One flew over...

It is insane at our house tonight. Is it a full moon or something? Our children are crazy - and as much as we love them, we need peace and quiet for 10 minutes! It has been non-stop for the last 3 hours. One thing after another. The only peace I had earlier was while I was making dinner, and Marcus took the kiddos for a bike ride. Madelyn now has her head in the toilet thinking she is going to "frow up, daddy!" She is actually spitting over and over, thinking she will eventually throw up. She gets so congested, she doesn't know how to deal with it all.

And Chase, what can I say? He is six and full of dumb ideas that he is convinced are brilliant! I can't believe the dumb trouble he gets himself into. It's amazing how little children think things through before they do something that will get them into sooooo much trouble.

They are the best kids, though! I wouldn't trade them for anything!!!!!

And the Winner Is...

Nealy!  I used random.org to randomly order the participants, and Nealy was the top person on the list once it randomly sorted!  Congratulations!  Now I bet you are wondering what you have won...

Well, I've been wondering that, too! :)  You get to pick:  a book to read, a photo album to look at, or a journal to write in?  Plus I need to get your address.  I know I had it, but I'm not sure where anything is right now!  Let me know, and I'll get your prize out in the mail!  Next time, I'll be more prepared!!!  Email me your choice and info at reb.mccoy@gmail.com.  Hope to talk to you soon!!!

Give Away - You know you want to enter!

Three days left to enter (I will pick a winner on 6/10/09)!

As we get ready to embark on Chase's first summer vacation, it has allowed me some time to reflect on the past year. I feel so blessed in so many ways. I like to make gratitude lists, so here's my list for today, that I will share with all of you! The instruction for give away entry are at the end of the post.

My Gratitude List - June 2, 2009

1. My husband. Without his support in my life, few things would be possible. I know he is a gift from God in my life.

2. Chase Benjamin. He teaches me so much about myself. My mom was right, I would get my pay-back with my own children for how I acted as a child!!! He forces me to adapt, and he shows me where I need to be stronger.

3. Madelyn Riley. I don't know what I would do if I were the only girl in the family. She is such a great combination of Marcus and myself. She makes me laugh everyday!

4. My job. I was promoted in January, which is quite a big deal considering the economic downturn in this country. I have learned so much from this job, no matter where I end up, I know I have a great foundation.

5. My extended family. My parents, step-parents, and in-laws are some of the most supportive people you could ever hope to know. And my sister, well, she's quite grown-up now! It's so wonderful to have an adult friendship with her where we no longer fight over friends and/or clothing!

6. My sobriety. I haven't discussed this much on this page, but I've been sober for over 5 years now. I can't imagine my life any different than it is today, and it is in great part due to the fact that I do not drink at all. This may boggle some of your minds, especially if you knew me back in the day, but not even a drop :)

7. My girls. I have never been one for "lots" of best friends. I tend to stick with just a few. And those of you who have stuck it out over the long haul - thank you! And those of you I'm getting back in touch with - I'm so glad. I have been saddened for a long time that I did not stay in contact with you. Thank goodness for Facebook, MySpace, and Blogger!!!

Remembering these things keeps me from going crazy on a daily basis! My friend from college, Emilie Wall, used to have me write a Psalm 23:6 List (another version of a gratitude list) because the verse it references is so important to remember

"Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

So here's the give away entry requirements: Add a comment that includes your personal Psalm 23:6 list and I'll have a great prize for the winner (to be drawn randomly of course)!

Our Trip to Wisconsin

My Grandparents, Buddy, and Doodle

Two weeks ago, Marcus and I, the kids took a long awaited trip to Wisconsin to visit my dad and stepmom, Linda.  It was a fantastic trip!  We had so much fun!  We played a lot of pool (I finally beat my dad - never happened in my life), some ping pong, and just had a very relaxing weekend.  I also got to spend some much needed time with my daddy!  I needed that; it's hard being so far away from grandpa and grandma for buddy and doodle, too!  I also got to see all of my aunts and uncles - first time in 7 years that we've all been together.  It was also great to see all of my cousins babies, and one of my older cousins finally got married after being with his girlfriend for over 5 years!  Congrats, Shawn!

