One More Offer

We placed another offer today. It is a bidding war again. I had an awh-ha moment. Most people bid with pretty whole numbers that have zeros after the thousands place. So... we went slightly higher than the pretty numbers with random digits in every place value. 

And now we pray. Pray. PRAY!!!

This house is not exactly what we want. Ok. The layout does not even come close to what I actually wanted. But it is a house and it is in fairly good condition! It does need a few repairs but really they are pretty minor. The biggest problem is the backyard is a complete weed patch--that will take a whole lot of Round Up first and then some good grass seed. We pretty much won't have any grass this year. 

Here is the problem: interest rates are truthfully rising and predicted to keep going up. I am feeling really desperate. We are about to the point that we have to get this house or we will not qualify for a house--including the other two offers that we currently have right now on short sales. The reason we will no longer qualify for the offers is because of interest rates. The higher they get, the less we can borrow. And the problem with borrowing less is that housing prices are also going up. So borrowing less will ultimately mean no house.

And so we pray for our random digits to out bid all the other countless offers.

We placed another offer today. It is a bidding war again. I had an awh-ha moment. Most people bid with pretty whole numbers that have zeros after the thousands place. So... we went slightly higher than the pretty numbers with random digits in every place value. 

And now we pray. Pray. PRAY!!!

This house is not exactly what we want. Ok. The layout does not even come close to what I actually wanted. But it is a house and it is in fairly good condition! It does need a few repairs but really they are pretty minor. The biggest problem is the backyard is a complete weed patch--that will take a whole lot of Round Up first and then some good grass seed. We pretty much won't have any grass this year. 

Here is the problem: interest rates are truthfully rising and predicted to keep going up. I am feeling really desperate. We are about to the point that we have to get this house or we will not qualify for a house--including the other two offers that we currently have right now on short sales. The reason we will no longer qualify for the offers is because of interest rates. The higher they get, the less we can borrow. And the problem with borrowing less is that housing prices are also going up. So borrowing less will ultimately mean no house.

And so we pray for our random digits to out bid all the other countless offers.

Devin's Data: ELEVEN months

Devin was not thrilled to have to lay on his back!

Weight: 21.56 pounds

Height: 30 inches (he is a tall boy!)

Clothing Size: mostly 6-9. If I buy something, I buy it bigger so it will last for a good long while!

Diaper Size: three

Milestones: he prefers to walk everywhere now. He climbs up stairs by himself and I never taught him. I have no idea how he learned! He can step down stairs as long as he is holding my hand. He is very cautious at the doctor's office. He searches for hidden objects, likes stacking his blocks, puts things in and out. He can stoop from standing and stand up all by himself. He waves bye.

Eating: Devin nurses about three times a day. He literally eats everything we do. He eats three meals and an afternoon snack. I don't know if I eat a small breakfast or he has a large one but we eat about the same amount. He loves yogurt!! And anything that he can feed himself.

Sleeping: he goes to bed around 9pm and sleeps until 6:30 am or so. Then he nurses and goes back to sleep for another 1.5-2 hours. He takes a long afternoon nap. And sometimes a super short evening nap but generally not.

Communication: he communicates. But not with words. If he falls and bumps something, he is really good about holding his hand on where it hurts!! This helps me help him so much. He responds very well to my instructions. If I tell him, "time to go," he will come meet me by the door. Or if I tell him to "put it in" during clean up time, he puts the toy away in the basket.

Likes: he loves carrying a spoon with him every where he goes. He also likes cuddling with his teddy bear and blankie. If it has batteries, he loves it and wants it. He likes getting out of the house everyday. And loves giving me hugs all the time. His favorite toy is a purple elephant car that he sticks things in and out of the opening. He likes learning about gravity by purposefully throwing things from his high chair. He likes bath time and playing in the water. He loves playing peak-a-boo!

Dislikes: Devin doesn't like being told no and really hates time out. He tries super hard to be obedient so he won't be told no and be put in time out! He has had two stomach viruses and dislikes having his diaper changed when he is sick because of the diaper rash. He constantly takes his shoes off. I'm not sure if he dislikes wearing them or it is simply something to entertain him while we are driving.

Nicknames: we pretty much call him Devin. Sometimes Baby Bunny. When Casey and I are talking about him to each other, we always call him Baby Bunny.

