Happy Easter!

Our day didn't go as planned, but it was an AWESOME day! A great ending to a wonderful first weekend in Arizona with my husband and Baxter.

We started out our Easter Sunday with church services at 8:50. We had planned on attending the 7:30, but I think that the time change is finally catching up with me. Matt had also wanted to see what their traditional services are like (because that is what he prefers), but the 8:50 service was contemporary. However, there were still many traditional aspects to the service. All-in-all, it was very nice. I say it that way because I think that personally, this will be the hardest change besides not seeing the children. I really love our church home at Faith. However, as Matt reminded me, these churches out here are so new. They do not have the following yet like a well established church like Faith. Plus, we just don't have the population of people here like in Troy. Rison Savior Lutheran is the largest church in the area with the exception of driving into Phoenix proper. There are approximately 300 in attendance at each service (there are 4 services on Sunday), and there is Children's Church at two of the services which is great. This is what it looks like:

It is very pretty!! We do want to visit again this coming week, and we do want to visit their traditional services next. There are 4 more churches, though, that we want to visit in the area, so we believe it may be a while before we make a decision on a church home.

We came home, ate a snack, made our sack lunches, and then headed over to our second hike for the weekend. LOL, if we only knew our leisure hike was going to turn into mountain climbing! Matt just kept saying, "Let's just go a little further...Let's just go a little further." Once we knew that we had the endurance to make it to the top of Superstition's Flat Iron, the highest peak, we just couldn't say no. Our hike lasted 6 hours! Getting to the top was the most empowering thing I have ever done! It made me stop and realize that anything I am determined to do, I can probably do. And look at my reward:

The most beautiful view you could imagine! And unfortunately, the pictures just do not do it justice. You really have to be there to believe it. It was so funny because after our hike/climb we met this older couple (we believe late 60s) and they asked if we had enjoyed our hike and where our day had taken us. We told them that we had just hiked/climbed Flatiron for the first time, and the man said, "Well, I'll be...I'd like to shake your hand!" And he did! He told us that it had been about 3 years since he had did it because he wasn't in that sort of shape any longer...but let me tell you, he looked in great shape! I must admit, it blew up our egos a little :-)

It was the most remarkable day! It was such a great Easter gift from God. I thank him for giving us such amazing places like The Flatiron to deeply understand the love that he has for this beautiful universe...and for us!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter with their family and friends.

Shopping and Biking

Today was another great day with the exeption of the weather...and even that wasn't so bad.

We started out the day with an awesome visit with Melissa and Tyler in the morning on the web cams. They are doing great! It sounds as though they have had a really nice Spring break with their mother and step father. We were able to sit with them and visit for a little over an hour and then they had to go. We were very happy to see how excited they were to talk with us. Just two more weeks and we will see them. We understand from their mom that both the kids have games on the Saturday we are in town. We are both very excited to take them and watch them play.

After that, we were off to the Chandler Fashion Square Mall. All I have to say is that I really do not need to go into Scottsdale...okay, well, for the exception of getting my obsession for expensive tea filled at Teavana (Em - you know all about that); closest place to get it. So anyway, CFSM has everything anyone would need...Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Banana Republic, and tons of West Coast beachwear stores (Hurley, Pac Sun, Buckle, Stash, Tillies...you name it!) I got a really cute new pair of brown Kenneth Cole heals and another pair of black Madden heals for a steal (Robin and Em - you would be so proud!) I considered it a very productive day with my shopping buddy - truth be told, he picked out the Madden's!

After the mall, Mom and Dad called on the web cams too (gosh, I love the web cams). We are very excited to see them also in two weeks when we come in. We miss them very much.

