Finding Blessings Through the Everyday Muck...

Well, we made it to TX...and our "stuff" came 6 days ago...we're still unpacking, but I'm back online (as of last night).

We've had a number of issues come up...A/C unit had to be completely replaced - it was fried due to our renters never changing the filter which eventually just burnt the unit all together. You may think the money factor would be the major drawback of our A/C being fried...however...try unpacking and cleaning in what feels like 200% humidity....it's priceless...let me tell you. The upside - we had a roof over our head, ceiling fans in every room and God blessed us with a breeze most of those A/C-less days!

We had a water leak and the first company we had to come look at it thought it might be a slab/foundation leak....which would not be a good thing. Second company came out and dug until they found it and it's right beside the house - so not affecting the slab/foundation as far as we know...but it was a busted pipe...which explains the doubled water bill while the house was vacant. Upside: the 2nd repair guy that came out charges heavily by the minute, but b/c Joey was out there working and digging with him and bringing him water bottle after water bottle, the guy charged us 1/4 of what he really could have. Blessing.

The garage door nearly came off of the tracks the first time Joey pushed the opener button....but after an hour of "Joey vs. Garage Door" time, it's working (temporarily or long term is yet to be determined!). The Upside: We didn't have to buy a whole new door (yet) and it went down just in time for our severe thunderstorms. Blessing.

Here's a question for ya....how many renters does it take to completely toast a garbage disposal?

Answer: One...you know, the one who cleans out their fish tank (rocks and all) in your sink!!

Oh yes, this one was fun....

Upside: We didn't find Nemo while cleaning out and repairing the system - and my husband still has all 10 fingers! Blessing.

Joey was supposed to work out of my dad's office (instead of at home) - but after 2 days of this, he realized that their internet connection is much too slow for what he does. Since my dad's office is out of city limits, they are somewhat limited to what they can get. Joey has ordered more bandwidth which hopefully will help out - if not he could be working from home for a while. Upside: It's much easier to get him to the dinner table when he's right upstairs. Blessing.

We're having new carpet installed next week. Jolie is starting preschool part-time today and she's very excited. Bayleigh loves her new school and has made friends already.

Things are going well and we are happy to be home! I must be missing my CA friends and Fair Oaks b/c I've had dreams with many of you in them over the last few nights :)

Until next time...