When life gives you lemons....

....then you may have to have a mini-meltdown, mutter inaudible choice words under your breath, whine and complaint a little bit, and throw yourself a pity party before put your big girl panties on...

...and then make lemonade.

* * * * * * * *
Our latest batch of lemons are of the real estate variety.
You may remember we listed our house for sale in the Spring.

Twenty couples went through our house and 93 days into the process - we got an offer!

We were beyond thrilled since keeping the house 'show ready' with Hurricane Gianna was beginning to take a toll.  The buyers were solid and wanted a closing 45 after we negotiated a contract instead of the customary 30 days.  That was awesome for us since we wanted a little time to secure a house in LC.  We found one quickly - perfect for our family and beyond our expectations.  It was in a precious neighborhood on a cul-du-sac with only one other house (only two houses on the street.)  Everything seemed to be falling into place - and our big confirmation was that the name of our street was our last name.  We just knew that was a sign.

So inspections were done on both homes, appraisals were complete, and all the hoops were jumped through.

Closing date on both homes was set for August 10th.

That's today.

It didn't happen.

Neither of them.

Two weeks ago we had a hard time getting exact information on the closing of our home.  The buyer's lender wasn't returning calls to the buyer, his agent or our agent. We were concerned, but not worried since we heard that many of the big lending companies sometimes drag their feet.  The buyer was furious with his lender and pulled his profile and said he'd be getting another lender.

It all went downhill from there.

Ten days ago, we got a call from our realtor (and good friend) to tell us that the deal fell through.  The mortgage company denied financing (they had already given them an approval letter) and his government job was in jeopardy due to budget cuts (so he says.)

So, not only did we lose the sale of our house - but the new house in LC was contingent on the sale of our home.  We were sick.  All three families had packed up their homes.  We have been hauling boxes to a storage unit in LC for weeks.  About 80% of our belongings are in storage.

(Gianna keeps telling people, "You wanna come to our house?  IT'S EMPTY!!!!")

We felt so terrible for the people whose house we would be buying.  Even though we weren't directly responsible for the breakdown of the deal - we knew how horrible it would be for them.

We still had the hope that maybe we'd quickly get a buyer so we could purchase the awesome house we loved -- but today we learned that there is a new offer on that house. So, here we sit....in an empty house, back at square one, having missed almost six weeks of showing our home during prime buying time and now having to start from scratch. UGH!!!!!

For us, it felt like being left at the altar.  Oh, it could have been MUCH worse and we are very aware that these are definitely first world whinings. We are blessed to have a home as nice as we do, our health and our family.

Interestingly, we just went through a similar upset in our adoption journey.  I haven't even wanted to blog about that, because I haven't fully processed it all.  The thumbnail version is that back in April we were told we were chosen by a birthmother.  We were thrilled to learn that the baby would be born four weeks later.  We told no one ~ not even our parents.  We decided that we would tell people as soon as we met with the birthmom.  Two weeks later, Iain took off work so we could travel to a neighboring city and meet our birthmother for the first time.  As we got ready to get in the car, my phone rang and I heard the regretful tone of our social worker's voice.

"I'm so sorry, the birthmother changed her mind."

It was a kick in the gut.

Part of the negative is having to prepare Gianna for possible big changes in our lives, get her psyched, and then completely change gears.  She is such a trooper! She is playing with TWO toys since everything else is in storage.  And she continues to pray for 'Ms. Karen to sell our house' and 'for God to send us a baby brother and a baby sister." (She says 'and' - I say 'or'!!!)

So, we're in limbo - not just in the adoption arena, but in real estate as well.

We really do have faith in a bigger plan that we cannot see.  We really do have faith that God has not forgotten us and that He has our best interests at heart.  Even though we are not quite so sure what these events are supposed to be teaching us - we do believe that we are called to be faithful - regardless of our understanding of God's Plan (or lack thereof.)

We are praying that we will handle this challenge with positivity and grace and that we can trust in God's bigger plan.

