The Bad with the Good

So, it has been forever since I posted an update, mostly because I have been waiting for something to happen. And now, after over 4 months of waiting from the bank, we have an answer. Unfortunately, the news isn't good. The bank did us the courtesy of approving the sale, but they decided to be a bit greedy and ask us to pay an additional $16,000 for it. Talk about crazy. They decided to increase the purchase price, just because they can. Never mind the fact that the house was advertised as a preapproved short sale and we were told by the listing agent that the price had already been approved and wouldn't be an issue. Let's add to all of this the fact that they still haven't given us the proper paperwork, even if we were going to take the house. We received a mistake-filled document from the title company and a blank signature page. Obviously, there was no way we were going to sign any incorrect documents. So, we asked for the completed paperwork and for the terms/changes to be spelled out. That was two weeks ago and we are still waiting. We are walking away. We are walking away from the only house we have truly fallen in love with. We are starting over.

But, while our housing situation is a complete nightmare, everyone is doing great. A quick update: Kes is finding her way in middle school. She has already been recognized by the staff as a stellar student and received an award at the last assembly for her academics and attitude (this award was based upon teacher votes). She is the lead set designer for the 6th grade drama team's musical production of Mary Poppins. She has been asked to be part of the honors choir, which will require a four night stay in Seattle for the annual music directors conference. She is on the 6th grade basketball team and trying out tonight for Panther Elite, a select basketball team led by the high school coaching staff. Plus, she is shining in all of her classes. Her grades are near perfect, which is good and bad. Unfortunately, due to the timing of our move, she was unable to get into any accelerated learning classes. So, the math she is learning is old to her - she learned it in 4th grade. In true Kes spirit, she would rather be challenged and learning than bored and aceing her classes. But, she has been placed in an additional math class to prepare her for prealgebra next year. We hope to have her tested this year to have her placed in more challenging classes next year.

Log is on the Junior Panther wrestling team and practicing three nights a week. It is a tournament team, so every Saturday we venture to some beautiful location in northwest Washington. He has his first tournament last weekend, and while he didn't win any of his matches, showed what hard work and determination look like. He didn't give up and kept on fighting, even when he knew his chances for success were slim. His competition was fierce and he is new to the sport at this level. He is suffering from a shoulder injury sustained at practice and might have to sit out this weekend, but hopes to recover in time. Log is working really hard in school, and his work is paying off. He is taking off in his reading and passing AR tests left and right. In the past, he hasn't really cared for AR. He is fine to just read the book and be done. But, at this school, to get credit for reading the book you have to pass the AR test. His teacher loves him and is glad to have him in her class. She commented at conferences that he is so polite, kind and respectful. And, when he makes a mistake or gets in trouble, he is quick to apologize and do better. He is making friends and enjoying his recesses with kickball and football friends. He is also making close friends with kids from scouts, which is great.

Life for Bryce pretty much revolves around driving big kids/sitting in cars/following mom. He has become obsessed with dancing in the car while we wait. He pops out of his seatbelt and turns up the music and dances until he is laughing too hard. He is doing preschool with me at home. Some days are better than others, but he is learning. He also has two weekly playdates with boys from the ward. At first, the boys didn't get along well (all youngest children). But now, they are excited to see each other and they play well together. Bryce spends most of his time at home on his bike or looking for frogs. The weather is starting to get cold, so those days are getting fewer. But, he caught two frogs yesterday and one is living in a bucket in our living room until after school, when he will be returned to the wild.

I have been busy with young womens, where I am the miamaid advisor. I haven't had the opportunity to serve in young womens since Kes was a baby. The girls are fantastic and we are having a good time. We had Young Women in Excellence last week and while I volunteered to make the refreshments, I was asked to be in charge of decorations. So, I channeled my inner Lindsay S. / Catherine P. and went to work. I think it turned out beautifully - think burlap covered jars filled with twigs, white dogwood flowers and thick black and tan striped ribbon. Plus, a brown and tan bunting and silhouettes of each girl (I had lots of help on these). The room looked fabulous and all of the decorations were graciously asked for by girls/leaders to take home. It was a proud moment for a girl like me, who isn't creative or crafty.

As always, JP is busy and working hard. He is doing really well and thriving. We see him a lot more and it is nice to have him home.

Well, it looks like I have just written our Christmas letter. Sweet. Stay tuned for more house drama as we try to get our earnest money back and begin the search for the right house!