Update

I’m sorry it has been a few days since an update has been made. A lot has happened. I will try to make sure I include everything.

Visit to AZ – My trip to AZ was so productive, as you will see in the next few paragraphs. Matt and I had a wonderful Valentine’s Day. He took me to Ra Sushi for dinner and then we drove around looking at the different areas. I was very tired from being sick with this sinus infection and having to get on a plane, but we made the most of only three days together.

Apartment – We were able to find an apartment on Saturday. Literally 30 minutes after we walked into the leasing office, we had keys to our new AZ home. I will post the pictures tonight (Picasa link to the left). It is very small, but it is exactly what we need for the time being, and it has a washer and dryer (a must). Plus, it has a really nice pool and hot tub. The apartment is located at 48th Street and Knox (Ray Road is next street South – a little more common street) in the heart of Ahwatukee. We are a block from Target, shopping area, grocery store and eateries. We are only two miles from LifeTime Fitness. We are three blocks from the entrance to a few of the great trails of South Mountain. It is the perfect spot. We are really happy.

Troy Home – I have been working day and night to get the house ready to put a for sale sign on it. I must say that even I am impressed J The house looks great. Every closet, drawer, cabinet, floor, and wall has been scrubbed. I will spend the next week or so working on the bathroom upstairs. I want to paint, remove medicine cabinet, frame mirror, change out the hardware and light fixtures and replace the linen closet door. I think that it will make it look really nice. I have also made a few phone calls to get the garage door replaced and a coat of paint put on the house. I am concerned that it is too cold to paint, but I am willing to do whatever to make the house saleable. The Realtor has already called and she is ready when we are.

AZ Homes – We have started to house shop down in AZ, but really need to center our attention on the Troy home right now. There are so many to choose from. I promise that when we get to that point, I will ensure everyone sees pictures of the potentials. J

Matt traveling schedule – Matt is slated to travel twice in March; the weekend of the 6th (booked) and the weekend of either the 20th or the 27th (not currently booked). The kids and I are very excited. Matt and I just do not see how we can get the house up for sale without two trips this coming month. I just can not do it on my own.

The kids – I was able to spend some time with the kids last night. It was amazing. Tyler was so depressed when he got to me saying how much he missed Daddy and he wants to see Daddy, blah blah blah. I had a really nice discussion with the kids last night explaining that Daddy will be here in 16 days and that we can start the count down. I explained to them that this year is a little different because of Daddy is just getting down there and how different things will be next year. For instance, this week is Winter Break. Due to us having the kids so much this school year already, Erin had this break. However, next year, they will be with us. Next year, they will be with us for 10 days in March, and then the entire Spring break. So, in three months, they will be with us more than three whole weeks! That is not too shabby!! After the nice discussion and them understanding a little better, I don’t believe that Tyler was so unhappy. I think that as the adults in Tyler and Melissa’s lives, we need to shape their thinking on this whole change. If we present this change as terrible and that life is never going to be the same, they are going to feel like their world is crumbling down around them. We are responsible (and accountable) for helping them understand that change happens and that we just need to make the best of it. Next week, I will have the kids Monday and Tuesday and then the weekend. I think that will help with the positive reinforcement. I love them so much. I know that as a family we can get through anything…we have come a long way thus far!

I will post pictures tonight and keep everyone updated on the house. Please keep us in your prayers!