After our little break, we were off for a bike ride...15 miles! It started to rain the last 6 miles, but with the uphill climbs that we were doing the rain didn't feel so bad. Plus, after it stopped, the most beautiful rainbow appeared that started at South Mountain and ended in the valley. We were at the perfect elevation to view both ends. Yeah, I know, where was my camera? I always have that darn camera every other time...just not at the right time! I hadn't brought it because I don't have a bike bag and I wore my biking shorts, of which do not have pockets. I think now Matt and I can justify one :-)

We made sure our bike ride was productive, and we scoped out a few more communities. We found another home to place on our radar, and it sure is pretty. I still hope there is a chance with Desert Broom Way (our favorite), but I am thankful to see that as houses fall off the radar screen they are soon replaced with another remarkable home. I do believe, though, that we have settled on staying in the Ahwatukee area. Matt has been sold for about a month now, but I wasn't. It is obvious to me now that it's because I wasn't down here living. The other areas that were on the list (Chandler and Gilbert) are nice, but they don't have the outdoor recreation like the Ahwatukee area provides. I mean, you don't have to drive anywhere - the mountain is right here! Now, there are a few more mountainous areas more south, and we are going to check them out; we are keeping an open mind. However, Matt is only 6 miles from work. I would like to keep him close because of owning the Commander now. I will have a company lease car, so it doesn't really matter. We had another showing today, and have another one scheduled for Monday. Matt and you, Tammie, are pretty certain that the house will sell by a certain date. However, I am not even saying when so as to not jinx us :-) We are in hopes to be looking for a home to put an offer on real soon.

Tonight will be an early evening, for tomorrow we will rise early to visit Risen Savior Lutheran Church. It is one of the LCMS churches in our area (thanks Mom for helping me find some!). The morning traditional service starts at 7:50; Matt picked :-) Then we will hike Picacho Peak! More to come on that tomorrow!!

It is Official - We Are Arizonans! (And We Took Our First Hike)

It is really late and I would like to spend a few hours with my husband before I go to bed, so I will just say that you need to check out our pictures from the day's activities (to the left). We had such a great day!

It started with getting the car registered, us getting our licenses, and having a great lunch. We hiked approximately 4 miles (more than 3,000 feet asl) and then did a 4 mile trek through the suburbs of Ahwatukee with the dog looking at houses.

We ended the night with a great dinner, great wine, and a soak in the hot tub. Can life be any more relaxing?!?!

Tonight a storm is coming through. They said we are forecasted to get rain, but we are highly doubtful...maybe on the moutain range. The only thing we have gotten thus far is high winds. It is 80 degrees here, but I actually wore a sweatshirt on our walk tonight. I know, I know...it sounds crazy...but it is a different sort of heat.

Miss everyone very much. I talked to you, Daddy, tonight. I hope you are still around in two weeks so that I can see you, but I know you are getting bored and want to head down to Florida with Mom. I understand if you have to leave before we get here, but I bring presents! (wink, wink) Love you!!!

Sun and Fun

Today was my first full day here in Arizona. It was a lot of fun exploring my new city!


As you know from the earlier blog, Matt came home for lunch. After lunch, I picked up a bit and then headed to the pool to relax. I didn't sleep very well last night, so it was nice to catch up...and get some really good sun! I took my book and towel and was the only person at the pool. I heard nothing but birds chirping and the water from the fountains in the pool. It was sooooo wonderful!


Matt came home after 5, and we headed over to LifeTime. All I can say is wow. It is really different to be running on the treadmill, look outside, and see palm trees. And the outside pool area...the kids are going to love it! It is better than the Troy Aquatic Center. They even have a food bar right next to the pool for snacks and meals. Just awesome! Then we left, and it was 70 degrees. We drove home with the windows down...it was beautiful.


We put dinner in the oven, and then walked to Target with Baxter. We decided this morning that we needed two more pillows...and I got my new coffee cup. I stayed with Baxter outside, so Matt picked it out. He did a good job :-)


So after our nice walk with the dog, we ate dinner and sat down for a little tv. Matt wanted to watch Harper's Island, that mini series, and I am just not into scary movies, so here I am!


