Well, last July we received an offer for a short sale on our house in the Central Valley, which was in the process of foreclosure... If you know anything about the foreclosure process, it can take FOREVER. So, when an offer came in we jumped on it. We sent all the necessary paperwork immediately, and got a fantastic realtor to facilitate negotiations with the lender (which had just switched from Countrywide to B of A). The bank said it would take a couple of weeks because they were so overloaded with foreclosures and short sales.
Weeks go by....we hear nothing. I call to make sure everything's going through. Oh--they LOST our paperwork. Weren't going to contact us to let us know. So I fax it in AGAIN. Wait a few more weeks.... They handed it off to a negotiating company. Again, didn't tell us we should contact that company. I call that company. They need fresh copies of our paperwork. Okay.... I send copy #3 of all the paperwork. Wait some more... and some more... meanwhile our realtor is calling DAILY, asking why it's taking so long, asking to speak with supervisors, etc.
MONTHS go by without any progress. "Waiting on a person to be assigned as the case negotiator" they said. FINALLY someone get assigned. Inspections need to be done. We send keys. They sit on the paperwork for a few more months. Oops. Inspections need to be renewed. So does the paperwork. Everything needs to be current.
There are a lot more scary, frustrating details and phone conversations that happened in the process. But, eventually, we qualified for a short sale, the offer got approved, inspections went great, and we signed the papers.
10 MONTHS after receiving the offer on the house, we close escrow on the short sale. GEEZ, B OF A!!!!
5.23.2010
5.05.2010
Can't Believe It's Finally Over
After MONTHS (I kid you not) of trying to get Countrywide (which turned over to B of A during our horrible, way-too-lengthy battle with them) to approve a short sale on our house, we FINALLY closed escrow. More to come on the process we were led through...
4.08.2010
3.01.2010
This Month
Not a whole lot of exciting news to share. Just felt bad that I haven't posted anything this month. We've been busy with everyday events: school, sports, music, youth groups, work... and we've all taken turns being sick. Last week was the first week in two months when not one of us was sick...now D. is.
1.16.2010
Sweetness
I know I need to put some Christmas photos up here... and I will. But we had a birthday recently & a friend from high school took the girls' pictures. I wanted to share.
12.23.2009
Cookies & A Field Trip
It's an annual tradition for us to make & decorate cookies at my parents' house during the week of Christmas. Yesterday the girls displayed their artistic creativity with colored dough and glitter gel frosting.
We also took a trip to a local science museum yesterday. The girls loved climbing on the DNA strand and whale outside.
12.22.2009
December
There are so many fun pictures to share! However, because I'm super cautious about posting my kids' faces online, you'll have to email me when you want to see more of an event.
This month we've gone Christmas tree shopping, decorated the house, had 2 gymnastics shows, made ornaments with friends, gone ice skating & visited a science museum!
Thanksgiving
This month we had a birthday party & celebrated Thanksgiving on 2 different ranches! The girls enjoyed horses, karaoke, tractor rides & even driving a tractor!
Oops (again)
Oh yeah....we have a blog. Oops! Okay, so obviously we haven't posted anything since Halloween. But we DID have a fabulous Thanksgiving & we are looking forward to Christmas here in a few days. I'll post some pics of the last couple of months after I post this.
11.01.2009
Happy Halloween
Pumpking carving (okay, so that wasn't done on Halloween, but it still counts for the holiday), trick-or-treating and watching cartoons. That was only half of what we did yesterday, but my little pumpkins had a great day!
Quote of the day
"aahh--shhoo, aahh-shhoo, aahh-shhooo" (the sound of a doll sleeping).
Me: "Why are you saying it that way instead of making the real snoring sound?"
Oldest Child: "Because I don't have any spit in my mouth!"
Me: "Why are you saying it that way instead of making the real snoring sound?"
Oldest Child: "Because I don't have any spit in my mouth!"
10.11.2009
Bunyons!!
