On the first of August we moved in to our new home in Gärtringen; town 20 minutes from Stuttgart. We were very lucky to find this place, it was the workings of the best sponsor we’ve ever had. Sonya, our awesome sponsor was very helpful and very sponsor-y from the airport until we moved out of the hotel she was with us through every step of the way. She found this house on her own time, looking through listings and discussion boards. She even called in and made arrangements for us to see the house before anyone else. She even took us out here on a Saturday, and then when we decided to move in she came with us on a Wednesday night at 8pm to do the move-in inspection. We couldn’t ask for a better sponsor. We have yet to repay her for all her efforts in getting us settled in. I’m going to start with making her some of my Adobo Fried Rice.

Of course you know me, I had to take pictures of the house so we can have a before and after shots. The house is part of a four home row house; I’m thinking row house is townhouse here. It has 3 floors, 4 including the basement; two and a half bath; 4 bedrooms, not including the 2 extra rooms in the basement. The basement also has a large laundry/utility room, it is large enough to hold 3 oil tanks (I think in the photo show I said propane, but Steve said its just oil), American washer and dryer, water heating system, and still has room to move around; unfortunately the laundry/utility room smells like a propane factory. The first floor has floor to ceiling windows which makes it look bigger, it will fit our living room and dining room furniture perfectly. I wish we could have brought our Money Tree because there is a perfect spot for it here. The kitchen is small but surprisingly has more counter and cabinet space.

Moving on upstairs, the second and third floors each have two bedrooms and a bathroom. Steve and I are taking the second floor, primarily because the bigger bathroom is there and also because the ceiling on the third floor is A-framed. Were thinking the kids are going to share a room because one room is extremely huge and the other extremely small. The bigger room is where they sleep and the other room is a playroom and closet. It would be better to have separate rooms but it would be really unfair to the one stuck with the small room.

Below are photos of the house so you can see our empty house. We’re all impatiently waiting for our household goods to get here. FMO furniture is just ugly and nasty, the couch smells! It’s not home until we’re completely moved in.

Sorry, Doris, no transitions and music yet.