So, What's Your Story?

It was much needed... It was well deserved... It was so much fun... And now...

I AM EXHAUSTED!!!!!!!!!!!!

When did having so much FUN become so tiring? Oh yeah... when I went and got OLD. Ok, ok... I'm not "old," but I feel like it! Here's what kicked my hiney...

I went to Dallas (Plano, to be exact) to meet up with my very best and dearest friend Amy. She lives in Oklahoma (don't worry - I'm constantly trying to get her back to Texas!), and the only half-way point that made sense was Dallas. We went ahead and made it Plano because Bill was going there for a golf tourney and to stay with his sister for the weekend. He dropped me off at our very swanky, funky, and uber cool destination - the NYLO hotel. It's ultra modern and contemporary. Totally NOT kid friendly. Get my drift? NO KIDS ALLOWED. Friday night was pretty easy going - it basically included us visiting, laughing until our eyes were tear-filled, and just enjoying our time together. I don't think we've had alone time to just visit since before we had children! *GASP!* And she's got a 7 1/2 year old! So, um, it's been a while!

Our grand plans to sleep in since we had no children for the weekend were completely and totally foiled as we both woke around 7. Try as we might... sleeping in just wasn't going to happen! Stinkin' internal mommy clock... grrrrrr...

So, we lazily got ready - without changing a diaper, preparing breakfast, separating bickering children - and we went and had the breakfast of champions: Krispy Kreme and Starbucks! Yeah, BABY!!!! After "fueling up" we headed for some shopping at the outlet mall. We found Amy a super cute dress to wear to her husband's 20 year class reunion... the rest of our shopping? Yep.

You guessed it... for the kids. *rolling eyes*

We feasted on lettuce wraps at Pei Wei then continued our shopping at Kohl's. If you know me, you know I. Heart. Kohl's. It's a rule that I must go to one when we are out of town since we don't have one at home. We enjoyed our shopping time, and when we went out to the car we made an important decision: Time to remove the T tops and cruise. You have to understand... this dates back to a certain perfect day about 12 years ago when we were driving around in her not-yet-husband's '78 Trans Am with the T tops off, the music loud, and the sun on our faces. We basically relived that day. And, to top it off, "My Sharona" was on the radio. It couldn't have been more perfect for us - and the dorks that we are!

After our cruising session, we had dinner at Macaroni Grill where our waiter sang to us an Italian prayer and gave us tiramisu on the house - complete with flowers for both of us. We had him tell us about himself, and it was just so interesting! We decided right then and there that the rest of the evening was going to include getting people to "tell us their story." So - we now had a mission. After some dorky pics and getting back to the room for some grooming, we went to The Loft down in the lobby. Kind of an oxymoron, no? Anyway - it's a funky place that includes an outside area with lounge chairs, a pool with a wall of fire behind it, and a hill with "mattresses" for lounging on. We got a foo-foo drink - a Cosmopolitan to be exact - and staked our claim. We laid under the stars (the 4 you can see in the middle of Plano), sipped our drink, and talked. It was the best time. Then the DJ came over to talk to us. We asked him his story - very interesting. Then the 2 officers working the place came by - we asked them their stories - even more interesting! One of them shared the name Carey with me! After doing this throughout the night, Amy and I realized - if you just shut up and let people talk, their stories can be amazing! Where people come from, what their families are like, what they do for a living, what they WANT to do for a living... all very, very interesting stuff.

Amy and I ended up staying up until after 3 in the morning just talking about life in general. Sometimes reminiscing; sometimes talking about the present; sometimes talking about what we want in the future. And, sometimes, just enjoying one another's company in the silence. Doesn't matter what we say, where we are, what we're doing... Amy and I are forever a part of one another's lives, and sometimes we just have to take the time to enjoy a little part of our lives together - at the same time - so that our stories are a little more fun and include one another. Again, we woke early - that's just what mommies do. But this time I was sad... because I knew it was the morning I had to hug my friend good bye - and not know the next time I would get to hug her hello. But it's ok because she's always in my heart - no matter where I am or what I'm doing. She's my Amy.

Now then... I've bored you with mine... So, what's your story?

The Address Fiasco CONTINUES!

Seriously!!!

When the prospect of changing our street name came up, I thought for sure it would be impossible to get it done. I figured I HAD to give it a shot since we were having problem after problem with our address. That's when I got in contact with a very nice woman in the City Planning Department. She was more than cordial and, after taking a drive out here on her lunch, agreed that the street name definitely needed to be changed. That's when London Court was brought up. It was fine with me, and I called Bill to pass on the information. He said almost instantly, "What about Peacock Court?" Silence. "Seriously! Ask her. Call her back and ask her." After what seemed like an eternity of banter about the possibility, I called her back - for the simple fact that I could say I ASKED. As I assumed she would, she turned it down. But - hey - I ASKED!

