I am sitting here trying to decide what to write first--to complain about the ac issue or to tell you about picking up the kids. I'll start with the bad first so that I'll end on a positive note ;)
Soooooo, on Wednesday night I noticed that the thermometer upstairs was reading that it was hotter than the temperature it was set at. We keep ours at 72 and for two years that is what the AC kept it at. So when I noticed it was going up a little--at first just to 74--I figured I'd call someone sooner rather than later. I talked to Danny about it and he agreed I should call someone so I asked around and called. That phone call made me feel like the biggest idiot out there and sent me over the edge. The gentleman I spoke to, whether he meant to or not, talked to me like I was 5 and proceeded to explain that hot air rises so our upstairs is going to hotter. I explained that in the two years we've had this house its never happened like this before and he told me he could come out but he didn't think there was anything wrong. Well, I don't want to pay someone to come over and look at the AC if his mind is already made up that nothing is wrong. I just thanked him for his time, hung up, and started to bawl.
I'm not sure if it was that he made me feel stupid, which I absolutely hate, or if it was just the straw that broke the camel's back. I think it was a combination of the two, but at that point I was just upset/mad--whatever you want to call it--that I had one more thing to fix. To be honest, at this point I am sick to death of being "strong" and dealing with all the fix it issues, the yard, selling the golf cart, etc. All the things that are typically Danny's responsibility-- I don't want anymore. I am not Danny--things he does with ease--like even being able to explain what is wrong with the AC--are not easy for me. Danny, like always, talked me off the ledge so to speak. He called some AC people for me and he walked me through some of the things to check to make sure it wasn't something I could do myself. There are moments during a deployment where I am so proud that I can do things on my own and revel in proving that I can make it. However, this wasn't one of them.
At any rate--the AC people he called gave him the run around too and said there was probably nothing wrong. But, last night and today it got up even higher upstairs. So I called another company and they are finally sending out someone tomorrow. I am praying its an easy and relatively cheap fix.
Now onto the good news--the kids are home!! If I had any doubts about whether or not I should have sent them, they were erased when I picked them up this morning. Neither of the kids wanted to leave and both of them asked me right away if they could come back next summer. They talked for about a half hour about the things they did, before Bryce fell asleep LOL. They have talked almost all day about the things that happened at camp. They got to pet snakes (they loved it), go tubing down the river, zip line, flying squirrel, rock wall climb, slide down a waterfall, swim in a pond, look for gold in a creek, make some great friends, and do KP (Jace actually liked doing this). They keep singing songs that watched the counselors perform--its awesome. The counselors said both kids did fine--their only comment about Jace was he was extremely hard to wake up in the morning (just like his Daddy) and Bryce was a sweetheart and helped a girl that was really homesick decide to stay. I do have to say though--both kids look like they have grown over the last week. I guess I better start researching camps for next year--the kids are so revved up to go again :)
Family Photo 2011
Just before the deployment
Friday, July 20, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The kids are at camp!
So the day that I have been looking forward to since May finally arrived! Today I dropped the kids off at Camp Corral--a camp for military children sponsored by The Golden Corral. The big surprise? I didn't think it would be so hard for me to leave. I had a lump in my throat for about the first 40 minutes worrying if they'd be okay, did I pack enough for them, and going through some "what ifs" until finally I just gave it up to God. But I was really surprised at how hard it was considering how much I've been looking forward to 5 days of no tattling, no worrying about babysitters or dragging kids around--just some peace and quiet. It may sound a little bad that I have been looking forward to a break, but doing mom and dad duty is exhausting, and with no family close by, there aren't very many breaks to be had.
I could kick myself that I don't have any pictures to post of dropping them off, but after the 3 1/2 hour drive to camp and waiting in line to check in the kids weren't showing me some happy faces. Plus, I think the kids were a little unsure. Bryce has been excited about it like I have been. And why not--I mean they get to go zip-lining, and something called a flying squirrel, and do a lot of other adventures. Heck, I wish I was young enough to go! Jace, on the other hand, hasn't been dreading it, but he has been a little hesitant about wanting to go. So at first there weren't any pics because I didn't want and pics of pouting kids.
