Whirlwind couple of weeks! part 1: graduation & houses

These last 2 weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement! Stephen submitted his dissertation, walked at graduation and defended his dissertation. "His name is Docta Jones, doll!" These past 5 years of his PhD program have been pretty definitive--the highlights being the births of Trevor and Ruth and the low times being the deaths of both my grandma and mom. We've made lifelong friends and know that the Lord has been watching out for us--as have both of our families--we couldn't have done this without you!!!

Stephen's parents came out for graduation, and stayed a few extra days to watch the boys while Stephen, Elise, Ruth and I went house hunting in Wyoming. While they were here they also finished various projects so we could list our house to sell the day they left. I think we all might have a bit of the crazy bug!!

We listed our MN house on Thursday afternoon, had 7 or showings that day, along with two offers. Gene and Ann left that night, dropping the boys off with my visiting teacher, Judy. Friday (while we were still in WY), we had around 12 more showings on the house, so Judy just kept the boys at her house all day. In fact, we got home around 4:30, got Sammy packed for his choir tour and spent the rest of the evening at Judy's--dinner and a movie while people were perusing our house.

Earlier on Friday our Realtor posted to have "last and best" offers in by 9 a.m. Saturday morning, since we already had multiple offers. That caused offer #2 to up the offer by 5k, and we got one more offer after that. Right about 48 hours after listing the house we had our counter offer signed by the buyers. WOW!!

While all that craziness was going on back home, Stephen, the girls and I found a house in Laramie! It's located on 17 acres just a few miles outside of town. Say what?!?! There is a lawn area, green house, garden, barn w/ outside pen area for animals, a pond, and lots and lots of trees. Walking on the property I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. It's at the end of a private road, so there is literally no traffic. It is still and quiet and I can't wait to look at the stars this summer!