Day 16 - Rv

Today we just hung out at the Rv park.  We went swimmming, playing at the park and just being lazy.  We had hoped to hear about our closing but we didn't so the waiting continues! 

Day 15 - Rv

Troye was home sick today so I took the boys to church.  After lunch I took them swimming so daddy could rest.  Before bed we enjoyed a fun learning activity.  Each of the boys had a tube of tooth paste.  We had a contest to see who could get all the toothpaste out of the tube the fastest!  It was funny!  But then the real challenge was presented.... who could put all of the toothpaste back into the tube!  Ha!  Cam tried a few times and quickly gave up but Colt was very determined to get it back in the tube!  He even had the idea to blow up the tube so he could get more toothpaste in it!  Well of course he couldn't do it but it was fun watching!  Afterwards we discussed the verse Ephesians 4:29. 

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but 

only what is helpful for building others up according to 

their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  Ephesian 4:29

We then discussed that our words are like the toothpaste, once they leave our mouths they cannot be put back.  Rather than saying mean and rude words to or about others we should say things that help them.  We had fun with the toothpaste and hopefully it made a little impression on them.  

Ready to squirt it out!

Getting all the toothpaste out!

Colt blowing up the tube so he could fit more into it!

Cam trying to scoop toothpaste up!

Day 14 - Rv

Well I have to say that today was probably the worst day we have had in the RV.  No real reason other than we were bored!  Ha!  The campground was FULL!  There were people everywhere so getting out just wasn't as much fun and I guess some days you just have a blah day!  Now we did enjoy a bike ride to get ice cream at the clubhouse!  That was fun!

The storm trooper (aka Cam) riding his bike

Enjoying an ice cream treat!

Day 13 - Rv

This morning we went to CLAY, our homeschool group.  One of the moms was presenting science experiments.  The kids loved it.  Some were experiments we have done before so it was neat to see them understand and know what was going to happen.   Our church was also having a garage sale so we went to check that out.  I found some neat homeschool books for cheap, Colt found an erector building set, and Cam found a star wars costume!  All of the boy's costumes are packed so he felt extra special having a costume, in fact he only took it off because we made him!  The field behind our rv is full of lady bugs.  We have been hunting them and watching the life cycle.  We have found ladybug larva and pupa and of course adult lady bugs.  Great science lesson in our back yard!  The rest of the day was just a lazy day. 

Watching the cool experiments!

Can you see it? Lady bug larva...it is grey with red spot, sort of looks like an alligator!

Here is Lady Bug pupa.  That larva finds a spot and becomes this and soon will emerge looking like this......

Adult Lady Bug!

Day 12 - Rv

Today we had a meeting to discuss final bids and numbers.  Everything went well and submitted to the bank.  We are anticipating closing next week, possibly Wednesday.  There is really not a good reason for things to get delayed, but after the multiple delays selling our house, I will not be surprised!  This time next week we maybe land owners!  YEA!
After our meeting we grabbed lunch and then took the boys to ride the paddle boats.  They loved it!  Troye and I not so much! Ha!  They were very hard to paddle and the huge amounts of moss made a difficult task even more difficult!  A nap was needed afterwards!  Just before supper we went swimming.  The pool is heated, but let me tell you in my opinion it is not heated enough!  It is cold!  I prefer the hot tub!

Day 11 - Rv

Today we headed to the land.  We went by to see the dozer work that was started today!  Amazing what just a little moving of dirt can do to the looks of the land!  Sure hope i like the land once it is cleared!  It really did look good and I can see that we are going to have a huge pile to burn!  After we stopped at the land we headed to the TXDOT office.  We had to sign a paper for the culvert permit.  This permit is necessary to get the culvert approved and apparently can take a few weeks to complete.  We also spoke with the loan officer and we are meeting tomorrow for a final look at papers.  Once this is complete we will schedule closing for early next week! Getting closer to starting construction!  Yea! 

Doesn't look like much, but work has at least started!

Day 10 - Rv

Another beautiful day outside!  We spent time riding bikes and walking.  Nothing new on the house front.  Waiting to hear something!  Waiting, Waiting, Waiting!

Day 9 - Rv

After all of the busy weekend activities, we needed a resting day!  We just stayed at the Rv park.  Went to the playground, walked Bobber and completed some school.  I think we all just wanted to do nothing!  From what I understand all of the paperwork was submitted for final approval for the house and we should find out soon when closing will take place.  The land owner called and said the dozers would be at the land this week to begin clearing out some of the trees.  How Exciting!

Day 8 - Rv (HAPPY BIRTHDAY Colt!)

