Mom is the Boss

Ah, fireworks, and what kids do when they they I’m not looking. I hope everyone’s fourth of July is wonderful.

Today my Grandpa turns 96. He is the best grandpa ever. We are all very lucky to of had him as OUR grandpa, and we’re reminded of that every time we watch a jeep roll down the highway, or pick up an instrument and play some music.

Happy birthday, Grandpa!

(He’s the one standing)

While we did not get to take a vacation this summer, we are now gearing up for our second family gathering in a week. This is a pretty grand way to spend our summer as well.

Only one more day, until this rowdy group gathers again.

We made it through our final round of negotiations with the buyer of the house! We have a few people coming in the next day or so to fix some things.. and we’re on the down hill slope. We’ve been warned that the type of loan he has, may require us to put gutters on the house. I already explained to our agent, as politely as I could, that we are NOT paying for gutters, it is no where in our contract. She said we can cross that bridge when we come to it, but she understands where we’re coming from. So, essentially, we’ll change the price to match the exact cost of the gutters. Plus.. you know, a bit for my time would be nice. But, we’re not there yet. We made it through the inspection, which was my most immediate concern.

I’ve started offering things on freecycle. I need to get rid of many things. I gave away all but one house plant. I have started giving away extra gardening supplies. Things that I don’t need to move 300 miles, and store. Perhaps tomorrow, I will start working on the shed. Pull it all out, and decide.. donate, trash, or it must be VERY important. I also need to start dissembling the trampoline. I don’t want to save that for the last minute. We’re down to three weeks.

This upcoming weekend is our big family fourth of July/Grandpa’s birthday bash. My wonderful parents are going to have a lot of extra people around. I’ve been making casseroles that can be heated up, and served as an instant side dish. It’s not much work, but it makes me mighty hungry. I had two bowls of mashed potatoes last night.. as I made a few batches to take with us.

That’s about it in my world.

We spent the past two days at “Fort May” at the Lake of the Ozarks. The kids had a BLAST (as did Jared and myself). We took a couple boat rides, had a fish fry, the kids swam in the lake, we got to rescue the dock, after a tree fell on it, and much much more. We had a great time, hanging out with some of the May’s, and now have a hankerin’ to have our own place at the lake. You can view more photos here.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad, Gary, and Jared. And, of course the Grandpa’s in our lives. I hope it’s a good day!

I splurged and bought the kids some water balloons, and turned them loose in the back yard. They used surprisingly few balloons, because they just take so long to fill. But, they played happily for a couple hours and stayed cool. Money well spent.

When the house first went on the market, I suggested to the kids, that at some point, when the house was being shown, we could go bowling. But, it turns out 99% of all house showings happen during meal times. So, I assured them, that we would go bowling after the house sold, to celebrate. Well, technically, under contract.

So, Saturday, we went bowling. Caleb “bought” a certificate for bowling at the AR store at school. A great deal, it turns out, because we asked what it would cost to stay an extra hour, and there was no way we were paying that. It was the first time in our history of parenthood that we bowled without bumpers. We had the kids bowl without bumpers as well. The start of “big kid” bowling.

You know your out of shape, when bowling wears you out.

In other news, we have not received word that the buyer has signed the paperwork as of the time of this writing. He was *suppose* to sign it on Saturday, but there were issues, nothing to do with the house or us. Then, last night he came again. To the best of our knowledge, he signed it last night. That was the plan. But, we have not been notified one way or the other yet. I’m sure it will work out. I’m just a bit on edge.

In GOOD news. The builder has started his paperwork. I told him we want a walk out basement and a full length front porch. When I get stressed, I just think about my quiet retreat in the woods. Hanging out on my front porch. That is relaxing.

I went to talk to a banker on Thursday, about a loan for our “guest house”. I got a solid “maybe”. It was a good meeting. Then, I saw my grandparent. Always a good time. I got a copy of “On the Road Again,” which Jared has been wanting me to learn. Good good.

Then. It happened.

I checked my voice mail.

We got an offer! Oh my. Really, my heart dropped. I was happy happy happy. We went back and forth with negotiations all yesterday and today. Today, we came to a verbal agreement, and we are officially under contract. Well, except it hasn’t been signed yet. But, it will.

So, what should we do to celebrate? Why get out a football and walk ALL over the front lawn!

Play a little football. Run. All over the grass. Who cares about the seeded lawn.

Then, we got the rock band and guitar hero stuff out of the attic! We’re living it up now. No more storing the big bulky video game stuff away!

Rocking out!

I lost the drum sticks. Caleb had to use pencils. I’m told that isn’t as good. Still. Rockin out!

Don’t let him fool you. He loves having his photo taken.

I’ll call the builder tomorrow!

All three boys signed up for the summer reading program on Monday. Two days later, and two of them have met the first goal of reading 5 hours. Jonas is minutes away, Alex is waiting patiently. This means ice cream. We have to go to the library, get their coupons, and go cash them in for ice cream. Caleb states that he isn’t at that goal yet, because he’s older and has to read more. I suppose. I think it might be because for the past hour, he’s been playing video games, while the other two have been reading.