House Hunting

I thought I would share our experience so far about our BIG news. We finally accepted an offer on our townhouse. The close date is set for July 17, 2009. This day is fast approaching. Justin and I thought this would be one of the most exciting times in our life... we were very sadly mistaking. To tell the truth this had been one of the most stressful and trying times.

To start with we are not "making money" on the sale of our town home. We will actually bring money to closing which is embarrassing and sad. At this point we know it is the right thing to do to get out of the town house so our family can grow. Our main reason for moving is so that Chewy and Jackson can have more room! We also do not feel we can have another baby in this town home. We are not planning on baby number 2 just yet, but do hope it is in our future in the coming years.

So... knowing that we have to bring money to closing changes our finances a bit, as we will not have as much to put down on a new home. We are still very fortunate to get a loan which I know can be hard in this economy. SO... we have a preapporval, money in the bank and are ready to by a home. BUT we cannot find one! We have actually fallen in love with two houses along the way in the last 3 weeks but for this reason or that reason the houses/ deals have not worked out. There have been a variety of reasons that all seem crazy. We have been in about 12 houses at this time, driven miles and miles through neighborhoods and spent countless hours online looking at houses. We don't believe we are being too picky but we do have a lot to think about when buying a home. The reality is that we could be in this home for 20 years or 2 years. We do not know if Justin's job will pick us up and relocate us, so we feel we have to make a smart purchase for resale of a home. We also want to be sure that a home does not need lots of work (roof, HVAC, windows) in the coming year.

This stress is testing Justin and I in so many ways. We are trying to have faith that everything happens for a reason and that God has a plan for our family. At this time we will be moving in with my parents in Warrensburg, MO. We will stay with them for about 4 weeks. During that time we will also stay at my dearest friend's home during the week a few nights while I work and Jackson goes to daycare. Alli and Andy are out at camp all summer and have an empty house for a few nights a week- they will be letting us stay there for two nights a week. We are so lucky to have this as an option so we do not have to sign a lease on an apartment!!! I am not imagining the next few weeks will be easy, but we do hope the end result is worth it all!!

There is the story. I of course have left out the sleepless nights, lack of appetite, tears, arguments and full blown breakdowns out of this story. We feel blessed to have the support of friends and family and are hopeful for the future.

Father's Day

Justin enjoyed his 2nd Father's day having fun with Jackson! We enjoyed time looking at houses in the morning, meeting my parents for lunch then some pool time in the afternoon. We ended the day grilling some fabulous steaks!

Jackson found Justin's gift and carried it around the house for him. We got Justin a new travel kit this year. These boys are for sure silly together!

Sleeping!

Life has been full of sleepless nights at the Van Gundy home. We recently accepted an offer on our town home which has been on the market for 2 years!!! We had the inspection and everything is on the right path! Now we are looking for a new home without much luck! We actually have one home we really like right now... but the offer has not been put in just yet. We will keep you all posted. Justin and I have not been sleeping the best.

Jackson has been doing well. He lays in his bed at night and stares at us as we rub his hair and talk with him It is the sweetest thing. Justin snapped some photos the other night. you ill notice he has a few more friends in bed with him these days. He has his Big Blue Bunny my parents got him for Easter, Big Al, 2 blankies and another small quilt Auntie Em had made for him out of the bridesmaids dress from our wedding.

See his goofy grin as he laughs at the flashing camera!

Old Shawnee Days Parade

Jackson enjoyed watching the parade. He loves to point and show us things. It was a fun start to our day.

Time with Mimi and Poppy

As Justin is traveling more and more my parents are helping out by joining us for dinner from time to time!!! It is nice to have the company and the helping hand. Justin will be out of town 2-3 nights a week for the next 6 weeks! He will be in Oklahoma, Denver, Reno, Denver, KC, and Denver. We will figure it out week by week. Most weeks are good just a little more exhausting but Jackson and I enjoy our time together. We miss Daddy but appreciate all the hard work he does for our family.

My parents joined us yesterday for a visit to Deanna Rose Farmstead and dinner at our favorite Mexican place. Justin is out of town in Oklahoma! Here are a few pictures.