Could the LeeBlanks be future homeowners?

Brian and I have been thinking a lot about buying a house, or maybe a condo. Something inexpensive... that we could work on while we lived there and perhaps even rent once we decided to move out or away. I mean, it's a "buyer's market," right? And Texas seems to have the most reasonable property prices of anywhere I've ever seen. We could actually buy for less than we are renting, in all actuality. And like daddy says, renting is not exactly ideal in the long run.

Now, all that said, we are also very fond of renting. I like having someone to call when something breaks and not have to fix it myself or out of my own pocket. And I like the idea of being able to up and move whenever our lease is up. So, needless to say, the responsibility of owning a home and the finality of a 30-year mortgage are both pretty intimidating.

But, we are in the early stages of deciding, and we aren't in any kind of rush. Number one, we'd have to get a loan. And that's not exactly easy as pie these days, especially without much of a down payment, if any. And, of course, I've got to talk to dad and nana, our realtor from afar.

Mainly, I just wanted some feedback. Good, bad, whatever... just honest. So, what do you think?

Feelin' the Love

Well, after a week with the family and a tearful goodbye, I wanted to post some highlights from our shenanigans. It was SO good to see mom and dad and nana and papaw billy. Nana and Billy got here Sunday morning. Mom and dad arrived late Monday evening. Despite some small hurdles with the guest suite and Brian having to work so much, the whole week was fabulous.

First things first, we tackled the apartment. Everything looks GREAT. Like people actually live here instead of squatters. Our bedroom is a beautiful white, fuschia and birch combo. Everything is hung as it should be throughout the apartment. And our new furniture is fantastic, especially since we kept the futon in the living room and covered it with our giraffe duvet (see below!) No one can quite bring a home together, even in the form of a crappy apartment, like mom and nana. :) HANG HANG HANG!

Other than that, we mainly just enjoyed our time together. Spent some time at the pool. Ate a lot of good food, like the Rainforest Cafe and Shipley Donuts. Did a little shopping at Cavender's for boots and cowboy accessories. Visited the Johnson Space Center and ate some fresh seafood.

Brian had to work a lot, BUT... he is now responsible for all the new business at his work, including meeting with the customers, budgeting and the artistic aspects... picking out the flowers and trees, placement, etc. He even got his own work cell. He is working his tail off and getting promoted left and right, and we are so proud!



We miss everyone already, and can't wait for them to come back. And as for the rest of you reading this, get your butts down here, too!

LOVE LOVE and MORE LOVE from Texas,

Laci and Brian

Best Birthday EVER

Well, I am officially old. OK, maybe not. But I feel kind of old. Twenty-six years old may be young, but when you think about your 10-year high school reunion coming up in a couple years, it starts to sink in. Especially since my lower back is killing me for some reason!

Whining aside, this birthday was pretty wonderful. In addition to the Sentra and a hair cut, I got a package full of goodies from home. (I think I like Cory's card the best, though the one work got me was pretty good, too.)

Brian took me to a yummy Lobster dinner at Pappa's Seafood House Friday, we ordered our new furniture Saturday and I spent most of the day perusing TJMaxx, Marshall's, Ross and IKEA Sunday. Very relaxing. The only thing that could have made it better would have been, of course, family and friends.

But momma and daddy booked their flight for the end of June, and we are so excited! I can't wait to see them and for them to see our new home.

Now that we are finally getting settled, I have been trying to think of ways to meet cool people here. So far, I think I am going to sign up for a cooking class. (We all know I could use the instruction.) And maybe a book club. And then maybe an outdoorsy group to meet some fellow hippies. A new guy at work, Marshall, joined a yacht club, but I don't think that's quite our style. ;)

Anyway, this week will be spent running errands and preparing for our guests from Louisiana, Brian's friend Jordan and his girlfriend. They'll be here Thursday thru Sunday. And then Sunday we get to hopefully eat lunch with Quentin, our future, fellow Houstonian.

Thanks everyone, for all the birthday wishes. And a special thanks to my wonderful husband for making it such a wonderful weekend.

Oh, and HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY, CORNBALL!! Your present should be there Thursday. :)

Love you all,

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