Well, it is official. We have placed an offer on a home. We are trying not to get our hopes up too much because it is a short sale, but we are excited to have placed our first offer.
The home is a ranch in the Ahwatukee Foothills. It isn't really big, but it isn't small either; it is just perfect. It has a beautiful kitchen with granite countertops and the entire home has Travertine floors. Melissa and Tyler's rooms are spacious; they will be able to fit all of their stuff and then some! It has the perfect size pool that the kids will love; even big enough for me to do smaller laps in the morning if I would like.
We are really happy that the kids were able to see some preliminary pictures of it on Sunday. I will be bringing my flash drive to Michigan on Thursday, so that I can show them the pictures in person.
It is the perfect home for our family. Now, it is just a wait and see game. The home is not lived in currently, so our Realtor is having some preliminary inspections done on the home. The pool guy is coming on Thursday and we are trying to line up the floor guy. The nice thing about a short sale is that we can back out at any time. And once the bank accepts our offer (which could be tomorrow...or it could be 5 months from now), we have 10 days from that point to back out. Therefore, this is pretty low risk. The only difficult thing right now is that all but one home in Ahwatukee in our price range is a conventional sale. They are all going through the banks. The one nice thing is that Matt and I are pre-approved, the money is there, and we are ready to go when the bank says, "Go!"
Pretty exciting! I will keep everyone posted...I could have good news soon, but definitely later! :-)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Found A Home...Well, Two Actually
This has been a really great weekend :-)
Saturday we celebrated the end of the boxes! Yes, the apartment is finally put together. The boxes are gone, the bed is made, and the laundry is done. I can finally sit down, relaxed, knowing we accomplished A LOT in the past week. We finished the night at Rock Bottom, of course! Father's Day dinner was celebrated with Amanda and Murph over a few great micro-brewed beers...and lots and lots of food!
Today was a milestone. We found two houses that we really like. The first one is AWESOME! It has Travertine tile throughout the entire house! I love it; Matt loves it. Now, we go to the next step. The lender will submit all the paperwork tomorrow, so that we can verify that we have been preapproved (most short-sale homes are like that I was told). Then, it is offer time. We are trying to stay realistic because it is a short-sale home, but we really can't help but be a little excited. Now, if this deal falls through, we do have the other home we saw today that we also really really liked. It is not a short sale home, and is priced to sell. So, either way, we know that we could be looking at being in a home very soon! We are SOOO excited about that!!!!! We showed the kids a few pictures today because we want them to be part of the decision. It just would not feel right saying to them, "This is the house we bought," without them having some foreknowledge. I should be able to give everyone an update tomorrow. :-)
In less than 5 days I will be in Michigan. It will be nice to have a vacation, and of course spend it with my two favorite kids! They seemed very excited that they would be up at the island with Grandma and Grandpa and the rest of their family. Mom told us tonight that Dad is putting the boat in the water tomorrow - awesome! It will be so nice to do a little fishing, have a few bonfires, and hold Melissa and Tyler for 10 days straight! I told Melissa today that I would go and buy her a new bathing suit to get her through the 4th at the island - I know the one she has been eyeing up at Target. After going through their clothes here in the apartment, we realized that we will need to buy them a few more things, LOL, okay, maybe more than a few things. They are just growing so quickly. I took Matt shopping today for Father's Day (and of course had to buy some tea at Teavana for myself), and we found a few t-shirts for Tyler, but he will need more. Melissa and I enjoy shopping together, so we didnt pick her up anything. I will take her the first week they are here, and she can buy what she wants. We will make a "Girls' Day" out of it...it will be so much fun!
Well, looking forward to a short week. Tiff, I went and bought The Undomestic Goddess today. I was going to buy the next book in the Shopoholic series (which would have been With Sister), but Matt said he thought I should try something different. I have already started it, and it makes me laugh. Same humor as the shop series, true Kinsella writing, but just a different story line; seems like it will be a great read - and perfect for my ten days at the island!
