Yesterday morning I slept soundly while my husband snuck out of bed and out to Adoration for his usual 4am Holy Hour. He woke me only to kiss me goodbye and tell me he loved me. As I sleepily kissed him back, I didn't even feel guilty about sleeping through the opportunity to rise with him and make him lunch and coffee because the evening before we had discussed him staying home for the day and riding out the storm with us. I was looking forward to him coming home in a little while, but worried not and fell back asleep.
A while later, I woke up to him calling from Boston as he'd decided the weather wasn't that bad and went in to work. I wasn't upset or surprised, only disappointed because I would have loved the day together relaxing and watching movies. No luck. "I'm coming home" *GOOD NEWS* "REally? You're going to spend the day with me?" "No. I have to go to New York" he said. "What?" (this was worse than him not being home)
The news came that he had to travel to New York to work on a job there. I pouted. All I could think of was how New York was going to be hit by this MAJOR disaster and Connecticut was supposed to be struck hard... and my husband was going to be driving straight into it. This was not the news I wanted ...and definitely NOT equal to a day on the couch in pj's watching movies with a silly baby and my better half as my company.
I sighed and realized there was little I could do. "It is what it is", I said. He arrived home with groceries in hand to fill the fridge and a surprise of Pepperoni Pizza (which I like, but he hates, so we never eat... sort of trying to make me feel better about "what I could do while he's not here!" ...I love food, but this didn't work)
Good news was that he wouldn't be heading into the worst of the storm, but rather the part of New York he was heading towards was more on the MA/NY/VT border. This at least appeased my fears a bit. I helped him pack and get ready... sloooooowly (boy do I drag my feet when I don't want to do something) and kissed him goodbye. I was not stoic and happy and strong about it. There was no mistake I was unhappy and would miss him and wished him home. I was a baby.
Ava blew kisses from the doorway and waved. And off he went.
We spent the day here with my Mom and weathered the storm quite well. I don't know who missed the other more because Shaun & I probably called each other 30 times. Man do I feel like a part of me is missing when he's gone.
I made it through, though. Mom slept over. All slept well. No loss of power. No downed trees. And I woke up thinking that Shaun would be coming home tonight. I couldn't wait. I have NO patience.
Then the morning phone call came. "Hi Baby. They need me to stay another day." *UGH* I KNEW it! So... I won't be seeing him till tomorrow. I know this seems so little and small and I think of all the military wives and families who are so strong to wait while their husband's serve far away... I have none of this strength at all. I just miss my husband and want him home.
But the thought of those military wife friends of mine gives me strength... I'll offer it up for you. For one day. This one measly sacrifice. I know it's not much compared to the one you make for me, but I've never been a good penitent, so it's all I have and I give it to you.
Family Photo
About Us
- Marijanna and Shaun
- We met over 8 years ago at church as Shaun was walking in and I was walking out. The few words exchanged sparked an interst that kept Shaun coming back. When we FINALLY began dating 4 years later we soon knew there was something special here. Our first year quickly flew by and we both decided we never wanted to spend another year with anyone else or without each other. We married in the place where it all began on January 1, 2011 (1/1/11) and gave birth to our beautiful daughter Ava Marie on September 22, 2011 our next little one, Clara Rose came 16 months later on February 11, 2013. This blog began with our preparation with our wedding and has entered into recording the days and events of our newlywed life and new motherhood.
The Happy Couple...
Ava Marie
Clara Rose
Gabriel's ticker
Twins ticker
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
A Storm's a Brewing...
I "stole" this from my good friend Ellie who posted the other day on her blog. Please join me in prayer for the safety of our country from this impeding storm (both the physical one and the political one) that it's strength and damage will be lessened.
Our Lady is powerful when we ask for her assistance. I also like to pray to St. Scholastica who is a strong intercessor when it comes to storms.
Ave Maris Stella
Hail Bright star of Ocean
Gods own Mother Blessed
Ever sinless Virgin
Gate of Heavenly rest!
Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us
Changing Eva's name.
Break the captive's fetters ;
Light on blindness pour ;
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.
Show thyself a Mother ;
May thy word Divine
Born for us thine Infant
Hear our prayer through thine!
