I hope to take advantage of this...

I've never heard of this before. We must not have had it in the other states we've lived in. I hope I feel somewhat well enough to head out and get some much needed items and to take advantage of the tax free shopping tomorrow and Saturday. We certainly could use some baby clothes and diapers and Chatterbox is in horrible need of dresses and other clothes. But, I doubt I'll feel well enough to venture out... I left a message with my doctor friends in MS so hopefully they'll call back! Thanks for your prayers!

i just wanna stay home!

Today we were gone all day! I had a doctor appointment at 9 am (more a patient intake thing) and 1 pm. Since my doctor is about 25 minutes away I just decided to stay in that town for the day. I managed to make it to Bath & Body Works to get some much desired hand soap and then I took the kids to BK to play. I think I should have just stuck with a park. They had fun but the AC in that part of the building must not have been working and I was dying (I had asked a worker about turning it on but don't think he did much about it)! Then Booty Shaker peed his pants. Quite the time at BK, I tell ya!





I had a stomachache all day, I think because I was real nervous about my appointment. I had heard some things about this doctor and didn't know what to expect. She is an older lady. I'm not quite sure what to think of her. She was very serious and all business. Which is fine, but I'd also like a little friendliness and personality in there! I keep telling myself, "What are the chances of her actually delivering the baby" and that reassures me a bit! The doctor had asked me about a TB test. When she left the room Chatterbox asked, "Mom, what's a TV test? Is that where people get too tired of watching TV?" It was SO funny and I couldn't stop laughing! (Oh, and I think it is retarded that these clinics have midwives but I wouldn't be able to see one because I've had a c-section). I wish I'd had more time to 'shop' for a provider...maybe next time.





We made a trip to Wally World and got a few items and headed home. Once I hit the interstate I smelled the worst smell. It smelled like nasty, sweaty butt. Now I've never actually smelled a nasty, sweaty butt but I'm certain it would smell like the smell we endured most of the way home. I think the outside of my vehicle still smells nasty. I kept wondering what on earth it was. I'd driven down that part of the road before without a nasty smell so I knew it wasn't any of the farms around there. Finally I spotted this garbage/dump truck and quickly was approaching it. What I saw was I think the nastiest thing I'd ever seen. On the top part of the open part of the truck (not in the truck, if that makes sense) was a bloody, dead piglet. It was so gross (and pretty sad too, and I thought of you Jodie of how you'd be bawling over the little piggy). I hope to never see a sight like that again, but I'm sure living in the Midwest I will! Ah, the joys of Iowa;)





Tonight I cleaned out the inside of the suburban- finally! I bought Booty Shaker a new car seat and figured I'm not sticking it in a dirty vehicle. Afterwards I was able to take a nice, cool bath. It was so refreshing. I probably hadn't taken a bath in at least a year. No, I don't stink, I just take showers! In our last house the water was so nasty looking there was no way I'd bathe in it! The bath was so refreshing and just the thing for this pregnant gal!





Oh, speaking of pregnant another thing that happened at my appointment was regarding my weight. I brought them my records from MS from this pregnancy and I think those records had my pre-pregnancy weight a bit higher. I actually may have weighed that much because I never did lose weight since losing the last two babies, but I don't like to think that I weighed that before I was pregnant. So when I had to put my pre-preg weight down today I said closer to my 'normal' weight. I guess I shouldn't have done that because the doctor said something about how I'm on the high side of weight gain. Which if you consider the weight I wrote today would be 30 lbs. already and I know I didn't gain that much! Nothing like your doctor thinking you are fat;) Just kidding! I guess I should have clarified with her but didn't think on it until later.

Oh, and another thing. It is one thing to pee in a cup, right? Well, they gave me this









to pee in and bring back to my next appointment! It looks like a pill bottle! I have a difficult enough time peeing in a normal cup! This should be interesting...




I have declared tomorrow stay-at-home day. I'm tired of running here, there and everywhere. What on earth is it like to stay home? It's been awhile since I've had a home to stay home in! But I look forward to just relaxing with the kiddos tomorrow.

she's gone

My mom flew out today. I shed just a few tears as I hugged her good-bye and thanked her for all of her help. Mom, I would have lost all sanity that I still have if you hadn't come to help. Thank you SO much for coming out and for being a huge help. You have no idea how much it means to me.

