Curt's Best Shots Slideshow

Saturday, April 14, 2012

A QUICK UPDATE

Hey All!

I'm so sorry to have been missing in action these past few weeks.  Thanks so much for wondering about me and the wonderful notes checking in.  I thought I better get on here and at least tell you what is going on so that you don't need to worry.

As you know, Jay has MS and I'm his caregiver.  Quite honestly, the medical bills/insurance is getting to be a bit much for our financial situation.  Because of this, we have decided to sell our beloved home and find something a bit more affordable.  So we are, for all intents and purposes, downsizing.  It has been quite the undertaking for me.  Trying to get the house in "showing" status has been and is a ton of work for me.  Jay is not the best "driver" of his electric wheelchair, so walls and such need repair and painting.  I've hired contractors for what I can't do and I'm doing all the rest.  I want the house to show well, so I'm repainting several rooms.  I'm also going through all of our "stuff" to get rid of all the crap that has built up over these past 12 years in this house so the impending move will be easier.  So, dealing with all the contractors, meeting with agents, and all the physical work that I need to do, I've just not had the energy or the time to "create".

I wanted to let you know what was going on so now you know.  I'd appreciate all the "keeping good thoughts" for us.  We have our eyes and hearts set on another house, but we must sell ours first.  So we need you to keep your fingers crossed that our house sells fast and the other one doesn't!  LOL

Thanks for thinking of us.  You don't know what it means to me.

Hugs,  Curt

"God, please help me be the person that my dogs think I am."

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

Curt, the boys are wearing bones! Last look at your blog this morning they were bunny bound - while sitting no less! Good pups!
So glad to read of your forward progress! Strength and blest determination be yours in the best of health slathering walls with paint and your home with loving preparation for a great showing and quick sale!
Tickled to read your blog entry! mt23stamperatyahoodotcom
Keep Looking UP!

Rita said...

Thoughts & prayers are with you, I hope you get the house you want. It's amazing how much junk....I mean stuff, (hehehe) you accumulate over the years. I think it's like rabbits, it just keeps multiplying like crazy hah? Good luck Curt, I hope everything works out for you. Keep in touch my friend, I'll always be here. Hugs Rita

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Hi Curt,
I have been concerned, and I'm actually glad it's an impending move and not that Jay is in the hospital or something like that. I keep you both in my prayers!!!

I think the cleaning and preparing for a new place can be uplifting if you let it - I'm actually beginning to "purge" in my place just because it's too cluttered!

Hugs!!

Dawnll said...

I am happy you are finding a direction to go and will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers you get the answers you need.
Take care of yourself, and drop in and leave us updates so we know your doing ok.
Hugs to all of you

Sue said...

Hi ya Curt
i have been MIA for a bit but i have kept lookin for you, it is amazing how much stuff you collect over the years, i hope you find somewhere soon & all goes well for you, quite a stressful time for you all, sending you big hugs, thinking of you, lots luv sue,xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ursula Uphof said...

Curt, so pleased to hear what is happening in your life. I wish you all the best with the preparations for the sale, and I pray that it will work out. You sell quickly and get the house you want. Take care and look after yourself too.

Dee in N.H. said...

Hugs and best wishes for both of you! Take care of you and Jay and we will be waiting for you when you are ready. Thanks so much for the update. You have lots of friends who will be very patient. Just wishing we all lived close enough to come give you a hand with all of this because I would be there in a nano-second if I could...

The Rubber Maid said...

Good luck to you on selling quickly. Staging is so important so if necessary just buy or rent some neat stuff to fill in if necessary . I'll say a little prayer all goes well for you. Pat

Patti J said...

So happy to 'hear' your voice. I've wanted to e-mail again, but didn't want to seem like a dreaded stalker. The boys look great in their new bandanas! I'm sure that they are a big help in your painting and renovating :) I've always considered MOVE a four letter word, and feel badly that you are in a position of having to move. I know how much you love your beautiful home. The new place will be something to look forward to, and will be equally beautiful when you put your O'Brien touches on it. Hugs and blessings, my friend, and wishes for a quick sell on your home and that the other house is still available when you are ready for it!

Becky said...

What a great undertaking.. I will be keeping you two in prayer..

Margaret said...

Hi Curt,

I keep checking your blog. I figured something was up. I wish you well in selling your house and moving. I've missed your posts!

Jackie said...

Hugs to you both and I wish you the best of luck with your move. I hope everything runs smoothly and I know you will find the perfect place for all of you. Hang in there, I'll be thinking of you!

Myrna said...