There is one thing I am really going to miss while in Michigan (well, besides my husband for the first few days before he gets there), and that is my new girlfriend Amanda. Amanda, I don't know if you have started to read my blog yet (We have only caught each other online with FB), but if you have, I want to say that I have really enjoyed the past few weeks of hanging out with you and Murph (well, mostly you - Matt can have Murph - oh, j/k, LOL). You are such a kindred spirit, and we have so much in common. When you asked me Saturday night if I was really leaving you for 10 days, that made me feel happy because I know we are really starting to become good friends. I am really going to miss you while I am gone. I swear, you are coming with me next time! You would love meeting all my best girlfriends back home. They would LOVE you! :-)
Okay, I must get some sleep. Hope everyone has a good week. If anything changes tomorrow (ie, an offer placed), I will let everyone know (most of you will get a phone call first, LOL)
Good night everyone! Love you!!
Saturday we celebrated the end of the boxes! Yes, the apartment is finally put together. The boxes are gone, the bed is made, and the laundry is done. I can finally sit down, relaxed, knowing we accomplished A LOT in the past week. We finished the night at Rock Bottom, of course! Father's Day dinner was celebrated with Amanda and Murph over a few great micro-brewed beers...and lots and lots of food!
Today was a milestone. We found two houses that we really like. The first one is AWESOME! It has Travertine tile throughout the entire house! I love it; Matt loves it. Now, we go to the next step. The lender will submit all the paperwork tomorrow, so that we can verify that we have been preapproved (most short-sale homes are like that I was told). Then, it is offer time. We are trying to stay realistic because it is a short-sale home, but we really can't help but be a little excited. Now, if this deal falls through, we do have the other home we saw today that we also really really liked. It is not a short sale home, and is priced to sell. So, either way, we know that we could be looking at being in a home very soon! We are SOOO excited about that!!!!! We showed the kids a few pictures today because we want them to be part of the decision. It just would not feel right saying to them, "This is the house we bought," without them having some foreknowledge. I should be able to give everyone an update tomorrow. :-)
In less than 5 days I will be in Michigan. It will be nice to have a vacation, and of course spend it with my two favorite kids! They seemed very excited that they would be up at the island with Grandma and Grandpa and the rest of their family. Mom told us tonight that Dad is putting the boat in the water tomorrow - awesome! It will be so nice to do a little fishing, have a few bonfires, and hold Melissa and Tyler for 10 days straight! I told Melissa today that I would go and buy her a new bathing suit to get her through the 4th at the island - I know the one she has been eyeing up at Target. After going through their clothes here in the apartment, we realized that we will need to buy them a few more things, LOL, okay, maybe more than a few things. They are just growing so quickly. I took Matt shopping today for Father's Day (and of course had to buy some tea at Teavana for myself), and we found a few t-shirts for Tyler, but he will need more. Melissa and I enjoy shopping together, so we didnt pick her up anything. I will take her the first week they are here, and she can buy what she wants. We will make a "Girls' Day" out of it...it will be so much fun!
Well, looking forward to a short week. Tiff, I went and bought The Undomestic Goddess today. I was going to buy the next book in the Shopoholic series (which would have been With Sister), but Matt said he thought I should try something different. I have already started it, and it makes me laugh. Same humor as the shop series, true Kinsella writing, but just a different story line; seems like it will be a great read - and perfect for my ten days at the island!
There is one thing I am really going to miss while in Michigan (well, besides my husband for the first few days before he gets there), and that is my new girlfriend Amanda. Amanda, I don't know if you have started to read my blog yet (We have only caught each other online with FB), but if you have, I want to say that I have really enjoyed the past few weeks of hanging out with you and Murph (well, mostly you - Matt can have Murph - oh, j/k, LOL). You are such a kindred spirit, and we have so much in common. When you asked me Saturday night if I was really leaving you for 10 days, that made me feel happy because I know we are really starting to become good friends. I am really going to miss you while I am gone. I swear, you are coming with me next time! You would love meeting all my best girlfriends back home. They would LOVE you! :-)
Okay, I must get some sleep. Hope everyone has a good week. If anything changes tomorrow (ie, an offer placed), I will let everyone know (most of you will get a phone call first, LOL)
Good night everyone! Love you!!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
I Found The Teapot!
