Oh, Molalla!

We found a home! After months of searching, the debate on whether to buy or rent, and finally deciding, our family has a home. We had a goal of finding a place near family, outside of Portland. We settled in Molalla, in Clackamas County, just 2 miles from my sister and her sweet family. We are SO glad to have a place of our own- even if it is a rental- for now! We spent a wonderful 6 months with my parents while we figured out our next step, and are so grateful for their hospitality and the memories made. Our new little house is near schools, parks, and all the wonderful small businesses Molalla has to offer. My husband works in Oregon City, so his commute has been reduced from what was often 1.5 hours (OC to La Center, Wa) down to 17 minutes. Mine is unchanged, since we're fairly equidistant to my client service area. Hooray! We are so grateful for our little space, and have plans to buy a home here in the near future as we see what the market is going to do.

Meanwhile, I've been luckily enough to serve clients all over the PDX area and will continue to do so. My current baby is the cutest little thing with spiky hair and the sweetest milky grin. She had a rough start due to illness, but now continues to thrive, and her parents are the most wonderful humans- and oh-so-grateful for extra sleep! I've reduced my workload by a couple nights per week, and am also attending classes at Clackamas Community College, gradually heading toward a nursing degree.

Meanwhile, we're exploring our new home, spending time with cousins, and have enjoyed the atmosphere and family owned businesses greatly! So far, we have shopped for used books at The Main Shop, found kitchen items and antique decor at The Hoffman House, bought our pups dog food and signed up for CCW classes at Bentley Feed, and enjoyed pizza on Fridays at Bear Creek Pizza and Pub. We got a membership at NW Fitness and Strength, and have done most of our grocery shopping at the family-owned Grocery Outlet. Last weekend, we support the high school's annual fundraiser for community members called Share the Love, and there we purchased the most delicious cheesecake from Beloved Cheesecakes from nearby Silverton. This weekend we plan to visit with family and spend more time exploring! Still on our list are burgers from Big Burger, hiking and maybe fishing at Molalla river Corridor/Feyrer Park, and possibly a movie in Oregon City. Can't wait!