We are here!

We arrived on Saturday after spending a few sleep hours at Carla's. Carla had Salmon and a pina colada for Emily. She spoils her. :-) The trip was uneventful. No problems whatsoever. Lots of gasoline and diesel. Tony did a great job driving the truck. I drove the car and a U-haul trailer - too much stuff. When we arrived, help was here so we immediately started unloading. The house looks really good. The flooring guys did a great job. My brother Dan repaired the sheet rock between the wood stairs and the wall. He and Dave (his twin) also cut and installed a mirror in the bathroom. My brother Ben, my mom, Tony and Rikki, Kru and Rikki's Mom also helped.

Spent Sunday just getting the necessities unpacked. Monday was spent setting up Postal service, returning rentals, visiting the YMCA and other errands. The prices here seem to be the same but there are lots of 'fees' - $50 to get a mailbox key. I bought some bottled water on sale for $3.49 only to pay $1.50 in CRV charges. I bought a small TV and paid $16.00 in CRV charges. I believe those are recycle charges paid in advance.

The girl at the Y did give me some useful information. She told me about a local farmers market to buy all your fruit, best places to shop for groceries and meats, etc.

Today we are going swimming at the YMCA. Emily thought the child watch looked interesting. It is a small Y and they only have 8 kids at a time and do lots of crafts. I will send out pictures soon - I hope.

Life Group Send-Off

Last night our Life Group got together at the apartment pool. It was, as always, great fun. I am so going to miss everyone. I have been so fortunate to have had such a great church family. Thank you Lord! Here are a few pictures.

Running Group Reunion

Last night I got together with my running group that I spent miles and miles with. We went to Macaroni Grill. Since I am moving to California, I wanted to see everyone again. It had been awhile - my life had taken a different path after I married Jim and so I didn't stay in contact with them - just busy with life, I guess. They all looked the same. My, what fun we had together. We once did a trip to Alaska and did a 110 mile relay (running), saw the most beautiful scenery ever and had so much fun. We have done so many races and events together. I am truely blessed to have been a part of these wonderful lives. Thank you, Lord!

Silver Dollar City

Emily and I took a friend and her three children to Silver Dollar City on Monday and spent the night. We had a great time. The kids rode rides until they were worn out and then went swimming.

Pictures of my Dad

It is always interesting to look at pictures with a five year time span.

This picture was taken in 2001 during a trip to NYC.

This picture was taken in 2006 when Jim and I stopped by on our way back from California and Arizona.

Back from the Beach

We just got home from Campland on the Bay with Dave and Barb and a bunch of others. After painting for 5 days, we were ready to take a break. I am really sore from wake boarding but it was so much fun. Emily had a great time. We spent most of the day at Mission Beach today then headed back to Lake Elsinore.
One more day and we are headed back home. The wood floors are done with the exception of stairs and upstairs landing, most of the painting is done, the plumber repaired the sprinkler system, installed a new hot water heater and a garbage disposal. Tomorrow carpet comes and I will begin cleaning.
I did visit my realtor's church on Saturday evening. The preaching was quite good. They have a website so I shall check that out. I met a few neighbors. The one next door actually home schooled her children and Christian based so I am excited about that.
On another note, please pray for my father-in-law. The doctors found some sort of tumor on the side of his head and they are operating on Wednesday. I just ask that God guide the surgeon's hands and that whatever it is can be removed and everything be fine. Thanks.

California - Before Pics of House

Here are some before pics of the house. This is the entry way. We removed all the carpet so the floors are bare. This is the kitchen. Very red. No appliances.
This is the outside. We already removed the vines crawling up the right side of the house.

We stopped by the Big Texan Steak House on the way out. We did not have the 72oz steak. Cool picture.
This picture is looking into the master bedroom. The one fixture in the house.
Looking down at the formal living.
Family room.