Sunday, October 25, 2009

Big week

This is it. The week the bank tells us whether they accept our offer or not and if they accept, a closing date.
Last week we were signing paperwork that make us believe we are heading in the right direction, but you just never know.
Either way, the kids and I are leaving Smith Mountain Lake on Wednesday. Heading up to get our first look at the house, check in with Avery's school.
Then on to Towson to spend some time with Stephen, Thomas, Jenny and James. The kids are really looking forward to seeing everyone, going trick or treating with their cousin and visiting the aquarium.
Next Monday, we'll check into our new residence, a Marriott TowneSuites in northern VA. It is time to start setting some roots down up there, getting Avery into school.
If we get a yes, we hope to only be in the hotel for 2-3 weeks.
If we get a no, at least we'll be in the area to look for long term rentals as well as other houses.
"Oh there's no place like home for the holidays..."

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

stumbling upon a piece of paradise

Dad and I took the kids to the 'beach' today. The same beach we visited this summer, but this time of year the beach is closed. So the kids played on the playground and then we decided to take a nature hike around the peninsula.
The trail led us through some beautiful trees and to some other beautiful beaches (only accessible when the lake is low).
We came across this hut someone put together, seemed like we had stumbled upon the movie set of CastAway.
We ate lunch on the dock and watched all the boats motor by. We then met a woman fishing who told us about living on the farm where the lake now exists. Avery told me on the way back to the car, "It is neat listening to stories from older people."
Avery's shell and stick smile summed up our trip. Great day to be outside exploring.


 

 

 
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Avery and her fangs

 
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Here she is sporting her celery fangs. There is a new food every day with which to create fangs. Almonds, clementine slices, carrot sticks. Endless possibilities.
Love our goofy kids.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

That time of year

Our three little pumpkins

 


 


 



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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

keeping our mind off of our situation

Well, the news on the house is a bit overwhelming. We have officially signed papers to rescind our first offer. Along with that paperwork, we have thrown a new offer at them. An offer we think is fair for everyone, but the bank may not agree. Now we wait to hear back, hopefully in the next day or two. Having never seen the house, I don't have my heart set on this house. But I do have my heart set on finishing this process and having our family back under one roof.

So today we are baking to keep our minds off of the process. Apple pie with fresh fruit from the orchard we visited in Charlottesville.

The Labor. Stephen, Avery and Jackson heading off to pick Staymen apples.


The Fruit. These were young apples not ready for picking. It was a beautiful day and everyone had a great time.


The Fruit of the Labor. Can you smell it through the screen, divine! Basic apple pie with an Emeril oatmeal crunch topping.

 
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

need prayer

Bank came back and denied our offer on the house.
The selling agent asked if there was anything we could do and the bank replied that we need to raise our price by $20,000.
Stephen and I are weighing our options.
We feel if we raise our offer, we are paying slightly more for this home than it is worth (comparing comps in the neighborhood) and that we are also pushing our limit financially.
If we counter, we could lose the house and have to start looking again.
Prayers appreciated as we make these decisions.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

enjoying the beginning of fall

Avery catching butterflies in grandpa's blue garden.

 


Charlie making leaf stew in the bird bath.
 


The moon rising over the mountain, over trees starting to turn.
 



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Friday, October 2, 2009

Our rainbow in Lynchburg

 
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As I have mentioned in previous posts, I firmly believe that when we see rainbows, God is communicating with us (as He did with Noah) that things are going to be ok. The road may not be as we had planned, but the brilliant colors can renew our spirit and remind us that we are not alone on our journey.

It has been 25 days since we have seen Stephen. He arrives tonight and we are all so excited! Looking forward to wonderful weekend as a family.