Moving along....

 Week one of renovations is over, and the house is an entirely new house.  Whew!

Most of the house hadn't been touched in over 20 years, and needed lots of TLC.  It was the era of wall to wall carpeting, with each room a different color.  Wallpaper in hideous prints abounded, and in the master we hit the jackpot- painted walls with wallpaper UNDERNEATH.  Yippity-do-dah.  Thank God for great contractors.

The wood floors are visible throughout now, and luckily, are in great shape.  There's not a stitch of wallpaper left anywhere, and the walls have been patched and primed, even painted in some rooms.  Finally, the house is no longer lost in time, but has been brought forward to 2011.

We've been visiting the house daily to see what transformations occur.  Sometimes we even find little projects to keep us out of trouble.  Just today, we tearfully removed some brown and orange window treatments (sniff sniff).  If you believe that, I've got some ocean front property in Kansas I can sell you.
The decor that was left behind couldn't make it's way to the dumpster fast enough.

Enough babbling.  I bet you'd like to see some photos of what the rooms are looking like now....
Wait no longer!

                                 Upper hallway is now wallpaper free and has lovely wood floors.

                             Our Master, with all new dry wall thanks to the painted over wallpaper....

                                                   Master looking into the bathroom hallway.

                 Soon to be piano room, off the front hall and kitchen.  It's now wallpaper free too!

                  My kitchen is finally wall paper free and white.  Won't reveal the paint color until later....

                                   Look Ma!  No ugly wallpaper!  This mama is much happier now.

Ahhh....yes.

You knew this post was coming sooner or later- admit it.

What's the one thing every out of state (or out of country) move involves?  Anyone?  Anyone?

A trip to the DMV of course!  And today our number was up.  Nelson had been told by others to expect the process to take 5-6 hours.  Yep- you read that right- 5-6 HOURS.  Granted, we had to attain our licenses,register the vehicles, take a written test, and get the cars inspected.

I'm a big believer in planning ahead.  My plan of attack was to get there well before they opened so we could cruise right in and be ahead of the rush.  We showed up at 7am and were the first in line.  (Pat on the back for that move.)  An hour later we were greeted by the "boss" who was quite chipper, and requested us to "greet his employees in a friendly manner", because-  "if you had to see all these people in one day, you'd want people to be nice to you."  I swear on my Bible- that's what he said out loud.  Only  in New Jersey.

 So would it surprise you, that in stereotypical DMV fashion, not a single employee was friendly, or helpful?  In fact, quite the opposite.  But then, you're not surprised.  Please say you aren't.

It's a good thing I'm reserving judgment of New Jerseyans here.  The saving grace, is that I'm pretty sure all DMV experiences are the same everywhere in this nation.

7 hours in total spent in that building.  7 hours I won't get back.

Now it's time for a stiff drink......

Thing 9

There's a Texas sized dumpster sitting in our driveway.  Does this tell you enough?

I'm not going to share photos just yet of the work.....that will come later, in a transformation post (bet you're just itchin' to see the befores and afters!)

You'll be happy to know that today, I finalized paint colors throughout the house.  Many times I had to remind myself that being "risky" is good, and that life would be terribly boring if all decisions were "safe".  Of course, my idea of "risky" could be another person's "safe".  With any luck, our personalities will be showcased in our choice of colors.  You'll have to visit to give your opinion.

But I digress.  When the contractor was removing the sheet rock in our master bedroom he found something interesting in the wall.  The house was built in 1967.  Just setting the stage....

Here's what he found buried in between the studs:

Are you kidding me?  Not just ANY beer- but Schaefer beer.  I about fell over laughing!  My maiden name, on a can with a nearly perfect spelling (short one f).  To me, it was another confirmation that we are exactly where we're supposed to be.  Call me crazy, but I'm keeping this can and framing it to display somewhere in our humble abode- maybe next to the really old built in radio that I refused to let Nelson remove.

Thing 9- I love that an old beer can from 1967 can be a reminder today, that nothing is a co-inky-dink!

Jersey girl?

Does owning this-
officially make me a Jersey girl?

We signed on the house today, making us owners of a slice of New Jersey.

I have to say....it feels great.  Being cooped up in an apartment really creates that longing for something more homey.  With a yard.  Lord knows we've got plenty of yard to go round at this place.  Did I mention the ride on mower we now own?