Happy Birthday to my Colt!  I can't believe he is 9!!! Where has the time gone???  I can remember bringing him home like it was yesterday!   We did most of the celebration yesterday, but we wanted to make today special too!  We were all exhausted from our land adventures but after church we went to Incredible Pizza with Grandad and all the cousins!  We always have fun at Incredible Pizza but I think Colt had so much more fun being able to play with his cousins,Gavin and Callum.  We ate, played and then ate some more!  Then we came home to rest and watch movie!  Colt said he had a great birthday weekend and that is what matters!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet Colt!

9 years old!

Cam ready to play bumper cars

Uncle Trever and Kaid ready to race Troye and Cam

Gavin, Callum, and Colt on the bumper cars

Day 7 - Rv

Today we went to the land for Colt's Birthday.  We knew we were not going to do a big party this year since we were moving so we asked him what he wanted to do and he said take a friend to the land.  So we invited our friends the Davis family!  We got to the land right around lunch time.  We unloaded the stuff we had to take and set up our makeshift party!  Good ole redneck style!  We had the trucks, tables and chairs for everyone to sit. We grilled hotdogs and hamburgers on a small grill on the tailgate.  The kids ran around playing.  After lunch we went to the creek and exploring.  The kids were soaking wet and loving it!  We also rode 4 wheelers and in the Mule and picked LOTS of blackberries!  We left just before dark and stopped at sonic for dinner. By the time we arrived home it was almost midnight!  Colt had a blast playing with his friends!  Thanks for making the trip out to the land Davis Family!

Time to get wet!

Everyone is playing in the creek!

Riding the Mule

More playing in the creek!

Sweet Boy!

Best Day Ever!

Day 6 - Rv

Praise the Lord! We finalized the closing of our house today!  We started praying about selling our house last August.  We had no idea where or what we were suppose to do but felt that God would show us.  We do not have patience and the waiting was very hard! But looking back I can see it was all in God's timing and that through the waiting we were growing.  Learning to not lean on our own understanding but to trust that God will show us the path.  We are one step closer to moving to the land.  I am still not exactly sure why God has led us to this piece of land.  But I am certain that God will reveal that at the perfect time.  In the mean time, we will continue to seek Him.

After the morning closing, we sent the final paperwork to the lender for our new house.  We might be able to close on it next week.  Construction can begin as soon as we close on the land and house!  Yea!  I think all of the paperwork and weight lifted off of us made us tired!  Or maybe that was the storms rolling in, either way an afternoon nap was enjoyed!  This evening Colt and I went to church for a mother/son Spy Adventure.  Cam was not too happy to stay at home but Troye tried to make it fun for him.   Colt and I had fun.  We competed in several events and even had to run around the church ground in the pouring rain!  Colt thought this was great!  It was great to enjoy fellowship with other moms and sons. 

Spy Colt and Spy Mom   (we were wet!!!!)

Day 5 - Rv

What a BEAUTIFUL day today!  We rode bikes, played at the park, walked the dog, ate ice cream and went swimming!  We just had to enjoy the nice weather!  We also were able to get all of school done for the day!  Bonus! Colt also realized how close he is to finishing his math book so he is determined to finish it next week.  I think he did 4 lessons today!  After Troye came home from work we went back to the old house for one last time!  I needed to double check some keys and we let the boys say their last good bye's.  I don't think they were really bothered!  LOL!  They are having too much fun at the RV park!  Hmmm, wonder if they are going to want to leave!  Tomorrow is the big day.... CLOSING!  We are praying that everything goes smoothly and that we can celebrate it along with Colt's birthday this weekend.  Yea! 

Day 4 - Rv

I am going to post this early in the day, but the reason is a GREAT one!  We just got the news that all paperwork is in and we are scheduled to close on Friday!  We even have a time!  I know something could happen to delay it again but this is the closest we have been to actually closing! I am so excited!  I need to go back to the house tonight to make it ready to go!  There is very little to do but I want to make sure it is all cleaned and in good working order for the new owner.  I am sure she is just as anxious as we are!  It is going to be a busy weekend with the closing and Colt's birthday, but an exciting weekend! 
Today the boys and I actually did school!  Things have been so crazy lately that we have not done school consistently.  I want that to change so we can finish up the school year.  Colt is almost done with his math book but we need to get it and the other subjects completed.  We are going to want a summer break when we move into the new house.  It is hard to not feel like we are on vacation though!  But we will just have to make it a priority to finish early so that we can play the rest of the day!  I also taught the boys how to do laundry at the laundry mat.  Of course they thought it was great fun putting all the money in the machines! If only it was that simple!  But we finished all the laundry and had fun riding bikes all around the campground. 

