Drama. Drama. Drama.

The bad news: we will not be closing on our house today and we will not be moving into our house on Wednesday. I feel defeated. I want to go home and curl up with new jammies and cookies. I want to cry. Oh wait, I already did that. My disappointment and tears are selfish though. They are present because things aren't going according to my plan.

There is good news though. We should be able to close in the next week or so and move ib shortly afterwards. Woohoo!

There is a reason for all of this, but right now I am looking forward to this being the only house we will ever buy. There has just been way to much drama and it has been way too much of a roller coaster. I am thankful for all of it, but now I'm just tired.

Saturday Shenanigans, Sunday Funday & All Its Crazy!

It's Sunday (although almost not) & my has it been crazy as we get ready to move in a few short days. This is way bigger than I think I ever expected, mainly because I don't think I expected us to be here so quickly.  Due to words said to me in my past, owning a house just never seemed like a possibility, but I am so blown away, blessed and amazed by God's provision through our entire lives, our relationship, our marriage and just everything, we will move in to our very first house before we were anticipating even starting to look. I think I have reached the denial portion of this moving into a house thing.

A month ago, I was totally accepting of the moving into a house thing. A month ago I started packing. And now, we are 1 day away from signing papers, 2 days away from receiving keys and 3 days away from moving in and I am sitting here going, there's so much to do, but we can't really be moving into a HOUSE can we? The moving thing seems normal - the house thing seems surreal. But here we are, days away from moving into our first house - the apartment in complete shambles, the bunnies a little more curious and a little more on edge because we destroyed their home with boxes they aren't allowed to play with. I bet that's how it is with kids too. Yes. Yes. I just compared our bunnies to the likeness of children. They're toddler attitudes are at least similar. The moving ability is extremely easier than that of a toddler (at least I assume because I have no real experience with that one yet and hopefully when the time comes, we won't have to move with toddlers).  Anyways...

Saturday we had our final walk through. I had no idea what to expect. Well, we pretty much walked through the house. I guess that's why they call it a "walk through". Then we spent a long time talking with the tenants, D and AM. They are seriously SO sweet. They are supposed to move out the 31st so we can move in the 1st - and even though they are having issues with the property they are moving into - they have assured us that they will be out on the 31st, even if it means staying in a hotel for a night and they are taking care of all of the cleaning for us (which I don't think is required of them as they are renters in the house), but it's great knowing that they have removed 2 hornets/wasps nests for us, sprayed for bugs, had the gardener come out, the pool guy come out, and are getting the carpets professionally cleaned for us and personally cleaning the the rest of the house. I really don't feel like that should be their responsibility as renters, but AM said that she is so excited for us and very happy that we are the ones getting the house and not an investor or another family. She even brought up which room would be best for a nursery...even though that is not happening for at least a few more years.

A also told me on Saturday that we are being gifted a pool guy for a couple months while we get into the swing of things, which is awesome - one more thing we don't have to worry about while we get used to living in and owning a house (Thanks!!).

We've ordered address announcements which should be here in the next few weeks - hopefully we ordered enough.

And did I mention the apartment is a disaster? Because it is. But Pocket is determined to climb on top of the boxes so that adds to the cuteness and entertainment around here these days. I may have already mentioned that in an earlier post, but it really is entertaining.

Today we spent mostly packing, then decided to roam around Costco, The Room Store, and Home Depot. Walked out of HD into a monsoon which was wonderful- I like to pretend we live somewhere tropical when that happens. Went to church which had an awesome and convicting message on living a life of faith daily, not just when it's convenient and then In N Out for dinner because I didn't throw the crock pot meal in the crock pot. Genius. right here. Thank you.

And lastly on this random rambling bloggy post - have I mentioned the wonderfulness of freezer meals? Totally have to utilize this and get into the habit of it before we start having munchkins. It's fantastic. I spent a couple hours on two different days preparing meals that could be frozen for up to 3 months and either tossed into a crock pot or into the oven. It has seriously been amazing! I think this was the first time that A went out of town that I actually ate a legit meal instead of some store bought freezer meal or Ramen noodles and it has kept the cost down on the restaraunts on the couple weeks before our move. I LOVE it. It's healthier, there are left overs which are great for lunches, elevensies, or midnight snack/meal.  (FYI that's probably the only LOTR reference you will get out of me - mainly because I think that's the only part I was awake for in 2 of the movies and I haven't tried the 3rd one yet, gotta actually see the entire first 2).

