Salem...???

Just thinking out loud - or at least in print - but I think Sean and I are seriously considering picking up our cute little family of three and moving an hour north. With gas prices continuing to go up and up and up it's starting to be less and less and less economical for Sean to drive to and from Salem 5 days a week. We've done the math and the cost of living is basically the same. Rent was more expensive, but usually included water and trash - we currently pay ALL utilities - so everything balanced out. We also figured we could almost live solely on one income, but it would be very tight - tighter than we're willing to go. We don't survive well on top ramen and PB & J - we get very grouchy! Anyway... I think we'll have to look into just a part-time job for me because ideally I'd like to be a stay-at-home mom. Actually we're really hoping to get a job managing apartments, because yes, unfortunately I think we'll have to switch to apartment living (something we'd hoped to avoid) for the time-being. Managing apartments would work really well for us... from what I know, usually you get free rent and often a small salary as well. This would be perfect. We could get the extra income we need, but without me having to go to work. We're working on getting our resume together and hoping by starting to look a year (or so) in advance will help us find what we're looking for... and ideally includes a pool, playground and fitness center! Hey, if we have to do apartment living, I want some of the amenities. :)

Nothing is decided yet, but there's been lots of discussion and some planning already. We've looked at housing (locations, floorplans, costs, etc.), but we're going to have to get an idea of daycare costs. The plan has been for me to go to nursing school - hopefully starting the fall of 2009 so that I can be a RN by 2011 and just after my 29th birthday! I wouldn't be working, but we'd still have to find someone to watch Ethan while I'm at school. That's definitely one of the downsides to moving - we'll lose out on our extremely affordable (free!) and top-quality daycare: my mom. But I think it's going to have to be the price we pay.

Anyway... just wanted to get my thoughts on paper. I know my family (especially Lizzy) is already freaking out at just the thought, not to mention work and the 5th ward. We LOVE where we're living, our family, work and especially our ward family, but we're also getting to the point where we're ready for something new and different. And it makes the most sense for me to quit work to be at home with Ethan (and kids in the future), rather than Sean. His job is worth it for the health insurance alone. We get EXCELLENT coverage - and no cost to us. And we'll need it if we're going to have more kids. I know it's been a lot of rambling, but what does everyone think??