in the sunshine state!

After two days in the car, two nights in motels, and a mini-meltdown we finally made our way to Tallahassee. We drove by our new place to check it out late Monday afternoon. The guy that we were sub-leasing from was still packing up stuff so I knew it wouldn't be totally move in ready. Still, I got nervous when we drove up. We ended up waiting around outside for a few minutes before he showed up. There were mini liquor bottles and trash thrown outside next to the door and aluminum foil taped over the window. Then he let us in... there were huge stains all over the carpet, shot glasses on the kitchen counter and it reeked of smoke. At that point I freaked out and couldn't even really take it in. I thought man we have made A huge mistake! This can't be IT!

I was literally holding back tears and then ended up crying on the drive back to the motel. I spent the next day feeling like my dog had died. It sounds SO selfish and spoiled. I feel embarrassed just thinking about it. But it was just nothing how I had pictured it. then I started thinking about how we have SO much. How lucky we are and how very far we have come. I was already home sick and just SO exhausted from driving. Josh's Mom was so nice she even bought us a new vacuum and took all of us out to eat. Still EVERYONE was on edge and moody and there was lots of family drama. There was all this weird tension that had to do with other things not even related to the move. So it just made the whole mood very weird.. But by the time everyone left Thursday it looked awesome! We got out most of the major stains and aired the place out and the kids loved having a house with stairs and a bathroom that they both can share upstairs.
I really love it now. It's silly how attached you can get to the idea of things. I guess after living out in the middle of nowhere in the country any move is going to be a big adjustment. Also, Josh's Step mom was awesome and made beautiful curtains for Bella's room and downstairs. So sweet of her! We are just a couple minutes from Bella's school. We already took the kids out to play on the playground there. And Bella was so excited. I can't believe my baby will be in school in just two weeks!! We are making the most of the next couple weeks, and are going back to Mexico Beach for a couple days tomorrow!

We also went to Lake Ella, and it was really beautiful. The kids loved all the
turtles.

On another note Noah bug is walking!! He officially took his first steps the day after his first Birthday but just yesterday and today is really on the move!

Be greatful for each beautiful day!

I read this on a bulletin board at the hospital and thought it was really beautiful.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~ Leo F. Buscaglia

The past few days have been really hectic. For weeks now my Dad has having trouble catching his breath. As soon as he would start to fall asleep he would have to sit straight up and would be literally gasping for air. At first his family doctor thought it could have been an allergic reaction to a new medicine he was taking. So he took him off that but it just continued to get worse. I was really worried and begged him to let me just take him on to the er just to get checked. A few nights ago at 3 in the morning it got so bad he finally went in.

We had known for a while he had an irregular heart beat which they are able to treat with medication. But after running more tests and doing an ultrasound they found that his heart was significantly weaker than it was just two years ago. The also did a heart catheterization to check for anything. His arteries were completely clear, no blockage at ALL! Which of course was wonderful news! But afterwords his doctor explained that he did have weakening of his heart and that his heart was only pumping at a 20-25% function.(normal is 55 to 75%). They aren't sure what causeed the weakening but he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Good news is no surgery. Bad news it's a condition he will live with for the rest of his life. It was a really big shock since he had none of the other classic symptoms of heart failure. His blood pressure wasn't high. He is very healthy, eats really well, hardly drinks, doesn't smoke, and exercises. Luckily, we found out when we did. Though it was the last thing any of us expected to hear, things could have been so much worse!! They are starting him on several new medications and a blood thinner. And once his medications are adjusted and his heart rate is where they want it he will be able to go back home! Hopefully early next week. Over the next six months with the new medicine and exercise he should also be able to build the strength of his heart back up. I'm just so glad he will be okay!!

In a few days My sister will be making the move to Iowa, at the same time Josh will be leaving to go to Nashville for a week to do work for his Dad. And my Mom will be going to Florida to visit her sister and for her class reunion. So it's just me and the kiddos! It will be a looong week! Hopefully Dad will be home by then. Please send out prayers and positive thoughts!