THE REST OF JULY

Oh how time flies. . . . .

So the update with the house is that we are going to try and "Short Sale" the house. We signed the paper work this last week with a realitor, with the hopes that we will be ready, "Market Ready" by August 1st. Whats the difference? Because it was already sold at the Sheriff Sale? Well it's the difference of possibly getting back into a house in 2-4 years Vs 7-10. . . makes no difference on our credit. So that's the plan. what kills me is we are listing it for 50k less than what we paid for it... SERIOUSLY? We could have made that work.... it sucks, it really sucks.

So having the girls this summer has been a bit of a challenge .... well for me at least. Secora I get along well, she's responsible, she does what I ask her to do, she likes crafts... which keeps her busy. Down side- she's a teenager, and when her friend visits, oh do we know about it! Oh and the mumbling irritates me a little but we are working on that. Taylor on the other hand lets see how can I put this nicely.... GIVE ME! GIVE ME! GIVE ME! does things half way, doesn't listen, lies straight to my face (which really bothers me), oh and THE DRAMA!!! On the plus side she likes to help with Levi, so in that respect I get a little relief, as long as she doesn't drop him..... I really struggle with her because I don't feel that she is trustworthy. Needless to say we have had to sit down with her multiple times this week and "talk".

THE SUMMER FLU has hit our family hard- Levi has got pneumonia, Dad has Bronchitis, and I am sure they would say I had something equally awful if I had insurance to go to the doc, so I figure I'll just let my body work on fighting this off for a week then I will bite the $Bullet$.

Ok enough of my crabbiness, I have a Job Interview next week that I am really Hoping works out, the location is perfect (close to home), just not sure about the hours and $$$$- it's got to more than pay for daycare otherwise it's a waste of time.

Levi is getting so big, he loves books these days and is always bringing me one to read to him, when he wants something he will sign "please", we are working on other words but he usually just laughs at me like "yeah right mom"

I am a little excited about going back to work after 2 years, but it makes me so sad too, I'm going to miss spending all day with Levi.

Oh and the biggest news of the week. . . . I CUT ALL MY HAIR OFF! 12 inches for donation to Wigs for Kids http://www.wigsforkids.org/ This organization hit close to home and what better way to help :o)

time to catch up......

Well there is so much to catch up on .....

First we decided not to go to Utah at the end of March to see Grandma Joan, we were hoping she would hold out until our trip in June...... She passed away May 13th, our trip got pushed forward and we went out to Utah for the funeral. It was bitter sweet, it was important to go for the closer, but it was probably the last trip to Brigham City, and the last time we got to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We also spent some time with Grandpa Bob and with my dad's Aunts and Uncles, Cousins and 2nd Cousins. We also got to spend time with the other cousins and the "new additions" which are about the same age as Levi. It was fun to see the 3 babies together, how similar and different they are.

After returning to Minnesota, we got some additional bad news. We have been working on "saving/keeping" our house- we finally got word from the bank that they are not able/willing to work with us. The Sheriff sale was June 30th - we have until December 30th to be out of the house. Unless we Short Sale the house before then. So what the heck are we going to do? Well after talking to my parents we decided we are going to do some remodeling at their house to try and accommodate both our families. With Dad still out of work this will help them too. It sucks but what else can we do?

The girls (Secora and Taylor) are officially here for the summer Doug left, on the 27th of June, on the train, Spent the 28th hanging out in Minot ND- and got back on the train with the girls at 930pm- arriving in St. Paul at 7 am on Tuesday the 29th. our first week went pretty well. They really love Levi (this is the first time they have met him) and I was worried about all the extra protection I would have to guard between the girls and Levi, but it has been a little more like a vacation.... they love to help and play with him. We had a busy week with going to the YMCA, the Minnesota zoo, yw activity night, going to see Eclipse, 4th of July activities- BBQ with friends, Carnival, Church, Parade, BBQ with Family and Fireworks. BUSY BUSY BUSY!

We are on to week to 2, Secora left for girls camp on Monday, she will be back on Friday. So Taylor, Levi and I have been laying low.... we have been to the YMCA multiple times, had a play date with some of the babies from mommy group, and Taylor was able to go to the Como Zoo with the Primary. Tonight my niece Cayleigh is coming to spent the night with Taylor- I told Taylor she could pick the activities- so it could be another busy day :o)

Oh I for got to mention Levi has also started swim lessons 3 weeks ago, he is not real interested in the kicking, scooping and blowing bubbles- but he loves being social. The first week went ok, an adjustment (as expected), the 2nd week he was in a BAD MOOD, didn't want anything to do with any of it, week 3, our consistency paid off- he was kicking and jumping into the pool, sliding along the side of the pool and more willing to float on his back and swim on his tummy (all with help of course). So that just makes me more excited to see his progress next week.

I have been applying for work, in hopes that I will be able to go back to work this fall, after the girls go home (August 11th).

Doug is working with American Security and things have been going well, he is really embracing being a supervisor and is really good at it. Doug has also been doing some small engine repair for the neighbors.

Ok well I think that's it ... check my facebook page for pictures- it's been awhile since I uploaded any and they will soon be up :o)