Tuesday Night Ramblings

I'm sitting here on the couch next to a mountain of clothing waiting for the monster of a washing machine to yell at me again. I should be folding, but I'm tired. If there's one thing I've learned about owning a house - it's a LOT of work...and this is still the fun stage.

I had great ambitions today - REALLY great ambitions today:

...there's a backside too.

Sometimes I think there just aren't enough hours in a day - other times I realize that I have a horrible sense of time and there's just NO way that I can paint a laundry room in 30 minutes. Apparently, I can't even paint it in an hour - apparently it took about 5ish hours. My feet our swollen, I'm covered in paint from head to toe, and I ran out of paint with a few necessary touch ups needed; but I bet you can't tell.

Ta Da!

Well, that's gonna be there forever

Spiderman's got nothin' on me! Booya.

I love that we're FINALLY getting to the point of putting up our decorative things.

We've been hard at work getting things painted - because a couple of days in a house painted white drove me nuts. I have NO idea how people tolerate that & sometimes I wish I had the ability to...I just need color. The hubster does too and that is just wonderful.

Here's our yellow kitchen - that is waiting for a table & chairs, bar stools, a new refrigerator, a new trash can (we have, we just have to re-mount it under the sink), the removal of the wonderful HD bucket, and some fall decorations ;)

The monster washing machine is calling me again, so I best be going before it breaks or ruins the new paint job in the laundry room.

Until next time,
S

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.

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 -:-

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

House Hunting Lessons

     I, once again, cannot sleep. I can't wait for it to be a little bit later today where my hubby will FINALLY be back home to me - but for now I will endure one more almost sleepless night. I'm glad that I haven't been able to fall asleep though. It has given me time to lay here in our bed and reflect on the lessons of today and I am grateful.

     You see, the thing is that I know my weaknesses and my shortcomings, but God knows them better. I haven't been able to keep my mind off of this one thing (difficult submission) since we started house hunting. House hunting is scary and it's new and it's fun and it's stressful and it's so many things. But I am constantly reminded of how much I fail as a biblical wife (by my own convictions) and how much God is using this to teach me and to grow me. You see, when we first moved out here to the 'Zona, things were difficult and I wanted things to go my way - but God was growing me. He lead to me to talk to my dear friend, Shawna, and we got on the topic of being a biblical wife, what it means, and the consequence of Eve's disobedience (sin) to God when she ate from the forbidden fruit. Genesis 3:16 speaks of this consequence: 

"To the woman he said,

'I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing;
     in pain you shall bring forth children.
Your desire shall be for your husband,
    and he shall rule over you.'"

     When God says that her "desire shall be for [her] husband, and he shall rule over [her]", he means that while she was created to live in harmony with her husband and submit to his headship (Ephesians 5: 22-24), she would desire to be the one in control. John MacArthur's study bible explains it like this:

"...Just as the woman and her seed will engage in a war with the serpent, i.e., Satan and his see (Gen 3:15), because of sin and the curse, the man and the woman will face struggle in their relationship. Sin has turned the harmonious system of God-ordained roles into distasteful struggles of self-will. Lifelong companions, husbands and wives, will need God's help in getting along as a result. The woman's desire will be to lord it over her husband, but the husband will rule by divine design (Ephesians 5:22-25). This interpretation of the curse is based upon the identical Hebrew words and grammar being used in Genesis 4:7 to show the conflict man will have with sin as it seeks to rule him."

  During my conversation many months ago, Shawna explained to me that as a wife, I need to submit to my husband's decisions as long as they don't go against the bible - even if I'm not 100% on board because God placed him as the head of our family for a reason. No where in the bible does it say "Wives submit to your husbands unless it displeases you." You can look, but you won't find it. 
     Throughout this house hunting process (from beginning to talk about it to actually getting connected to a realtor), I can't help but think that even when it gets hard - and it will because buying a house is a HUGE decision, I am going to learn how to better submit to my husband's decisions. I wish I was better at it, but the truth is I am a sinful, selfish person, I prefer the known to the unknown and I think I should get my way - not because I deserve it or because my way is better - but because it's my way. You see, the truth is - I'm a very sinful person...and that sucks. But there's good news - VERY good news.
     When Jesus died on the cross for my sins, He sent the Holy Spirit to guide His children. When I gave my life to Christ, the Holy Spirit entered into my life to help guide me through this life. So tonight - I rejoice that God was with me and the Spirit was guiding me.
     I know my husband wants only the best for our family and that he is going to do everything he possibly can to make the best decision through prayer and research and today we found out that we are talking with the seller of a house - they haven't accepted an offer, but they are willing to talk with us. Today we signed a counter offer, I got excited and then the Hubs called.
     There's another house that came up in our portal that he really wants to look at, but they're not accepting offers yet and it needs a little more love, but he wants to look. I'd be lying to say that my heart didn't break - but I am confident that God will lead us to the right house, I am confident that He is growing me to be a better wife and I am confident in my husband. As we discussed not submitting the counter offer, I did my best to not let the tears fall and I did my best to cling to the confidence that God has a much better plan. The tears fell, but I am still confident God has this all under control. And all I could think of was Shawna mentoring me all those months ago, saying, "There will come a time when your husband will make a decision you don't like, but it won't be unbiblical and you are going to have to submit because that is what God has called you to do." I heard that repeated to me tonight, I took a deep breath, tried to swallow my tears and my selfish desires to have a house --this house-- and I did what God wants me to do because I love my husband and because I trust him with every ounce of my being. In that moment, even though I felt like "our" house was getting taken away (which is just silly because we don't have a house), I had to step up to the plate and do the right thing. It's not always easy to do the right thing, but it's always worth it and God will ALWAYS work it out.

