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.

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.

Enjoying the Summer

Today we got up and got packing.  We managed to get all of the electronics in the Living Room packed up, with the exception of the TV and the cable box.  This means the Wii is boxed up, you would have thought we put their best friend in a box.  They know that it is coming with us though so all will be well.
We went over to swim with Kimy and Morgan. Morgan and John Michael made the plans for us, but it worked.  We were able to enjoy the company and the summer.  We have been so busy that the boys really have not done anything too exciting for the summer and they do not understand.  Thank you guys so much.  When we get moved we will have to swap up where we swim.  We love spending time with you all and definitely do not want an address change to change that.

We headed home and got back to work.  We are so close, but still so far away.  We will get there though.

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!

A Much Needed Break

This morning I made a deal with the boys, if they helped me get something done then we would go swimming.  Progress was definitely made. 
We managed to get all of John Micheal's room packed up except for the bags at the top of his closet and a few clothes.  It is amazing how much stuff we got rid of and yet, how much it seems like is making the move with us.  I am sure the second round of throwing out will happen after the move.  The boys know if we do not have somewhere for something them we will have to get rid of it.  They seem okay with that.  Hopefully they really are.
We headed to Deborah and Tony's to swim with Kimy and Morgan Makenzie.  We had such a great time and we all needed to get out and do something different.  We love spending time with them so much and as always we all had a great time.  After we move we will have to swap where we meet to swim. 

We came home and got Danny's room cleaned and packed up.  It is amazing what we accomplished once we had gotten out and had a little fun.  Definitely what the doctor ordered. 

The boys are going to spend a few more nights in their own rooms and then we are going to move them both into Danny's and break down John Michael's bed, and try to get whatever we can in there so there is one place to go for boxes.  At least the ones from the bedrooms and bathrooms. 

Thanks again Kimy for a great afternoon!  We love you! 

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. 

Working Together

So today we worked around the house.  There is so much that has to be done and even though we probably should have gotten up to go to church, and we probably should have gone to the grocery store the simple thing is it was just better for us to stay home.  We have most of the living room packed up.  In fact, other than Wii stuff we are done, since everything else is furniture.
We worked in our room and got all of the Chistmas stuff that I had bought for next year organized and put up and packed up.  While it may not seem like a lot it is a great thing to know that we are getting closer and closer to done. 
I was able to get a good bit on eBay, and as long as it keeps selling that will be awesome!  I am trying to get what I can done.  Everything just feels like it is landing on my shoulders right now. 

And then there were Lights

So let me start by saying there will be venting involved in this so know that you have been warned.
Today started off great.  My stiff on eBay is selling and I was able to get more things listed and pictures of even more.  I am on a roll and I am determined to keep it up.  The money will be a HUGE help, I just hope that the bids continue to rise and that I can continue to list things that people are interested in. 
I was able to finish up the bookshelf in the den, and now if I can get the boxes I need up here and the others stacked better so I can do some rearranging that would be awesome.  and then I will be able to be 100% done.  I am hopine that we will be able to make some time to get it done next week. 
Tonight was Brian and Christen's rehearsal and dinner.   We did not go because Brandon had to work.  Danny also had baseball practice.  It is all good though, we will see them tomorrow night.  Congratulations to you both and Happy Wedding Eve.  Christen we cannot wait to have you officially in the family, we have already considered you a part of it.  So happy for you both and love you both very much!
We headed to the new house and you got it....Lights were going up and electricity was being hooked up and the HVAC unit was going in.  Lots of things happening which seriously make me VERY happy!  I love seeing progress.

After the house the boys and I headed to baseball practice.  I love being at the ballpark and watching the boys grow.  They are all doing so well and I hope that they continue to improve and succeed this weekend as we head into the area tournaments.  If anyone finds themself in Corner and wants to come cheer on the 8 year Old Clay Cougars we would love the support. 

So now for the venting.  It seems that on more than one occassion in every day I am forced to face someone that thinks that they are owed something.  Or people who think that they deserve everything for nothing at all.  People who are deternined to do and say things to get their way no matter who they hurt or how manipulative they have become.  I do not owe anyone anything and I do not think that others owe me.  I am seriously over it.  Get a life and stay the heck out of mine.  Serioulsly you have no idea how over it I am.  I hope that you never are put through anything like what I am dealing with, but then again if you are maybe you will understand. 

Sorry I am over it now, just needed to get it out.  Well, I am off to bed, I am exhausted.  I was hoping to get some work done tonight, but it is not likely.  Brandon has not been home long and it has just been a seriously long day.  Hoping tomorrow will be full of progress too! 

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!

Busy Bees

So this morning we all headed out for a family breakfast.  We enjoy our Friday breakfast at Legends.  It is nice to do something special as a family and it gets us ready for the many things that we have to do.  And there is always a nice sized to do list on Friday.
We headed out to the new house to see that there were bathroom cabinets with the vanity tops!  They are the ivory marble and are so so pretty!  I love them!  I knew that I would but there is something about seeing them in  the house that will be ours, hopefully sooner than later!