Tomorrow is our first hike. We are both looking forward to it. South Mountain is our choice. Prior to our hike, we will be going to officially make ourselves Arizona residents...we are getting our licenses changed. Matt wanted to wait for me, so that we could both go together. Such a Matt thing! Then we have to go to Nordstrom Rack (Yes! They have one close by!!!!) because this silly girl forgot her outside walking shoes. Oh darn, have to take me shopping, LOL.


I hope everyone has a very nice Good Friday tomorrow. I will leave you with this picture...Baxter just has not gotten caught up on his sleep yet either!


I promise to take lots of pictures tomorrow on our hike. I am sure I will catch some beautiful scenery!

Flight and First Day

Well, I am here!

The flight was a bit difficult, but all-in-all, I would travel with Baxter again. Dad picked me up and we arrived at Metro Airport around 9:00. It took 1 1/2 hours to get checked in. First, they had to check my luggage, then the woman behind the desk had to ensure all the proper paperwork had been completed (shots, rabies, full examination by the vet, had been fed and given water, etc.). She was quite surprised that I had done my homework and had all the necessary information already presented and plastered to the top of his kennel with shipping tape. Then we had to wait for the TSA Agent to come and approve the kennel and Baxter's condition. I even had to take Baxter out of his cage, so that the TSA Agent could look him over. By that time, Baxter was a little groggy (yes, after all the recommendations, I did sedate him with the medication the vet gave me. I am glad that I did. It definitely made him more comfortable - especially with the extra 2 hours that we were on the ground) The TSA Agent commented on how well I had prepared for this flight; even commenting that he hadn't seen someone so well prepared in a while :-) After that, a nice woman came and took Baxter away on a rolling cart. I was told that he would await our flight in a comfortable holding area for animals. It didn't matter, by that time I was crying. I was so glad that Dad was there. It made things so much easier...well, easier for the Baxter process, but not easy to leave him. Needless to say, I was a mess by the time I made it to my gate. Makeup had to be redone. Love you Dad...see you in two weeks - I promise!

Our flight was 2 hours late getting off the ground, which made everyone on the plane highly miserable. I was very stressed out. We sat in the terminal for an hour, then we boarded, to only sit on the plane for an extra hour. Everyone cheered when we pulled away from the gate. They informed us that it was a security issue...don't really know what, but we may have been better off not knowing, LOL. As we were pulling away from the gate, a nice stewardess came to me with a slip and confirmed that Baxter had been placed on the plane at that very moment...boy, was I relieved :-)

We landed in Phoenix to a beautiful 78 degrees. It was just absolutely beautiful!!!!! I watched from my seat (yuck, row 26 seat F - I mean, at least I had a window seat and my row mates, Phil and Barbara, were awesome) as they unloaded Baxter from the cargo area. He was the only pet on the flight - poor baby. I could see that he was sitting up and was very attentive to the men getting the luggage off the plane. The one man continued to talk to him the entire time. I was very appreciative. I can only imagine what was going on in his head.

Matt had parked in temporary parking and was waiting for me right outside of security. I was sooooo glad to see him. He looked so nice. You can definitely tell that the AZ environment has changed him - he is nice and tan and the extra exercise that he has been getting is definitely paying off :-) We walked, hand-in-hand, to go get my luggage and the baby. They brought Baxter up by elevator, and within minutes of getting him my luggage came. We were ready to go home. As soon as we got to the car, Baxter came out of his kennel. He was so excited to see Daddy...but more excited to get out of that stupid kennel. The evening consisted of going and getting a few things I did not pack, picking up a nice bottle of wine for dinner and my No Pudge Brownie mix from Trader Joe's that I can't live without, getting comfy in our new "digs", and of course watching LOST.

Here is the view from the parking lot at Trader Joe's

This is coming home from our drive last night; the lights in the bottom right is Ahwatukee

We did go by the Desert Broom home that we really like. It is beautifully lit up at night (right next to the foothills). They even have a water fountain in the entrance way as you walk up. I would love it if we could sell ours and put an offer on that home, but if that one sells another one will replace it. There are just so many to choose from. I really do like that area, though, and would like to continue to search for homes there. I like the exclusivity - one way in and one way out (because of the foothills); sort of like Algonac.

