We Made It!

I think that maybe the whole church was here helping us unload. They were awesome and had it done in no time. We're about to get ready to go to church and then I'll be trying to get the chaos back under control.

Thank you for your prayers. The house is great and the weather is beautiful.

Blessings,

Dana

North Carolina for the night

We stopped in NC for the night. We are all very tired but it's a good tired. I just wanted to say a huge huge thank you to everyone that gave up their Saturday to help us this morning. We love you all and we're looking forward to your visits that you promised us :). We are so thankful for your support in this new journey that we're about to embark on.. We are so excited about the opportunity that God is giving us.


I'll try to update as quickly as I can when we get there. We're looking forward to joining our new family tomorrow. I think we've got about a four hour drive tomorrow.


Blessings,
Dana

Sweet Moments. Edited May 23rd 1:25 pm.

There are so many thoughts passing through my mind right now. Ok, well maybe they're only half thoughts because my mind is quickly jumping from one place to another. I'm going to try to do a update but I'm not guaranteeing anything about you being able to read it. I'm sitting in our living room at 4:15 a.m. It is actually quite amazing that this is the first morning in quite a while where I've woken so early. Quite often there are times when I have a To Do list that has to continue the next day and those never ending to do lists usually mean a short nights sleep. Usually, I sleep for a few hours and wake with the list running through my head. So, I often get up and begin working on that list and then work in a nap later that day. I'll report to you later whether or not the nap happens today. Actually, I probably will not report that to you later.. I think there are a lot of times that something seems important and I think I will write about it later and then later, there are more important things. But, right now, I think getting a nap some time today will probably be one of the most important things...

The time is near. We're making our big move tomorrow.. Wow, tomorrow.. In some ways, it seems like it's taken tomorrow forever to get here and then others, it seems it's arrived in a blink. The walls around me are bare and there is quite a bit of evidence that tomorrows activities are definitely approaching. On the other hand, there are random things sitting around that I wonder if anyone would miss if I inadvertently tossed them in the goodwill box. I don't feel like those things should still be sitting there... I'm also wondering if I should run out and adopt a pet so when my furniture is moved tomorrow, I can blame the collection underneath it that will make it apparent that it has not been moved in three years on the said pet... No, my children will suffice. Seriously, do people actually move their furniture to clean underneath? Please, unless you are going to tell me no, don't answer the previous question.

Also behind the screen of my laptop, (Which is sitting in my lap and gets rather hot by the way), waiting for the iron to heat, is a little white graduation gown that Emma will wear later tonight. It is little for a graduation gown but still bigger than what I feel should fit her at this point. In less than a month, she will be five years old and I am all too aware of how quickly the past five years have flown and know, but can't fully grasp, how quickly it will come that she will be wearing that even bigger graduation gown. If I were to try to keep things all pretty, I wouldn't tell you what I'm about to tell you but looking pretty is not really my style so I will go ahead and say, she has been a challenge lately. Just when I start to think she's grown, she reminds me that maybe she doesn't handle these situations like an adult by having a melt down like the ones that became famous about three years ago. Yes, a couple of times this week, she has reverted to a two year old and has let her emotions freely flow. I don't know that there has been a day go by this week with out a spanking. Yes, we do spank and no, I'm not up for a debate. We can save that for later if you don't mind. But last night, I was able to capture a sweet sweet moment with her. Adam and Emma went to get Adam's dad at the airport in Columbus (I'll tell you more about that in a minute). And when they got back home, Papa spent a few moments with Chloe, I put her to bed and then Adam and his dad went to one last late night movie with the teenagers. This has become a regular occurance that Adam has gone to catch a new release with the teenagers. And since I'm not much of a fan of theaters (I like my movies with a pause button for potty breaks) it's been fine with me to stay home with the girls. Well, on these nights, Emma goes to bed with me. So we went to bed and read the non disney version of Cinderella. I like the non commercialized version of fairy tales best. And after we came back to the real world when the story was over, Emma looked at me and said, "mom you're beautiful, you're the best mom ever". I mean, I'm sure the wicked stepmother helped me out some. If you think the your child is feeling that life isn't fair because you've almost beaten them into next week that day, just put them to bed with a Grimm's fairytale. That should fix things up real nicely. Anyway, it was a sweet sweet moment. And for a moment, I tried hard to view myself through her pure eyes and prayed for God to help me be only half what she believes I am.