Curt
Wonderful to "see" you again. The boys look great in their bone bandanas.
Just know we are all praying for you and you all are always in our hearts, minds and thoughts.
Best of luck getting your new home and selling your old one. Whoever gets your home will be getting a wonderful home.
Myrna

Scossie Jane said...

Oh Curt, I know exactly where you're at just now, having just sold up and returned to Scotland after 12 years in Australia!!!

I pray your house sells as quickly as ours did, I can relate to the 'getting it ready to show'. We were exactly the same - hard work indeed.

As one door closes, another opens, hopefully the door of the house you have your eyes on - God Bless and Good Luck.

Think of you often, though don't visit as much as I would like to... Hugs xx

Leigh said...

Curt, please take care. I have been wondering where you were but have been away myself. Thinking of you and hope you get through all this soon.

Sue Ann said...

Sending good thoughts and prayers your way ~ and heres to hoping your house sells FAST!!! xoxox

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

Take a deep breath and hang on til you can get into a new place! Prayers are being said on your behalf and in hopes of a quick sale and a good find in a new place!

Ted said...

I'll be praying that God watches over the four of you as you make this tremendous transition, Curt. I'll pray He places you all in a wonderful home where you can build future memories. Thanks for the update, buddy. :)

Sue from Oregon said...

I do not envy you and your chores you have been doing. I know it takes a tremendous amount of energy! Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

Curt, thanks for keeping us posted. I had noticed that you were away but I thought maybe, like so many of us, you were just taking a hiatus. I am so sorry to hear that you have to move. Your home is so beautiful and I know that you Jay and the boys love it but I know you, home will be where ever you hang your hat. Please keep us posted. I am having so many problems with my blogsite right now. Most often it doesn't let me post or view my favorites but I can keep up with your posting by going the long route, hehehe
HUGS my friend

Marianne said...

I'm glad both of you are Okay! I was afraid Jay might be in the hospital. I'm sorry you have to move. I hope your house sells quickly and you are even more happy in your new one!

Bonnie Weiss said...

New Home ... New Craft Studio!

Carole said...

Hi Curt, I'm sending prayers for the best possible outcome.I pray that you have the strength and patients to deal with all the details. I pray that you take care of yourself as well. Know that there is support and love surrounding you. Be well my friend.

Beth Norman said...

Thank you for taking the tine out to update us. I'm so sorry to hear thst you have to sell and wish you all the best of luck in purging, painting, and getting the house you have your sights on.

Jean ~ said...

Happy and relieved to see your post. I have been thinking about you and just haven't gotten there to write. Yes,downsizing can be quite a job, but try to look past the work to the new beginning. Better things await you. I have also not posted on my blog in a looong time. Unfortunately it's due to medical issues. From as much as I can understand from the docs I have at least an 80% blockage to my heart. So needless to say I've been very busy with doc appointments and tests. Hopefully all will resolved soon. Taking it easy right now after the cardiologist described me as being a "time bomb". However, I have been creating and hopt to post soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jay & the boys, to have the strength and positive outlook for your new adventure.
Stay Safe, Jean ~

Unknown said...

Hey there, glad to hear from you...hugs, and more hugs... Good thoughts and happy thoughts and MORE being sent your way... I truly hope things work out for you in the way you so desire... I hope Jay is doing alright, and the boys are getting their required amount of love and attention ....

Sonja

Linda said...

OH wow! I am going to ge going through that in two years when my husband retires. I am not looking forward to that. I have so much junk. Plus stuff I love from my mom and his mom. I should start now but I don't know were to begin. I have my fingers and heart crossed for you.
Hugs,
Linda

mudmaven said...

Hugs and prayers are with you always! I know that it will all work out but also know that's hard to see the end when you're in the middle of it. Hang in there! ~chris

Alli said...

Nice to see you back!
Prayers for everything to go smoothly!!!
Keep on keepin' on!
{{{hugz}}}

Heartwarmers from Vicki said...

Prayers for you and Jay! So sorry that you have all of this on your shoulders. I hope your house does sell quickly and that you are able to get the one you have picked out. Be good to yourself during this time too.....caregivers often don't realize how important it is that they stay healthy through these times. God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Thank goodness, I was fearing the worse. I am sure a lot of us wish we were closer to help you. So, thoughts and prayers are coming your way. We all miss your posts but we certainly understand.

Chris R. from Iowa

Krissy said...

Glad to see a recent post from you - I had been thinking about you and hoping all was well. Moving is a huge prospect, I can't imagine packing up all my crap and getting it out of here. What a job! My husband is from the Indy area, so I know there are many lovely communities for you to make your new home. Good luck!

Queen Mary said...