Most Memorable Moment(s): Devin is amazing at walking and it is so fun to watch. Every time he plays with that purple elephant car, it makes me smile because it is just so cute!! He had his second hair cut. His hair just grows so fast!

Hardest Part: Devin has been sick and just cries. And screams. I just wish he could tell me why he is in pain!! I feel so helpless and try to calm him but it doesn't help.

Lisa's Favorite Part: I absolutely LOVE how affectionate Devin is. When he is playing by himself, he will come get hugs from me. I also love how I have the power to comfort him and he trusts me to make it better.

Casey's Favorite Part: I like watching Devin wave when I come home and I wave to him.

How the photo shoot really went...
Casey was trying to hold him down on his back.
And I was taking pictures as fast as possible.

The "Purple Elephant Car" that Devin LOVES!!
He puts just about everything inside it's "tummy"
and then pushes it around.

Devin was not thrilled to have to lay on his back!

Weight: 21.56 pounds

Height: 30 inches (he is a tall boy!)

Clothing Size: mostly 6-9. If I buy something, I buy it bigger so it will last for a good long while!

Diaper Size: three

Milestones: he prefers to walk everywhere now. He climbs up stairs by himself and I never taught him. I have no idea how he learned! He can step down stairs as long as he is holding my hand. He is very cautious at the doctor's office. He searches for hidden objects, likes stacking his blocks, puts things in and out. He can stoop from standing and stand up all by himself. He waves bye.

Eating: Devin nurses about three times a day. He literally eats everything we do. He eats three meals and an afternoon snack. I don't know if I eat a small breakfast or he has a large one but we eat about the same amount. He loves yogurt!! And anything that he can feed himself.

Sleeping: he goes to bed around 9pm and sleeps until 6:30 am or so. Then he nurses and goes back to sleep for another 1.5-2 hours. He takes a long afternoon nap. And sometimes a super short evening nap but generally not.

Communication: he communicates. But not with words. If he falls and bumps something, he is really good about holding his hand on where it hurts!! This helps me help him so much. He responds very well to my instructions. If I tell him, "time to go," he will come meet me by the door. Or if I tell him to "put it in" during clean up time, he puts the toy away in the basket.

Likes: he loves carrying a spoon with him every where he goes. He also likes cuddling with his teddy bear and blankie. If it has batteries, he loves it and wants it. He likes getting out of the house everyday. And loves giving me hugs all the time. His favorite toy is a purple elephant car that he sticks things in and out of the opening. He likes learning about gravity by purposefully throwing things from his high chair. He likes bath time and playing in the water. He loves playing peak-a-boo!

Dislikes: Devin doesn't like being told no and really hates time out. He tries super hard to be obedient so he won't be told no and be put in time out! He has had two stomach viruses and dislikes having his diaper changed when he is sick because of the diaper rash. He constantly takes his shoes off. I'm not sure if he dislikes wearing them or it is simply something to entertain him while we are driving.

Nicknames: we pretty much call him Devin. Sometimes Baby Bunny. When Casey and I are talking about him to each other, we always call him Baby Bunny.

Most Memorable Moment(s): Devin is amazing at walking and it is so fun to watch. Every time he plays with that purple elephant car, it makes me smile because it is just so cute!! He had his second hair cut. His hair just grows so fast!

Hardest Part: Devin has been sick and just cries. And screams. I just wish he could tell me why he is in pain!! I feel so helpless and try to calm him but it doesn't help.

Lisa's Favorite Part: I absolutely LOVE how affectionate Devin is. When he is playing by himself, he will come get hugs from me. I also love how I have the power to comfort him and he trusts me to make it better.

Casey's Favorite Part: I like watching Devin wave when I come home and I wave to him.

How the photo shoot really went...
Casey was trying to hold him down on his back.
And I was taking pictures as fast as possible.

The "Purple Elephant Car" that Devin LOVES!!
He puts just about everything inside it's "tummy"
and then pushes it around.

A Sigh of Relief

We heard back on the house that needs some a lot TLC. With the seller's agent accepting all offers and then choosing the best, ours was not chosen. Someone out bid us. Our agent first told me that he had some bad news. Truthfully I was so grateful to hear that our offer was not accepted. As I thought about it, I did not want to deal with it. There were several problems that we already knew of but I was guessing that several hidden problems would arise as well. I was afraid that some of the problems would be lasting, despite our best efforts to fix them.