Last night my mom and I went to a Christian concert they were having. I think it was praise bands from various area churches playing. It was nice to get out and a great way to end our time together. As I was sitting there I was reflecting on how much I really like this place. The people are so super friendly, be it in a store, waving as they drive by or just a friendly smile here or there. The weather is perfect. I actually got a bit chilly last night as a breeze hit when we were sitting at the outdoor concert! You in Mississippi will not believe that- chilly in July??? It is wonderful to be able to enjoy the outdoors and not sweat your bottom off!

One of the neighbors told me about this nice walking trail right by our house so my mom and I took advantage of that Friday evening. It was beautiful- wooded and if you go far enough (we didn't because I was pooped) you come to a bridge and fountain. I will definitely have to show it all to Zach and the kids on a cool evening.

I feel like I have the best of both worlds- city life right around the corner but also hiking, swimming and other outdoor activities right in my backyard! Now come winter I may be complaining a bit on how cold I am, but I haven't lived in 'winter' in about 6 years so you'll have to cut me some slack!

Well, I better run as we have our first visitors coming to dinner in a bit. I hope to soon get pictures posted on here.

Fun in Iowa

As Chatterbox has been saying, "Today was a fun day!!!". We didn't really have a plan for the day, besides taking care of 'business'. There's a lake not even 2 miles from our house called Saylorville Lake so I suggested we check it out. There is so much there I'm sure we didn't even see half of it. And the water level is way high so I think parts of it are closed. But we had fun hiking on some trails and playing in the woods. Zach wanted to canoe so we then drove to Big Creek State Park and rented a canoe and paddle boat. The park was free to get into and the rentals were so cheap! We had so much fun! These lakes are beautiful and there seems like a lot to do at them all, from swimming to horseback riding to camping to picnicking! It is nice to live somewhere where there are things to do outdoors (and where you don't sweat unreasonably while doing it). I can't wait to do more exploring of it all!

hallelujah

We drove by the house last night and apparently the gas company had been there! I had tried to call to find out during the day but they were unsuccessful in getting a hold of the specific company to get any information. We were unable to get into the house again and it didn't appear much had been done, but there really isn't that much more to do. I'm so thankful that the gas is done though- we'll be able to close on the 2nd! It wasn't looking too promising yesterday afternoon, especially when the realtor called and said he still needed to get some signed forms from the builders. But of course God pulled through for us! I pray there will be no more snags and that Wednesday comes quickly! I'm hoping it stays dry this weekend so they will be able to sod the yard before we move in. I can't fathom the thought of a dirt yard! Anyway, I feel I'm able to relax a little better knowing that our closing will pull through on schedule.

Yesterday I met with a lady I'd 'met' through the Above Rubies egroup. We took all of our kiddos to a park and went out to lunch. It was a fantastic time getting to know her and her children. It's always nice to meet people you've originally met through the internet, although you do have to be wary of such things also.

Last night while in Ankeny I told Zach to drive by the movie theater because its near our house. Then he got the bright idea to take the kiddos to see Wall-e. I was in no mood to sit in a movie, especially with my back hurting, so I went shopping. I browsed the racks of Kohl's, Super Target, and Family Christian Store. I bought myself a pillow for my back and it really helps when I use it. I was so comfortable sitting in the vehicle waiting for their movie to end!

Today we're going to Zach's coworkers for a barbecue. I look forward to meeting them. They've also got three children, one is a new baby. It will be nice getting to know more people and to converse with somebody besides my children!

I want my house

and I want it now. You know, like that commercial.

• I want my own bed. This bed is terrible and my back aches even more than normal. I can't sleep at night because I can't find a position where my back is fine.
• I won't have to listen to some bratty screaming kid next door late at night or early in the morning. I understand about kids being off schedule with traveling, but try to quiet your child and be considerate of others. Don't just let the kid scream at the top of their lungs (seriously). I hope they check out today!
• Why do people walk through the hallway early in the morning talking so loudly? Even in the middle of the day I remind my children to be quiet. It's called consideration.
• There's some sort of smoke detector or something in here that flashes about every 20 seconds. Very annoying to see a flashing light all night long.
• Our fridge makes the weirdest noises. In the middle of the night it sounded like an alarm clock going off but it was the fridge. Almost sounds like some sort of breathing machine.
• I'm tired of eating out, eating junk, or eating nasty microwavable food in the hotel. My stomach is messed up every morning.
• There's no room to move around. You have to blast the TV to hear it when the kids play because its just a small space.

