Yesterday marked day 1 of our mission: house clean up. It's so dirty! But, I am glad to say it's not a "caked" on dirt. It comes off pretty easy with just soap and water. We tackled the kitchen yesterday and Blake went around and took off all the hardware and lightswitch plates and stuff. I wiped down the cabinets and swept them out and swept the kitchen and entry floors...that took us from 6pm-10pm last night. But, I am already feeling like I'll really like our house. I am going to shop today for a nice robin's egg blue for our laundry room. Right now our laundry room is mustard yellow. Well, the top half is. The people before us ran out of steam and so our laundry room is two-toned mustard yellow and violet I think. I am also going to need a lot of shelf-liner.
I've decided Blake and I are dangerously near our breaking point in our schedule. The only thing that is keeping us going right now is that we know we'll have a break at the end of November. If we can get there, then it will be over for a while. We've not had a free weekend at home since August 2nd. Wow, I just calculated that. That is not healthy. Our next weekend that should be free at home is November 22nd. That's too long. But, if we can just get moved in and get past these CD release concerts we'll feel a lot better. Blake is having to design a whole new concert program for these next two weekends of concerts and we just don't have enough hours in the day to do all this. Surprisingly my attitude is doing okay! We'll just do what we can do and not worry about the rest.
If anyone would like to help us paint we sure could use the help. It'll probably be next week sometime and we'll just do it all one night.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
We Closed!
It's official! We are homeowners, I can't believe it. What a headache closing this house was. But, we have the key and the papers, and lots of debt, so we're all set now.
I have some pics we took last night. They're not very exciting, and the house is REALLY dirty, but it shows more of the house. Blake mowed the lawn last night...it was a jungle. That mower was on the highest setting too. He had to mow it twice and it's still pretty long. I think we're going to get a crew to finish it up nice.
I have some pics we took last night. They're not very exciting, and the house is REALLY dirty, but it shows more of the house. Blake mowed the lawn last night...it was a jungle. That mower was on the highest setting too. He had to mow it twice and it's still pretty long. I think we're going to get a crew to finish it up nice.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Cooking
I have actually cooked the past 2 nights! I can't believe it. Monday I made Refried Bean Soup and Blake loved it. I thought it was pretty good...next time I would add more black beans and more Tabasco sauce and maybe more chili flakes. I thought the flavor was a little boring straight off the recipe. Can I note that my meals did NOT look like these pictures, haha. You can click the pictures to view the recipes.
I also just quickly cooked this soup on the stovetop and we had dinner rolls with it.
Then I made this last night:
Mine certainly did not look like this. I used just a cheap cut of meat and it fell all apart, but it tasted good. I think making a roast this way would be DELICIOUS. I really liked this recipe apart from all the grease from the bacon floating around. Next time I am using turkey bacon. Sorry, Blake.
Tonight are open-faced sandwiches and I need to go get a french bread loaf. If I remember right, you cut the loaf lengthwise and open it up flat, then put chicken and cheese and bacon on top of it and broil it in the oven. I may need to get some chips for this meal ;)
We are so ready for the house thing to be done with. We are supposed to close tomorrow, God willing.
I also just quickly cooked this soup on the stovetop and we had dinner rolls with it.Then I made this last night:
Mine certainly did not look like this. I used just a cheap cut of meat and it fell all apart, but it tasted good. I think making a roast this way would be DELICIOUS. I really liked this recipe apart from all the grease from the bacon floating around. Next time I am using turkey bacon. Sorry, Blake.Tonight are open-faced sandwiches and I need to go get a french bread loaf. If I remember right, you cut the loaf lengthwise and open it up flat, then put chicken and cheese and bacon on top of it and broil it in the oven. I may need to get some chips for this meal ;)
We are so ready for the house thing to be done with. We are supposed to close tomorrow, God willing.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Things have been good lately. We've been really busy, but it's been a good busy. I am missing my friends a lot right now. We won't be in town until late November for a full weekend. We got to have a really fun dinner with The Morrows and Trainas last night. Mary made her chicken tortilla soup and it was good! And Brandi brought a chocolate cake! She thought it was ugly, but it sure tasted good.
