After sending a selling proposal to our renters a few weeks ago, we finally got word back from them that they are 100% interested in purchasing our house back in Reno. We tried to entice them by reducing our price significantly. Maybe it worked.
The only hang-up is that they have a house in Fernley that needs to sell and they don't think that they will qualify for another home loan as long as they have that house in their name.
They have 66 more days on the lease with their tenants. They said that once the lease is up, they will then put their house on the market. In the meantime, Kenny and I are both praying that they DO qualify for a second home loan and will move forward with our purchase more sooner than later.
Here's to keeping our fingers crossed....
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Precious Moments
Last night as I sang our traditional bedtime song to my boys, I realized that it won't be long before they do not want to participate in this bedtime ritual. Right now, they beg me every evening to tuck them in and sing to them. I happily oblige, and admittedly do so quite frequently on autopilot. However, last night...for whatever reason, it struck me that what I was experiencing would soon be a fond memory that I would long to relive.The days, weeks, months and years seem to be flying by lately. My "baby" will be 3 in a few short months....yet it was just a few blinks ago when I held my oldest in my arms for the very first time.
I'm so thankful that I realize these precious moments as they happen.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Attacks
Lately, my very best friends have been coming under various attacks. One is dealing with her spouse's major health issues and another confronts the demons of a troubled child.
In times like these, many would say that God is not a good God. That He is absent from the every day struggles of man. That He doesn't care or won't get involved in His creation's problems. However, I can not accept this theory. I have seen what prayer can do. I have witnessed miracles. I have experienced transformation. I cling to the hope that is Jesus Christ.
I use to think that people who said things like this were just speaking "Christianese" and that it was just lipservice given to a bad situation. However, the more I grow and further my walk in Christ, I realize that the hope therein is more true and heavier in substance than I ever thought possible. All of life's answers are found in Christ...all of them. So during these troubling times, I turn to Him, I petition for my beloved, I trust in His authority and Word and sovereignty. It's all I can do.... and it's enough.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
In times like these, many would say that God is not a good God. That He is absent from the every day struggles of man. That He doesn't care or won't get involved in His creation's problems. However, I can not accept this theory. I have seen what prayer can do. I have witnessed miracles. I have experienced transformation. I cling to the hope that is Jesus Christ.
I use to think that people who said things like this were just speaking "Christianese" and that it was just lipservice given to a bad situation. However, the more I grow and further my walk in Christ, I realize that the hope therein is more true and heavier in substance than I ever thought possible. All of life's answers are found in Christ...all of them. So during these troubling times, I turn to Him, I petition for my beloved, I trust in His authority and Word and sovereignty. It's all I can do.... and it's enough.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Monday, March 24, 2008
Easter Epiphany
This Easter, I had an epiphany. As I stood in service singing along to the worship music, I was blanketed by God's grace in a way that I have never experienced before. I realized that I am not above backsliding and am still in desperate need of a Savior. It was such a profound experience; I'm certain that this date has been permanently marked as a turning point in my life.
Matthew 5:29
Romans 7:15 (NLT)
Luke 6:46
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Choking
I'm literally choking on my own thoughts and words as I cry out to God on behalf of my friend of 23 years. She is hurting, so I hurt too. She is walking through the lowest valley of her life and all I want to do is wrap my arms around her and cry with her. Distance seperates us physically, but we're both sobbing. I'm scared, she is terrified, and he continues to hold on. Lord, please give him the strength, the health and the hope to hold on.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Boomer
Last Tuesday, we bid farewell to our dog, Boomer. We had him for a little over a year. We went through the puppy stage where he chewed everything, including our comforter and pillow set. The digging stage where he destroyed our backyard. The hyper stage (which he's still in) where he leaped like a Mexican Jumping Bean anytime there was human contact. The pissing stage where he marked his territory all over any absorbant item in our house. And the humping stage where he continually attempted to mount our other, very low key, very mellow dog, Sadie. Needless to say, the decision to find another family for him was a hard one.
Really though, Boomer is a very smart dog. We just never had the time for him that he so desperately needed. And since the purchase of our house, we knew that he'd have to find another home due to the size of our yard.
