Working the Land

Today Troye was off work so we did a few things around the house but mostly worked at the barn site. The barn is our first priority right now so we can have somewhere to store all of our tools and extra storage stuff. For now it is in the living room! One wall is up and it is exciting to see it progress. The boys help when they can but this part is dealing with so many heavy things they can't do much. But today they both picked a tree (I did too) and we all started the process of cutting it down with an ax! The boys are excited and want to see a tree fall! Of course we will supervise but it is good for them to have a goal and see the fruit of their labor! Now it may be Christmas before they fall but that is ok! Ok, just wanted to clarify that I am no longer going to update this blog daily! Just too much to do here and we need to start school soon. But I will still be updating it, just not as frequently! Stay Tuned for our 20 Acre land adventures!

First day of work

Well today was Troye’s first day to go to work from living out here! He had everything ready to go and was up at 4 am and left by 4:30. He said it was fine and the drive wasn’t bad at all. The boys and worked hard on cleaning out boxes and rearranging everything. So things are starting to look like they are falling into place. Though the living room is the storage room for now! All in all a good day!

Moving and more unpacking!

Today we headed to Conroe to try to get the last of the items in the storage. We did get a good load but there are a few other items remaining. Hopefully it will be empty soon! Ha! We also rented a heavy duty dolly so that the safe can get moved tonight. Troye had a couple of guys come over after work to help move the heavy safe! They were able to get it moved in and actually made it look easy! It is good to have that thing in the house and done! Trever and Steph and the boys also came over. My boys loved having their cousins over! They played and played! While the guys were here moving the safe, Troye also asked them to help raise one side of the barn! Sort of a good ole fashion barn raising! Ha! They did get it up so now one side of the barn is standing! So exciting!

Unpacking!

Today the flooring guys were coming to finish off a section of the floor. Unfortunatly that didn’t work out because the piece they brought didn’t’ cover like it shold have! Oh well someone will get it right one day! Unpacking continues! And barn building continues!

Good Bye RV!

Today the internet guy came to check out installing the internet. We have to run some wires under the house and then they have to come back to bury the cable form the road to the house. Until then no internet! Boo! Dad also came today to pick up the rv! He also brought a dining room table set! Mom and dad decided they want a new set so we are getting their old one. It looks great in the new house! Perfect fit and color! So excited! We went to lunch with Dad and enjoyed the visit. Late afternoon he loaded up the rv and headed out. The front of the house looks different without the rv there! Sad to see it go… ok not really! But we were so thankful to have been able to use it and that it was our home for 3 months! Thanks mom and dad!

Moving continued!

We continued cleaning out the rv today. It was looking bigger and better by the moment! Ha! My conclusion was that we had too much stuff in the rv! After working on that a while I headed with Camaron to the grocery store. I went on Sunday but just picked up a few items, so I needed to stock our pantry and fridge with some goodies to eat! Troye and Colt worked on burning some of the tree piles. We didn’t go get any storage items today. I also continued to unpack the boxes that are already here. It is a never ending process!

Day 100 - Rv and New House!

We got up early and headed to the KOA! Today was rv moving day! We have been at the rv park for exactly 100 days! We loaded up everything and headed out! We picked up Colt’s medicine while we were in town and then headed to the new house, camper in tow! Everything went well and we got the rv at the house and hooked up. We then started unloading the rv and taking all of the stuff into the house. You would be amazed at how much stuff we had packed into the rv!

Day 99 - Rv and Moving

Well it did rain last night! The storm didn’t turn bad but it did give us some rain so it was good that we moved the boxes and safe. We decided not to move the RV today due to the mud at the house. So we unpacked some boxes and Troye worked on the barn some. After lunch I headed to Livingston to get some groceries. Our friends, the Freemeyer family, were going to eat dinner with us. We had planned months ago for them to come and stay with us the day before their church camp. Well that plan didn’t exactly work out since we just moved in! Ha! But they did still come for a visit and dinner. It was great to see them and their girls. The only down side was that Colt was sick! Boo! He actually slept almost the whole time they were here. Thankfully, Vince is a doctor so he looked and Colt and called in some antibiotics for him! Camaron had fun playing with the girls. It was a nice day and so nice to actually not lift anything heavy! Also gave me a chance to get some boxes empty!