It's pumpkin season (yay!), and what do you do during pumpkin season when you have children? You visit all the cool pumpkin patches your other friends with children tell you about! We decided to cram two large pumpkin patches/farms into one week.
My youngest has fallen in love with tiny "bunyons," as she calls them, and my oldest discovered "tiger pumpkins." Between pony rides, petting zoos, hay bales, train rides and bounce houses we found time to pick out our favorite pumpkins to bring home (the rule: you get to bring home the heaviest one YOU can carry). Decorating said pumpkins is planned for this week (more pics to follow).
My youngest has fallen in love with tiny "bunyons," as she calls them, and my oldest discovered "tiger pumpkins." Between pony rides, petting zoos, hay bales, train rides and bounce houses we found time to pick out our favorite pumpkins to bring home (the rule: you get to bring home the heaviest one YOU can carry). Decorating said pumpkins is planned for this week (more pics to follow).
10.01.2009
Wish Lists
Whenever I'm out shopping with my kids, one of my least favorite questions is: "Mommy, can I have this?" It puts me in the place of having to say, "No" more than I'd like. So, I came up with one of my most (self-declared) brilliant ideas: I say, "Let's put it on your wish list." Saves me the money, my kids getting spoiled, AND the time trying to explain WHY we can't purchase each item immediately.
So...did you know you can create wishlists online at Target & Toys R Us? You can. Then, anytime you're in the store, you can ask for a scanner/gun thingy and let your kids go nuts adding all their favorite things to their wish lists.
When you get home you can go back online and edit what they chose according to what you're willing to have in your house should a grandparent purchase from the list.
There's another cool website called wishlist.com, but it's slightly more complicated than the others.
Now, whenever I'm out I hear, "Mommy, can I add this to my wishlist?" and the answer can always be "yes." My kids think I'm the best because I don't say no to anything they want to add and I have peace for the shopping trip.
So...did you know you can create wishlists online at Target & Toys R Us? You can. Then, anytime you're in the store, you can ask for a scanner/gun thingy and let your kids go nuts adding all their favorite things to their wish lists.
When you get home you can go back online and edit what they chose according to what you're willing to have in your house should a grandparent purchase from the list.
There's another cool website called wishlist.com, but it's slightly more complicated than the others.
Now, whenever I'm out I hear, "Mommy, can I add this to my wishlist?" and the answer can always be "yes." My kids think I'm the best because I don't say no to anything they want to add and I have peace for the shopping trip.
9.12.2009
Glass Tables, Screen Doors & Thunder
So, this week...
My youngest pulled a VERY heavy glass table top onto herself. It was our entryway table and one end landed on her meaty little thighs, the other on her feet (she fell to her buns as she pulled it down). My husband & I were both in the room and got to her at the same time. I lifted the glass & he pulled her out from under it and gave her a head-to-toe exam--twice (YAY for Daddy being an EMT!). It's a miracle she didn't break both legs. Later, my oldest & I jammed our toes together in a mother-daughter clutz moment, and my toe nail slid under the skin of one of her little toes deep enough to create a big wound. :-( She was okay until she got in the pool at swim lessons & yelped from all the chlorine in her owie.
The next day was a 2-bath, 3-shirt day for my youngest. :-) I bathed her in the morning (she got out by herself because she had to poop & didn't want to do it in the tub--good girl), then I changed her shirt after lunch because about 1/3 of the peanut butter from her lunch ended up on it. She worked up a sweat at her grandparents' house, then came home to dig in the dirt. So, I bathed her again. She got out of THAT bath to pee in the floor, then, after slipping and skating around the bathroom floor in it for a bit, she got back in the tub. Again, I'm grateful for her thought not to pee in the tub, but it created a gross mess on the bathroom floor.
THEN, my oldest said she wasn't hungry at dinnertime (I made one of her favorites), and I discovered her temperature was 102. Well, stink.
Life is never boring with these two little ones. :-) I love them to pieces and wouldn't trade my mommy job for anything.
I can't help asking at the end of each day, though: When does my husband get home?
