Two Extremes: Mortification & Relief

Stop. Think through your Sunday morning ritual. Did you hurriedly get ready for church? Did you leave your house spotless?

We didn't. Now, the house is clean. You know that. I've been scouring and scrubbing this past week for the three showings we had. But! The house was in a bit of disarray as we left on Sunday morning. I won't bother you with the details. Let's just say that the house looked lived in. It looked like someone had hurriedly gotten themselves and two kids ready for church and left without a second glance around.

So imagine my mortification when Taigen checked his voicemail (from 10:00 a.m.) after church and told me that Craig said we had a showing at 12:30! In a second I thought through every detail of our house that was out of place. Curtains were not opened. Pajamas not folded and put away. Toothbrushes on the counter. Beds not made. What!?!?!? I was mortified. That's probably the understatement of the century. I went throughout the rest of the day thinking about how awful our house looked for the showing. I went to bed thinking about it.

Can you imagine how you would have felt? Taigen, of course, laughed. He's a guy though. Women think differently.

So, if you can imagine my mortification, you can then imagine the huge wave of relief that washed over me when Craig called this morning and said that the couple did NOT come in the house because they had already seen the house. Whew! I was so relieved!

Take Two Showings and Call Me In the Morning

I know you all just love to clean when you're sick, right? I got the flu bug on Thursday and it hit me like a Mack truck. Bletch. Taigen was a sweetheart and put me to bed as soon as he got home and made me stay there all day yesterday. Today, I wasn't so lucky. I had to clean.

Friday, we got a call from our realtor. We got a low offer from the guy who looked at our house on Tuesday and we countered. He wanted to come back with his family today before they accepted or rejected our counter. That's good! Shortly after that call, Craig called back and said that he had another couple wanting to look at our house today.

After Taigen attended our church's Valentine's Day banquet (by himself, poor guy), he came home and cleaned. I got up this morning and cleaned a bit more. We had a showing at 11 (this lasted about 20 minutes) and a showing at 1:30 (which lasted about a half an hour). The second couple and their realtor split to go and get some lunch and will reconvene at 3:00 to hopefully agree to our counter. Wouldn't it be nice if we sold our house today? It would sure make me feel better! I am currently sipping my glass of 7-Up and thinking to myself that I might need to disinfect the computer. Yuck.

Well, if all else fails, my house is spotless (but maybe not germ free) once again!

Auntie Janelle Scores Again

Auntie Janelle has a never ending resource of ideas of things to get for Marshall and Shaylen. She also has an eye for a bargain.

Her recent shopping adventure allowed her to discover a new hit and Thomas the Tank Engine has officially moved into our basement. Janelle came over today and brought it out for the kids to enjoy. They spent the majority of the day inside Thomas playing Go Fish, reading books and taking many of their stuffed animals for a train ride.

Fortunately for me, Thomas can also be folded up and tucked away neatly at the end of the day. The thing is HUGE.

Winter Weather

Today offered all kinds of weather. We woke up to about 7 inches of fresh snow on the ground. Taigen had planned ahead of time and brought home stuff to work on so he wouldn't have to drive the interstate all the way down to Dover.

Just as Taigen got out to snow-blow, the freezing rain started in. This lasted the majority of the day. Eventually it turned into rain and then, of course, flooding was beginning to be an issue in parts of Maine and New Hampshire. Our mid-week service was cancelled. (I must admit, I was leery of driving on ice all the way down and all the way back.)

I looked out at the street this afternoon and realized that half of our "For Sale" sign is buried in this winter's snow offering. Thankfully you can still see the pertinent information, but if we get much more, we're going to have to go and dig it out.

Another Showing...Hooray!

We had another showing today that was scheduled for 2:45. Taigen called me at 12:00 and said that they had bumped up the showing time to 1:30. We blitzed through lunch and hurriedly cleaned up.

The house was ready and we (the kids and I) were walking through checking everything before we took off when the realtor showed up with her client. It was 1:00! Gasp! They were early! I'm so thankful that I was done picking things up.

The realtor insisted that we stay. She didn't want me to have to take the kids outside on such a cold day.

