Insomnia

I can't sleep.

Here I am, it's nearly midnight and everyone else is sound asleep.

I thought I was tired, but I couldn't get comfortable in bed, and sleep was not happening.

I figured I'd come downstairs and boot up the laptop, in hopes of tiring myself out. So far nothing is happening.

I think the problem might be that my mind isn't turning off. I have all these thoughts running through my mind. Ideas for the new house, thinking of all the things we have to do to our house before selling it. I'm already stressing myself out, I can feel it.

When we moved into this house, I had a hard time. The day we moved was a long day. It took a few truck loads, and we worked all day long. By the end of the night, I had a nosebleed that lasted a long time. We got our bed all ready, exhausted, and got in the shower before collapsing into bed. While in the shower, I had clumps of hair coming out. I figured it was all stress related.

I'm not looking forward to all those things again, but I can't help but think of everything that needs to be done. I've already started listing things on ebay, as a moving sale -- because I know we have to get rid of some of this stuff before we move. And let's face it -- we have 7-8 months.

That is not a lot of time. Less time than a pregnancy, and I know how fast those go.

New home, here we come!

Yes, that's right. We are building a house!!!

I'm soooo excited it's not even funny.

We spent a good chunk of the day WAITING. They had a list of people interested, and it was first come, first serve. And they only had 2 people working in the sales trailer.

So, we waited a good 5 hours before we got to sit down and talk it all out. Then it was another hour and a half discussing everything before we got out of there.

But, as of 8:30 last night we have a contract on a house.

We already have our new address and the house hasn't even been started yet!!

They are estimating late August, September for completion.

I'm thrilled, thrilled, THRILLED!!!

In the next 30 days we'll be busy meeting with the mortgage guy, going back to the sales office to pick exterior colors, etc. We also have to go to the design center and pick all our interior colors, carpet, floors, etc etc etc.

So, it looks like March or April they will be breaking ground on our house.

And so, the house is 3018 sq. ft. 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, den, living room, dining room, family room, kitchen with center island, master bedroom with TWO walk-in closets, master bath with shower & tub. :sigh:

I CANNOT wait to see it coming along and then finally LIVE in it!!

My dad is thrilled as well -- but mom had a hard time writing out that check for the earnest money. It was a big lump ... but I know she's just as thrilled as we all are.

And so, I've started a website for our new home. I can't wait to start snapping pictures of it all coming together. First things first -- as soon as this snow melts, I need to get out there and take a picture of OUR DIRT! Yes, right now we are the proud owners of a lot of dirt, but soon, oh yes, there will be a home on top of that dirt. A glorious home.

Check it out

What age do you act?

You Are 29 Years Old

29 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

The first time I took this - I scored 31. This time I got a little lower - but because I changed my answer from The Rolling Stones. Really - they are a little too early for me - but I didn't like the other choices much either.

At any rate - apparently I act older than I really am.

The big day

I'm nervous.

We're going to talk with the builders today about the house. I'm really excited at the same time, but nervous. I don't do well with things like this. My nerves can't handle it and I end up with an upset stomach and I'm in the bathroom a million times.

Anyway, we're dropping the kids off at FIL's house and then meeting my parents at the builders. We've already talked to the guy from the mortgage company, and we're all set in regards to getting a loan for the house. And we've talked to our realtor, who is ready anytime we are to list our house for sale. But, she said once it's on the market, we'll probably have 30-60 days because the turnaround in our area is pretty quick. So, we can't put the house up for sale too early because it'll take months for the house to be built. I don't even know when they are planning on breaking ground. Right now the ground is frozen, plus there's a good 8-12 inches of snow on it.

At any rate ... hopefully by my next post I'll have good news that everything is in the works. I'm trying not to get my hopes up - just in case - but I have to admit that I do have a good feeling about all this.

The Letter

We got the letter from the builders today. The sales office opens next weekend. I'm excited, but so nervous. My stomach is already turning itself inside out.

Pet Peeve

When you're sitting in the food court at the mall, and a group of people decide to sit RIGHT. NEXT. TO. YOU. even though there are at least 20 other empty tables.

Almost time

We've been waiting for months to get information regarding the new subdivision being built a town over from where we live now. Mike called the builders today and spoke with a woman there. They are sending out information this week on the pre-construction pricing. I can't wait!!

We are super excited about the possibility of building a brand new home. And my parents are beyond thrilled as well. Living together is really going to help everyone out - both me, Mike and our kids, as well as my parents.

It's about time they got out of their apartment. They have lived there since 1978 and it's just not what it used to be. When the moved in, their building was like the Hilton. It was the NICE place to live. Now, it's almost considered a slum. I mean - while it's not like they have leaking pipes or rats or anything like that - the people that live in other apartments don't care about the place and throw their garbage where ever, or blast their music at all hours of the night. And curtains? What are those? Just toss up a sheet or blanket - that'll work just fine. I've even seen them use shower curtains. My parents want OUT. And I don't blame them one bit.

So when we drove past the area being zoned for housing, I immediately started surfing the web, trying to find out which builder owned that land. We were thrilled to find out that it's a large subdivision with a big main park, and several sattelite parks, walking trails and even on ONSITE elementary school. We didn't even THINK of my parents at first. We were thinking of building on our own. Then we came across the floorplans for a much bigger home. I'm talking 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a den, family, living, dining room, kitchen, separate laundry room -- a little over 3000 sq feet. Much too big a house for just the 4 of us. So I mentioned - jokingly - that we could move my parents in too. To my surprise, Mike said, "sure!". And it went from there.

When I told my parents about it, I could see just how excited they were about it. You see, my dad is retiring this year - June 30 to be exact. He can't wait. And my mom doesn't work outside the house. Her job is taking care of her grandbabies - my kids. They are both getting older - already in their mid-50's. While many people don't consider that old - it makes me nervous to think about losing my parents. And well, they may not be THAT old now, but they aren't getting younger. And it wouldn't make much sense for Mike and I to build a house suitable for our family of 4, if we need to take in one, or both, of my parents if the time comes that they need help.

So....we have been waiting patiently for January to roll around as the builder's website said they were slated for opening in January. And now it's time!

I can't wait. I have already starting dreaming about driving out to the site to check the progress of our home, and taking pictures.

Hopefully it'll all work out and we'll be in the process of having a house built this year!

Pet Peeve

Sitting in the movie theater, trying to watch a flick, while the person behind you kicks your seat a few times every now and then.