The pouting changed pretty quickly once we got to their cabins. They were so excited!! They barely wanted to wait for me (but they had to). We went to each cabin to check in and the kids picked out bunks--I was so happy there was a friendly kid in each of their cabins that welcomed them and said hey--sleep next to me! As soon as that happened we couldn't get their luggage fast enough. I was supposed to help them unpack and get settled, but neither of them wanted my help. I left Bryce organizing her bed and luggage and walked Jace to his cabin where I tried to help him get settled. I got him to make his bed up. Then the cabin counselor told him their swim time was coming up if he wanted to go get his swim suit on--and he grabbed it and left without saying goodbye! What a stinker ;) I was just happy to see them happy. Until I got to the car and almost started crying....almost. Now to plan my week--maybe I can work in a pinterest project or two :D
I could kick myself that I don't have any pictures to post of dropping them off, but after the 3 1/2 hour drive to camp and waiting in line to check in the kids weren't showing me some happy faces. Plus, I think the kids were a little unsure. Bryce has been excited about it like I have been. And why not--I mean they get to go zip-lining, and something called a flying squirrel, and do a lot of other adventures. Heck, I wish I was young enough to go! Jace, on the other hand, hasn't been dreading it, but he has been a little hesitant about wanting to go. So at first there weren't any pics because I didn't want and pics of pouting kids.
The pouting changed pretty quickly once we got to their cabins. They were so excited!! They barely wanted to wait for me (but they had to). We went to each cabin to check in and the kids picked out bunks--I was so happy there was a friendly kid in each of their cabins that welcomed them and said hey--sleep next to me! As soon as that happened we couldn't get their luggage fast enough. I was supposed to help them unpack and get settled, but neither of them wanted my help. I left Bryce organizing her bed and luggage and walked Jace to his cabin where I tried to help him get settled. I got him to make his bed up. Then the cabin counselor told him their swim time was coming up if he wanted to go get his swim suit on--and he grabbed it and left without saying goodbye! What a stinker ;) I was just happy to see them happy. Until I got to the car and almost started crying....almost. Now to plan my week--maybe I can work in a pinterest project or two :D
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Next time we buy a house...
So in the two years since we've bought this house I have been learning about a lot of things I need to make sure I watch out for next time. I keep saying I'm going to write them down but haven't actually put them down on paper. I keep thinking I'll remember them when I get around to doing it, but I know my memory isn't that good.
I started thinking about my house buying list again today because I was woken up early ( a lot earlier than I wanted) to the neighbors building a fence. First, let me explain why this is upsetting. The lot next to us was not developed for about a year after we moved in, and only after Danny and some other neighbors help clean it up from the hazardous pit it that it had become. The lot never looked big enough for them to build on, but the minute it was clean up, they started developing it. When they started developing it, they added about 2 to 3 feet of height to the lot making it so that their back yard is practically level with the top of our fence. The whole time during the building process Danny kept talking to the builder and contractor about his concerns with how they built it up and connecting to our fence. There are some other minor issues about how much we had to pay for our fence, the fact that the builder didn't even give us a courtesy notice to let us know they'd be doing it, etc. At any rate, Danny did not want them building on the fence and since he was gone it was my job to enforce it--not something I'm good at.
So at 7:30 this morning when I'm woken up by the sound of them using an auger to dig the post holes I run outside were I meet up with the other neighbor who is concerned about them using her fence and we get into a discussion. I found out some useful things. One, no one has any clue where the property lines are--including the fencing contractor. Two--no one was given a survey map at closing. And three--the real estate agent/developer/builder are no help at all and are quite rude. So, my neighbor takes on the task of getting a hold of Jag, while I get a hold of Danny and a surveyor.
By lunch I have found out that there is some friendly fence clause in some sort of document--not sure which--that allows builders to just use a fence on the property line without asking. I have also found out that our fence is on the property line--I got lucky and found a great surveyor (by chance) who gave me a good military discount and I now have my property dimensions.
So there is nothing we can do about the fence--unless I wanted to take it down and move it fully onto my property. Not saying it wouldn't have happened if Danny was here because he was pretty hot after the way the realtor spoke to him, but we probably won't worry about it after he comes back. On the positive side, I no longer have to worry about when the fight about how they build the fence is going to come (because I knew it was going to come at some point) and its over and decided. I am also happy that I know my property dimensions since the fencing guy tried to tell me that my fence was actually on the neighboring lot.