This has been a great week.
Last weekend, I travelled back to Michigan for Jen's baby shower and to spend some time with Mom, Dad and Uncle Marvin. Jen's shower was very nice and relaxing. It was great to see the girls. Sunday, Dad and I got up early and took the ride to Stockbridge. The drive was enjoyable and allowed Dad and I to catch up. We got to the farm late morning and spent the entire day with Uncle Marvin. The fields are filled with green and the air is crisp. I was so happy that Uncle Marvin was able to walk to the back of the property with me and back to the front. He even climbed up into one of the tractors and started it up! :-) I have some great pictures that I would LOVE to share with everyone. I will take them tomorrow after our hike and then post them later. I think you will get a kick out of some of them!!
Monday was moving day here for us in Arizona. Matt and I took personal days and coordinated the delivery to both the storage bin and the apartment. It was a VERY long day! The trucks did not leave until about 4:30 in the afternoon (and they started at 7:30). However, I must not complain because we have all of our stuff - even my teapot Mom! After going through a few of the boxes tonight, and being persistent, Matt found it for me. He has been such an amazing, supportive, friend through all of this. This has been a very hard week for me. Seeing my home get packed without me being there, having Mom go to the closing for us, and then watch our stuff be delivered here, was somewhat difficult; the closure had come. However, I think that the storm has past. Tonight has been fun. Matt and I have popped popcorn, watched all the Matrix movies (I know, cheesy, but Matt loves them), and made drinks from some of the leftover alcohol that was sent to the house. We laughed because we know that once I get on the trails tomorrow, I will be just fine :-) It is amazing how theraputic our hikes are for me. It is hard to explain...just being out there, on top of a mountian, looking down at civilization below (well, sometimes mattering on where we go), you feel so close to God and the heavens...such an amazing calming affect. :-) Anyway, tomorrow will be fun!
I am not exactly sure what the rest of the weekend will bring, but I will update everyone on Sunday (with pictures too!). Sunday will be our weekly visit with the kids; we are really looking forward to it. Unfortunate that it will only be virtual, but we will be with them in less than a week...and then from there it is only a couple of weeks and they will be here! :-)
Okay, I must get some sleep. Four o'clock comes early, and I need my strength for 16 miles :-) Good night!!
Last weekend, I travelled back to Michigan for Jen's baby shower and to spend some time with Mom, Dad and Uncle Marvin. Jen's shower was very nice and relaxing. It was great to see the girls. Sunday, Dad and I got up early and took the ride to Stockbridge. The drive was enjoyable and allowed Dad and I to catch up. We got to the farm late morning and spent the entire day with Uncle Marvin. The fields are filled with green and the air is crisp. I was so happy that Uncle Marvin was able to walk to the back of the property with me and back to the front. He even climbed up into one of the tractors and started it up! :-) I have some great pictures that I would LOVE to share with everyone. I will take them tomorrow after our hike and then post them later. I think you will get a kick out of some of them!!