They (the realtor and one guy) stayed for about 15 minutes and commented on how nice the house was. The guy said he had two young children (2 yrs. & 4 yrs.). The house would be perfect for him then, right? Hopefully he could see that the house has lots of room to play. He asked about where the property boundaries were. (Maybe he was thinking of the nice backyard that would be perfect for his two kids!)

I thought the showing went well. They seemed positive. When they went outside the realtor took out our disclosure sheet and the client took a brochure from our box. They chatted briefly before they left. Hopefully we'll get an offer or at least good feedback sometime soon!

If all else fails (you knew this was coming...) my house is spotless AGAIN.

Special Weekend Guests

Uncle Jason, Auntie Joni, Enzo and Julia came up this weekend! We are always so delighted when they come. Marshall and Shaylen were really looking forward to playing with Enzo. The basement always looks very much lived in when the kids have been down there for a while. You definitely have to watch your step. I love it that we have a basement that the kids can have a blast in.

It's always so much fun to have a house full of good friends. Having the Pileggis come up means that we get to "make" Mike and Brenda Bowman andAuntie Janelle over. These friends are good medicine for us.

This time we managed to convince Mike that he had to bring red meat (read that: steak) for dinner on Friday night. He obliged us and we savored every bite of steak (and chicken) that had been marinated in his magic marinade. (Are you drooling yet?)

Marshall and Shaylen took even more interest in Julia this time and offered to help Auntie Joni feed her. It was hilarious to see Auntie Joni, Marshall and Shaylen all opening their mouths to encourage Julia to take her bite of baby food.

On Saturday the guys were gracious in offering to watch the kids during naptime (Enzo and Julia) and quiet time (Marshall & Shaylen) so that Joni, Janelle and I could go and visit at Starbucks. What a treat! This is starting to become a tradition with us girls. I'm certainly not arguing!

Jason and Joni visited Cornerstone on Sunday morning and then attended Heritage on Sunday night as they started their trek home to Mass. It was so good to see them there in the congregation and get a one last ounce of fellowship with them before they had to head home.

The "Gideon" Song

Marshall and Shaylen entered our Patch the Pirate Pee Wee Club shortly before they turned four. Every so often, the Pee Wees sing in church at the beginning of the Sunday evening service.

This last time they sang a song about Gideon, who with God's help conquered Midian way back in Old Testament times. It's a cute (but long) song for our kids to learn about trusting in God.

The Pee Wees have sung a few times already in church, but this time, we remembered to bring our camera and caught some of the action. We thought you might enjoy watching it too! Shaylen loves to sing and, as you can tell, has few inhibitions when it comes to singing. Marshall on the other hand is probably thinking about Harrier Jump Jets.

(Regardless, we know the Grandmas are going to eat it up!)

Airheadedness Has It's Advantages

Sometimes I can be a bit airheaded. We won't digress on that subject. Due to my airheadedness, I wrote down that Joni's birthday was January 29th. (It's actually February 28th...don't ask me how I got the date wrong...I have no clue. Does that make me clueless as well?)

Taigen and I decided that it would be a wonderful birthday treat for me to travel down to Massachusetts and spend a chunk of the day with her. I called the day before and said, "What are you doing tomorrow? I know it's your birthday and all, but..."

"Well, (long pause) nothing."
"Would you mind if I came to visit?"
"No! But (long pause) you know it's not my birthday!"

We went down anyway and had a wonderful time together. Shaylen wanted to hold Julia this time (so we got several dozen pictures of that). We got to play short games of softball, soccer and football in their living room, and I even pretended to be Enzo's horse. (May I say that Joni's tile floor is VERY rough on the knees?)

It was too short a visit, but it was chatting face to face instead of email or the phone and letting our kids play together. It was worth it!

House Update

We have a showing today at 2:45! Please pray that we'll either get a good offer today/tomorrow or at least get some decent feedback. We're thankful for the activity in the dead of winter.

Outside Fun

It's hard to believe on a day like today (snowy) that just last week the kids were able to go outside after a grocery run and ride their scooters in the driveway for a bit. My dad and stepmom got these for the kids for their birthday.

