The Eleventh Hour

If you've been keeping tabs on us, you've probably been wondering why there hasn't been a post all about our new house and the joys of moving. The simple answer to that question is that we haven't moved yet. About a week before we were set to close, and after being under contract for 2 months, we got a call from our Realtor telling us that our buyers did not qualify for their loan and we would not be closing. To make a long story short, we tried for the next few days to see if there was something we could do to still make things work with our buyer, but in the end learned that they really never should have made an offer on our house, as it was out of their price range and they were never really able to afford it. So, with our house almost empty and boxes crowding the garage, our house was back on the market at the end of June and until we sold our current house, we couldn't move into our new one. So, it has been back to the meticulous process of keeping the house clean, and we have had to drop the asking price 3 times, just to get people through the door.
Through this whole process, we really have felt guided by the Spirit and feel like the Lord has helped us in so many ways, but I honestly have had a really hard time since things fell through with our buyers. I have felt very frustrated, angry, and bitter at the fact that I feel we were not honestly dealt with and because of their dishonesty, our family has been put into a difficult situation. It has been very difficult for me to try to come to terms with all of this and be able to just move on. So often people just don't realize how much their choices impact others. If it were only Mike and I in this situation, it would be a different story, but I see every day how difficult this is for our children, who have all their things packed away and their lives completely disrupted. I have prayed quite a bit lately, asking for the Lord's help in blessing me with the ability to overcome my frustrations with these people, and giving me the strength to endure this trial with temperance and grace.
After we got home from California, Sam came downstairs in tears one night so frustrated with having to share a room with her brothers because they wouldn't let her sleep, and we knew we had to do something for the sake of the happiness of our family. So, Mike and I decided to see if we could qualify for a loan with both mortgages, which would enable us to move into our new house before we sold our old one. We submitted all the paperwork before I left with the kids to come down to Texas. The whole time I've been here, I have been attached to my cell phone waiting to hear if the loan went through.
A few days ago Mike called to let me know that we qualified for our loan and that as soon as the builder could set a closing date for us, which should be within the next few weeks, we would be moving into our new home. That same night I got another call from Mike telling me that we received an offer on our house. Two days ago we finalized the offer and signed the contracts, and are set to close on our current home on September 10th. As soon as I got the text from Mike that we had finalized the deal I just cried, which if you know me, isn't really a surprise. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted! Although we were taking a huge risk of ending up with two mortgage payments by moving before we sold the house, we knew it was the right thing to do for our family, and now, knowing that our house is sold and we won't have to take on that burden is such a relief.
Sitting in church a few weeks ago the lesson was about how we are here to be tried and tested, that we are to suffer first to know the sweet. They talked about how the Lord does hear our prayers and does always answer them, but often in the eleventh hour. The whole time I sat there feeling like that lesson was just reiterating the hardships and burdens I was feeling, and I honestly didn't feel any comfort in it at the time. This week has been such proof to me that the Lord does in deed answer prayers, and yes, even in that eleventh hour! Although I have felt so disheartened and frustrated lately, I have always had faith that my Heavenly Father knew my burdens and was going to answer my prayers, I just wasn't sure when those answers would come. Thank you to so many family and friends who have been with us through all the ups and downs of our house adventures. We have had so many prayers said on our behalf and we have felt your love and strength. We aren't finished with this journey yet, but I feel we are getting close and we are so grateful that we haven't had to walk this bumpy road alone.

On the road again...and again

It must be summer! For the past few weeks we have been on the road traveling to and fro, and all I have to say is thank heaven for portable DVD players and Nintendo DS! Our travels have taken us from Colorado, to Utah, to California, and now to Texas. We have been through 6 states within a matter of two weeks, and although it has been a lot of driving and many long days, the kids have all done really great. The "are we there yets" have been amazingly few and far between, and we have made it to each of our destinations in one piece!

My brother, Donny, got married in Sacramento on July 10th, so at the beginning of the month we loaded up all the kids and headed out to California for the occasion. It was a quick 6 day trip, 4 of which were spent driving, but definitely worth it to see my brother and his sweet bride sealed together in the temple. Of course they were both beaming, with smiles on their faces the whole time! Sarah looked absolutely beautiful and her dress was stunning. Sami was so excited to be a flower girl and was happy to find ways to help Sarah.
While we were there, we had a little time for fun between all the wedding activities and took the kids to see the Jelly Belly Factory. The kids had a really good time taking the tour and learning all about how Jelly Bellies are made - of course their favorite part was the free bag of Jelly Bellies at the end! We also had some time to enjoy the pool and hot tub at the hotel, which of course my kids took advantage of every free second they had.
Although it was a really fast trip, we had a good time and the kids had the chance to see family they hadn't seen in a long time. Besides getting to share their uncle's special day, they also got to see my whole family and all of their cousins on my side, as well as a lot of my aunts, uncles, and cousins who came out for the occasion. We also had the chance to stay with Mike's brother's family in Utah on the way out there and the kids were able to spend some time with more cousins, whom they haven't seen in over a year. Thanks Greg and Kayloni for putting up with our crazy loud family and thanks to Heidi and Cody for letting us crash at your cute home on the way back! It was so awesome to see all of you and have a few minutes to catch up!
And of course, congrats to Donny and Sarah!! We are so excited for you both and love you tons! Welcome to the family Sarah!

And the Texas installment will soon follow....