Packin Up • Getting Ready • Movin On

Hello All! We are in full-fledged Packing Mode nowadays! Brad is still driving back and forth every weekend, but his departure is more manageable now that we have an end in sight! (It's still NOT my favorite thing, but I don't get teary-eyed every time!)

So - this week is my last week at my job. I'll have my last official day on Friday. This week will be SUCH a whirlwind, too. Brad has Veterans' Day off and has to be in town Wednesday so he'll be home Monday night and all of Tuesday.. Then he'll be leaving again Wednesday only to return Friday! Pray for him with all that mileage he has to cover.

Meanwhile, I will be mustering a need to pack pack pack! The good news is that I can finally find the motivation to UN-DO all my pack-ratting! The bad news is our garbage men probably hate us by now! So pray for me as I battle boxes, stuff-itis, and packing tape!

Next week, the whirlwind continues....
Monday will be packing day and I *think* a fairy godmother may appear to help :)
Tuesday, I pack alone....
Wednesday, more packing and .... Wes's first ever FILLINGs at the dentist office.
Thursday - ~*~ WE CLOSE ON THE HOUSE ~*~
Friday, Wes goes back to have (sadly) more cavities filled. Then, Friday night will be time to load up the Moving Van.... so that...
Saturday - We MOVE!
Sunday - We sleep :)

We have a lot going on to say the least so and and all prayers will be appreciated! And do keep Wes in mind because I really have no idea how the fillings will go so having to go twice in one week might be killer! He's brave, but this will be tough.

After Friday my internet activity will be hit or miss until we get connected in Meridian. So if you don't hear from me for a while that is why.

Happy Fall, Ya'll!

What a great time of year! We've had lovely weather and big changes happening in our lives! First off - we seem to be getting all green lights on the house (!!!) and we are set to close November 20th! (!!!) That's just 17 short days away! This afternoon, I am hoping to put in my 2 week's notice at Blake Publishing. It's been a good learning experience, but I am very much looking forward to what the next chapter might hold :) God always has the best plans! Also, I am very concerned about tomorrow's elections and what they mean for our future! I might talk more about that after we see how they go... And I'll be sure to let you know how the meeting with my bosses goes, too! In other news, last Thursday we celebrated Halloween! Wes was a swash-buckling pirate and quite handsome, if I do say so myself! And he really got a kick out of decorating our front porch! We had a jack-o-lantern on one side, spooky ghosts hanging from the eves, and a creepy sound effects mat so when trick-or-treaters arrived they'd get a little spook :) We were happy to have Mom and Dad Smith along for the fun. Grandmom handed out candy while Granddad walked the spooky streets with me while Wes trick or treated :) Wes had a great time but was really bummed there weren't more kids for him to hand out candy to :) So, here are a few pictures from the night :)

Ok... I think Wes's Costume is better than mine...

He even had a Rough and Tough parrot tattoo!

The full effect :)

The Creepy Front porch - We had 3 ghosts flying, 2 pumpkins in the window and a mysterious skeleton in the main window... Ring the door bell If You Dare!

!! Updates Galore !!

Well as most of you know, Brad has been officially working in Meridian since September 24th... It's been a bit of an adjustment to say the least! Even Wes misses having him at home! In fact, this Wanted Poster was recently sited around the house.... I asked Wes why Brad was "wanted" and he said, "I want him to come home... He's wanted"



In other news, all our house-hunting has finally paid off! We have found what we *think* is THE house!!! It's beautiful, in a great neighborhood and in a great school district. The neighborhood is tucked-away and safe AND full of young couples with children Wes's age! We have made an offer and are just waiting for paper work to get processed! BUT if all goes well we could be in the new home by Thanksgiving!

SO...

Wanna see it?

It's very pretty on the outside and already has flower beds with some pretty flowers - even Hibiscus which I LOVE

This is the view from the kitchen to the living area - very spacious and open
(the cute little girl is our realtor's daughter who kept Wes company while we browsed)

Ah, a pretty, clean, white kitchen :)
The aforementioned hibiscus bush is planted right beyond the window! :D

The den :) i LOVE the built-ins :) The fireplace has gas logs...
The door to the left leads to the 2 other bedrooms and bath

The Master bedroom is a cool blue color which might or might not be repainted
and the door to the left leads out to the back patio

And the Master Bath is a not-so-pretty pink which WILL be repainted ;)


Check Out the Stellar Backyard!

AND the playground equipment STAYS! :) We're so excited!

and the back of the house has a great back porch with ceiling fans :)
just needs a few plants and it'll be perfect :)

All in all this house is a perfect fit and we're super excited to have found it :) We'll keep you posted on any new events and once the papers are signed and we have the keys we'll be SURE to post the Big News!!!

Stay Tuned!

Brad's First Day

Hello All! I just wanted to update ya'll on our little part of the world :) Brad started his new job yesterday and had a very positive experience! He said he'll be working with some great people and his boss seems to be ready and willing to teach him everything he will need to know! What a wonderful report! We were both nervous about how this would be but after talking to him last night I really can see what a positive experience this will be! Thanks to everyone who has prayed for both of us and please continue to pray as we still haven't found Our Home just yet! We know it's out there though :) And our realtor has a few new options lined up for us. We won't be able to go this weekend but maybe next weekend! As you can imagine at this point I am all about finding our house and Getting Settled!!!

In other news, we celebrated a Wonderful Occasion this past Monday while Brad was still in town... It was our One Year Anniversary :) In the past year, we have been so blessed and so happy that I can only imagine what the coming years will hold!

So I'll leave you with a fun photo from September 22, 2007 ♥

Quick Update :) Time to Pray

Ok so we were unable to go to Meridian to look for a house after the time we took Brad's parents. Our Realtor now has 4 options to show us but with busy schedules we can't go this week or weekend. Next week, Brad will actually begin working in Meridian full-time – His first official day is September 24th if you want to wish him luck! Thankfully he will be able to go stay with his friend, Tyler so we owe him Big Time! In the meantime, I'll still be at home and Brad will come home on the weekends :( So we are now in full Find a House Mode! We would love to have your prayers and support in the tough time until we move!

Thanks!

Quick Photos

Here are two more fun Wes updates :)

That's right - He ate SHRIMP! and liked it!

and he's really improving on his bike riding :)

we had a fun co-celebration for my birthday and Mom Smith's

and, they sure know their audience! they gave me Chocolate Cool Whip - YUM! :)

In other news, Brad and I are off to Meridian again tomorrow - We're still houseless there ;) so I'll post any wonderful findings :)

House Hunting and Republican National Convention :)

Just a quick Update :) We are still in process of House Hunting...We recently took Brad's parents to check out the 2 houses we liked... And I think the Chili Pepper House really failed the test :) It just needs too much work... But the other house passed with flying colors... SO.... We actually made an offer on the House with the Pool!! Now we will wait and see what happens. In the meantime, here are more photos of our Current Favorite House :)








Also, in case you didn't tune in to last night's convention I want to post Sarah Palin's Awesome Speech here :) She really knocked it out of the park and I was immediately impressed with her! I was already a McCain fan and now I'm a big fan of the McCain / Palin ticket! Can't wait til November!
the embedded files won't work so try these links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIqYWPmY-ms&feature=PlayList&p=481389F5D3983AED&index=0
and you can click "play all" to the right

and this one has the complete text of her speech...and underneath that, naturally, there are LOTS of negative comments :(

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/03/sarah-palin-rnc-conventio_n_123703.html