Ok, enough complaining. Some reasons its nice to be in the Midwest:

• People say pop. Not soda or Coke, but pop. It's almost weird to hear people ask what kind of pop you want after living down south for so long. Sometimes when I say it I hesitate, almost wanting to say soda.
• Can you believe I was cold yesterday? We had quite a storm in the morning and it was real windy. I was so cold! Normally in the south if it rains the humidity remains but here it really cooled off.
• Have I mentioned I can go outside and breathe, even when its hot? It's nice not to sweat the minute you step outside.
• For the most part the cashiers and waitresses and such have been super friendly.
• I see a lot of Scandinavian looking people. To me they just have a certain look about them sometimes. I feel right at home!

Alright, I better get us some food. I know my belly is growling so I imagine everybody else's is. Then again, maybe not. I seem to be constantly hungry lately. Of course I haven't had nice big meals like normal either. More like greasy burgers and pop.

Only 5 days to go, trusting we indeed close on time.

What's the black stuff?

We switched hotels today. With the whole fiasco with our card being outrageously charged Zach was just fed up. The money still hasn't been refunded to our account. They charged our whole checking account a total of $900!!! For like 5 nights! Is that insane or what? Of course it said 'pending debit card purchase' but we still don't have that money accessible to us...we have $40 to our name because of this mess. The actual total of the room came to like $300, so we were 'overcharged' $600. Well, they claim they make sure your account has the funds but don't take it out. Whatever...that's why I can't get any money out??? What a mess!

So Zach took the afternoon off so we could 'move' right down the road to another hotel. We went to lunch at Old Chicago Pizza. I was the only one who wanted to try it but even Booty Shaker, our non-eater, at it right up. Thankfully there's one in Ankeny too so hopefully we'll head there again. There's so much more I'd love to try besides just their pizza.

Then we drove to Ankeny and checked out our house. The selling agent was in the neighborhood and gave us the ok to go in (so we didn't have to sneak this time). We spent a bit of time looking around. I admit to you that I haven't really been too excited about this purchase for some reason. I keep thinking it is too small for our family, even though the family next door has 5 children (most of whom are teens). But after being in there today I was more excited. I love it. The doorknobs, light fixtures, etc. BUT the basement is growing MOLD. I PRAY they deal with it before we close since we have a LOT of things that need to be stored down there, especially considering we have no garage. I talked to our realtor about it so hopefully this will be cleared up before next Wed. Good thing there's only a tiny bit of drywall down there...most of it is cement.

We also bought a fridge finally. Now we REALLY have no money!!! Country Inn & Suites better refund us soon! Thankfully we still get to use Zach's travel card or we'd be hurting. I can't wait to move in. I'm confident that we'll close on the 2nd (at least for the moment). I just hope the basement is cleared up and the sod is in!

I must be popular amongst the ranks right now. All the kiddos are in the bed with me. That's a good thing, lately they've been little heathens!

Update....the good, bad and ugly

I've managed to keep us pretty busy thus far, miraculously. Zach began work and is settling into that. Being summer things are pretty quiet for him, but he's trying to get in-processed here and all that fun stuff. It's not as easy when you're not attached to a particular base!

Yesterday we met him for lunch and then the kids and I drove to Ankeny. I wanted to check our mail there and make sure it was indeed being forwarded. Chatterbox was really wanting a library so she could get her hands on more American Girl books so we went there and created accounts. Nothing like not even living in your house yet but making sure you have library accounts! Either you know you're a geek or homeschooler (or maybe both) by doing something like that! It was a wonderful library, they have a great children's section and such helpful people. We got free kids tickets to the zoo and the kids signed up for the summer reading program. Next to the library is the aquatic center. It looked pretty cool (and crowded) with two smaller water slides, a splash park and more. I also drove by our house and noticed the carpeting is in. I took them to a park for awhile also.

