Piece of Joy

Sadly, I little piece of joy was taken from me today.  I just got home from my softball game and we lost....we lost bad.  I played horribly!  No one had a good time (except the winning team) and it was just awful.  But once I got home and saw my husband, that joy was restored because of his love for me.  Today was special and a silly softball game was not going to take that away from me.  Here are some pictures of our new house!  Remember, we have some cleaning to do....

Living Room to the left

Kitchen

Kitchen Ceiling

Second Bathroom

Backroom area

Backyard

Hallway to rooms

Our bedroom

Our closet

Gavin's Room

Dining area (front door)

It's Official!

We are officially homeowners!!!  We had a little delay this morning, thinking that we would have to reschedule for later this afternoon or even tomorrow.  But it seemed as if God was rewarding our patience and we started signing papers an hour later.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be.  I guess it's easier having a scribble as a signature than writing out my whole name (now that my last name is longer than Young).  :)

First thing's first, we have to change the locks, not to mention we need a new front door.  Next?  Not sure but Eric and I will be sitting down tonight to start a list.  Goodness gracious it's nice to say that we HAVE a house!  I have pictures of the whole house but I have to get the camera out of my car....and that's all the way in the driveway.  :)  I'll get it soon and post them tonight.  Stay tuned....

Countdown to Closing

We're all set!  Tomorrow morning, we will be handing in our money, signing papers out the ying-yang and given keys to our very FIRST house!  This is very exciting and I think we're down to 18 hours until then.  So....if you are free for the next 3 weekends or any weeknight, please let us know because we could definitely use your services!  Of course we can only pay you with food....

Sorry I can't write more.  Gavin is making a HUGE mess with his lunch!  The cleanup begins.... 

Days Off

I've been off of work for the past two days and yes, Gavin is with me.  AND I'm off all of next week too.  It's a staycation because 1. we have no money to go anywhere 2. Eric has to work 3. house stuff is happening next week.  We haven't done that much but it's just nice to know that my coworkers are working and I'm not.  :)

Yesterday, we met with our friends for a afternoon swim.  It was nice outside.  I also had a chance to workout.  I accomplished shoulders, legs and abs.  Today, it was nasty outside and we basically stayed in all day.  Unfortunately, I did not go to the gym tonight. 

This weekend is special weekend because Eric's dad is visiting from Korea again!  I just heard that he'll be landing around 12:30 tonight.  He has been traveling ALL day that's for sure.  Ok...it's bedtime...at least for a couple hours until Gavin gets up.  Good night!

Pictures I found on my mother-in-law's computer....

Running on Fumes

So I didn't get much sleep last night.  Maybe a total of 3-4 hours by 1 1/2 hours at a time.  Please pray that Gavin will go back to his wonderful sleeping habits.  And pray for me tha....t I can....get thr...ough....this.....da....y. 

Closing Time

So we're scheduled to have a closing date on Tuesday, July 27th!  We were told to turn on the water and electricity for that day as well.  Not sure why but at this point we will do whatever they ask of us.  And if you're all wondering if we're going to move in right away, the answer is no.  We want to work with an empty house so we can get things done quicker.  A friend told me to get it all done before we move in, otherwise, it won't get done.  So, we're nervous, anxious, a little scared but totally excited! 

Gavin hasn't been sleeping very well.  While I was sleeping, he woke up crying louder than usual.  I thought it was 4:30 and close to the time he would wake up so I just brought him into bed with me.  After realizing that it was only 12:30, I knew I made a big mistake.  Let's just say that he didn't go back to sleep till 2:00 this morning.
   
Last night, our softball game was cancelled so I went straight to the gym.  I love working out at night.  It's such a stress reliever and a way to use the energy I have left for the day.  Tonight is chest, triceps and abs!

Ho-Hum Weekend

Saturday afternoon was much needed and I am SO thankful to partake in such festivities for my friend's wedding preparations!  I think since I was such in a relaxed mode, the rest of the weekend was very ho-hum.  We didn't have anything planned really.  Friday night, I went to the gym.  Saturday night, our nephew slept over.  Sunday, we went to church, visited Grandmama, took a nap, ate dinner then went to bed. 

Side note about my nephew:  I need to start recording our conversations because that kid cracks me up!  Dylan has been in this phase of asking a ton of questions and it's funny how it drives Eric crazy.  Everything is 'what is that?' 'why did you do that?' 'why did you say that?' 'how do you do that?', etc.  He's also a big snuggler and for some odd reason he's obsessed with my belly!  Gotta love that kid. 