I'm starting to get really excited about our house. We close on Tuesday. I already have the roofers scheduled for the new roof and rafter repair for Wednesday, then the carpet cleaners on Friday, and then the next Monday I have the pest-guy coming out. So looks like the week of October 5th we'll start trying to move in. It's going to be hard! We'll have to move little bit by bit in the evenings after work. I don't know where to start packing! I'm letting our groceries dwindle away so we don't have to move much of them. We're still waiting on one major document to be signed and turned in by the seller....if they don't do it soon I think closing will be delayed so that is kinda stressful.
I'm starting to try to envision a plan for decorating...I'm bad at decorating! I think the house will be mostly creams/browns/robin's egg blues/green and a little daffodil yellow. That's what I'm into right now. I'm hoping since I work at an architecture firm, the interior designer here might help me with an overall plan. I've been visiting Marthastewart.com alot and like her decorating by color suggestions. I like the neutrals and the yellows actually. I don't know if this particular house we are getting would do well with yellow or not though. Who knows.
So, if you are a good decorator and want to take a crack at my house--let me know! :)
Please pray the closing goes through as expected and we can get everything done!
Pictures I like:
I'm starting to get really excited about our house. We close on Tuesday. I already have the roofers scheduled for the new roof and rafter repair for Wednesday, then the carpet cleaners on Friday, and then the next Monday I have the pest-guy coming out. So looks like the week of October 5th we'll start trying to move in. It's going to be hard! We'll have to move little bit by bit in the evenings after work. I don't know where to start packing! I'm letting our groceries dwindle away so we don't have to move much of them. We're still waiting on one major document to be signed and turned in by the seller....if they don't do it soon I think closing will be delayed so that is kinda stressful.
I'm starting to try to envision a plan for decorating...I'm bad at decorating! I think the house will be mostly creams/browns/robin's egg blues/green and a little daffodil yellow. That's what I'm into right now. I'm hoping since I work at an architecture firm, the interior designer here might help me with an overall plan. I've been visiting Marthastewart.com alot and like her decorating by color suggestions. I like the neutrals and the yellows actually. I don't know if this particular house we are getting would do well with yellow or not though. Who knows.
So, if you are a good decorator and want to take a crack at my house--let me know! :)
Please pray the closing goes through as expected and we can get everything done!
Pictures I like:
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
NQC Week Recap
This past week Blake and I went to Louisville, KY to participate in the National Quartet Convention! It's like the Superbowl of Gospel Music. There is an exhibition area for singers' booths, crafts, industry services, food...things like that. In other areas there are different showcases where singers are asked to participate. Blake participated in one of these this past week and he did awesome! He sang It Is Well. You can watch the video here:
Then, there is the "Big Momma" stage. Blake didn't sing on that stage. One of these days though... :) We made a lot of friends these past 3 years attending this convention. 'Friends' that I know would call us friends back would be: The Mark Trammell Trio, Ivan Parker, The Torchmen, Master's Voice, Rob Helton, The Weatherfords, Soul'd Out Quartet, The Homesteaders, and Chris Hester. These are all groups and singers that we enjoy being with and always look forward to seeing. It's a pretty tough week for everyone, the booths were open 3pm-11pm each night Monday-Saturday and events start at the convention center around noon or so each day. The week is what you make it....I'd say the first year we went, Blake had a blast but it was overwhelming because everyone is "posturing"...trying to prove their worth and status. We have no status yet, but it is slowly growing! I had to pray that God would affirm my worth in Him this week and remember that He has called us to this work. It's easy to get swept up in fame-chasing. Anyway, I was proud of both me and Blake that we approached this week with a laid-back attitude and a goal of strengthening our contacts and making new ones.
On the way up to Louisville, we had 2 concerts, one in Arnold, MO and one in Fairmont City, IL. Both were near St. Louis, MO. We had good turnouts and Blake sang very well. We were blessed to have gotten 100 of Blake's newest CD available just for this past week to be available at the convention and we're almost sold out. The rest of the order is coming this week I hope.
Blake and I are pretty wiped out. We did get a lot of sleep, but we are just emotionally drained. Everything seems to be going on at once: NQC, house closing (next Tuesday!), CD release... 3 huge things that are all overlapping. I really need to start packing up our house to move! I'm excited but I'm also dreading the work that will be involved. I know, I'm lazy. I'm mostly dreading the yardwork. It's a jungle. Hasn't been mowed since April...I think we're going to have to weed-wack it and then mow it a few times...
Anyway. Here are some photos! I was bad and didn't get photos that are really interesting, like our hotel and Walmart visits :) These pics are not in order at all.
