What's up?

It's been a busy couple days, but thought I'd take advantage of the hotel's free internet and share an update (because for some crazy reason hubby is still sleeping, while I'm wide awake, showered, and ready to go!)

We're currently in South Texas on a house-hunting expedition. No, we haven't sold our current house yet. Trying really hard not to get anxious about that detail - I know it's all in God's hands. Anyway, we arrived Wednesday night, tried to get some sleep, and then met with the realtor on Thursday morning. We had done a lot of legwork online, so knew the general areas we wanted and had narrowed it down to 12 homes we wanted to see. Saw them all, and came up with our top two. And funnily enough, the home we were most excited about didn't make the cut (although it had 4 acres and sounded fabulous in the description, it wasn't quite what we had anticipated). We scheduled follow-up visits for the top 2 - one in the city and one a bit further out, but would mean a shorter commute for hubby - and after talking a bit more with the realtor, decided to check out 2 more "city" houses that were in the same neighborhood as the other (both of which I'd looked at oneline, but had rejected. Both were recent listings, and I wasn't impressed with the photos). All have pools, which is something we really wanted since we know we'll be really stinkin' hot this summer! :)

So we headed off yesterday to see our 2 homes: The first one we stopped at (actually #2 in preference, though) was in the city in an established neighborhood. AMAZING kitchen and a nice layout, but the 4th bedroom (office/guest room) was pretty small. Off to house #2 in the same neighborhood. It knocked the other "city" house out of the running. Larger bedrooms, and another great kitchen, but pool was showing some signs of wear (one thing my amazing hubby can't fix himself). Third stop was a bit 70s for me (based on pictures) but holy schnikees was the place amazing! SO much inside space, plus a really nice patio, sparkling pool, beautifully landscaped (complete with mature palms, which I've always loved for some crazy reason) and a floor plan that just seemed to go on forever. Kitchen needs a bit of work, but the space itself is good. After much debate, we decide this is the new city frontrunner, and we head off to the last house - our first choice based on the initial viewing. The house itself was nice, but nothing spectacular - the but the outside space and view was absolutely amazing. Covered patio along the entire house, pool (complete with outdoor shower to get cleaned up), and on the back of is a resaca, which is basically a large creek (where we could add a small fishing pier if desired and can actually take out non-powered boats). Didn't like the layout of the bedrooms quite as well, plus there was no bathroom easily accessible from outside.

Headed back to the office, and after much debate (including studies of previous inspections, tax reports, etc.) decided to make an offer on the city house. It needs a bit of updating, but it's all cosmetic stuff. And while the other house would shave some time off of hubby's commute, everything else we'd want to do (including our church, most likely) will be much closer to that house. It's a contingency offer and there are some other factors as well, so now we're just waiting for a response from the other owners.

Today's plan? We're off to South Padre Island! Stroll the beach, eat seafood, and probably take in a museum or two this afternoon. I've been drinking Squirt, chowing on Mexican (oh, for the love of fresh tortillas!!), and enjoying the gulf breeze. Yep, I think we're really going to like it here!