So, while I'm thinking about it I'm going to start my list of things to remember next time we buy a house. Feel free to chime in with anything you've learned the hard way.
1. Research the builder--do not take the realtor's word that they are a long respected community based builder.
2. Research the realtor--if possible find someone I already know and trust. Definitely make sure my realtor isn't from the same company as the realtor trying to sell the house.
3. Make sure to negotiate to have them put up gutters. I never remember to look for gutters until after the first heavy storm.
4. Have it in writing and in the contract that there will be a 30 day walk through for cosmetic and other issues. My builder washed his hands of us the minute we walked out of closing. Don't take the realtor's word for how its standard operating procedure.
5. Have it in writing that there will be a walk through 30 days before the end of the year.
6. Get all phone numbers for the people to call when something doesn't work within that year before signing closing paperwork.
7. When in closing do not let the attorney try and rush you through the paperwork and don't assume that just because it was part of the contract that the builder and closing attorney are making sure you get it. For example--contract stated the builder agreed to a 2/10 warranty. I saw a home owner's warranty--asked if it was the 2/10--was assured it was, signed it like an idiot--needed the 2 year wall to wall warranty, went to get it and realized it was just the 10 year structural. And there is nothing I can do about it but make sure I read everything with a fine tooth comb next time.
8. build the fence inside my property line.
9. Make sure I get any HOA paperwork at closing so I don't have to beg for a month to get it.
10. Make sure I get a plot survey of my house at closing.
11. Get a landscaping diagram of the sprinkler system.
Okay--I think that's it for now. I'm sure there is more but I'll add it to the list as I remember or learn about them.
I started thinking about my house buying list again today because I was woken up early ( a lot earlier than I wanted) to the neighbors building a fence. First, let me explain why this is upsetting. The lot next to us was not developed for about a year after we moved in, and only after Danny and some other neighbors help clean it up from the hazardous pit it that it had become. The lot never looked big enough for them to build on, but the minute it was clean up, they started developing it. When they started developing it, they added about 2 to 3 feet of height to the lot making it so that their back yard is practically level with the top of our fence. The whole time during the building process Danny kept talking to the builder and contractor about his concerns with how they built it up and connecting to our fence. There are some other minor issues about how much we had to pay for our fence, the fact that the builder didn't even give us a courtesy notice to let us know they'd be doing it, etc. At any rate, Danny did not want them building on the fence and since he was gone it was my job to enforce it--not something I'm good at.
So at 7:30 this morning when I'm woken up by the sound of them using an auger to dig the post holes I run outside were I meet up with the other neighbor who is concerned about them using her fence and we get into a discussion. I found out some useful things. One, no one has any clue where the property lines are--including the fencing contractor. Two--no one was given a survey map at closing. And three--the real estate agent/developer/builder are no help at all and are quite rude. So, my neighbor takes on the task of getting a hold of Jag, while I get a hold of Danny and a surveyor.
By lunch I have found out that there is some friendly fence clause in some sort of document--not sure which--that allows builders to just use a fence on the property line without asking. I have also found out that our fence is on the property line--I got lucky and found a great surveyor (by chance) who gave me a good military discount and I now have my property dimensions.
So there is nothing we can do about the fence--unless I wanted to take it down and move it fully onto my property. Not saying it wouldn't have happened if Danny was here because he was pretty hot after the way the realtor spoke to him, but we probably won't worry about it after he comes back. On the positive side, I no longer have to worry about when the fight about how they build the fence is going to come (because I knew it was going to come at some point) and its over and decided. I am also happy that I know my property dimensions since the fencing guy tried to tell me that my fence was actually on the neighboring lot.
So, while I'm thinking about it I'm going to start my list of things to remember next time we buy a house. Feel free to chime in with anything you've learned the hard way.
1. Research the builder--do not take the realtor's word that they are a long respected community based builder.
2. Research the realtor--if possible find someone I already know and trust. Definitely make sure my realtor isn't from the same company as the realtor trying to sell the house.
3. Make sure to negotiate to have them put up gutters. I never remember to look for gutters until after the first heavy storm.
4. Have it in writing and in the contract that there will be a 30 day walk through for cosmetic and other issues. My builder washed his hands of us the minute we walked out of closing. Don't take the realtor's word for how its standard operating procedure.