Ironically, he wound up back in Reno. He's now with a family of animal lovers on a couple acres of land. Kenny works with his new owner and has since confirmed how happy Boomer is and how well he has adjusted to his new life.
As for us, we're happier too. I really do hate to admit that we are those people...ones who didn't fully commit to our pet. Well, at least that was the case with Boomer. And I never thought that we'd be placing him in another home...but we did what we knew was best for us and him both.
Anyway, the other day, my mother-in-law was commenting on how much happier Sadie seems. She's not so nervous and just seems to be a bit more content. I mentioned something to the fact that I noticed that as well, and that I thought a lot of it had to do with Boomer's absence. Sadie now gets more time with us, like it used to be. There is just a greater harmony in the home. To that, Dallas agreed. He said, "Sadie is more happy now that Boomer is gone cause he was always trying to get piggy back rides from her." All Kathy and I could do was laugh and agree. Out of the mouths of babes....
Really though, Boomer is a very smart dog. We just never had the time for him that he so desperately needed. And since the purchase of our house, we knew that he'd have to find another home due to the size of our yard.
Ironically, he wound up back in Reno. He's now with a family of animal lovers on a couple acres of land. Kenny works with his new owner and has since confirmed how happy Boomer is and how well he has adjusted to his new life.
As for us, we're happier too. I really do hate to admit that we are those people...ones who didn't fully commit to our pet. Well, at least that was the case with Boomer. And I never thought that we'd be placing him in another home...but we did what we knew was best for us and him both.
Anyway, the other day, my mother-in-law was commenting on how much happier Sadie seems. She's not so nervous and just seems to be a bit more content. I mentioned something to the fact that I noticed that as well, and that I thought a lot of it had to do with Boomer's absence. Sadie now gets more time with us, like it used to be. There is just a greater harmony in the home. To that, Dallas agreed. He said, "Sadie is more happy now that Boomer is gone cause he was always trying to get piggy back rides from her." All Kathy and I could do was laugh and agree. Out of the mouths of babes....
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Starting to Move
After many hours of labor, we moved our first load over to the new house tonight. There is still a lot to do; many rooms still to paint and tons of landscaping to do. But at least we are now moving forward. I believe that tonight might be our last night here. I'm pretty sure that we'll start sleeping over at the other house tomorrow. Finally!
Aside from finally moving some stuff to the new house, I'd have to say that the highlight of my day was when our family was participating in our dinner-time "high-low" game. Each night that we gather around the dinner table, we each confess our high and low point for the day. What made my day was hearing Dallas say that his "high" for the day was knowing that I was his Valentine. Talk about melting my heart.
Aside from the house and loving my children beyond comprehension...I've been gearing up for some volunteer work at my church. In the next couple of weeks, I will be coordinating Financial Peace University. It's been 5 years since I/we took this 13 week course and it has completely changed the way that Kenny and I handle our finances. I wish that I could say that we haven't made mistakes since taking the course, but that would be a lie. However, we're back on track and I'm looking forward to helping other families along their journey as well.
Well, I guess that's about it for now. I can't believe that I haven't posted anything for so long. I guess that I've been busier than I realized. Still...that is no excuse. I am hoping to post some "after" pictures of the house very soon so as to document what I've been busy/distracted with. Stay tuned.
Aside from finally moving some stuff to the new house, I'd have to say that the highlight of my day was when our family was participating in our dinner-time "high-low" game. Each night that we gather around the dinner table, we each confess our high and low point for the day. What made my day was hearing Dallas say that his "high" for the day was knowing that I was his Valentine. Talk about melting my heart.
Aside from the house and loving my children beyond comprehension...I've been gearing up for some volunteer work at my church. In the next couple of weeks, I will be coordinating Financial Peace University. It's been 5 years since I/we took this 13 week course and it has completely changed the way that Kenny and I handle our finances. I wish that I could say that we haven't made mistakes since taking the course, but that would be a lie. However, we're back on track and I'm looking forward to helping other families along their journey as well.