I, too, have my faults...
How did I discover the screen on the back door needed to be cleaned? I ran into it full-force and bounced off with a dirty forehead and nose! It's clean now. My pride on the other hand...let's just say my family all saw me do it.
Me, to my husband (early this moring):
"I just opened the windows & it's really muggy out. Weird."
minutes later... rumble-rumble-KA-BOOOOOM-BOOM-OOM-rumble-rumble!!!
That's when I went from the dining room to my bedroom across the house in about 3 leaps. I hadn't seen the forecast and I'm terrified of thunder. Yes, THUNDER. Yeah, I know lightning is the one that can hurt, but I can close my eyes and the light goes away. Thunder, though.... it's just not my friend.
My youngest pulled a VERY heavy glass table top onto herself. It was our entryway table and one end landed on her meaty little thighs, the other on her feet (she fell to her buns as she pulled it down). My husband & I were both in the room and got to her at the same time. I lifted the glass & he pulled her out from under it and gave her a head-to-toe exam--twice (YAY for Daddy being an EMT!). It's a miracle she didn't break both legs. Later, my oldest & I jammed our toes together in a mother-daughter clutz moment, and my toe nail slid under the skin of one of her little toes deep enough to create a big wound. :-( She was okay until she got in the pool at swim lessons & yelped from all the chlorine in her owie.
The next day was a 2-bath, 3-shirt day for my youngest. :-) I bathed her in the morning (she got out by herself because she had to poop & didn't want to do it in the tub--good girl), then I changed her shirt after lunch because about 1/3 of the peanut butter from her lunch ended up on it. She worked up a sweat at her grandparents' house, then came home to dig in the dirt. So, I bathed her again. She got out of THAT bath to pee in the floor, then, after slipping and skating around the bathroom floor in it for a bit, she got back in the tub. Again, I'm grateful for her thought not to pee in the tub, but it created a gross mess on the bathroom floor.
THEN, my oldest said she wasn't hungry at dinnertime (I made one of her favorites), and I discovered her temperature was 102. Well, stink.
Life is never boring with these two little ones. :-) I love them to pieces and wouldn't trade my mommy job for anything.
I can't help asking at the end of each day, though: When does my husband get home?
I, too, have my faults...
How did I discover the screen on the back door needed to be cleaned? I ran into it full-force and bounced off with a dirty forehead and nose! It's clean now. My pride on the other hand...let's just say my family all saw me do it.
Me, to my husband (early this moring):
"I just opened the windows & it's really muggy out. Weird."
minutes later... rumble-rumble-KA-BOOOOOM-BOOM-OOM-rumble-rumble!!!
That's when I went from the dining room to my bedroom across the house in about 3 leaps. I hadn't seen the forecast and I'm terrified of thunder. Yes, THUNDER. Yeah, I know lightning is the one that can hurt, but I can close my eyes and the light goes away. Thunder, though.... it's just not my friend.
8.09.2009
Being Together
Because we aren't sure what D's schedule will be like with the new company he works for, we chose to take advantage of a beautiful weekend afternoon together as a family. The water was cold, but not freezing, the wind was light, the sun was warm, and we brought all the fixings for a picnic on the beach. We all had fun. Looking forward to doing it again soon!
7.19.2009
Nan's 85th Birthday
We spent yesterday in Sacramento celebrating Nan's 85th birthday with that whole side of the family. Here are a couple of highlights. Everyone took turns posing with the face of Lindsay's husband, who was unable to attend because of work. And SOMEONE found the dessert before everyone else!
7.07.2009
Dear Structure Currently Known As My House,
As my house, you've provided a cozy place for us to make our home and I fully intend to reside in you as long as possible. You've given us a place to make memories, to relax and to gather with friends and family. For those things I thank you.