We headed to get some boxes.  The amzing people at Friends Beauty Supply in Trussville was giving them away and to say that we were thankful is an understatement.  We got as many as we could in the van. 

We headed home and all got to work with packing and cleaning.  These are the things that are taking up many hours every day.  I am seriously trying to get rid of as much as I can.  For instance my kitchen is in coffee stuff, which I know my mom is not fond of so I will be selling it on eBay.  We have to be able to come to aggreements on decorating which means I have to be willing to bend to.  I am just not sure what to do with my wine glasses?  Any advice?  They will fit on the cabinets at the new house, so I can lose the curio, but then again if we could make a litlle money on them that would be awesome. 

I went with mom to help address the bridal tea invitations for my cousins future bride Brennah.  The invitations are awesome!  I love them, very colorful and artsy.  Definitely unique!  We got them knocked out pretty fast, which was a definite plus.  There is so much going on this summer.  Most days I am overwhelmed. The best thing is it is all happy things, which is amazing!!!

Practice Game

So today was
We started off by heading to the Botanical Gardens for a photo shoot.  It was  great shoot and the boys were pretty good.  Watch the blog at http://www.monicaannephotography.com/ for more on it.
When we were done there we headed to St. Francis to try to deliver the photo books.  Mrs. Day was there so she was able to get hers but Miss Ghossein had left for the summer.  I will call her this week and figure out when she will  be in town so that she can get hers.  Next year I am going with a new company I cannot believe how many issues I had getting these books here.  I am also going to start working on them in August when school starts!
Then we headed to KMart.  We needed to get two large rubbermaid boxes for all of our camping stuff.  We have so much that we got from my dad and having somewhere to permanantly store it will make camping much easier.  Right now it is stored in about three places.
We got home and got to work.  I got all of the larger pictures packed up.  There is litterally one picture left on the wall upstairs.  It is exciting and sad.  I also got most of the linens packed up, leaving out a little to get us by.  I also got comforters and pillows packed.  John Michael's room is being taken over by boxes. 
Danny had a practice game tonight against the 7 year old All Star team.  The boys won, which is good since they are the 8 year old team.  They were also on fire.  Hopefully we will keep it up since we have a game against Springville tomorrow night.
Well, we are home and I am heading to bed.  I hope that everyone has a great night.  I am so ready for tomorrow.  Hoping to increase the productivity and ready to go by the new house!!!

We have Sheetrock

So today was slightly hectic.  The boys had school, but they got out at 1:00, which leaves very little time  for me to do anything.  They had great days though, which means so much. 
I worked on getting some things listed on eBay, the need to make some extra money is pretty urgent.  It will definitely make the move a little easier if we are a little further out of debt and if we are able to get the extras that we need for the house quickly, like fans for each bedroom, and a fence.  We will see if it all works out the way that would be ideal. 
The boys and I packed up the winter clothes which was a huge relief for the closet rods.  We did not pack up Brandon's but this is a long weekend so maybe we will get more things done.  If anyone wants to drop off some boxes you know where I live and I would be VERY appreciative.  :0)
Danny had All Star practice tonight, they only had seven show up and I am hoping that number increases soon.  Danny will be devistated if there is not an 8 year old team.  We also found out that if enough decide to play our first tournament is this weekend!  YAY!!
Brandon ran by the house, the sheetrock was delivered, which was great to see.  They still have not corrected the mistakes, maybe soon.  On his way to practice he got a speeding ticket, which pisses me off.  He has a lead foot and hopefully this will change now.  Seriously Argo sucks, but he knows how broke we are right now and how bad the cops are and yet he was running 60 down old Springville.  Anyway, I was not a happy momma.  We do have sheetrock, which makes me happy!  Now if we can get them to move it and get it done we will be good to go.

Windows and Doors

So today was a great day.  It started a little slow but for a dreary Monday morning I was pretty proud.  We were on time so all is well.
I managed to get all of the laundry caught up today which was a huge load off my plate!  Now if I can keep it up I will be extatic. This week is going to be hectic so I am determined.  We will see if everything decides to be on my side. 
I also managed to get about 30 items on eBay while the boys were in school.  I have so many things to get listed and that list will just keep on growing so I have to get pretty structured on getting things done.   Hopefully most of it will sell, I have so many things that I have to get taken care of before we move and the extra cash would make it all possible.  Praying that it all works out.
The boys had great days at school which is always good news to my ears. 
We came home and they were super excited to see that I had gotten a few boxes.  They are relatively small, but they were perfect for trophies.  We have them packed up and ready to go.  It is awesome to see the boxes labeled and ready for the new house!  Hopefully we will be able to get a few more throughout the week. 
Brandon went by the house before he came to the ballpark and I am super excited to say that we had house wrap, windows and doors!  We are on our way folks!!!