I was a trooper last night and made it to 10:30 (1:30 MI time). We are planning for Melissa and Tyler's trip out here in May, so we sat and watched the Disneyland DVD that Matt ordered. We have only been to Disneyworld, so Disneyland is going to be such a fun trip for all of us.

It is only 10:30 here currently. Baxter and I got up with Daddy and had breakfast with him before he went to work. We then did a little exploring on foot - walked about 4 miles. Not surprising is the fact that it is already 60-something degrees here. Baxter's body has not acclimated to the heat yet, I can tell; he tired out very quickly. Thankfully, Mommy was prepared and brought his walking water bottle. I am learning quickly here that you do not go anywhere without water - no matter what the thermometer says. We made it home with no incidents, but I regret not taking my camera with me. The view on our walk was AMAZING! The mountains are all around you. I also need to comment on the fact that I can not understand how ANYONE is fat in this state. There are so many opportunities to excercise and be outside...and it is way too bloody hot to want to eat a lot! LOL

Well, I have about an hour before Matt comes home for lunch. I am going to just pick up a little around the apartment and then wait for him. It is about a six minute drive. After lunch, I need to walk to Target and pick up a few things...yeah, had to drink my coffee out of a Pyrex measuring cup today. Not doing that tomorrow!

Love everyone very much!! I will post some pictures today also :-)

Two Days To Go, And Snow!

This is what Michigan gave me today as a farewell:

This is the view outside my cubicle. Isn't it beautiful? It took me 2 1/2 hours to get to work today...sure won't miss that!

Lot's going on tonight...Baxter's vet appointment, dinner with Julia and weighing my luggage at Kristin's. I finally found someone with a scale (thank goodness!) I am dying to know how much my bag weighs. :-)

I have been working with Baxter now for two days on getting him comfortable with his flight kennel. At first, he was very unhappy with me...it is amazing how persuasive a few hunter's sausages can be :-) I got him getting into it on his own last night with me throwing the treat in the kennel. Tonight, he will only be rewarded AFTER he gets in it on his own with me commanding him. We shall see how that goes. The vet appointment is at 5:30 this evening to get all of his travel paperwork, so I may give him a little slack. He is such a good puppy. I have really appreciated him these past few weeks that no one has been around. We have really grown close. I can not even imagine how much he is going to love Arizona...well, when we can keep him cool. I think he will love it. Thursday, Matt has to work, so Baxter and I will spend a lot of time getting him used to his surroundings. It is supposed to be around 78 degrees (cooler than it has been), so it will be nice and pleasant for him.

Diane is showing our house tonight to one of her clients that is looking in Raintree. I hope something good comes out of it. We have just had so many showings...someone has to buy it eventually, right? Oh, I hope so!

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Sunday at Starbucks!

So, I caught whatever Melissa has had for the past week, and I am feeling quite ill today. My throat is really scratchy, feeling chilly and my voice is gone. However, I have had showing after showing today...therefore, I have spent the entire afternoon at Starbucks drinking mochas and giving Matt directions to houses while he drives around Phoenix...on his bike!! :-)

I am completely packed and Baxter too is ready to go. I am very anxious to get on the plane Wednesday...and a little nervous about how much my piece of luggage weighs. Reality is starting to settle in that this is really happening and I am leaving. The cable has been turned off, our internet is gone, and the phone has been cancelled. The house will be uninhabited by Whipples for two and a half weeks. I have friends that will stop by and occasionally stay to ensure our house is okay and the plants are being taken care of. I am just so happy that things are progressing nicely. I am so ready. Dad is picking me up on Wednesday morning and will take me to work to drop off my car and then take me to the airport.

Spoke to Diane today and she is feeling very optimistic about how many showings we have had in the past few days. We just need a buyer!!!!!

I spent last night with my family...it was such a nice time. I am going to miss them. Mark, your pizza rocked! :-)

Gosh, I can not wait to see Matt. Only 3 more days!!!!!!

One More Week!

