Say It Isn't So!

I can't believe that another year has come and gone. This past year has truly been a whirlwind and one of many changes. Some easy, some hard. Probably the biggest change is that we moved (I know, this happens about once every 2-3 years with us) After being in Knightdale for 5 years, we decided to traverse towards Wake Forest. We wanted more land for the kids to run around, no HOA's to tell us when to take our Christmas lights down, and less house to clean. Since we are all-time mountain lovers but James's job was just too good to give up in these times, we brought the mountains to us! We bought a log cabin on 2 acres of wooded land. I will admit that the excitement waned quickly after we moved in for me. Log cabins are dark inside (our old house was nothing but windows-but that let too much heat in), our master bath and closet are about 1/8 of what we had before, there is no attic, no garage, no walking down sidewalks to wave hello to friends....and no worrying about our kids getting hit in the street, or not being able to play outside because it's too hot (lots of shade here), and we still have lots of friends nearby! Plus, there is the daily beauty of crossing over Falls Lake 4 times on the way to school-always breathtaking!
We acquired Inez, an outdoor tabby cat, from the previous owner. She is a great mouser! We also rescued Lucy, a lab/beagle mix. They were added to our mix of Lizzy and Lennie. Lizzy is still getting used to Lucy, who is a short dog, but thinks she is huge!
Christmas in a log cabin is beautiful, and we can't wait for our first snow. It will be fun to pull sleds behind a golf cart!!
Bryce settled into 7th grade well. She played soccer this past spring, volleyball this fall, and is presently cheering again, coached by yours truly! The team is young but enthusiastic! Ethan has had a lot of homework in 3rd grade, but had a boy is very own age just move next door. He can't be happier than when he is playing in the woods. Mary is in second grade and has her same teacher as last year. She still is our sunshine and has such a sweet spirit. She has discovered gymnastics and drives us crazy practicing cartwheels all over the house! James will be wrapping up his master's degree in 2 months-I know that he will be so glad. It has been a long road for him, but we are so proud. I was able to land my dream job and work from home, still being a nurse! It keeps my children at Neuse Christian Academy, where they love school and I know they are loved back! And they can praise God whenever they want ! I truly thank God for all of our changes as I know "he has great plans for us"!