It's official!

We finally closed on our house last Friday!  WOOHOO!!! 

It kept being pushed back so it was such a relief to have it finally go through.  The best part is that we can stop paying for a house we aren't living in anymore.  We are also thankful that Donna (Todd's mom) could be our power of attorney at the closing so we didn't have to drive back.  Even though it was sad to make it official---it had to be done.  We just weren't rich enough to own two homes.  ;)  I have to admit that this past weekend I couldn't help but think about the new homeowners moving in.  The thought of someone moving into "OUR" house and changing things is not a good feeling.  But we were called to leave it and I know we will find another great home.  We are going back to Indy in October and as much as I want to go back to the neighborhood and see our "old" house and neighbors I think that will be too soon.  I don't think I am ready to see other people living in "our" house and explaining to Elias that we can't go in it or play in the sandbox. 

I promise to try and not and talk about our "old" house anymore.  Because.  It. Is. Over.  Now we can move forward and begin the process of deciding what we are going to do as far as a "new" house. 

Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragment.  We feel so blessed to have sold our house just a few months after putting it on the market!  To God be the Glory!

"Everything's going to be alright"- Bob Marley

This song was just in my head.  Todd and I love Bob Marley's music.  We got hooked while we were on our honeymoon to Jamica.   i thought it was fitting.  We have no idea what our future holds which can be a little scarey at times.  But, everything is going to be alright.  I have put off posting these pictures because looking at them makes me cry.  These were litterally taken the last few minutes before we left.  They are moments I will always remember.  I had tears rolling down my face while taking these pictures, but the kids as you can see were giggling and enjoying being in there rooms and on the porch for the last time.  I sure loved there rooms and the time spent making them just the way I wanted....especially when the bedrooms they are currenlty in have white walls and 70's blue carpet... ;)

have i mentioned these two absolutely love each other!?

climbing stairs for last time...

Even though posting these pictures just brought back tears...again.....  it is okay.  Since my last sappy blog post I got over my funk after a few days and have really enjoyed the last few weeks.  We really do like it here.  We almost love it.  Looking at pictures and going back to Indy are what makes it hard.  Those are the times we are reminded of what we left and what we miss.  But, when we come back we get in the grove and "forget" and focus on the now.  I have realized that my current coping mechinsism has been "forgetting"and "putting aside" the pictures and memories... for now anyways...until it is not so hard....

For instance....It already seems normal to drive on hilly curvy roads while lookng out at beautiful rolling hills.  I didn't like it at first....and now I am starting to almost love it.  I also don't miss the bad indy traffic.  I enjoy driving where I want even at rush hour and not having to worry about that.  I enjoy being amongst horse and buggies.  The kids and I love our daily rides on the golf cart to the nearby creek and to feed the donkeys. 

this picture cracks me up.  It is a very good description of the kids personalities.  

 When not in the golf cart they love riding the gator. 

We are busy meeting people and getting invloved in different areas in the community.  I have been going to Zumba and I absolutely love it.  It is the most fun I have ever had working out.  The kids like our new weeknight outings to sporting events at the school .  The football team is undefeated and is one of the best in the state for there division.  We are hoping the team will be going to Indy to play later for a possible state title.  I think it is very possible.  It is really fun to watch the town all come together.  We love the TV show Friday night Lights and being here during football season reminds us of the show.  

Elias is in a soccer league at church.  and yes.... i got roped into being the coach.... or actually now both Todd and I are now as I begged for help. :)  Coaching this age is challenging very fun.  Elias is doing okay, but would rather play in the dirt and run off the field.  which is extra challenging  fun while coaching.  I need to get working on him so he is ready to be a star in high school.  yes i said  football soccer star.  :)

During days the kids and I are keeping very busy.  I am doing home preschool with Elias on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning.  We have been doing this for almost a month and I am amazed at how much he has learned already.  It is so fun to teach him as he is very receptive and loves it.  I can't wait to teach him how to read and write later on. 

On Tuesday we are going to Story Time at a nearby library.  It is taught by a retired teacher.  It is truly like an hour of preschool.  The kids both love it.  Then on Thurday we go to a play group for a few hours at the church.  Elias and Adeline are starting to know and enjoy there new friends which is wonderful to see.  He has definitely not forgotten his "old" friends though.  We were praying for friends the other day and he named a long list of his old friends in Indy.  I am glad he remembers them.  Then on Friday afternoon Elias and I go to the homeschool co-op and he attends the preschool class.  It has been really good for him and he really enjoys it.  I am also enjoying getting to know the families in the co-op.  I went to mom's night out last week and had a great time.  I am really glad I followed my intuition to join this group and preschool at home.

The kids have also enjoyed riding in our neighbors convertible and going fishing... 

Denise's dad aka Paw-Paw helping Elias

Our neighbor Denise fishing with Elias

Denise has been a "God Send" over the last few months. 

oh---and yes we still own our house in Indy.  It has been a long month of road blocks, but after multiple cancled closings, I think the one next Friday is actually going to come to be.  As much as we loved that house and hate to get rid of it I am just as eager to get it out of our hands.  It is time for us to close and move on.  Even though many aspects of this has been a nightmare, we also feel extremely blessed with how God brought a buyer so quickly and at the same time provided a free place to live so we didn't have to pay two mortgages.  God has literally met our every need in exactly the most perfect timing.  Many times I questioned how it would be possible.....but, God has shown me He is much bigger then any plan I could ever scheme.  It is very humbling when you HAVE to depend on Him.

The big question since we are closing on our house in Indy.... where are we going to choose to live?  This is so up in the air.  We are praying and seeking guidance so that we make a wise decision.  The house we are in is probably going to go up for sale in January.  As much as we would love to buy this house I feel like it will be more trouble then it is worth.  We are praying that we don't get "kicked out"and have to move somwhere else before moving into "our home".  There honestly aren't very many houses for sale here and not any that feel "right".  But, as Bob Marely said... Everything is going to be alright...right??.....  :)  Or... actually in reality....I surrender and put my trust in knowing that God is going to provide the pefect place in His pefect timing.  We know first hand selling a house in a bad market/recession can have some very negative consequences.  It makes me think twice about buying or building another house especially when we have no idea if our future invloves moving again.  Renting sounds somewhat apealing...but no options at the moment.  When we built our last house I thought I was building my dream home...the place my children would grow up in.  Obviously that was not the case.  So, we need to be congnisent of another possible move in our future and decisions. 

I think I need to blog more so I don't have to post massive updates..... don't you think?!  :)