Updates: We didn't get the house. The couple came into some money and, therefore, do not have to sell. Although I am sad we didn't get it, I am happy for them that they get to keep their home. They were a young couple with two little ones and something had happened. I am grateful the Lord looks out for others and that, maybe in some way, our offer helped them to get the money they needed to save their home. Hopefully every thing works out for them. Unfortunately for us, the search starts all over again. We are going to try to go out tonight to look again. Round Two...
We went over to a gal's house last week to have a play date. Oh my goodness! She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met, a truly genuine person. She also has one of the most amazing homes I have ever seen! The girls were having a blast playing in her pool with a water slide and a HUGE replica of Bruce from finding Nemo (Disney donated it for an auction they went to and her husband bought it). I talked with her and some other ladies while the girls played in the pool. It was fun getting to know people from church.
We went out to dinner with a couple that live right across from us last week. They took us to Joe's BBQ (Bethany, if you are reading this, it was the Joneses. They took us there because you took them there) in downtown Gilbert. It was very good. It was funny because we asked them what brought them to Arizona and he told us he recently had open heart surgery. I started laughing (not because that is a funny thing, but because it is coincidental) saying that David had had heart surgery as well. They started talking and come to find out, they both have a defibrillator. What are the chances? He has a different heart condition than David, but what a small world. I think this makes David feel a little younger knowing that he is not the only bionic man in these parts who doesn't get the senior discount!
I am sad that the Olympics are over. It basically ruled our life for two weeks. The opening ceremony was phenomenal. I can honestly say, in all of my years of watching the Olympics, that it was the most incredible thing I have ever seen. I believe they said that China spent over 40 billion dollars (correct me if I am wrong) on the Olympics. Holy cow! It truly was a feast for the eyes and hearts. It was educational learning more about their people and beautiful country. I have a friend who teaches in Beijing and she loves it over there (well, minus the pollution). Some of my favorite parts were watching different people eating fried centipedes and scorpions (I was pretty grossed out by the starfish, however). I cannot say as that would be something I would try, but it is interesting none the less. If they are eating those for snacks, I wonder what they think of our fattening food? They probably don't think about it. Again, I am sad it is over. It was fun having the girls cheer for Michael Phelps and having Bo mention him in her prayers. All in all, it was a enjoyable and proud time and one I will not soon forget.
And lastly, a story from last night: After we allowed our girls to stay up late to watch the closing ceremonies, we turned off all of the lights to save electricity. David wants the girls to get used to the dark in a positive way (they are already much braver than I ever was. They get excited about thunder and lightening because David made it fun. I still hide in the closet). So, he decided that we would tell stories in the dark, happy stories. Of course, the closet light was turned on, but that is better than the overhead, right? He told the girls a story about how we met and, if you know David at all, it was a fairy tale. Apparently, he was walking through the forest and fell into a hole and I saved him by pulling him out. I knew I was good for him! Boo then told us a story about two princesses named Boo and Bo (their real names, of course). She told how they were playing and had horses and suddenly, there was a wolf and the "wolf ate the girls." I started laughing hysterically, under my breath. Bo could not have been more enthralled by Boo. She watched every move she made and had a little smile on her face. She asked, "What do I do, Sissy?" After she finished, Bo told her story. Watching both girls tell their own little stories was so beautiful. And, even though I couldn't understand too much of what Bo was saying because she was talking and acting quite demure, it touched me so much that I found myself in tears of joy. I may not be the best mom in the world (well, there is no "may," I certainly am far from that title), but I do love my girls. If they should ever read this somewhere down the road, I want them to know that I am so very proud of them and the sweet, caring, loving little ladies they have become. I only pray I get to continue this journey with them for many, many years to come (I would like to be in my 90s or older, preferably). It was a special time, holding David's hand and listening to the imaginations of our children. Thank you Heavenly Father for these amazing moments that may not mean much to anyone else, but mean the world to us!
Here are a few random pictures taken recently (and maybe not so recently, that I wanted to share because my mother told me to!)
Playing around.
More playing around. The girls were going crazy this night doing Kung Fu Panda like moves.
All the girls are here!
This is how I feel about mushed peas too!
The shock of eating something so disgusting...
