Affordable Piper Housing, House For Sale

Our house is back up for sale. Unfortunately our buyer's schedule isn't matching up with ours and we're putting the house back out there. We bought it 8 years ago and completely replaced everything. Nothing is original but the wall studs.  

-Double paned windows that tilt in for easy cleaning (top and bottom)
-Zoned heating and cooling with new units
-all new electrical
-30 year Heritage roof for house and garage
-new siding
-new flooring throughout house. Dupont Stainmaster carpet, tile, and "hand planed" laminate flooring.
-4 large bedrooms
-office space
-dining room
-comes with 2 ovens, dishwasher (new last year), microwave, and side by side Fridge
-1.5 bath
-laundry room
-1950 square feet
-6ft neighbor friendly fence with 2 gates
-4.5 city lots or 3/4 acre
-Wrap around porch, large back deck, and back porch
-large 2 stall garage with utility stall and work shop
-across the street from Piper Elementary

Asking $149,950

12128 Russell Ave

Kansas City, Kansas

66109

Big Sale Thurs-Sat!!!

The owners of the new house are having an Estate Sale starting Thursday and ending on Saturday. So if you want to go take a peak at our new house and purchase a few things to help empty the place, go for it!

The address is 12111 Hubbard KCK. Here are some pics I took of the house just to show you a glimpse of just how much stuff they are trying to clear out!

If you love antiques this is a great sale. Tons of awesome stuff!  Be sure to wipe your feet before you go in :)

Turn East off 123rd onto Hubbard,  6th house on the right (South)

Balance

I've been working at the Y for a year now.  The kids go with me 90% of the time.  The younger 3 play in child watch and the older two swim in the pool.

I go in Monday through Friday so the kids are there most days of the week.  In the beginning it was new and exciting and the kids loved to go and even asked on my days off if we were going to the Y that day. 

Unfortunately the newness has worn off.  The other night we were there for a hour and a half.  Brennan and Tanner were in the pool and apparently there was an older girl that was bullying Tanner.  She was following him around and saying nasty things. 

When we left Tanner was really quiet and Brennan began to explain.  As an adult it seems obvious she thought Tanner was cute and wanted to be near him.  In her adolescent awkwardness, she was obnoxious and rude and Tan just wanted to be away from her.  She became more and more aggressive and was even swearing at him. 

Over the last few months the kids have starting giving me grief when it's time to head into work.  They don't want to go, they ask "how long" will they have to be there. 

This is really hard for a couple reasons.  The kids are sheltered somewhat due to being homeschooled.  They have been exposed to a whole different world/culture through their time at the Y.  It has sparked some good conversations and teachable moments that I think are important.

But...As Brennan explained this girl's comments (some were sexual in nature), Tanner sat quietly and cried looking out the window. 

How do I balance protecting them and allowing life experience that will grow them? 

Tanner finally spoke up and explained that he had tried to witness to this girl and her brother.  He asked the brother, "Do you guys go to church?"  The boy told him church was a waste of time because all they do is talk and talk.  Tanner was shocked and said, "Have you ever been to Sunday School?  Because it's awesome!"

They asked him why he was so nice.  Even though the girl was being mean Tanner refused to be mean back and it didn't make sense to the siblings.  He explained told them, "I'm a preacher's kid.  It's my job to love people."

I told the boys that I understand that those kids say things that our boys aren't allowed to say.  I told them that they are old enough to know not to repeat them and that just hearing the words isn't wrong.  Reusing them is what will get them in trouble.  I also explained that being a Christian in this world means loving mean people. 

They will spend their lives loving people who don't deserve it and who may not even want it.  It's difficult sometimes, but it's the only way we are going to be able to tell people Jesus loves them. 

When they ask, "Why are you being nice to me," we can tell them,"Jesus loves you and so do I." 

5 Years?!

Today is the 5 year anniversary of my Dad's passing.  That is really hard for me to believe.  He has been on my mind and heart a lot the last couple weeks.  It's amazing how grief comes in waves. 

