I'm BACK

So, after a year long hiatus.. I tried other blogs but they just fizzled out and did not do well. I have missed writing in this blog.

After a year, we have actually spent an incredible staggering amount of money. We just bought a new house. The numbers make me dizzy. Luckily we have been home owners for almost 10 years, and we had great equity to begin with this time around. We made a choice to take a little extra with the mortgage to cover closing expenses and home repairs.

We have made some choices we are very proud of, and some that scared us to death (almost $7000 for a new furnace and a/c eeek!) We don't even use the A/C usually and we have a swimming pool! But once bitten twice shy with trying to sell a house with an 'original' or as I prefer to say 'vintage' furnace and A/C. If things go wrong for us, we need to be able to unload this place ASAP and head for the hills - or the coast, East Coast I would hope ;-)

For me, we bought a house that allows me to do childcare from our basement. The lower level of our home is bright and spacious, with big beautiful windows, there is loads of natural light. I have set up a great play room, and there is a bathroom right next door to the play room. We also have a huge laundry/furnace room with the beginnings of a 2nd kitchen in place (the dream is a full second kitchen to minimize trips up and down the stairs, and for big dinners and extra space for hobbies such as hubbies brewing and canning). I have already begun working, and have a couple more children coming in a week. I am so very happy to have this opportunity to stay home still with my own girl as she is in her last year of kindergarten, and to be home when the kids get home from school. I love being with children, I cannot imagine a better job in the whole world... if I didn't need the money, it's what I would do for free (and I did for about 7 years!), so I know it's the right fit for me. It's also a perfect fit for my family - we don't pay for childcare, I am home, and I feel happy and fulfilled to be working and helping provide for my family. The money is enough to make us comfortable and secure and there is no better feeling than that.

Another important decision is that when our old car died last March, we have not replaced it. Hubby bikes a lot to work, or he takes the car. I'm learning to live without the convenience, we make it work... to the tune of about $500 a month saved - that is based on a new car payment and insurance and gas. We do plan to buy another car in the future, we do see the value in a 2nd vehicle for sure, but for now it is allowing us to not spend a great deal of money. I find it a bit uncomfortable not having a car to be able to rush about as needed, especially with child care - but I have made it clear with all parents involved, they are expected to pick up their children if they need to be someplace, we have a great taxi and bus system in the new city, and I would also call 911 in an emergency. For extra peace of mind, I just completed First Aid training again. With all the children in my care having alternative care people in the city, and the taxi and emergency services available, I feel confident all bases are covered. And I don't really want to be driving with all those children anyways - the less risk the better I believe. I am extremely fortunate to live in a wonderful neighborhood close to 2 great parks, a community centre all within walking distance. Also, I have a full daily schedule, there is no need to drive anywhere to entertain the kids!

I hope you'll come back and join me... let's buckle down and get back on track! Start watching the wallet again and feel free to comment with your own ideas!

It's good to be back :-)