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Yeah, I can't believe it either. We had driven out to our homesite almost a month ago now to check on the progress of our home. It should have been nearly perfect at that point. We were in complete shock when we pulled up to see: huge dents in one of the garage doors, a huge hole on the master side near the shower, touch ups that were still going to need touched up, a 1-inch gap in the door frame on the ensuite side, a driveway repour that still needed to be redone for a third time because it was now a total fall hazard, and this was just on the outside. We paid more for an elevation with stone and it looked nothing like that of our neighbors' with the same color scheme. We knew that there could be variation, but this looked bad, real bad. I was in tears and just very panicky until we were able to get in touch with our new home consultant. I was also not happy that they had already installed some carpet before bringing in the appliances. Apparently, this area we were moving to gets wind gusts of up to 90 mph and can damage a garage door like an aluminum can! I cannot be worrying about replacing garage doors every time there is a monsoon storm.

We were in disbelief. We had worried feelings when the initial pour of the foundation was a bad mix of concrete and it had to be torn up, the post-tension redone, etc. The lot sat untouched for nearly 2 months. Maybe it was just a bad omen. Maybe we were getting the tired crew at the end of the day. Maybe it was because we did not have multiple family members buying within the same development. Maybe it was because I wasn't schmoozing the new home consultant with Omaha steaks. Who knows?! We backed out 2 weeks before our move date! Who does that? I guess, we do. We both just could not stomach buying something that was not of quality. They had so much time and were now rushing to get it all done. Initially, we were told that we wouldn't be getting our earnest monies back, but a friendly letter to the biggest home builder in the U.S. changed that. Had to make a lot of phone calls to undo things. The company that was purchasing our current home was understanding and had no issues with them, but then I started to receive final notices in the mail last week for some of our utilities.

Even though we never made any calls to our utility companies, they had, even after we cancelled our contract! So, the budget rate saver plan that we've been on for 15+ years was taken off of our account. After paying that bill over a week ago, I was being asked to pay again for certain service dates. When I asked when these calls were made, two utility companies would not share that info. However, my city, the one that I was ready to move away from had our backs. They were not going to do anything without seeing a copy of the closing document. When I called them and learned that, I gave them huge praise. I think I should send those gals a treat for helping me to avoid another headache. I did not realize a company could trump a homeowner like that, but I am learning. It was a good thing that I had called our electricity provider because they were about to shut it off power here! I guess they just figured out mail would be forwarded to the new address and we would pay. I still cannot believe there are not more measures in place to make sure a sale has actually gone through. With our city, the request was made a week after we cancelled contract though, so it sort of feels like a retaliatory response from the company because we backed out.

The kiddos are disappointed, we are disappointed, and I am still unpacking. A few weeks prior, we had met the mother and stepdad of the neighbors who moved in next door to us. We were both out early one morning. They were checking on their daughter's lot and we walked over to meet each other. They were really nice and lived nearby. We talked to them for an hour in the heat! She shared that her daughter had lost twin boys a few years ago and she was pregnant with a rainbow. We would have had a lot to talk about. Also, this mother had boys, ages 12 and 11. I KNOW, would have been great playmates for my guys. It was all coming together, sort of. We do not have plans to move. The plan is to stay put and do upgrades as we can. I was hoping to avoid a pool remodel, but that too will need to happen down the road. I guess now I should be going to look at the available plots at the cemetery near the RV park. This is it. Trying to see the positives though. Hubby still works 1 mile from home. We will have it paid off in a couple more years. We might be able to purchase a condo or something for T down the road if that is what he needs. It will be okay.

T started his online program last week and one of his teachers is local, so that is neat.  My middle child announces to everyone that he is now in middle school. He loves being a tween. He is busier now with 4 music lessons/wk (2 guitar/2 drum). I need to keep him busy. I told him that yesterday was his EDD and what that meant. He was totally fascinated at the thought that yesterday could have been his birthday. He then wanted chocolate cake, so that sort of back-fired. He gets it though, he is older and understands that he came early. D is doing well too. We have him in high school Spanish and he is enjoying his guitar lessons. I am hoping he will want to continue after the group session ends.

Well, 17 years ago, I was student teaching. My mentor teacher was in a hospital with pneumonia and it was all me. I remember turning on the news that morning and the first tower had been hit. I got up to get a second cup of coffee when the second plane hit. I called my parents to have them turn on the tv. They get the newspaper and I knew they would both still be in the kitchen unknowing about what was happening. I remember going to work, parking in the staff lot, and immediately locking eyes with another teacher. We both had a worried look on our faces. Somehow, I got through that day with my students and staff. I was being evaluated that afternoon by my university supervisor too. Those students are in their early 30s now. Hugging my family tightly today and sending my thoughts and prayers to so many others on this day of remembrance.