Virgin all excelling
mildest of the mild
freed from guilt preserve us
pure and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless
make our way secure
Till we find in Jesus
Joy forevermore.
Through the highest heaven,
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son, and Spirit, One same glory
be.
Amen.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
While you were sleeping...
This song has been playing through my head all day. I was working in the yard with Shaun, preparing for the incoming storm, weeding and putting away things and collecting seeds from our Summer flowers and generally "battening down the hatches" and all I could hear was this song playing in my head.
There are so many things I've been thinking of lately. Too much to share here, but as I picked seeds from our beautiful morning glories and I watched my sweet baby toddling around in the grass, all I could think of was Mother Teresa's words "How can there be too many children? That's like saying, there are too many flowers"
Every time I hear this song, I simply cannot help it. I start to cry and often picture Jesus standing looking into Jerusalem shortly before his passion when he said, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how I longed to gather you as a mother hen gathers her chicks... but you would not" I always think of that passage with sorrow and how Jesus wanted so desperately to save this nation, and it rejected Him and chose Barrabas when God himself stood before them.
The two lines that really strike me right now are:
"The Father gave His only Son, The Way, The Truth, The Life had come... but there was no room for him in the World he came to Save"
AND
"United States of America, looks like another Silent night... as we're sung to sleep by philosophies of SAVE the TREES, but KILL THE CHILDREN..."
I wish it weren't true here, but it is. Soon, as the fate of Our Nation is decided, let our quiet votes be cast wisely and let us choose Christ ...and his Children when we stand in the quiet of our ballot box, with only God watching as our witness.
There are so many things I've been thinking of lately. Too much to share here, but as I picked seeds from our beautiful morning glories and I watched my sweet baby toddling around in the grass, all I could think of was Mother Teresa's words "How can there be too many children? That's like saying, there are too many flowers"
Every time I hear this song, I simply cannot help it. I start to cry and often picture Jesus standing looking into Jerusalem shortly before his passion when he said, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how I longed to gather you as a mother hen gathers her chicks... but you would not" I always think of that passage with sorrow and how Jesus wanted so desperately to save this nation, and it rejected Him and chose Barrabas when God himself stood before them.
The two lines that really strike me right now are:
"The Father gave His only Son, The Way, The Truth, The Life had come... but there was no room for him in the World he came to Save"
AND
"United States of America, looks like another Silent night... as we're sung to sleep by philosophies of SAVE the TREES, but KILL THE CHILDREN..."
I wish it weren't true here, but it is. Soon, as the fate of Our Nation is decided, let our quiet votes be cast wisely and let us choose Christ ...and his Children when we stand in the quiet of our ballot box, with only God watching as our witness.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
So what happened???
After our recent appraisal we immediately set to work trying to finish any other problems that may stand against the house being deemed "livable" in the eyes of the bank.
The Gas Meter
We immediately called the plumber who came and did a test on the gas line. Then the inspector came and inspected the gas line. Then the Gas company came and installed the Gas Meter and turned on the gas.
The Hot Water Tank
We decided to rent. This poses it's own problems over the next two years (mainly that we can't breach our contract or it will cost us an additional $150 and therefore we can't take out the chimney which it's venting into ...which falls right in the spot the new shower will be going in the downstairs bath AND where the door will go in the upstairs bedroom). Anyhow, we got the Hot water tank and it's all hooked up and running.
The Back Entrance/Stairs
Shaun and his friend "Uncle Bob" came over the weekend and built the stairs. Pretty good job for waterproofers, no? Shaun also bricked up the holes in the chimney, so the hot water tank could be hooked up the following day.
This information was forwarded to the appraiser BEFORE he submitted his appraisal/report so that he could include the photos, inspection reports and permits if needed... he never submitted/included them into his report, but rather left them out and said that the house was still considered unlivable because of these conditions.
This information was ALSO sent to the bank before they even recieved the appraisal report, so that they could see these issues had been addressed already when they recieved his paperwork.
I recieved a phone call yesterday on my birthday from the bank stating that the appraiser had also found a couple lines in our deed that caused him some concern and recommended the bank take note of it.