Sooo....I've got my big girl panties on, but I'm still a little whiny when we are

reminded of all the ways this event has inconvenienced our lives.  We do know this is small potatoes in the grand scheme of things. Twenty years down the road, this will just be a "remember when..."  But for now, it stinks.  We feel much better than we did last week when it all happened. Maybe for my next pity party, I'll be able to serve lemonade.

This is certainly not the end of the story.

I look forward to watching God's plan unfold....

maybe while drinking a glass of lemonade. :)

Swim Lessons

It's been a crazy busy summer and I finally made time to squeeze swimming lessons into our schedule.  

I'm not sure who was more nervous....Gianna or me. Our summer has been full of challenges and new concerns with our three year old - so I had no idea what to expect.

We figured private lessons might be more effective for her, so I registered her and found out her instructor would be a man. That gave me a little concern because lately she has been very shy with men - even men that she knows well.

Gianna has become much less willing to try things in the pool this year.  Last year she'd jump off the edge and go under - this year, she wasn't having it.  But alas, God sent the perfect swim teacher for her....CJ.

How cute is he? (I didn't want to know how old he was because I'm pretty sure I'm old enough to be his mother.)

He was incredible with her.

She was HILARIOUS with him.

She talked the whole time.

He laughed the whole time.

He'd ask her to put her head under water and she'd say, "Nah, that's okay." or "But, I'm just a little kid!"  or "How 'bout you put your head under?" (After which she'd offer to give him gummy treats for a job well done.)

He said she was the most fun lesson he'd had all summer.

She really was pretty fun - and funny. And I was relieved, because you just never know which way these things can go.  (I'm crossing my fingers about upcoming ballet lessons - where she'll have an audience for her antics.)

Jelly Book - volume 7

I keep a "JELLY BOOK" of some of the entertaining things that Gianna says and does.

Here's my latest entry...

Spring/Summer 2011

* * * * *

Gianna often wants to know if random people are happy. Usually she asks us right after she gets into trouble.  When we went to Florida we were driving to her uncle's house:

G: "Is Uncle Robert happy?"

Me:  Oh, I bet he's in heaven right now. (Referring to him having his whole family visiting him.)

G: Uncle Robert died?

* * * * *

Me:  Gianna, why are you blinking so much?

G:  Well, I think my allergies are trying to come out.

* * * * *

G:  No, Mommy - not in the sun!  I want to live in the dark shade.

* * * * *

At a children's concert talking about the song, "Whatcha want to be when you grow up?"

Me:  What do YOU want to be Gianna? (She usually says doctor of fireman.)

G:  Frweee.

Me:  You just turned three, Gianna.

G: Oh. Then Frwee and a half.

* * * * *

Prior to that same concert, I'd asked G several times what she wanted to be when she grew up.

Consistantly her answer was, "A boy."

Well, I did tell her she could be anything she wanted. (Gosh, I sure hope I'm not going to be in the same support group as Cher!)

* * * * *

G:  Mommy, come with me. Quick!

Me: What's wrong, Gianna.

G:  Jesus, is on the ceiling. Come look!

My curiosity piqued, I quickly followed her.

G:  Look Mommy, he's up there!

(Pointing to the crucifix above the door.)

G: You see him?  He rose from the dead!!!!

* * * * *

During nighttime prayer:

Me:  Is there anything you're are thankful for tonight?

G:  Black.

Me:  Umm..... Black? You want to tell me more about that?

G:  Yes...I am thankful for black choc-o-late.  When I'm four could you make me a choc-o-late cake?  I like the white cake, but I LOVE choc-o-late cake!

* * * * *

Another night during prayer:

G:  ...God bless Sophia, baby Joseph, and Ms. Nichole...(smiles)...Rock and Roll, Ms. Nichole.....(proud grin)....that rhymes!

* * * * *

After a a good ten minutes of her attempt to fight her nap, I entered her room only to find her out of bed (which she rarely tries) and playing with her dollhouse. 

