Samantha's First Birthday Party

Halloween

One of these things is not like the other...

We were actually all m&ms - even Nick dressed up at Trunk or Treat. This was the night before with a friend. Saturday night I was too busy to sit down and take a picture... make a note for next years Trunk or Treat to have a photo booth...

(Aren't these costumes beautiful, my very talented and creative sister made them!)

Cards for Stamp Camp

1: Trees

2. Dasher

3: Peace

4: ornament

5: Bethlehem

6: mistletoe

Anybody who would like to come make cards on November 20th at my house is welcome. $30 for 25 cards, 10:00 - 2:00ish. Let me know, I'd love to have you!

Making home affordable

Hello!

This post is for any random person searching for some hope that the "Making Home Affordable" program actually works. The short answer: YES IT DOES! It took 10 months from our first trial period payment, and LOTS of phone calls, but our mortgage was eventually modified and our payment was essentially cut in half. So, again, the short answer, it'll work, just hang in there.

IT WAS A NIGHTMARE THOUGH! We first started in May of 2009 and were told that we qualified. Then we heard nothing. Eventually, I called back and we were approved. We made our first trial period payment in August. We qualified because I'm no longer working and so our debt to income ratio was higher than the allowed amount. We made trial period payments, not hearing anything (but expecting to) because the 3 month trial period was over. In November, we got papers from the bank to get notarized, and were given a different mortgage payment. Sent them back. Heard nothing. In January, we got the same paperwork, but different numbers. No explanation, just a letter saying notarize and send back. We got a notice in the mail saying we had to do credit counseling. Did both. Waited and were told 4-6 weeks. Waited. Told 3-4 months. FINALLY the May statement reflected the changed interest rate and official payment.

I'm actually on the phone right now trying to fix a supposed late payment (we've NEVER been late). The account isn't showing on credit reports as delinquent anymore, just one late payment in January. Hopefully it'll be easy to fix.

Please feel free to share your experiences -- I've had a hard time finding a good site for these and I can move the comments to another blog if necessary!

Children's Discovery Museum

On Wednesday we went with my sister and my mom to the Children's discovery museum in Sausalito. All SF museums are free on the first Wednesday of the month! It was packed that day. It was nice, but I'm glad we didn't have to pay for it, as Grant's favorite things to do was play with the train set (which he did at Grandma's too), dig in the sand, and chase birds. He did have fun playing in the water too, but we both had a little meltdown because he kept splashing so big it was soaking Samantha, and it wasn't warm enough outside to get wet (their sweatshirts stayed very wet for the next 2 hours). Sam had a lot of fun splashing in the water too.

4th of July

I think the 4th of July is my favorite holiday -- it's at least up there on the list (I know there aren't THAT many to choose from). This year we went to my Mom's house for a BBQ and then to San Ramon for their fireworks show. THe bottom picture is me trying to take a picture of Grant at the fireworks with the double flash. I had 3 pictures in a row with his eyes closed tight -- great smiles though!

Nick had the 5th off so we went to Santa Cruz. Grant actually is the one who started asking to go. On Thursday we were driving around and he started saying beach. So heck... why not. We took Lily too and let her play in the water until the lifeguard told us to put her leash back on. Grant had tons of fun in the water again, even though he was shivering. The sun didn't come out until after we left. Sam was a trooper, and after playing in the sand for a bit, fell asleep on the blanket. So sweet!

Weekend Fun

Nick and I have been disagreeing lately on how to spend the weekends. I'm bored to death at home with the kids, so by the time Friday rolls around, I want OUT. He, on the other hand, just wants to relax at home. He's been supportive though, and we have been doing fun things. This past weekend, he hung out with Grant while I got to visit my grandparents and friend in Sacramento. It was great to get away!

Another Saturday, we went to a park and played Frisbee golf. I'm pretty bad, but it was really fun. Grant usually wants to walk so we just brought one stroller. After about an hour, Grant was so tired (and hot probably) he wanted to ride. So, between holes, he would separate Samantha's legs and crawl up in the stroller. She was getting impatient with him but they both got through sharing! YEAH!

Our good friends from Merced had a baby in May and we finally got to meet her! While Nick was working on our house in Merced, I hung out with this baby. She was SO QUIET. Her cry was nonexistent -- like a little baby whine. Samantha (and Grant for that matter) are screamers! Lucky dogs!