Well, I guess that's about it for now. I can't believe that I haven't posted anything for so long. I guess that I've been busier than I realized. Still...that is no excuse. I am hoping to post some "after" pictures of the house very soon so as to document what I've been busy/distracted with. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Maxed Out
I just watched Maxed Out via Netflix's "Watch It Now" feature. Seeing that I love great documentaries, it was inevitable that I would enjoy this one. Especially since it merges my enthusiasm for documentaries with my passion for becoming debt free once again. I guess you could say that I once again have drank the Kool-Aid and shaved my head when it comes to Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University. Anyway, I heard Dave talking about this on one of his radio broadcasts and had the chance to check it out this afternoon. Definitely Two Thumbs Up and a strong recommendation to all my friends and family.
Movie review: 'Maxed Out'
By Kevin Crust Chicago Tribune March 22, 2007
Creditors knocking at your door? Up to your eyeballs in credit card debt? Besieged by offers for even more credit cards despite your inability to keep up with the ones you already have? Wondering how this is even possible?
Filmmaker and author James Scurlock wants to tell you in the timely documentary "Maxed Out," a biting critique of the credit card industry. Drawing on the stories of individuals from across the country, Scurlock etches a bleak view of the state of personal debt while taking aim at the predatory strategies of lenders, the entrepreneurial enthusiasm of collection agencies and the cozy relationships between govern-%ment and major financial institutions.
Americans, if you haven't heard, are racking up personal debt in record numbers. Reportedly, the average family has more than $9,000 in credit card debt. It seems that it has become a staple of the evening news to rattle off statistics such as these as financial gurus like Suze Orman ply us with promises of money makeovers and admonish us to repent or else.
So while the premise of "Maxed Out" may not surprise, some of the details will. Scurlock connects the dots between major banks and their practices in targeting those most vulnerable--college students, the elderly, the previously bankrupted--and makes a compelling case that something needs to be done. Many stories depicted are tragic, and some are plain strange. For a film dealing with numbers, it's surprisingly nimble, balancing interviews with people who have been personally affected and financial experts, members of the finance industry and even a surprisingly sympathetic pawnbroker. Scurlock does well to counter the film's more dire aspects with a razor-sharp sense of humor.The most troubling facet of the world depicted in "Maxed Out" is that it's yet another avenue from which the nation's wealth flows from the poorest to the richest. It's easy to dismiss the problem as one of personal responsibility--especially if you're debt-free--but everyone should be worried about the two-tiered economic structure it fosters, one in which there is no room for a middle class.
Movie review: 'Maxed Out'
By Kevin Crust Chicago Tribune March 22, 2007
Creditors knocking at your door? Up to your eyeballs in credit card debt? Besieged by offers for even more credit cards despite your inability to keep up with the ones you already have? Wondering how this is even possible?
Filmmaker and author James Scurlock wants to tell you in the timely documentary "Maxed Out," a biting critique of the credit card industry. Drawing on the stories of individuals from across the country, Scurlock etches a bleak view of the state of personal debt while taking aim at the predatory strategies of lenders, the entrepreneurial enthusiasm of collection agencies and the cozy relationships between govern-%ment and major financial institutions.
Americans, if you haven't heard, are racking up personal debt in record numbers. Reportedly, the average family has more than $9,000 in credit card debt. It seems that it has become a staple of the evening news to rattle off statistics such as these as financial gurus like Suze Orman ply us with promises of money makeovers and admonish us to repent or else.
So while the premise of "Maxed Out" may not surprise, some of the details will. Scurlock connects the dots between major banks and their practices in targeting those most vulnerable--college students, the elderly, the previously bankrupted--and makes a compelling case that something needs to be done. Many stories depicted are tragic, and some are plain strange. For a film dealing with numbers, it's surprisingly nimble, balancing interviews with people who have been personally affected and financial experts, members of the finance industry and even a surprisingly sympathetic pawnbroker. Scurlock does well to counter the film's more dire aspects with a razor-sharp sense of humor.The most troubling facet of the world depicted in "Maxed Out" is that it's yet another avenue from which the nation's wealth flows from the poorest to the richest. It's easy to dismiss the problem as one of personal responsibility--especially if you're debt-free--but everyone should be worried about the two-tiered economic structure it fosters, one in which there is no room for a middle class.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
No End In Sight
Kenny and I watched "No End In Sight" last night. We definitely have a greater understanding of how the situation in Iraq came to be. Sad indeed...
