They are here!

My brother and his family have arrived!  I am so excited.

This is their new house.

It is beautiful!

Did I mention that I am excited?

Canceled Contract!

My brother called me Monday to bounce some things off of me.  He and his wife were feeling like the house they wrote the contract on is not the house for them.  We talked for awhile, I shared what I know about the market and the issues that they were concerned about, but ultimately the decision is theirs.  The law gives them three business days to cancel the contract.  They did just that yesterday.

So, back to square one, well not exactly.  They know exactly what house they want, they just have to find one with the right siding.  I know that sounds crazy, but if his company decides to move him again, the house that they buy now needs to be eligible for a buy-out in the future.  The house that they really want has siding on it that is not eligible for a buy out in the future…details, details.

I asked him if this meant that they may change cities and he said no.  Hopefully they will find what they want soon!

They Did It!

My brother and sister-in-law arrived Wednesday morning to look for a home.  After my brother’s visit in early April, and after firing their first realtor, they were fairly certain that my city was the city for them.  This was confirmed when my brother called yesterday evening and asked if we would like to come and see the home that they just bought.  I am soooo excited. 

They found a builder that has an inventory home that meets almost all of their requirements.  It is in an area with a country club and their lot backs up to the golf course.  It is beautiful!  In case you were wondering, My Hubby and I can only afford to visit a neighborhood like that!  Anyway, I am thrilled for them and for us!

Weight Loss Update

I posted my weight in January and discussed my quest to do something different this year.  Then?  My Hubby’s brother passed away, we took a vacation to Disney World, and I got generally got in my own way.  I feel as if I have not stopped eating since January 20th.  I stepped on the scale this morning and I have lost 5 pounds since I posted my weight on January 3rd.  I was very surprised that I hadn’t gained any weight. 

I am back on the wagon.  I plan to get on the treadmill in the morning.

My co-worker has a bet with her boyfriend.  If she loses more weight than he does by May 15th, she gets to buy a bracelet that she has been eyeing for quite some time.  I think she said the price tag is close to $1,000.00. 

If he wins, she has to have his name tattooed on her rear-end…What was she thinking????

Ex-wife, Ex-mistress, Ex-girlfriend, Girlfriend

My Hubby’s brother was a great guy.  He certainly made some mistakes, but there is no doubt he was a great guy.  One of those mistakes was to destroy his first marriage with an affair.  The wonderful thing that came out of that mistake is a 16 year old daughter who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.  Now, you might say, just how can he have been such a great guy if he had an affair.  I agree that it is a pretty rotten thing to do to someone that you love.  People make mistakes.  What I can tell you is that all of the people in the title to this post were in attendance at his funeral, where there was standing room only.  At the reception following the funeral, people stayed for two hours sharing about My Hubby’s brother.  It was a wonderful time of laughter and tears.

In addition, he lived in a small community, where a celebration was held in his honor, it is my understanding that at least 300 people showed up to celebrate his life.  None of these 300 people were related to him, none of them were obligated by family ties to be there.  All of them loved him.  This celebration was hosted by his Ex-girlfriend and his Girlfriend. This amazes me!

My Hubby’s brother was a great guy, yes he made mistakes while he walked this sod, but don’t we all? 

Birth Verse

This is my birth verse:  John 10:29 NIV My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

                    Check out http://birthverse.com to find yours…

School Update

I passed the state licensing exam today!

God is soooo good!

My 2008 Predictions

I will not wear a Hillary for President t-shirt.

I will pass the state real estate exam (Hopefully on the first attempt)

My stepmom’s support group will continue to grow and meaningful relationships will be formed.

I will not freak out when I see ED at work.

My relationship with Son#1 will improve.

God will still be in control.

New Job and School

I have accepted an offer from the company that I have been talking to for a few weeks.   My first day will be November 19th.  I will have 90 days from that date to get the state license required by this new position.

I have enrolled and started school.  I have gotten through three sessions.  It has not been as bad as I thought it would be.  Of course I have to have 168 hours of classroom instruction and I have only had 9 hours so far!   If I stay on track, I will be finished with the classroom portion before Christmas.  Please pray that I will be able to remain focused on the task in order to make this date.  I will then have 4 classes of exam prep and hopefully will be able to take the state exam in mid-January. 

Thank you for all of the encouraging words when I shared with you how nervous I was about school!

Photo(s) of the Week

These photos were taken this morning.  We were headed east at 65 mph.  This is a reason to get up early!  What an amazing gift from God!