Until last week they have only been able to ride around in the kitchen and basement. They are a huge hit. They work so well for the kids because of the three-wheel feature. It makes them feel like big kids even though their balance isn't quite where it needs to be for "big-kid" scooters.

New Games

For Christmas, the Jorgensens (our good friends in WA) gave the kids these two card games: Animal Rummy and Go Fish from L.L. Bean. I think we play them every day! It was a great idea. The kids also enjoy stashing them in their "Sunday backpacks" in order that they might take them over to people's homes on Sunday and play during the long afternoon.

The cards are very sturdy and are bright and colorful. The kids don't have the knack for holding the cards in their hands yet, so they spread them on the floor. It hasn't occurred to them yet that they can see what the other has. Shaylen often tries to peek at Taigen's or mine though.

She must take after her father...

Quiet Time

About a month ago, I began noticing that neither Marshall nor Shaylen were really napping up in their rooms. They were very quiet and stayed very still in their beds, but I would hear them sigh or whisper to their stuffed animals. I finally decided that the time had come...the time to drop the naps. Gasp! and Gulp!

I treasured that two hour time span where I got so much done. When we first moved to Maine, I remember our pastor's wife, Judy, telling me that her kids had a quiet time each day when they were small. It was a great idea and I wanted to see if I could incorporate it into our schedule here at home as well. I'm glad I did. The kids love it and ask for "Quiet Time" each day.

They go to their rooms and are able to pick and choose coloring books, toys or books from their "quiet time basket" (or whatever quiet toy is already in their room) and entertain themselves quietly & independently. Their favorite thing though, is to lay on the floor and listen to one of their Classical Kids' CD's. They started off with 45 minutes of quiet time and lately have been asking for two CD's which makes it just over an hour and a half. They are so good and play so quietly. It is just enough time for me to get some quiet time myself and gear up for the rest of the day.

Is There Such A Thing as a Perfect Family Pet?

Yes, and we've got it!
1. Doesn't bark.
2. Doesn't need to be walked.
3. Doesn't scratch up the furniture.
4. Doesn't shed.
5. Doesn't need to be taken outside at odd times of the day.
6. Doesn't cause your friends to stay away from your home due to allergies.
7. Doesn't have accidents on your carpet.
8. Doesn't cost an arm & a leg in veterinary bills and dog food.
9. Doesn't lick.
10. Doesn't require us to go and clean up "presents" in the backyard. Eeww.

Introducing: Tramp, the perfect family pet. We got him as a hand-me-down from the Geaumonts last year and he continues to be a favorite with our kids. He is a maintenance-free dog. Marshall gets to sleep with his dog every night and carry him around all day. (Tramp is a bit odd though. Occasionally he will break out into song. His repertoire includes songs like, "Once In Royal David's City", "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Angels We Have Heard On High". Next thing you know, Tramp will be wanting to fly Harrier Jump Jets too!)

The Infatuation Continues

Leap Frog makes these fantastic letters that go on your fridge. They come with a little machine that tells the kids the sound the letter makes. It is awesome. Marshall however used the letters to make a picture. Can you tell what shape he made them into? Surprised?

Great Expectations

When you're four, you look forward to special things. Of course, these things would hardly ever thrill an adult but for a four year old, it provides great delight.

Marshall and Shaylen look forward to crossing the border into New Hampshire every time we go down to church. They never fail to start counting the moment they see the Piscataqua bridge. When we reach the center of the bridge, there is a great cry from the back of our van, "We're in New Hampshire!" You would think this would get old for them the number of times we've made the trip, but they do it every time and with just as much joy.

An even greater expectation though, is for Friday. On Fridays we have what's called: "Fluffernutters". Shaylen asks me every day what day it is and when she asks on Friday morning and I tell her "It's Friday," she says, "We get fluffernutters today!!!" or "It's fluffernutter Friday!!!"

I never knew until we moved to Maine what a fluffernutter was. We don't even have "fluff" out west. We have "marshmallow creme". I remember when I was substituting in Old Orchard Beach, I asked a teacher what fluff was. She looked at me like I had ten heads. That spring before the end of the school year, she bought me my very first jar of the New England delicacy.