Well, I officially leave in one week...I am so excited. The count down can now begin!

For the next week I must prepare Baxter and me for our journey. His backpack and the kennel must be prepared with the stickers, and my last piece of luggage must be packed. I really don't have much left to take with me. Matt was kind enough to take most of it last week with him. This will make it much easier for me since I will need to care for Baxter at the airport. I am a little nervous about how all that will go, and really upset that he is too big to travel with me so he will be in cargo. However, I have to get him to Arizona and thankfully, Kristin will be taking me to the airport and Matt will be in Phoenix when I land, so I will have a lot of help.

Tomorrow I will need to work from home since Consumer's Energy will be here to fix one of our pipes. I am glad that we are getting this out of the way now, so that an inspector will not tell us what we already know and then scramble to get it fixed. I am just bummed that it is more money going out the door...selling a house sure is expensive! :-)

I have already started to receive "homework" from my new boss, so that I can hit the ground running when I arrive at ATC on Tuesday. I have been marathon studying/reading up on our capital expenditures; one of my new job responsibilities. I know, ohhh...ahhh. I can hear the excitement in the air. However, I love numbers, and this is what I have been waiting for my whole life - a career in my field, so I am very excited about these new challenges. :-) I was also identified as the ATC Vehicle Fleet Super Shatan today, which will make me responsible for all fleet vehicles on the grounds...some other new responsibilities. I am so ready for this...

I want to let everyone know how blessed I am feeling lately. You, my friends, have truly stepped up these past few days since the announcement of my departure to assist me in the move or just offer moral support. I have "going-away" events planned for almost every day until I leave. That makes me feel so loved. Thank you...each and every one of you...

I also have dinner planned with my family for Saturday that I am really excited about...I love you guys. Although disfunctional at times, we always come through for each other!

No new news on the house...we continue to wait. I am patient.

Arizona Bound

Well, Matt is back on a plane and Arizona bound...along with almost all of my clothes, my coffee maker, grinder, cutting board, and enough silverware to get us through until the house is packed up and entirely moved. His first piece of checked luggage weighed 42 pounds and the second weighed 35. Matt says we need to work better next time to get the second closer to 50. I was very proud of how well we packed. Mind you, he carried on a pretty heavy duffel bag that included my coffee maker.

Funny story tonight - Matt had difficulty getting through security tonight with his carry-on. They had entirely searched his belongings when it occurred to him that it may be the coffee pot. I guess there is a metal strip that runs through it. Well, after it had been completely sniffed, they were able to confidently say that he was not going to hurt anyone on the plane with a coffee pot. However, he did give the security guards a good laugh. I guess they don't see anyone try to get through security with a small four-cupper in their carry-on very often :-) However, this is also the man that got stopped in security, Michigan bound, two years ago with a huge wrench in his laptop bag. Seems during his hot weather trip he placed it in there while typing up test results not thinking he would forget it was there and then try to go through Phoenix security...silly boy.

I left myself with enough clothes to get through the next 7 days of work, and one last weekend. I will be able to pack a pretty good size piece of luggage on Wednesday with my stuff and the dog's too. Today we went and bought Baxter's kennel and "plane kit" which includes bowls that attach to the door, stickers to be placed on the kennel that read "LIVE ANIMAL" and then a pouch for his medical records. I also bought him another bone today so that he would have something to occupy his time while in cargo. I can't even imagine what that must be like...poor baby. Everything else is pretty much done. They are not shipping my car, so I had to order a new one (oh darn) on Friday. Company Vehicles said that it would be delivered quite close to my arrival date. I am glad that I was able to order something and get it that quickly. That is costumer service!

All in all it was a wonderful weekend. I am so glad that we didn't really have a lot to do on the house, so the kids were able to spend some good time with Daddy...and Melissa got her stir fry! The count down to see the kids this next time is longer than it has been (and I won't be around either), so I am slightly concerned that it will be a little harder on the kids. I am really glad that the web cams are now positioned at everyone's houses and the kids have been told that they can talk to us whenever their mom permits them. The time difference makes things difficult (but not impossible), so I am hoping we can establish something that works for everyone. I guess we shall see how things go.

