"The Windy City"

Again, I am a little behind but, hey the weather has been really nice and who wants to sit at their computer when you could be outside! A couple of weekends ago I headed to Chicago with 3 girlfriends. We had a blast. We had a plan but we tried to be flexible too. Like making a couple stops along the way...Steve and Barry's was fun! We headed to the train after some shopping in Michigan City only to find that it was a little too scary for us. It actually looked like something out of a horror movie! So we drove into Chicago. We ate at some wonderful places, shopping in some cute parts of town and did a lot of walking. How great for us mom's to be able to get away. What I realized was that I love to be with my kids but I need the "filling" that I get from being with my girlfriends. After a weekend of great conversation, encouragement and laughter it was good to get back home to all my boys. I felt refreshed, more patient, and more appreciative of all three of my guys! I would highly recommend it.

On the house front, we did get another low offer last Friday. This time we decided to counter and see what happens. This whole game is very difficult. We are trying not to be discouraged with the fact that we are not going to make a dime and probably are going to have to take a loss. We are now weighing our options as to whether it is better to just get rid of the house and be together as a family or stick it out through the summer and see if we can get a better offer. We are praying that God would make this all clear. Everyone keeps saying that we will make it up on the other end so we are holding on to the hope that next year when we buy we will get a good deal as well!

Blessings!

I decided to try and keep up with this blog seeing as I get emails/ calls asking the same questions on a regular basis. Thanks to you all for asking...it means a lot that so many of our friends and family care to know what is going on with the "big move". We are still in the process of waiting for a buyer for our home. Although we have had a pretty steady flow of traffic we have not received another offer since the first low ball offer! We are hopeful that God will bring a buyer soon. Thankfully the weather is breaking! My prayer from day one has been that we would sell by the end of May, which is when Kennedy finishes school. But, if we have to wait longer then I rest in the fact that God's plan is perfect, therefore his time for us to move is too. God has been so faithful and full of blessings in this process. He provided a place for Neil to stay for free up in Ionia and although we do not know how long he will be able to live with Gary, we are gratefully for the time that we have had with only one house payment. Also, a big worry for me was what was going to happen to my niece Kennedy this summer and fall. Well, Maria (my cousin) offered to take of Kennedy for the summer. She just has an infant so the attention that Kennedy loves will be pored out on her by Maria. How sweet that Maria has already asked me for ideas of things that Kennedy likes to do. My girlfriend Megan's children go to a school across the street from Mandy's house. This fall Kennedy will go to that school. How wonderful that God provided Megan's knowledge of the school to Mandy. It was one of the only schools that offered full day Kindergarten. Not only is the school across the street but, the classes are very small which will be wonderful for our sweet girl who likes that extra attention. Lastly, we are so thankful to have such wonderful friends who have offered to take Kennedy home with them for the hour between when school gets out and Mandy can get home. These things all weighed heavy on my heart. I don't know if God could have made it any more clear that GR is the place for us. He has already taken care of so many details both small and big. There are so many more but, I will blog about them later as they become relevant. We are so blessed!