However, there's an issue I feel needs to be addressed. Actually, it's more of a request. Can you please do a little more to contain the small insects and other crawly-things to the OUTSIDE of yourself? Now, I'm not completely inflexible...letting a few tiny outdoor creatures into the garage occasionally is acceptable. But the large pinchy-type bug I found on my curtains this morning? Don't ever let it happen again. Do we have an understanding?
Good.
I look forward to the rest of my [hopefully] bug-free day here at home.
Thank you.
However, there's an issue I feel needs to be addressed. Actually, it's more of a request. Can you please do a little more to contain the small insects and other crawly-things to the OUTSIDE of yourself? Now, I'm not completely inflexible...letting a few tiny outdoor creatures into the garage occasionally is acceptable. But the large pinchy-type bug I found on my curtains this morning? Don't ever let it happen again. Do we have an understanding?
Good.
I look forward to the rest of my [hopefully] bug-free day here at home.
Thank you.
6.29.2009
No Voice
I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately, and this morning I woke up with NO VOICE! I could muster a whisper, but not a very strong one. It gave me a renewed appreciation for being able to speak when I'm not sick as well as some insight into my youngest's struggles with learning to talk/communicate.
I wasn't able to say the things I really needed to say, like:
"Don't put that rock in your mouth,"
"Please sit before you go down the slide,"
"Watch out for that step!"
and "I love you."
And I learned that if you're not making noise at our house, most of the time no one is paying attention to you! I found myself clapping to get attention when i needed to communicate something important. I even did it at work today! Speaking of work...I think I'm going to whisper every day when I'm there because my students were so quiet and obedient!
I wasn't able to say the things I really needed to say, like:
"Don't put that rock in your mouth,"
"Please sit before you go down the slide,"
"Watch out for that step!"
and "I love you."
And I learned that if you're not making noise at our house, most of the time no one is paying attention to you! I found myself clapping to get attention when i needed to communicate something important. I even did it at work today! Speaking of work...I think I'm going to whisper every day when I'm there because my students were so quiet and obedient!
My Life As A Rock Star
This was written by Melinda Coats in the MomSense July/August 2009 issue (a MOPS publication). I loved it & agreed with it. Thought some of you might enjoy it, too:
I live the life of a rock star. It's true! I have wild hair and make-up with frequent costume changes.
Everywhere I go I have an entourage. People are constantly yelling my name. I look out into the crowd and they're actually crying for me, reaching for me.
I have no privacy. I'm watched when I shower, when I'm cooking, even when I use the restroom...for my own protection, I'm sure.
When I go places I must do so quickly before my fans get out of control and start a riot. Every night I different [person] wants to sleep with me. Each of them seems genuinely hurt when I turn [them] away.
Occasionally I get dirty undergarments whirled at me with a whoop and a smile. It's even hard sometimes to walk through my own home without someone spotting me and trying to grab my legs or my clothing.
Oh, and don't forget about the stalkers! You know those crazed fans that follow you everywhere? Why, I can't even talk on the phone in the pantry without an eye or two peeping in at me.
Yes it's true--I live the life of a rock star. And this goes out to my biggest fans--D., Z. & E.--thanks for making my debut so special!
I live the life of a rock star. It's true! I have wild hair and make-up with frequent costume changes.
Everywhere I go I have an entourage. People are constantly yelling my name. I look out into the crowd and they're actually crying for me, reaching for me.
I have no privacy. I'm watched when I shower, when I'm cooking, even when I use the restroom...for my own protection, I'm sure.
When I go places I must do so quickly before my fans get out of control and start a riot. Every night I different [person] wants to sleep with me. Each of them seems genuinely hurt when I turn [them] away.
Occasionally I get dirty undergarments whirled at me with a whoop and a smile. It's even hard sometimes to walk through my own home without someone spotting me and trying to grab my legs or my clothing.
Oh, and don't forget about the stalkers! You know those crazed fans that follow you everywhere? Why, I can't even talk on the phone in the pantry without an eye or two peeping in at me.
Yes it's true--I live the life of a rock star. And this goes out to my biggest fans--D., Z. & E.--thanks for making my debut so special!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)