a home appraisal. But in my small corner of the world, it is a very important event coming up on Monday morning. We have finally gotten a contract on the house (actually 2- 1 is a back up offer) and we are really excited about it because we have found a house we really want to live in. It is right up the street from Whitney and Phil's new place! And, in my opinion, it is as close to perfect as is possible. We have gotten a contract on that house and now all that needs to happen is for us to close on this house. Everything is going along very smoothly and it feels like this is the last major hurdle. Most people don't think twice about a home appraisal but I am nervous because our home appraised low when we bought it and when we tried to refi a good while back it did again. We have done so much to the house that it seems almost impossible for that to happen again but I am still nervous. I really feel like God is working things out and I know that if the deal does not go through then there is a reason but it would be so awesome if everything works out. There are so many more important things to pray for- our nation, those preaching the gospel, our families, loved ones who are sick... the list goes on and on. But, if you remember, and are willing, please say a little prayer that things will work out and the appraisal will come back okay and that we can move. I would really appreciate it!
I love you and I prayed for you! It's great being an hour ahead because I bet your appraisal hasn't even happened yet, so God has one extra prayer before His throne.
Well, we have started taking the girls to the YMCA here in Columbia. We thought it was going to be wonderfully cheap b/c Jonathan's job gives me and him a free membership- but not the girls. So it is costing us anyway but I am already sure it is worth it. The girls love the water and have had a mixture of experiences... The first time we went the kiddie pool, with the gentle slope into deeper water, was open. We had a blast. The second time, the kiddie pool was NOT open. We have decided that if the kiddie pool is closed, from now on, we will skip swimming! Needless to say we had a lot of screaming. Janie Beth "Phelps" took to it at last and was kicking like a fish (no, not swimming yet but holding onto us and kicking really good). Unfortunately, poor Emma was paralyzed with fear. We tried to make her come out in the water with Daddy or me holding her but that just made her hysterical... SO we have decided to let her go at her own pace. Tonight was really pleasant. Both girls are getting more comfortable and trying more. Janie wanted to put her head under water so we took off her floaty swimsuit and then, she fell in the water- Oops! Well, her head did go under, just not necessarily the way she or anyone else would want her too. She survived though and I am sure she will be right out there the next time we go. I will try to get some picks at some point- they look quite funny in goggles!
I really like that kiddie pool at the Columbia YMCA. We took a swimming class there once for a few months with our homeschool group and loved it there.
Emma will get the hang of it before too long. I'm not really surprised at Janie's fearlessness.
I'll have to look into the Y here. I work out at Harvey's (as you know!:) ) and hadn't really thought about it. I want to make sure our kids know how to swim (James doesn't) and I wasn't sure where we could go. Do they have specific times for women or kids?
Those pictures are great, as always! Somehow I missed seeing the latest of Hannah, EB, Jack, and Elijah, to I looked at them, too. Also great! Almost makes me want to have a baby just so you can take beautiful pictures of it!
Love, love, love them! I still can't get over how much Emma looks like you! Such big girls, so sweet. I love that first one under the tree, it's precious.
Actually, I wouldn't be able to doa cartwheel anyway because I am that uncoordinated. We have a contract on our house though! we are very pleased. The buyer has a house to sell though so we will see... I am totally leaving it in the Lord's hands. I have learned my lesson (at least for the time being) that it is so much better to not worry and let God work.... Maybe it will stick this time!
Well, kitty is gone. I had to take him to a shelter and Emma just cried and cried. Hich made me cry and cry. Needless to say, I went and got her a stuffed animal at Walmart. It has seemed to cheer her up immensely. I am glad she was no more attached than that. So we move on.....