I had a stressful morning yesterday though. I had an email from my stepmom that my grandma only has a short time to live....her lungs still have fluid, her kidneys aren't functioning well and her heart is weak. Needless to say I was so sad and cried for a good while. Then I was trying to deal with Tricare to get our insurance switched (again). They'd kept telling me I could do it online but come to find out that is not the case...go figure. I would have had the papers all filled out before we left MS if I'd known. It takes at least a week to process them all. Then I tried to call different OB's in the Des Moines area. I had found one I'd wanted. But of course none of them are taking new patients. So I'll be coming to Ames for my care. At least I've heard nothing but good things about the doctors and hospital in Ames but I really wanted to be nearer to home. Oh well, God knows what He's up to! This morning I went ahead and scheduled my first appointment. I figure if I don't I'd have to wait forever to get seen and be delivering the baby....even though our insurance hasn't 'approved' it all yet I'm sure it will be fine. Also yesterday I thought somebody had hacked into one of our bank accounts. Thankfully that wasn't the case, it was a spam text (which I knew) and I'd typed in the wrong pin which was why it said my account was frozen.

Last night we went to see the movie Get Smart. It was pretty funny.

Today we slept in nice and late (besides Zach). We went to lunch with him and I took the kiddos to the park for a while. It was beautiful out- breezy, not too warm. I could breathe and I didn't sweat! We came back and I gave the kids some fun activity sheets we'd gotten from the library. They had fun doing those...well besides Chatterbox who threw a royal fit about something being hard. Yet her brothers could do it!?!?

Update on the house, apparently the electric is hooked up but the gas isn't yet. They're hoping to get to it by the end of the week but can't guarantee that it will be done by the 1st. I'll call on Friday to check on the status of it and in the meantime I'll be praying it gets hooked up so we can close on the 2nd with no problems. Nothing like the Lord really wanting you to totally rely on Him in times like this! I asked if we can still close on the 2nd, whether we have gas or not (have yet to hear back about that). Zach has all next week off for moving in purposes, as you know my mom flies in and we're to get our stuff delivered so I'd like to close so we can take care of that all!

More stress today...the hotel we're at was charging our debit card rather than Zach's travel card.... I was able to get it taken care of and they'll credit our account BUT we had negative funds in there until I just transferred some. What a pain! And there's nothing more frustrating than being gone for hours only to come back to your room STILL not being clean! Guess if I go out tomorrow I'll request to have them clean my room while we're gone!

Hmm....sorry if I'm boring you all to death with everything. I'm getting rather bored so I'm just trying to pass some time!

First Weekend in Iowa

Well, we experienced our first weekend in Iowa. Zach already goes to work tomorrow. I'm wondering how I'll keep the three kiddos busy while he's gone! I guess I will have to find some parks or something to occupy our time or I may go mad within these walls;)


Friday we drove back down to Ankeny. We wanted to try to find a fridge. We met some of our neighbors, who all seem really nice. They also pured the cement for our driveway and sidewalks. Then we went and bought a new dining room table! I've been wanting a new one for awhile...we outgrew our other one awhile ago. You can see a picture of it here. We also drove around the campus a bit so Zach could be familiar with it. It certainly is a beautiful campus.

Yesterday we drove down to Des Moines just to weigh the vehicles. Fun. Then we checked out the mall in Ames, briefly. I was actually looking for a new maternity swimming suit since the clasp on my other one broke. No luck at the mall so we went to Target. Yes, Target!!!! For those of you who don't know we had NO Target in Mississippi. The closest one was in Mobile, about an hour away. Well, in the town we'll live in we'll have SUPER Target!!! Can you believe the luck in that!?!? On the way to Target we spotted a park and let the kiddos burn off some energy.

We also got an email from our realtor saying they're having a hard time getting somebody out to the house to connect the gas and electric. Apparently most people were sent to Eastern Iowa to help, but in my mind you'd think they'd leave some people here for work. This may all set our closing date back...which would really, really stink. So please, please pray that everything goes well and they're able to get out there this week to hook us up so we can close on the 2nd like planned. My mom flies in that same day and I really need her here to help me out or I'll really have back pain!!

We ate at a Panera Bread for the first time...oh it was delicious. I'm so sick of greasy food and wanted some healthy. We came back to the hotel and the kiddos and Zach swam and I did laundry. I would have swam but my back and stomach have really been hurting lately so I just watched.


Today we went to church. It was nice to see familiar, friendly faces. After church they had a potluck picnic at the park and we were able to go and eat healthy food and more importantly fellowship. The kiddos made some fast friends, especially Chatterbox! She really seemed to hit it off with one of the Pastor's daughters. My back was just aching when we left and I came back to the hotel and crashed and feel much better. The left side of my back has really been bothering me. Wish I had my heating pad or something. At least resting in bed seemed to help today though.