Aaaaawwwhhhh! :)

Seriously so glad that we don't have to deal with that gigantic mess!!

We heard back on the house that needs some a lot TLC. With the seller's agent accepting all offers and then choosing the best, ours was not chosen. Someone out bid us. Our agent first told me that he had some bad news. Truthfully I was so grateful to hear that our offer was not accepted. As I thought about it, I did not want to deal with it. There were several problems that we already knew of but I was guessing that several hidden problems would arise as well. I was afraid that some of the problems would be lasting, despite our best efforts to fix them.

Aaaaawwwhhhh! :)

Seriously so glad that we don't have to deal with that gigantic mess!!

The Life of a Mother

Eleven months ago when my itty bitty baby was placed into my arms,

I knew I loved him. 

Seeing his eyes and snuggling him close.

And knowing that he was mine forever.

I was exhausted but couldn't sleep because I was a mother.

As Baby Bunny's first year has past.

The love inside of me grows even deeper.

His smiles. His waves. His cries.

Coming to me. Sitting on my lap. Refusing to be put down.

Exploring the world. Cuddling when sick. Stacking blocks.

His laugh. His hugs. His love.

Some days are hard and filled with tears.

Some days are spent playing in the park.

Some days we get a lot accomplished.

And others we are grateful to get out of our pajamas.

The life of a mother is not easy.

I am beginning to realize all the hats I must juggle.

But I wouldn't change my life for anything.

The life of a mother is absolutely amazing.

Rewarding.

Eternal.

And I cherish being a mom--each and every day!

Eleven months ago when my itty bitty baby was placed into my arms,

I knew I loved him. 

Seeing his eyes and snuggling him close.

And knowing that he was mine forever.

I was exhausted but couldn't sleep because I was a mother.

As Baby Bunny's first year has past.

The love inside of me grows even deeper.

His smiles. His waves. His cries.

Coming to me. Sitting on my lap. Refusing to be put down.

Exploring the world. Cuddling when sick. Stacking blocks.

His laugh. His hugs. His love.

Some days are hard and filled with tears.

Some days are spent playing in the park.

Some days we get a lot accomplished.

And others we are grateful to get out of our pajamas.

The life of a mother is not easy.

I am beginning to realize all the hats I must juggle.

But I wouldn't change my life for anything.

The life of a mother is absolutely amazing.

Rewarding.

Eternal.

And I cherish being a mom--each and every day!

Our Safety Net

Yesterday we found another short sale house that was in our price range and the style I want. We wanted to be in primary position with the offer so submitted an offer before we saw it. After our agent had our offer turned in, we went to see it.

The house is cute. Very small. But clean and smells clean and move in ready.

However because it is a short sale, we won't be moving until fall at the earliest with it. I feel like it is our safety net in case everything else fails. Its a back up plan. It is not a 100% safe plan because depending on what interest rates do between now and then will determine if we can actually afford the house or not. As of yesterday, we could. If interest rates spike up, we will have no choice but to walk away from it. But for now, I will think of it as our safety net at the bottom to catch us if we fall because everything else fails.

And (I wish I had a picture!!) while we were there, we let Devin get down on the carpet. He walked right over to the stairs and climbed right up them like it was no big deal. I haven't the slightest idea how he learned to go up stairs because he has never even touched a stair before in his life. Our apartment stairs are concrete with metal railing and it is coming apart so there are gaps between the metal and concrete. And then the other set of stairs are all metal and look like a cheese grater  No. He is definitely not allowed to touch either. But yesterday, he went right up the carpeted stairs like a pro. I was so impressed.

Yesterday we found another short sale house that was in our price range and the style I want. We wanted to be in primary position with the offer so submitted an offer before we saw it. After our agent had our offer turned in, we went to see it.

The house is cute. Very small. But clean and smells clean and move in ready.

However because it is a short sale, we won't be moving until fall at the earliest with it. I feel like it is our safety net in case everything else fails. Its a back up plan. It is not a 100% safe plan because depending on what interest rates do between now and then will determine if we can actually afford the house or not. As of yesterday, we could. If interest rates spike up, we will have no choice but to walk away from it. But for now, I will think of it as our safety net at the bottom to catch us if we fall because everything else fails.