Don't worry, I'm not forgetting my sweet, sweet Chloe. Chloe is having some attachment issues. Seems she's only happy when she's attached to my hip these last few days. That has made for some interesting packing. It really hasn't bothered me much. She has been so independent that it's nice to see her differentiate between me and the average Joe. She has a delightful little personality. Yesterday while everyone else was gone, I sat down for a brief moment. She crawled over to me. I picked her up, she leaned in for a kiss and just before our mouths touched (I can't say lips because there isn't much lips involved in her kisses) she pulled away and grinned and shook her head no. I did eventually get a nice big kiss. Sorry Hannah but I just can't resist them. If I think time has passed quickly with Emma, it has flown with Chloe. Things have been crazy since Chloe was born. I'm glad that I've kept this online diary because there are moments that would have been forgotten without it. Since Chloe has been having separation anxiety, I was surprised at how quickly she took to Papa. They hadn't seen each other since Christmas but she didn't act like he was a stranger much at all. I don't know if it's because of the pictures that I show her daily in fear that her grandparents will be strangers to her or if it's the strong resemblance to her daddy whom she adores. She did shyly bury her head in my shoulder at first but it was only minutes before she was willingly crawling into Papa's arms. She even said Papa with precise clarity.

Nana was scheduled to make the trip too. But Grandma, has had some complications. She had a heart attack last week and had open heart surgery on Tuesday. She is doing well thanks to all the prayers that so many of you sent up. Thank God for that! But Lynn is there with her mother right where she should be and she will meet us in South Carolina if things are going well. I think it will be nice for Papa do be able to do some catching up with her as far as time with the grandkids go since Lynn was able to come stay a week with us not too long ago. Please continue to pray for Grandma's recovery.

Well, this post has become quite lengthy and I'm pretty sure that the iron is heated. We are so very excited about the journey that is ahead. I will write about that soon. But, I wanted to make sure that I didn't let these thoughts about the girls slip by. Thank you all for your prayers. We have a long couple of days ahead. I'll meet you again in South Carolina.

Edit: May 23rd, 2008 1:25 p.m.
We have closed on the sell of our house here. For a few hours, we are homeless. Hopefully only a few hours. Somewhere in between 3 and 4 eastern time, we should become South Carolina residents. Can you become a resident without being there? Hmm. Well, we should own a house in SC. The uhaul truck is parked in the driveway. I'm trying to get the last few things together in the house. Adam and his dad have loaded a few things. Chloe is taking a nap. Emma is at a friends house. So maybe I will wait until I get to SC to make another post... Maybe not.

I went back and read this post in the light of day. Seems as if I think a lot about "sweet moments" in the wee hours of the morning. I think I used both of those words at least a 50 times. So, I decided to change the title.

Blessings,
Dana

First Step

Chloe just took her first step at 8 and 1/2 months. Just in time for our move.. Will her timing be this great for the rest of her life? Thankfully, she doesn't mind the pack n play too much. I'll have to elaborate more later. Just wanted to get it down on record. To Be Continued.... We're off for Adam to baptize one of the teens. Can't end a 10 year stint of youth ministry any better than that!
Praise God!

Blessings

Got Tagged

Ok, so I got a ton of stuff packed and got caught up on tons of paper work. The girls are in bed, Adam is at an elders meeting. I've been owing this to Melissa so I thought I would do it for things get more crazy! So, here it goes...

What was I doing 10 years ago?

Was at college in Troy Alabama major was Special Education which I changed a couple of times after that. Was dating Adam.