Here are some pictures, and video.

My Dad (Grampa Dan) and Buddy building Legos

Grampa Dan, Gramma Linda, Buddy, and Doodle

I used to play with this buggy when I was little!

Doodle loved it!

My Grandpa explaining something to Marcus

Me and my grandparents - It was AWESOME seeing them!

And here's Miss Madelyn - she was a crazy dancer at the wedding!

We Got It! (For Now)

So here's an update on the house...

We put in an offer on a different house last week and found out yesterday that it went to someone else.  What a bummer!  But, I'm getting used to the rejection part of buying a house.  So I went home to have a fun night with my honey.  BBQ and a movie - there's nothing better!

At about 6:30 I got a phone call from our realtor that our offer on the short sale (the first house we made an offer on) was accepted by the bank.  What an emotional u-turn to make.  I was still bummed about the other house, but when I got the good news, I was so excited!  We are not in escrow yet - although the listing agent would love to do that - we should be sometime next week.  Buying a short sale is a long and involved process, and there are so many people that have to be involved.  So please say a prayer that if it is meant to be, it will all go smoothly.  I just want to be sure we get the right house, for the right price, and the right situation.  

I will definitely keep you posted!

We are STILL waiting on that house...

So it has been a week since I wrote my last post.  What a roller coaster it has been.  Our first offer was rejected.  I don't like being rejected.  I thought that once I got married that would all be over, but no, the housing market can be so cruel!

So we sat on that rejection for a couple of days, looked at some houses, prayed, and talked a lot about what we could do instead.  We kept coming back to that house.  That house.  That perfect, huge, great, wonderful house.  And it's not just that it's a great house; it would be OUR home.  The McCoy family home.  What a great thing to have for our children, instead of the thought that we will move every one or two years.  I want stability for them, and a house is a great way to do that.  Living in California, we thought we would never be able to own a home.  Then the market fell apart.  I am so glad we never tried to buy before.  God had a purpose in our waiting - even though it was hard, it was a great lesson in patience and trust in Him.  So what did we do?  We upped our offer by $20,000!!!!  Yes, that's a lot of money, but we did completely low-ball on the first offer.  So we made a new offer on Wednesday night and found out today that the seller will have a minor counter - hopefully no biggie - and by Monday it should be going off to the bank for approval.  Oh yeah, I don't know if I ever mentioned this house is a short-sale. If anyone has ever tried to buy a short sale you know the patience required.  Just because a seller accepts an offer, it doesn't really mean anything.  Their lender has to accept it as well and agree to all terms.  So hopefully Wells Fargo will see the offer, realize it's a good one, and will accept it.  

Thanks to Marcus serving in the Navy for 2 years, we get to utilize a great benefit - the VA loan.  That is the only loan right now that will give 100% financing, which is WONDERFUL!  Only bummer is that with the longevity of a short sale, the VA also adds 45 day escrow (15 days longer than "normal").  But all in God's time is what I say and lean on!  If this is His will it will happen; all I have to do is complete the action steps required!  It is comforting to know that I have no control over this situation!!!!!  Prayer would still be great though!  I will keep you posted!

Buying a House!!!!

I am so excited!  We started working with a realtor last Sunday and we found a house already that we absolutely love!  If you click on the title of this blog entry, it should take you to the listing!  I can't believe it, but we are qualified and we are going to write an offer tonight.  It has been a lot of work getting everything together, as I'm sure most of you know, but it has been so worth it.  I've spent a lot of time in prayer - waiting on God's leading - and He is leading us.  I have given up control, and am just basking in His calming grace.  What a good place to be!  It takes a lot of stress out of the whole situation!

Here's the only picture I have right now: 

I'll give you more details once I have some more!  Please pray for us!