Day 98 - Rv and Moving!

We woke up early and started getting ready for a day of moving.  We first headed to the church to pick up our friends van.  They are gone for the week on a mission trip and felt bad that they couldn’t help us move.  So they decided that they could help by letting us borrow their  van!  That thing holds LOTS of boxes!  We then went to storage and loaded up the trailer, truck, and van.  We got tons of stuff and then headed to the house.  I was following behind Troye and the boys.  We were about half way to the land when I rounded a corner and saw a strange sight on the side of the road… furniture!  Then I saw our entertainment center sitting in the middle of the road!!!!  I pulled over and and a man helped me move it to the side of the road.  I called Troye who had already noticed the problem!  He turned around and came back.  Another guy stopped to help load the items back onto the trailer.  What an experience!  We still are not sure what happened, but two tow straps came undone and the unit slid off the trailer! Amazingly the unit was only slightly damaged and Troye can repair the little damage!  It was hot day, but we got the first load unloaded.   We decided to go for another load and then spend the night at the house.   So we made the drive back to Conroe (1hour).  I went and picked up Bobber and some of our clothes while Troye started loading another load.  When I arrived at the storage Troye had the safe almost loaded and a friend was there helping!  This thing is HEAVY!  Finally it was loaded and we made the drive back to the house.  We were exhausted when we got to the house so we put the boys to bed and then decided to just wait until the morning to unload the trailer.  Well that was a great plan in theory… until a storm blew in at 10 pm!  Troye and I rushed outside to bring in the boxes and then we had to figure out how to cover the safe!  It is way too heavy for us to move.  Finally we get the car jack and were able to jack it up and flip it over!  We had to do this twice so that the safe was facing down and rain could not get inside of it!  WHEW! Crazy night but all was ok! 

Day 97 - Rv and MOVING DAY!

We got the call early this morning and headed to pick up the keys to the house!! It is officially ours!  Yea!  We already had the trailor so we took the kids to their friends house and headed to storage.  A buddy of Troye's helped us out today.  We got a good load from the storage unit and headed to the house.  It was super hot out!  But we got it all unloaded!  It was a little overwhelming seeing all of the boxes!  And lots of them are garage stuff and the barn is not ready yet so we have to find places to store it all!  YIKEs!  But it will all work out, I just realized that it is really going to take time to unpack!  I have had rose colored glasses on!! LOL  We went and picked up the boys.  Colt was not feeling well and I started to get worse (i have been fighting congestion this week)  Once we got to the rv I headed to Walmart and loaded up on some meds.... we don't have time to be sick!  I did some laundry too.  I wanted to get lots of the sheets in the rv washed since we are probably on our last night at the rv!  All in all it was a good productive day!  Now to rest up and get ready for more moving!

Day 96 - RV

Today we ran a few errands and then headed out to the house.  It was locked up but we had left a window open! So I was able to get in and do some cleaning and such.  We dropped off some wood and cleaned off our utility trailer.  It was super hot but we got stuff done!  We were told the loan has funded and a check has been cut so that means that we should get keys tomorrow. 

WE ARE MOVING!!!  Yea!  I am not sure if we will stay in the rv another night or so, it will all just depend on how the moving days go.  Troye has a guy from work that is going to help us and a friend of ours is going to watch the boys!

Day 95 - Rv

The boys and I headed to the laundry mat to get laundry done!  We had lots!  Nine loads today! But we got it all done quickly!  (and it cost $22.50 to do the 9 loads, just in case you were wondering!) While we were doing laundry, we got the call.... Inspection passed and report was finalized!  yea!  So I met Troye at the builders office and we signed all the final paperwork!! YES!!!  We are done with all of the paperwork and everything is complete on this end! Now we are waiting on the mortgage company to fund the final loan and then we will be given the keys!!!!  We are sooooo close!! Realistically we are looking at Monday still but there is a chance that we could get keys on Friday since all paper work was turned in today.  We will just have to see!