It says: "Grantee agrees to rehabilitate the Property as a residential dwelling in conformance with existing zoning restrictions in the City, or consistent with any vested zoning rights the property may have, within twelve (12) months from the date of recording of this Deed as evidenced by the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Inspectional Services Department of the City of New Bedford or other demonstrated occupancy acceptable to the Grantor. In the event that the Grantee fails to subtantioally complete rehabilitation withing the above (12) mont period, then, upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Grantee, the Premises shall revert to the Grantor."
Blah Blah Blah... it goes on. I actually brought this up to the city 5 months ago right after we had purchased the property and was told not to worry about it.
It essentially means we have a year to complete the work on the home and get an "Occupancy Permit" or the property returns to the city.
After Mr. Appraisor pointed this out, It caused MAJOR red flags for the bank (thanks for pointing that out Mr. Appraisor, we appreciate it) and they were concerned that if we lost the house within the next 7 months (we've been trying to get a loan to fix the roof, windows and siding for 5 months) it would go to the city instead of the bank and the bank would lose their money... too risky for them.
SOoooo... I spent the entire day today at city hall trying to either get this part of the deed amended, or obtain an occupancy permit.
Essentially what it all comes down to is that ...I don't even NEED an occupancy permit because the house is already "livable", so they won't give me one. They only give occupancy permits if the house is ripped apart and upon being put back together, the city approves that it's again able to be lived in.
We don't need one. It's like saying,
"Can I have a plumbing permit for plumbing that's already there?"
"But you don't need a plumbing permit ...because it's already "plumbed"!"
"But can I have one anyway because the bank needs this piece of paper"
"We can't give you something you don't need" ..."Go see so and so instead and talk to them about it"
(ALL... DAY... LOooooooNG...)
I eventually ended up in tears in the city solicitors office *Pregnancy Hormones on Overdrive*...
Ava (aka cutest baby ever) sat on the counter and pulled kleenex tissues from the nearby box and handed them to me making her "sniff face". It's hard to stay sad around such cuteness.
My friend in there said, "Hold on a second, I'll be right back." He already KNEW how frustrating this had been for us, He already KNEW what the house looked like before we got it and He already KNEW the work we'd done on it up till that point. He quickly wrote letter to act as an addendum to the deed, essentially waiving that clause completely, making it null and void and noting that we had already complied with all necessary obligations to make the house "livable" and our agreement complete.
As I walked out to my car with baby in one hand and paper addendum in the other I felt reassured. What more could they want, right?
At that moment my phone rang. It was my hubby checking in. I picked up,
"Hi, Honey, I just got a phone call from the bank" he said.
...They rejected the loan"
WHAT??? But they didn't even LOOK at anything I'd sent over! I called the woman back to explain that we had taken care of everything. It didn't matter.
They needed an "Occupancy Permit".
If we couldn't get this piece of documentation (even though we don't need it and have every other possible piece of documentation saying the home is "livable") they wouldn't even consider it, because evidently without it, the house isn't considered "livable". After this conversation I felt like THIS...
The Gas Meter
We immediately called the plumber who came and did a test on the gas line. Then the inspector came and inspected the gas line. Then the Gas company came and installed the Gas Meter and turned on the gas.
Problem #1-Check
The Hot Water Tank
We decided to rent. This poses it's own problems over the next two years (mainly that we can't breach our contract or it will cost us an additional $150 and therefore we can't take out the chimney which it's venting into ...which falls right in the spot the new shower will be going in the downstairs bath AND where the door will go in the upstairs bedroom). Anyhow, we got the Hot water tank and it's all hooked up and running.
Problem #2-Check
The Back Entrance/Stairs
Shaun and his friend "Uncle Bob" came over the weekend and built the stairs. Pretty good job for waterproofers, no? Shaun also bricked up the holes in the chimney, so the hot water tank could be hooked up the following day.
Problem #3-Check
This information was forwarded to the appraiser BEFORE he submitted his appraisal/report so that he could include the photos, inspection reports and permits if needed... he never submitted/included them into his report, but rather left them out and said that the house was still considered unlivable because of these conditions.
This information was ALSO sent to the bank before they even recieved the appraisal report, so that they could see these issues had been addressed already when they recieved his paperwork.
I recieved a phone call yesterday on my birthday from the bank stating that the appraiser had also found a couple lines in our deed that caused him some concern and recommended the bank take note of it.
