ROLLLLLLL... T-I-D-E ROLL!!!

"+" people

Do you sometimes wonder why certain people cross your path? Or why you have a brief encounter with someone that makes a lasting impact on your life? This past week, has been a week full of them. From a brief conversation on the phone with a lady that just had that "soothing" voice you could trust with your life (almost, ha), to the big CLOSING on our house and to my State Farm agent.
At our closing (yep papers signed and check is in the bank) I sat at the attorney's office laughing histerically at the attorney whose sense of humor could compete with my husbands; and the first time homebuyer sitting across from me with a grin he couldn't wipe off his face; to the very professional realtor that represented him. What a great experience it was. And all the thoughts I'm "worried" about - leaving this house I've grown to love and made many memories at - faded for that one hour.
Just some good, positive people. The world needs more of!

Happy Labor Day weekend!

...and friends are friends forever.

Don't you wonder why things happen? Well, our family has probably asked that many times in the past few years. Even though we will never have all the answers, we still believe, trust and have faith in God.
As most of you know, July and August were a pretty "hectic" couple of months. My father, sister, father-in-law and my brother's father-in-law (whew)... all endured surgeries of some kind. Some planned, some not. All are well and recovering today. And thanks to many of you for your thoughts and prayers. I'm reminded of the wonderful support group we have and couldn't imagine not having "you" by our side. We talk about how good friends are hard to find. But I know we have a core group of friends who have endured the worst of worst and the best of bests. You know who you are, and I send a HUGE kudos your way!
When my sister was visiting recently, we talked about why God brought me to Birmingham, of all cities. But after Maddux, my dad and her... utilizing the incredible staff at UAB... I am thankful that we chose this area as our home. It's a little "medical hub" if you will.
Again, thanks for all your prayers for our family, once again, I knew I could depend on you!

Thinking outside the Box

As the countdown begins on "Project Move", we realize how much we have to pack and what a big undertaking it will be to move from Pelham to Hoover. Only about 20 something miles from each other, but you'd think we were going cross country!

Things that cross my mind... will Ava adjust to her new room (even though all the contents will be the same), will the community be all I expected for our family to enjoy together, how many frustrating moments will I have between now and post move...

Honestly, we've said one prayer over and over lately. Asking God to bless this home as we "pass it on" to someone else, and to bless our new home as we enjoy many family memories there for years to come.

A funny story... you know how many times you've heard your parents (and that generation) mention that you can buy your kids all the toys in the world, but if you just give 'em a box, they'll play with it forever. Well, here's proof...

SOLD!!!!!!!

We are happy to report that our "current" home sweet home has a contract on it! We will close on it September 8th, then close on our new home September 9th. The 8th is also our 7th wedding anniversary. What a big week! For anniversaries, Valentines and Christmas we usually get one "we" gift. Well, we've joked that this year's "we" gift... it's a house! HA! We have started packing and have a POD full already. Everyone says to take a room a night. With ~9 rooms and 20 days; I figure I can spread the packing love. I have been overwhelmed at the many things we have accumulated in the 7 years we've lived here. From the first few days of us being married living in a little one bedroom apartment, to growing a family in our Pelham home. It's been such a peaceful place. By the way, I told pretty much everyone I knew, but our house had a feature article written in the Birmingham News Sunday before last (titled Peaceful Paradise in Pelham). And that's where the buyer had read about it (thank you Bham News!!). A friend and I were walking to a restaurant and walked by a Real Estate stand... I pointed at it and said, "look, there's my house". It is kind of weird to think that your house is splattered all over town, but hey, it's an honor too. As I looked at the cover, I noticed there's a cross hanging in our kitchen that showed up shining on the photograph. When I hung that cross in our house, I wanted it to be visual through-out, and it is. You can see it from the LR, hallway, foyer, kithchen, dining room, catwalk, etc. It is a constant reminder of HIS love to all of us!
Now that I've rambled, I will close. Any packing/moving tips will greatly be appreciated! :)