We're moving...

into a HOME!!! We'll still be renting, but hey, it's a home!

The rest of this post is long and full of details (that make me really excited)...

Several months ago we were trying to find a bigger 3-bedroom rental (preferably a home), but after looking we realized that we would be paying quite a bit more money to rent a 3-bedroom. And right now we are trying to live as cheap as possible so we can own a home some day. So, we have been trying to have a good attitude about living in our TINY 2-bedroom with Aubree as a permanent roommate with Aaron and me.

Well, a little over a week ago, our friend, Ashley*, called us up to tell us about a 3-bedroom home for rent (they have connections with the people who own it). The lady renting it to us grew up in this home and it has a lot of sentimental value to her. So, she really wanted a family in it that would be able to take care of the yard and be respectful to the home. (Thanks to Ashley who gave us a raving recommendation!) The home was built in the 60's, but was top-of-the-line when it was built, so it's still in great shape (although a very out-dated interior - it has personality :)).

It's on a 2-acre lot, with a big back deck, laundry ROOM (not closet) ;), 3 big linen closets and 3 coat closets (as opposed to our 1 linen/pantry closet now), two family rooms, it's 3 to 4 times bigger than our apartment now, and it has a garage. We will finally be able to put Aubree in her own room so she can learn how to sleep through the night, and when she does start sleeping through the night we'll be able to put her in a room with Carly and Ellise and have an extra room! We're still trying to decide what we'll do with an extra room - office, sewing/craft room, guest room - probably all three. The girls' bedroom has TWO WALK-IN closets - so one will be for clothes and the other will be a fun fort for toys, books, etc.

I can't wait to have the extra space! I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much - but I really think it will help my sanity to have more space. With three kids at home all day long, our little apartment sometimes gets depressing.

Everyone who is familiar with the area that we are moving to RAVES about it. It has an awsome school system and a very nice neighborhood.

And best of all... we will be paying the same amount as we are paying now!!! (The owners will be covering utility costs.)

What a blessing!!!

There are a few downsides to all of this: First off, they have a pool in the backyard (which could also be considered a pro). Aaron and I were really nervous about this, but after talking over it with the owners and each other and our girls, we feel much better about it. The pool is hard to get to from the house and has an electronic cover that has the power shut off when not in use. We have also sufficiently scared the girls about kids drowning - and I'm pretty sure they get it. But, we'll still always be on guard.

Also, Aaron could possibly have a commute of one hour (one way) - ugh! (Right now the commute is about 25 minutes.) But, we have other options for the commute (such as the front runner train), so we'll have to see how it goes.

And of course, we are way sad about leaving our friends and ward here. We have really felt so loved and needed here and have made some really great friends.

*Ashley was also the friend who let us know about this apt complex we're in right now. What a great friend!