Extended

We received the official word this week that we will be staying in NC for a few more months.  Originally the word was the end of the year, but the official contract is December 17th, which means we may be home for Christmas!  Honestly we could be extended another few months after this extension, but I'm crossing my fingers that we'll be back before year's end!  While I am anxious to be back in familiar surroundings around some pretty wonderful people I am looking forward to a few things through our extension.

• Fall.  Everyone travels to the mountains in the fall to see the changing of the leaves.  We'll be leaving right here among it which should be pretty awesome to see.
• Cooler weather.  Supposedly it get cool here in September and it already seems to be heading that way.  I'm so looking forward to crisp cool days.
• Perhaps a nice snow.  They are prepared for snow here unlike in GA where everything shuts down, so it would be awesome to get to see some snow and play in it.  I'm sure the mountains are just beautiful covered in it too.
• Homeschool.  Wait, did I really just say that?  Seriously, I think living here and doing homeschool will be much easier to transition into than if we were back home.  It should be relatively easy to get a schedule in place for us to stick to and hopefully we'll have it quite established when we move back to GA.  Guess we'll know soon as we start next week.
• Family time.  I have to admit we have had more family time living here than we ever did before.  We aren't constantly running here and there (which I do love most of the time because I like to be doing something or going somewhere all the time).  I'm sure my kids are loving it as well.
• Small Group.  We just joined a small group at our local church and are looking forward to meeting some new people and growing deeper.
• Football.  I'm really hoping to get in a football game at WCU this fall.  I'll have to go buy my Catamounts shirt first.  However, I am not too thrilled about missing most of the football season (we have no TV here).  ESPN 360 will probably be my best friend for Bulldog action and I"m going to have to rely on dad to keep me up to speed with the NFL & Peyton Manning.  
• Visitors.  One of the greatest gifts we have had since moving is all the visitors that have come to stay with us.  Sometimes our lives are so busy, but we have had the awesome privilege to spend some wonderful quality time with lots of family and friends though visits.  It has made our bonds deeper and our hearts closer, and I'm truly grateful for all the little moments.
• Adventure.  We have been able to do so many cool things since moving here, and I'm excited about what else may be in store over the next few months.