It says: "Grantee agrees to rehabilitate the Property as a residential dwelling in conformance with existing zoning restrictions in the City, or consistent with any vested zoning rights the property may have, within twelve (12) months from the date of recording of this Deed as evidenced by the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy by the Inspectional Services Department of the City of New Bedford or other demonstrated occupancy acceptable to the Grantor. In the event that the Grantee fails to subtantioally complete rehabilitation withing the above (12) mont period, then, upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Grantee, the Premises shall revert to the Grantor."
Blah Blah Blah... it goes on. I actually brought this up to the city 5 months ago right after we had purchased the property and was told not to worry about it.
It essentially means we have a year to complete the work on the home and get an "Occupancy Permit" or the property returns to the city.
After Mr. Appraisor pointed this out, It caused MAJOR red flags for the bank (thanks for pointing that out Mr. Appraisor, we appreciate it) and they were concerned that if we lost the house within the next 7 months (we've been trying to get a loan to fix the roof, windows and siding for 5 months) it would go to the city instead of the bank and the bank would lose their money... too risky for them.
SOoooo... I spent the entire day today at city hall trying to either get this part of the deed amended, or obtain an occupancy permit.
Essentially what it all comes down to is that ...I don't even NEED an occupancy permit because the house is already "livable", so they won't give me one. They only give occupancy permits if the house is ripped apart and upon being put back together, the city approves that it's again able to be lived in.
We don't need one. It's like saying,
"Can I have a plumbing permit for plumbing that's already there?"
"But you don't need a plumbing permit ...because it's already "plumbed"!"
"But can I have one anyway because the bank needs this piece of paper"
"We can't give you something you don't need" ..."Go see so and so instead and talk to them about it"
(ALL... DAY... LOooooooNG...)
I eventually ended up in tears in the city solicitors office *Pregnancy Hormones on Overdrive*...
...because I felt like this!
Ava (aka cutest baby ever) sat on the counter and pulled kleenex tissues from the nearby box and handed them to me making her "sniff face". It's hard to stay sad around such cuteness.
My friend in there said, "Hold on a second, I'll be right back." He already KNEW how frustrating this had been for us, He already KNEW what the house looked like before we got it and He already KNEW the work we'd done on it up till that point. He quickly wrote letter to act as an addendum to the deed, essentially waiving that clause completely, making it null and void and noting that we had already complied with all necessary obligations to make the house "livable" and our agreement complete.
Victory right???
*deep sigh* Finally all Four remaining issues had been taken care of and documented for the bank to see plain and clear *pheww*
As I walked out to my car with baby in one hand and paper addendum in the other I felt reassured. What more could they want, right?
At that moment my phone rang. It was my hubby checking in. I picked up,
"Hi, Honey, I just got a phone call from the bank" he said.
...They rejected the loan"
WHAT??? But they didn't even LOOK at anything I'd sent over! I called the woman back to explain that we had taken care of everything. It didn't matter.
They needed an "Occupancy Permit".
If we couldn't get this piece of documentation (even though we don't need it and have every other possible piece of documentation saying the home is "livable") they wouldn't even consider it, because evidently without it, the house isn't considered "livable". After this conversation I felt like THIS...
*Ugh* 5 months work ...down the drain...
In the midst of all this frustration, I'm honestly not sure what our next step is, but I do keep reflecting on how we entrusted this whole situation to Our Lady and Our Lord. We have to continue to trust when we are being tested, that they are watching this whole situation. If doors are being shut when we try to open them and we are doing everything possible to move forward, we have to trust that He sees something we don't and we are being "steered" in a different direction. Back to prayer and common sense to try to figure out what our next step will be. Please continue to pray for us and that we continue to trust.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Ava's 1st trip to the Pumpkin Patch!
Saturday we had such a nice family day after SO many weekends of Shaun working and us focusing on getting the house ready for the appraisal. A relaxing morning at home with a funny baby and a good nap, followed by a lunch date, a little fishing,
some "Richardson's" ice cream (mmmmmmMMM!)
and a trip to the Pumpkin Patch on what turned out to be a perfect Autumn Day.