I thought I'd heard it all...

Until I read this. Am I really moving near these weirdos!?!?

House

For those of you who can't see images from here if you are interested I can email you some pictures. I forgot to mention that our carpeting will be the same color. I think our counters are different but I can't remember!!!

"I think I'm going to like it here"

That was the song I sang in my dream last night! That thought keeps floating through my head though! It is a bit 'farmy' like North Dakota, but unlike ND there are cities here with things to do! That makes a huge difference! And it makes me not quite mind the farms;) Ask me come January when I'm freezing cold though, and we'll see how much I like it! Oh, and when you pass a semi filled with pigs be sure and block your nose. Cuddly Boy was gagging terribly and had tears in his eyes that I couldn't help but laugh!

The other night we ate at Okoboji Grill. I wasn't sure what it was when we passed it- it sounded like a Chinese place. I was craving steaks and baked potatoes but I said lets try it. I was not disappointed and it wasn't Chinese. I was able to satisfy my craving! The waitress was so super friendly! I don't see that much where we live and it was wonderful to have such good service. It will be somewhere we will eat at again (thankfully there's one in Ankeny).

We've frequented Panchero's twice now! I don't think its as good as Moe's, but it is good. Today we tried Taco Johns (must be on a Mexican kick). I was not disappointed. Those hash browns were delicious!!! I've been one happy pregnant lady lately when it comes to food;) Zach even went and got me an Oreo Blizzard from DQ last night (we don't have a DQ near us).

Besides food there seems like there is a lot to do here (being pregnant food is a frequent thought). On our way to Des Moines we passed a sign for Living History Farms. It looks SO cool and you can bet we will go there!!! It seems like there will be a lot to do for field trips and such (a zoo, science center, etc). There are so many parks and walking trails in the different cities- it is really neat.

This morning we went to Des Moines and picked out the color of our siding, roof, door, floors, counters, etc. It was so much fun to do! Zach didn't really care too much, of course, though he did help with some decisions! I can't wait to see it all put together! Today they're already supposed to pour the cement for the flooring so they're getting underway! We'll have to drive by tomorrow and take a picture of where they're at.

Good news or bad?

We really enjoyed the church! Even before we got in the building we were greeted by people- its a small church and they were expecting us! It was such a wonderful welcome! The people were wonderful- even the children coming up and shaking our hands! And it seems our kids made fast friends with other kids! The sermon was wonderful and the Pastor took us to lunch afterward. It was great getting to know he and his family better, especially after I'd been in touch with his wife for a couple of months via email.

We did more house hunting yesterday. One house (16th house down, in Stratford on Dryden) we went to was out in the country on 2.9 acres and was so beautiful on the outside. The inside was decent but needed work- like major paint jobs, new carpeting and a bit of updating in the kitchen. The bathroom had started being completed but wasn't finished. We really considered the house- it was so spacious, but would require work and money. Some of the other houses were ok, but nothing really stood out. There was one in Ames that I really liked. It had a nice sunroom, a nice playroom in the basement and was cute. Zach didn't like it, being an older home and it didn't have quite the number of bathrooms I'd like. Also, two bedrooms were downstairs and I wouldn't have wanted one of the kids down there alone! This one was so cool. Doesn't look old on the outside but on the inside it was so old- natural woodwork, cobblestone type kitchen floor. It was beautiful, but again not Zach's type. Which was okay with me, not sure its 'suitable' for young children to live in! We looked at a bunch of others but none really fit. I was a bit discouraged to say the least.

I haven't been sleeping well, in a strange smaller bed with hardly any room in the bed! Not to mention the stress of not finding something!!! We didn't have much of a game plan today and that concerned me, but we decided to drive back to Ankeny. Zach really likes this house which is being built and should be done sometime in May. I liked it too but thought the kitchen too small- not much cupboard space. So we met with our realtor and the listing agent and looked at it again. We also looked at another floor plan we didn't see the other day. My favorite of them all was this one which had a 'model' we could actually see The only thing different in the one they're building is that it will be 2 full bathrooms upstairs rather than the 'Jack & Jill' bathroom, which will add a bit of square feet. I liked the open floor plan downstairs. There is one of these being built, but they said it wouldn't be done until July!!! But then we found out if they 'sell' it they'll work on it quicker and put aside some of the work on the other houses that aren't sold. It's got the basement poured at this point and that is it!!! But we decided to make an offer on it and pray that it will be done pretty near to the time we move up. Our offer was accepted!!!! I took pictures of the model but of course I forgot my cord at home so I can't post them until we get back. Tomorrow we go to the builders service center to pick out flooring and all that...but we'll probably stick with the standard options as they are very nice.