John Michael had a baseball game so we headed out to get there.  They played great and won 21-3.  I was so proud of them all.  John Michael even got to play second for an inning and a half.  He was so excited!

Well, I hope that everyone has a great night!  Sweet dreams and know that you are in my prayers!

Mud Surfing...Maybe?

So today I decided not to send the boys to school. With the weather as nasty as it was we needed the extra hands to get as much packed as we possibly can. I was worried that the weather would get bad, and I just needed us all together. Maybe it was selfish on my part I really do not know, but tomorrow they will go back.
The packing got started hard and heavy today and progress was made. The kitchen is almost done. Mom's bedroom is completely done. I still have to do her bathroom, but I will aim for there tomorrow. My old room was already pretty much done, but now all but the closet is done. The living room has been packed up. And well, progress was definitely made.
The rain today was not fun, it turned my mom's yard into a muddy mess. Walking down her little hill seemed more like a mountain covered in ice. I had to laugh because I had gotten a new pair of black pants for myself for Christmas. They are now mud and insulation covered and have several holes and well by the time this is over they will definitely make great work pants. They have been comfortable though, and for that I am very thankful. Pants can easily be replaced.
Thank you so much to Amy and Chandler, and to Beth for coming and helping. Through the tears, which were minimal it is just hard for anyone who grew up in Clay to be here and not be emotional. Through the laughs, because if we did not laugh we would cry. Through the rain and mud, and buddy that made everything a little more difficult. Just through it all, thank you so much.
Beth and I uncovered a few hidden treasures that I knew would mean a lot to my mom, and it did. One example was the knife from her and dad's wedding that we looked and looked for when Brandon and I got married. Now we have it and she is thankful. When Brandon and I renew our vows we will definitely be using it. Just something positive to think about.
Today the activity around was definitely lighter, the rain kept most people indoors. I cannot say that I blame them.
To the American Red Cross, thank you for the hot meals. To Beth, Amy, and Chandler thank you again your help and the boxes meant so much. To Nick, thank you for the Durango. To everyone and anyone who I forgot thank you. Anyone who has ever been through this knows that there are no words to describe how much everyone's help means to all of us, but I will keep trying. Oh yeah, thank you for the people at Metro who helped so much with getting mom storage for this interim period.

The First Flood

This morning was the first school Mass that I missed. And while I wanted to and feel like I needed to go I also knew that I was needed at mom's and I know that God knows that. The boys' said that they would definitely thank Jesus for keeping so many people safe and to please continue to do so.

After I dropped the boys off I picked mom up. She was ready to go. We made our first venture down Old Springville Road since Sunday. This was a horrific sight and one that will forever be with me. Nothing is the same. The landscape has forever been changed. So many amazing memories, learning how to drive for one that all seemed to take place on Old Springville Road. While the road is still there it does not look the same.

Now to mom's.

So today we waited and waited on the insurance man. In the meantime we cleaned out the deep freezer and the refrigerator and freezer and took inventory so that she can get reimbursed for everything that she lost. This was the easy part of the day.

When we made our walk through for the morning and the rest of the ceiling in my old room had come down and was on the floor. This was unbelievable sight to see. She had her China and Crystal from when her and dad got married there and it was also on the ground. While there is a monetary value, the sentimental value for her cannot be matched.

Brandon headed to the attic to see what he could get out and down came my childhood or what was left of it. I guess when I was about 13 and wanted a "big girl's room" I packed up all of the things that I could not get rid of to save for when I had a little girl. Well, there was no saving them. While the value was all sentimental except for my Little Women Madam Alexander Dolls there is a lot to be said about watching it all come down.

When I started to really go through I had gotten the boys from school. There was actually a few things that they wanted so we boxed them up as they looked salvageable, just need some good cleaning. So many things went to the garbage. 6 bags of my childhood.

My first jewelry box. i remember dad buying it for me when I got my ears pierced. My Valentine teddy bear that daddy gave me when I was almost 8 years old. The baby doll that I had and played with so much that her head had to be reattached several times, even when I went to daycare for the first time and the wicked woman was so mad that I was up asking her that she locked me in a closet. My cheerleader uniforms from the days of cheering for the Huffman Raiders where I met some of the most amazing people that I am still in contact with. This list could go on for day, but that gives you an idea of where I was on memory lane all day. There were a few things that made me laugh, and that is what I chose for the picture today.

I would like to thank again all of the volunteers who have given of their time and talents to help. Thank you to Home Depot who took the time to come out and bring boxes full of things that will definitely be useful. Thank you to Chick-fil-A for the HOT chicken sandwhiches for lunch. Thank you to Shane Shirley who took the time out to get look at mom's house and give an opinion from a builder's perspective. Thank you to all of the people that I know I am forgetting. You have all done so much and it means so much! Thank you Mr. Ken and Lance for the boxes, they will definitely be useful as we start this packing process hard and heavy tomorrow.

Well, again a shower and the bed are calling my name. Until tomorrow!