I am in the house and painting!!!!!!

    So, here's what's happening...
Yesterday was amazing!  I have been given free reign to design, decorate, paint, and nest in our new house!  Garth is the homeowner and I can't tell you enough how kind and helpful he has been!  I gently suggested he enlist me to help with the renovations and offered my painting services.  We talked about my ideas for the color palette and curtains and on and on... He loved them!  So, yesterday the kids and I arrived with buckets of paint in one hand and all the necessary entertainment for them in the other. 
    I tackled the living room first.  (Before pictures will be posted soon!)  I puttied cracks and holes and scraped the old paint off the windows.  A crew Garth hired to expedite the remodel so we can get out of this hotel scraped old wallpaper and plaster off of the walls in the master bedroom upstairs.  Wow, talk about a dirty, dusty mess!  By the end of the first day the living room received a fresh coat of warm cream paint on the walls with a deep khaki color to set off the beautiful crown moldings and detailed woodwork.  Amazing!  To top off the rich walls...an antique oriental rug in rusts and golds with blue and green accents...  Our neighbor just happens to be the antique dealer on Main Street here in Minot and just happened to have the perfect rug in his garage nextdoor!  Garth knew about it and brought me over to meet Richard and to take a look at this carpet.  He bought it for us to put in the living room!  Didn't I say he was a nice man???? 
    Today is day two and we will head to the house shortly, though minus Gavin.  He's going to work with Luke today!  He is beside-himself-excited!  He needs some Dad time.  Drew and Paige will be my helpers (I'm trying to be positive).  It is a test of patience to be painting and working in the house with children in tow.  There is school on Monday, though!  Yeah!
    Keep checking back for lots of pictures....I will post them soon....befores AND afters, of coarse! xoxo

Pictures of the our rental home and the perfect home

Here's the source of my frustration!  It will be cute and charming when I'm done with it. xoxo

(It's the house in the middle with the barn style gables and blue trim.)

The Rental House

And the source of my sadness over unfortunate timing.

The House I Fell In Love With

It's amazing space.  The pictures will show you it's outdated interior, but there are maple floors underneath all that fuzzy carpet and 9' ceilings upstairs and down.  It is a beautiful and stately home.  When you walk in you are greeted by a substantial staircase and a living room complete with built-in bookcases and a bay window.  Ahhhh......  Someday. :)

The tears are finally here..I've been waiting...

    Remind me of the bright side...please!  I made a mistake today and I brought myself to tears.  It's been very hard to contact the homeowner from whom we'll be renting from.  Today I made contact!  But, my mistake was going to see another home today that's on the market for sale in hopes of being able to rent it.  No go.  It is the perfect four bedroom home that you can envision raising your children in until they leave the nest.  It was complete with...EVERYTHING.  And in the same neighborhood as the rental house.  I fell in love.  The price is right, the neighborhood, the yard, etc...etc...  But, we are not in a position to buy it right now.  We need a little more time with Dave Ramsey before we can buy here in Minot.
    The tears came when I saw the house we are going to be renting.  I was comparing it to this former home of a doctor with space galore...and it's no comparison.  It turns out our rental has only three bedrooms and I'm pretty sure our queen sized bed won't be moving in with us.  There is only one bathroom and currently most of it is sitting on the front porch.  Garth, a wonderfully kind man and our landlord, gave me a tour and pointed out all of the home's beautiful vintage charms, which I appreciate, and explained his plans.  I'm not so sure we will be moving in by the 1st of March, however.
    So, I have cried, and more tears may come, but what I need to do now is go down and talk to the front desk of the Best Western and inquire about a room being available after the 18th, which is next Friday.  As of right now we have to find another hotel until the first of the month.  Oh, and Uhaul called today wondering where their truck is.  I've been trying to call them since Monday, but they must be Grand Central Station because their line is always busy!  The Uhaul is nicely parked next to Luke's shop and keeping warm (not) our furniture and dishes, etc...  Not so sure when they're going to get it back.  $$$$!!!!!!!! Ahhhhh!!!!!!!!
    The bright side.....we now are Wells Fargo customers and they were wonderful to work with this morning to set up new bank accounts.  One thing accomplished.

We survived the first day of school!