Day 94 - Rv

We woke up early and headed out to the land.  The contractor was going to meet us to finish up all the work left and then inspection.   We arrived before the contractor so we looked around.  We started a burn pile! Our first one!  The contractor arrived and they got to work.  They finished the plumbing and turned on the water.  They were also kind enough to use their tractor to help with the burn pile so we got more burned! Yea!  They finished up after lunch and we waited for the inspector.  He arrived and looked around and took pictures.  He pointed out a few things but all was in order for it to pass!  Yea!  Now we just wait for the official report to come in!  It was about 9 pm when we got to the rv and we were all tired and dirty! 

Day 93 - Rv

We received an email early this morning tell us that the air conditioner had not been installed on Friday.  It was too muddy.  If it doesn't get installed by inspection time on Tuesday, we will have a problem and all will be delayed.   The rain chances were much less today so we knew we needed to get out of  the rv.  I voted to go to the land!  I didn't really know why since we knew that nothing had been done but I just wanted to go.  So we loaded up and went.  When we got there they ac guys were not around so I was very frustrated.  I just knew we were going to get delayed again!  We rode the 4 wheeler and unloaded some wood.  And around 2pm the Ac guys arrived!  Boy was I glad to see them!  They got to work and since they had to get in the house we were able to get in too!  Looks the same, but it just is nice to see it again!  They had the unit up and running in no time and we could feel the cool air blowing into the house!  Great feeling on a hot day!  Colt has been saying for weeks that he loves the land but will love it more when we have air conditioning!  LOL!  The ac guys left but we hung around a little longer.  The contractor is scheduled to arrive in the morning to turn on the water and do last minute touch ups.  And then the inspection is scheduled for the afternoon.  So we will go back to the land tomorrow.  If all goes well we are looking at 8 days or so!  Praying for a passed inspection! 

The boys fell asleep on the way home and now that it is almost 10pm they are wide awake and Troye has crashed and I am about too! 

Day 92 - Rv

Today the boys and I got up and headed to church.  Today was our last day at our church!  :-(   I have not wanted to admit that we were actually going to be leaving the church but we won't be able to make that drive each week.  And we need to be involved in our new community.  But it is so bittersweet.  Troye and I started going to West Conroe over 11 years ago!  We have made many life long friends.  We have been involved in many different ministries and have grown so much from attending the services.  This is the only church home our boys have known!  They both started going to the church when they were just days old and started in the nursery when they were just weeks old!  We are going to miss everyone!  I do know that we will be back in December for Bethlehem City!  We have participated every year in some way so we HAVE to come back for that, maybe just one night though! 

Day 91 - Rv

The boys slept in this morning!  That was a nice surprise especially considering they had a friend over!  Once they were  up and fed we got ready for the day.  We had a party to go to at the church.  Another family is moving and their little boy is a friend of Cam.  As soon as we arrive one of the guys was moving some firewood for the grill and found a copperhead!  The boys got to see him kill it and then I made them look at it!  They need to know what it looks like so if they see one they won't mess with it!  YUCK!  The kids all had fun running around the place and the adults had fun chatting and eating all of the great food!  After it was over we came back to the rv, it was raining again.  We just hung out and colored and when the rain stopped we played at the park. 

Day 90 - Rv

Cam and I woke up and played this morning.  We had fun snuggling and I can tell he is feeling better already.  His ear is still sore but he doesn't hurt as much.  After lunch we met Colt and his friends family at Hastings Bookstore.  It is raining again today!  So we hung out in the bookstore for HOURS!  It was fun.  The kids played in the kids area and I got to chat with a great friend!  When we left we brought back an extra kid to spend the night !  So the boys had a blast playing at the rv and thankfully the rain had stopped!  I think I heard that the Conroe area got over 8 inches the last 3 days!  WOW!  The air conditioner was suppose to be installed today and final inspection has been ordered for Tuesday.  But due to paperwork and such we are looking at the 25th or so for actual move in.  

Day 89 - Rv

Today we got up and got ready to head to the land.  As we were driving it started raining and so I called the contractor and he confirmed that they were not going to work today.  So I called and made an appointment for Camaron.  We took him to the doctor and ran some errands.  He has a massive ear infection and needs oral and drop antibiotics. Glad we took him!  After all of that we came back to the rv to just hang out, not much else to do when it is pouring!! So another lazy day!  We are going to have to be super active when all this rain stops!