Then, there is the "Big Momma" stage. Blake didn't sing on that stage. One of these days though... :) We made a lot of friends these past 3 years attending this convention. 'Friends' that I know would call us friends back would be: The Mark Trammell Trio, Ivan Parker, The Torchmen, Master's Voice, Rob Helton, The Weatherfords, Soul'd Out Quartet, The Homesteaders, and Chris Hester. These are all groups and singers that we enjoy being with and always look forward to seeing. It's a pretty tough week for everyone, the booths were open 3pm-11pm each night Monday-Saturday and events start at the convention center around noon or so each day. The week is what you make it....I'd say the first year we went, Blake had a blast but it was overwhelming because everyone is "posturing"...trying to prove their worth and status. We have no status yet, but it is slowly growing! I had to pray that God would affirm my worth in Him this week and remember that He has called us to this work. It's easy to get swept up in fame-chasing. Anyway, I was proud of both me and Blake that we approached this week with a laid-back attitude and a goal of strengthening our contacts and making new ones.
On the way up to Louisville, we had 2 concerts, one in Arnold, MO and one in Fairmont City, IL. Both were near St. Louis, MO. We had good turnouts and Blake sang very well. We were blessed to have gotten 100 of Blake's newest CD available just for this past week to be available at the convention and we're almost sold out. The rest of the order is coming this week I hope.
Blake and I are pretty wiped out. We did get a lot of sleep, but we are just emotionally drained. Everything seems to be going on at once: NQC, house closing (next Tuesday!), CD release... 3 huge things that are all overlapping. I really need to start packing up our house to move! I'm excited but I'm also dreading the work that will be involved. I know, I'm lazy. I'm mostly dreading the yardwork. It's a jungle. Hasn't been mowed since April...I think we're going to have to weed-wack it and then mow it a few times...
Anyway. Here are some photos! I was bad and didn't get photos that are really interesting, like our hotel and Walmart visits :) These pics are not in order at all.
Blake and me singing at Fairmont Baptist, IL
Me waiting for Blake to sing at the showcase. It was freezing in there.
Me with my Torchment Quartet friends.
I talked to these guys ALL week. Love them.
I talked to these guys ALL week. Love them.
The NQC Stage. Pretty amazing.
Blake and one of our favorite soloists, Mitchel Jon.
We went to his booth and made him feel special and went on and on about how great he is! (he really is great! you should find his Jesus Gave Me Water video on Youtube).
We went to his booth and made him feel special and went on and on about how great he is! (he really is great! you should find his Jesus Gave Me Water video on Youtube).
Me and my Torchmen friend. He said he'd have to hide the camera when he got back so his wife wouldn't be like, "so what were YOU doing at the NQC this week??"
Us and Guy Penrod. My heart-throb other than Blake. He's okay with that.
He has a man-crush on Guy too.
He has a man-crush on Guy too.
Blake and Bill Gaither! Have to say Mr. Bill was not happy to have to be at his booth. But that's okay! Got a picture while he was still putting up with the huge crowd.
Blake singing at Fairmont Baptist, IL. Told ya these photos aren't in order.
Blake getting ear-molds for custom in-ears. They're small speakers that go in your ears like ear bud headphones so he can prevent hearing loss.
Blake and our good friend Cody from The Weatherfords. He lives in OKC near us and we hang out a lot.
Blake and two other soloists, Chris Hester and Rob Helton.
This is what our booth looked like!
Blake letting me take his picture while we waited for him to sing.
At our booth. With nothing to do.
We were actually in the main hall for this photo.
Blake and his goofy friend Cody, and Mike from the Homesteaders.
The Anchormen...they were next to Blake's booth the first year he went. They just released a new CD and it's good! They told Blake next time they are in Oklahoma they want him to open for them.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Great News
Got some great news just now, the major horrible repair that we need to do...turns out won't be out of our reach expense-wise after all! We can handle it with the money set aside by the bank for repairs...so we are proceeding after all with the house! Man, what a roller coaster. How do you people do it who move often??
We are set to close officially Sept. 29 at 11am, provided the Lord wills it :) Definitely seems like He has guided every step of this so I am at peace if this deal goes through!
We are set to close officially Sept. 29 at 11am, provided the Lord wills it :) Definitely seems like He has guided every step of this so I am at peace if this deal goes through!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Stupid House
Okay. What a crazy week this has been. If you follow my facebook, you've seen my barrage of posts about the house.
