Almost the weekend

Yes we are still alive... barely.  I have been working a tons still and Mike has been busy painting and stripping wall paper.

Here is our Den/main floor Bedroom Mike has been working on.

Before

After with Cora 

Yep it is my craft room and I even have an area for my yoga mat and weights.  I love it! It is so much brighter

Here is the future Nursery:

Before, wall paper behind the bed

Current Mike removed 2 layers of wall paper.

We have bought 3 ceiling fans to put in the upstairs bedrooms which you can see in the current nursery photo.  Mike and my dad are going to install them this weekend.  Mom and Dad are going to be here Friday through Monday morning!  Dad is also bring a bunch of other stuff for the house including a new water heater and a shower handle for the claw foot tub.  And we will design and make a list of materials for redoing the upstairs bath.

Because this is not working for me.  We are going to be completely gutting this room come November.  Mom, Dad, and maybe my uncle will be coming up for 10 days to help add a separate standing shower and get rid of the red shag carpet.   But keeping my claw foot tub!

On the Blueberry front not much is new.  I am still tired but thank God I have not had morning sickness.  I have gotten a bit nausea if my stomach is empty and I get really hungry.  I am not really showing at all yet.  We are working on designing the nursery with the theme of One fish, Two fish.  We are still so so so excited!!!

Theodore Roosevelt Nation Park

Saturday the construction crew took the day off!!!  Which was perfect because my Mom and Dad were up for the weekend.  Saturday turned out to be a BEAUTIFUL day!  So while Mike slept, since he is on night again, we loaded up the car and drove south to the North unit of Theodore Roosevelt Nation Park.  We did about a 2 hour hike, the canons are breath taking.  We also saw 4 bison, some flowers, and birds. Here are just a few pictures

Mom and I at the Trail head

Dad and I on the trail

Bison

Mom and Dad

On the way back

On the way to and from the badlands we drove through my construction project and then across the Missouri River.  Which if you have not hear is at a record high of 29.02 feet, the previous record was 28.00 feet in 1912.  Thankfully right where we live there has not been property damage yet, but is both Minot and Bismark the flood fighting started a month ago and continues on.  I really hope they do not have the close the road shown below because it would add 20 minutes to my drive to the construction site.   

Missouri River 

We Have Furniture

Full Garage

couch, with mini fridge on it

Dresser from Grandma

TV and TV Stand

Lots of Mattresses.

My coworker is moving from ND to AZ and sold all his furniture to us!  For a very very good price.  Now granted it is not the greatest or our life long furniture it is 100% better than what we had...which was nothing.  We got a queen size bed (mattress, box spring, and frame), a futon frame w/ a green mattress, a hide-a-bed couch, a mini fridge, a 27" older style TV, and a TV stand.  Then we went to my bosses home and got a FREE queen size bed. Again with a mattress, box spring, and frame!  We had one final trip to Grandma O's friends house.  He had a chest of drawers, a lamp, and a night stand that he had borrowed from Grandma O.  The garage is now full Full FULL!!!  And we have furniture for the house.  If you were counting including our own bed we could sleep at least 8 people at our house already!!  3 queen size beds, a hide-a-bed, and the futon, I hope we have LOTS of company in the near future!  

Offer Accepted

Insert dancing around, jumping up and down and squealing like a little girl here. 

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Ok now that that is done.  I am going to to a drive by tonight and take some more pictures of the outside.  We have a home inspection scheduled for Wednesday the 18th.  At which time we can go back in the home and take pictures of the inside.  This is all happening so Fast!!!

We put in the Offer

Mike and I just signed the papers. I wrote out the check for earnest money.  We gave the sellers 24 hours to let us know...  Crossing our fingers and toes. 

General Property Description
Book Section Residential Country Property: No
Type Residential: Single Family
Above Grade: SqFt 1,554
Below Grade: SqFt 884
Year Built: 1910
Style: 2 Story
Lot Size: 50 x 140
Total Bedrooms: 4
Total Bathrooms: 3
Total Full Baths: 2
Total 3/4 Baths: 1
Garage Type: None
Air Conditioning: Central Air
Heating System: Forced Air\Natural Gas

Details
Water: City
Sewer: City
Electric Service: MDU
Basement: Finished; Full
Exterior: Steel
Possession: Upon Closing
Property Included: Washer/Dryer; Stove; Refrigerator; Microwave; Freezer; Dishwasher; Other: Shed

Praying the that if this is truly the right house for us God will let it go through.