Monday was moving day here for us in Arizona. Matt and I took personal days and coordinated the delivery to both the storage bin and the apartment. It was a VERY long day! The trucks did not leave until about 4:30 in the afternoon (and they started at 7:30). However, I must not complain because we have all of our stuff - even my teapot Mom! After going through a few of the boxes tonight, and being persistent, Matt found it for me. He has been such an amazing, supportive, friend through all of this. This has been a very hard week for me. Seeing my home get packed without me being there, having Mom go to the closing for us, and then watch our stuff be delivered here, was somewhat difficult; the closure had come. However, I think that the storm has past. Tonight has been fun. Matt and I have popped popcorn, watched all the Matrix movies (I know, cheesy, but Matt loves them), and made drinks from some of the leftover alcohol that was sent to the house. We laughed because we know that once I get on the trails tomorrow, I will be just fine :-) It is amazing how theraputic our hikes are for me. It is hard to explain...just being out there, on top of a mountian, looking down at civilization below (well, sometimes mattering on where we go), you feel so close to God and the heavens...such an amazing calming affect. :-) Anyway, tomorrow will be fun!
I am not exactly sure what the rest of the weekend will bring, but I will update everyone on Sunday (with pictures too!). Sunday will be our weekly visit with the kids; we are really looking forward to it. Unfortunate that it will only be virtual, but we will be with them in less than a week...and then from there it is only a couple of weeks and they will be here! :-)
Okay, I must get some sleep. Four o'clock comes early, and I need my strength for 16 miles :-) Good night!!
Friday, June 12, 2009
It is Finally Over!
Well, I am finally getting around to sitting down and writing. It has been an amazing couple of weeks. God has really shown his magnificence! I was going to write on Wednesday to announce the closing, but well, I have to admit, the closing of the house did a number on me. It has been a very emotional few days. Let me give you a recap:
Matt left on Thursday, June 4th, for Chicago. He golfed with all the Sig Pi’s at their annual outing. He had a really great time. I spent the weekend relaxing and bonding with Baxter.
Friday night Baxter and I set out for a 4 mile walk. I think I wore the poor guy out! However, he doesn’t stay down too long, so really it just helped me get through Friday evening J Matt has agreed that once we get a house we can get a little girlfriend for him. With the backyards all being fenced in, I would like to get a doggy door for them so that they can go in and out as they feel free. I am still working on that. Cosmetically, Matt thinks it looks bad, but most people here in AZ do have doggy doors. Maybe we can talk a little more about it once we find a house we are ready to put an offer on.
Saturday, I did a 3 hour hike on South Mountain all by myself. It was a pleasant, reflective 10 miles that I was able to contemplate and meditate. With everything that has been going on lately, it was very nice to take a few steps back.
After my hike, I met up with my new girlfriend Amanda and we went shopping! We had such a great time!! She is so much like me. We laughed and giggled, bought a few great bargains, stopped and had a snack, and got to know each other better. She is an elementary school teacher looking for a full time gig. She is originally from Illinois (everyone out here is usually from somewhere else), and has been contemplating going back home to find a job. I just like her so much, and would hate to see her go, but everyone has to sustain themselves. I hope our friendship blossoms more. I really enjoy spending time with her and can see us being friends forever!
After our day of shopping, we met up with Murph (our other new friend from AZ – through Amanda) and went to Old Chicago. Old Chicago is a restaurant that is owned by the same company as Rock Bottom (the brewery we go to on Thursdays). It was a pretty cool place and the food was good. They are known for all their beers on tap and their huge selection of beers available by bottle. We stayed for a few hours to unwind and then headed home…Matt actually told me he was a little jealous that we were all together. I think he is fitting in here as well as me. We are enjoying our new friends and the good times they have shown us so far!
Sunday was a very quiet day. Baxter and I took another 4 mile walk and I enjoyed laying out by the pool for a few hours – very nice! J
This past week has been one thing after another. Monday and Tuesday, Corrigan packed and moved us. It was a huge undertaking from what Mom and Dad told us. Of course, they were there to manage it all! We are so grateful to have them. Everything was perfect – including a spotless home when they were done emptying. The new owners did their walk-through before the closing and couldn’t believe how spotless the house was.
