We're In

Drawing of our new townhouse.

We finally closed on the sale of my house. Closing was delayed until Christmas Eve morning.  And funding was delayed because the buyer's bank was closed the day after Christmas.  If it involves me the process just can't be smooth. On Monday, my birthday, everything was finalized. Happy Birthday to me!

We moved on December 31st and even with hired movers it took all day. Those first couple of days are always rough. Boxes are everywhere, you don't know where to put things yet (I'm obsessive about having just the right spot for things) and can't remember in what box you put whatever it is you're looking for. It took several days to get settled, but with TONS of help from Derek, just about everything got installed, hooked-up, hung, etc. He was a huge help to me which was especially nice considering the situation.

The next day I realized that I had left my eyeglasses at my old house. I knew my realtor was going there to pick up her sign and take the lock box off the front door so I asked if I could meet her there and get my glasses. The new owners were moving in when we got there. They let me in and it was strange to see my house with somebody else's stuff in it. It was instantly not my house anymore. It felt so weird.

The first few days Kaden kept asking to go home. It was sad and kinda cute at the same time. "Home," he would say and point to the door. Jada wasn't adjusting well either. Since it's a townhouse, dogs must stay on a leash at all times when outside. Jada is not and never has been a leash dog and I never had the patience to work on it with her (we dropped out of puppy training classes).  She always loved to roam in the back yard.  She can't do that anymore and the adjustment of having to take her out on the leash did not go well at all for either of us.

I am very grateful to have this wonderful new home. It wouldn't be possible without my sister and I thank her for her love and willingness. I feel SPOILED!  No more creaky floors, shoveling snow, mowing, scraping car windows or burning my buns on my seat in the heat of summer (I have a garage now!).  There's a pool and a playground for Kaden.  Everything is brand new. I absolutely love it. Of course there's a nice side helping of guilt to go with it, but all-in-all I am happy.

Christmas

We hope all of you had a very Merry Christmas! We were supposed to have moved before Christmas, but the timing of closing didn't work out.  I was looking forward to being in the new house for Christmas.  Despite the let down of not having moved, Christmas for us was good. Having fun with family always is. We did receive a Chrismas miracle of finally closing on the sale of my house Christmas Eve morning.

We had a family party with the Snyder's on the 23rd. We had a good time with them all.  As usual, Daddy Roy and Amie LuAnn spoiled us. They always go above and beyond. I put together a calendar for them of the grandkids (and a few of us adult kids too), but the printers didn't have it ready on time. Due to the delay I had it shipped directly to them, so I didn't get to see the finished product (bummer). I hope all the pictures turned out.

Daddy Roy, JoAnn, LuAnn and Timothy


Jaelynn and Lexie


Daddy Roy, Timothy, Derek and Kaden

Christmas Eve was spent with the Iversen side of the family. As usual, it was pandemonium and chaos. Lots of yelling and screaming. It wouldn't be Christmas Eve without it. We're getting lazy with the gifts for the White Elephant exchange though. We've got to step it up next year. Travis was the only one who came through. Way to be a Bailey Trav!

Chrismas morning Derek and I watched Kaden open his presents. I know he doesn't know what Christmas is all about, but he sure caught on to the idea of presents right quick. Afterwards, we went to my parents' to have our Christmas Day traditions with them. YUMMY brunch, presents, games, snacks, snacks and dinner. Thank you to my family for all of the gifts. It was a good day.

Like our Charlie Brown tree?  We didn't put up a regular tree because we supposed to have moved.  My mom gave us this one at the last minute.

Uncle Travis, Kaden, Woody and don't forget, The Fonz.

Grandma put the bra Tarah got for Christmas on Kaden.

It snowed about a foot during Christmas day.  It was a bit of a scary drive home, but we made it.  Then Tina and I had to shovel the giant double driveway.  It took an hour and a half.  Then we had to put in another hour and a half shoveling snow again the next day.  When we move we won't have to shovel any more.  Hooray!