Rolleblading + Dog =

Sunday Cora and I attempted this.  She did really well, except for one time.  I feel so bad.  We had just started, less than 5 minutes and she was running along side me.  She went from running full force to stopped in 0.02 seconds.  Me, holding her leash on Rollerblades, that do not currently have a brake on them, did not stop so fast.  My mind did not think to let go of the leash, so i swung around and landed on my left side. Butt, and elbow mostly.  Thankfully I was wearing my Wrist guards and helmet other wise I know I would have been much worse.  Cora had stopped to go to the bathroom (#2) and I was trying to pull her along, poor puppy, I felt so bad, but lesson learned "Do not go to fast until you know Cora has done her business."   After that we did not go quiet as fast and Cora did great.  She  never really pulled to bad except when I slowed down to prepare for a hill.  I think we will try it again down the road... maybe when I have a brake.



1910 Home

In other news We went and looked at another house on Tuesday evening!!! I LOVE IT!!  Mike was not so sure at first because it is an older home, built in 1910.  And it does not have a garage.  It has some quirks to it but is totally livable the way it is.  It has 4 bedrooms, 2.75 bath, and huge living room and dining room.  3 bedrooms and one bath are on the 2nd story which is awesome!  Our Realtor is pulling some numbers for us and if all goes as planned we will make an offer today!!  HOLY COW!!  

First Day of House Hunting

We had our first real house hunting day today.  It was fun but we did not find the home for us.  We saw 2 homes listed by real estate agents and 2 homes listed by a for sale by owner.

House 1.
- over priced
- nice bright basement
- big yard
- 4 bedroom/2.75 bath
- weird garage, only 1.5 cars
- obvious water damage in one bathroom
- green carpet in the master bedroom
- house smelled a little Smokey

House 2. 
- well with in our budget
- cute style, older home but completely updated upstairs
- 3 bedroom/ 1.75 bath
- big yard
- one garage
- scary, very scary basement
- very small rooms

House 3. - by owner
- 3 bedroom/ 2 bath
- updated bathrooms
- cute character
- 2 yards
- 2ish car garage, but not sure if we can 2 cars in there
- small kitchen

House 4. - by owner
- 2 bedroom/ 1.5 bath
- Huge 2 car garage plus a shed
- large front porch
- nice size kitchen
- needs some updates
- basement scary but not as bad as House 2

Over all we liked 3 and 4 the best... but we did not love them.  They were in our price range but they were both over priced for there location, according to our real estate agent.  We... or should I say I am a little disappointed we did not find "the one" today since we viewed most of the homes that are currently listed in our price range... we are going to go talk to a builder some time this week and see what we can get for our money building.

On ward...In other news I have found a new website/blog I LOVE. http://ana-white.com/  And have found some things I want to build for our new home.  
A bed:  http://ana-white.com/2009/10/farmhouse-bed-save-158100_7467.html
A Table: http://ana-white.com/2009/12/plans-farmhouse-table-knock-off-of.html
And maybe a bench to go with the Table: http://ana-white.com/2011/01/farmhouse-bench.html
Dad may need to help me with some of it...

PRE-APPROVED

We are Pre-approved for a home mortgage!!  We went in this morning at 10:00 and walked out at 10:30 with our pre-approval letter.  Tomorrow we have an appointment with a real estate agent to look at a few homes.  I am excited to really start the housing search!! Wish us luck!! 

Images from the Storm

Saturday morning Mike and I woke up pretty fast.  Water was coming in to our room from every angle.  We jumped out of bed grabbed things off the floor and threw them on the bed.  I got a bag out and threw in a couple changes of close, the dog, and night stand dad had made me.  We brought it all up stairs and hunkered up for the day.  As the water rose in the basement.  Thank the Lord for a pantry full of food, a GAS range and cards.  It made it up to EIGHT INCHES of water in the basement but never got to cold i nthe house thanks the the 4 burners running on the stove.  Thank the Lord that our bed in the basement did not get wet.  The only real damage was some clothes in the bottom drawers got wet.   A few of Grandmas things got really wet and had to be tossed but we all survived.  

During the storm

Out the front window as the storm was settling a bit

After the storm huge drifts

Pretty

Taking Cora on a walk... need to move after being cooped up 

Icicles 

Cora enjoying the snow

Drifts in the driveway

Beautiful Sunset Saturday night

The damage assessment on Sunday

Drawer in our Room....ugh

Hanging the clothes out to dry on Sunday

SAD... my scrap booked  Calendar fell sometime during the storm.... I am trying to Salvage it.