    I put the kids to bed early last night.  Rather, I started the process of putting the kids to bed early.  I think it was 9:30 before they actually stopped talking.  This morning I was up at 6:30am to shower and get dressed before I kissed them awake and it worked!  I was all ready to go when they got up to dress etc...  While the kids and Dad were in the room I made my way up to the continental breakfast area (I love having breakfast ready!!!) and scored waffles, cereal, and bagels with cream cheese.  After they were devoured we headed out the door!  Luke was wonderful to hang back this morning to load us up and kiss us good-day and we were off!  I found a great route to school that keeps me off of the main drag through town and we made it there in less than 10 mns. (not including a quick stop at Starbuck's for Mom).
    We were greeted at the office by Gav and Paige's teachers and followed them to their rooms.  I wanted to stay so badly!  The rooms have these great high ceilings and lots and lots of built-in book shelves.  The kids gave me kisses and that was that.  I didn't get sappy until I went to leave Gav in his room and he gave me this stoic-I'm not going to lose it-I'm a tough guy-look.  Ahh!  I almost lost it, but held it together and walked out.  Whew....first day anxiety over!
    Here are some pics!

We are not the only ones!

    I have a friend!!  I know that sounds corny, but I don't care.  I am so excited to meet a woman, like myself, who is much in the same boat.  Nicole is my age and she and her husband just moved to Minot last Tuesday from a small town near Missoula, MT.  She and her husband, 7 year old son, and 12 year old daughter travelled with her mother to seek a new life in the oil field.  And guess what...they've been staying in this hotel because their moving company hasn't delivered their worldly belongings yet!  They were scheduled to arrive today, but it sounds like they won't be here until sometime Monday, hopefully.  So, here we all are....they do have a house, however, and soon our family will be loners again, but how cool is it to meet another family going through a similar situation.
    Last night we sat at the pool together while the kiddos had a blast diving for quarters and playing like kids are supposed to.  In fact, mine are still sleeping and it's close to 9am!  We have plans to go to the stable and see our ponies today.  McKenzie, Nicole's daughter had to leave her horse in Montana sadly and she is excited to play with and ride ours.  Me, too.  They have been at a stable north of town being taken care of by a wonderful couple named Rhonda and Wes.  There are 25 other horses for them to romp around with and a wonderful indoor arena when the weather is too cold, which around here is quite often.  Though, lately it's been between 30 and 40 and the sun is shining.   
   Today we are off to do laundry (I didn't pack for a month!) and to check on our kitties.  Luke had been staying in a house with 6 other guys he works with before we moved over here.  Sam, the head cheese (who's only 21 and the sweetest kid thanks to his momma's Mormon upbringing in Utah) met me at the door of the house on Thursday having no idea we were going to give him two cats.  Because he's so sweet he just smiled and showed me the basement.  He then called Luke and gave him a very hard time, nicely.  The cats are safe and happy and the guys at the house now have two furry friends to help warm them up at night when they get in from the field.
    I've included in this post pics of our Suite Life at the pool...It's not so bad here. xoxo

The sun shines on every dog's butt.

    In spite of the current situation...I am happy.  Though we have no idea when we can get into the house, the kids and I scoped the neighborhood this morning and WOW...we have so much to look forward to!!  In addition to the fact we will have several churches at our disposal every minute of the day across from our driveway (I will probably find myself visiting frequently to pray for strength and courage!) we have a footbridge out our back door that will take us across the river and right to Main St....and Taube Art Museum, where they have Art a la carte on Saturdays.  It's a program for families that combines all you can eat lunch and an art project for all ages!!  There's a coffee shop, a cookie shop, an art supply store, several retail shops, and all within walking distance!  And....on the opposite corner from the footbridge is a trail, similar to Heartland Trail in Park Rapids, that winds through Roosevelt Park to Roosevelt Zoo!!  Lions and Tigers in our backyard, Oh MY!! 
    Before scoping out our soon-to-be new neighborhood we stopped by Sunnyside Elementary.  It took my breath away.  I have always been a sucker for old buildings, especially large, old stone buildings that have lovingly been taken care of!!  And lining the entry walls of this old stone building is this beautiful blonde toned marble.  When I walked in I instantly thought to myself, "Can I come to school here?".  I don't think it's an option, damn.  Anyway, the principal greeted me with a smile and preceded to introduce me to Gavin's new teacher and to tell me how excited they are to have us.  Whew....I needed that reassurance. 
    So, starting Monday Gav will be in one of only three kindergarten classes and Paige will be in Mrs. Hanson's class, one of only two first grades.  I love it.  Small classes.  When the snow melts we will be walking to school every morning and each afternoon at 3.  Maybe my butt has a chance after all.  Oh, that's the other thing...we'll be walking or driving to school every day because Minot has NO BUSES!!  When I told Luke this he said, "Sure.  You just really don't want to get a job, do you?"  Ha ha.  (That's not it at all. :) )  No, seriously, there is no bus service in the Minot public schools.  That's ok.  We'll just walk when we can and enjoy the exercise.
   A few more errands to run today and we'll check into the Best Western around 3.  Time to set up house for awhile.  Do you think they'll let me put my name on a chair at the pool? 

