Last year as I began to think of J beginning kindergarten next fall (2006) (could it be here so soon???) I began to think long term of my family, our location, school, and their potential friends. I like our current home. It's a two story, old house with lots of character, lots of original woodwork, and lots of room. BUT, I know that this home comes with a downside. Lots of problems in the school district and lots of neighborhood kids I don't want mine "hanging out" with. So, I began to think of moving a town over to the town in which I teach. While it is not perfect in any regard, it is much better than where we are now in terms of schooling. The fact that I am white and my children are black will be felt no matter where we move, but I do worry about that more in the town where I teach. However, thinking in long term, I want to be where we will be for quite a while so that J can start school with the kids she will continue with. The town we are currently in just doesn't hold up as a long term residence.

After some searching, we found what I believed to be the "perfect" house. A great neighborhood, the school district I wanted, room for even more kids in the future, etc. But, God had other plans and we didn't get it. Mine was now on the market, and sold very quickly to the second people to come through. So with an accepted offer in hand, I went searching once more. Not a whole lot where I wanted for the price I wanted, etc. But - God led me to a for sale by owner which I fell in love with. Almost everything is new, there is a good sized basement to finish as our family/play room, and while there are only two bedrooms, there is a huge attic "loft" that will be my room. As kids get older, I can let them live up there while I take a smaller room on the first floor. It's small, but so much character, a huge backyard and patio, near a great park, and by the river which has a nice bike/walking path. Only work to be done - taking off all the wallpaper!!! :) Glad to have my mom come help after school gets out. :)

So, as of last Friday, we now have an accepted offer on a new home of our own, and are looking forward (?) to moving April 28. Of course, as naturally happens, I will probably get a call for a new placement the week before! That would be ok though, I've been having the "itch" for bringing another child into our growing family!