5 things on my to-do list today:
1. Pay bills
2. Finish a couple of photo orders.
3. Wash clothes
4. Call realtor
5. Pack boxes

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. cashews
2. crackers and cheese
3. sunchips
4. chocolate chip cookies and milk
5. watermelon

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire:

I'm going to deviate from the 5 things on this one...

Ok, you're going to think I'm weird but I'd give all of it but about $150,000 away. Anything more would change my life way too much. And then my being thrifty skills would be wasted. But with that, I could pay off everything that we own. Who would I give it to? Well, if I was a billionaire, there would be plenty to spread around so get it line, when I get there, you're invited to the money parade.

If I paid off everything I own I would be able to set us up for the future, the girls for college all of that stuff.

So yeah, I really don't think money makes people as happy as they think it would..

5 bad habits:
1. caffeine. I've weaned myself off of it several times but I always fall of the wagon :).
2. Wasting time on the computer rather than doing something productive
3. calling Adam a nerd.. I can't help it, he is.. But, it's okay, I love nerds
4. laughing when someone gets hurt. I mean, I probably don't laugh if I see blood but yeah, I typically laugh if someone falls or runs into something.. I'm cruel
5. leaving things open.. cabinets, books, doors, I don't know, I think I have a problem with finalizing things.

5 places I have lived:
1. Birmingham, AL
2. Troy, AL
3. Albany, GA
4. Panama City, FL
5.West Virginia

5 jobs I've had or have:
1. childcare worker
2. waitress
3. shoe sales person
4. tutor (accounting)
5. office manager for a financial advisor

5 people I want to know more about (you're tagged!): Hey, if you're interested in telling me, I'm interested in reading it...

Ellis Update

Just wanted to give a short update on what's going on. Two weeks until we'll be making our big move. The packing is coming along. I don't feel very stressed about it which means I'm probably forgetting something pretty big but I tend to prefer blissfully ignorant. The girls are doing just great. Emma has recently learned to tie her shoes and she already knows our new address. I asked her if she was nervous about moving to a new place and going to a new school. Her reply, "No, I like meeting new people, I like change". I pray that she keeps that confidence. I think Chloe will be just fine as long as she has her bed and the three of us. She is getting around way too well and has way better fine motor skills than a kid her age should have. That along with packing makes for an interesting combination. I regularly fish tiny objects out of her mouth. Emma is quite good at it too. I run the vacuum several times a day but still can't seem to keep everything up. So far, it has been things that could have made it through very easily. And, I will quit talking about that because I could see this subject very easily reminding you of the name of my blog.

I had wanted to write a sentimental post to our moms for Mother's Day telling my mom that every time I make a decision with my girls, I think about what she would do and how I'm so thankful that I know I have her support on every move and because of her, I know how to love and be loved.... I wanted to tell Lynn about how sometimes when I see Adam holding one of our little girls hands, I think about the little hand that she once held. That I know that she loved and nurtured him and prayed and prayed all in anticipation of the life we're living today. I want to thank her for preparing him for us. But, my mind is so in methodical get it done mode that I can't seem to be more reflective than what I've just told you. I have a hard time having an appointment with a sentimental thought to get something written for a specific date. So, I will just say to you both. I'm so thankful for the blessing that God has given me in the both of you. I know that I am truly blessed to have not one but two mother's that support and love me. You both have done and are currently doing so much for us. I want you to know that I'm very aware of that and am forever grateful!

Anyway, this will probably be the last post that I make for a while. I am snapping pictures along the way and I'll have to make a very large update post once we get there.

I know many of you are praying for us and I want to thank you for that and ask you to keep it up!

To all of those wonderful mothers out there. Happy Mother's Day!

Blessings

8 Months!

The Princesses and the Pea

It is official boys and girls. The tests have been done and they have passed or either failed.. how ever you want to look at it. Both of my girls are real true princesses. This story will be a story that I will tell my grandkids about their mothers. It will definitely go down in history as one of my favorites.