Wednesday Blake and I went to meet with the lender at 8am. Who is wonderful. We love our lender. We had a house inspection and termite inspection scheduled for the house at 10:30 am the same day. The lender mentioned we hadn't gotten a signed agreement back from the bank putting in writing everything they'd agreed to. So we pressed our realtor to get on that. Sure enough, we get a call around 9am that the bank only was going to offer a certain amount of money toward a new roof instead of shelling out the complete dough to pay for the roof. We were infuriated. They quoted about $1000 under our lowest roof quote we got. Really is maddening them trying to push us around. So, I called the roofer and asked if he'd replace the roof at what the bank was willing to pay for...and he was wonderful and said yes! So, a big victory there.
Then, we go to the house inspection. Termites = negative! House condition = awesome! Then we're wrapping up the inspection and one of the guys is taking a while in the attic. Come to find out, our roof is caving in. That is a little strong...I guess our roof is "sagging" because it's current shingles are too heavy for the original framing and then to top it off, when the house owners had the heat and air moved overhead some genius installed it in the attic and cut some crucial support beams to get it to fit. So there is a visable sag especially in the attic that needs attention. From what I understood, this is fixable and wouldn't be cause for future alarm if fixed. If not fixed...that is alarming. So I'm in the process of gathering quotes from framers to see what it would take to fix it.
After that we face the dilemma of approaching the bank with our revised offer. Do we say 'hey! you pay for it or we walk!" We risk the whole contract being thrown out and starting from square one. I'm hearing different things like people are impressed on a short sale that we got the bank to pay for anything. And then I'm also hearing, hey to sell it the bank has to fix it anyway. So pray that we can make a wise decision once we have all the facts together. I'm kinda numb to the whole house thing right now. So many big events happening at once: a house, a new CD release, and the National Quartet Convention (the climax of our year in Southern Gospel field). I'm pretty impressed I'm handling everything as well as I am right now. I'm discouraged about the house but don't know whether to let it go without a fight, or walk away from it and have the bank try to get us to still take it. The other houses available on the market right now just aren't as amazing as this one. But, I don't need amazing, I need a quality house that suits our needs. So, Lord please lead us as we have to make life changing decisions next week.
Wednesday Blake and I went to meet with the lender at 8am. Who is wonderful. We love our lender. We had a house inspection and termite inspection scheduled for the house at 10:30 am the same day. The lender mentioned we hadn't gotten a signed agreement back from the bank putting in writing everything they'd agreed to. So we pressed our realtor to get on that. Sure enough, we get a call around 9am that the bank only was going to offer a certain amount of money toward a new roof instead of shelling out the complete dough to pay for the roof. We were infuriated. They quoted about $1000 under our lowest roof quote we got. Really is maddening them trying to push us around. So, I called the roofer and asked if he'd replace the roof at what the bank was willing to pay for...and he was wonderful and said yes! So, a big victory there.
Then, we go to the house inspection. Termites = negative! House condition = awesome! Then we're wrapping up the inspection and one of the guys is taking a while in the attic. Come to find out, our roof is caving in. That is a little strong...I guess our roof is "sagging" because it's current shingles are too heavy for the original framing and then to top it off, when the house owners had the heat and air moved overhead some genius installed it in the attic and cut some crucial support beams to get it to fit. So there is a visable sag especially in the attic that needs attention. From what I understood, this is fixable and wouldn't be cause for future alarm if fixed. If not fixed...that is alarming. So I'm in the process of gathering quotes from framers to see what it would take to fix it.
After that we face the dilemma of approaching the bank with our revised offer. Do we say 'hey! you pay for it or we walk!" We risk the whole contract being thrown out and starting from square one. I'm hearing different things like people are impressed on a short sale that we got the bank to pay for anything. And then I'm also hearing, hey to sell it the bank has to fix it anyway. So pray that we can make a wise decision once we have all the facts together. I'm kinda numb to the whole house thing right now. So many big events happening at once: a house, a new CD release, and the National Quartet Convention (the climax of our year in Southern Gospel field). I'm pretty impressed I'm handling everything as well as I am right now. I'm discouraged about the house but don't know whether to let it go without a fight, or walk away from it and have the bank try to get us to still take it. The other houses available on the market right now just aren't as amazing as this one. But, I don't need amazing, I need a quality house that suits our needs. So, Lord please lead us as we have to make life changing decisions next week.
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