"Gianna?!" I said sternly.
"Oh, hi Mommy, I had a lovely sleep!" 

Nice try, dumpling.

* * * * *

As I was driving (about 35mph) after being stopped at a traffic light for several minutes Gianna said in a very concerned voice:

"Woa! Mommy. What are you doing? Why are you going so fast?  Gentle, Mommy, Gentle!"

* * * * *

Gianna's not sick very often, but every now and then after she cries (new pastime) she complains,

"Oh no, Mommy! Now I'm all 'snuffy!'"

* * * * *

Gianna was crying after she had gotten scolded and said,

"Oh NO! I can't see."

I started getting concerned and asked, "Gianna, why can't you see?"

"Because of the drips in my eyes."

* * * * *

One day we stopped for a train on our way home.  As we watched it pass, Gianna asked me,

"Hey Mommy, Is that train going west?"

(Not left, but WEST.   I actually had to see where the sun was setting to figure out that the train was indeed traveling westward.  Geez!)

* * * * *

I can count on my right hand how many times I've had to wake Gianna up in the morning.

Last week was one of those times.

She was so groggy and could barely open her eyes.

Me:  Wake up, Sleepyhead, we have to go to swimming lessons and the funeral home.

Gianna (barely able to lift her head):  Ummm....maybe Saturday.

Me: (laughing) No, not Saturday, today.

Gianna:  Or how 'bout Christmas?

* * * * *

Lately, we've had a lot of family friends who have passed away.  I'm pretty impressed by her understanding of the difficult concept.

G:  Mommy, George died? 

Me:  Yes Gianna, he did.

G:  George went to heaven?

Me:  Yes Gianna, that's right.

G:  Mommy, we're all going to die.

Me: Well, eventually - yes.

G:  But Mommy, I don't want to die yet.

Me:  Me neither, Gianna.  Let's wait.

* * * * *

I gave Gianna some frosted mini wheats for a morning snack.

About 20 minutes later she came up to me,

G:  Mommy, can I have something to eat?

Me:  Gianna, I just gave you mini wheats that you didn't eat.

G:  But Mommy, I DID eat them.

Me:  Gianna, the bowl is full.

G:  Yeah, but I only ate the 'cream'.

* * * * *

Another time she did the same thing with pretzels....licked the salt off, left the pretzels.

* * * * *

Soaking wet after playing on the Slip-n-Slide, Gianna says,

"Mommy, can I go on the swing?

Not wanting to stay outside, I replied,

"Well, Gianna you're all wet.  It'll be very slippery."

Gianna's response:

"So, Mommy.....how bout you put me in the swing.....and then if I'm too wet and slippery, THEN we can go inside."

Who's going to say no to that logic?

* * * * *

On the swing:

"Hey Mommy, wanna push me Super Pie?''

* * * * *

G:  Oh no. It's brokeeen.

 (I love the way she says broken and rarely correct her.)

* ** * *

My dad was recently in the hospital and on our way to visit him we spoke with a hospital worker emptying out a trashcan in the hallway.
G:  And what is YOUR name?
Worker:  I'm Carmen.  What is your name?
G:  I'm Gianna.  What are you doing Carmen?
Worker:  I work here.
G:  Oh, good.  My PePaw is here and he's sick.  Can you make him better?

{melt}

* * * * *

The first day of swim lessons, the precious instructor tried and tried to get G to put her head under water.  Finally, she looked at him, tilted her head and said,
"Mr. CJ, I'm just a little kid!"

* * * * *

We had a large packing box that Gianna turned on it's side and turned into a rocket.
We just read a book from the library called Mail Harry to the Moon (so cute) and she asked me if I could send her to the moon in her rocket.
Every time she got in the box I'd begin the countdown....
Five, four, three, two, one....
The door (lid) would fly open and Gianna would have a panicked expression and
say, "Ummm....Mommy, can you come to the moon with me?"
Me:  Oh Gianna, I can't today.  I have to cook supper.
G:  Well, can Max come with me?
Me:  No, silly. Max is a dog.  He can't go to the moon.
You'll be okay.  Ready?  Five, four, three, two, one.....
G: NOOO.  I don't want to go to the moon!
Me:  But I thought you wanted to go?
G:  Yeah...but I'm just a little nervous.
Me:  Really? Why?
G:  Mommy? Is this for pretend?

