Busy Being Blessed!

Well, it's been awhile since I've blogged, so I'm just going to throw a few things up here to catch you all up on what's been keeping me away from the blog!

First of all... and the best news of all... this is our SON!

On November 22, 2011, it was official in the eyes of the courts. After 13 months in our home and all the red tape being ripped through, we were blessed to be able to share this special day with so many people that love Joshua so very much!

  

Remember THIS STORY?
This is Jeremy and Laurie... Joshua's Godparents!

That night, with the other boys at the grandparents, we took J out to dinner.

What a great feeling that was!

And more news...

Back in the fall, we started the serious consideration of selling our house in the coming year. Well, in the market we are currently in, that wasn't going to be easy... especially with a neighborhood in which we're still competing with a builder and the other recent comps are foreclosures and short sales. Oh joy!

So, just in case things went our way around February/March 2012, we started house hunting, online only... simply bookmarking houses that interested us. The move comes for many reasons, one being Logan starting Kindergarten in the fall... but the biggest thing for ME was floor plan and lot size. We were ready to settle into something that provided a larger lot and a one story house. But really, at this point, it was all dreaming and hoping.

Then we found this house online and really got to thinking seriously on how we could get our hands on it. It's simple, in a fabulous neighborhood and school district, and has tons of potential to meet our needs for years to come... and we loved the price tag!

So, the week after Thanksgiving, we went to see it and loved it as much as we thought we would... and then the work started. Thanks to grandparents, we were able to go through every nook and cranny of this house and hold a major garage sale, get the house up for rent and staged for a listing and then we just prayed for good tenants. Really, being landlords wasn't in the original plans, but unless we want to pay money to get out of this house, that was the only way to go.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, all of this was going on the week that I chose to start potty training this little guy!  (I don't usually like to put "naked" pics on the internet, but for documenting potty training, I'm making a small exception) Is there anything cuter than chunky thighs in little underwear? I think not!

 

God is SO good! We have prayed through this entire process that God would slam doors or keep them wide open, so we wouldn't have to doubt if this is what He wants for our family. Well, the negotiations on the sale took place in under 30 minutes and the sellers agreed to all of our requests along the way... and THEN, we secured tenants in just 24 hours. A married couple in their 40s with no kids and no pets. Seriously, isn't that what every landlord would love?!?! So, yes God, we hear you and we thank you for your providence!!! What a blessing it is to know that we're hearing Him as we make this first move with our kiddos! 

And now, we're packing... and packing... and packing. We are set to close on the 5th and after spending one day painting, moving day will be here. Going to Graham for the New Year weekend and again, thanks to grandparents, we will be able to finish packing, paint and move while our children are away! Don't know what we'd do without the help of our folks. Always!

So, eventually I will get settled in the new house and take the time to update and get our Thanksgiving and Christmas documented, but for now, let me leave you with this... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!