Well... this is how it all started. Halfway through my taxes on February 10th, it looked like I might owe. The amount I pay in rent!! Needless to say... I was a bit bothered by that thought. I figured it might be time to buy something, stop wasting money on rent. So, I started doing my research. Trying to figure out where, closer to work, stay around Wake Forest (its growing alot and resale could be good), somewhere in between??? Ahhhh! Decisions... Then, on Valentines day, Peyton and I set out to look for a townhouse. It was so exciting!
I had discussed this decision with my family, friends and prayed wholeheartedly! I decided closer to work would be the best idea. Gas prices are insane and since P is coming to school with me, it would be great to be close to her new friends and most of mine. We found a place 4 minutes from school and our friends! It was in a great development that was 2 years old (they are still building). It had walking trails, a pool, a playground on the way, houses and townhouses. A NEIGHBORHOOD!!!! Whoo hoo! P and I loved it! The townhouse was fantastic too! It was new! There were only 2 left and were offering lots of incentives!
The only problem... the bank. I knew my credit would be an issue, but hey people, I had to try. My amazing parents agreed to co-sign and later I would refinance in my name. I applied at the credit union. I didn't want to apply at a million places. I wasn't surprised when I was denied. My debt to income ratio was too high. What to do??? I prayed like mad and knew that if the answer was no, then I would not push the issue. My heart was content with letting it go, but I had to remind my head that the timing was not right.
The next day, Lisa came to me with a proposition. The night before, she had told her husband, Scott, my news. He really felt like they had been blessed with so much that he suggested we move in. They know I don't have family here and they practically are my family. Truth be told, we have spent so much time at their house, it might not be that different to live there...
The decision was not too hard to make. I knew the answer within seconds of Lisa asking. YES!! The problem was pushing through the emotions. This was our 4th move in the last 3 years (Peyton won't remember the first 2). Way too many emotions and fighting back the negative thoughts. Packing was tough, but seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, I knew it would be worth it!! As a single mom, paying off bills sounded pretty unbelievable.
So... with all that said, this is where all our stuff went.
This is from the morning we were loading our house into a portable storage unit. Peyton had woke up before the sunrise to tell me that her (2nd) loose tooth was coming out. When it didn't, she decided to pull it out herself around 9am. She said she was tired of waiting. Impatient huh? Typical 5 yr old!!
Before......
And after.....
WOW!!! SERIOUSLY!!!
I know this seems a bit extreme, but I almost ran out of room in a 16 foot storage unit!! It was packed to the roof and all!!! That's my kitchen table with the legs taken off in the front!!!! Please keep in mind that I went from 2600 sq ft to 975 sq ft townhouse. Peyton and I had furniture in closets!!!!!!!! Ahhhh!!
Now, I share a bathroom with 3 children and a bedroom with my kid!!! I wouldn't change a thing!! We have fabulous friends (barely enough to describe them) and a great cul-de-sac where we hang out! Peyton and Josiah will be starting Kindergarten in July! We carpool, share groceries and who wouldn't want some chick bringing her own grill!!! I love to cook!! We're growing tomatoes too! Its extremely awesome to come home to some adult conversation! Lisa and I get to blab until all hours of the night, like we're in high school or something. Peyton gets to hang out with her best friend, have dance parties and laugh till you cry! She will never forget this time! She LOVES being a "big sister" to Rachel. I know, I know... I'm not dead yet!
The past month has flown by! This week, we're headed to La. for a much needed visit!!
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