Friday my phone rang, and it was the very pleasant woman from the City. "We're sending out the change notice, and it won't be London Court after all. We've decided on Peacock Circle." Much like the phone call with Bill - SILENCE. Then, "Um. What?" "That's right. Peacock Circle. I mentioned it to my superior when turning in the requisition, and he loved it!" Alrighty then. So - Saturday - on our 11th Anniversary - we get the notice that our street name (where our dream house now stands) will bear our name. Personally, I was embarrassed as all get out. Bill. Loved. It. We joked and laughed about it. How could we NOT?! Bill tells me, "Well, at least our kids will have no problem learning their address!" "Yeah," I retort, "and their teachers will all think they are LYING!" Chuckle, chuckle, snort, snort.

Monday the phone rings yet again with Miss Pleasant on the end of the line. "We have a little problem." Silence. (sound familiar?) "Someone has raised complaint with the name Peacock Circle." *Allow me to take a moment to remind you that WE ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO LIVE ON THIS CUL-DE-SAC!* "Ok, I said. I really can't believe Shawn (our one-day-neighbor) complained... we talked to him about it... he seemed ok..." "It wasn't Shawn," replied Miss P. "Oh. Ok. Well, thanks for calling."

Now here's the kicker... I really didn't WANT the street name to be Peacock Circle. It was - well - rather embarrassing. BUT... now that I know someone fussed about the name of a street that they don't even LIVE ON (the notice was sent to a few on Ashford DRIVE, as well)... that just chaps my hiney something fierce! Don't people have better things to do with their time than call the city to complain about a street name they don't live on? SIGH... whatever...

So - back to London Court it is... which I actually LIKE better. BUT - It will forever in our hearts be 605 PEACOCK CIRCLE... THE PLACE OF OUR DREAMS!

Home Sweet Home - The Pics!

Home Sweet Home

It's official. We. Are. HOME. And, in all actuality, we've been home since July 16th. It's been a mess of a thing, this move, but well worth it now that we're here!

The movers came on the morning of the 16th - we had gotten the boys up, we had scarfed some breakfast, gotten dressed... it was moving day! The movers loaded us up - took quite a bit longer than they expected (which was a good thing). As we pulled up, the carpet was just being finished on the stairs, so the movers got a 15 minute break. Amazingly, everything got moved in (well all of the things the movers were moving) without major problems/damage. I, as usual, was expecting the worst! This is all good news, RIGHT? Right. Ready for the bad? Here it comes... just 2 words... and those of you from Texas (or the South, respectively, will understand)...

No. A/C.

Yep, that's right... all moved in to our new home, and it literally felt like the pit of Hell - as far as heat goes, of course! So, after much contemplating, we made the decision to spend one more night in the Mayfair house. We made a pallet in the living room floor for Caleb, set up Connor's pack-n-play, and threw an old mattress in the living room floor to "have a camp out" with Caleb. We tried to make it fun for him - because it was pretty miserable for us! And here's the kicker on this topic... Grandma had taken Caleb to the movies so that we could work on moving that evening, and when they finished with the movie, he said, "Grandma, I think I'm gonna cry." "Why?" she asked, "Are you ok?" "Oh, yeah, Grandma. I'm fine. It's HAPPY tears that I want to cry." "Really? Why happy tears?" "'Cause we're going to sleep in our NEW HOUSE tonight!" At that point, her heart sank because she knew that wasn't going to happen. Thankfully, in our exhaustion, we were able to make it fun enough having a "slumber party" that he didn't mind a bit.

Back to the house... We were able to get the a/c fixed and officially move in (sleeping included) on the 17th. YAY!!!!

Now let me tell you about this address fiasco... Our new one: 605 Ashford Ct. Did you get that COURT on the end? Well, most people DON'T! Including utility companies, technicians, delivery personnel, you name it. There is a 605 Ashford DRIVE a stone's throw away, and the confusion has been more than a pain for the Peacock household! We almost didn't get electricity because they saw that 605 Ashford had service already - so why go set up a new box and start service? Luckily, my extremely with-it and on-top-of-things husband got the job done! Go, B! Same thing with cable... they argued with me that we had had service for 2 years - wouldn't listen when I told them the house was only 1 week old! *rolling eyes* The hits just keep on coming... especially with the electric company! We got 3 bills in 2 days... 1 for the last month on Mayfair, which is fine and expected - except for the $250 termination fee! We didn't terminate - we transferred! Then the 2nd bill... for a reading between 20,000kw and 22,000kw... kind of hard to get a reading like that from a BRAND NEW BOX! Funny thing... they read and billed us for Ashford DRIVE. Then the final one - billed for the correct address but for the wrong price/kwH. *rolling eyes* It's been ridiculous... especially the "nice" lady who basically told Bill he was lying and trying to get out of paying his bill! WHAT?!?!?! *sigh* It's all neither here nor there now since he finally talked to someone who would shut up long enough to listen. And, as for the name of the street - I've gotten it changed (after it goes through City Council), and our 2nd new address will be 605 London Ct. Hopefully, that will help!

