Tired

I am exhausted!! We have been so busy settling in and unpacking our myriads of stuff. We lost some important hardware for the boys' beds in the move (among other things...), so we just got around to setting them up yesterday (after 2 trips to Home Depot) only to discover...that they didn't fit! There was no way to lay both beds out in their room, which is much smaller than their previous one, without leaving no space to walk through the room.

Thus, we were forced to set up bunkbeds, which we really did not want to do until they were much older. We did not put together the ladder to minimize problems and possible Zakkai-danger, so Ben has to lift Samuel in and out of the top bunk. He was really scared when we first showed him the beds but now he loves it! As soon as we get our internet, I will post pics!

But as we were assembling the beds, I had to hold one in place so Ben could lift it on top of the other (not an easy thing to do by yourself! but, then again, he is my big strong man:). He really did not want me helping at all but there was no way around it. The bed slipped and I caught the brunt of it on my arm but must've strained some muscle because I had to lay on the couch as much as possible for the rest of the day. The pain in my lower belly ligaments was so bad that I almost went to the hospital, worried that something was really wrong. But we prayed a lot, I drank massive amounts of water and rested all afternoon and through the night and feel much better today. The baby is still active and letting me know that he/she wants me to take it easy!

But then we had to go start cleaning our old apt today:) We spent about 2 hours there this afternoon, scouring the kitchen and bathroom and windows but still have more to do tomorrow. The boys were a big help, playing hide and seek in the closets and racing their cars:) 

After these past 6 days, I must agree with Ben that "Move is a 4 letter word!" But, despite that, we still love this place and this neighborhood so much! Can't wait to introduce you to it!

Alive and Movin'!

I'm alive!! So sorry to be a spotty blogger:) We had an absolute insane few days this past weekend, getting ready for and actually moving! With the help of wonderful, selfless friends and family, we were able to get everything done in about 6 hours on Saturday. There is absolutely NO way we could've done it without any of them! 

We have been humbly awakened to how much stuff we have! I thought I was doing a good job getting rid of things before we moved but I guess I was wrong! As we unpack, we are still making a big effort to throw away and give away as much as we can. The thought of moving again makes us tremble in fear:)

We are making great headway at getting organized and settled in. We absolutely love this place so far! It is so warm and cozy with the wood floors and woodwork, the neighborhood is so much quieter and really nice, the landlords are so friendly. I am crazy about my pantry that I just organized today:) I've never in my life had such a thing but it's amazing! It is an absolute necessity considering the lack of cabinet space we have.

We grilled out on our front porch for our first night together as a family last night. (our families were still here on Sat night). It was bliss:)

Today I actually walked to get Samuel from school! We only get to experience about 6 days of the easy commute to school but so far it's great! Samuel and I stopped at this really neat Polish/Ukranian bakery on the way home and got a couple baked goods as a treat. I just might get fat if I stop there too often!

The boys are doing pretty well, although definitely adjusting. Usually that means some extra behaviors and time-outs but it was a huge weekend for them and I think they will love it here, too. I will post pics when it no longer looks like a tornado blew threw and when we get internet, which will be next Monday. Be patient if the posting is spotty until then:)

So despite pouring rain Saturday morning, running out of boxes and having to use lots and lots of trash bags for our stuff, U-haul gypping us out of our truck we requested and the threat of illness hanging over us (B and I escaped the stomach flu~Yea!), we are moved...safely and happily. Thank you, Lord!

And thank you to all of you who helped. We are SO thankful:)

M-Day

Well, M-day is finally on us! I woke up yesterday raring to go with errands and details....only to have Zakkai stumble out of the bedroom, flushed with fever and rubbing his sick tummy:( He was so incredibly pathetic all day, quiet and teary and so unlike himself. You can always tell when he is really sick because his spunky personality is sadly in hiding. He was feeling a bit better before bed and was able to eat a little soup. I am really hoping he'll be much better today and praying with all of my heart that Ben and I do not get this!!! I have lysoled and clorox wiped and laundrified and boiled cups and everything I can think of to kill germs!

Of course, there isn't too much to lysol since most of it is packed up:) And of course the boys don't want to play with any of the toys that are still out; they want to play with the ones that I've already boxed up! They keep begging me to un-tape boxes and get out certain toys. Right...

We have family coming in today to come help move and watch two busy boys and many preparations to be made! I will keep you updated when I can but don't be surprised if you don't hear from me for a couple of days!

See you on the flip side:)

Patience and Stress

I used to be a very patient person a long time ago. People said, "Heidi, you are so patient!" And I was. 'Was' being the key word.

I'm not sure what happened to my patience. I think Chicago killed it. And then I had some children. And then I got pregnant and the hormones are raging. And my patience is gone. Gone like the wind! (And there is plenty of wind here...) I snap at crazy drivers, I am short-tempered with the boys, I got really angry at the lady who scraped my car last week (WHILE I WAS IN IT) and then tried to drive away and pretend nothing happened, and on and on....I hardly recognize myself!!

On the serious side, though, I felt really bad because I was snapping at the boys a lot this afternoon, feeling tired, feeling the stress of 2 days left before moving and my house looks like the mafia hit it (I'm not really sure what the mafia does to houses but use your imagination!), trying to figure out how to "clean it" for one last House Group hurrah tomorrow (so sorry, my friends, but I don't think the cleanliness part is going to happen!), so many phone calls to make, worrying about silly things and worrying about big things...

There is a lot going on right now but I know that is no excuse to be snapping at my boys like a turtle. They are affected by the changes just like we are and that's probably why they are bugging a bit more than usual! I apologized to them tonight and when we prayed before bed, I asked for forgiveness for my grumpiness. How am I supposed to set a good example for my buddies, if I'm all grouchy and short-tempered?

Let me tell you something about kids though. They are full of grace. They do not hesitate to forgive and move on. I am continuously humbled by their love for me. Love I do not deserve!! I am so thankful for them and I really hope that I can be more patient tomorrow, even with the stresses looming over me.

"Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness...." Just a few things for me to work on!

New Do!

For the first time in 15 months...I escaped the house (wait! let me finish!) and sat in a chair and had my scalp massaged, my hair blow-dryed (they dried it before they cut it!) and my hair cut. It was nice. Very nice. Except for the part where the girl blow-dryed AND straightened (my already stick-straight hair) for over an hour before Olivelli (the hair dude) could cut it. He did pronounce my hair very beautiful several times which made up for it though:)

I have never had such a long hair cut in my life! But I'm very happy with it and I have to be happy...for another year! Who can afford to get their haircut these days?!

My summer-do: short and layered.


And to my surprise, my hair-picky husband, loves it!! He has complimented me all day:)

Now if only my hair could stop growing for the next several months....
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In other news, Samuel is much, much better today! He was pretty puny still this morning but perked up throughout the day as he got more food in his system and another nap. He should be himself tomorrow and then it's back to school! The rest of us are still feeling pretty good so I am very thankful, although Zakkai did try to claim that he was sick. I didn't buy it considering he is the picture of health!

The boys are driving.me.crazy. (one is particular) pulling things out of boxes that I have already packed. There are certain boxes I can pack but can't tape up until the last minute and those are the ones where Zak...ahem, a certain boy, discovers his new "treasures." I seriously had to chase him out of a few boxes 64 times today and then I threw up my hands, gave up packing and herded my children outside where they amused themselves squirting the ground with long-lost squirt guns (a box treaure). It's a wonder I get anything done!

Cause you know I'm working hard all the time and not doing ridiculous things like..going off and wasting time getting beautified. Ahem.