The contractor comes tomorrow to begin the "makeover".  My part in this?  I have 12 rooms which need paint, and I'm borderline Linda Blair on the decision making.  How does one go about choosing 12 colors?  Actually it's 10 rooms, since the kids picked their bedrooms colors.  I've never had to paint my entire house all at once.  And certainly not before the furniture arrived.  It's not like a bad haircut, where you can live with it until it grows out.  Oh no.  If we don't like the paint on the wall, it's either my job to repaint it or deal with it.  Hubby won't write a check for a do-over.

Here's what it boils down to- picking the same color palette as the previous house (SAFE), or doing something a bit different (RISKY).  Not sure where I sit on this one.

The paint deck and I will be spending time together this weekend.  We have much to discuss.

On a different note, Nelson will be earning his "Daddy of the Year Award" when he takes Audrey to the American Girl Doll Store for lunch, in NYC tomorrow.  $50 says he's the only Dad in the restaurant.  Another $50 says she never forgets the lunch.

Toodles!!

Thing 8

We've been gone for a week and just returned.

In our "old life" friends would call and see if we were back.  Neighbors would notice the car in the driveway after an absence, and come over to briefly catch up.

That's hardly the case here.  No complaints.  It's just the way it is for now.

One thing hasn't changed, however.  Our 3 furry "children" can't contain themselves when we waltz through the door.  You'd assume we were lugging suitcases full of catnip for all the excitement they possess.  It's a true welcome home party, cat style.  No matter where we go or where we live, these 3 are always happy to see us- especially after a long period away.

No one else may notice our absence here, but to these 3, we were missed.

And that's thing #8 I love about this move.

Thing 7

Maine is ONLY a mere 6.5 hours away now.

Perspective is everything.

It used to be a 12-13 hour drive split over two days.  The fact that we can hop in the car and be there in half a day, is no less than awesome.  Heck, we could meet my folks in the middle for lunch and still be back in time for dinner if we wanted.  How cool is that?

The 7th thing I love about this move is being closer to family, seeing them more frequently, and without some tedious two day excursion (with all the fun and insanity that accompanies such a drive).

Know what's even better?  No thought of duty, or exemptions or passports or.....

                                                       Uncle Craig and nephew Charlie

                                                                   Silly cousins.

                                     My brother's two beauties; Maddie age 8 and Elaine age 5.

Thing 6

Does it get any better than this?  I mean really....

A day at the "shore" with my kids....

Sunshine, sand, giggles, and plenty of cool refreshing waves to catch.  The New Jersey shore is my 6th favorite thing about this move.  Getting to share #6 with my kids, is the best part.

There's one little thing I did learn today:  DON'T let your kids put on their own sunscreen.  Yeah, not such a good turnout on that one.  Ouch.

Exploring

It doesn't take much convincing to get us out the door for a road trip.  We love 'em in this family.  Since we've no yard to contend with, few social obligations and beautiful weather predicted, we took advantage to get out of Dodge for the night.

There's no shortage of good choices of where to go, but high on our list was Philadelphia.  We'd been wanting to take the kids for awhile, and now that it was only two hours away, it was the perfect destination.  Plus, it was a great bookend to the Revolutionary War lessons we'd learned recently.

(A great traveler's tip BTW for you spontaneous types- priceline.com.   We use the site frequently, especially the "name your own price" option.  If you want the pointers email me and I'll give you the tricks- but it can save you bundles when traveling.)

Back to Philly.  Staying in downtown afforded us the chance to walk and be close to the historic area.  One of the things we always try to do in big cities is take the touristy bus tour.  The hop-on-hop-off kind are the best.  One can attain a great perspective of the entire city and then later go back and see things in detail.  The kids thoroughly enjoy the bus rides and frankly, it minimizes the grumbling.

In a little over 24 hours, we managed to knock off the top spots to see.  Can you guess what they are?

