My hero

I'm not sure how I would survive a cold in the midst of tax season without it. Thanks Lord for giving the world Afrin!

Why would we even want to sell?

Given the current dramatic decline in the real estate market, this is a fair question, and we’ve been asked it more than once. I’m sure our neighbors are convinced that we must be on the verge of foreclosure! Sometimes it seems like we’re about the only seller not in that unfortunate position. But it basically comes down to the fact that even though we’re selling low, we also may have the opportunity to buy low. Property taxes in California are based on the sales price of the home - whether it was 2 years ago or 20. If you bought the median home in Los Angeles county in 1985 for $125,000 your property taxes are still holding steady at $1500 per year. However, if you bought the median home in 2005 at $500,000, your taxes will forever be a minimum $6250 annually. All of that to say, if we trade houses now, even if our mortgage goes up, we could end up saving money living in a significantly larger home. So as much as we love our home, it would be kind of a bummer to miss out on that opportunity. We can’t wait to see what God has planned!

...or not

Apparently our buyer has decided to move to New Mexico instead of here. Dramatic change of plans huh? So back we are to square one. I'm a little bummed, but it helps to know that God's plans are undoubtedly better than mine.

SOLD!

We sold our house yesterday! Now the (hopefully not too) tricky part is finding a house we like more than this one at a reasonable price. We have our eye on two in particular, but we'll have to see how much the sellers are willing to discount them for us. I'll keep you posted! In the meantime, I'll be busy rearranging furniture, packing, organizing a garage sale, and picking out paint colors... in my head, which makes for some sleepless nights.

Our cyclists... and a fan

It's been a big week at our house: Parker learned how to ride a bike - without training wheels! Alyssa hit this milestone last summer, but when we pulled out the big bike she received for Christmas we left the extra wheels on so she could get used to the height. Last Friday we decided to take them off, and by Tuesday Parker was insisting that his training wheels be removed as well. Though he hasn't yet mastered the starting and stopping part (hence the fat lip!), he's doing remarkably well for a 3 1/2 year-old on his second day... at least in this mom's not-so-humble opinion! For now, our sweet little Reagan is happy to sit in the back of brother's pick-up and cheer them on, but I have a feeling it won't be long before she wants to get in on the action too!

The boy loves his mama!

Once a week after dropping Alyssa off at school, my parents take Parker for a "doughnut date." Needless to say, he always has a great time, but it's clear he still thinks of his mama: he always comes home with half of a sprinkle doughnut for me - the bottom half!

Are you kidding me?

When we re-finalized Reagan's adoption last month, I really thought we were done with adoption paperwork. I was wrong. It seems as if the process is never-ending! I found out yesterday that it will take another 10 months to get a California-issued birth certificate! We also still need to change Reagan's name on her social security number, which has to wait until we receive our tax returns are processed. Then we have to apply for another certificate of citizenship in her american name, to the tune of another $420! Fortunately I have this precious little face to motivate me...

but does it really have to be so hard? It's no wonder so many are intimidated by adoption!

Spring!

I love spring! I really don't mind winter, especially because ours are so mild, but there's just something about the new life this time of year brings. I love the green hills, new flowers, and most of all, daylight savings time! The kids sleep a little later in the mornings, we take long walks together in the evenings, and there seems to be so much more time to do things outside - like plant sunflowers:

I warned you!

I'm still here... just drowning a little in tax returns, (still) sick kids, houseguests, writing a mid-term exam, and trying to keep a show-ready house! We're taking a break today to visit old Walt D., so if you're lucky I may have a few cute photos to share tomorrow. I know... you're on the edge of your seats!

Since I have nothing of real interest to share, I'll refer you to a few of my friends (or "friends")who do:

Nate is blogging his insights into the Shepherd's Conference our church is currently hosting.

Amy challenged me to be more purposeful in the raising of my children.

Kelly is sharing the story of her daughter's domestic adoption - you know I'm always a sucker for a good adoption story! (start here)

Laurie is just about to pop with baby number three and plans to blog while in labor! This is the same Laurie who recently returned from adopting 8 month-old Shawn from Vietnam, joining 20 month-old Jackson, also from Vietnam. And I thought our kids were close together!

Heidi could use your prayers for a little good news in the adoption department. They've been on the verge of travelling to pick up little Claire for way too long now, and are still being held up by our government.

Lisa wrote about the potential for humiliation when you take on a teaching role - something I encounter every time I face my undergrads! But she reminded me of the silver lining - humility- which is something I definitely need more of.

So that should keep you busy for a little while. I'd link a little more, but my smallest sicky is finally stirring. Duty (and joy!) calls.