* * * * *

I love my Jelly Book Girl!

Party time....

Well, almost a month later - I'm finally posting about Gianna's birthday party.

The theme was - use whatever you have around the house to throw a 3 year old party.....starting with the invitations.

The theme was Cupcakes...if that is even considered a theme.

I found these cupcake placemats for 96 cents at Pier One in November. I knew I'd figure some way to use them.  (I cut the letters out of felt that I already had....didn't even have to glue them!)

She was given a fancy party had for her first birthday, I've uncovered it and re-covered it each year.

Simple spread...just had hotdots and cupcakes. (Chips and dips too.)

I wasn't sure if just cupcakes would suffice, so I finally got to use my giant cupcake mold and put the humungo cupcake on top of a cake.

Little friends (and big ones too) made for a fun time.

Lovin' from Nanny Jeanne and Uncle Alan...

Our PRECIOUS godchild, Nate...

Precious indeed!

The gifts were awesome! And SO appreciated.

My family was in Florida for the funeral of a close family friend of ours, but Uncle Vinnie gave Gianna an awesome gift....

And right before we were getting ready to sing Happy Birthday, Gianna got the BEST gift!  MeMaw and PePaw caught an earlier flight and made it just in time to celebrate with us!

(I was TERRIBLE with my camera on party day.  I missed so many shots and so many people.)

* * * * *

And Mommy schemed up an idea for she and Daddy to give to their big three year old.
Daddy even built it himself!

HER VERY OWN STAGE.

(She's been holding concerts ever since she got her karaoke machine at Christmas.)

The stage was a hit.

The party was a success.

And the momma was tired.

And as happy as I am to celebrate my child, I'm SO glad we have another 11 months to think about another party. :)

Back when I was a kid....

....my mom used to make a great cake for our family birthday celebrations which became a tradition for many years. It's called an Ice Box Log Cake and it's a super simple cake made with Nabisco's Famous  Chocolate Wafers  (super thin chocolate cookies) and homemade whipped cream (with a touch of vanilla and sugar.)  

Heavenly... 

...and so easy.  You make spread generous amounts of the cream on each cookie and set them aside in little stacks.  Then you assemble the stacks on their sides into a log and cover with cream.  Once your put it in the refrigerator to chill, the cream moistens and expands the cookies into soft yummy cake. (Told you it was easy.)  The neat thing is that when you cut the cake on a diagonal it looks like this...

It's like eating the lightest, fluffiest, tastiest cookies and cream cake. (It has an Oreo taste.)

I knew I'd be making a big birthday cake and cupcakes for Gianna's party, but I wanted a little something special for her actual birthday.  I started doing some research and discovered that there are MANY people who grew up enjoying this wonderful cake in the 60's and 70's.  The one complaint is that the wafers are super hard to find. You can order them on the internet, but I understand there are a lot of broken cookies and you have to order an entire case - which is much more than I need or want to spend. 

The more I started thinking about how much time and/or money I might waste in search of these chocolate wafers, the more inspired I became to see if anyone had a copycat recipe for them.  Oh how I love Google!  I found the recipe here and I had all the ingredients at home - so it made things so much easier. The recipe for the Icebox cake is here. (You can add a little sugar to the whipping cream to sweeten it a bit.)

I didn't tell my parents I was making this cake, so I think they were really surprised that I was able to resurrect such a memorable part of our family history.  It was my brother's favorite cake growing up (mine too) but he's been working in Florida, so he didn't get to see/eat it.  Don't worry Uncle Vinnie, I'll make you one when you come back.

Now we have a new Lewis Family Tradition!

Two thumbs up from the three year old!