SO that's all that's happened. I feel like this was a very informational post. Hopefully I will be able to post a recipe or something soon. I keep forgetting to take pictures.

 Loves to you all my family and friends and random internet people who come across this!
-S

Oh - did I mention we sign tomorrow, get the keys Tuesday or Wednesday and move in on Wednesday? Cause that's what's going on. I can't wait.

And we have some paint colors picked out.

Seriously?

I had something better (and possibly wittier) written, but then the power went out and didn't save anything so now you get this. My apologies. Why are there SO many blackouts/power outages in Arizona? I think I've experienced more outages here than my entire 22ish years in SoCal.

Anyways, I have accomplished two things today.
1) Cleaned the bathroom more thoroughly than I think I have ever cleaned anything on account of move-out day is coming and I was so disgusted by the cleanliness (or lack there of) of this apartment when we moved in, that I figured I'd help out the next renter.
2) I have completely destroyed the bedroom as a result of cleaning/packing the bathroom. So that's fun.


Other stuff:

• I was supposed to hear back from my manager on Monday - so I will be calling him in a little bit to see what the next step is as far as training goes and give him the dates of our vacation days. 
• I really want garlicky scrambled eggs. I packed the frying pan. The pasta pot thing is not packed. This will happen. 
•  Do you know how hard it is to NOT eat frozen cookie dough? The fact that I haven't yet is a miracle and an incredible act of God.
• Pocket is STILL trying to get on top of the boxes. She refuses to believe this is an impossibility
• There are 3 things that could hinder us from getting the keys on Wednesday. Wednesday is the ONLY day we can move. Prayers are appreciated.
• I've started Christmas shopping. This is ridiculous. But I think I will avoid the holiday shopping madness that cause me to not feel well - I may have a small anxiety issue with crowds. 

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT NEWS OF ALL:

Our good friends, Trevor and Stacey, welcomed their handsome SON into the world on July 22! He was born at 11:53 AM, weighing 6 lbs 15 ounces and measuring 19 inches long! And let me tell you, he is the absolute cutest thing on the planet!

Anthony was able to meet him when he was on a business trip in CA earlier this week. I cannot wait until it's my turn to meet him! Congratulations again to you, Trev and Stacey! You guys did a good job :)

Older brother - if you read this, call me because I haven't been able to get a hold of you any other way and I would like to talk to you because I miss you and I love you and I miss you.

Dear Anyone Who May Visit in the Next Week and Those Evil Evil Boxes

Dear anyone who may visit in the next week,
I'm apologizing in advance for when you enter into our home and discover a mini-house (an apartment really) in shambles - completely destroyed by an epic disaster. I trust that, given the circumstances, you wouldn't have done any better. On the bright side - it has kept me from being anti-social as I want to be as far away from it as possible...forever....FOREVER. So, if you do feel the sudden urge to drop by, maybe we should go grab coffee or something instead. Take a nice long walk in this beautiful Arizona summer heat - oh wait, that was the boxes talking. I have every intention of being out of boxes ASAP. I don't do boxes. I hate boxes. I may even loathe them. They give me a special kind of anxiety. A very, boxy boxed-in kind of anxiety - like I can't breathe because they are just growing larger and larger.

Ok - that was a little overly dramatic. They don't give me anxiety to that level. But they make me want to run away. Maybe that was their plan all along. Multiply when I'm not looking so they can eat our things and drive us away. Well boxes, you won't win. We're bigger than you, well maybe not me, but I know people bigger than you. Plus, we have more man-power than you. I knew it was a bad idea letting you pop in for a quick dinner. Well boxes, you can take over the apartment, but you can't have our house. You're not allowed. Nope - not allowed. Access denied. Once you have returned all the items you have stolen from us, we're kicking you out. Sending you back to where you came from. Well, I don't think we can turn you back into a tree - but we're sending you away none-the-less. I will give you 3 days to spit out all your treasures that have been entrusted to us and then you're out.

Tough love. Someone's gotta do it.

Sincerely,
Sara

Things I've learned with Packing

Here's a randomly compiled list of things I've learned through the packing/moving process (this time) because our neighbors are being ridiculously loud and the police haven't shown up yet to break it up. Yes, I'm that person. It's 1:00AM go be loud somewhere else.