And (I wish I had a picture!!) while we were there, we let Devin get down on the carpet. He walked right over to the stairs and climbed right up them like it was no big deal. I haven't the slightest idea how he learned to go up stairs because he has never even touched a stair before in his life. Our apartment stairs are concrete with metal railing and it is coming apart so there are gaps between the metal and concrete. And then the other set of stairs are all metal and look like a cheese grater  No. He is definitely not allowed to touch either. But yesterday, he went right up the carpeted stairs like a pro. I was so impressed.

Con-GRAD-ulations!

Last August, Casey officially earned is Associate of Science in Information Systems & Technology. We were not planning on having him graduate with his A.S. degree. But last summer as he was applying for jobs, he was not getting any interviews. One company told him something about being under qualified and that he needed some education or experience to back him up. Well, Casey started looking at his Bachelors program and realized that he had completely already earned his A.S. degree and that it was just a matter of paper work. So he applied for graduation and reentered his Bachelors program. And all of the sudden, he had several interviews. It was a huge blessing!

After Convocation

Walking in to Convocation. Casey loves me!! <3
Devin was such a good boy! I was all by myself with him. He stayed right by me and played with his toys. He liked choosing a toy from the bag.

Walking into Commencement.
The Graduate!!

Congratulations Daddy!

With his mom.
With my parents.

We are so proud of you!

When I graduated from BYU, the stole was worn and then given to someone who has supported you.
I gave mine to Casey.
We decided to continue this tradition.
He gave me his stole and now it hangs on my dresser!

Last August, Casey officially earned is Associate of Science in Information Systems & Technology. We were not planning on having him graduate with his A.S. degree. But last summer as he was applying for jobs, he was not getting any interviews. One company told him something about being under qualified and that he needed some education or experience to back him up. Well, Casey started looking at his Bachelors program and realized that he had completely already earned his A.S. degree and that it was just a matter of paper work. So he applied for graduation and reentered his Bachelors program. And all of the sudden, he had several interviews. It was a huge blessing!

After Convocation

Walking in to Convocation. Casey loves me!! <3
Devin was such a good boy! I was all by myself with him. He stayed right by me and played with his toys. He liked choosing a toy from the bag.

Walking into Commencement.
The Graduate!!

Congratulations Daddy!

With his mom.
With my parents.

We are so proud of you!

When I graduated from BYU, the stole was worn and then given to someone who has supported you.
I gave mine to Casey.
We decided to continue this tradition.
He gave me his stole and now it hangs on my dresser!

The Silent Bidding War

We found another house that we like. Well, mostly like. It needs some TLC before we could move in so that part we don't like so much. But it has the potential to be liked! :)

I placed an offer on it yesterday before Casey had even seen it. After work, we went together to go see it. 

But I feel like we entered a silent auction. Seriously. We found out later that the seller's agent is accepting all offers and then they will choose the one they like the best by Saturday (hopefully!). The problem is there are already multiple offers on the house and they are still accepting more. But the good news is that it is not a short sale. So... this house will likely be under contract by next week.

So we placed the best offer we could. And now we wait and see if our best is good enough or if someone else placed a higher offer.

Will I be devastated if we don't get it? No. 

Am I planning on getting it? Absolutely not. 

But will I be grateful if we do get it? YES!! It is a house that we could turn into our home with some TLC.

We found another house that we like. Well, mostly like. It needs some TLC before we could move in so that part we don't like so much. But it has the potential to be liked! :)

I placed an offer on it yesterday before Casey had even seen it. After work, we went together to go see it. 

But I feel like we entered a silent auction. Seriously. We found out later that the seller's agent is accepting all offers and then they will choose the one they like the best by Saturday (hopefully!). The problem is there are already multiple offers on the house and they are still accepting more. But the good news is that it is not a short sale. So... this house will likely be under contract by next week.

So we placed the best offer we could. And now we wait and see if our best is good enough or if someone else placed a higher offer.

Will I be devastated if we don't get it? No. 

Am I planning on getting it? Absolutely not. 

But will I be grateful if we do get it? YES!! It is a house that we could turn into our home with some TLC.