Tonight is softball then working out back, biceps and abs. 

Spa Treatment

I'm counting down the hours to complete relaxation!!!  Tomorrow afternoon, I will be getting a massage and a pedicure down in Tierra Verde!!!  Can you tell I'm super excited?  The last time I got a pedicure was right before I gave birth to Gavin.  Almost every pregnant woman gets a pedicure before their due date.  Then the last time I had a massage was after I gave birth to Gavin.  It was so nice to lay on my stomach at that time!  Needless to say, I'm dying for these treatments and I'm going to soak up all the relaxation I can!  I'm tempted to turn off my phone but you never know what might happen.  I'll  keep it on vibrate just in case. :)

Tonight, I'm working out shoulders, traps and abs as well as running.  Can't wait!!! 

Morning Cuteness

End of the Season

Well, we finished the Spring Season of co-ed softball.  Unfortunately, we did not win the Championship game.  It was SO close too!  We were ahead the whole game and then the last two innings really kicked our butts.  The other team had their power hitters really step it up and had us stumbling all over the field.  They caught up and beat us by 1 point.  We all were very disappointed but we played a good season and left with our heads held high.

Next week or the week after (I don't know), they're starting the Summer Season.  I was asked to play again and after confirming my availability with my husband, I'm in!  Funny story, my husband was acting like my agent with our friend, Chris (the coach); saying, "I'll let her play if you allow me to be part of your Fantasy Football League."  Then Chris gave a counteroffer, "I'll let you play in the Fantasy Football League if you allow Brooke to play for the next 3 seasons."  I'm glad they have MY best interest at hand.  :)

So....good-bye to my team That's What She Said and hello to our new sponsor Winghouse! 

Lazy Weekend

What did we do this weekend?  Pretty much nothing.  One would think that on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, a family would go out and have a fun day!  Not us.  As I recall, Eric did a lot of running around.  He cleaned the gutters, went food shopping, went to our soon-to-be house to see what needed to be fixed, etc. while I basically stayed indoors with Gavin.   

Friday night, however, I did go out with my old high school friend, Colette!  It was great to catch up and even talk about the old days.  Can't believe we have "old days" at our age.  We did not attend our 10 year high school reunion so we're gonna try and set up something on our own with the small group of people that we know.  That would be fun!

Saturday morning, Gavin and I cuddled until he fell asleep and starting sweating all over me!  I didn't want to wake him up (he is such a light sleeper!) so I just started sweating as well.  It was worth it.  Saturday afternoon, we did....nothing.  Saturday night, our friends came over for a friendly game of Rummy. 

Sunday morning, we attended our friend's baby's parent/baby dedication at their church then we ran over to our church for the message.  Afterwards, we did....nothing.  Later, Heather and Dylan came over.  I went swimming with the boys.  Dylan is turning into a little adult man.  He's talking to us like he's 30 years old!  In the pool, he says to me, "Hey, can I talk to you?  I just don't know what I'm going to do about tomorrow."  I had NO idea what he was talking about so I was going along with the conversation.  I still have no idea.  :)

No pictures or videos.  Sorry I've been slacking in that area.  Like I've implied, I've been lazy....

New Old Clothes

It's that time again.  This weekend I get to breakout the next clothing size for my little man.  He's almost 14 months old and he's already graduating the 18-month clothes!  How is that possible?  This morning, I put him in an 18-month jumper and as soon as he bent over the snaps came undone.  Gavin, we've all been there at one point or another!

Thankfully, we have a HUGE bin of hand-me-down clothes size 24-months (2T or 2YR).  There are also a few NEW items we received for Gavin's birthday!  I'll do my best to allow my son to grow up so he doesn't have to wear such tight clothing. 

To my friend, Brandi, I should have clothes coming your way soon!  :) 

Mr. Lopart

Every morning, Gavin and I watch Handy Manny on the Disney Channel.  Manny is the town's handyman and basically can fix anything....with the help of his talking tools!  Next door to Manny's shop is a candy store and the owner is Mr. Lopart.  Mr. Lopart is a very independent, no-help-wanted kinda guy.  Everytime Manny leaves his shop, he always sees Mr. Lopart in a sticky situation.  Manny always offers to help Mr. Lopart and Mr. Lopart always rejects it and then he always physically hurts himself!

