We're Moving On Up

Out of the ghetto that is. On Saturday we somewhat suddenly decided to move again. We had been half-seriously looking for new apartments just seeing if we could find a good deal on a better place, and we found one. We don't have to move and we weren't on a deadline but a great new place just sort of fell into our laps so we're moving a week after we get back from our trip.

This is bittersweet for me. On one hand, I'm really upset because the last thing in the world I want to do is sign a new lease that traps me on the East Coast for another whole year. But on the other hand it will be so much better for us as a family in the new apartment. The new place is in a much more secure building and is on the second floor so I don't have to worry about anybody breaking in through the windows at night like I do now. It's also in Alexandria which is an infinitely better area than Suitland. I've had to call 911 twice in the last 6 months- that seems a little much considering I've only ever had to call 911 before to report drunk drivers on the road. The new apartment is also within walking distance to several shopping centers and grocery stores as well as walking/biking trails and a few parks too. All that's within walking distance now is a cemetery and some housing projects. And since it's in a better area, it will actually be safe for me to walk around the neighborhood alone. It also has an elevator so I won't have to lug two heavy carseats, a diaper bag and purse with me up and down flights of stairs like now. I can just load everything into the snap n' go stroller and won't be stranded at home while Brandon's at work. And finally, the new apartment is waaayyy nicer than our place now. There aren't any hideous yellow tiles from the 70's in the bathroom (Yay!) or mold growing behind the walls so we'll actually be able to bathe our kids in the bathtub once they outgrow the baby bath. It also has carpet so they can play on the floor and crawl around. It's slightly farther from DC than we live now which is how we can afford such a better place. But Brandon works from home 2 days a week so we aren't really concerned about the commute. It's a much, much, much better apartment in every aspect and it will only cost us a small amount more each month. So in the end, the benefits outweigh my disappointment about signing another year-long lease.

But this will bring on a whole new set of struggles for me so please pray for my contentment. The only thing I want more than moving home is to please my Lord. And I can't do that if I'm bitter and discontent and living with my heart 3,000 miles away. This is the situation I find myself in and as much as I wish I could change it, I can't. So I'm trying my best to be content where I am and to be a good wife to Brandon despite our disagreements on this issue and to learn to be a good mother too. Also, please don't commiserate with me on this when I call, that will only make my struggles harder. We will fly West as much as we can and of course anybody is welcome to visit us anytime. (Our new place even has an extra bathroom so we won't be as crowded!!)

Well, I get back from California on March 11th and we're moving into the new place on March 14th so we're trying to pack as much as we possibly can before we leave on our trip. I better get started! I can't wait to see everybody, we leave in just 5 days!!