Let's hope and pray that we have another busy week with showings. Last week was GREAT! Now, I just want to see some interest...I know, I must be patient and rely on Him.

Good night for now!

Gas? Nope

So, it has been a really great last weekend with the kids....it seems so weird to say that. Honestly, it has not sunk in that this is my last weekend in MI with the kids.

Matt flew in Friday night, but did not land until 5:00 am Saturday morning. We did our normal Saturday routine when Daddy is in town...pick-up, breakfast at Ram's Horn in Rochester and then back to the house to relax. Only this Saturday was different...we had two showings at 10 o'clock. So we did go back to the house for about an hour, but then headed over to the cinema at Mound and M59 to pick up our tickets for Monsters vs. Aliens. I had read online that they too had an IMAX theater. I was able to get tickets for the 1:00 showing. The kids were pretty excited. We then ran over to Meijer to pick up dinner for Sunday. It was Melissa's turn to pick and she wants Daddy's stir-fry. It is soooo good :-) We had to do a few "drive-bys" passed the house after shopping because the potential buyers were still in the house. We were able to go back home around 11:15. We had a little lunch and then headed back over to the cinema around 12:30. The movie was excellent. There were lots of parts that were funny that even Matt and I chuckled. Last night, Matt was actually able to bowl on the league which was really nice. Everyone was really happy to see him.

So, onto the subject title. Friday night we had a really great showing. They were here 30 minutes longer than they were supposed to just standing outside in the driveway looking up at the house. We all sat in our cars (Kristin with her three and me with my two) until they left. I don't know much about selling homes, but Kristin said that was a really good sign. Well, later that night I get a call from Diane. She says that she was concerned because the agent thought he smelled gas in the laundry/furnace room. To make a long story short, Matt and I called Consumer's Energy and there is nothing to be concerned about. We just have an old furnace and old pipes. We did find a slight seapage in one of the connections of the piping, but was easily fixed that night. What a relief!

I am really hoping that our home sells quicker than normal. I have everything lined up with the house while I am gone...how friends come through...and feel confident that everything will be okay after I move. Matt is taking two suitcases back with him today, so that all of my clothes will be there when I get there. That is really the only thing I need. Well, and my coffee pot! That is going also. :-) I just can not wait to get down south with Matt. It is so hard to be away from him.

No calls today, thus far, for showings on the home. I know that I shouldn't wish for a quiet afternoon/evening, but I would really like one. I would love us to be able to stay around here and just play and visit. We shall see how it goes.

I will post more later...

It's Official - I Have a Move Date

So, it has been confirmed today that I will be transferring to Nissan's Arizona Proving Ground and will begin work on April 14th. I will be supporting Arizona Operations. Wow, what a relief!!!! Thank the Lord that he has taken care of just one more thing. He is awesome, isn't he? Now, I pray that he takes care of our home. I know he will...in his time.

Baxter and I will be traveling on Wednesday, April 8th. Our non-stop flight departs at 12:10 pm. We touch down at 1:45. I will need to go in the next week to buy his special traveling kennel and fill out all the paperwork that goes along with shipping a live animal. He also has a vet appointment to prove he is up to date on all of his shots Tuesday, April 7th. Can you believe my ticket was half the price of his? Amazing how expensive it is, but he will be with me and then we will be with Matt. Matt says, "Any price is worth it!" :-)

I am so thankful for such a loving and merciful God. He has gotten me through every step of this journey.

We have our 9th showing tonight at 7:30. Please God hear my prayer on the sale of this home.

Webcams Are Here!

The webcams came yesterday and Kristin was nice enough to help me set mine up last night during commercials of LOST. Mine works really good. We have internet being connected in the apartment tomorrow, which is great. The apartment wireless has been coming in and out, and will definitely not be compatible with Skype. Also, Matt is having some problems with his service pack 2, but is very determined to get it working very soon. I am confident it will be up and running very quickly; Matt really wants to "see" the kids.