The closing was Wednesday afternoon. Mom acted on behalf of Matt and me for all of the necessary signatures. We were told the buyers were very excited. They are an engaged couple from Macomb Township. Their happiness makes it somewhat easier to say goodbye, but it has still been difficult. I didn’t think that I would take the closing as hard as I did…maybe because it was the final closure. Not sure. All I know is that I balled my eyes out for two straight days. Matt has been a trooper! He even took me out to dinner and drinks at Rock Bottom to lift my spirits. Murph and Amanda came too! It was nice to have our new friends celebrating with us on the day that we officially closed; sort of an official way to start out now here. J
Matt and I have been spending the past week also enjoying the outdoors before monsoon season hits and looking for houses. We have had abnormally cooler temps for this time of year, so we have really been taking advantage of it. The heart rate monitor is still my favorite tech toy – yes, more so than my BlackBerry and iPod – and I use it all the time. I have started to give myself goals and targets each week, and so far, I have made all of them. I like the fact that I can compare certain activities that I do each week and see how I am progressing. I am enjoying my workouts more, and I am pushing myself a little harder. I recommend one for everyone that is looking to get an edge on their physical fitness.
I will continue to keep the blog updated with news on the house hunting, adventures we take hiking and sight-seeing, and of course trips we take to spend time with the kids.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!
Matt left on Thursday, June 4th, for Chicago. He golfed with all the Sig Pi’s at their annual outing. He had a really great time. I spent the weekend relaxing and bonding with Baxter.
Friday night Baxter and I set out for a 4 mile walk. I think I wore the poor guy out! However, he doesn’t stay down too long, so really it just helped me get through Friday evening J Matt has agreed that once we get a house we can get a little girlfriend for him. With the backyards all being fenced in, I would like to get a doggy door for them so that they can go in and out as they feel free. I am still working on that. Cosmetically, Matt thinks it looks bad, but most people here in AZ do have doggy doors. Maybe we can talk a little more about it once we find a house we are ready to put an offer on.
Saturday, I did a 3 hour hike on South Mountain all by myself. It was a pleasant, reflective 10 miles that I was able to contemplate and meditate. With everything that has been going on lately, it was very nice to take a few steps back.
After my hike, I met up with my new girlfriend Amanda and we went shopping! We had such a great time!! She is so much like me. We laughed and giggled, bought a few great bargains, stopped and had a snack, and got to know each other better. She is an elementary school teacher looking for a full time gig. She is originally from Illinois (everyone out here is usually from somewhere else), and has been contemplating going back home to find a job. I just like her so much, and would hate to see her go, but everyone has to sustain themselves. I hope our friendship blossoms more. I really enjoy spending time with her and can see us being friends forever!
After our day of shopping, we met up with Murph (our other new friend from AZ – through Amanda) and went to Old Chicago. Old Chicago is a restaurant that is owned by the same company as Rock Bottom (the brewery we go to on Thursdays). It was a pretty cool place and the food was good. They are known for all their beers on tap and their huge selection of beers available by bottle. We stayed for a few hours to unwind and then headed home…Matt actually told me he was a little jealous that we were all together. I think he is fitting in here as well as me. We are enjoying our new friends and the good times they have shown us so far!
Sunday was a very quiet day. Baxter and I took another 4 mile walk and I enjoyed laying out by the pool for a few hours – very nice! J
This past week has been one thing after another. Monday and Tuesday, Corrigan packed and moved us. It was a huge undertaking from what Mom and Dad told us. Of course, they were there to manage it all! We are so grateful to have them. Everything was perfect – including a spotless home when they were done emptying. The new owners did their walk-through before the closing and couldn’t believe how spotless the house was.
