Yes, it is true! And I didn't throw up!

I woke this morning wondering what I had done! I had to pinch myself to make sure I was really here, and actually on a new road in life. I also realized that I have the task of telling my Grandmother! Of course I have to be the one to tell her, so the family is sworn to secrecy. Wow.....35 minutes and it was done. We signed on the dotted line and that was all she wrote! Isn't it amazing how a few minutes, some ink and a few other exchanges can change your course of life. So now, we begin the job of combining two houses into one. I have made another commitment! This one will groan at times, frustrate me at times, cost me money, cause me more work and make me smile. I am so excited to introduce the newest member of our family:

This was such a God thing. I was looking into another house (remember the 2x4 post?). While looking at the other home, this cute home became available. I looked at it and decided that I really wanted the larger home. I was certain it was NOT supposed to be when the owners called and said they weren't moving and so there was no house to sell. I was still holding out for the original desire of my heart house. A few weeks later, it became apparent that I could not afford the other house either and with many tears, I threw my hands into the air and yelled "calf rope". My parents encouraged me to start looking at plans and were going to give me the acre next to them to build. So, I picked some plans; Dad got rid of some trees, and I talked to a builder. The week school was turned out, the owners of this house called and informed me they were having to move and for me to make them an offer. I looked again and fell in love. Really fell in love with the house and the view. We did the back and forth thing only once and settled on a price definately in my range! This included all the appliances! All of them. However, God didn't stop there. The brand new furniture (bought in Oct. and April) didn't fit in their new home which is smaller but has a pool/patio. So, they offered me the furnishings in the living and kitchen area. I love her furniture...well, now mine. BUT...God didn't stop there. He was determined to prove this was meant to be. While in South Dakota, my sister and I decided to drive over to Marlis's (6 miles by car) and visit. We walked in the door, and the phone rang. Mom called to say that the bank needed me! I was sick! The problem? The appraisal came in lower than the purchase price. Realize that I have to either go to Marlis's or drive into town(45 min.) to use a phone. The couple I bought from is the nicest! We have worked so well together. The bank ran it through so we could close before Hawaii!

It is three years old and about 60 sq. feet larger than the house I have, but it's way wonderful. It comes with acreage and a water well that will hopefully be repaired soon. That red front door has a glass Texas star in it! The garage is detached but insulated, has windows, air, and is ready to turn into a family room at any time. The patio is HUGE and mostly covered.

God knew what I needed. He once again took His time and slammed some doors to get me there. Once I settled down, He even blessed me with more and more surprises. I am certain He already knows who will buy the house I am sitting in right now. And He knows that it has to be someone who will love it like I have.

I am leaving you hanging!

Today is a very exciting day. I think. I mean it is, but it's just that is relates to some emotions that I have had on rare occasions. Those emotions were on days like: the day I bought my first car; the day I bought my house; the day I got married; the times I found out that I was pregnant; and the day I went into labor; the day I let Kelly go home. You know that feeling (like my friend Sarah wrote about).... you think that you want to throw up, but you hate throwing up, and if you did, who would clean it up? It is the "Oh my goodness, what am I doing?" "Is this the right choice?" Those emotions that really mess with you until you see you will be okay.
I am, in my heart of hearts and brain that sometimes functions, certain this is a God thing. This is what He wants me to do. I am, in my heart of hearts, certain that Kelly would approve and applaud. The kids are excited; I am excited; Aunt Traci and Uncle T are excited; My dad is suppressing his excitement according to my mom. The pigs are probably excited! Who knows. Yes, the T man is very excited.
So, when I finish posting the blog spot, I am going to get in the shower then dress in something not covered in pig slop and sweat. I will then walk nervously into the office. Tonight we will celebrate. Tomorrow I will wake up and wonder what the heck I have done...go feed pigs....and then begin packing for Hawaii. Shoot, this makes the Black Hole at Hurricane harbor look like a kiddie slide.
Sorry I am not revealing the rest of the story. Don't want advice...Don't want nerves any worse than I have them.......Don't want to jinks anything. Of course I believe that it is a God thing so it will be right!
Hopefully pictures are coming in the next few days. Anybody curious?

Where have I been?

You have probably been wondering if I was rendered unconscious by the 2x4 and the answer if NO!!! I have been in another frame of mind. Doors have closed and doors have opened. God is good. I just wish he would turn off the heaters and get some cooler air here.
So...where have I been? Those of you who are friends with my sister know that we have made the "trek" to South Dakota this past week. We left on July 2nd, and returned on the 11th. Usually I gripe about something so here is my gripe. I HATE grasshoppers, but stood firm in my belief that they are just trying to get away from me and are confused as to how to get around this body of mine so they just land on me. Walking through the grass was like walking through a field of feathers. Grasshoppers hopping every where. What did I love?
1. I loved the weather. Never over 85 and at least 2 days of wearing sweats. Rain..Rain on the roof, rain on the porch...rain and cool weather. Grasshoppers stay down when the temp goes down.
2. Time with my friend Marlis. She asked us to help entertain at the Rest Home in Phillip. We had a great time........if you can call it that. Kelly's grandmother lives there so we got to see her. When we sang Amazing Grace, I noticed that she sang along on the first verse. As we were finishing the last verse, I had Marlis return to the first verse so Grandma Helen could sing along with us. Yep, I had a tear or two. Then I went to pay taxes on the land, and my precious daughter decided to stay and visit with family. I was proud of her! My kids are soooo good.
3. Visiting the church in Pierre (pronounced like the pier you walk on, not a French poodle). The people there are wonderful! My heart was saddened to find one of my "older friends" in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's. Of course...the Mexican food after church was unbelievable. We also have the privilege of leaving Pierre at 4 and getting home at 4!
4. The air..........it is such a different smell up there. The air is sweet this year.
5. The walks in the evening. We found a bird nest in the middle of the 1/2 mile driveway. She had them camofloged very well. We collected rocks and of course...lots of grasshoppers.
6. I loved watching my son learn to drive his granddad's/dad's John Deer tractor. I have the stages on video. K. in front with Papaw....Papaw standing on back while K drives. K driving and Papaw sitting on the bumper of the car saying..."you can do this just remember what I told you". We also enjoyed K's imitation of calling a turtle. You will have to see that one sometime.
7. Miss thing was just fun!!! She is quite the young lady. She and Grammie worked on building her little church out of pine cones and Popsicle sticks.
8. Memories. Memories and more Memories. We traveled to Wall Drug for our usual. Donuts and coffee. We traveled to Mt. Rushmore. Stopped along the way to drive through Bear Country USA. It was fun. BUT while these memories were being made, others were running their course through my mind. I remember the first time I saw the Black Hills. I remember how excited Kelly was and the picnic lunch we took. I remembered being scared he would leave me there IF he changed his mind and decided he didn't really like me. Those are the things that will never change, and I hope and pray that God will let me NEVER forget them!
Now, enjoy this post because the next one will be in a few weeks. When I return from Hawaii!!!