It is weird that I'm not more excited about it all. I mean I'm very excited but not jumping up and down! I think I'm just so exhausted by it all at this point and it will kick in at some point! It is weird to think we'll be purchasing another home- a brand new one at that! We will have to build a garage at some point and also try to finish at least part of the basement to add more room. We haven't lived in a 3 bedroom home in a long time!!! But there are families larger than ours who live in homes smaller than ours and they manage! So...we have a home!!! Now maybe we can head back to MS sooner and quit spending money on lodging and food!

(I hope this post makes sense. I am tired and hungry and I'm not sure I'm thinking straight! I also have more I want to post about but just can't think straight!)

We made it

We arrived in Ames yesterday evening but I was too tired to let y'all know! Plus the kiddos were dying to swim in the pool! We had a pretty uneventful drive up but ran into some heavy rain yesterday. I'm assuming that if we'd been awake we would have felt tremors from the earthquake as we were on the border of Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois. I hear they even felt tremors up here in Iowa! Crazy!

We looked at our first batch of homes today. Some we really liked but they were a bit on the steep end of our price range. Some were ok and others we liked. There are about 3 homes currently being built that we really like, but they're a bit small. They are beautiful though, and quite affordable. We will see what tomorrow brings as its another day of looking at homes!

We also get to try our 'new' church tomorrow. I am very excited for this. I've been in touch through email with the pastor's wife for some time and just talked with her on the phone. It will be so nice to finally meet them!

We haven't had much time yet to explore Ames. Zach mentioned doing it tonight but I think I'm too tired. We've got baths to give, clothes to iron and sleep to gain!

Some funnies I wrote down that happened on our ride up:

Princess: Mom, when we go to Iowa house hunting are we going to be on TV like other people? (referring to House Hunters)

Little Man upon seeing round hay bales in Iowa declares: MEATBALLS!!!! I laughed so hard and when I told my mom on the phone I couldn't even talk because I was cracking up so much!

Cuddly boy asked (while playing with his sandals), "Where's our 'now boots?" He cried when I told him there was no snow right now!!! Thursday night when we'd stopped for the night I walked into the room to find him laying in bed with the hotels Bible on his lap!

And a note to my self: don't stop at 'hickville' gas stations. There are not enough regular gas pumps and you will pull up to a diesel not realizing it. The 'regular' pumps will be full...with a whole 2 cars!

Hodge Podge

Last night was our last night teaching Cubbies since we won't be here this coming Sunday. I have to admit that while there I was relieved it was my last time. I had a splitting headache (which I've been getting every day) and I had a child who disobeyed me many times that I was not happy with. But I will really miss those kids! They've grown on me- especially the girls I've had the last two years. As I watched them playing games I wondered what they'd be like 4 years from now. Would they even remember Ms. Jamie and Mr. Zach? Well, they'd probably remember Mr. Zach, they love him! He had the privilege of dressing up in the Cubbie costume last night and I think he got a kick out of it! The kids sure loved it.

Today was definitely a Monday. Loads of laundry piled high. School to crack down on. We did go out and play with friends at the Golden Arches though and that was fun! I just can't wait until this month is over! I'm trying to do school with the kids and get things ready for our trip to Iowa, making sure I don't forget whatever important papers I will need for this or that. Oh, and then the disobedience from my children...it about drove me nuts. The one that was the worst today is still up, although he should be sleeping with his daddy- I REALLY could use a break from him!

Speaking of Iowa, we did find a house we like but its about 20-30 minutes from Ames. Which is okay. Zach would rather live in a nice house we can afford and drive that distance than live in a dumpy house. Me too, of course (though I don't have the commute). Zach loves this house but I'm having second thoughts on some things. It's only 3 bedroom (but most are), it doesn't have a garage (I don't think, and I think that's important in the elements of Iowa), and from looking online it doesn't seem like there is much storage space (essential for a homeschool mom). I know it will all work out though! It is beautiful...if only we can get a finished basement and garage added;) Did I mention it is brand new? I'd post the link but I don't want to...I just want to wait and see what we come up with later in the week and then I'll show you. I've got a list of about 20 houses to possibly see! Is that too much??? I think I have too much time on my hands!