The closing was Wednesday afternoon. Mom acted on behalf of Matt and me for all of the necessary signatures. We were told the buyers were very excited. They are an engaged couple from Macomb Township. Their happiness makes it somewhat easier to say goodbye, but it has still been difficult. I didn’t think that I would take the closing as hard as I did…maybe because it was the final closure. Not sure. All I know is that I balled my eyes out for two straight days. Matt has been a trooper! He even took me out to dinner and drinks at Rock Bottom to lift my spirits. Murph and Amanda came too! It was nice to have our new friends celebrating with us on the day that we officially closed; sort of an official way to start out now here. J
Matt and I have been spending the past week also enjoying the outdoors before monsoon season hits and looking for houses. We have had abnormally cooler temps for this time of year, so we have really been taking advantage of it. The heart rate monitor is still my favorite tech toy – yes, more so than my BlackBerry and iPod – and I use it all the time. I have started to give myself goals and targets each week, and so far, I have made all of them. I like the fact that I can compare certain activities that I do each week and see how I am progressing. I am enjoying my workouts more, and I am pushing myself a little harder. I recommend one for everyone that is looking to get an edge on their physical fitness.
I will continue to keep the blog updated with news on the house hunting, adventures we take hiking and sight-seeing, and of course trips we take to spend time with the kids.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Great Start to June
The past few weeks have been great, but very busy. Matt and I are finally getting settled in, the jobs are going great, and the house ordeal in Michigan may be soon over. We can finally start to relax. Tiff - you will be happy to know I finally finished my book and will be starting the next. I can finally send you this darn book to read! :-)
We spent Memorial Day weekend up in MI with the kids. We went to Cedar Point for two of the days and then spent the rest of the weekend at the island. Melissa's birthday was celebrated on Friday and Cade and Callista were able to come and hang out. Melissa and Tyler were very happy to get the chance to see their friends that they haven't seen in a while.
We always have such a good time with the kids. There was lots of laughing, playing and enjoying each other's company. It was sad to see the weekend come to an end. We are already counting down until we see them again. Make sure you check out the pictures on the left.
The house (knock on wood) should be closing on the 10th of June...just 9 more days!!! We have tentatively scheduled for our stuff to get packed by the movers on the 8th and moved on the 9th. We couldn't have done any of it without Mom and Dad. We could never repay you for all that you have done. If it was not for you two, I don't know what we would have done besides had to come back to Michigan for a week or so to get everything squared away. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you so much. <3
Matt and I golfed our first 18 holes on Saturday with the Nissan crew. It was beautiful!!!! The course is called Southern Dunes Golf Course and it is 7th in the state. The Silver Tees play at 6,329 yards, the Gold Tees play at 6,851 yards, the Black Tees play at 7,337 yards, and the Tips are 7,494 yards - Yes, you read that right. It was a very challenging course. The bunkers alone made the course, as Jim put it, look like Normandy. It used to be a men's only course, but the recession (and women's lib) has taken its toll. That was the view from most of the fairways:
I had never golfed anything like it ever. Absolutely amazing. Of course, my golf game is nothing like my husband's (most of the men hit around 110; Matt hit an 82! Mind you, par is 72, and Matt hasn't golfed in a year!!) He was very patient with me and gave me some great pointers. I actually felt my game get slightly better in the 5 hours we were there. He has promised to take me every Wednesday night to hit balls and we are going to attempt to hit a course twice a month. I used to golf a lot before Matt and I started dating. I was even on a league. All that changed when I started dating Matt. It was nice to get back out on a course.
We finished off our weekend with a drive up to Wickenburg and Yarnell to see if we could find the Honeyman...no luck - wrong time of the year we were told. It didn't really matter; it was a great relaxing drive up in the mountains. I'll have pictures this weekend (can't download my pictures at this time; must go to Walgreens).
I got the coolest present from my husband today - a Polar heart rate monitor watch. I really love it. I have already got it all programmed and ready to go. I used it this evening and it seems pretty intuitive. I can't wait to see what it shows for my hike on Saturday. Matt and I have a poll of how many calories you burn going up Telegraph Pass. It will be interesting to see wich one of us is closest.
Well, as I said, things have slowed down, so I should be able to stay on top of this a little better. Hope everyone had a good Monday. Miss you all!!
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