We are alive and so happy that things were not worse.  Praise the Lord from Uncle Todd who borrowed a generator from work on Sunday to pump out the water from the basement.  We are definitely counting our blessings.

Homebuyers Class 2 = More Depressing with a bit of Excitement

Homebuyers Class 2 was last night.  It was the final class and I am glad it is over because again it was very DEPRESSING. Last night we heard from an appraiser, a homeowners insurance guy, another bank talked about construction loans, and a inspector from the county.  They all presented pretty good information but we kinda saying they were glad they did not have to buy today.  Then a contractor gave a short presentation, I think he was the only person excited in this market, most likely because he is making plenty money.

The appraiser went first and he depressed us the most talking about how 5 years ago most homes around here were valued between $50,000 and $150,000.  Now you are lucky to find a home for under $200,000 that does not have wheels.  He presented good information about how homes are appraised and why it needs to be done.  Then he talked about how 5 years ago there were all these city owned lots going for $10,000 and how there are none left now, how new subdivision that are proposed do not have any infrastructure and he does not see the city catching up to it until next year so we are supposed to "sit tight and wait"... Um no!

The construction loans talk was next.  It was interesting to learn how they work and how the amount of the loan goes up as your home is built.  He talked about lien holds and how it is important to find a good contractor.  He also talked about the benefits of renting vs owning. He pretty much at the end said do not do a new construction loan, because they are a pain in the butt.... Gee Thanks!

The insurance guy was next...again good information but pretty boring.  Talked about how important insurance is and how they come up with a price.  What is covered under each policy.  How insurance works if you own a condo or rental.  Not to depressing but boring.

Then the inspector from the county talked about the 5 inspections he does for a new construction build in the county, or outside of the city.  Mike and I both really liked him, he was funny and really knew what he was talking about.  He also did not seem as down on the situation as the previous speakers. 

Finally a General Contractor gave a speech about how to find a contractor and what to make sure you look for in a contractor when building a new home.  He was super nice, and reminded Mike and I of my Dad.  Mike made sure to run up to him after the presentation to get a card and chat with him.  I would LOVE to "build" our own home and help with the design. 

So we are still a bit depressed but at the same time getting more excited about the possibilities.  Our next, or should I say, first step is to get pre approved for a mortgage.  I will get my first full paycheck on May 2nd and we have an appointment to meet with one lender at 2 on May 6th.  We will know more then, before that we plan on contacting the General Contractor and maybe looking at a couple model homes this weekend.          

Thankful

Last Tuesdays night class has gotten me a Little down on life, see my previous post.  So I decided to make a list of things I am thankful for:
- For a husband that loves me
- For amazing parents that support me
- For my expended family and in-laws who love us
- That Grandma O is allowing us to live with her
- That we have family so close
- That we both have good jobs, in the fields we have always dreamed of
- For Cora and Java.
- For more than enough food to eat every day and not having to worry about going hungry
- For Marja, Nicole, and Samantha who I can call at any time to laugh or vent with
- For my faith in God, know that all will work out
- For Callens life and all he has taught me
- For health, dental and vision insurance we have through my job
- For our Adorable 2 nephews (Preston-4 and Wyatt-1), for the 1 nephew on the way and the other niece/nephew on the way
- For my health
- For the wonderful nature that you can find almost anywhere if you are looking for it
- The knowledge I have about saving money
- For Spring!

Hope every one had a Happy Easter.
 ( I promise to post some pictures soon...)

Homebuyers class 1 = Depressing

I went to the Homebuyers class last night put on by the local community action council, a real-estate group, banks, and a title officer. It was part one of a two part class. It had a ton of great information but to say the least it was depressing.

The real estate agent said currently in the area there are only 10 places on the market, and 2 of them are condos. (and that is total not just her group) I would guess there were 15 people in the class. FAIL. She also said that every house has been getting multiple offers and a lot of the time the house apprises for less than the offer and people just fork over the money. OMG!!

Then the title officer said that the soonest most people are closing is 60 days after the offer is signed because the inspectors, appraisers and the government is so backed up. So even if we bought a house today the soonest we could move out of Grandma’s house is the end of June.

