Pins and Needles

We have two major life events that may or may not happen in the next few weeks. Not having a crystal ball means lots of deep breaths, prayers and relying that God will see us through whatever the outcomes. This weekend we are looking at houses in Maple Valley with our agent. We have our loan approval, but we are waiting for the official word that we qualify for the down payment grant. This is a grant that will provide us our down payment without having to pay it back. Our lender thinks we should be qualified, but we thought we were supposed to hear by Wednesday. It's now Friday at 230 PM and we still haven't heard. We'll move forward with looking at the houses on Saturday, but we won't be able to put in offers until that is cleared up. In this market, thats a bit scary because its a pretty competitive market and things go fast. The other life altering event that I hope works out is my friend put in his notice of stepping down as manager as of November 1st. His job posting goes out Tuesday, and I'll be putting in for it. My brain tells me that I'm the obvious choice and my General Manager and Director have both told me they want me back as a manager, but there is this doubt lingering inside of me. Nothing is set in stone and I'm not guaranteed anything. Here's how all of this ties together: In order to qualify for this grant, it's based off of what Tim and I make currently. Once I get promoted, I'll make too much to qualify. However, if I don't get the promotion, we won't be able to afford a new house right now. (Well, not the house we want) I am SOOOOO bored and over qualified for my current position. I am so grateful for the opportunity to step down and I've learned so much about myself and have an improved work/life balance. But I need a challenge and I'm so on fire for being a manager again. I have this renewed passion for work that I feel like I am stifled every day! I need this change in a bad way! AND... we have got to move out of our apartment. It's been such a nightmare living there! The small space, old appliances (and lack thereof) and old smell was bad enough. But then you add the nosy neighbor who thinks we're too loud during the daytime and has complained to management (and reprimanded Kaydriana right in front of me!) and the scary brother of the lady who lives underneath us. Which, by the way, works at the corporate office of Costco too and has not given me the time of day. Weird - she doesn't even acknowledge my presence. I've tried to say hi to her a few times, but she purposefully avoids me. Maybe because she is embarrassed because of issues going on a weekly basis at her apartment. Fights, parties, smoking, cops coming (twice), threats being yelled at other neighbors, him sleeping in our laundry room, etc. So, with everything - Tim and I feel like prisoners in our own home. The kids can't be kids and they are being punished for things they shouldn't be punished for like bouncing a ball. We're constantly shooshing them and putting them in time out. Kaydriana wets the bed at night at least once a week. It's really been a nightmare. We want to give them the house they deserve. A safe place to play where Tim and I can enjoy our family together instead of making outside time feel like a chore. We would also like a big enough home where we can host holidays with our families instead of always splitting them up or renting a place for the kids' birthday parties, or relying on good weather. So, before I could finish up this post, Tim got a delivery at work.... We have our pre- qualifications!!! We're getting our new house!! Praise The Lord! Now praying the financial part is put to rest and I get the manager promotion. And you know what's next after house and promotion? Our next big life event: baby #3! ( God willing!)