This got me thinking.  How many times have you been offered help only to brush it aside and eventually reject it?  Are we really that independent where we could be robbing someone of their blessing to us?  I learned this last year when Gavin was born.  For the longest time, I kept thinking, "I don't need anyone's help with this newborn.  I can do it ALL by myself."  I soon found out that even though I probably could do it by myself, I shouldn't for the sake of my sanity.

In conclusion, we will be accepting any and all help when we finally get this house!  There will be LOTS of cleaning, fixing, building, painting, moving and decorating that will need to be accomplished.  :)

Give help and receive help!  It's what makes the world go round. 

House Inspection

Forgot to update you all on the details from our House Inspection this past Monday.  It went ok.  There were a few things the inspector noticed that would need to be replaced but for the most part everything looked good.  Unfortunately, the electricity wasn't on (not our fault) so the inspector is supposed to go back Thursday afternoon.  So far, there's a new roof and new water heater, however, there's also a broken window and mold on the ceiling in the garage.  We still got a ways to go but we're definitely getting closer!  The mortgage company says they have everything they need from us and everything else is internal paperwork like the inspection and the appraisal process.  We're still hoping to close before July 30th.  Keep praying! 

Blah

Sadly, there's not much to report.  As many of you know, it rained all weekend!  Also, I had a slight head cold so this weekend was pretty much spent in doors sleeping and watching tv.  Yay.

We did have a few highlights.  Friday night, we attended our church's annual Threshers game.  That was fun!  I think we spent more time talking than actually watching the baseball game.  Saturday night, we ordered the UFC Pay-Per-View and had some people over.  Eric somehow managed to fry any food he could get his hands on, including Oreos.  We woke up the next morning with greasy sweat on our faces!  Disgusting, I know.  Sunday morning, we attended church and had lunch with Pastor Joe and his family along with a new couple (The C couple) that started attending.  The C's are expecting next month and they are without a doubt an awesome couple to hang out with.  I just hope we didn't scare them away!  Sunday night, we lit a couple fireworks but nothing to "ooooh" and "aaaah" about.  It was more like "oh" and "ah".  :)  Monday, we did absolutely NOTHING!  I take that back, Gavin got his third haircut! 

Now back to the grind....sorry so blah.   

NEW Workout Website

Do you ever go to the gym and not know what to do?  Do you always repeat the same exercises?  Do you just run on the treadmill or the use the elliptical machine?  Do you get intimidated by the serious, focused men that workout? 

I used to say yes to all of these questions.  However, Brooke got her confidence back, people!  If you get intimidated by the muscular men that walk around, don't look at them!  If you just run on the treadmill, you're not toning to lose the flab.  If you do the same exercises every time, your muscles are going to remember and not be challenged.  Hence, the title of my entry.  I found a website where it can help you create workout plans as well as a diet planner...and it's all FREE!

http://www.fitclick.com/

This has helped me so much!  It gives me certain exercises to accomplish on the designated "strength training" days and tells me what to do for cardio on the "cardio" days.  And if you don't understand the name of the exercise, click on the name and it shows a video of an example.  Easy as pie, right?  Well, I've never baked a pie so I don't know accurate that statement can be.  All in all, it's a great website that I totally recommend!

Patience = Positive Response

Today on my lunchbreak, I went to the store for a few items.  After collecting them, I looked at the cash register lines and most of them were long.  Then I looked at the only "Self-checkout" line that was open and there was an elderly gentleman with quite a lot of groceries.  Since I was in a patient mood, I decided to wait in his line.  Once this elderly man noticed me, he started to panic.  He even said, "I'm so sorry, I'm trying to hurry."  I said, "No need!  I'm in no rush whatsoever."  What a relief to not be in a rush!  This man's face changed from panic to gratitude.  I offered my help but I think he wanted to prove that a man at his age could conquer the new technology.

It's weird (and Eric gets annoyed when I do this) but sometimes I like to test my patience.  (i.e. Purposely driving behind a slow driver or waiting in a line with a new employee behind the counter.)  All resulting with a positive response and attitude from others and yourself.  Then there were times when I had no choice but to wait with patience.  (i.e. Marrying the right man then being pregant for 9 months.)  Talk about the AMAZING results that developed!  The way I see it, patience is a good thing and produces a great character quality and a positive response from others.  So be patient!