I am loving the ones that we have!  I am just ready to be HOME!  We actually did not go to the house today, we had so much to do and we knew that they would probably not have done anything so we are waiting till tomorrow.  This took some serious self control.
Second July is when my sweet baby, Danny, turns 9.  I cannot believe that I have a nine year old boy.  He is such an amazing kiddo and he is so excitd about his birthday.  If all goes as planned we will be moved in and his party will be at the pool. 
Another reason is it is the middle of the summer, which is my favorite time of the year.  I love the heat, the family, the friends, just everything! 
We headed to Beth's today to get some boxes from her and Brandon!  Thank you guys so much!  They are perfect and already holding a lot of our office stuff.  In fact the desk is emptied and the craft shelf is emptied, which is a HUGE step towards moving out.  Thank you so much.  We love you guys!
We did take the boys to Whataburger today.  The men in my house love it, I could leave it but it was a treat for them and they have all been working hard. 

Well, I am off too bed.  I have listed on eBay, written two papers, packed up a HUGE bag for Hannah Home, packed up some things to mail out, paid a bill or two, caught up on my blog, and done a load of laundry, all in the past hour.  Now I am ready for bed, since I have to be up in a few to get started again! 

I hope that you all have an amazing week! 

Grrrrrrr...................

Yep, that is about all I have to say right now.  Some days it feels like everything is going downhill.  Others I know that things are starting to turn around.
This morning the boys and I went out to get some boxes from Brandon's.  Danny's asthma seems like it is trying to flare up, of course mine is trying too.  I love the heat, but the dryness in the air is just not fun.  Needless to say we are trying to stay inside and take it easy the next few days.
I worked most of the day in the office.  Three garbage bags, two boxes for eBay, one bag for donations, and one scrapbook complete. 
Each scrapbook I finish is one box that Brandon does not have to move.  Plus I am not really sure where I would keep the stuff.  If I can be caught up when we move then maybe I will be able to stay that way.  Today I did the 2006 scrapbook.  I am seriously behind.  It was fun to do it and I laughed and cried as there was a lot of pictures of my dad.  It was great to step back for a little while.
When Brandon got home we headed to the new house where more landscaping was done, but a good bit of it looks like crap.  I am so frustrated.  Needless to say I will be sending lots of e-mails tonight.  We are not sure if the carpet padding is right, you can feel every joint in the floor upstairs, the window is still broken, the list just goes on and on and we have three weeks.  If they would have taken care of these things when we pointed them out then we might be ready to move in in about a week.  Seriously getting aggrivated and the worst part is the company just seems to be okay with putting their clients on the backburner.

I have decided that it is time for me to go back to work.  I actually decided this a while back and started looking but did not share the news.  Tonight I am sharing it because I am asking for prayers and directions.  If you know of anyone hiring in marketing let me know.  I have a lot of general office experience, but marketing is where my most recent experience is and where my degree is at.  I am really wanting to make some extra money for my family so we can afford to live normally.  You know maybe a vacation, maybe some savings, mnot stressing over grocercies of tuition.  Anyway, I would just really appeciate some prayers as I know it is hard to find something.  While I am not going to be hitting the pavement hard until after school starts back I am at least already hitting the pavement. 

Well, I am off to send my e-mails and go to bed.  There is a super long to do list for tommorrow so I need some Z's.

The Line is Where?

So evidentally the landscapers were back today and spent most of the day in the street trying to find where the property line is.  The landscapers are doing a piss poor job and I am getting super frustrated.  I am trying to give my e-mail a night off but depending on what happens tomorrow it could end up in overdrive.  The kitchen windowseal has been either busted or removed and put back on with somebody's left foot.  The kitchen sink is leaking and I am just super frustrated.  I am so ready to stop going to see the house....I want to start going home!  There is so much comfort that I think will come with being able to be at home. 

Anyway, the boys and I were ok on productivity today, we ran out of boxes so if anyone has some let me know. 

While we were at the house the boys played in the dirt, they are so funny.  I am just super glad that they are having fun despite the headaches! 

Front Yard

Good evening everyone.  I have to say I am seriously pooped.  I got a lot done around the house, even though everything is still seriously piling up and the list has yet to start shrinking there was a lot of progress made tonight and in fact I am still making it.
I was able to get most of the Christmas gifts that I have already bought packed up, I will be able to finish them up tomorrow.  I have also been able to make a list of what is for who, which will be a huge help come December.  The has almost cleaned out the downstairs bathroom.  Again, that should be completely finished tomorrow.  Baby steps make for one happy momma!
I have a lot more on eBay.  I was also able to get most things that have sold boxed up and ready to ship out.  I love selling on eBay but it is a lot of work and I always forget that especially when I have taken a break.  I am glad to be back at it.  I figure I will have even more once we move, just because I am sure we will not need or want everything that we take with us, but that will be determined upon arrival.
I was also able to get most of the hall closet packed up.  I had a lot of it done, but still a lot left to do.  Also the dining room is almost 100% done.  Like I said progress makes me happy.  I am hoping to be able to report even more done tomorrow. 
When Brandon got off we headed to the new house.  We pulled up and it looked like a house.  The front yard had been sodded and the plants and the tree were in.  We also have a mailbox.  Never have I been so happy to see a mailbox.  I cannot wait to forward my mail to our new house!  There is still a lot of yard work to be done, but I know that it will happen soon.  There is also still a lot of paint to be done, the doors and shutters mainly, at least on the outside.  We headed into the house and the knobs and door stops were going it, the closet doors, and the carpet.  It seriously looks like a house and one that is soon to have some very happy homeowners. 