Here are some of my favorite photos of our little pumpkin! Enjoy a good look into our day!
Somebody JUST woke up from a nice car nap...
Where ARE we?
Getting ready for our first "Hay/Tractor Ride"
Daddy will help Ava pick the PERFECT pumpkin... (He ran all over and brought her one after another)
Is it THIS one?
NO... there Daddy!
Maybe THIS one?
It could be one of these...
I think this one...
Hmmm... then again...
This is SUCH a hard decision...
Gee... which one could it be...
There are so many to choose from...
Hey LOOK!
Here comes DA-DA!
And he's carrying the BEST one yet!
Put it down right here...
I'll keep it safe *pat-pat*
Ok, HOLD it! I think that's ENOUGH!
DAD!!!
I FOUND it!
It's right here!
But then again... (oh my!)
Mommy... I like this place... I feel like I "fit in" here...
Have I told you today that your BELLY looks like a PUMPKIN? It does momma... in a good way.
The tractor driver took this great family pic!
Found her favorite! Time to take it home
*sniff face* "Take that!" (to the other little boy on the hay ride) I have the best pumpkin!
Looking through the "littles" to pick one out. A lady said, "Can I pick THAT pumpkin to take home?" (meaning Ava)
She does make it hard to resist....
!!!spots a chicken!!!
Checking it out with Daddy...
It checked THEM out too!
THIS is where they live DA-DA? I like our house better...
Finds the perfect "little one"...
(I love this shot! Look at Shaun's hard working hand and Ava's perfect little one)
Ava meets the sheep!
Check out that face! She's SO excited!
An impromptu kiss from a Happy little girl!
And a ride from Daddy's strong shoulders...
Some more apples for Canning...
And Finally time to head home!
Ava got home and promptly pulled out the little pumpkin from the bag it was in (she tried to lift the big one) and carried it around all night. We put it in her pack and play with her and she just played and played with it (the stem is now quite a bit shorter) amazed with the thing. What a funny little "pumpkin" she is. I was positive upon looking at her that we DEFINITELY chose the perfect one to bring home to keep!
some "Richardson's" ice cream (mmmmmmMMM!)
and a trip to the Pumpkin Patch on what turned out to be a perfect Autumn Day.
Here are some of my favorite photos of our little pumpkin! Enjoy a good look into our day!
Somebody JUST woke up from a nice car nap...
Getting ready for our first "Hay/Tractor Ride"
Daddy will help Ava pick the PERFECT pumpkin... (He ran all over and brought her one after another)
Is it THIS one?
NO... there Daddy!
Maybe THIS one?
It could be one of these...
I think this one...
Hmmm... then again...
This is SUCH a hard decision...
Gee... which one could it be...
There are so many to choose from...
Hey LOOK!
Here comes DA-DA!
And he's carrying the BEST one yet!
Put it down right here...
I'll keep it safe *pat-pat*
Ok, HOLD it! I think that's ENOUGH!
DAD!!!
I FOUND it!
It's right here!
But then again... (oh my!)
Mommy... I like this place... I feel like I "fit in" here...
Have I told you today that your BELLY looks like a PUMPKIN? It does momma... in a good way.
The tractor driver took this great family pic!
Found her favorite! Time to take it home
*sniff face* "Take that!" (to the other little boy on the hay ride) I have the best pumpkin!
Looking through the "littles" to pick one out. A lady said, "Can I pick THAT pumpkin to take home?" (meaning Ava)
She does make it hard to resist....
Checking it out with Daddy...
THIS is where they live DA-DA? I like our house better...
Finds the perfect "little one"...
(I love this shot! Look at Shaun's hard working hand and Ava's perfect little one)
Ava meets the sheep!
Check out that face! She's SO excited!
An impromptu kiss from a Happy little girl!
And a ride from Daddy's strong shoulders...
Some more apples for Canning...
And Finally time to head home!
Ava got home and promptly pulled out the little pumpkin from the bag it was in (she tried to lift the big one) and carried it around all night. We put it in her pack and play with her and she just played and played with it (the stem is now quite a bit shorter) amazed with the thing. What a funny little "pumpkin" she is. I was positive upon looking at her that we DEFINITELY chose the perfect one to bring home to keep!
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