Day 3 - Rv

We started the day off working at the house.  We moved a few more items to the rv and then Troye took some items to storage.  The house is empty except for some trash that will go out on Thursday and a few cleaning supplies.  We have been told that Friday is still a possibility for closing but Troye and I are expecting another delay and figure it will be next week.  We also spoke to our lender for the new house.  All is going great.  The appraisal is done and went great.  The survey has been ordered and all documents are ready.   We just need the signed paper saying our sold house transaction is completed!  This afternoon we took the boys swimming.  They have been begging to go since we moved in on Sunday.  They loved it!  Cam stated "today is the best day ever!".  They went down the slide tons and also enjoyed the hot tub.  I am sure we will be swimming lots while we are here. 

Day 2 - Rv

We had a great nights sleep last night! I was glad to sleep on a real mattress instead of an air mattress!  We had meetings at the land today so we got up early and loaded our utility trailer with wood and stuff to take out to the land.  There was a slight chance of rain and of course it rained!  We were still able to meet the electric company man and a guy from construction.  But we were not able to leave the trailer.  It was just too muddy and Troye's truck would certainly get stuck.  So we brought it back!  But while we were at the land we took advantage of the ripe blackberries! We picked a bucket full!  I promised the boys we would make blackberry cobbler tomorrow.  Tonight we made freezer jam.  We made both blackberry and strawberry!  And it was GOOD!  We decided to have breakfast for dinner so we could eat the new jam!  The boys both liked it and ate a huge dinner!  Can't wait to make the cobbler and go pick more!

Picking the blackberries

Making Jam

The blackberries!

Day 1 - RV

Well today Grammy and Grumpy headed back home.  Before they left they pulled the RV to the new site.  We got the RV all hooked up and ready to go then said our goodbyes.  We went back to the house and loaded up the truck to bring our belongings to our new "house". I spent the afternoon unpacking and organizing everything.  It took some time but I was able to find a place for almost everything.  We will take a few things to storage.  The boys had fun running around the campsite.  They loved riding their bikes all around the RV park.  Even Bobber enjoyed the dog park area.  We enjoyed our 5 day hotel adventure, but now we are ready to start our RV adventure!  Follow along!

Home Sweet (temporary) Home!

Rodeo Time

The boys have been waiting for this day for months!  They love participating in the rodeo!  Camaron did the stick horse race.  He picked out his shirt for the event.... A Professional Bull Rider shirt!  He wore it proudly!  Colt entered in the Goat Ribbon Pull.  He is such a handsome looking cowboy!  They both did a great job and even though they didn't win they were glad to participate!  After their events we stayed to watch the "real" cowboys.  Cam loved it!  He says he wants to ride bulls so it was so fun to see him watching the guys do it for real!

Ready to go!

On the Starting line

Cam and his best buddy, Casey!

Colt is next up!

Visit From Grammy and Grumpy

Today Grammy and Grumpy came down to visit.  They are staying in their RV.  Tomorrow we will go watch the boys participate in the rodeo!  We celebrated Colt's birthday with them too.  Colt loved getting new legos and cute shirts!  Grammy and Grumpy have offered to let us stay in the RV while we wait on the new house.  We are so thankful! We decided to stay just down the road from the old house at the local KOA.  They have tons of stuff to keep the boys busy and super nice restrooms and laundry facilities.  We will move the RV there on Sunday!

Yea!  Star Wars Legos!

Angry Birds!

Back Home

Well we are back at the old house! It is completely empty except for the items we brought from the hotel.  it is like camping out but in a house! Ha!  We made the best of it by playing a mean game of hide and seek in the house!  The screams of laughter echoed throughout the house!  The boys seem to be over the disappointment of leaving the hotel. While I went to the store, Troye and the boys played outside.  When I came home Troye had them wearing backpacks and running through an obstacle course!  They were loving it! Everyone is sleeping on air mattresses and house is quite. Good Night!

Colt ending the course with a shooting challenge

Cam jumping obstacles

Day Five

Today has been a roller coaster of emotions!  We started out the day running a few errands and heading to the old house.  We needed to load  up the trailer with outdoor stuff and go to the land.  On the way to the house we get a call from our realtor.  She had just opened an email from the buyers lender telling us that the closing had been delayed again!  WHAT?!?!?  How could this happen?  We were originally scheduled to close on April 6, 2012 and now we are looking at April 20th.  I was upset.  Troye was upset.  We have been in the hotel for a week and are looking 1-2 weeks before closing (see I am certain we won't close on the 20th... I am thinking April 25 or so).  Our realtor set up a call with the lender and we were assured that the loan is going forward.  The problem is that it is a USDA loan so that means it is going slow due to governmental delays.  The buyer has had to move out of her apartment and stay with relatives, so she is feeling the same frustration.  After thinking about it and calming down a little bit, we have decided to move out of the hotel! Yep, that's right!  We are MOVING OUT! Ha!  Almost comical when you really think about it!  But we just think it will be best if we go back to the old house until closing.  There will be more room for everyone and we can cook our food.  Of course it will help us save money too.  We are not sure what we are going to do after closing now.  The hotel has been fine and we may come back here but we are still going to explore some other options. I like being next to Troye's work but we are already seeing that we need to go to the land to meet contractors and I imagine we will need to do so more once construction starts.  We may look at staying closer to the land.  If we went that route we would most likely pull the rv back from the deer lease.  But we will see.  I need a few days to think on it.  Today has been way too emotional for me to make a decision!  Stay turned for tomorrows moving day post! LOL!