• AMAZING snack combination: Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies and Sour Cream & Onion Pringles. Layer them. Eat them. Enjoy it. It's amazing. 
• I'm actually pretty good at packing. The whole apartment is almost done.
• I hate the end of packing - all the random stuff - totally gives me anxiety. 
• My OCD tendencies are thrust into turbo mode when I'm feeling overwhelmed. Not only have I packed most of the house, but I've organized the hangers, over labeled all the boxes we bought (not the ones we are borrowing), made lists of lots of things - daily to do list, things to leave unpacked, things to purchase, things I would like for the house, I've done 18 zillion loads of laundry.
• I love our bunnies. They are good company. 
• Our bunnies love the boxes in the apartment. Pocket keeps trying to figure out how to get on top of them. It's not gonna happen, but she's determined to keep trying. 
• Pushing Daisies is not a terrible tv series once you get over the cheesey-ness. 
• Watching Pushing Daises is NOT conducive to packing.
• Watching iCarly is. 
• Unless you're tired, then it just serves as a distraction.
• Freezer meals are the best idea ever. 
• I'm most productive with a real dead line and not one I tell myself is real, but really has no consequences. 
• This is the LONGEST week ever. 
• Apple Juice and Starbucks (not together) are life savers. 
• I think I packed up all the caffeinated tea. 
• Nevermind, I think I packed up ALL the tea - even the tea that will help me sleep
• Packing leaves my body in the same condition the following day as if I had done a session of Insanity. I'm not sure what that means. 

We're Moving!!

     In a number of days (more than a week, less than two - can't calculate the exact number with my post-packing mush excuse of a brain), we will be moving to here:

 

We are both very excited - it's a stressed excitement, but excitement none-the-less. BUT - before you can move, you have to pack and that means our apartment looks like this:

And that we look like a combination of this:

oh hey! This one actually is us!

And I am currently sporting the "moving grunge" look. It's quite flattering - no makeup, no hair product, slouchy clothes... and if it's not flattering, it's comfortable and I reserve the right to be comfortable - and no photos will be taken.


I counted the number of boxes we have packed/almost packed today. The number is 71. 8 boxes are not finished and remain open in our kitchen waiting for the last few items to be put away. And I just want to run around the house screaming because I don't do commotion well - and while it's not noise, I'm counting the clutter as commotion and it's making me crazy. I even broke down and bought a Starbucks today (I haven't had coffee in months...like lots of months...I think 6 months, but don't quote me on that).

So that's where we are at now! I'm excited to be in our first house (though NOT our first home). I'm excited to paint the kitchen yellow and for being able to host shindigs at our house and have people come because we'll have the space; instead of volunteering my in-laws house like we did in California. I'm excited to have pool parties and fondue parties and game nights and I'm excited for all the space our bunnies will have!

And through it all, we are praising God for His faithfulness. While we only looked for a few weekends, there was a lot of unknowns in this house and God has been merciful and gracious in allowing us to have this house and in showing us His blessings when we are faithful to Him. There is no way we could have gotten this house without Him, all of our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, our friends and lots and lots of prayer.

Thank you Jesus for our first home, we can't wait to live in it!

-:- The Colellos -:-

Read this

This woman and two of her kids were in Theater 9 when the Aurora, Colorado shooting happened; please read this.

http://aminiatureclaypot.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/so-you-still-think-god-is-a-merciful-god/

Random Ramblings for Jason

Our good friend, Jason, left this note on my facebook a few minutes ago:

"So, your last blog was a week ago and the last 2 were from Insanity. Am I to believe that the Insanity/House combo has driven you 2 to the funny farm? Hope all is going well. Praying for you guys."

So here's a blog about nothing in particular - but we're still here. We're still alive - woohoo! I have not been great about being consistent with Insanity. I'm ok with this. It's mainly to get me active again since the billion degree weather keeps me from going on walks at the lake now and so I consequently do nothing. On the days where my schedule isn't crazy I do it (so I've done it like 3 times). I'm still sore, so I guess that's good.

We ARE moving in a couple weeks! I'll post a picture when the chaos dies down.  And, if you know me, moving means that I am currently stressed out, overwhelmed, emotional and in a constant state of just wanting to go to bed and sleep all day. There's a lot left to do - we have no one on board (as of yet) to help move because we have to move on a weekday. It'll all work out - I just hate the chaos of moving, but I'm happy that this will be the last move in a long time.

We have paint options picked out for the main rooms and the kitchen! :) I'm excited - I'm getting my yellow kitchen because my Hubster Lovester is fantastic!

I have officially watched all 5 seasons of Daria. I don't know what this says about me. Please don't judge me.