     And here's the amazing thing - I learned a lesson (hopefully I won't forget it too quickly) and God was able to provide a compromise on the situation that eased both of our hearts. We know that God is working through this, and ladies, submission is rarely easy thanks to sin but it's worth it because that's what God ordained. Let's be honest, submission sucks when we think we know better (and let's face it, we don't- but God does) or when it goes against what we want. I knew from the start of this adventure that God would grow us, because this is so much bigger than anything I think we've ever had to face (well, besides marriage) and we need God to guide us. I think I knew that I would have to let go of what I think my dream house is and trust that my husband is doing exactly what God wants him to do. I think I knew that God was preparing me for this because it's been on my heart since we walked into the house - but even though I think I knew, it was still hard - but I think this is just SO big that it's SO evident we need God to help us find the best house for us and I can't be stubborn and selfish with that. I can't just say 'No, I want this house and we're so close to getting it that we have to move forward". I really suck at the whole submission to my husband thing - but it was absolutely amazing to see God work through it and to see that He had a compromise already planned out that eased both of our hearts on the situation - and all it took was me being obedient to God.

     I know that there are going to be more occasions in our marriage where I will have to submit to my wonderful husband's leadership even though my pride wants something else and I'm positive that they will be on more difficult things as well. Sometimes the outcome will seem favorable and sometimes it will be difficult, but God is using EVERY circumstance, situation, obstacle, etc. for His good and perfect plan and we will learn something from it every time. God - please continue to guide me in being submissive to my husband's decision and remind me You have a better plan and that You're using my husband and his decisions in that better plan. And I pray that You will guide every woman in submitting to Your plan and the roles that You have given us as women and as wives.

     And what's even more, God amazed me more - in that I was writing this and marveling at God's amazing grace and work in my life and how much He blesses when we are obedient, I received a message from a friend thanking me for being an example of difficult submission. This friend witnessed the conversation; witnessed me trying to not cry, trying to not let my voice break, trying to be strong as my hope in a house I think I'm in love with wavered - and I am thankful that God was with me. I am thankful that God kept me strong. I am thankful that God taught me a lesson and I am thankful that He chose me to be an example for someone - me! Wretched me who tends to cry when things don't go my way because I'm way too selfish. I am blown away that God thought me worthy to be used. Words alone cannot describe how amazed I am that He loves me so much He used me. Blown away at the greatness of the cross. Blown away at the greatness of Jesus. Blown away at the loving leadership of my husband. Blown away by God's blessings. Blown away to the point of joyful tears. God is so amazing, I'm not worthy but He makes me so. I am nothing, but He makes me something.

So maybe this my "dream" house will become our real house and maybe it won't. Either way, God is with us and He has a plan. He knows what house is ours and when we will get it - and even if it takes years and years and years for us to get a house (oh, please don't let it take too long!), I am thankful that He taught me something and I am grateful for His presence in our marriage.


And I can not wait to see this man tomorrow (well, I suppose now it's today)!

love & heart full of joy & hope,
     Sara

House Hunting

    I've decided to start journaling about our house hunting experience. God has blessed us so much these past few years and this is just another example of it. We weren't expecting to be close to looking for a house until August, but here we are at the end of June and about 3 weeks into house hunting all because of God's amazing providence! We would not be ahead of our plan had it not been for God - and this is another great example of how much better God knows than we do!

     I've fallen in love with two houses so far - we didn't get the first and we're waiting to hear back on the second. I am most thankful that God is protecting my heart and that, even though I immediately start moving in in my head, He is keeping me grounded and emotionally detached - something Anthony and I were pretty concerned about when we started talking about looking for a house. Thank You, God, for that answered prayer!

     The whole house hunting process is very intriguing to me, and while I would like to be able to just find a house love it and get the offer accepted with no wait time, that is not how it works - not even in the fairytale I tend to convince myself I'm living in.

     It's been fun - it's been stressful, but we're patient and know that God has His perfect timing and His perfect house for us to get started in. Plus it's fun to look at houses, see how other people decorate (at least the houses that are still occupied) and then start imagining how we would paint it and decorate it, what rooms would be used for what, what patio furniture are we going to get, what appliances do we like. I think I like the imagined decorating most right now - so much so, that I am currently re-organizing our apartment from TOP to BOTTOM to de-clutter and see how we might want to decorate our future house - where ever it is and whenever we get it. I think that's a funny thing though - I resigned myself to dealing with our random boxes we didn't have room to put in a proper place when we moved into this apartment and now I'm determined to make it work in an aesthetically pleasing way all so I won't have to re-organize and re-decorate our house a gazillion times (a million might still happen though).

So here's to happy house hunting, the hope of the future, and God's timing.

 Love to you, my friends,

      Sara

Houses

Yesterday we went and looked at model homes - it was fun, but we both agree that it was a bit underwhelming. These particular houses have gotten a lot of hype, so when we went we expected it to be some big wow factor and it really wasn't. A nice neighborhood set in between a couple really bad neighborhoods was the first thing we weren't fans of and while the models were nice, they were upgraded which would be an extra cost for any of the homes in that neighborhood. The lady at the seller's office was not very friendly or helpful either - in fact, she was a bit rude which was annoying. She couldn't have acted more like she didn't want us there. But it was still fun :) We're not actually looking to buy a house right now, but it was a fun way to spend an afternoon after my photo shoot had been cancelled. Nothin' wrong with looking at what's out there for the future :)