I was just asked Thursday if we liked living where we do (since we live about 30 miles from our church and Bible Study family. as well as Matthew's work place and most of our friends) and I had to answer, um no.  They laughed and asked if we were thinking of moving back (to Chilli where the church, our friends and Bible Study group meets and where Matthew works.) because it would save so much gas (5 trips back and forth 30 miles each way for Matthew to go to work.  Plus any other trips we make for Wenesday night church, Thursday night BIble Study, and Saturday coffee with my girlfriends or Matthew working extra Saturday hours, and church on Sunday mornings) and I replied that we were waiting on God to tell us when the timing was right for us to make a move.

We moved back to the town I grew up in almost 2 years ago while my mother and father were very ill with cancer and not doing well.  God told us we were going to be moving back here and we resisted for a few months.  I know....this is disabedience, but at the time, we just felt like God was wrong. LOL Ever been there???  We thought we knew what we were doing, and surely God was wrong! LOL  Well he wasn't.  We didn't know at the time that mom and dad were as sick as they were.  We moved back to my hometown and within the first year my father died.  I was so thankful then that because without the miles between us I could just run across town and take care of anything they needed prior to his death.  I spent most of my time babysitting them, taking them to the doctor and to cancer treatments, cooking meals and just keeping them company.  Then mom died only a few months later after beating her cancer once and being in remission for several months.  I was so thankful again that I was able to be there for her and was only a 2-3 minute drive away when she needed something.  I know why God wanted us to move back and I have thanked him countless times since for knowing what he was doing!!!  He is an awesome God and He always knows what is best for his children.

Today while at my birthday lunch with family my older brother David asked about remodeling the kitchen in our house.  We have tossed the idea several times and want to replace the nasty counter tops and sink.  I have told Matthew several times I would like to replace cabinets and redo the floor if we are going to stay here for any amount of time, but the problem is the unknown.  What are we getting ourselves into by ripping out the cabinets and getting into the old walls here of this 98 year old house??? Will a $2000,00 job turn into $6000.00???  David suggested we sell the house and look around for what we really want and it was like LIGHTBULB just went off. 

As we were driving home today from lunch by ourselves Matthew and I started talking about it and felt like it wasn't only my brother saying we should do so, but felt like it was God as well.  Now of course, we have prayed about it and will continue to do so, but we really feel like the time is now.  We started talking about putting new counter tops and sink in the kitchen as well as painting several rooms in the house and possibly laying new carpet.  We need a new screen door on the front of the house, and Matthew is going to run new electrical wiring from the pole to the garage to update it some as well. The mini bathroom needs a new medicine cabinet installed and of course there is alot of straightening, and organizing that can be done as well.  We think we can do all except the carpet for under $1000.00.  We are hoping to find some carpet that isn't too expensive and be able to get that taken care of soon also and get the house up for sale. 

What to do if the house sells before we have another place lined up was the next question.  Well, my neice and her fiance (to marry in June) are buying my parents house and remodeling it to move into this next month or so.  The house they are in now is a small 2 bedroom across the street from my brothers house in the country.  We will talk to my brother in the next day or so and ask him if it would be available to live in while we are trying to find a new house.  (I am sure he will say yes!)

We have a list of things to do and anyone who knows my hubby (bless his heart, this is his one downfall), knows Matthew is great on making the lists and saying it needs to get done, but then finding the actual time to do it and carry through is another subject. LOL  He means well, but he gets caught up in other things and we are still waiting months and even a few years later for him to do certain [rojects like painting and such around this house.  I am willing to help, but with a bad back it is hard sometimes for me to participate plus the fact that he doesn't want me helping him.

Please pray that God lights a fire under him and gives him the energy needed to complete these house repairs ASAP so we can get moving on this project.  And please pray that the extra stress and deadline on this doesn't affect our relationship,etc.  I know of so many couples who say it does affect the relationship for a while.

Anyway, that is what is going on in our home lately.  Wish us lots of luck and prayers!!