We are officially homeless.

    I don't know what to say.  I think I am in shock still.  Simply put, we arrived believing we had a home to move into yesterday or today.  It turns out the work that needed to be completed before we moved in hasn't even been started yet.  So, here we are, the kids and me and our menagerie in the Super 8 Motel.  They were kind enough to let us have our pets in our room.  Thank you, Super 8. 
    After my sob session ended and I regained composure yesterday Luke and I needed to make a decision: find an extended stay hotel and wait or look for a new house???  We searched for a house for several hours, on the phone, internet and driving around, and then we decided that this house we're waiting for is more than we can find for the money anywhere else.  Plan: move into another hotel for possibly the month of February!!!!!!
   Today is here, Thursday, and Luke has gone back to work.  The kids and I are gathering our things and are going to meet with their school, find a bank to set up house in, and then I promised they can swim the rest of the day.  They have spent so much time in the car!! They need to get crazy and wear off some steam.  So, we are now going to be residents of the Best Western, pool and all. I think we should be seriously considered as candidates for a new reality show named "Life Gone Wrong". 
    There is an upside in all of this.....I finally got to see the actual house we will move into someday, hopefully before the end of the school year!!  It is in the historic district near Main St. and is tucked away in the trees atop the river walking distance from Roosevelt Park and Zoo.  The surrounding houses are turn of the century beauties complete with front porches and shutters and ginger bread trim galore.  We are even so blessed to have a synagogue across from our driveway and a Baptist church kitty-corner from our house!!  Is someone trying to tell us something??  I'll keep you all posted. :)

The circus is in town!!

    We have arrived.  About 5:24pm last night the city lights came into view and our traveling circus pulled into town!  Thor and son headed up the caravan with the elephants and big top tent while Little Sissy and Baby Gusto and I hauled the large winged fowl and the wild cats.  Big Papa and Barbie were at the tail to make sure we took all the correct turns as we made our way over the frozen white tundra for what seemed like days! 
    Two hours southwest of Minot we started on Hwy 200...a long, windy two-lane road (I think it was blacktop) that curved in and out through hills and valleys so smooth and without vegetation that I often wondered...where did all the trees go??  Where there are no trees....there are gale force winds!!!  That's fun when you're driving over a dam that stretches a mile across a frozen body of water, not to mention the 2 in. of frozen water underneath your car tires!!  I will say though, that looking at crystal blue skies without a single cloud over miles of the whitest sparkling snow I've ever seen does take your mind off the fact that you are in the middle of nowhere and praying you don't get a flat tire because it's -30 degrees outside, without the windchill factor.  Thank you Lord for not bringing me to life when covered wagons were the thing.
    So here we are!!  I really am so 'beside myself happy'.  We are home.  For a long time, I hope.  I am anxious to explore our new city.  There's a ton of history in this area and I love history.  We aren't far from Bismarck/Mandan where we camped last summer with my family and visited Custer's home and the grounds of the 7th cavalry whom he died with at the Battle of Little Big Horn in eastern Montana in 1876.  We are planning on going again this summer.
    Today we find out if we can move into our home yet.  It may be tomorrow.  If we can't move in we can find something fun to do, I'm sure!  Indoors.  It is -9 this morning.  Now, to everyone at home in Minnesota I know that doesn't seem very cold considering it's been -35 recently in Park Rapids, but you have to remember I have been in Helena for 5 months!!  For the last month the kids and I have been running around in a sweatshirt, no coat, boots, hats etc...and a week ago I was sunbathing!!  With that in mind...it's ------- cold!!
    Before I wrap this thing up this morning I wanted to share a little info. about Minot.  I am learning as well.  I like facts and history and all that fun stuff, so I found a few to share.

Minot, North Dakota: a.k.a. The Magic City; for 'magically' growing from a tent city to a town of 5000 in only 5 months during the construction of The Great Northern Railway
Founded: 1886
Population:  (2000)  36, 567
Tidbit:  During Prohibition Minot was called "Little Chicago" because it was a supply hub for
Al Capone's liquor smuggling operation

Well, Prohibition is over, thank you God, and there are lots of different pubs and dives to visit around here...and LOTS of restaurants!!!  My butt is never going to be small again. :(

Moving Day 1 photos!...made it to Billings, MT!!

A very happy day!

Will update tomorrow hopefully!!  We made it to Billings and are having a blast swimming (or being drown by someone else's boy who needs some attention!) and being together...with pizza and a beer...for mom. :)  Took lots of great pics today and I can't wait to show everyone!!

