Good Things

it's high time for an update.
in the last week we've learned that we will be getting the keys to our new home sometime next tuesday. we can hardly wait. we have been in contact with the dear lady who has been living there and last night we went over to see her. she was having a tag sale in her home wednesday and thursday, but didn't have a very good turn out. she graciously allowed us to come "after hours" and look around at what she had for sale. we bought 2 pcs of kitchen furniture, a little heater and an electric trimmer. she cheerfully showed us around, showing us where all of the perennials are planted, telling us their names at our request and giving advice on how to care for them. she was delighted to hear how we love some of the home's eccentricities- like how ivy grew up the east wall after she'd had it painted and when she tore it down it took off paint leaving a pattern of where it had grown. she was also able to inform us that underneath the velvety light blue carpet in the living room and dining room there are original wood floors, in good condition. in fact, she said, had she known it was there she would never had laid the carpet, but it was already bought, and she didn't know about the floors until they were pulling up the carpet she was having replaced. we chit-chatted about what we do and what our plans are and she shared some of her plans as well. this was all very encouraging, i think, for all of us. i have been praying for her since the day david came home after the inspection. he and randy were still there when she arrived home and d said she seemed rather annoyed. we found out later the water pipes froze and broke in her new home and left a huge mess to be dealt with in the short time before she was to move. no wonder she was a little edgy. it is good to feel like we are on good terms, after last night's visit- an answer to prayer.

we will be working on those superficial things i mentioned earlier- wallpaper removal and painting- for a week or so after we get the keys. our "official" move date is April 8th. if you'd like to give us a hand, it'd be a great excuse to stop by and check out the place- Whispering Brook OR Brick Magnolia (as we are thinking of naming the new place). i'll also be busy packing this Saturday, so if you've got nothing better to do...

i know this post is long and my time is running short, but i just like to put in this quick last word:
i am so thankful for the bazillion ways God has blessed me that i don't deserve and especially in the way of friendship and family: Dad, Kari, LIFE group and REMIX, GRACE, bloggers, REACH, Chasity and Katelyn... well, the list could go on and on. i guess i just want all those people to know how much i love them, even though i don't always have time or forget to tell them. THANKS and I -HEART- YOU.