Day 88 - Rv

Well we had a rough night last night.  Cam woke up at 3 am crying and burning up with fever.  He was in so much pain he couldn't even think!  He just kept pacing the rv.  It was heartbreaking. He actually asked for his medicine.  Once he took the tylenol he calmed down and fell asleep shortly afterwards.  All day today the same thing would happen if the tylenol would wear off.  He doesn't like to take it so he waits until he is in pain.  I am hoping that the drops will start working tonight.  If not he made need to go to the dr for an oral anitbiotic.  It started raining around 4 am and did not stop until after 2pm!  Tons of rain!  Such a dramatic difference in last summer!  While the rain is much needed and welcomed it made this day long!  We could not really go outside, didn't want to take Cam into public  and couldn't swim.  So what did we do??? Oh we all played on the computer and watched way too much tv and movies!  The great thing is that we have 2 laptops, a kindle fire and Troye's smart phone so we were all entertained!  LOL! 
We got a tentative timeline for the house.  Finishing touches should be done on Thursday, Air conditioner installed on Friday and inspection on Monday.  Once inspection is done they will need to correct any problems and wait for the report.  Then we can sign final papers and the loan will be funded  and we get the keys!!  So we are looking at the end of next week as a best case scenerio.

Day 87 - Rv

Well Camaron has an ear infection.  He had told us that while swimming it felt funny but we just thought it was water.  But today I see the pussy drainage.  Good news is that he does still have one tube and it is working.  Bad news is that I can't find the drops for the ear.  I am assuming they are packed so the doctor is calling us some in to the pharmacy.  But that means no swimming for us today so we just stayed at the rv and watched tooooo much tv!  Camaron feels fine as long as we can keep him does with tylenol.  The best news of the day was that we have water at the land!  AWESOME!  The finished the bore and have the meter set. Now our contractor just has to fix the lines that were cut and connect it.  He also has a few other touch up items to do The contractor is planning on finishing all of his work at the property on Thursday.  YEA!  I don't want to complain but the rain is delaying us slightly but really it is the water company that gave us the greatest delay.  But we are getting closer!

Day 86 - Rv

The boys and I headed out to the land today.  When we arrived the water guys were working.  We were able to get our mail.  We had not checked it in 2 weeks due to the box being down!  We looked around the property and rode the 4 wheeler.  The creek is completely dry.... so sad!  We went back to check on the boring and the guys were gone!  So we ran to Livingston to get some things and then drove back to the land to see if they were working again.  They had been back but were gone for the day.  I called and found out that they did all they needed to today and that they planned on doing the actual boring tomorrow and set the water meter tomorrow.  It should only take a couple of hours so I called our contractor and let him know.  He should have guys at the land tomorrow to start replacing some of the damaged water lines and then hopefully turn on the water and electrcicity tomorrow evening. I also got a call from the service tech and he will be out at the land tomorrow to finish the interior punch list items.  So slowly we are checking items off of the list.  I am pretty confident it will not be complete this week so I am now preparing myself for next week!  That is really best anyway because Troye works this weekend and he can't get off so even if we did get the keys we really couldn't move until Monday.  What's another day when we have been waiting this long right?  LOL!  

Day 85 - Rv

We all slept late this morning due to our late night out last night!  After church it was raining but we did manage to get to swim.  The park is empty today so we had the pool to ourselves!  And let me tell you how much my Cambo is growing up..... he has learned to ride his bike while staying here and now he is swimming!   I just can't believe it!  But he doesn't wear his floatie at all now!  He still needs to gain some confidence but I am amazed at how fast he can learn something when he puts his mind to it!  He is even doing front flips in the water!! 

