A long overdue update

Greetings, friends, family, and...others! :D

Quite a lot has happened since I updated...plans have been made, and then broken, etc. Live has been CRAZY.

I would have updated you on all this earlier, but I guess I wanted to wait until everything was pretty much signed, sealed and delivered...well, I suppose one might assume that done now, so we might as well commence with the update. ;)

1.) Our house went into escrow about two/three weeks ago! The man who is in the process of buying the house plans to redo it and sell it as an investment, which is possibly the best kind of buyer ever because we don't have to worry about keeping the carpet looking nice anymore; he's just going to tear it out anyway. ;) So, that is the good news, the bad news is that it's a thirty-day escrow, and we're nearly done with it. We're going to rent the house from him another month (till the end of October), but that leaves us with another problem, which is addressed below.

2.) Something went haywire with our builders in Chicago and for reasons which are too complicated and idiotic to explain here, we will NOT be moving into our house in December; in fact they haven't even started to build it yet. All of the houses have been pushed back to February/March. The good news is that we are being treated as a top priority due to reasons which don't exactly apply to us, but even after my dad explained that to them, we're still on the top of the list. But hey, if you look at it this way, due to their delay we now have to find a place to rent for five months for a family of eleven. *gulp*

3.) Since we will no longer be moving this winter, we've decided to hang around Southern California until our house is ready and rent out here. We always knew that moving in the dead of winter was going to be tough, but trying to rent in the dead of winter would be even worse. So if we rent down here, not only do we get to avoid the worst of the winter all together, but we get to stick around and enjoy you people for five/six extra months!  *cue the Hallelujah Chorus*

So, there you have it in a nutshell. We are most definitely staying down here until February at the very, very earliest, so you're going to want put a hold on your long-planned celebratory parties and bonfires...we're not leaving quite yet. ;)

The Lord DOES work in mysterious ways; I see that more clearly every day. When we first heard about this builder problem, it was all doom and gloom...we were even wondering if we should even continue to buy the house after all. But the Lord smoothed out the worst of the problems and ended up giving us an extra blessing...more time down here in California, and our not having to winter up there this year.
Of course there's always a flip side to everything, and that side to this particular thing would be that we have to find a place to rent out here, which for us always equals -$$$. It's not an expense we were planning on, but you know...the Lord is our provider. Somehow, some way, I know everything will all work out for the best. It always has before. :)

Anyway, there's the update. Not as long and eloquent as others, but I think it gets the job done nicely. ;) Please continue to pray for us....it ain't over yet. By a long shot. Your prayers are coveted during what is sure to be one of the most busy, stressful and yet interesting time in my life!

God bless you all!

Prince Caspian Footage!

This isn't what I saw at Comic-Con, but it's pretty amazing anyway! The footage looks SO GREAT!

Everyone watch it!

ETA: Now that I've sufficiently recovered my sanity, I might as well turn this into the post I was intending to make.

You can find my pictures from Comic-Con here, and my write-up here. Needless to say, Comic-Con was one of the most amazing and fun experiences to date and I really, really, really hope I can go again next year. And yes, I did get to see Prince Caspian footage! It was different than the stuff above, and it was SO cool, hehe.

Oh yes, and I have nice, big caps from the video above here.

Blessings to y'all!

Sacramento, Weddings, Moving and etc.

The past month has been killer; I can't even begin to describe it. It had already been scheduled to be some of the busiest months of the whole year, and when you add moving and selling the house on top of that...man. That would be CRAZY with a capital C. :p

When I last wrote, we had a down payment on a house in Chicago and were beginning the task of de-cluttering our hose in preparation for buyers.

Well, we have come a LOOOOOOOOONG way. Our house is so de-cluttered you wouldn't recognize it. ;) We got rid of a ton of furniture and re-arranged some stuff. I like how big and (mostly) clean the house seems now, but it's not exactly livable for the long run. We chucked a TON of stuff into the garage including kitchen appliances and one of our computers, and some of our dishes and our only trash can downstairs now lives outside when we are anticipating visitors. Not exactly easy to work with, lol! We also got rid of the big computer work-station in the boys room, so it'd hard to find certain things when I'm working...for example, it took forever to find our huge supply of blank CD's...they'd been packed away into the garage and we had to dig through many boxes to find them.

