Ann Arbor, Michigan! The good, the bad and the ugly

We're here! We're here!

After some sad good-byes and a 26 hour drive, we made it to Michigan and so far, mostly so so so good. I love when Alyson does "The good, the bad and the ugly," so I thought I would copy but do it in reverse order, because you have to end with the good!

The Ugly:

• The streets...who planned this city anyway? The streets change names all of a sudden, there are multiple streets with the same name, tons of one way roads, ways to get to a destination that are completely different from how to get home from it...ahhhhhh! If anyone knows my directionally challenged history, this is not a good thing for me. I've been lost so many times I don't dare to count. In fact, when we got in the car yesterday Parker said, "Are you going to get lost today?" Then today he said, "Dad said he can't give you short cuts because it's hard for you to know where to go if there are a lot of turns," and a few days ago, James from the backseat said, "Mom, just pull over and call dad." Oh, and I got a "warning" from a police officer for going the wrong way on a one way road. How embarrassing!
  
• One bathroom. Let me repeat, 4 boys, one mom, one bathroom.

The Bad:

• Tiny closets...doesn't bode well for me, right?
• Eastern time zone...hard to connect with friends and family on the west coast.
• No garage...makes trips in with groceries a bit of a pain.
• Allergies for me...I have a foggy head more often than I can stand.
• Small kitchen...there's only room for one.
• Basement laundry room.
• Small place.
• No Costco, only Sam's.
• My tan is fading and might never come back.
• No DVR.
• No raw tortillas...how will we survive?
  

The Good:
(Wow, where do I start?)

• When we drove up to our place, not only were there 12 guys to help us move in, but there were 5 girls with their kids waiting to welcome us. They brought us toilet paper, laundry detergent, invited us to breakfast and to dinner, gave me directions everywhere, and were instantly so sweet to my kids. I felt blessed beyond measure the first night we were here and continue to feel that way.
• It's been a natural world wonderland for my boys. In the first 3 days we were here, they caught a baby mole, a snake, a few frogs, a turtle, tons of bugs and we've had to stop our car for deer and geese. We all love the trees and dark earth, the grass, wildflowers, and beauty that surrounds. We are grateful to live in a beautiful place and have the manifestations of life and creation all around us.
• The boys found instant friends and LOTS of them. The families around us are strong and involved and trustworthy. All of our neighbors are fun and have little ones that love to play outside and get dirty...our perfect match.
• We are only 45 minutes away from Mitch and Kelly and they are oh so good to us. Can't wait to spend more time with them!
• Out our front door is a soccer field, playground, and swings. Around back is a large sandbox and there are sidewalks that are perfect for bike and scooter riding that lead to more playgrounds, soccer fields, sandboxes, etc.
• Our ward (church) is small but awesome and close enough to walk to. I get to work in Primary again, which I'm so excited about. The members of our ward are all ridiculously intelligent and it makes for lively and insightful gospel discussion each week.
• My boys got into the school I wanted them to be in. There are a lot of great things about it...staff, principal, teachers, building, extra-curriculars, but a few things the jury is still out on. Plus, I have a carpool!
• My boys all found best buddies within 3 days. Amazing!
• I found a preschool that doesn't cost $750 per month for James and am also a part of a joyschool for him.
• I'm teaching Zumba 3 times a week and love teaching, getting a work out in and getting paid for it.
• The ladies who live by us spend lots of time with their kids outside having fun...that's just up my alley!
• Diversity! I am astounded at the amount of languages and cultures we encounter here. It has been so exciting to meet people from all of the country and the world and here their stories and why they are here. What an experience!
• We have a good routine and some serious organization going on. When you live in such a small place, it's easy to keep up on cleaning the bathrooms, floors, and getting your kids to help. I'm loving the schedule and order.
• We have wood floors, which I love and lots of storage space, which we need.
• I got to paint a color I love downstairs and re-decorate a bit...pictures to come.
• Michigan football.
• Since no DVR, hardly any TV watching by any of us.
• Fall.
• Wearing cardigans and cute boots.
• Mike loves his program and found a great part time job.
• House is easy to clean and easy to manage.
• Everything is pretty close by.
• Great bus system, totally doable with only 1 car!

As you can see, so far, so good. I have so much more to update...nice to finally have a computer and a bit of a life back after being consumed with unpacking and getting life in order. I've enjoyed catching up with all of your blogs too!!!