I have so many things that I am looking forward to we just have to get through the move.  I wish that the time would hurry up and get here. 

Backsplash

Today was not as productive as I would have liked, but it was not a total waste either.  I was able to get a few things on  a couple more boxes completed in the den.  There is so much to still get done and I am starting to feel like I make progress in one area and there is a lack of progress in two more.  I am determined to make this move as easy as possible, but that seems easier said than done some days.  Today was definitely one of those days that I feel overwhelmed.  I am hoping that tomorrow will be better.
The boys and I went to the new house where there was progress to be seen.  The backsplash is in and it looks so good!  It is slate and glass.  I love it!  I also sent the builder a list of things that we have foun wrong with the house in hopes that they can get taken care of ASAP so that our move in date is not put off.  Sometimes I feel like they just do not care, and in reality they definiely should start to care as we are so ready to call it our home.

Danny's had an All-Star cook out at the ballpark and it was so much fun.  They got medals and game balls, and played with water guns, played football, played kickball and of course a little baseball.  They had a blast and so did we.  I am so sad that it is over, but I am so ready for fall ball.  To Coach Rick and all of the coaches it has been so much fun and I truly thank you for everything and the time that you all took to work with Danny and all of the 8 year old all stars.  To all of the boys, you guys are amazing!

It's Over

So today was just a sad day.  We got up and had a quick breakfast and then got ready for the ballpark. 
We got there to find out that we were going to be facing Huffman.  They are a great team but so are we.  With dedication and consistency we could have won.  We had a player get hurt in the 3rd inning, where we had them 8-7.  With the player hurt our momementum and focus seemed to be lost.  I have to say this though.  Huffman is a class act team, with great parenets, boys, and coaches.  Thank you guys so much for being such a great team and I hope that you all go far this All Star season.  If we cannot I am so glad that it is a team with class and a team that leaves a positive impression on the ballfield!  We ended up heading home.  Which makes me sad.  I love baseball and this season has been so awesome.  I hate that it is over and now we head to 9-10 year old and kid pitch so fall ball here we come. 

We headed to the new house where we made a list of things that have to be fixed. What is so irritating is that some of this has needed to be fixed since the first week of May.  Anyway, it will all happen I hope sooner than later. 

We headed home and relaxed.  Moods were sour and so we did not do much at all.  We were all sad and in need of some relaxation.  Of course that is an area that I do not do well in.  I am so wound up that who knows when I will be able to relax.  Hopefully soon, but probably not.  Too many thoughts running through my head and too many decisions that have to be made, not to forget everything that has to be done. 

Deliveries

So today was a very productive day.  I worked my tail off in the den.  I am almost done in there and that my friends is a serious task.  I have almost everything packed and once I get it cleaned and organized it will be even more evident. 
I had a photo shoot this afternoon at the Aldridge Gardens.  It was a great shoot with an awesome family, they were a lot of fun.  Even after seeing the snake, which can definitely be a photo shoot downer. 

We came home and we all went to the new house.  They had not done much but the light fisxtures had been delivered.  I am getting so frustrated with all of the little things that are wrong.  I am  going to write out a detailed list soon and send it to the builder so that we have something in writing.  It is frustrating knowing that these issues could be what keep us from move in date.  Seriously, I will be super pissed! While we were there we spent some time visiting with our neighbors.  I am so excited about moving, I really do not think that it can get here soon enough!

Driveway and Toilets

So today was a busy one.  The boys and I headed to Aldridge Gardens for two photo shoots.  I am always worried when there is more than one with the boys.  They usually do pretty good, but I know that they get bored.  These were both great sessions and the boys were a huge help!  Stay tuned to http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ and I will update it as soon as possible with all of the amazing shoots I have been on lately.
Since the boys were so amazing I took them to Krispy Kreme as a treat.  They love going inside and watching them make the doughnuts.  We went inside and each had one, of course we had to bring some home.  We even surprised Brandon and Nick with some at work.  Every once in a while I try to do something nice.
We headed home to get some work done.  Even though we did not get as much done as I hoped we made some more progress.  Tomorrow I am hoping to get more pictures for eBay.  I almost have everything listed that I have taken pictures of so it is time to get more pictures. 
Brandon got home and we headed to the new house.  He was putting the thresholds down while we were there.  We had a driveway and a sidewalk, I was a little sad that we did not get to put our hands in it.  We are going to make something though.  They had also put in the toilets, which is always good to see happen.  The fixtures for the sinks, baths, and showers were all in too.  So so excited to see all of the progress.  Hoping that the landscapers do not try to screw us.  We will see.

Danny had practice, it was relatively short so we headed to the store and then home.  Well, I am ready for bed.  I am looking forward to getting there before tomorrow morning!