Sunday, November 29, 2009

Ready, Set, Go!

We've been keeping an eye on the real estate market, looking for a deal in our budget. Our budget, which is one that we plan won't vastly increase our little mortgage, is not huge.

One week ago today, we took a look at a house for the first time. We wrote up a low offer (double-digits less than asking price, which itself had just been dropped) and our realtor sent it in. Surprise, the sellers accepted it. And now we're moving... in just over a month!

The new place has a great open layout, lots of storage including a man-cave John's excited about, and is so much closer to our family & friends.

I made my first attempt at packing up some of the kids' toys today. My mistake was that I did it while Sara was awake and not otherwise distracted. I think the trick will be to pack quickly, and then seal up the boxes. We're having a Big Steel Box (aka giant moving container) dropped off next week, so we'll start emptying out the house.

So if you know anyone who's looking for a big home with a huge garage, in city limits but with a country feel, let me know! We'll be listing it at an incredibly reasonable price, so it'll move quickly.

In the meantime, wish me sanity as I pack everything into boxes, hopefully faster than the kids can empty them. :)

Friday, November 13, 2009

If You Insist...

I love my Type A first-born child. As a rehabilitated Type A myself, I completely get his motivation for good behavior, and use it to my full advantage. Most days at home I'm outnumbered, and need any advantage I can get, right?

He also loves to be helpful, but even above and beyond how I remember myself at his age.

The other night I was scrubbing away at the bathtub, trying to get it back to its original white color instead of the dirty-child shade it had become. Liam came into the bathroom just before his usual bedtime, begging, "Mommy, if I hurry and get my jammies on, can I stay up late and help you scrub?"
Hmm, let me think...

Well, it wasn't a school night. :)

Friday, November 6, 2009

"Tub, mommy? Peese?"

How messy can one little child-sized chocolate cone be, really?


Hint: see below.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Trick or Treat!

The night before Halloween our county had nasty rain and up to 40 MPH winds. We were thrilled to wake up the next morning to a slightly cloudy fall day with no wind whatsoever. Perfect trick-or-treating weather!
We found Liam's Scooby Doo costume on craigslist locally, and Sara's wore Liam's old Tigger costume. Though if you asked Sara, she was a tiger. She roared at people all night long.
We started our Halloween adventure at CTK's harvest carnival. The kids got to play games, get balloon animals, visit with their "cousins" Elias & Anna, and mooch caramel apples from great-aunt Linda.

Then we headed to Grandma Cindy & Grandpa Pete's for homemade pizzas and playtime. We tried to trick-or-treat on their street, but no one was home.

Next we made our way to Grandpa Bill & Grandma Elnora's for trick-or-treating in their neighborhood. Liam's bag was nearly overflowing by the time we headed back to our town. We made a few stops in our little neighborhood, then headed home for bed.
Whoever had the brilliant idea to make Daylight Savings the day after Halloween should be rewarded. With a big bag of Halloween candy.