The bankers talked about getting approved for a loan and said the you need to be on the job at least six months to a year in order to be approved for a mortgage. (This is where I got close to tears, we have only been here a month.) They went through all the closing costs on a house, the cost to connect to rural water if needed, adding the cost to this and that. And then, I am sure MM would like this, they said if you did not have enough of a down payment that you could always borrow against your car, boat or camper… Really?? I raised my eyebrow on the that one. The one banker did not help the depressed mood I was in saying that she is glad she does not have to try to buy a house right now, because it is depressing. Oh and both banks talking also said that there is about a 2 week wait to even get in and see a loan officer for pre approval.

Finally a lady from the rural development group with the state gave a spiel on state funded loan programs. Which was interesting, but the only way we will qualify is if one of us quits our job or we suddenly have 8 kids, which is very unlikely living in Grandmas basement.

After the class I went and talked with a couple of the bankers, who were really nice when I asked them about the 6-12 month thing. Thankfully they said since I went from an Engineering job to an Engineering career and Mike went from a Corrections officer to a Police officer that most likely we could be approved for a loan sooner than 6 month. She said the information is general and with so many in the oil field in our area, coming from other careers that is why lenders are more strict, generally.

So to sum the night up if we started today the earliest we could be out of Grandma’s basement is the end of July. And the is only assuming we find a house we like, the seller accepts are offer, and we can afford it. (how does anyone buy a house these days?)

Hopefully there will be as much good information next week and 40 more houses on the market…I can dream.

Tuesday Night Fun

HOMEBUYER EDUCATION WORKSHOP 2011

Individuals who are thinking about buying a home are invited to attend a 2-Day FREE Homebuyer Education Workshop offered April 19 and April 26, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at WSC, Room 106. Topics will include preparing for home ownership, what you can afford, obtaining a mortgage, financing, insurance, closing the deal, home maintenance and much more.

Mike found this in the local News Paper.  So guess who is going to the first night alone, that would be me. Mike works tonight, but is going to go with me next week.  Hopefully there will be some good info.

Fixed

Well we got the Versa fixed!! For free!!! Which makes it even better.  The mechanic in Williston was correct, the front wheel bearings were both shot.  They were both replaced on Tuesday and I drove the car back on Wednesday. 

Last weekend was a blast.  We drove to Bismarck and dropped the car off on Friday.  Then ate at Erberts and Gerburts, which was super tasty.  We then took Cora on a walk and headed to Sara and Adams.  Their house is awesome, I loved her kitchen.  We chatted for a while, watched on TV and then let the dogs meet.  Sara and Adam have a weimaraner, and were babysitting a 105 pound yellow lab and a smaller black lab mix.  All 4 dogs got along great.  It was so nice hat they have a fenced in back yard where we could just let them run run run.  After the dogs were pooped we went to Famous Daves for dinner and walked around Scheels, where we got Cora a Chuck-it.   Saturday we went to Sam's Club, Target, and to lunch before packing up and heading out.

When we got back to Grandmas on Sunday we found there was more water in her basement.  And it had started coming into our bedroom.  I feel so horrible for grandma because she is really freaking out over it.  We have been placing towels where the water comes in in our room and changing them every 3-5 hours.  We hope the pray the water stops soon. 

This week had been OK.  Monday we both worked.  Tuesday morning Mike dropped me off at work and then I headed to Bismarck for work.  The conference I went to was interesting but boring at points.  The hotel we  stayed in was quiet and I got a goods night sleep so that was awesome.  Plus I got the Versa back running super!  Tuesday night we went for a walk...the pictures from it are above.

have a great week

Hope for the Versa

This has been a great week.  This past weekend Mike worked and I scrap booked.  I love getting crafty!  We are searching for a new church so I went to the Methodist Church in town on Sunday. and then took Cora for a walk around Spring Lake Park, she loves the snow so much, she is not going to know what to do this summer without it. 

Monday and Tuesday I got out of the office and did some traffic counting for an intersection in town.  It was nice to be working outside of the office, I can not wait until summer and the construction season comes.  Mike seems to be likes his new job too.  He has started to do more and enjoys the people he works with.  We are still trying to get the sleep schedule worked out for him. 

