Ode to Sleep

Dear friend who I used to know
Oh I enjoyed our time together so

Your visits are never long enough these days
I go through my week in a tired haze

Our off and on relationship over the past 3 years is rough
Going without you is really very tough

Oh how I long to know you again
But alas I have Kristen and Ben!

I just want to express my gratitude for my Father in Heaven. He has truly watched over us in this whole process. After 4 years of showings, and open houses, and endless frustration I always felt comforted. I should have been completely losing my mind or angry with life( OK I did have some moments like that) but overall I really felt that I was being comforted and given the patience and support to keep on.

Over a year ago I received a blessing and in it the statement that stuck with me was that we would be blessed with our desires and in a way that we would know and everyone around us would know that Heavenly Father made this happen. I was surprised by this and thought OK it must be time to sell our house. Well the year slowly passed and I thought maybe I was wrong. I had another blessing recently and it said to not worry about my house that Heavenly Father has a plan for us. So I geared up for another year in the trenches.Well now I can say that this blessing has come and it is in a way that we know Heavenly Father's hand is in it. We have felt guided along this process. I don't think it is a coincidence the house we happen to love is the house we could move into with only 2 weeks notice. I don't know why now and not any of the past 4 years. I may never know that for sure but it is a testament to me that 1. God's time is not our time. 2. Endure it well because all these trials are just for a moment in the eternal outloook. 3. Trust in Heavenly Father because he knows what's best for us way better than we do.

So most of you know but to those who don't we move out July 29th to our new house and I can't wait! OK now back to packing.
http://sibcycline.com/webphotos/listnet/CIN/1132533_1.jpg

Alleluiah!!

Well after 4 years, 3 almost sells, 2 realtors, and about 100 showings we have sold our house!!! I'm still waiting for them to call and tell me this is just a joke and it isn't really going to happen. The inspection is tomorrow and if that goes well IT'S DONE! They are paying cash(which I'm not even going to ask how they have that much cash) so I don't have to wait for financing.

The big catch to all this is ,the thing they wouldn't budge on, we are closing July 23rd and they want us out July 30th!! What! That gives us about 20 days to find a house and move. So instead of Hurry up and wait we did wait...wait...wait...wait....wait...HURRY UP!!!! But I definitely will not complain at this answer to our prayers. We are long familiar with the fact things happen in God's time and in His way so we will just get busy while we continue to offer thanks to our Heavenly Father.

Thanks for all the prayers and fasting in our behalf!

Belated Birthday Wishes

I have to apologize to my mother in law. I did a tribute for both my parents and father in law on their birthdays and well my hiatus of blogging and her birthday coincided so I missed it but I am doing it now and I guess late is better than never. So here are the thoughts of everyone.

Kevin: I like that even though I am grown up my mom still checks up on me and is interested in what I am doing and how I am doing.

Heather: She is a great second mother, friend, doctor, and advice giver. She has saved me endless times when I am about to lose it and the phone rings out of no where and she invites me and the kids over.

Luke: She cooks good. She let me go over after school whenever I wanted and talked to me about stuff at school or the sports I was playing.

Ryan: She makes really good meat on Sundays when we go over. She is nice to me.

Colin: I like to go over to her house and I like all the food she makes us. There is always tons of good stuff when we go there.

Kristen: She has a lot of Veggietale movies I love!

Ben: She cleans off my cradle cap so I don't look like I'm shedding.

Another one bites the dust..

It has been reaffirmed this week in our home that we are not good pet people. We had a loss this week--Colin bought a fish last year for his birthday and after 6 months of different names he settled on Colin Jr.Unfortunately he is now gone. Now I know this is not shocking to anyone who has seen the murky water he often found himself swimming in but that's not what sealed his fate. As a true Richards' he died of stubbornness. Kevin was cleaning his bowl and he would not go into the little dish to await his fresh water. Instead he kept swimming to the end of the bowl where the water was no longer.. let's just say he had a little too much fresh air.

We broke the news to Colin and he appeared very sad--for about 30 seconds and then replies Well I guess I can get that mouse I wanted now. Umm wait..what..

We have gone through about 4 or 5 fish, a hamster, and 2 turtles. All but the turtles ended up dead and that's probably just because they ran away! I like the idea of pets, the whole thing where it gives your kids a sense of responsibility and a companion but it's the application of it that I can't stand. You see we get the pet-pet is fun for about a week-comes time to feed, clean out cage or bowl and suddenly it is now Mom or Dad's pet. I have 5 kids I don't need another thing to feed, take to the doctor, keep up with shots, and potty train with the inevitable "accidents" to clean up. So for now I will enjoy being pet free . I feel a little more free already!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CORRIE!


C - Crafty and creative(you always have a great idea and cute creations from food to knick knacks)

O- Organized! You can plan any event with the best little details.

R- Rescuer-(You rescue me many a Sunday with my children-who like you better than me-your way more fun)

R- Really dedicated and great friend

I- Intrinsically funny-You have a great sense of humor

E- Educator of young minds(you are a great teacher)


I hope you have a great birthday!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAURA!!

On my birthday Maura posted some really nice comments about me that made my day. I hope this puts a smile on her face on her birthday!

M aker of awesome cards or mexican food lover (you have great taste in food and are incredibly creative)
A mazing friend (you have been a great friend to so many and are an unfailing support)
U nderstanding ( you always have advice and compassion for those around you)
R unner of marathons! (I'm still amazed with your marathon running-you are inspiring but not quite enough for me want to do it too)
A wesome sense of humor- (you have a quick wit and can make any situation fun)

I hope you have a great birthday with lots of chocolate and rest!!