Today's the day...

We close on our house at 1 PM today. We did a final walk through yesterday and everything was great! My good friend, Jennifer, went to see the house with me. I even got Dad's approval. (That's a big deal! He even thought we got a good price. Whoa!) So, if all goes well, we'll have possession of the house in the next seven days. They hadn't moved out as of yesterday, so I doubt we'll get possession today. We are truely blessed!

Well, they say I'm boring...

...and it could be true. The kids at school asked me the other day, "Do you smoke, drink, or cuss?" I was delighted when they asked the question because I was able to respond proudly with a big, fat.. NO. Well, I politely said,"No I sure don't." My eighth graders were thrilled by the idea and encouraged. However, the older kids replied with, "YOUR BORING!!!" I replied this time with a big grin and a thank you! To me, I'll take that as a compliment (from a tenth or eleventh grader any day.) I say that to say, I've had absolutely nothing to post about. Perhaps, I really am boring.

We close on our house on Friday. I haven't started packing thing. (No, Daniel hasn't either, and I don't believe it's in my near future.) I guess I should get busy on that. *Sigh*

Today is Kim's birthday, and I'd like to tell her Happy Birthday. I don't get the opportunity to visit or talk to her (or Katie) often. However, I truly care for them and would do anything for them. I hope they know this. When I do get to visit with them, I strive to chase kiddos around so that maybe (for a few brief seconds), they can sit down and relax without having a worry in the world. And.... If you ask me, the kids are quite fun to chase around! There are many days while I'm at work when I think, I wish I were able to go see the kids rather than eating cafeteria food or teaching integers. (Not that I don't love my job...) I say that to say, I think of you (Katie and Kim) everyday. Thank you for the nieces and nephew (I wouldn't have any without you two!).

I'm taking a class at JSU on Tuesday nights. It's an education class (the one where you write like seven page lesson plans) ugh!! But, surprisingly I l love the class. It's ALMOST like therapy. (Very close to a Dr. Marc class for those who had him at Freed just an educational perspective instead of sociology/social work class) Nonetheless, I've not been able to attend some of Roebuck's youth events due to my class. That's where Daniel is tonight. He's actually waiting on someone who ran out of gas at the moment. The joys of youth ministry. The job is going great, and we love everything so far! It's been a true blessing.

I hope Mary's biopsy went well today. I haven't heard anything, but I assume we will hear something when it's public knowledge. In the meantime, I am in constant prayer for her wellbeing. Mary, we miss you and pray for you daily. Please take care of yourself and don't work too hard. We love you dearly!

Well, to have "nothing" to post about, I sure have rambled on and on. So, I hope all is well with you and your family. We love you each so much. Please be careful. Love, Mandi

New House!!

First and foremost, Mary is still in surgery, and nothing new has been shared with the family at this time. Surgery could last another 1-3 hours. This is all via Daniel who is curently at the hospital. Please keep Mary and family in your prayers! As well as, the young child getting the other portion of the liver. Mary said it wasn't a Wal-Mart liver rather an Abercrombie (as in Abercrombie & Fitch) liver!! For that we're thankful already!

Now is other news: (Most people already know because you were all at the hospital when Daniel got the call that we got the house!)

We put an offer on a new house Wednesay night. The offer was finalized today and should close the end of the month!! I thought you might want a few pics to admire in the mean time. It's exactly perfect for the stage we're in now and the stages of life to come. It's in Trussville City limits. As an educator, it is important to me to know the schools are good. We'll be so much closer to work, church, family, and friends! The house is about 1650 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The basement is unfinished with a TWO car garage complete with door openers!! OH YEAH.. I guess that means no more scrapping ice off windows in the winter with my AEA card! There is about 3/4 of an acre and on a dead end street. ALSO... There aren't any shacks next door, and I'M EXCITED!!!

The house from the street. I love the color. Absolutely fits our personalities!
The LARGE kitchen! It's oversized and can be easily opened to the living room. Oh and the frig and washer/dryer are staying!!! I love that frig. Like our new tv?? Yep, the tv stays too!! Not to mention the fireplace and wood floors!
The slopey but not wooded yard!!! Yay, NO TREES! I don't like trees being too close when it's stormy. I'm worried they'll fall on the house when we're sleeping. Weird, I know.

Mary's Liver..

I'm sure you all know, but I just got a call saying that Mary will have surgery tomorrow to get her liver. She'll be admitted to the hospital tonight and surgery is tomorrow! Please keep her in your prayers!!

Aunt x5!!

Well, I'm happy to report (as if you don't know) I'm going to be an aunt again! I'm as excited as can be!! Best wishes Josh, Katie and Hannah!! Life crazy around here. Tonight we had a chance to get together with some old friends from Glencoe church of Christ and eat supper. We are truly blessed to have such great friends (old and new). We miss them dearly and keep them close at heart. We are praying to work out a new house in the near future. We'll keep you updated but are praying diligently everything works out if meant to be. I've been doing some Christmas shopping lately (minor shopping) and have throughly enjoyed myself. Hey, I've gotta do something to pass the time on Sunday afternoons! Well, I've gotta go work on an Instructional Conversation for class tomorrow night. (A conversation consisting of only questions. Oxy moron huh?) G'night! Love you guys, Mandi