I took sometime off of blogging to get established in our new area and to adjust all the huge changes that have been happening for our family. So here is what you missed:
1. I finished packing up my Fort Wayne house the last week of January. It was a BIG job, but I was thankful for any help anyone could provide. I had no idea I had so much art and so many lamps! Uriah was getting nervous when his toys started going in boxes. I felt very nostalgic and sad leaving our special place, especially because we still hadn't found our new place. But I reminded myself that my home is where ever my family is, not our house. Uriah and I were really missing Tony, and he better have been missing us!
2. The first week in February we (my sweet Mother in law, Uriah, and I) left for Texas. This entailed loading up my mini van to the point I could not see out the back (think Hoosier Hillbillies) and driving 16 hours with a very busy toddler. We got it done in two days by the grace of God, the DVD player, and the app that finds kid's play places. We ate more McDonald's and Chick Fil A than we should have, but having a place for Uriah to run around was a huge help! Oh and in case you are wondering if Uriah slept most of the way....NO!!!!! I was really hoping he would, but he only slept 45 minutes each day. He naps much better in his crib.
3. Tony rented us a small two bedroom two bath apartment 15 minutes from his work in Allen, TX. It is modest, but clean and safe. The complex is gated and has two pools. Very thankful to have laundry in unit. You would be amazed at how fast we make laundry. Then throw in Uriah's cloth diapers and it is at least a load a day. Otherwise, it is pretty basic around here. Everything that did not fit in my van was left at the house to be put in storage. Seriously, all the furniture we have is a card table set, a mattress (on the floor), Uriah's pack and play, and a sofa which was a blow up until it sprung a leak. Then we upgraded to a cheap futon.
4. End of February, Tony flew back to Indiana for the closing and the move. This was the first time I have ever been somewhere where I literally knew no one I could call for help. It was kind of scary, but Uriah and I survived. We were glad to have our things go into storage and out of our empty house, and even happier to have the closing (more importantly the money) behind us.
5. Between all of this, we continued to look for a house. It seems like the market keeps getting hotter here in Texas! We literally went into homes, and were told they had sold before we even saw the kitchen. Most just plain didn't work (for instance bad floor plan, too small.) Many we found had at least one significant hang up (like a busy road behind) or were too pricey. We even looked out of our price range in hopes of getting the perfect house, and still they needed something (usually all new flooring). We put in two offers on short sales in hopes we could get a deal, and still nothing. Needless to say, I was getting discouraged. Tony wasn't, but he also wasn't home all day in this apartment with Uriah.
6. Due to economic conditions, Tony's company has chosen to restructure. Don't worry, he is still employed. However, we are not sure what his new position will be, but more importantly where his position will be. His company has at least 5 plants in the Dallas Fort Worth area, but they are spread out an hour from the two furthest points. This possibility narrowed our house hunting zones even further.
7. Sadly, a close friend of our passed away a few weeks ago. Tony got a plane ticket the next day to make it home for the funeral. Also, it was another week separated which is difficult normally, but it was an extra emotional week.
8. Hours before he got on the plane, we saw a new listing. It was an interesting house, great location, and was priced well, but it had some quirks. On a whim, we wrote a low ball offer to see what would happen. This was a Wednesday.
9. Tony returned Sunday and that afternoon we looked at two more houses. They were both a bust. However, the next day, our Realtor called to say that our low ball had been accepted. We were all shocked, but excited. We asked to see the house again. (After all, we only saw it once and neither one of us was really in the mood. Luckily, we still liked it.)
10. The next few weeks were filled with all the things you have to get done to buy a house.We have finished the inspections, appraisals, and loan process on our end. We are waiting for a closing date soon. Fingers crossed we can close in the next week or so.
I would love to tell you more about the house, but this post is long enough as it is. I will save it for next time, and when we have the keys in hand.
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