I did confirm that the couple that came to see the house last night was a new couple. I was a little bummed that it was not a second showing, but I keep telling myself that this will happen on God's watch, not mine. I just hope a really nice family with a couple of children end up here...just like us. This home has brought us such joy these past couple years. I am proud to call this our home. We would not be moving if it was not for Matt's job. We had planned on retiring here. I hope that another woman walks into this house and feels the same warmth that I feel...the warmth of a home, not just a house with four walls.

Only 8 more days until I get to see Matt. I am very excited. I have been keeping myself busy at the gym, and I am finally starting to see a change. I think Matt and I have this little unspoken competition going on (like everything)...we will see who looks better in 8 days :-)

First Weekday Evening Showing

I am very excited that we have our first weekday evening showing. With all of the new under cabinet lighting and recessed lighting above the fireplace, the home is just absolutely beautiful at night. I am hoping that this is a second showing, but I have not been able to confirm. I have placed a call with Diane, and I am awaiting her call back.

The count down continues for Matt to be home. Only 9 more days! I miss him so much.

Continue with your prayers. I know they are helping. Diane said that she feels VERY optimistic about how much we have shown our home thus far. She said that is a really good sign.

More to come...

Matthew 19:26

Yes, with God, all things are possible! That was our children’s memory verse for the week that I taught them yesterday. I find it so comforting how He finds ways to talk to me and reassure me that things will be okay every day!

I had a really amazing talk with Sue, our Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry, and she informed me that my children will be taken care of when I leave…that she has already lined up a full time small group leader!!!! I can’t believe it. What a blessing J We have had such hardships this year with volunteers. The fact that she has already found someone is outstanding. She said to me that I need not worry about anything. She feels that God will set everything in motion shortly with my job and the house. She is right. He has been so awesome in making everything work smoothly thus far, what are a few more minor details?! He provided Matt with a job, and that was the most important.

I received feedback on the two couples that came through and looked at the house on Saturday. They are really looking for a home with a master bath. In Raintree? Are they kidding? Well, at least the negative feedback thus far has not been terrible feedback.

I will continue to pray and put faith in Him.

Saturday Adventures

Today is the first Saturday that the house has been on the market. I am slightly nervous about what I do all day long. However, I made sure I have a pretty tightly packed day, so that should help me somewhat. The first showing is at 12:00 noon. I have completely vacuumed the house (I am surprised that the carpeting hasn't started to unravel), washed all the dishes and packed myself a bag for the day. I have a hair appointment at 12:00, then I will go and work out, and then I have bowling.

I worry about Baxter. We played all morning, he went outside a few times, he had breakfast, and is now lying on the couch. I feel bad that I will be gone all day, but maybe I can convince him that it is a weekday and Momma is just going to work...maybe :-) probably not.

I haven't got any more calls regarding showings, but since I will be gone all day it doesn't really matter. Nothing planned for tomorrow, and I really hope that changes.

Additional Tickers on Side

I have created tickers on the side to track our progress...I hope that the numbers continue to grow.

I want to thank everyone for their heartfelt prayers and kind words. I know that you may not comment here, but you continue to send emails, phone calls, and comments to FaceBook. Every one of them gets me closer to being with Matt again.

I love all of you dearly.

Officially On The Market

We were place on Realtor.com today!! MLS ID #29034501:

BEAUTIFUL COL. IN POP. "RAINTREE". HOME HAS OPEN FLOOR PLAN W/GORGEOUS UPDATED KITCHEN OPENING TO HUGE FAMILY ROOM W/FIREPLACE. ALL BATHS UPDATED, NEWER NEUTRAL CARPETING. FABULOUS FINISHED BASEMENT. W/BATH IS EXCEPTIONAL. LOT IS VERY PRIVATE & BACKS TO PROTECTED AREA. TASTEFULLY DECORATED, PRICED TO SELL. AND NO BANKS ARE INVOLVED. DON'T MISS THIS ONE. NEW BAKER MIDDLE SCHOOL(IB PROGRAM) & NEW INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY.