On April the 10th, I went with Emma and her class to see the "Princess and the Pea" ballet. Now Emma's teacher doesn't half do anything.. So the whole week before the ballet, they did activities having to do with the story. Well, the night before the ballet. Emma brought home this:


Emma is all about princesses but we typically don't encourage her to think she's a princess herself other than in a "you're a princess because your father is the King of Kings" kind of way but, I just couldn't resist the chance to play a little trickery on my little darling... Come on, you know that every parent takes some kind of sick joy out of deceiving their child. Why else would millions of parents spend their hard earned money on presents and then spend their hard to come by time wrapping those presents only to secretly put them out on Dec. 24th and give a man that doesn't even exist the credit for their hard work. Don't deny it, you love it too.

So anyway, this was our devious plan...
Adam took Emma to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Emma has an egg crate mattress on her bed so I slipped a golf ball under the egg crate. Adam brought her in and I said, "Now we're going to go ahead and test this out because if you are a real princess, I'm not going to have you laying on this thing all night and not well rested for the ballet tomorrow". So, I had her sit on the bed while she watched me place the pea under her mattress. She then laid back on the golf ball. I wish I had video taped this because the look on her face was priceless. I'm pretty sure that she was fully ready to fib and say that she did feel the pea. But there was a look of pure shock on her face when she actually did (or so she thought). So, I very carefully removed both the pea and the golf ball at the same time and we went on with our normal bed time activities and I thought that was the end of it. Until.... I was changing the sheet on Chloe's bed last night. So I lifted up her mattress and low and behold... You guessed it. There was our little pea. Now it just so happens that Chloe hasn't been sleeping real well due to her never ending teething. So, I decided to seize the opportunity to head of any problems in the future that might result from Emma thinking that she was a princess and Chloe not. So, I pulled my acting skills out once again and this is what I said, "Emma Elaine, look what I just found under Chloe's mattress. I've told you that she hasn't been sleeping well. How long has this been under mattress". Emma very sheepishly replied, "a long time, I forgot I put it in there". To which I said, "Well, don't you ever put a pea under you sister's mattress again. I haven't slept in days. If you ever do that again, you're going to be in big trouble". To which Emma said, "well, I guess now we know that Chloe is a princess too". I just can't stop laughing about the whole thing. Kids are the best!

Now I realize that this whole thing could definitely come back to bite me in the tail. I'm sure that at some point, one of them will probably try to use their royalty to get out of doing some chore. But, it will be at that point that they will learn that I've already passed my test as queen and that the princesses still have to obey the queen. (I hope).

May you sleep well tonight and wake without a backache tomorrow!!

Blessings,
Dana

Nine Years-- Happy Anniversary Adam

This picture was taken during our first year of marriage in 1999. We were sitting on the couch in our first apartment. It is one of my favorites. We look so happy. I'm not sure that we were having as much fun as it looks. I'm really glad we didn't end up killing each other that year. I think we had a lot more time to fight before we had kids. I would do it all over again even if I did have to re-live that first year. Man we look young!

Next year for our ten year anniversary, we will live close enough to our parents to have a babysitter and we are so taking some kind of trip.

I love you Adam!

House Update

Things are moving fast. I've been reluctant to post about the house situation. I'm afraid to count my chickens before they hatch. So, I will put this disclaimer on what I'm about to write: BARRING ANY UN FOR SEEN EVENTS: Our house here is under contract and we have a contract on a house in South Carolina. Obviously, in this market, selling a house that quickly is a God thing. But, there is way more to it than that. Things have fallen into place so neatly that I can believe nothing less that it was God's hands putting it all in place. So where to start...