Day Four

Whew! Busy day today.  The boys and I went to the old house to get the rest of the hotel items.  While there our crazy dog, Bobber, decided to get out and go for a run.   He did not ask permission and I really didn't care to chase him, but the boys and I did and when he finally tired out, we were there to catch him!  :-)  After that fun, unexpected run we were tired so we hit the road to go to the land.  We had a meeting with one of the contractor.  He determined the location of the house and staked it out!  He also located the driveway location. Since that was done we drove a little further down the road and submitted the application for our driveway at the TXDOT office.  Finally everything was done and we headed back home....aka.... the hotel!  I unpacked the rest of our belongings and got everything organized.  You would really be surprised at how much we have in our room but how organized and functional it all works!  We are all beat, so early bedtime for all!

The boys at the homesite

They just had to check out the creek.

Day Three

Today was a beautiful day!  Troye called at 9 a.m. to tell us it was so pretty out and that no one was at the city park.  So we loaded up Bobber and headed to the park!  The boys got to see Troye and his police car and then we played for a couple of hours.  We headed back to the room to eat lunch and watch movie.  After lunch we met up with some friends at a local McDonald's just so the kids could play in the playground.  They had fun and were tired when we left.  After Troye got off work, Colt and I headed to the grocery store.... we purchased some frozen meals and of course some snacks.  A good day.

Day Two--Easter Sunday!

Well we made it through the first night of our Hotel stay!  Honestly the boys did great, but I don't think Troye or I slept at all!  Ha!  I think it was just the nervousness of all that is going on with the old and new houses!  Today is Easter Sunday!  We rejoice that our Savior is Risen!  The boys got all dressed up in their new Rodeo/Easter clothes and we headed to church.  The service was great and it was good to be worshiping!  After church we just came back to the hotel to relax.... well that didn't work out so after I had a little rest I took the boys to the park so that Troye could rest.  The boys had fun running around the park and playing.  The boys enjoyed opening an Easter bag of goodies. Lego to put together!  Fun!  Later that evening we took the boys and Bobber back to the park for an Easter egg hunt!  It was just us and the boys had a blast!  Then we came back to the room and they boys dug into their new stash of eggs!  So far the boys are doing great at the hotel and Bobber is doing fine too.  He still seems a little nervous but I think that he will relax as time goes on.  Good Night!

Easter bags

Opening the Easter goodies

The best looking cowboys!

Troye hiding the eggs

Cam found the camoflauge egg

Fast Moving Colt

Day One!

The day has finally arrived...MOVING DAY! We having been preparing for this day for weeks, and dreaming about it for months. We moved almost all of our belongings to storage and were able to get some of our stuff to the hotel. We still have to move several boxes to the hotel and move some items to the land. I am surprised that I was not very emotional today. I think that it was just too busy and we are just so ready to get to the land! I have been reminiscing over memories the last few weeks, but I am SO excited about our future at the land that sadness has not set in!
I wanted to give some background information so you will know what we are doing and why we are moving into a hotel!  We decided to sell our house in September 2011.  We had no idea what we were going to do or where we were going to go but we felt that God was leading us to move and make a change.  After months of praying and searching we found some land that we loved.  In January 2012 we made an offer on 20 acres of land about an hour from where we currently live.  We had our house for sale by owner but had not received any offers.  We met a great realtor and decided to list with her.  We spent a fast paced long week painting and redoing lots to the house.  After just one week on the market we had an offer!  Unfortunately that offer did not work out but 2 weeks later we had another one!  We are set to close on our house in Mid April.  While we were trying to sell the house we were researching options for housing on the land. We decided to purchase a modular home. We are super excited to have it on the land! We were able to get a great floor plan that will accommodate us homeschooling and Troye's dad living with us.  I have never wanted a large house, just one that has a great layout! 
So we are a week away from the closing on our sold house.  We will then close on the new house and land and then construction will begin!  While we wait on the new house to be completer we are technically homeless! Ha!  But we are looking at this as a time of adventure! We have decided to stay in a hotel near Troye's work.  So stay tuned as we embark on this Hotel Adventure!

Good Bye to the house!

Ready to go to hotel!

Settled in

Bobber has found his spot!