Curt, I am sorry to hear things have been difficult lately and my prayers for Jay, I have probably a disproportionate number of friends with MS so I am aware of the difficulties that arise as the disease progresses -- and all my friends have downsized for that very reason. I also know how the decluttering goes -- as for poor Jay's driving -- I'm sure he's better now than when he first started! I remember my first time taking my mother to a shopping center (she LOVED to shop) using a wheel chair -- we used one of theirs and I ran over so many toes of strangers! I kept apologizing, saying I was a new driver! Too bad walls and corners aren't as forgiving!

Tonniece said...

Hi Curt
I have been MIA myself of late, so I am happy I popped in today. Good luck with this new move. I know how draining it can be to uproot yourself and start in a new place, but I know you will get through it. Good luck, much love and big hugs
Tonniece

Gail said...

You can do it!
Think happy thoughts!
It will be over soon, and you'll be relieved!
Think of you guys often!
And judging by the comments, most of us would love to give you a hand, if only we lived down the street or even in the same town!
Do you need to get rid of any House Mouse stamps!!!???HHHMMMMM?

Miranda said...

Good Luck with everything. Keeping you guys in my prayers!
Miranda :)
www.nanasscrapspot.com

J. McConnell said...

I am so sorry you are having to change homes and all that goes with doing so. You are in my thoughts daily and think of it not as an ending, BUT a new beginning. Hang in there I know you can handle it. Hugs!

Lee said...

Oh Curt,i am sorry to hear you have to move.I do hope you will sell and get a good price.I have been thinking about you for ages.Do take care of yourself now.GOOD LUCK with it all.Huge Hugs to all.xxx

Susan said...

Oh, Curt! Aren't you sweet to take the time to let us know how things are going. Of course, we will pray that your house sells quickly and that the other one waits patiently for you. Hugs to all of you. Sue

Sue said...

I knew something was up when you didn't post for awhile. This is a big undertaking...something we should be thinking about, the cleaning out I mean!! Hope all goes well for you and works out the way you are hoping it does. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

{{BIg HUGS}}
Sue

Sande said...

Curt
Thanks so much for posting. I've been wondering where you've been and hoping that neither you or Jay were ill. Please remember to take some time for yourself, rest and do something that bring you pleasure. Or by the time this is over...you'll be exhausted and won't enjoy your new home. My daughter reminded me of the on Sunday.

I've been MIA myself, as I am going through the same process. Purging my home of 42 years of memories. Sadly, I must do it alone. But it must be done, as downsizing becomes necessary as we age. But like you I will soon have a new place to move into and just around the corner from my daughter instead of many miles away.

Take care and good luck. Keep us posted when you can.

Lorraine said...

I was missing your posts Curt, hang in there with your move I do hope you get the home you want, such a difficult and busy time for you. God bless you and the boys. Hugs XX Jersey U.K.

Gina Wrona said...

Oh my, you definately have your hands full 24/7. I hope & pray all goes your way & well wishes for Jay. I can only imagine how full your plate is to say the least. Mine is over flowing as well from driving home from Frankenmuth on Easter Sunday with the check engine light on to getting my 2hr crown prep appt done and in the last 2 weeks of teaching 2nd grade cathecism preparing for their big day on May 6th. YIKES you and me both!

Hugs,
Gina

Stacie (craft-princess) said...

I'm still sending good vibes your way and I will be sure to keep my fingers crossed for you. Hope you will do the same for me! :)

Hugs!

Lorraine A said...

Hi Curt :-) I hope the painting and decorating goes well and I hope you have a smooth move to your new place :-) It must be a difficult time for you both and I wish I was there ( with our friend Scoopy) lending a helping hand xx

Thinking of you me darlin xx

sending lots of love and hugs xxxxx

luv
Lols x x x

Carol's Ink Spot said...

So happy you and Jay are doing OK. Good luck on the sale of your home. Hope you find a nice yard for the boys. Hugs! Carol

Joan L said...

I hardly ever leave a comment on blogs (shame on me) but I just had to on this one. Bless you for taking such good care of your partner. I'm sure he appreciates all you do for him. Hope you sell your house quickly and you get the home you want.
Hang in there and take care of yourself.

Sonja said...

Hey there, good to hear from you, yes I do miss you and your awesome cards... But I know you are doing what you need to...Your home is beautiful, every room tells a story.. I wish you much luck, in selling, and getting the right price ...in todays world it is scary...

Take care, just know we all miss you and care about you too... hugs...Soni B

Heartwarmers from Vicki said...

Curt, I can see why you hate to leave that house. It's a beautiful home! Sending you and Jay best wishes.

Mary Marsh said...

Hi Curt, hope all is going well with gettign the house in showing shape-lots of work I know-hope it sells quickly