Hormones, hormones...I've experienced them well today. Cried twice today at the drop of a hat! Not to mention my spells of getting rather upset with these children, namely the one jumping all over the floor as I type. I guess maybe I should head to bed so I no longer have to deal with it...but I really prefer some quiet not being in my bed! And the back pain lately has been awful! Not sure how I'll survive the 16 hours to Iowa!!! HELP!

Is it really Monday?

***UPDATED TO ADD: It is not a problem of getting a loan...it's just well-meaning people at this point. I'm sure we'll have no problem with obtaining a loan, thankfully!


Today has flown by. If I haven't been teaching a child or throwing a load of laundry in the washer I've been cleaning up or on the phone. I've contacted different lenders in regards to rates and all that fun (NOT) stuff. We need to get pre-approved before we head to Iowa next week. The whole house hunting thing has been rather frustrating, to say the least. Some people seem to think we make poor financial decisions and that we can't even afford to buy a house, or at least one over $100K. Our home when we moved here was over that and we made less money so I really don't see how that is possible, but to each his own. Hopefully tonight we will get online and begin the loan process, or being pre-approved for one. It's been one of those days. At this point I even dread going to Iowa and I just wish we were moving somewhere where there was military housing. I don't see how we are supposed to drastically downsize our living space when our family will be increasing within the next 4 years. Whatever. I'm so tired of it. I just want to be in Iowa, in a house that I like and settled with a new baby. Maybe I wouldn't be so annoyed and adamant about the whole thing but I live in my house. It is where I am all day every day. I don't go to work outside of my house. It is my home. Therefore I want it to be a place that I enjoy, one where I feel comfortable in. I know I keep coming back to this house issue but I'm so over it at this point. Hopefully in two weeks we'll know more and I'll be a bit happier about it all.

Cuddly Boy wanted to sleep in underwear last night. Um...he still sleeps with us. So I had to break out the waterproof pad I have plus put two towels down and of course he peed his pants. That's something I won't be doing every night! I can't be waking many times a night using the bathroom myself and then changing him! I know he should be potty trained at night by now but he just can't get it. He also insisted on doing school today and kept breaking out his books. I'm sure he enjoyed mom spending time with him and he did great with shapes, numbers and patterns.

Then they all had to paint today. Yesterday one of Princess' friends brought her a birthday gift, in addition to something for the boys. So all day I was harassed, or rather begged to paint. Finally once school was done (which its really not) they were able to paint. Little Man sure has some artistic abilities, for one of his pictures is awesome! He must take after Zach's side of the family...some of them are pretty artistic.

Ok, off to try to rest or begin dinner or something like that. There is so much to do I can't even think straight. Life is busy!

Just in case

My mom said that she couldn't see indoor pictures of the house I really like so just in case here's the link where you can see more pictures. It is really priced great. There are others houses for the same price and they're not as nice as this one by a long shot (in my opinion).

Here's one that's the same price. We'd really have our work cut out for us tearing down that wallpaper!

Here's the other for the same price. While it's not bad I'm not keen on the bathrooms or wood paneling in one of the rooms. And the outside makes me think of the house on The Brady Bunch.

The Flipside

Ok so I showed you the houses that would better accommodate our family, but are a bit pricier. Here are some that are more affordable but rather smaller or just plain yuck.

Some that were sent to us before are pending sale so I can't find info on them. I'm telling you there is really nothing but junk for $130K and under. It is frustrating!

Here's the first one. I love the kitchen (not). And it is more than the $130! UGH!

This is one we liked. Obviously it says its pending. I think it was by RR tracks anyway.

This one looks nice and dark, not to mention tiny. Plus I think its a townhouse.

Then there's this one. Again, check out the kitchen.

Ok, I admit this one is nice. But who knows what it looks like inside!?!

I don't like this at all. Sorry!

Then we have this home which is just plain tiny.

Again the kitchen here is yuck and the bedrooms look like they're so small.

The last one.

When we move I'll be 6 months pregnant! With three children. The last thing I want to do when I move into a house is a ton of renovations, painting, etc. And I don't feel comfortable buying a house I won't be comfortable in, ya know? It is such a frustrating process, I just want to scream!

I found it!