Today's errands..

We are off to our local supermarket...Albertson's.  We are going to pick up snacks, anything that will help keep the kids happy on our trek Tuesday, and ingredients for a crock pot of chili.  Luke has requested my homemade chili, which is pretty nummy, and a beer.  There isn't much time for beer drinking for him these days.  For those who know him, that's a good thing.  So, we are headed into town...in the snow and wind.  Two days ago I was literally sun tanning on our deck...I even got freckles on my nose.. But, of coarse, as moving day approaches, the snow flies!!!  And the wind....living in the valley is wonderful.  Mild temps, mountains on every side, but when the wind blows..you better be prepared.  When it's gusting outside I always find myself looking up to the sky expecting to see Mary Poppins sailing down with her black umbrella. :)  I am still a kid at heart.

Moving day is almost here!

So, it's Sunday just before 8:00am and tonight Luke and mom and dad will be here!  After today I no longer will be lonely for anyone over 7!  It's been almost 3 months since Luke left for North Dakota.  In that time, knowing no one in Helena, it's been the kids and me, "Mom!" all day long!  I can't say I know no one, really.  I have gotten to know our neighbors.
They are a wonderful retired couple who have been in Helena for about 30 years.  One evening there was a knock at the door.  I went to open it wearing my workout clothes and wow, I looked great!!  Not.  I had just finished punching and kicking to Turbo Jam in hopes of shedding some of the softness I've developed thanks to my experimenting with Mastering the Art of French Cooking!  Tom and Bev were standing outside the door with a plate of the stickiest, gooeyist (don't know if that's a word) cinnamon rolls I've ever eaten.  Of coarse, I had to try them later while still wearing my sports bra and leggings....sad.  They just came down the road to say hello and introduce themselves.  I almost cried after they left because it had been my first conversation with an adult outside the grocery store or gas station in quite a while.  I realized in that moment how much I do love people.  After our initial meeting the kids and I would walk down every so often to their ranch and bring cookies or a cake I once made that the kids wouldn't eat.  I liked it.  But I didn't need to eat the whole thing myself!  Tom stops by regularly after morning coffee to check on us and helps me bring our trash to the city dump.  I truly will miss them and have every intention of staying in touch.
So, tomorrow morning we head to town to get the Uhaul.  It shouldn't take more than a couple hours to load up.  Tom has been kind enough to round up two guys to help us.  So nice of him.  Then early Tuesday morning we will be off!!  With loads of little sandwiches and bags full of toys and God's greatest invention for mothers....a portable DVD player!!  When on a road trip, the secret is to not pull it out of your bag of tricks until the very last possible second before you want to jump out of the car or strap the kids to the top!!  Otherwise, if you bring it out right away they get bored of that too!!
It should take about 10-12 hours to get to Minot from Helena.  It's a pretty straight shot on 94 to Bismarck then up 83 to Minot.  It's the long way, but with ice and snow and hauling a trailer it will be much safer.  Once we get to Minot our plans are to be residents of the Minot Super 8 for one if not 2 nights, possibly 3.  We have rented a 4 bedroom turn of the century home in the northwest part of town.  We have never seen it!!!!  Luke has not been able to drive by to check it out since he is rarely in Minot before midnight after a day's work.  So, clever girl that I am, I have spent considerable time staring at Google Earth....hoping the houses I see when I punch in our "maybe" address include ours!

You can see for yourself..punch in 100 6th St. NW, Minot, ND.  I think it's the white one!

The house is quiet...

I just got off the phone with Luke a bit ago and he sounds tired.  These days he is really lucky if he gets four hours of sleep in.  I think his last pay period was clocked out at around 120 hours a week!!!....One week!!!  How many hours are there in a week?  168? That means he had 48 hours in 7 days for brushing his teeth, shaving (which he doesn't do anymore...he seriously looks like Grizzly Adams, but I like it) sleeping and eating.  That's not a lot of time.  There have been a few nights I have stayed up on the phone, talking him awake while he tries to keep the truck on the right side of the line on his way home.  You may ask why is he working so many hours?  It's a good question.  The answer is money; the money involved in the oil industry is mind-blowing!!  I will be learning more and more about the industry and how it all works....but for anyone looking for a job....you could walk into town, Minot, Williston, or Dickinson, to name a few, and be hired immediately.  You have to not mind 40 below, gusting, freezing winds that glue your eyelashes together, and getting really, really, extremely, dirty.  Hell, I think I could handle it!  Not!  But my honey is Superman and he's incredible, and happy to boot...I'm here to take care of him and I love him.   

The house is packed!