5. Have it in writing that there will be a walk through 30 days before the end of the year.
6. Get all phone numbers for the people to call when something doesn't work within that year before signing closing paperwork.
7. When in closing do not let the attorney try and rush you through the paperwork and don't assume that just because it was part of the contract that the builder and closing attorney are making sure you get it. For example--contract stated the builder agreed to a 2/10 warranty. I saw a home owner's warranty--asked if it was the 2/10--was assured it was, signed it like an idiot--needed the 2 year wall to wall warranty, went to get it and realized it was just the 10 year structural. And there is nothing I can do about it but make sure I read everything with a fine tooth comb next time.
8. build the fence inside my property line.
9. Make sure I get any HOA paperwork at closing so I don't have to beg for a month to get it.
10. Make sure I get a plot survey of my house at closing.
11. Get a landscaping diagram of the sprinkler system.
Okay--I think that's it for now. I'm sure there is more but I'll add it to the list as I remember or learn about them.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Far from home
Wow I can't believe it's been so long since I have blogged. It isn't because I've lacked the opportunity. I've just been lazy. In fact, I spent the whole weekend in either a swimsuit or my pjs. I've actually been doing that quite a lot. I feel like my life has been dealing with extremes--it's either I'm extremely busy or extremely lazy. I'm trying to learn moderation but so far it's not working so well ;).
So lately I've really been feeling how truly far away from home I am. You would think I would be used to it by now. Almost 11 years of being an Army wife plus the 4 years I was in the Army before I got married means I haven't been close to home for almost 15 years now. I haven't been home for a summer since 2003. I carry a huge sense of guilt that I haven't been home more often. My family never makes me feel guilty for not coming home, but I still feel it. I try and think of it in that even though I haven't been home that often, they haven't been to see me much either, but that doesn't really help the guilt either.
Maybe it isn't so much guilt as much as I feel that I'm loosing opportunities. Opportunities for my kids and my brothers' kids to get close. Opportunities for my kids to know their great grandparents and grandparents. Opportunities for my kids to know what South Dakota is like in the summer.
I've been a little envious of friends who have family close or visit often. I have friends who have parents that are able to take the grandchildren for a weekend, week, and some for even a month. I don't need them to take the kids, but it sure would be nice for them to have some of the same experiences that I had.
This weekend I've been feeling especially guilty because I had planned to go to South Dakota at the end of the month, but decided this weekend to not go. It really started to hit me that I would be traveling over 24 hours by myself with the 2 kids--both ways. Plane tickets are outrageous. Add that to the fact that Jace has a football camp starting sooner than I thought (so less time at home). I mentioned it all to Danny and he expressed his concern about me traveling alone with the kids, so with our combined concern I figured it's better for me not to go. I did make him promise we would go next summer though. ;)
Now I just need to break it to my family.
So lately I've really been feeling how truly far away from home I am. You would think I would be used to it by now. Almost 11 years of being an Army wife plus the 4 years I was in the Army before I got married means I haven't been close to home for almost 15 years now. I haven't been home for a summer since 2003. I carry a huge sense of guilt that I haven't been home more often. My family never makes me feel guilty for not coming home, but I still feel it. I try and think of it in that even though I haven't been home that often, they haven't been to see me much either, but that doesn't really help the guilt either.
Maybe it isn't so much guilt as much as I feel that I'm loosing opportunities. Opportunities for my kids and my brothers' kids to get close. Opportunities for my kids to know their great grandparents and grandparents. Opportunities for my kids to know what South Dakota is like in the summer.
I've been a little envious of friends who have family close or visit often. I have friends who have parents that are able to take the grandchildren for a weekend, week, and some for even a month. I don't need them to take the kids, but it sure would be nice for them to have some of the same experiences that I had.
This weekend I've been feeling especially guilty because I had planned to go to South Dakota at the end of the month, but decided this weekend to not go. It really started to hit me that I would be traveling over 24 hours by myself with the 2 kids--both ways. Plane tickets are outrageous. Add that to the fact that Jace has a football camp starting sooner than I thought (so less time at home). I mentioned it all to Danny and he expressed his concern about me traveling alone with the kids, so with our combined concern I figured it's better for me not to go. I did make him promise we would go next summer though. ;)
Now I just need to break it to my family.
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