Now that we're past the initial stage of "GET EVERYTHING OUT OF THE HOUSE; IT HAS TO BE CLEAN!!!", we're now mid-way through a serious deep clean of various boxes and stuff. We chuck out more stuff every day; the thrift stores in our area must be making a fortune off of us. ;) It's funny to think of, really...we're getting rid of SO much stuff, but once we get to our new, large house that will actually fit our stuff, we won't have anything to put in it! ;) I foresee a LOT of thrift store shopping to replace our stuff once we get there...Chicago stores, you've been warned. ;)

So yeah...besides all of this work we've been doing which is a full-time job in and of itself, we've had a lot of events happen as well. The first was Mandy's wedding, which was a real pleasure to attend. :) It was SO great to see everyone, and Mandy and Gabe were one of the cutest couples I've ever seen, and I've seen a lot! ;) The Dortignac's really outdid themselves for this event...it was absolutely so well-planned and spectacular, and I doubt anyone who attended will ever forget it.

I have some pictures up here, photos and videos courtesy of Mary. :)

Our next adventure was the 2007 ATI Sacramento Regional Conference...wow. That is a whole post in and of itself and I don't have the time to expound on it here, but can I say, wow? lol. That is the only way I can describe that whole week. It was SO different from any other conference I've attended...in some ways that was good, and some ways, not so good.
Really the thing that set a precedence for the whole conference was the fact that I was chosen to be a CI team leader instead of an assistant, which I had expected. I was very surprised when I found out I'd be leading instead of assisting...I really didn't think I was ready for that yet! But, you know...the Lord is Good. He got me through the week in one piece and in a sane mind, and I was continually reminded how utterly helpless and dependent I am, and how much I need Him to take control of the things that are just too big for me. Because honestly, this was REALLY big. :p

Anyway, it's not a week I will soon forget. There are some pictures here , from various sources. :)

The latest big event that we've had was Shelby and Mike's wedding (for those of you who don't know, Shelby is the older sister of my good friend Jody from our church). That whole day was just filled with what I call "God-Moments"; little things that just show exactly how much God loves me and is total and complete control of the situation. Again, I don't have time to go into them, but they really were truly amazing.

The wedding itself was very, very, lovely, and I had a GREAT time connecting with my close friend Jessica, who moved to Oregon last year and I've only seen her twice since then. I'd post pictures from the wedding but unfortunately we neglected to bring a camera, so unless Jody passes some photos along, I'm afraid y'all are out of luck!

So, that's all that's happened so far, but I didn't say that's all that's GOING to happen! :D This week is shaping up to be really, really, huge. Lord willing, I'll be attending the Comic-Con convention in San Diego this Friday and Saturday, attending a Narnia/PIXAR panel and watching exclusive footage from the new movie Prince Caspian! :D :D :D You can't imagine how excited about this opportunity...it's my first and probably last year to attend, so I'm really stoked about going. It's going to be SO FUN! :D

So, there's my life in a nutshell...nothing much to report besides all that! ;) Please keep praying for us and our house that is for sale...things aren't looking too good. It's already difficult enough as it is to sell a house in our area, and that's for really, really great deals. And our house isn't exactly...the best house for sale right now. :p So keep those prayers coming; we really appreciate it!

God bless, everyone!

PS. I've started to email updates as well as post them on my blog(s) because it's more convenient to various people, so if you're receiving this update via email, it's because you're in my address book. If you already get these updates from one of my blogs or if you don't wish to receive them at all, just send me an email to that effect and I'll take you off the list right away! :)

The craziness of life

*sits down, takes a deep breath and commences to write*

I wrote this last night for the express purpose of posting. It is very lengthly, so you may want to grab a drink, or maybe a blanket if you want to camp out. ;) Enjoy!

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Well, some of this has been rumored for a while now, and I wasn't exactly sure when this information was supposed to go "public", but when the paperwork is pretty much signed, sealed and delivered, I don't know how un-public it can be! ;) Let me start from the beginning.

When we moved to our current location seven and a half years ago, we knew that living out here was going to be difficult. We're about 1 hour from either of our two churches, one of which is in LA, the other which is in Palm Springs. My dad's work is also in the LA area and he's had to leave very early every morning in order to get to work at a decent time.

For awhile, everything seemed to be working okay. Then gas prices became astronomical, finances became tighter, and with such a large family and the distance we were at, it became very difficult to become a very active member in our church. We could could barely make it out on Sundays. It became a bit apparent that life could not continue this way for ever and ever and ever, amen.
I guess I've known for several years now that a move in the future was pretty likely. However, we never took an any active steps pursuing that option because it just wasn't the Lord's timing and we did not have any idea of what we wanted to do. At that point, I thought we'd relocate somewhere in California (but this was proven to be way too expensive) or into Oregon or Washington.

