The House Hunt

Posted November 25th, 2009 by sara

We are attempting to continue our house hunt. As much as I would like the kind of house we can afford out by our sisters in Gilbert, we have decided to modify our search to the same areas we have lived in for the last 7+ years. We are looking at older, smaller fixer-uppers and yesterday I felt hope that we could find a house that would be perfect for us. Basically a few things happened this quarter at the kids' school that made me realize how much we would be giving up to switch their school.

Elijah's teacher recognized that the lit book he was reading was too easy for him. On her own she retested him and moved him up to significantly harder reading group. I didn't have to beg and plead or say I think it is too easy for him. I didn't even notice and it was taken care of.

Xander's teacher realized that 3rd grade math was a bit too easy for him. She was worried 4th grade math would be a bit too hard. He truly was in between levels. She and his math teacher decided to go ahead and put Xander up to 4th grade math. It has been truly challenging for him. For the first time he is having to ask me for help with his school work. He enjoys practicing math and using the new principles he learned in math every day. Last night we were working on division. He had memorized the system for Long Division but didn't really understand the concept. He kind of got it, but still needs a lot of practice. He really enjoys being challenged probably for the first time (academically) in his life.

Xander is challenged socially every day. He likes structure and rules and kids his age aren't much for structure and rules. Recess is his worst favorite part of the day. The lawlessness of it all is a bit much for him. Jared and I explain to him regularly that recess isn't supposed to be about rules, it is about free play and fun.

My boys love going to school. I remember that last semester at public school and how my sweet boy started to dread going to school and was so unhappy. I literally had to drag him out of bed and get him ready every morning. His teachers were so negative about him and his behavior but they weren't interested in solutions. He couldn't possibly be misbehaving because he was bored. Now Elijah is up before the alarm clock goes off and we have a rule that he is not allowed to get out of bed before 6 am. I have a school where I feel safe to address any concerns I have with any of the faculty and I will be heard. I am a respected member of each of my child's education team.

Jared and I still could change our minds and try public school again, but for now this feels right. I might even decide to look at Gilbert a second time.

So we looked at 2 houses yesterday. The first one was good. The second one was a billion times better. Both would require a lot of work, but for the most part it was work we could do slowly over time. The issue was I wanted the second house. The previous owner was a do-it-your-selfer and he didn't always do a great job. There were wiring issues that would have to be fixed before we moved in. We would be willing to risk that. The bank, however, wants us to be willing to waive our right to our earnest money if the final appraisal doesn't come through on time. It is frustrating because we would already be risking at least $1000 in appraisals, inspections, and repairs and they want us to risk another $1000 on top of that. The second house was walking distance to the boys' school. It was a single level, 4 bedroom with a shed, swimming pool, no hoa, biking distance to Pecos Park, and I wanted it. Oh well.

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