Do bad things always happen in threes?

Almost three weeks in Texas and it might as well be a lifetime. My experience is that when something bad happens, you can usually expect more bad things to follow. I am not talking about breaking a nail or children being difficult but serious things--things that don't happen every day. A few days after arriving at our new apartment in South Houston, our car was broken into and our GPS was stolen. We found out two vital pieces of information the day after that could have saved us the trouble of fixing our broken car window and map questing all of Mark's appointments. First, GPS units are quite popular right now amongst thieves. Second, we do not live in a very good neighborhood.

Needless to say, this incident motivated us to do some major house hunting on the weekends. Well, I guess the stress of it got to me. I woke up one morning feeling achy and tired. I was laid flat on my back for three days before I told Mark in no uncertain terms that I was going to the doctor. He diagnosed me with strep throat and it didn't take long for the antibiotics to take effect. I was out house hunting again the next day.

That same weekend, we found out Mark's nephew is sick. He is only four years old.


I hate to focus on only the negative because a lot of wonderful things have happened to us as well. House hunting started out as being really fun but got old fast. It actually turned out that the house we looked at our first day was the one we decided on after all those hours of looking elsewhere. We made an offer and it was accepted. It was in foreclosure so the bank was anxious to get rid of it. We hope to be moved in by the middle of November. We have been looking at furniture, bedding, and paint colors. It is all very exciting.

Avery and Sarah have been learning to share a room in our tiny two bedroom apartment. It has been good for them because we plan on having them share in the new house. We have so many plans for our future life here. It is all very nerve-racking but extremely exciting.

Passing the Time

It is funny how when you are really excited about going somewhere, time comes to a stand still. Since the last time I posted, the kids have been sick, it has rained and work has become non existent. All of these things contribute to some pretty long and boring days. I am proud to announce that we have managed to make it to Universal Studios for one last visit. We spent the entire time in Suessland riding rides and playing in the water. I did finally convince Mark to take us to Daytona Beach on Sunday. It rained on us but we hardly noticed since we were wet already. I think even Mark would have to admit that it was lots of fun.

I attempted something a few days ago that I thought would be extremely easy. I decided it was time to take Sarah's binky away from her. I tucked her in as usual but this time I did not clip on her binky and put it in her mouth. I left the room quickly and quietly. It only took her a minute to realize that something was wrong. She cried and screamed for about 20 minutes before she fell asleep exhausted. I thought I had done it and was proudly patting myself on the back. I was determined after all not to have an older child with a binky. Well, the peace only lasted for about half an hour. Sarah awoke with a renewed effort. She screamed momma and dadda for almost an hour. Mark had conveniently stepped out to "run an errand" leaving me stranded with all the screaming. Avery was managing to sleep right through all the excitement but my heart was breaking for my baby. I finally called Mark not to ask for support and strength but to ask where he had hidden the binky. As Sarah drifted off quietly in my arms, I promised she could have that binky until she was four if that is what would make her happy. I had been beaten like so many other mothers before me. If anyone has any great suggestions I would appreciate them all.

Our Final Days in Orlando

We have only a week and a half until we move to Houston. I can't believe how much there is to do before we leave--packing up the house and the office, final sightseeing, going to see family. How will we fit it all in? The weather is finally cooling down here. When I say cooling down, I mean high eighties rather than the high nineties. One thing living in Florida has taught me is that I DO NOT want to live in Florida--even when I am old and ready to retire (Take Note* remind me of this comment when I am old and gray and moving to Florida). One thing I regret is not spending more time at the beach. It was not because I did not want to go but Mark has this irrational fear and hatred of the beach. In some ways I can understand. The ocean is full of scary things and the water is dirty. Avery and I did get to go to Clearwater beach once this summer and we had a blast. The sand did not even bother me as much as I thought it would. We are going to work hard to convince Mark to take us to Daytona before we leave.

We have, however, spent countless hours at Universal studios, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, and Chuck e Cheese's. These are absolute essentials when visiting Orlando, especially Chuck E Cheese's.