I'm also experimenting with "freezer meals". Have a number of recipes to post - this will probably happen after the move.

It was 109 degrees today and I didn't think it was that bad.


Oh? Did I mention I got a job at MAC?

So here's to chaos and emotions and a permanent place to live! WoohoO!! Thank you Jesus!!
Sara

Day 2: Insanity

Today, I'm sore. Muscles I didn't know I possess hurt. It's good - in that my body is going to be toned and I will be healthy and (hopefully) not feel like I'm going to die going up the stairs... but that might be the fact that it's generally over 100* now.

I say I did about 1/3 of Max Interval Circuit, but the Hubster says that I did 50%, if not more/about the same as the people in the video. I think I'm going to trust him on that - since he watched me and I'm too hard on myself.

I did not appreciate anyone's encouragement today. Shaun T. was very obnoxious, telling me to do things I was currently doing and Anthony, well, he was sitting on the couch telling me to tighten my core and other things and it was early and I was grumpy and I was annoyed. But that is the exact kind of encouragement I need - even if it makes me want to punch a wall because I'm physically exhausted.

Oh - and my wrists can't hold my body weight at the moment - so I did a LOT of jogging, squats, punching the air to make up for it. My legs hurt, but they're gonna be toned. woot.

I promise I won't post on EVERY day I do insanity... but seriously Shaun T.? You don't even do half of it - so stop telling me to do more.

Insanity. Day 1. I'm going to die.

I do not believe that Shaun T. is there for me like he says. I don't appreciate his peppiness. I spent most of the time saying things like "are you kidding me?... NO... just no... he just said 10 seconds now he said 15! Liar!... screw you Shaun T.  you are NOT my friend... aghhhh". So Shaun T., I'm sorry for yelling at you through the TV. It's not fair that you can't defend yourself, but seriously - seriously? I'm digging as deep as I can, you're reminders to dig deeper are not helpful.

I'm gonna die. Plain and simple. The Insanity DVDs Anthony has been using belong to a friend, so right now he only has month two - so I started on month two, max interval plyo. gah.

I did much better than I anticipated doing, I did about half of it (which I think is impressive due to my lack of physical activity apart from climbing 3 flights of stairs multiple times daily). I only almost puked once. My muscles gave out a few times and left me laying on the floor.  But the absolute best part is that I have my own personal cheerleader and "spotter". I would not have gotten past the warm-up if he hadn't been encouraging me.

The fact that no one in the video gets through the whole thing is not encouraging, but I don't feel as bad for taking frequent breaks. Ah shoot... I have to go up and down the stairs today. Thanks for almost killing me Shaun T., I'll appreciate it later - just not tomorrow or the day after that.


Here's to the inability to move tomorrow,
Sara

Recipes: Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

The other day when I made "Hurry-Up Chicken Pot Pie", I discovered that we didn't have any cream of chicken soup and since I was already in the middle of making dinner, I resorted to the internet for help.

I came across Buns in my Oven which had a very simple Cream of Chicken Soup recipe that is healthier than what you can buy in the store.

Here it is:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon flour
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Melt the butter in a small sauce pan over medium-low heat. When melted, whisk in the flour and continue whisking until smooth and bubbly. Remove from the heat and slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Return to the heat and bring to a gentle boil, whisking constantly, until the soup thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste. Substitute this for one can of cream of chicken soup.

Super simple and very yummy - and I think this is one of the reasons why I loved the Chicken Pot Pie the other day!

Enjoy,
Sara

Recipe: Hurry-Up Chicken Pot Pie

In an attempt to actually be productive with the things I see on Pinterest - I am making at least 1 "Pinterest" recipe a week and since I'm always looking for a yummy chicken pot pie recipe (mainly because the crust is usually way too salty for me), this is what I decided to make:

"Hurry-Up Chicken Pot Pie" from Food Network

Mmm - SO yummy, but I had to add my own little variation to it. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast - seasoned with garlic powder (a significant amount) and Italian seasoning
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup thinly sliced carrots (depending on how much you like veggies - I added more)
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup frozen green peas (I added more)
• 10.75 oz homemade cream of chicken soup (recipe to come)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups instant biscuit mix (plus a little extra)
• 1 cup milk (plus a little extra)
• 1 stick melted butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a greased 2-quart casserole, layer the chicken, carrots, and peas.

Mix the soup, chicken broth, and season with salt and pepper.