Shaylen would eat fluffernutters every day if she could and that is why I have limited them to Fridays. It limits the sweets and keeps them special. The sandwiches always disappear quickly at lunch and next Friday never comes soon enough. Fortunately, for my kids, it is tomorrow.

Four Year Old Pity

We were wrapping up dinner when Marshall complained of some ailment. I forget now what it was he complained of, like a tongue that was bit or a leg that was hurting. Most likely, he just didn't want to finish the last of his dinner. I don't know who taught them that telling Mommy and Daddy that something hurts is going to get you out of eating your dinner, but the advice was bad, because in our house, we don't buy it. They eat their dinner. I know, I know, we're sooooo mean!

Shaylen obviously had more pity on Marshall than we did because she piped up from the other side of the table and offered this bit of consolation.

"Dessert will make it better!"

If Only It Were This Easy

We are trying to sell our house. You all know that. You also know that we are praying fervently for this as a family. It is a rare occasion that Marshall & Shaylen forget to mention it in their prayers either before bed or before a meal. It is on their minds. We love our house and would rather not leave it. If only we could just pick it up and move it down to Dover!

Marshall got a book from his Sunday school teacher for Christmas. It was all about aircraft. He loves the book! (Surprise, surprise!!!) There is a section in the book on helicopters. I didn't realize there were so many different types. On one page there is a picture of a Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane. These are specially designed helicopters that can lift extremely heavy objects. As an example of the kind of things the Skycrane can lift, there is a picture of one lifting a house.

Marshall saw the picture the other day and said, "That one is a Sellhelicopter, because it is selling the house!"

Is Anybody Home?

Tonight when we got home from church (late), Marshall quickly went up onto our doorstep and started ringing the doorbell. He pushed it and pushed it and pushed it.

"It doesn't work! I'm pushing it but it's not working!" Obviously, he couldn't hear it from outside. I came and put the key in the doorknob. As I did, I heard Shaylen give her prognosis.

"It only works when someone is inside."

New Books to Delight In

If you've spent anytime on this blog, you know that one of Marshall and Shaylen's favorite things to do is read. When we come across a good book, it gets read over and over again until most of the lines are memorized. Heaven forbid I misread something. The mistake is quickly rectified!

Recently, I ordered new books for the kids to enjoy. Bob Jones University Press puts out some books are are wonderful for little ones to read. I have to be honest though and tell you that I found them cheaper from Tower.com. Tower.com didn't have all the ones I wanted, but the difference was several dollars.

The new favorite of the stack that we received is A King for Brass Cobweb. It is a beautifully illustrated chapter book that I read to them. They love all of the delightful (and not so delightful characters). It takes a while to read, but that means extra time to snuggle with my two favorite little people.

A Small Update

I thought I would give you a glimpse at our church in the winter. The photo on the right-hand side of the blog doesn't show the new wing of the church very well. I would love for you all to come and visit. It is such a beautiful church, full of sweet people and, of course, the BEST pastor! (I'm a bit biased, can you tell?)

Things have been busy, but nice over the holidays. Taigen was able to get a few days off and we have enjoyed the time spent together as a family. The kids got tons of new games and puzzles and toys for Christmas, so there is no lack of things to do with them when we are all home.

On New Year's eve, we had a family from our church come up and eat dinner with us. They are so sweet and such an encouragement to us. Marshall and Shaylen love their kids. After dinner the kids went out and played in the snow. They came in with rosy cheeks and icy noses. For those of you with kids, you know what I'm saying when I tell you that it seems like it takes so much more time to put on all the snow gear than it takes for them to play outside.

We have gotten pounded by two big storms this week. One started very early in the morning on Monday. Taigen thinks we got about 5 inches. The other storm started on Tuesday afternoon and lasted well into the night. Taigen was out bright and early snowblowing. I'm thinking we got another 5-6 inches. It all looks so beautiful. We are having a cold spell right now, but next Wednesday is supposed to get up into the 50's! It will seem like spring.

There is no new news on the house. We are still waiting on the Lord for His perfect timing. The kids are ever so faithful at praying that we would sell our house soon. Would you please pray with us? I know many of you already are. We are eager to move down nearer to our church family. (Until then, it is a gorgeous commute!)

We hope you have a blessed New Year!