Today we are leaving to head to Bismarck for the weekend.  That is where the closest Nissan Dealership is, 266 miles and 4 hours away, ugh.  So when Mike gets off work we will drive both the Versa and Veracruz to Bismarck.  We have a appointment at 1:30 to drop the car off.  The mechanic in town still has not called us back since last Friday.  I am super excited to see out friends Sara and Adam who live in Bismarck!!  They both work for the DOT too!  We are going to spend the night at their home.  And then drive the Veracruz home, if the Versa is not done yet we will one car it for a while.  I will be in Bismarck Tuesday and Wednesday for work, so hopefully it will be fixed before Wednesday and I can drive it home.  I hope they can find out what is wrong.. fingers crossed

Hope everyone has a great week.

Not much else is new with us.    

Small Town Big Living

Not sure if this new name is going to stick but we shall see.  Live in North Dakota seems like a small town but with all the oil business in this tiny town is feel like everyone is trying to "Live Big."

Mike and I had the day off morning off together today so we spent in sleeping in!  Then we made some lovely French Toast for Breakfast, took Cora on a walk around Spring Lake Park, and let her chase the ball in the Dog park.  I love having the Dog Park close by where she can be off the leash, running free.  Then we went "Down Town"  Haha.  We went in search of slippers for me and went in pretty much every store.  JC Pennies did not have any that were my size and after a long search we found some slip on shoes at Maurice's that will work for now.  We made an "Alaska" dinner of Halibut, peas and rice.  And then Mike left for work.

Yesterday we went and checked out a couple of gyms in the town.  I found on I like that has yoga classes, spinning glasses and weights/cardio equipment.  But we have to decide if we want to get a membership now or wait until the fall, since I know I will be working a ton of hours this summer.  Mike also hooked up our big TV down in our room so we can watch Netflix and he can play his video games.  

In other news we are down to one car right now :(  When Dad and Mike drove the Al-Can the had a slight mishaps and the Versa ended up with a lot of snow in the engine and some other issues, I guess is make s really loud sound that increases with speed.  We took it to a local mechanic on Monday and picked it up today with no news really.  The mechanic "thinks" it is the Hub Bearing, but can not guarantee that is the problem and is not even sure what side it is on.  My dad does not think it is the Hub Bearing and thinks that something is just bent some wear from the impact of the snow.  The Mechanic said we can drive it in town but does not suggest taking a road trip in it.  The closest Nissan dealership is 125 miles away.  So we do not know what to do.

That is all that is going one here... I will leave you with the picture of Mike and I the night I got to ND...

Welcome to North Dakota

Well we made it to ND, a while ago actually.  I started work this past Monday (yesterday) and Mike started 2 weeks ago. We are both liking our jobs so far.  It has been an adjustment but I had a great trip down the Al-Can and in Minnesota.  The pets did great for the car ride.  We are currently bunking in Grandmas basement with Mikes Uncle Mike.  Cora is with us in ND and Java is at my parents house (thanks mom and dad) keeping Willow company.  We have called a few places about rent.... but they are not taking more people on the waiting list or want $1,000 for a efficiency apartment... I do not think so.  We will be saving our pennies and looking at houses in a couple of months.  Currently we are in the middle of a March Blizzard... welcome spring haha.
I will post some picture later.

My new work schedule in Monday though Thursday, 10 hour days. Then I have Fridays off for a 3 day weekend!  So I am thinking about doing weekly posts on Fridays.  We will see how that works...  Ta Ta for now.

P.S. New blog title coming soon, maybe Friday...

Hello

Well I have been I bit busy lately so the blog is seriously slacking, and I do not see it getting much better in the next couple of weeks.  Mike and Dad left here on Friday morning with 14' uhual, with my car towed behind it.  They made it to Whitehorse the first night, then Fort Nelson, then Llyodminister AB, and finally Williston, ND!   They made it through the boarders with no problems... can I hear and Amen!!  Today they unloaded the uhual and then Mike drove my dad to Minot.  Where he rented a car to drive to Minneapolis.

My last day of work was also on Friday!!  And I start my new job with the North Dakota DOT on March 21st.  I have been cleaning, organizing and getting out "accounts" in order here in Alaska.  On Sunday I sold our Couch!!  Made $50 dollars on it, and used it for 2.5 years... I <3 Craig's list.  I also went to a couple of Aces Hockey games with Samantha, Hans and Jacob.  The last game we lost in a shoot out and I was a very mean auntie.  Samantha had left the seats to go get something and Jacob had a melt down.  I was holding him trying to calm him down as he was flailing.  I sat down (as the period was about to begin) and the arched his back, threw back his head and smack... hit his head, right by his eye on the seat next to me.  I feel so bad he has a nice red spot and shiner on his left eye.  Bad auntie Megan... 