A couple of months ago, around Christmastime, Nathan brought up the idea of moving to Chicago to dad. He was pretty sold on the area and knew that dad would possibly be interested.
I was pretty repulsed at the idea; I mean, that had never been in my wildest dreams! Chicago!?!?! That's on the other side of the nation, for pities sake! I've been up there before, but that was about 12 years ago. I didn't (and still don't, really) know a soul up there, living or dead. :p
I had no idea that we might actually pursue this option seriously. I couldn't wrap my head around the idea at all, and I don't think anyone else could either. I mean, this is a HUGE decision here. We're talking about major, major, stuff; a cross-country move to a new place that entails leaving behind everything and everyone we've ever known. Scary, scary thought.

So, this spring, we began to plan a tentative vacation trip to the East Coast. It's been some time since we were up there, and mom wanted to see where Nathan was living and visit all the places up there, etc. 
There was a double purpose, however. This would be the perfect opportunity to visit the Chicago area, scope out the place and maybe look at houses.

I can't really say when Chicago started becoming a serious reality for us. I know mom and dad would spend countless evenings talking; hashing out plans; just discussing various possibilities. I know my dad talked to many people about our potential plans to get their advice. My dad is a very careful and meticulous person; he never rushes into things. He wanted to make sure, really sure, that the Lord was in this endeavor.

Those were topsy-turvy months for me, I can tell you. I'm one of those people who like to plan out every detail of their lives (something I'm still working on), and to look at my calender so full, but to see things drop off around August (our potential time for a trip) and not being able to definitely say to the best of my ability whether I'd be around for future events in the coming year, was pretty hard for me, and a bit scary too. There's a level of excitement in the unknown, but there's also a fear, too.

Anyway, things progressed and the subject of Chicago came up more and more as a topic of conversation around our house. But there were still a lot of things up in the air; things contingent on whether my dad would get permission to take his job mobile or not. If he could, we could move pretty much anywhere we wanted to. If he couldn't, well, there wasn't much we could do.

My dad received affirmation from his boss that he could work out of home about two and a half weeks ago. Almost immediately, things started to fall into place and before I knew it, we had a potential house in Chicago that we were looking at, and we had an appointment with a realtor down here! I was shocked at how things had progressed so quickly. By then I'd been able to accept the fact that we'd probably be moved by the next summer, but to have things happen so fast and without much warning, was...interesting, to say the least!

But some things that happened only served to remind us that we can make plans, but only God can control our future. On June 8th, the very day we were scheduled to have a realtor look at our house, my Uncle James O. died. It was the ultimate shock to all of us, I think. He had been very ill with various physical and mental illnesses for some time (that was the reason why Ruth went up to Arkansas to help my aunt and their kids), but we had all thought he was getting better. But the Lord had other plans, and chose to take him Home, leaving behind his wife and two beautiful kids.

Obviously, this threw everything in limbo. Mom, dad and Joanna took a flight out to Arkansas two days later, leaving me at home with the six younger kids.

As weird as it may sound, that one week of reprise gave me the time i needed to regroup and just get myself used to the idea of a move. The night before the realtor had been supposed to come over, I'd been freaking out, so to speak. Everything was moving too fast, and I was getting caught in a whirlwind and frankly, it scared me. That week of just...getting to terms with the idea, was so needed, and I'm thankful I was able to have it.

Well, I hadn't intended this to be so long and I'd better close it out or we could be here all night. :p ;)

The short and skinny of it is, mom and dad were able to take a side-trip to Chicago on their way back from Arkansas this past weekend, and they found a house that we are currently in the process of buying. However, it's still being built, which has it's pros and cons, mainly that it is to some extend customizable but it won't be done till December or January. It really is an nice house, but I can't get myself all wrapped up in it emotionally, not yet. We have much bigger things on our mind at the moment, namely selling our current house.

The housing market is pretty dreadful right now and it looks like it's going to be tough to sell, even though we're pricing it at a lower price than we had originally hoped for. However, God has been VERY good to us an and has blessed us with a wonderful realtor. She has a very professional and capable attitude, and I'm very confidant that she will do her job to the best of her ability. :)

So yeah...this adventure ain't over yet. We now face the overwhelming task of making our house presentable for future buyers and cleaning out all our junk in preparation for a move, God willing. I do enjoy sorting and cleaning to some extend, but not in this scorching weather, and not with this...pile of junk. :p

Your thoughts and prayers during this most stressful, scary, yet exciting time are so appreciated! I've included a few of our main prayer requests below.