When we were visiting SC, I don't think that I was still quite believing that all of this would be a real possibility. However, I decided to look at some real estate "just in case". I remember thinking to myself that if we did end up moving there, I might just be crazy enough to buy a house long distance so that I didn't have to make another trip. Well, turns out that I am in fact crazy because that is exactly what we are doing. Adam and I both have looked at the house. And this is how that happened... I picked up a real estate book and starting flipping through and saw this house and thought it would be perfect for us. It has three bedrooms on one end of the house close to together. I have found that this is sometimes hard to find in newer houses. But, that is really what I wanted since the girls are so little. Then, there is a totally separate bedroom and bathroom in another part of the house. I have always wanted a place where guests could come and have privacy and feel comfortable. And this area will be perfect not only for people that we know well but also for those occasions that will come up where the church has a guest in that we don't know very well. It will be nice for them not to have to sleep in either our bedroom or in Emma's bedroom where they trip over toys as has happened in our current house. Anyway, I could go on and on about how it's perfect for us but instead, I'll just invite you to come see :). Let's just say that I LOVE IT! So, I thought it would be a good idea to ride around that neighborhood and check it out and low and behold... OPEN HOUSE. That's right, with 8760 hours that are in a year (yes I did use a calculator for that) they just happened to be having an open house for two hours. The girls were asleep in the car and so Adam stayed in the car with them while I ran in to have a look. Now granted my dreams aren't huge (as far as houses go) but it's my dream house and all I ever would want.. And, it was built in 2006 which is fitting because as much as Adam and I would like to be fixer upper kind of people... WE ARE SO NOT!

I still didn't think that we could possibly get this house. I still wasn't sure that we were moving there and I thought that if we did, we either wouldn't be able to afford it or it would sell before we got to that point. Well, we got back to WV and things moved along. Adam went back down to SC for a very quick trip and looked at the house while he was there and fell in love with it as well.

Ok, lets switch to selling our house here... When we moved to WV, we bought a very small house and financed it for 15 years so that we could build some equity and put it down on something bigger later. Now let me say that I have loved our little house and I could be fine living in one like it forever (I do think that love grows best in little houses). But, since we have added another child, we have been on top of each other (especially when we have company) and we'll still be living close because of the way the house is laid out so, I have to say, it will be nice to have the extra room. Anyway, we put our house on the market on Sat. and by Tuesday, we had an offer. By the following Sat., we had all the negotiating worked out and signed a contract. So in the mean time... On Friday, the real estate agent in SC called and told me that we had to get the house here under contract in 72 hours because they had gotten an offer on the one in SC. Not a big deal because I knew we were doing it the next day. But wow, I could but couldn't believe that the house had been just sitting there for months and then it got an offer the day after we made an offer. WOW!!
I did have a moment on Friday when we were trying to settle all the deals and I got kind of stressed out ended up getting a headache and throwing up.. I know what you are thinking.. I AM NOT PREGNANT. I got scared about that too and took a test. NEGATIVE! That is just what anxiety does to me. Even though the payment is just barely more than what we're paying now and this is exactly what we have been saving to do, I had a little bit of hard time believing that we are actually at that point. Anyway, if you would like to see the house. Email or comment me and I will send you a link to it. There is a picture of our "guest suite" that you will be staying in when you come visit us in beautiful, sunny South Carolina ;).

So last week inspections were done on both houses and everything looks good with them. We got a copy of our buyers pre-approval letter so hopefully, things will keep going smoothly... I do have to say that the packing isn't quite so smooth. I can't believe how Chloe is moving. The kid crawls like lightning and she is pulling up and walking around furniture. I'm afraid that she might be walking before she turns eight months old. She's into everything and Emma really never got out of being into everything either. My goal is to pack at least two boxes a day. I did get one box packed this morning but it looks like my best time to get things done is going to be after the girls get to bed. Which means I need to get off of here and get to that.

My parents made a quick trip up here this past weekend. I was going to try to do a quick post on that and the things that the girls are doing but I'm afraid that would get lost in my rambling about the house so I'll try to make that post soon.

Thank you all for your prayers! He's listening.

Blessings,
Dana