I witnessed someone being surprised by their Dad.  He lives states away and walked up behind her and she embraced him and exclaimed, "Daddy!" Tears poured without warning. 

I miss you

While searching my photo album for pictures to post my computer kept offering pictures of Brennan thinking it was Dad.  This is a pic from when Dad was about Brennan's age.  I wish we had known the similarities while he was still alive.  I think he would have liked the idea of a "mini me".

This week I have had an opportunity to minister to someone going through a tragic loss.  In fact there have been several opportunities in the last couple years to really love on someone who was struggling with the "why" of it all. 

As painful as this has been in my life and the life of my family, I am thankful that I can use my experience to comfort others.  It feels as if all the grief and tears are not in vain. 

How Do YOU Do It?

One of the most common statements I hear is:

"I don't know how you do it with 5!"

Last week our family dispersed.  Brennan and Tanner went to West Central Christian Service Camp, Anneliese and Graham went to my mom's and Jared, Eli, and I went to Mission Lake.

We hadn't even left the house and Elijah broke down and started bawling as Anneliese and Graham rode away in my mom's car.  I encouraged him it would be fine and we would have some great time together and I promised to spoil him all week since he's the only one.

We headed out to QT with Eli riding shotgun and went to camp slushy in hand.  Part way there he broke down again.  "What am I supposed to do without my brothers?" he bawled.

I reassured him he would be fine and this was much needed one on one time...He rolled his eyes.

Once settled in at camp he walked out of the cafeteria and wandered towards the cabin head and shoulders down.  Jared asked if he was crying so I went to check and sure enough, he was sobbing.  He was just sure he would die without his siblings and no matter how much I loved on him, held his hand, showered him with candy, he would not be consoled.

We did what we had to.  We called Aunt Alanna and asked for Kelby.  She brought him up the next day and Eli counted down the hours driving me NUTS in the meantime.  The quiet guarded Elijah became a chatty needy little man that wouldn't leave my side. 

I thought all would be well and good once Kelby arrived.  They were for the most part, but Elijah was not right until we were all home settled in with everyone under one roof. 

So...mom's of less than 5, how do YOU do it?  My kids entertain themselves!  I have a built in play group every day.  I'm never badgered because a child is lonely or bored.  If they get bored with one sibling they move onto another. 

I'm telling you if you can move past the hard years of multiples in diapers and dealing with baby after baby, it really is better when they're older.  The kids are best friends (and worst enemies at times, I'll be honest) but they love each other, cherish each other, and best of all....entertain each other!

To Cut Or Not to Cut

I have been asking your advice for quite some time due to my indecisiveness.  Today was my appointment and I went in with great anticipation.

Before I left the house Jared gave me the nod to do as I please with my tresses.  I was chatting with my friend last night and came to the realization that I treat my hair as a security blanket in a way.  Weird but true.

It's been super long for about 9 years and when I'm thin (as I intend to stay) my face gets gaunt and the long hair seems to make it look longer and thinner.  So...here we go!

Becky W. at A Shear Thing Salon helped me realize why I was so hesitant.  As a redhead, I receive compliments simply due to the color of my hair.  She said, "You think, the more red I have the more compliments I'll receive." 

I realized she's right.  There are days when I feel down in the dumps and then someone will say something nice about my hair and it just lifts my spirits.  She said, "You'll still receive those compliments especially if it's cut and looks healthy."  Then she pulled my ends up over my shoulder and said with a smile, "These aren't pretty." 

She hit the nail on the head.  It's time.  OFF WITH IT!

Here it is from the back:

That's about an 8" difference!

And here's from the front:

It's shorter in the back and angles down in the front.  I'm super pleased with it!!!  She did a great job and I didn't cry a single tear :)

Please follow THIS LINK and comment on my picture.  There's a contest and I could win $50 in free product at A Shear Thing. 

His Love is Strong

Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let your kingdom come
In my world and in my life
You give me the food I need
To live through the day
And forgive me as I forgive
The people that wronged me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place
I look at the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day

So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need

Chorus (3x):
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens
Is now advancing
Invade my heart
Invade this broken town
The kingdom of the heavens
Is buried treasure
Will you sell yourself
To buy the one you've found?

Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me

(Chorus 3x)

Our God in heaven
Hallowed be
Thy name above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us wicked sinners
Lead us far away from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons

Some Summer Fun

Blurry but still super cute

Sis and Graham snuggled up swinging

Cute am I

Sis "schwimming"

We love the fish at Cabellas!

What a Week!

We are all converging back home today.  Eli, Kelby and I came home after dinner last night from camp to greet Anneliese and Graham.  Brennan and Tanner come home today from West Central Christian Service camp and Jared will make his way home from Mission Lake.

It was a really good week at camp.  Kelly Bowker led worship with his beautiful wife Megan.  They did a great job and I loved the coffee house vibe they provide :)

While hanging out in the caf I over heard our mission speaker say, "Rock Creek Bible Church."  So I asked him if he had attended there.  Over the course of the next two days we chatted and found out we have an entire community of people in common.  The most important connection is my younger brother Will.  Over the years I have hear a lot about Will's minister friend Micah.  Little did I know that was the very Micah sitting at the table across from me.  He and his family work for FamilyLife mending broken relationships and bringing families back together and back to God.

This week was a welcome break from everything.  A time to focus on God and spend time with Jared (and Katie H :)).  What a blessing!

TEMPTATION!!!

My make shift gym

Bench for bench press, not too "shabby" :)

Sophie enjoying the cool concrete in Chapel

Brennan and Tanner at WCCSC

Graham and NeNe at Chucky Cheese

Anneliese and Zach racing!

Graham and Auntie

Graham and Anneliese were spoiled by Jason, Erin, and my mom.  They went to Chucky Cheese and the Zoo!  They had a great time and came home exhausted!  I think Grandma was in need of a nap too :)

Now that we're home we're just trying to adapt to being back together.  It didn't take long for the exhaustion to start affecting how they treat each other.  Eli and Graham have been struggling all morning.  Elijah may be rethinking his melt downs this week when all he wanted was his brothers.

Randomly Packed

-Things are starting to look funny around here...

-I've realized I may have a problem.  After packing all the fam for 5 days of camp, our dressers and closets are still full.  I never realized I had a clothes hoarding issue when it came to the kids.  I knew I did it for me, but not them!  No wonder I never get caught up on laundry.  They have way too many options! 

-We are needing more boxes.  If you can help, let me know!  Thanks in advance.

-Jared and I received good news from the bank this last week.  If all goes well our new mortgage will be a 1.1% lower interest rate than what we currently have.  That's awesome and it means our house payment will stay very similar but we'll have 4 bathrooms!  4!!  I'm a bit excited :)

-We were talking last night.  Neither of us ever thought we would voluntarily move out of this house.  We have been blessed to live here and are so thankful for all the wonderful memories shared here.  We have had many people in and out of our home and had several babies here.  God is good and we are so thankful. 

"Lob"bing it off?

My hair has been really long for a really long time.  I'm thinking about switching it up.  I've had long locks for about 10 years and while I love the long hair, I am getting closer to 40 and thought about giving myself a more "mature" look :)

I have a weird anxiety about cutting my hair and my appointment isn't until the 20th, but I'm super curious what you think.

My style of choice?  The "Lob!"  A long bob with a bit of a lift in the back.  I have a super long giraffe neck (as my brother Jason used to say when we were younger:)) and I thought this would be a flattering cut.

Whenever I see pics of myself all I see is hair. Gwyneth Paltrow has a long neck like I do.  I thought this was a flattering pic of her and similar to what I was thinking.

 Here is a similar pic of Jen Aniston with a similar cut.

I won't ever go super short again I know that, but this seems like a fresh cut and a compromise.  Plus if I hate it, all it will take is a little time and it'll be back to "normal."  There isn't any crazy layers to grow out or awkward phases. 

Be honest, what do you think?

Patriotic Glory

Here's the girl in her patriotic glory :)

Sorry the first one is hazy.  I took them super quick before church.  It only took a little over a hour and I made her dress and a matching shirt for me all for $13!