• That the Lord will continue to reveal his perfect plan for us
• That we will be able tog et our work done efficiently and quickly with minimal stress
• That the housing market will improve and that we will sell in the Lord's own timing for a great price
• And last but not least, that we will have favorable weather! :p

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So, that's pretty much everything. I know this might seem as a shock to some of you and I hope that no one feels left out because you didn't know sooner, because really, there was no "sooner". This has all gone so fast. Our plan right now is to sell the house as quickly as possible and then rent a house in Chicago until our new home becomes habitable. This is shaping up to be the craziest year I've ever had, and part of me is looking forward to it, and part of me dreads it! :p I've only moved once before, and that was only relocating 60 miles east of our previous location. This is, obviously, much larger. :p

So, we are definitely going to be here in California at least two more months (basically two months from once the house sells, which could be a while) at the very least. I'm really looking forward to seeing a lot of you at Sacramento and other various events because I have no idea when we might come down here again.

And how do I feel about this whole thing? That's hard to say, lol. I really, really, really hate to leave California. If I had my druthers, I would stay here. It's funny...if this move had happened five years ago I could have cared less, but now I do care because between then and now, I've grown so attached to the area and the people here. I'm going to miss you guys so much I can't even explain it. It just goes to show you the craziness of life; when I didn't want to be here I stayed, but when I learn to appreciate the opportunities and advantages of living here, we leave! :p *lol*

So yeah...please, please, pray for us. This is such a weird and crazy time right now. A bit scary too...I guess I'm afraid to be come too emotionally attached to our new area. We've been in situations before when we were planning on moving; even had the house nearly sold, and then things fell though and we never ended up leaving at all. I guess I'm terrified that it will happen again. But, y'know...so far, the Lord has been in it, and if this turns out not to be the thing we're supposed to do, He'll let us know.

Love you guys!

Home again home again!

Hey, everyone! Just got back from the Southern California girls retreat...it was a blast. The sessions were amazing, and fellowshipping with everyone was so fun! I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I wish it could have been longer. :p I was able to get a couple pics and videos before the battery on my camera quit, so I'll try and see if I can get those posted later. Michelle and Darlene took some amazing photos and they've promised to put some online, so I'll keep an eye out for those too!

 

I don't think I blogged about this, but two weeks ago I was also gone with Mary for a few days at a friend's house helping her celebrate her birthday. We went to Six Flags and had so much fun...there's some pictures posted at the link below.

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/Asile17/SixFlags

 

We also made a PotC spoof called "Pirates 3/4" which was pretty funny. I've got the video edited together but once I attach the bloopers I'll post that too for those who are interested.

 

Anyway, got to run...I'll try and do a detailed report of the Retreat as soon as I can! Stuff on my calender is multiplying like crazy; it's almost a bit scary. So many things happening! It's so good to know that God is in control. :)

 

Take care, y'all!

 

P.S. In case this post looks a little weird, it's because I'm doing this from email post...I've got so many blogs now it's much more convenient! lol.

Never doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light

O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

It seems pretty much everything lately has been centered around love, not only God's love, but the love that He gives people for each other. What with Carrie and Tim's wedding, Mandy's engagement and various other things, I'm starting to feel blimmin' old. Okay, so not really. I am after all, not yet seventeen. (I am sixteen, going on seventeen...hehe, I've always wanted to sing that. ) But I'm getting to the stage in my life when things start changing astonishingly fast. Not necessarily for me, but definitely for others! On one hand I am so super excited, on the other hand, I can't help but think, "Man, things are nice just the way they are". But don't worry...that's generally not the prominent feeling. I am SO excited for my friends who have had one of God's most precious plan's revealed to them recently!

I had the most lovely time at Tim and Carrie's wedding. I have pictures, but the family asked people not to post them publicly just yet because the happy couple are on their honeymoon, and I think they'd like to see their pictures first. But when I am first given leave, I'll post my favorites on here for all to see!
I also did a write-up, but it was written in a hurry and contains a LOT of errors and etc. So I won't post it, but I promise you that when I put pictures up, I'll do a little summary then!

Also, a shout-out to all of you who use Gmail, AIM, MSN, YAHOO, or ICQ: I have chat accounts for all these listed, but I don't post them publicly because I'd rather not have any Tom, Dick or Harry have access to my IM handles. So, if you don't have my handles and would like them, leave me a comment and I'll message them to you. I look forward to talking with you!

I dunno, these look fun

It's very unfortunate that Xanga is not accessible with programs like Photobucket or Picasa. Urg.