This is the first house I've looked at that I absolutely fell in love with. I want it, I want it, I want it! We're going to Ames at the end of April to house hunt. I can't wait, although I'm dreading the long drive and the thought of spending money!

Where has the week gone?

These are the flowers we had placed in church on Sunday in honor of Malachi. Beautiful, aren't they? They smell so good! I hate that flowers die so quickly! That's one reason I never buy them. Saturday we went to eat at Olive Garden. Oh it was delicious. We hadn't been there in forever. I so want to go back...today!

I can't believe I barely posted all week! Monday I woke up feeling so much more energetic! I wanted to clean! But I didn't. Instead I committed myself to doing school! That's more important than a clean house, right? Zach was off Monday and Tuesday because he tested for Master Sergeant on Wednesday. He thinks he did alright, so I am really praying he makes it! We won't find out until June and if he made it he wouldn't sew it on until the summer of 2009 but its a good pay increase! So far he's made rank the first time testing, if not earlier so I'm counting on it again. He works so hard and puts up with a lot so I'm believing God will bless him, but if not its ok- he'll just test again next year!

Tuesday and Wednesday I cleaned, cleaned, cleaned. I went through clothes and have 3 huge garbage bags full of our clothes to get rid of. I cleaned the refrigerator. I cleaned. I was so tired of a nasty house! I also did school. It is nice to be getting back into school. We've been doing about 2 lessons a day because I don't want to be at it until July! And they really don't seem to mind working so we keep at it!

Today we dove right into our schoolwork. Little Man amazes me by how fast he picks up on math! Today he learned skip counting, and while not hard at all I wasn't sure he'd get it. Boy, he did awesome! Princess is learning cursive writing and really excited about it! By 2 pm I was exhausted and had to lie down. I think with all of the cleaning the past couple of days I wore myself out! I was going to go to Park Day today but wasn't sure how warm it would be (I was freezing for some reason). We were also doing well with our schoolwork so I thought we'd just skip it. I also skipped out on a dentist appointment I had today. It was that or take the kids with me and I could see that being a nightmare! Hopefully the date I rescheduled works for Zach to watch them.

On the moving front we can't be more excited. At first we were being shown some affordable homes but they were so small or ugly. We're tyring not to be picky, but it is a home we're going to be purchasing so we do want to be happy with it. We upped the price a bit and there's quite a few we like. We'll just have to see if we can afford that. We did look at our bills and try to figure things out somewhat but its so hard. We're hoping to drive to Iowa in April to really house hunt. I do not want to buy a house just looking at the pictures online! You never know what you may end up with or where it may be (there are many nice ones that seem like they're right by railroad tracks).

I have no idea what I'm going to do yet regarding the birth, but I'll keep praying about it and seeking information. I've gotten some names of midwives and such in that area from people I've been in touch with from there. The thing that excites me the most (I think I mentioned this before) is the church there. I know we haven't actually gone there yet, but it doesn't seem like it could get any better. The pastor's wife and I email back and forth and she is a wealth of information. Not to mention very encouraging. It is always difficult moving and leaving friends behind. When we moved here I was about 7 months pregnant with Cuddly Boy. Of course I was wondering how I'd meet somebody to care for the other two when I had him! I had a friend in NC who had a friend stationed here (the Air Force is a small world) and she hooked us up. We met the Blackmon's and became fast friends. They were the type of people I felt comfortable leaving my children with. And they were so helpful with us moving and having a baby! I feel like the Lord is providing that in Iowa also. He is so good in how He watches over us!

Jodie wants to see some pics of houses we like, so here we go!

415 Beedle Drive-the pictures the realtor sent don't seem as dark and stuff as these ones.

Red Oak Drive- this one is really expensive but I really like it!

Grant Circle- the rooms in this one seem big!

Larson Drive- another nice one

Duea Cr- I think I saw more pics on this from the realtor. I am not on my computer but the laptop so I'm unable to access them.

Greene St- Zach loves the bathtub!

I was trying to be content looking at 3 bedrooms but we've been so spoiled with room for so long that it is hard! And with adding 2 more children to our family this year its just more feasible to have a 4 bedroom and more room. Also, we've had 2 bathrooms for like 6 years so its hard to go to less than that for me. I've been quite spoiled (or blessed) in the houses we've lived in and I really can't imagine going much smaller. The house we're in now isn't very big but I love the open layout downstairs. I keep saying I wish we could just take this house with us! Anyway, I think I should wrap this post up.