New House

So, we are really diving into preparations to remodel and move into our new home. We have just a few weeks until we close on the house and then about one month to get some remodeling started before we move in. The house is a true fixer-upper, so there is a lot to think about and plan for inside and out. Our first priorities are: windows, kitchen, bathroom, painting and floors. We have spent hours and hours on the internet looking at everything from sinks to swing sets. Darren is really doing the bulk of the work at this point, especially communicating with contractors and the bank to finalize the mortgage. (My days are coming.) There are lots of decisions to be made and even more money to talk about. We're trying our best not to get stressed out, and mostly, I think that we're doing a good job. We are nothing, if not planners, so we have lots of lists and Excel spreadsheets. I have marked on the calendar the exact date that I will start packing... and a packing plan of attack is in the works.

And amidst all the moving and remodeling, life continues on. Darren is up early and heading off to work. I'm running all over town for play dates, appointments and errands. The kids, as always, are either dear, little angels or ornery, little devils. Before we move we will celebrate three birthdays, have a swim party, enjoy Easter and in a final act of insanity (or pure genius), we will take a trip to California mere days after we move (cutting out a full week that we could be spending packing, moving, etc.). We thought about not going, but I simply can't bring myself to stay home... wherever home may be. I'm already enchanted with pictures of the ocean and the idea of a complimentary breakfast buffet. In my mind, this trip will be our reward for hours, days & weeks spent laboring mentally, physically & emotionally over our move. It will renew our strength for the days of unpacking, remodeling and organization that lie ahead, serving as a marker between our days as renters and homeowners: a homeowner's honeymoon.