Don't you want to live there? :-)

Quiet Evening

I am finally getting a chance to enjoy a quiet evening. Everything is pretty much done in the house with the exception of a few drawers that need to be cleaned out and hanging that darn towel ring. I also have to fold one load (a week's worth) of laundry...sure different from when everyone was here.

Wilson is coming over tonight to do the beam on the front porch. I am slightly nervous about what I do once he is done. I mean, it is not warm enough to paint, so what do I do until it is warm enough? What will people think when they come up to the house????? Okay. I need to stop worrying. Everything else has been taken care of - God willing - I will trust in him that this too will be taken care of.

I think I could get used to these quiet evenings. There are so many things that I have wanted to do for myself for a long time. I think I will pull out "my list" and finally get to a few of them. I bought and started reading Living on Live Food, a book by Alissa Cohen about eating a raw and living food diet, but had gotten to busy to really get into it...I think I will this time. I have always wanted to do yoga in the morning and evening...I think I will start. I can at least say that I have kept my promise to myself about the gym - three times a week - and I have done it!

Today, Nissan announced 5 mandatory days that we are required to take through the 2009 calendar year. I was actually happy about them because they will help with the traveling back and forth to/from AZ. In fact, I booked my flight for Easter today; April 8th through the 13th. I am very excited to spend the holiday in our new state and with Matt. I am hoping that he can scope out a few Lutheran churches in the area and have a favorite, so that we can attend church there on Sunday. I am also hoping we can plan a day hike or white water rafting trip at the Grand Canyon during the weekend. I have wanted to do that since 2007.

Unfortunately, I do not have any updates to a possible job lead. I did have a nice discussion with my Director today, and he said that he is still trying to find me a job. I am optimistic that a job will be found; however, realistic too. I guess we shall see.

One last note, Matt finally got my laptop working last night! See, you can accomplish anything when you have nothing but time on your hands and some determination. He is now shopping for web cams for the kids and I. We should have something REALLY soon! That will be so nice when the kids can actually see Daddy. That will make a world of difference.

Feedback on First Showing

So, feedback from Diane was pretty good. Matt and I were really concerned that there would be a lot of concerns since we have never done this sort of thing before....well, I guess that isn't exactly all that true...I did have the other two houses with my previous marriage, but for some reason this feels different, and I guess it is since Matt and I have never done this together. I will say, though, that this just seemed like so much more work! LOL

The only negative comment was the windows, and that was expected. The wife absolutely fell in love with the interior. She said that it was only one of two that she saw that felt like a real home when you walked in. It makes me happy that someone else can walk into my home and feel at home. She wants to bring the husband back to see it. I can only pray that something comes from this. However, this is the first day...who am I trying to kid!

Thanks again to all who are praying for us. Every single one of them helps.

Bathroom Done / House on Market / First Showing Tomorrow

As has been the case for the past three weeks, I am once again running around like a chicken with my head cut off at 11:30 at night. However, major updates that I wanted to give everyone tonight.

Bathroom is Done
Yep, "the wall" is finally completed. I have not gotten up the towel ring, but I may do that tonight if I get a chance. Also, the bedroom was primed and painted this evening. The crack has been fixed and the holes that Matt and I created are gone!

the wall

Before the mirror framing and faucets

After the mirror framing and faucets

House is on the Market
Diane came over today to review Matt's signatures and ensure I had signed my share. The sign went on the front lawn at 6:00 p.m.

First Showing
Diane then informed me right after the sign was up that she is bringing a buyer through the house tomorrow at noon. I am so excited!!!!! She informed me that this buyer will only buy in Barnard school area...for those of you that are thinking it, yes I did mention to her that the bus picks up in our driveway :-)

Okay, I must go now because I need to do a little clean-up (did you see the finger smudges on the mirror?) The rest of the house is good besides the floors.

Prayers everyone please!!!!!