Home Work

Here's a quick update on the big adventure:

We moved down to NC at the end of October and got the boys enrolled in school right away.  Of course, the school system is going through lots of changes, so we really didn't know which school they would be assigned to.  We were hoping for one just down the street from our house, but couldn't be sure how it would turn out.  But God knew the plan, and it was for a totally different school, one that we hadn't done any research on, and we couldn't be happier!!!!  The boys are at a Gifted & Talented Magnet school, so they have so many opportunities for arts, music, theater, language, plus the basics of reading, writing, math, and science.  They love it, and we've been pleased with the high-level of academics and community involvement.  It's been just great, and we are so thankful to have been assigned to such a amazing school.  My hope is to start volunteering at the school starting in January.

In the meantime, we are in transition.... we have purchased my Grandparents house here, which was built in the 1950s and was the home of my grandparents, dad, and two aunts.  It is in pretty good shape, but needed some updates.  So, as is often the case, we started with the kitchen.  The original plan was to replace appliances, but after meeting with contractors and taking a look at the layout, cabinets, etc., we decided to go ahead and rip out the existing kitchen and completely renovate it.  That, of course, led to refinishing the hardwood floors throughout the house.  Then, everything needed to be painted.  Light fixtures needed to be replaced.  The bathroom started to look pretty run-down, so it got ripped out, too. On top of that, we did some major landscape renovations.  Remember in my previous post how I mentioned Magnolia Trees????  They are beautiful and quintessentially Southern.  But, they can be a mess, and they can be huge, so we took down a giant magnolia tree in front of the house.  It was literally twice as tall as the house and really dense with leaves and branches.  I felt a bit guilty cutting it down, like I was betraying my Southern heritage, but now it looks so good to be able to see the house and have a grassy lawn, I'm loving it!

During this time of transition, we are staying with my hubby's mom, so the kids are enjoying time with their grandmother.  For me, I'm just ready to be in my own home, in our own routine.

The plan is to move in next week, so we are delighted that we can get "home for the holidays".  I expect to find a refrigerator with a big red bow, and Marc's going to get new plants and trees for Christmas.  I keep telling the boys that their gifts are a dishwasher and gas range, but they're not buying it!

I have taken tons of photos during this process, but haven't had much time at the computer to get them organized and ready to share.  I'm planning to, though, so check back soon!