A Case Of The Winter Blahs

Today it is snowy....just like the past 3 Thursdays have been. But here in the city snow doesn't mean snow days, snowmen or sledding- but slushy wet snow that doesn't stick and just makes puddles. Puddles my toddler gravitates to when we go outside.

Normally I would stay inside- dry and warm, but with a toddler as bossy as mine, you can only tell her "no going outside today" so many times before meltdown occurs. Thus meaning the inevitable wet boots, socks, and pant hems, along with a red nose and freezing hands (she will not keep the gloves on...big surprise) Oh, and did I mention I hate the cold? When does spring arrive?

I've got a case of the winter blah's....and no way to go on a vacation to the tropics.

Up for sale

We have decided to test the market and put our house up for sale by owner. Today I made a website and flyer's and am busy getting this house in tip-top shape so we can put a sign out front by the weekend. We can't afford a loss, and our homes value is right around where we bought it 3 years ago, so we are either selling by owner, or staying put until the market improves and we build more equity. This house is just squeezing us tighter everyday so we have to at least test the market. Wish us luck!

http://6647stjosephs.shutterfly.com/

Things Kinsey Does- 15 month version

Time flies by so fast, and although I want to remember every little thing Kinsey does I know I never will. So in the process of writing some current 'things Kinsey does' down I will share them with you as well.

Can't believe she is already 15 months old!

• Miss Bossy: her favorite new thing is directing mommy and daddy where to sit, stand, walk to,etc. When she doesn't want me to cook and instead wants me to play with her she grabs my hand and walks me over to her toys, or to the sofa to read her a book. She often likes to sit us both in the recliner (I have to sit in Roy's lap) and then climb up to sit with us...too cute!


• My little tree hugger: She loves the concept of throwing things in the trash, and so far has done well at only throwing away things meant to go in the trash (although I do check often for random do-not-throw objects) After a diaper change I always ask her to throw her dirty diaper away, which she LOVES to do! The other day at the local park she decided to help clean and started picking up trash to throw...she even found a trash can, which I had to lift her up to reach. I can't say I love the idea of her picking up other peoples trash, so I tried my hardest to get her to think leaves and sticks were trash.


• Boogie time baby: I know all babies like to dance, but this girl has some moves! She also has an ear for good music. I guess it is in the genes ;o)


• Bear hugs: she loves to stretch out her arms and run in for a hug (and if you are lucky a kiss)


• Nighty-night: she gives kisses to all before going upstairs to bed, blows kisses at the top of the stairs and waves.


• Miss Congeniality: she is getting to be so sociable out and about. She usually stays by mommy but smiles and waves at everybody! She loves the attention, just soaks it right up. What can I say, the girl knows she's a doll.


• There are so many other little things, from putting on lotion (myself and her) to putting salt on Mommy's food, to waving at Mickey when he says bye on TV, I wish I could record every moment in my mind!

Miles, Memories, and Moving

Happy New Year...I hope.

I feel as though this year began on a bad note, maybe not so much bad as unexpected and very much different than I had anticipated. One week ago today my maternal grandfather, Herschel, passed away. He had fallen ill the Sunday after Thanksgiving and after a month long hospital stay involving disease of many of his vital organ systems he was suddenly gone from this world and off to Heaven to join his Saviour. No matter how much time you have to prepare for the inevitable loss of a loved one, it always hurts, but knowing than my grandpa is now walking with the Lord and able to reunite with all the loved ones he lost in his lifetime including his oldest child, Ellen, makes my heart ache a little less. My prayers are now for my Grammy as she adjusts to life without her partner and friend.

The trip was a long one- over 1,000 miles to Coffeeville, Mississippi - and with a 15 month old I was not looking forward to the journey. But with a little help from grandma, uncle and auntie....and mostly Dora, Diego and DJ Lance Rock.....we made it there without a total meltdown.

I wish it didn't take a loss to bring my family together. Too many miles are between us all that we can't seem to connect more than every 5-10 years. My Grammy said it best when she declared that my Grandpa would have really enjoyed this gathering of his family, I only wish he could have been there.

I'm glad we were able to make the journey, Kinsey was able to meet her extended family and the memories of Mississippi and my youth were fun to share with cousins. It's funny what sticks in your head after all those years, but the memories are all wonderful no matter how silly and I'm glad I will always have them to bring me back to those carefree summer days. Kinsey LOVED running around in the yard even though it was pretty chilly. She tried out all of the rocking chairs and the swing on the big southern-style porch. She sat on Grandpa's tractor and beamed with happiness. It really made Roy and I wish we had a yard for her to run around in.
Which brings us to the second part of this post....

Moving.

The Sunday after Christmas we went out for a round of house-hunting with our Realtor and found the perfect house for us! Quiet neighborhood, good schools, 3,500 sq ft., HUGE yard, 5 bedrooms...gotta have room to grow ;o) and best of all it was within our budget and priced to sell at only $60 a sq ft! What a steal!

So what's the problem?

We have a house to sell ourselves...in a bad economy....boo.

Our plans were to get our house on the market by mid-week and put in a contingent offer that same day.

But apparently this wasn't the house for us after all...due to the loss of my Grandad and the journey across 5 states we were not able to get our house listed and place an offer and the house is already under contract.

Everything happens for a reason, I know....yadda yadda yadda.

It still sucks.

So my new year is off to a dismal start, grieving and feeling defeated. Lets hope this is the worst of the year to come.

We love you Grandpa..and will miss you dearly.