it is really REAL

We signed our closing papers today; so it's really REALLY our house! WOO HOO! Besides buying the house, we have slowly been accumulating things for the new house; although some are more functional than fun. For example, our shiny new ladder and lawn mower. We also found a great patio set (pretty cheap) to dine outside on the deck. Sunday we'll slowly start moving boxes and smaller items over. Of course, its supposed to be hot that day. At least I'm not pregnant during this move, unlike the last one. When I come up for air I will post photos, soon.

house countdown

Spring (finally!) made its arrival. Now we get to the point where it becomes too warm in the house but I will not cave and turn on the A.C. It becomes a difficult battle in our house; because we face southwest and get all that afternoon sun. I've taken down our drapes which blocked out some of that heat.
I wish I could be working on stuff in our new yard. One week and one day to go! That's when we can "officially" be in the house, and we will make the transition over a week. The girls are looking forward to their own yard again, David & I are looking forward to our own 4 walls.... Sounds like a small perk, but we've been in multiple-housing for our entire marriage. (3 locations) The navy housing was the worse. Now we will have no houses directly in front or back of us...and a privacy fence in the back. Sounds very tranquil to me. I can't wait!

so precious....

This past Saturday was Amanda's First Communion. It was so freaking windy and cold, but still a very special day. Amanda wore the same dress that Ashley did, made by my mom. The service was beautiful; I had tears streaming a few times. This is a very big milestone; two years of classes to get us to this point. Not to mention that David was actually here to celebrate his little girl's day. My mom, dad, aunt Mary, Carrie, Krista, David and myself attended the service, while Ashley was back here handling the two 2 1/2 year olds. Afterwards we came back to our place for dinner, DQ cake and presents. It was fun to see Abby and Nathan play; and they look so much alike they could be siblings instead of cousins. We hope to have a play date again with him next week. So thanks to dad for the great pictures; I just had to post a few.

I don't get it! (yet)

I've always wanted to learn how to crochet. My husband's late grandmother made those killer, ever-lasting washcloths and hot pads. She also made us a beautiful blanket. If at 96 (and half-blind) she could do it, I should be able to...Enter over-experienced crocheter, MOM. Somehow mom and Ashley got talking about crafts, and next thing we know, she was teaching Ashley. -I've had the yarn and hooks for about a year, just sitting here. Ashley picked it up pretty quickly, and before long she had a few different stitches down. Then came me. I had read Crocheting for Dummies, but easier to learn with a person. I get the idea, I just can't coordinate my hands quite right yet. Maybe having a little less wine (mom too) would help during the next session. I think we were laughing so hard we were crying; because I make things harder than they need to be. Mom said she won't give up on me until I've learned; hopefully that will be before she leaves!

We ran to the store yesterday. When we got back Abby, mom and Amanda went in the house. I propped the door open so I could bring in the bags, and the next thing I knew, Abby ran outside in the rain, in her socks...So I chase her down the driveway and carry her back. I was laughing so hard I couldn't catch my breath. Well, she had fun anyway. Maybe the next time it rains, we'll put her new pink rubber boots and pink raincoat on and let her splash around.

cheesecake heaven

We met our friends for dinner in St. Paul, and then came back to our place for dessert. They treated us to an indulgent cheesecake from Cafe Latte' on Grand Ave. I kid you not, this was the best cheesecake I've ever had! It was not overly rich like most cheesecake, but very light and creamy. The best part was the sugar-cookie crust; YUM! I guess Rachael Ray has visited there on one of her shows. I will have to go and check it out! Then they insisted on leaving the remaining pieces for us; this could be dangerous! Anyone in the area up for coffee and cheesecake??!!
AND, to top the day off, the sellers of our new house bought a house and we're all set! YEAH! We have our inspection on Monday, so here we go!

F I N A L L Y!

We finally found and bought our first house! I can't believe everything finally all came together; considering how many properties we looked at. This house is still in Cottage Grove, all of maybe a 1/2 mile away! The seller has to find a new house and have until May 15, (per the P.A.) but shouldn't be an issue at all. We could still walk away if we decide not to wait until May 15 or even extend the time they have. So for now we are set to close on May 23. Not concrete on what day we'll move but that will all come together when they find a house. Stay tuned!

Ashley's big day

The big day finally came. I couldn't even take her to the orthodontist to have her braces taken off because I was still gone. So daddy and the girls took her. She looks so different, and her teeth are beautiful.