Favorite Photo Friday - Counting My Blessings in Threes

Some of my blogger friends post what they call Favorite Photo Friday. I guess the title is pretty self-explanatory. I like the idea, because it will force me to post something to my blog at least once a week. I should be doing that much more often but (fill in lame excuse here).

I'm kicking off this new venture with a personal photo rather than professional photo. It is my three boys in Yellowstone. I don't think I included this one in the video. I love this photo because my guys just look so relaxed and happy. They are not fighting. Cole even has him arm around Luke. They are definitely my three biggest blessings.

Things seem to be measured in threes in my life lately. Big changes are coming to the Hudson household. Cole will be starting Lake Highland Prep soon. He is twelve years old now. (I'll be adding another post about my first baby growing up soon.) We are actively looking for a new dog to add to our family. We are also in the market for a new house. Three changes.

I have said many times before that although I do my fair share of complaining (everyone has the right to whine about something!), I always feel truly very blessed and lucky. During this dramatic downturn in the economy, Gary and I happen to be in a good financial position. Because of this, we feel it is time for a new Hudson home. Since I will be driving downtown to Lake Highland everyday and Gary has to stay here where our office is located, we have decided to split the difference and look into living in Maitland. Maitland is a gorgeous little city that is closer to the big city of Orlando, but still has a personal, small town feeling. I have several friends that live there.

**********Edited - I think we have made our decision! More on this coming soon.*************

There are THREE (see what I mean?) houses that we are considering. One house we are considering is on Lake Sybelia. I've always wanted to live on a lake and the house is really charming and beautiful. It is in a gated community. It is, however, a little smaller than we were looking for. The pool is a little small and the kitchen is doesn't have the gas stove and granite that I was hoping to have. I could totally see, however, my family living that cozy house with its gorgeous woodwork. The pool and kitchen could be changed, but waking up that view of the lake is very pleasing thought.

Another house that we are considering is not on the water, but it is larger and a definite show place. I'm serious when I say it could be in a design magazine. It has the kitchen I would like and the three car garage that Gary insists on. The master bath is like a spa. It is close to a beautiful park that my boys could ride their bikes to. But, like I just said, I've always wanted to be on the water.

Finally, the third house is huge AND on a beautiful lake and yes, it has a great kitchen. It is on the high end of our price range, but the owners have indicated that they are willing to make a good deal (an amazing deal, actually!). I kind of feel bad for them. The housing market just continues to drop all over the country. I read recently that a normalization is nowhere in sight in Florida. The owners said their house has been on the market so long, they just want to get out of it before it loses more value!

Our concern about this house it that it is just too big. It is over 6,000 square feet and has 6 bedrooms. Would I lose my boys in such a house? I'm afraid there could be days without even seeing them! Also, a house that large brings more work and higher tax and utility bills. We don't want to be a slave to our house.

It is such a big and difficult decision. I am just so thankful that we have this decision to make. Like I said, blessed and lucky. We have to decide something soon. I have been driving Cole to Lake Highland for camp for the last 2 weeks and let me tell you, it's a haul!

So long for now, internet. See you next week for Favorite Photo Friday, if not before!