Playing House!

We finally moved into our house the 19th and 20th of January. It was such long process, that we found ourselves doubting, even after the closing papers had been signed, that all would go through--but miraculously it did.

Nathan was already busy with the Legislative session, so my mom and dad and I loaded up the first half ourselves. I called our new Bishop to find out how to get the power, water, etc. turned on and he immediately volunteered help moving us in. We were only able to give him 1 1/2 hours notice, but when we got there, he and 6 other guys from the Elders quorum were waiting. Nathan also met us there to unload. All of the guys made quick work unloading. Everyone was so kind and willing to help. They even told us to call the next day when we were ready to unload the rest! We felt so welcomed. It was further testimony to us that the Lord had a hand in our move.

The next day my brother Jared, and my sister Andrea and her husband Paul came down with my parents to complete emptying the storage unit. It fit nearly perfectly in my dad's snowmobile trailor. Once again, we called with little notice to see if anyone would be willing to help us unload. Once again, we were really touched by all those who generously returned to help unload. In addition to some of the elders quorum, we had 3 neighbors stop by to help. Wow! What an awesome neighborhood. My mom made homemade soup and brought drinks and treats for everyone. My sister Emily came down and got the fridge set up and cleaned out. Mom Brady sent us a big box of groceries so we'd have food that first few days, so we wouldn't have to worry about it. We were all totally worn out, and amazed that most all of this had fit into a home under 1300 square feet! Mostly, we were just grateful for family, a new home, with great new neighbors and a supportive ward.

After some food and thanks, we went back to Mom and Dad Brady's to pick up our boys (our car had been loaded to the brim-with no room for the boys). It was around midnight when we arrived at our new home for our first night's sleep. We all slept in blankets on the floor. (Not very comfy, but we were thrilled to finally be there!)

The next morning we went to the church for a primary activity that we'd been invited too. We were exhausted, but I felt it was important to get the boys involved as quickly as possible.

The next few weeks were spent cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, and unpacking. The house had been previously lived in by a dad, his two teenage sons and 3 big dogs. Everything was covered in dog hair. I had a lot of asthma.