Any who My mom is flying up either tomorrow or Wednesday to drive down with me, we plan to leave on Thursday. But have yet to decide where our stops will be, it depends on the road and how the animals take the drive.  Tomorrow I am taking the Veracruz in for an oil change and check over.  Walking the Dog.  Bringing our extra TP, dish washed detergent, food, ect. to the food bank.  Going to a yoga class.  Going to the salon to use up a gift card.  And the finishing cleaning and starting to pack the car.  I am really going to miss our friends in up here.  The scenery.  And the wild life.  North Dakota will be a BIG change but I am embracing it with an open heart and open arms.     

Packing Packing and some fun

Mike and I have been spending this weekend packing, packing and packing.  You can only take so much packing before you head implodes.  After about 2-3 hours you stand there looking at the organized chaos you have created and have no idea where to go next.  This weekend we completed the guest room, it is 100% packed! (except for a few big pictures.)  We have about 90% of our close packed.  The kitchen... well we have 3 smallish boxes packed.  And need to find more boxes... or buy some. 

I am going to get on a soap box here and say why in the h*ll are "moving" boxes so darn expensive.  Everywhere we go we ask if they have boxes and all the stores have said that they either do not have any "free" boxes or that we can buy moving boxes.  Sorry I do not believe that they do not have any boxes.  I know for a fact they recycle a lot of boxes everyday.  And second why are the boxes they sell $3-$5 a freaking box.  Really ugh.... stepping of the soap box.

Friday night was awesome. We had bought a wine making experience a while ago on Groupon.  So we went and tasted wine for about 2 hours ... amazing!  Then we helped mix a wine, a Luna Biana Chardonnay Wine.  It will not be ready to bottle for 8 weeks.  We will not be here so some friends have volunteered to bottle it for us.  And then ship it or bring it to us later.  

This weekend we also drove out to Eagle River Nature center for some fun.  We went snow shoeing with Cora of course.  She was so much fun to watch bounce in the snow.  I have some pictures but have been having some... technical difficulties posting them.  We also went out to lunch yesterday and had some yummy Mexican food. 

Sunday we had church and taught our k-1st-2nd graders.  They are so darn cute.  I got their addresses and promised to send them cards from North Dakota.  Then we dropped of our recycling.  And packed for a couple hours... got to the Chaos phase and took Cora for a 2 hours walk.  Then packed some more.  We watched the "new" Karate Kid on netflix... not 1/2 as good as the first one if you ask me....  but yeah. 

Tomorrow my work is closed...but we have a submittal on Tuesday and I have to finish the "package" as much as I can tomorrow so we can submit early on Tuesday.  I also have a physical type this for my new job.  Tomorrow night I think we are going to go to Simon and Seafort's for happy hour to use up our remaining gift card.  Then pack pack and more packing. 

My dad is flying up on Wednesday and then Mike and him are leaving in a Uhaul on Friday.  My mom and I will follow on the following Thursday.  I will try to update more later...       

One year



My family's hands on Callen's Drum
Photo by Blasing Shots Photography

 One year ago today my world was turned upside down.  And while I am still struggling to find the top again, I am slowly getting there.  I miss Callen more than I will ever be able to express is words .  He was an amazing brother, friend, and person.  Truly looking for the good in others and taking on most challenges in life as an adventure.

Hopefully I can take some of that adventure spirit and apply it in the next couple weeks.  Today I put in my two week notice at work!  Mike put in his last Thursday.  We are moving to North Dakota, (so I will have to rename my blog.)  Mike has landed a job as a Police Officer!!!  (I am so proud of him.) And I will be accepting a job with the North Dakota Department of Transportation.  I am so excited to be moving back closer to family.  We will be a 12 hour drive from our parents and Mike even has family in the town we are moving to!!  We are so blessed that Mike found this job and that I was able to secure not one but two job offers in the same town with in 2 weeks of applying for jobs in the area.  I know for sure that Callen had a hand in making everything fall into place.

These next couple weeks will be very stressful packing, saying good bye to the many friend we have in Alaska, and driving the Al-Can in March.  My parents will be helping us drive the 2,600 miles from Anchorage to our new town.  Please keep us in your prayer not only today as we remember Callen, but in the weeks to come as we start our new adventure.   

I so wish I could be in Minnesota today to hug, cry and remember with family and friends.  But I send my love from the north and can't wait to see you all soon.

Love you so so much Callen.