Hello Again!

I never thought I'd quit blogging after doing it so faithfully for almost two years. After sitting out a few months, I now realize what therapy it was for me and also that it serves a lot like a diary for me. So.... I'm back. I've probably lost everyone (all five of you) but it's still good therapy. Too much happened in the last three months to try to completely catch up, but it's sufficient to say that it has been a very busy three months. We put our house on the market in May and had an offer on it the next day. Then the "pre-approved" buyers' financing fell through near the closing date and we had to put it on the market again. Same thing- an offer within the first few days, but this time we also kept it on the market until we were 100% sure of financing. Good thing. That one fell through too! Luckily a third one was right behind it and we are keeping all available fingers and toes crossed that this one actually closes on August 8th. That means we have been looking at larger houses to buy. This one is just so small when we all get together. The payment has been awesome though! :) We have found a couple of homes we really liked but both want more than they're worth, so we're back out again tomorrow looking and hopefully putting in an offer. If not, we will be moving in with Jeremy and Stacy for a little stay. :) :) I taught summer school this year so summer has seemed very short and rushed. It did give me time to continue working on some educational projects/presentations and my presentation to BSU this week went very well. More to come on that later. We also did a camping weekend up at Pine with my brother Bob and his family, along with Jason and Anne and the girls. That was fun. Camping Comment of the Weekend: (after screaming) "Did you see the antlers on that bug! They were huge!" (by Jackie Andre) :)Love you Jackie! Of course, watching Maddie eat a smore was pretty priceless too. When we got back we headed to a couple days of R&R at Skamania Lodge near Cascade Locks, Washington. It's by the Columbia Gorge and it was absolutely beautiful. I'd definitely recommend it. Drove over to the Portland D.I. to pick up some books for Jeremy while were there too. Came home with some of the biggest cherries I've ever seen. There was a little market set up under the "Bridge of the Gods" which was near our resort. There were also some vendors selling fresh salmon from the river. They cut and fileted it right there for us. It was awesome tasting-- so flavorful and fresh. The drive back was gorgeous and the time away was nice. It was the 4th of July when we came back. We made it back in time for a family BBQ at our house. The kids had it all put together so it was nice to come home to. Middleton also has some awesome fireworks for a little town. Enjoyed having Bob and Jackie over as well as two of our children and their families. Fun day! Date year #33 with the hubby. Yep, our first date was the 4th of July. It's always a special day. We have just a couple more weeks before we start packing up the house. I just can't believe how fast summer is going. Makes me sad. The heat can speed up and leave though! HOly cow! Triple digits triple days in a row are not the norm here! And the humidity is weird as well. I feel like I'm in Iowa or something! Baby Kalijah is growing into another bighead baby. Mandy has her hands full with three boys! They have been battling the cycling illnesses in their family as have our other children. So many yucky things going around they've actually cancelled church classes for the children at times. Through it all they have continued to grow and recover though and I continually pray for their health and safety. We love them so much and are so proud of how our children's families are growing and learning. It was sad to hear about that little five year old boy who drowned at Star yesterday. So sad. On a happier note, I also had the chance to go to Wild Rose Manor and check out the grounds with Korinne as she prepares for her September wedding. Nice little place and I'm excited to help. In fact, that's my next calendar item: decorating party for her wedding decor this Saturday. Looking forward to some girl time. Papa is going to head off to the zoo with his sons and all the g-kids. I'm sure there's much more than this over the last three months, but this kind of catches me up and since I'm turning the big 5-0 very soon, it's normal for me to forget things! :)