My New Mantra

I need a motto; a saying; something I can tell myself over and over that will get me through these next few months. Got any ideas?

Making Memories

How fitting that the Thursday Theme at Stacy's is memory. I mentioned yesterday that we finally got a bid on the house. Well, we signed the contract tonight. It seems as though we may be making new memories soon.

I'm choosing not to think about that though. I'd much rather dwell on the memories we've made in this house for the past 3 years. We've had some wonderful times here. Big J basically grew up here. When we moved in she was only 1. Now she's 4 and we have another baby. I can't help but feel sad. I know this is the right thing to do. We have to move. We have to start over and get our finances in order, once and for all.

Still, part of me is screaming inside. I hate change.

Anyway, here's a picture of one of my favorite memories. We live in a lake community. When it's not too cold outside, Big J loves taking a walk to the lake to see if there are any ducks.



I'm going to miss our walks. :(

P.S. I'm writing an article for my class about car seat sanity savers ~ things you can do to keep your baby happy while riding in the car. I was hoping some of you might have tips or tricks you might be willing to share for my story. Do you do anything special to keep your little one entertained in the car whether it be a quick trip to the supermarket or a road trip to grandma's? You can either comment or send me an e-mail to stacymae76@hotmail.com. Thanks!

The Beginning of the End

Okay so that's a little dramatic, but that's how it feels. We got an offer on the house. A ridiculously insulting offer. Here's the thing ~ we have to take it and it's making me so mad. If we don't sell this house soon we will be in serious trouble. So far we've been able to make our mortgage payments but only because my husband has taken money out of his 401K, which you're never supposed to do but we had no choice. As it is we're going to have to do a short sale because the price doesn't even cover what we owe. It's so sickening. We're not even going to get back what we paid. And we put so much work into this house. We added a whole other bedroom.

The house went up for sale in October and we've had tons and tons of people here. I've written about how stressful it's been. I guess I'm glad that it might finally be over, but part of me is terrified and sad. Just really, really sad. I like it here. I made friends here. Big J was supposed to go to Kindergarten here.

Now we have to move in with my in-laws. Ugh! Uck! Everytime I think about it I want to throw up. The only reason I agreed to it is because they will be leaving for Italy on April 21 and they'll be gone until September. Still, it's going to be a MAJOR inconvenience. The girls will have to share a room. We'll have to put most of our stuff in storage. Big J is in preschool here so now I'll have to drive like 25 minutes just to get her to school in the morning. Plus, my drive to work will double.

We're going to stay there for as long as it takes to pay off our debt. If we don't do it by the time they get back from Italy, my husband said we could rent something for a little while until we find a new house. I want to be optimistic, I really do, but I am so tired of moving. I just want to feel settled, especially now that we have 2 kids. Poor babies. They have no idea, but I feel bad.

Somebody please tell me it's all going to be okay. That's it'll all work out. I really need to hear that now.

We Might Have a Buyer!

Keep your fingers crossed for me. Our realtor says someone is interested in the house. Hopefully, we'll get an offer today.

Our Snowy Weekend and BSM

We finally got some snow this weekend. Big J was so excited to make a snowman.



Little J even got a ride in the sled.



She spent more time watching from the front door though. Poor baby ~ she wants to do everything her big sister does.



Most of these pictures I took through the front door or the windows in my dining room.





I think I'll make this my Best Shot for Monday. I love the way it came out. Now if only I knew how to give it some texture, I think it would be really cool. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.



And this is the last shot of the day. Until next time!

Two For the Price of One

I haven't been able to get to my computer all day. It's 2:30 in the afternoon and this is the first time I've logged on. I'm watching my niece and she's been here since 9:30 this morning. Man, it's hard work keeping up with an 11 month-old, a 3 year-old and a 4 year-old.

I had so much stuff I wanted to get done too. I took a bunch of pictures of Little J yesterday in her birthday tutu. She's turning ONE March 18th and I bought her the most adorable tutu to celebrate. Anyway, I was hoping to get those uploaded last night, but it just didn't happen.

Here's a bit of good news though. While I was taking pictures yesterday Little J took like 4 or 5 steps!! She's been standing on her own for a while but hasn't taken any steps until recently. It's so adorable because she gets so excited. She looks to make sure everyone is watching. I just want to eat that little girl up!!

I'm not sure what to do about her birthday. We're going to be in Disney the day of her first birthday so we won't see any of our family. I was going to have a party the day before we leave, but I'm starting to think it's going to be more trouble than it's worth. I just don't want to deal with a bunch of people here the day before we leave for a week long vacation. Should I just wait until we get back or maybe do it the weekend before her birthday? What do you think?

Well, here's one picture from yesterday. Enjoy!!