quiet time

I am typing this on a friday night...my husband just got paged in (again) but I am strangely comfortable with it. Sometimes it is nice to have an unexpected evening of quiet time for myself. Tonight, my head is spinning though. We finally sat down with a financial planner/advisor to start thinking about our future. IRAs? 529s? When did we become those people that need this?

It also starts making me think about how our time here in Columbus is rapidly coming to an end. We have been here for over 4 1/2 years and have less than 6 months remaining. Should we sell our house, even though we will take a hit due to the economy? Or should we rent it to people we know for a few years in hopes the market will pick up? If we sell now, we may lose some money - but we get back most of the 20% deposit. If we rent, we get the tax breaks. Sell, be over it and move on altogether. Rent, have a reason to come back once and a while to visit.

As frustrating as it is to not know where we will be stationed, it is also kind of cool. I mean, we HAVE to look at it as an adventure. It FORCES us to be flexible and open to seeing new places and meeting new people. It would be so easy to grow roots in Ohio. I love our little house (although I wish there was one more closet and one more bathroom sink in the master), I love our neighbors and neighborhood, and I love the school system we are in. I had a doctor appointment today (my annual lady doctor visit) and my OB and I cried as I left the office. I love my OB so much I cried because she won't be my doctor anymore and she is so personable and close to patients that she cried too. The kids pediatricians - who are amazing - won't be there for us after June. Hair dressers, babysitters, doctors, dentists, house cleaners...all these people who I have developed relationships with will be left in Ohio when we move. And don't even get me started about my friends, or God forbid, my kids' friends.

I don't say it much, but anyone who knows me knows how important the Advocates (wives' club) and our playgroup have meant to us. And the thought of leaving here, even though I will keep in touch with most, is truly devastating to me. These women and kids are like my own personal "war buddies". If you watch "Scrubs" you will know what I am talking about... "When you spend the hardest time in your life with a group of people, you're bonded forever." I will always remember each and every person that touched our lives during this time.

picture by jreshenroder

Ok Ok...enough sappy for now. I am going to go take a bubble bath and enjoy the rest of my quiet time.

Karate

Since the weather has been so cold, I have been looking for some more indoor activities for the kids to get their energy out. We already do swimming and gymnastics...but my girlfriend, Sarah (who I have known since elementary school), told me about a great little karate class for 4&5 year olds. You can go up to 3 times a week (35 minute classes) but we just have the boys going twice a week. So far they love it, and I think it will be good for listening, respect and discipline. The kids have to say "Yes ma'am" after all instructions and they have to stay in line and wait for their turn. They even get a cute little outfit (a gi?) with the cost of the class. I am attaching Gavin in his uniform :-) Too cute!

snow days

Snow angels with friends


Daddy's new car - MazdaSpeed 3


Sliding into a pile of snow


All bundled up!

We have been getting bits and pieces of snowfall, but last week we actually got some that accumulated into 6 inches or so. Tons of fun for the whole family! Patrick has an easy schedule right now - so he is home to help shovel and enjoy playing with the kids.

I attached a picture of Patrick's new car. He was not very happy with his last car (basically he just got the cheapest car available to get through residency) but we were able to finance the car through my mom's 'bank' at 0%...which meant we were able to get a whole lot more of a car for the same monthly payments. Patrick has been eying this car for a few years now and even went to get one last year - but they were screwing him on his trade in and for the new car. We ended up finding this great deal on this car...basically it was left over inventory from a dealership that closed but it was acquired by a different dealer - so it had to be sold as used. It only had 200 miles on it, and we got it for about $4000-$5000 LESS than a new one. He adores it - and I am happy that he finally has a car he loves. He deserves it!