Well here we are in Alabama, been here for about a month, although the kids and I had to go back to NC for a couple of weeks because I'm continuing a few jobs up there. Here are the things I love so far:
1. Being in our own home again. The weight of living at home was a heavy burden for me, although I tried to make light of it. It was a great blessing for us to be able to live with my parents for awhile, but it was less than ideal.
2. Small town. Little traffic, kind neighbors and people, sense of community, no large crowds for big events, like the local fireworks show on the fourth that was extremely manageable.
3. Local rec center. Jane was very excited about this, and I am too. A splash pad, indoor and outdoor pools, playground, gym, and other facilities for our use.
4. Small branch. We don't know yet if we will love this or not, but I am open to the idea of it. A small branch of church members can be a blessing.
5. The people. We've already met some great people here. Neighbors and church friends included!
6. Jeff loves his job. It's just what he was hoping to find.
Things that we will have to get used to:
1. Limited amount of stores. Might have to take most of my shopping online, which I've never been crazy about.
2. Limited amount of things to do. I will have to get creative with the kids in order to keep them busy. No more Discovery Place Kids, preschool, botanical gardens, Patterson farms or 10 playgrounds to choose from.
3. Heat and humidity. Yeah, we foolishly thought that North Carolina was hot and humid.
4. Me not working, or working in different ways.
We decided to buy a house here instead of rent, because of it's being a college town and the rent rates being extremely high for the amount of house. We figured we'd basically save about $400/month by buying instead of renting. AND, it gives me the ability to change things out, which, as a designer at heart, is really important for my happiness. We don't have a garage and perhaps that was a mistake but we didn't have a ton of options when we were looking, and we will adjust!
Jane and Evie stayed behind for a week with Nana and Papa, and I was told that Evie really had a hard time with that. It was my first time away from her even for a night. But they made the trip down here happily and seem to be settling in, adjusting to their new house, a new church, new friends, and new pace of life. I know that Jane will have moments where she misses old friends and family, and preschool too. But, I guess we are blessed that she is young and easy to adapt.