Pour over the layers. 
Stir together the biscuit mix and milk - it will be thick, and pour this over the casserole.

Drizzle butter over the topping. Bake until the topping is golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes.

Enjoy the deliciousness! We didn't have anyone over for dinner when I made this. We ate a little less than half of it and had the rest for left overs the next day...at left overs generally last a bit longer than that when we have them! I highly suggest seasoning your chicken with garlic powder before you make it. Yummy!

-S

We don't have a house yet

We don't have a house yet, but this is starting....

We have 26 boxes packed so far; and just like clock work I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed. I hate boxes. Boxes are temporary. Boxes just kinda suck. BUT, this time it's not going to be another move to a temporary place, it's going to be OUR HOUSE. A long term place. We won't have to move in 6 months or a year! And this is awesome.


HOWEVER - we do not have a house yet. We have an accepted offer. An accepted offer is not a sure thing. PLEASE, if you are reading this, PLEASE be praying that the appraisal will come out close to our offer. Please, please, please!  (oh, and for me to not get anxiety about this...I'm doing pretty good so far, thank you Jesus - but we're not done yet).


Thank you & lots of loves,
Sara

Today is the day...

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24

This is the day the Lord has also made for us to find out about what house we will be buying. I am excited. I am nervous. And, as much as I hate yo admit it, I have anxiety. I should be calm. I should be calm and cool and collected. It's difficult when such a huge decision is coming up to be so calm; difficult not impossible. So how do I deal with stressful situations and what helps ease any anxiety I  feel?

•Prayer
•Dwelling on God's promise
•The comfort in knowing that God is in control and that He is sovereign

Already my heart is at ease - just by writing this, I can feel God's hand upon me and the anxiety I was feeling is lessening. It's mashed up with excitement and nerves, but I am comforted in knowing that God knows how it's going to pan out.

So here we are, three-ish weeks into house hunting and waiting to find out what we got accepted on. Our plan was to start looking for a house in August, but God's plan was different; better. At the moment, it looks like God's plan is that we'll have a house in August.

We will have to see what happens, but we will have a better idea this afternoon.  no matter what happens, we will rejoice because Hod is in control.

Here's to trusting in God in the midst of a gargantuan decision,
 -S

God's Blessings

This time a year ago, we were beginning to pack up our things to move out to Arizona. Next month we will be Arizona residents for 1 year. Next month we may have a house and I am thankful and blown away by God's blessings on us since moving out here.

So here's to a chaotic few months of paperwork and boxes and (probably) less frequent posts,
-Sara

House Hunting

We have now entered into the chaotic part of house hunting. We will hopefully have good news at the end of this week.  So check back then! :)

House Hunting

Without divulging too much information, we are waiting to hear back about our counter-counter offer on a house and gearing up for a couple weeks of stress and the potential of me being heartbroken because I am absolutely in love with this house. We know that things are about to get way crAzay, but we are also trusting God in this adventure.

When we were at church on Sunday, Pastor Tom spoke of the fact that as badly as we want to be able to know, create and control the future - the fact of the matter is that the only one who knows, creates and controls the future is God. Sometimes that is hard to swallow and hard to accept because the things we want seem to be so big in our lives. So here we are looking for a house. The reality is that I really want this house and so because of that, I am getting anxiety - but I am thankful for the reality God is giving me and the truth that He is the one in control and if we don't get this house - we can trust that there is a good reason we may not ever know as to why and that God has something much better house planned for us. I am thankful that He has given me the wisdom to stop and prayer every time I start feeling anxious about this whole situation.

Friends, if you are reading this and following this journey with us, we would appreciate it if you would say a prayer for us. If you can, please pray for:

• God's wisdom, guidance, and discernment through the entire process
• Quick responses from the sellers
• Guarded hearts
• Continued understanding that no matter what happens, God is in control 
• Continued good and clear communication between all parties involved
• That we would know if we will get this house soon 
• That if the sellers accept the offer, that all of the inspections and appraisals would go well and quickly 

Thank you so much for all your continued prayer and support!
Loves to you all,
Sara

Sometimes it frustrates me that I am so emotional. Lots of things make me cry. Happy things. Sad things. Lots of things. There are times were I feel like it's a weakness, but then I am reminded that I am made in the image of God. IN the IMAGE of GOD. There's a reason for these emotions and if I'm made in the image of God then that means He has these emotions too, right? And then I'm comforted that maybe, just maybe, I'm not completely crazy for all these tears that fall. :)