Baby Girl's TPR Update and More

I found out earlier this week that Baby Girl's TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) Order was filed (which is a really good thing). However, several things were incorrect on the order which means it now has to be rewritten and re-signed by the judge. It could take several more months for all of that to happen (which is a not-so-good thing).

That means, instead of her being legally free for adoption by Christmas, it's looking more like February.

In other news, the people came back to look at our house for a 2nd time last night and are asking loads of questions about everything from plumbing (like we know those answers) to general home maintenance. We are hoping they will make an offer soon. Once we have an offer and an agreed price, Luke and I will begin discussing our options and whether we want to buy something else or rent for a while.

Lastly, Luke's Dad, step-mom and step-sister come in today for a long-weekend visit. The kids (and Luke and I) are so excited! We have big plans for the weekend that include Baby Girl's FIRST birthday party, soccer for Elizabeth and maybe a few family photos.

It's looking to be an awesome weekend.

Home For Sale

As you may know, we have our house on the market. On Sunday we had our second ever showing and the folks seem really interested. They are coming again tomorrow night for a second look and both our realtor and their realtor think they will make an offer.

I'm not getting my hopes real high. There are so many things that have to fall into place before we can kiss this pile 'o debt goodbye begin frantically searching for a new place live. We have to reach a negotiated price, there have to be no hang ups with the inspection or appraisal. They must secure a loan. And finally, closing must go through.

So, I'm trusting. Although it's really hard for me to think about moving from this house because I really love it so much, I know that putting our house on the market was an act of obedience. And if it is God's desire for us to be living someplace else by Christmas time, then we will.

Haggling...My 2nd Favorite Past Time

Today, Luke is off work. A week from tomorrow, we leave for a week long trip through the lovely state of Tennessee (all of it, it's a long state) and onto Arkansas. If you've been reading this blog very long, you know how I LOATHE our minivan. If you haven't been reading (or if you've forgotten) you can click here for a small sample of why.

At any rate, today Luke and I are going vehicle shopping. We have hired a sitter for the big kids, passed Baby Girl off to some friends and we plan on taking Baby D. This should be interesting. I LOVE to haggle prices. Luke HATES confrontation. Oh my, I cannot wait to tell you about our time shopping on used car lots. Because Luke and I do not "believe" in debt, we will be paying cash, plus trading our current heap of junk...er, I mean van.

Our budget is small.Very small, but I know that if it is God's desires for us to move up in the world of vehicles, then we will. We are looking for either a conversion van or a passenger van. I prefer something that I can move around in (so that I can help kids on the long trip), but a passenger van may be more practical since we are most likely NOT done adding to our quiver.

If you're a praying person, please pray that God would lead us to make a wise decision. Also, please pray for mercy on the poor salesman's soul when I..er, WE finally find the one we want. Have I mentioned I LOVE to haggle? Let the games begin.