Well, that's all for now... I've gotta run... our jacuzzi tub just arrived! (Yep, we've had a big hole in the bathroom just waiting.) However, I'll leave you with pictures of 605 Ashford...er...I mean London Ct!

7 Years and 2 Kids...

That's what I'm packing up in preparation for The Move.

And let me tell you... no matter what I get done, I feel like I've accomplished nothing. Nada. Zip... zilch... zero.

Could it be because as I'm packing Connor's closet I come across a bag full of cards... cards from Caleb's and Connor's baby showers. I can't help but read a few... just a few... ok, all of them - and cry. Tears of joy remembered and felt all over again. How amazing those times were - getting ready to welcome them to our family.

Could it be because as I'm packing drawers of STUFF I come across pictures of when we first moved in here. Pictures of our first Christmas here. Pictures of my babies when they were brought home. And, yes - of course this included some more tears!

Granted, there are no decorations in my living room. My china cabinet is empty. My cupboards are empty. My "pantry" is half empty. I've boycotted cooking for the next week and packed all pots, pans, and bake ware. There are 6 huge boxes sitting by the garage door, yet I feel like I've accomplished nothing. Why? I wonder...

I haven't moved in sooooo long. I forgot how moving really is. It is tiring. It is annoying. It is frustrating. It is tiring. It is difficult. It is no fun. Did I mention it's tiring? Exhausting, really. So far, all it has done is made me painfully aware of how organized I'm NOT and remind me how badly I wish I was!

Oh - and get this... movers are scheduled to be here bright and early Wednesday morning, and as of now, our new house isn't even completed!! Yep - you read right. No carpet. No tub. Back door has to be fixed where someone decided they wanted in really badly so they kicked it in, breaking the entire jam. Needless to say, we are crossing our fingers to get a certificate of occupancy by Wednesday so we can have electricity and gas turned on! Oh - this process... it's a crazy one!

Well, I guess I'd better get back to it... I'm no where near getting through these 7 years... maybe only 2 years of the way through. And I certainly haven't bundled all of what my 2 kids have added... I think that's more than the 7 years worth of stuff - FOR SURE!!!

Our July 4th Fun!

It Happened! It Really Happened!!!

What is IT, you ask? If you have to ask that question, we haven't talked in about 6 months! IT = we got a contract on our house!!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!! *insert goofy grinning smiley here*

It has been a tough couple - few weeks at the Peacock house. Stress, worry, and tension have been at an all time high. Then, this past Friday night, we went out with our good neighbor-friends for therapy night. They spent all of dinner reassuring us that it was going to be ok (much like everyone else in our lives - thank you all). I have to admit, by the end of the night, when we picked the kids up from church, I had a little better outlook and felt just a tiny bit more positive. Then we got home. 10:00 p.m. There was a message. It was from a couple who had looked at the house twice during the week, and they wanted to come for a third look the next morning. WHAT?! Bill and I had gotten to where we didn't say anything when someone wanted to look at the house. It used to be, "Maybe this is the one, Babe," or "I gotta good feeling this time." This time: nothing. We went about our night time routine (an hour and a half late), got the kiddos in bed, and went to bed ourselves. Apparently, both of our insides were stewing with "what ifs" and "maybes" because neither one of us slept. Matter of fact, we watched TV from 2 -4 a.m. Still, nothing was said about "it." No "maybe, Baby's." No nothin'.

Saturday arrived, as did the family of 4 who liked our house enough to want to see it for the 3rd time. Bill is great. He's just such a people person... he can talk to anyone. I love that about him. Even when a potential buyer is the new upper management of the "opposing" hospital in town! Caleb didn't know - nor care - who they were. All he knows is he's got his little heart set on his "new room!" So, as we're walking them to the door in closing of their 3rd visit, Caleb asks (not quietly), "Do they like it, Mommy? Are they gonna buy it?" All I could do was grin at his innocence and sincere curiosity. "I don't know, Baby. We'll see." Well, I guess they did and they are! About an hour later they called with the good news. About an hour after that their realtor called to get our information. This took it out of the surreal nook I had placed it in and spread it all out on the real table. At this point, Bill and could do nothing more than hug. Hug tightly. Hug so that our bodies could speak without words saying, "We're gonna be ok." We went on about our Saturday - Lowe's, lunch at DQ (yuck!), and Home Depot. We got THE call while at Home Depot that there was a contract, and it was ready for US. Needless to say, we zipped over to the office and signed that bad boy!!! (Even though I had a teeny tiny issue with one thing, I did just as my brilliant husband instructed: Shut up and sign.

And there you have it. It REALLY happened!! Even though (on my part, at least) just about all hope had faded, and I just knew God was answering this prayer with a NO, it happened. You know that whole thing about "Oh Ye of little faith?" Well, here I am... raising my hand, fessing up to that one - yet being blessed like I was faithful the entire time. *hanging head in shame*