So, with this blog thing....I had the best intentions. Well, Brad and I both had the best intentions. Turns out life has been really busy and has been clipping along at a fast pace, especially this past year.
The Job --
I started a new job at a new hospital in late April. I was reluctant to make a change, but it has turned out to be the best decision for our family. Sure, it would've been ideal to continue to work 8 hours a week but it was truly a stretch financially to do that. I am blessed to have a career that allows me to compress my schedule and still be home with the kids. It's a win-win and I feel very proud to be contributing to the family finances once again. It also feels good to get back into my career and reap the benefits of all the blood, sweat, and tears that I put into getting my degree. Believe me....nursing school wasn't a walk in the park. So all that aside, we've all adjusted very well. The 12 hour shifts are long, but knowing I only have to do 2 makes it that much easier..and the kids look forward to the 5 days that I am home!
The House --
As for our home, we still have a 'For Sale' sign in front of it. No takers, not at this time...that is unless you want to give it away, let it go back to the bank, or burn it down. We don't want to do any of the aforementioned, so our plan is to rent the place out and begin building our new home. The moving/building/renting thing is a bit scary, but we've been able to conquer pretty much everything that has been set before us in the 13 years we've been together. Brad and I both have total faith in our decision for this move and know that we won't look back. The kids are ecstatic about being across the street from the Percy's and all of the new friends that they'll have in the neighborhood. This is something we've talked about with them for years and always thought we'd be in rocking chairs before it happened. It's so surreal, but we're pretty sure when they pour the basement and ask for the first installment...it'll become all too real! We can't wait!
The kids --
They are doing fantabulous. Summer vacation has been a blast and they've pretty much been outside enjoying the water slide on a daily basis. That water slide has lasted us three full summers, going on the fourth! Sure, it doesn't blow up as firmly as it once did but that doesn't stop them. Best investment in summer play equipment we've made. Water bill gets a little high, but there could be worse things. The important thing is that they are having fun! Brendan LOVES to be outside. That child throws a fit when it is time to come in, so it is imperative to time it with a meal/snack time. Food or beverage always wins. We've had to nearly surgically remove him from his wading pool. Brendan's little fingers and toes were so 'pruney', we didn't think they'd go back to normal! He's so awesome. As for Owen and Avery, they are so funny. Those two are like frick and frack. Some of the things they come up with just kill us. Owen has Avery into trading Pokemon cards with him...she even DVR's the Pokemon cartoon, so they can watch it together. Brad and I have just about had it with anything to do with Pokemon.....yeah, we've reached that stage in our lives where our kids are into something that we just don't "get." Oh well, won't be the first time.
So, just a quick update and a few pics to let you all know that we're still alive and kickin'. We are 99% sure that the big move to the 'transitional housing unit' (a.k.a. Apartment) will be happening within the next few weeks. Apartment living again, just like the old days. Well, except we have a little extra baggage...