- The Liberty Bell (that was a gimme)
- Independence Hall (another gimme)
- Betsy Ross' house
- Elfreth's Alley
- Rocky Steps
- Pat's for a cheesesteak hoagie

Philadelphia is such an amazing place of history, art and architecture.  Sure, there are parts of the city one would do well to not visit, but the rest of it is well worth seeing.  Independence Hall had to be the most meaningful building we entered.  As Americans, it's such a vital, if not THE most vital building in our nation's history.  To envision the men sitting at their desks hashing out the details of the Declaration, then later, the Constitution, defies imagination.  I am so thankful the building has been preserved for all to see and enjoy.  If you've never seen this place, put it on your list.  Truly an awe inspiring locale,  if your American or not.  Before you go however, make sure to reserve your tickets online (getting in is free, but requires a ticket) for a nominal fee.  It behooves you to plan ahead, as only a limited number of tickets are available each day, and no one likes to be disappointed.

Of course, it wouldn't be Philly without having a cheesesteak hoagie.  Delectable, greasy, and not for the healthy at heart, this is one of those treats that defines the city.   What's the quickest way to stand out as a tourist?  Fumble when you order your cheesesteak.  Here's how it was defined to us:  you don't have to say "cheesesteak" since they know that's what you're ordering.  Simply say "wit onions" or "witout onions" (and no, that was not a typo) and the type of cheese you'd prefer: cheese wiz, provolone or American.  It's that simple.  If you end up with indigestion afterwards, you can thank me later.

Rocky Steps

Our little champion

                                                  City Hall with statue of William Penn on top

                                                        Audrey at the Liberty bell

                                                         Charlie at the Liberty bell

                                           The room in Independence Hall where it all took place...

                                                            On Independence Mall

                                     Enjoying a cheesesteak at Pat's (or not enjoying if you're Audrey)

History class

I'll be the first to admit that I never paid much attention in History class (shhh don't tell).

Most of my current history lessons come from historical fiction books or my personal encyclopedia, (AKA Nelson).  Pretty sad, I know.  Time to make up for all that lack of learning.

New Jersey is chock full of Revolutionary War History.  Forget textbooks and writing essays. We're on the fast track to learn history in the BEST way possible- seeing it firsthand.  Today we visited Washington's Headquarters, a mere stone's throw from here.  With the 4th of July so fresh in our minds, it was the icing on the cake, if you will, of our weekend celebrations.  The more we learned about these places, the more it came alive, and the more it affected me.

There's something that stirs at the heart of me, lost amid the artifacts and details from this era.  Picturing the men- starving, freezing and often shoeless, I can't help but feel overwhelmed.  Many of these young soldiers were untrained for war, but were willing to sacrifice their lives for the greater cause of independence.  This was no picnic for them, and yet, they served in conditions that were deplorable.  Selfless, God-fearing men put everything on the line for freedom.  It took years of battling, but eventually we won. Our spirited men and the people behind them, were declared a sovereign nation by the King of England.

That fierce spirit of independence still rings true today.  It's a part of our American DNA.  Our forefathers fought to the death for it, and soldiers today, still carry that same determination to see freedom win.  Our birth as a nation is unique, unlike any in history.  Taxation without representation was unacceptable, and if the King didn't succumb to our demands, we'd revolt.  You know how that turned out!

This is precisely why I don't take freedom lightly.  People are flippant about it today.  They assume the freedom we have, is always going to be there.  That's no guarantee- EVER.  Our freedom can be taken in the same manner it was given.  Freedom comes at a cost.  This nation's freedom was bought with blood, no one can claim otherwise.  To think we could get by with any less today, over 200 years later, is foolish.

My life, and the freedom I have today is not of my own doing.  Back in 1776, men stood up and took arms; knowing their lives would be given, but that the freedom they so desperately desired, was worth more.  Men, who didn't know me and the life I would be leading today, gave their life in sacrifice.  All the men who came after them, fighting in wars to preserve our freedom, did the same.  Unknown me, loved by a soldier.

Now that's AMERICAN.

There are two people who lay down their life for you:  Jesus Christ and an American soldier.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nUDFlzK-f0

Thing 5

It's the 4th of July long weekend here.  As Americans who haven't celebrated this patriotic event on US soil in six years, tomorrow will be especially poignant for us.  Add to that fact, that we're temporarily living in the Revolutionary War epicenter, and you have the makings for some really unique celebrations.  I'll save that part for another post.  On to thing 5-

I am so thankful to see Old Glory hanging in splendor throughout the area.  On light posts on Main St, adorning homes along country roads, off porches where people watch their neighbors meander by, or hung from a wire off the top of the house, making a VERY bold statement.   I am home again!

"O say does that star spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave"

Amen to that!  Let her wave proudly I say.