House Anyone?

We are finally having an open house here tomorrow afternoon. I'm very excited but really don't know what to expect. The only experience I had with an open house was when we moved from Anna Street to here. We listed our house on a Sunday, had an open house the following Sunday, and got a contract the next day. Basically, that house was on the market for 1 week. Even though I know it's just timing, I've been questioning why this one hasn't sold---or been shown that much. John and I had a de-junking day today. Anything and everything that hasn't been used in 2 years or doesn't need to be a part of the move was chucked. Let me tell you, it took about 5 hours. I feel better and think the house looks great, but my allergies are definitely in full swing after stirring up so much dust and whatnot. :)
John and I did finally put a contingent contract (basically we have 90 days to sell this one--and that is if all of the inspections and appraisals go as planned) on a house in the Belmar area. I won't divulge any more information about it right now. How's that for suspense? Haha
Seriously though, it's going to be a great thing. I can honestly say for the first time since being a homeowner, I am not stressed about selling OR buying. I love this place of peace and contentment that I've reached.
This house--my beautiful 2 story on a hill--has been a huge blessing, but I can't wait to see what's in store for the Haskells as we embark on a new chapter in 2008.

They've Been Found

After laying the children down for naps yesterday, I plopped my bum down in my recliner, cracked my nuckles, and started to work on some very important stuff (you know--Ebay, blog, etc.). Suddenly, I heard Christian holler from upstairs for me to come quickly. Thinking that he probably needed to potty, I went up there to check out the situation. Not so lucky. I walked into his room and saw him hovering over the hamster cage.
"Momma, Momma! My hamsters had babies!" he hollered. Oh great. I knew he'd discover them sooner or later, but I was really hoping to just surprise him with it in MY timing. They are so very cute and fun to watch though.
I had to explain and make it very clear that we are not allowed to touch them right now. In fact, we have about 4 more weeks to wait. By 6 weeks old, they will be mature and able to survive on their own. That's also about the time we need to find new homes for them. So far it's been a total guess as to how many she actually had. There have been 1 or 2 that are brave enough to wander around the cage, but the majority of the time they are all in the nest and wadded together.
Since Caitlin overheard the comotion, she wanted to see them too. I made the executive decision to clean out the cage and put them and the momma in the roll-around ball so they could see them without touching them. The cage hasn't been cleaned out for 2 weeks now--but that's just because everything we read said not to disturb the nest for at LEAST the 1st 2 weeks. Ok, done. Now on to the cleaning! So I had to use a spoon to scoop the babies out one at a time. Momma hamster was none too pleased with the ordeal. She kinda freaked out on me and took a bite of my finger. Uggggg.
I got all 7 babies---that's right, 7--out and put in the ball, quickly changed out the bedding, got fresh water and food, and then put them all back. The momma hamster acted upset for at least 2 hours afterward. The cool thing was that the kids got to see them up close and personal. Like I said, they are very cute----however, I don't want them all living here for good. One hamster per child is way more than plenty! I'm gonna wait another week or so before I attempt to take a picture of the babies. See there....now you all have something to look forward to! :)

Curly Sue

Amazing! Caroline is finally showing that she has a bit of her momma in her. :) Usually after a bath I comb her hair down straight. By the end of the day it's usually wavy and funky. I decided today not to comb it, but rather let it dry naturally--this was the result. Also, I still see some red in it which is so fun. It's such a change from my other 2 kiddos who have always had board straight blonde hair. I guess it's ok if she looks like her daddy's clone as long as she keeps curls like her momma. Ha!

Baby Brother

I just thought I'd share a pic of my sweet baby brother, Josh. Ok, so he's 23 and technically NOT a baby. :) He and my mom are in Europe for 2 weeks. They left this past Saturday, and so far I've gotten just one update on where they are and what they've been doing. From what I understand, they will be visiting France, Switzerland, and Italy. Josh posted this pic on Facebook sometime today and I thought it was just an excellent one of him. In fact, I may print it and frame it---being as he has not given me a pic of himself in 5+ years (hint hint Josh). Please pray for their safety and wellbeing as they travel and visit these amazing places. I can't wait to hear all about it when they return!

A Birthday And More

I want to start out by saying a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweet friend Misty!! I hope you have a terrific day and get tons of presents and rest/relaxation--much love to you!! :)

So I'm back to my "night owl" habits again. Sheesh. I can't seem to sleep a wink when John is not here, and it's not a good thing. I really feel sorry for the 3 C's--Momma can be a complete grump without sleep. The ONLY good thing to come of it is that it gives me a chance to get more sewing finished. I know, I know. What in the hay could this crazy woman have left to sew? Oh, my friend--bunches. If only my friends would stop having babies for a few months, then I could quite possibly catch up. Haha
John and I are really diving in head first at church. It just thrills me to pieces that we have found a place to serve and worship that truly feels like home. Honestly, it used to frustrate the tar out of me that people who had a wonderful church home would spend all of their time doing "churchy" things. Like I thought they had more important things to do or something. Anyway, I've been so fortunate to be allowed to play my violin with the worship team for about 7 months now. I play for 2 weeks and then I'm off for 2 weeks--it's a great rotation. Now that we've kind of revamped our childrens' ministry, John and I have the opportunity to serve there too. John will be teaching the 4th and 5th graders during our 2nd service, and I will be teaching the 2nd and 3rd graders during the 2 weeks that I'm not playing the violin. I honestly never thought John was the type to accept a challenge like this, but I'm constantly amazed by him. We still have lifegroup every week as well, so it really feels like church now consumes all of our time. VBS is on the horizon too, and I've signed up to help in the kitchen. There's no real cooking involved so I think I'm safe. Ha! It's so funny that you think you'll never be "one of those" that lives at the church, and then you wake up one morning and you totally are!

(I know this is a long post, but bear with me)

So summer looks to be another busy one this year. On top of church activities, we will be in a Pantex softball tournament in June, we will probably be starting another season of softball through the church league, and much more. John and I have been eyeballing some houses, so I'll have more details about that in the near future. We are having an open house here very soon too, so hopefully that will draw out those prospective buyers!
Ok, it's seriously nap time for this momma. The house is quiet--wahoo! :)