Nineteen days....

Not that anyone is counting, but we will be in our new house in 19 days. Today we made all the arrangements to have electricity, water, gas, and a telephone/internet service. Let's hear it for utilities!

Top Five Signs My Son May Be Watching Too Much NASCAR

5. Every chance he gets, he steals the remote and turns it to some type of motorsports.
4. When discussing his future, he states that he will be a NASCAR driver.
3. He has chosen #24 as his baseball jersey number.
2. He can tell you during the week where this weekend's race will be and what state it's in.

and....

1. When riding his bike today, he exclaimed to me, "Mom, I got a little loose when I was riding my bike. Do you know what I'm talking about? I was swerving a little bit."

Heard while watching race

Caitlin (to Jacob): Can I have a chip?

Jacob: No; you're in my personal space.

Hm. Wonder where he has heard about personal space?

Big Day

One year ago today, Will and I tied the knot. When I think about that evening, I remember the hot June weather, much like today, contrasted with the cool air conditioning in the church and the candlelit chapel. I remember feeling my kids' hands in mine as they walked me down the aisle. But most of all I remember the look in his blue eyes, the feel of his strong hands, and the unwavering sound of his voice as we said our vows to each other.

Three years ago today, Will and I went on our first date. Hot June weather, but not as hot as today. We ate outside at the O'Charley's in Evansville and made small talk while we enjoyed the prime rib. We looked at and fed the ducks swimming in the lake that the balcony looks over. Afterwards we went to a wedding reception where I met his friends and danced with him for the first time.

Now, with the move to our new house on the horizon, we will open up a new chapter in our lives together. And to think the accomplishments and challenges we have been through are only the beginning!

34 Days and Counting

Jessica and I are in the process of purchasing a home . We close on July 15th, but do not take possession until July 25th at 2pm. However, we have driven by many times and the current owners are moving out quickly. Maybe we will get in before the 25th. We will be painting every room and ceiling. All the carpets will be steam cleaned. We have a pen to build for the dogs, and plenty of moving to do. As the days wind down, we have taken an inventory of things that we have and comprised a list of things still needed.

Super Single Mattress (to fit a waterbed frame)
Twin Mattress
Vacuum Cleaner
Garage Door Opener (1/2hp preferable)
Ironing board
Iron
Grill (not necessarily needed)
Landscaping (we will do this in the fall)
Standing Cabinets for the garage (to put all the supplies I have collected)
Cleaning supplies up to and including brooms,mops, etc.
Rollaway screen storm door full view (since there is not one on the front door)

Everything else we believe we have or don't need at all. So, we will be waiting on sales or looking in the classifieds for these items. However, all donations to the "Jessica and Will Get Your Own Damn House Fund" will be accepted and are appreciated.

The part I believe is the best is the 2.5 car pole barn with plenty of man space. I am hoping to install a bird feeder on the side of it, since we don't have a tree to put one in. I am also hoping that a move will bring the birds our way since they still have not appeared around the man cave.

Now Beginneth the Vacation of Summer

...and it's about time. With extra days added on because of the ice storm, it seemed like this school year was The School Year That Would Not End.

Now our days will consist of volleyball conditioning, baseball practice, baseball games, vacation bible school, volleyball camp, assorted appointments that were delayed until summer break, and likely a few side trips to the public library. I think that's just in June.

Vacation? Sheesh. I wouldn't have it any other way, though.

I'm an Aunt (again) and Will's an Uncle!

After a labor that was not -I repeat - not affected by an epidural....my sister had her gorgeous baby girl at 12:06 CST. Her name is Nuala Jane, and she weighs 7 lbs and 3 oz.

Waiting....

Mom and Dad left for South Bend last night about 8 pm when Melinda was in the early stages of labor. She has labored through the night, making progress. About 6:30 am, the nurse told Mom and Dad that both Melinda and the baby are doing well.

That's all I know for now!

Reason? Dad wanted to pull the limb out.