Day 84 - Rv

Today we stayed around the rv until just after lunch and then we went to see about touring a goat farm.  Of course we both didn't realize that they were not open on Saturday due to the Farmer's Market.  Once we realized this we went to the Farmer's Market.  It was small but we enjoyed looking around and bought some local honey.  We spoke to the Goat farm people and we are going to try to go out this week.   We then went to the historic homes in Montgomery.  They are old log cabins, and the boys love looking in the.  It reminds them of Little House on the Prarie.  It was a fun afternoon.  We went over to Trev and Stephs house and then to a friend of theirs.  We ate dinner and played games.  There were 12 kids and 7 adults!  A house full!  it was a blast though, I think my face hurt from laughing so hard.  We didn't get home until 11 pm and let me tell you my boys are not use to staying up that late!  

Day 83 - Rv

Troye was off today so we planned on going to the land but decided against it since nothing was going to be taking place.  But we did get the call that the permit is complete and drilling will take place on Monday! Yea!  So we did head to Home Depot to buy a few things we need.  After that we went swimming.   While swimming the KOA had a hay ride, man was that hot!  We enjoyed the pool and then just had a lazy afternoon.  We went back to the park area for a night time movie. They were playing Shrek so we took our sleeping bag and enjoyed watching the movie under the stars!  

Day 82 - Rv

We got up early and started our laundry.  I wanted to get it done before the weekend and also before all of the ladies here started their laundry!  It can be a madhouse in the laundry room! After laundry we headed to Conroe to run several errands. We went to Toyrus and the boys spent some money they had and we bought a Kindle Fire.  They had a gift card to replace the Nabi tablet that broke so they were excited to get a replacement!   Not sure they will get to play much, I might take it over!! Ha!  (thanks Grammy and Grumpy!)  Once Troye got off we went swimming and later I went grocery shopping!  I have found so many recipes I want to try on pinterest but I find it hard to cook big meals here.  I did end up buying too much and had to squeeze it all in the small fridge!  Is it sad that I keep hoping that was the last time i have to grocery shop for the camper!  Ha!  I am soooo ready to move! 

Day 81 - Rv

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

Troye had to work today so the boys and I just stayed at the rv.  We went swimming, did some cleaning and some messy crafts!  It was fun.  We also just played outside and while doing so they boys found a black widow spider! YIKES!!  While scary and all I must say that I kept wanting to look at it and I had to get a picture!!  We didn't go watch fireworks since Troye had to work but the boys did see some here at the campground.  Probably not your typical 4th celebration but oh well!

 

Day 80 - Rv

Well today we did nothing!  Really, I took the boys swimming for a few hours and then we just watched movies.  It rained and was just a day to stay inside.  I did get a call that they got more water for the septic so that is good.  Glad that the water company was able to help out, the rain could have made a mess out of the tanks if there was not water in them!   The rv is getting smaller, really I think it is!  Things are just not as organized and I am soooo ready to move that it is difficult sometimes.  I am trying to stay positive but I am ready to move!  Ha!  All in God's timing!

Day 79 - Rv

Today we headed to the land.  The water was scheduled to be installed but when we arrived they were not working on it! I called and found out that the permit had not arrived yet so they couldn't start.  The septic guys were there installing the tanks.  That was great but also problematic.  They need water in them so that they don't float up.  So after lots of calls and discussions we finally decided that the septic guy would bring about 800 gallons of water tomorrow and then if more is needed the guys from the water company would get more water from the fire department.  The water company is trying to be helpful since this delay is due to their mistake.  And we do appreciate that.  After lunch we worked on the barn.  We are just staking out the perimeter for now.  But it is fun and exciting to work on something. The boys had fun playing in the rock and dirt piles that were left over from the septic digging.  We were tired when we headed home!  I was really sad that we couldn't just walk into the house and sleep!  The septic should be finished tomorrow and then hopefully we will get a permit soon and can start the boring and connect the water.  Of course the holiday on Wednesday means that nothing will happen until Thursday.

Day 78 - Rv

Well the boys and I headed to church this morning.  I still think I am in denial about us changing churches!  I love our church and we have been there for over 11 years!  But we want to be involved in the community where we are moving and getting involved in church is a great way.  After church we just had a lazy day at the rv.  Colt had a sore throat so we didn't go swimming.  We did ride bikes and Camaron made it all the way to the office building riding his bike.  This is the first time he has attempted riding on the concrete!  He did great, he just has some trouble starting and stopping.    Well I guess it is obvious that we didn't make it in the new house by July 1.  Hopefully soon!