Sunday, January 13, 2008
I Don't Need No Stinking Instructions
I can barely tap the keys on my laptop without wincing in pain. But I just had to post that WE ARE DONE! We chipped away at the last section of mortar after about 8 hours of labor. Even though I'm sore and tired, the sense of accomplishment was worth it.
I have to admit though, about 7 hours into our chip-fest, Kenny noticed that the chisel blade wasn't put in the right way. I had it upside down. Oops! Needless to say, he shot me a look of dissatisfaction. And boy did flipping that chisel around make a difference. The mortar came up so much easier once the chisel was in the right way. My arms were actually being pelted by the mortar once the chisel was installed right. Geez, you'd think that Kenny would have noticed that YESTERDAY. What was he thinking, leaving such monumental decisions to a woman? Man, you'd think that he actually trusted me and believed that I knew what I was doing! Men...I tell you.
If that weren't bad enough, as we were heading back to Home Depot to return the chipping hammer, I noticed on the pages behind the rental receipt were the instructions for the chipper. Seems that there is a control lever on that piece of equipment.... Level 1-2: Plaster and drywall. Level 3: Tile Removal. Level 4: Masonry. Level 5-6: Concrete. Yeah...needless to say, I had it set to level 1. Once again, I wonder how much faster and easier this job could have been had I taken the time to actually read the instructions.
Feeling a bit guilty about this whole ordeal in hindsight, I tried to convince Kenny that it was worth it considering that we had put our own sweat into the project. I asked him if he felt the same sense of accomplishment as I did and whether or not he would do it again. I believe his reply was, "Let's see, I just gave up $500 worth of OT hours where I would have been doing something that is 10 times less strenuous...and I could have watched the playoffs while working that OT....hmmm, I'm not sharing your enthusiasm." Of course, he was teasing...I think. Well, at least he said it with a smile on his face. He is a good man, my husband. He supports my crazy endeavors time and time again. He even put about 4 loads of laundry away this morning. I don't know what I did to deserve such dedication and support, but he sends it my way time and time again. Even when I neglect to read the instructions.
I have to admit though, about 7 hours into our chip-fest, Kenny noticed that the chisel blade wasn't put in the right way. I had it upside down. Oops! Needless to say, he shot me a look of dissatisfaction. And boy did flipping that chisel around make a difference. The mortar came up so much easier once the chisel was in the right way. My arms were actually being pelted by the mortar once the chisel was installed right. Geez, you'd think that Kenny would have noticed that YESTERDAY. What was he thinking, leaving such monumental decisions to a woman? Man, you'd think that he actually trusted me and believed that I knew what I was doing! Men...I tell you.
If that weren't bad enough, as we were heading back to Home Depot to return the chipping hammer, I noticed on the pages behind the rental receipt were the instructions for the chipper. Seems that there is a control lever on that piece of equipment.... Level 1-2: Plaster and drywall. Level 3: Tile Removal. Level 4: Masonry. Level 5-6: Concrete. Yeah...needless to say, I had it set to level 1. Once again, I wonder how much faster and easier this job could have been had I taken the time to actually read the instructions.
Feeling a bit guilty about this whole ordeal in hindsight, I tried to convince Kenny that it was worth it considering that we had put our own sweat into the project. I asked him if he felt the same sense of accomplishment as I did and whether or not he would do it again. I believe his reply was, "Let's see, I just gave up $500 worth of OT hours where I would have been doing something that is 10 times less strenuous...and I could have watched the playoffs while working that OT....hmmm, I'm not sharing your enthusiasm." Of course, he was teasing...I think. Well, at least he said it with a smile on his face. He is a good man, my husband. He supports my crazy endeavors time and time again. He even put about 4 loads of laundry away this morning. I don't know what I did to deserve such dedication and support, but he sends it my way time and time again. Even when I neglect to read the instructions.
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