Early Thanksgiving Celebration

We had a wonderful weekend of early celebration. My sister and her family came and surprised us with a visit. We also had our dear friends (and Carlita's godparents), Tara and Mike, with their baby Emma come visit. I thought why not have an early Thanksgiving feast  !! so I got a ham, sweet potatoes, and hawaiian bread (and soda) and started to cook. It was a great feast with friends around the table. The kids had a great weekend of fun. It's so nice to have Sofia and Carlita playing with each other. Luke follows along and tries to copy everything they do.

I finally feel like at home here. The house just seems to fit our lifestyle and our personalities. It just feels nature. We took a walk around the neighborhood and introduced my sister to many of the neighbors. It was then when I realized "I'm at home". Even though when I asked Carlita where she lives "Ray St", this is our home and where new memories are being created and made. I love our family and we are lucky to have great friends. What a year it has been.

Birthday Parties Galore

We are such lucky parents!! Not only did our kids were born during the most craziest time of year (for my work), they have birthdays one month apart. With all transitions of moving into our new house, new schools for the kids, and training at Temple, we decided that we would not have our usually backyard pool /house parties but instead do a combine birthday party for the kids at Pump it up (an indoor inflatable party place).

Luke's birthday came right in the beginning of my crazy training schedule. With no break between the weeks (and only two weeks at our new place) there was no formal party for Luke.  During the day we took the kids over to Pump it up for some fun and then back home we decorated the house fast and lucky for me my sister and niece, Sofia, came down to celebrate Luke turning 3. Of course his godmother, Samanta, was there and our new neighbors came over. Since Luke's birthday was on a Friday, we needed to come up with an idea to do something together - SESAME PLACE!!! So on Saturday off we all went to Sesame Place. Instantly we knew we would love this place and purchased season passes. We had a blast there! there's great rides for every age and a relaxing water park. We worn the kids out!!!!! It was just a great way to celebrate Luke's birthday. He even got to ride a roller-coaster for the first time. Amazing!!! Our littler boy is now 3 - what a journey it has been for him and our familia.



Luke's birthday


Next up: Carlita's birthday (Sept. 9th). This was the weekend we planned the big party at Pump it up. Everyone arrived for the fun double party - friends from Carlita's old school (Early Learning Center), family (Sandra and Sofai, Aunt Fran, and Samanta) my University of delaware friends, and neighborhood moms and kids from Newark, Landsberg, and Wilmington. What can I say? It was HUGE!! Over 30 parents and kids and what a blast they all had. It was a 2 hour party and it never slowed down. Lots of sliding and bouncing! Finally it was pizza time and the cake. I personally make the kids' cake this year. Since the theme was fairies and dragons, I made cupcakes with different color frosting and added some "pixie dust". I got flower shapes cupcake holders and purchased little fairy and dragon figurines to put on top of the cake. A blue river ran through the middle of the cake. Everyone was blown away by the cake - especially me since I had never done this before. Glad it all came out great!

After the party was done, it was nap time back at home. Once all kids were awake the massive gift opening process occurred. Wrapping paper was everywhere and the kids loved each present they got. That evening we made a grand dinner and served it out on our porch (that was the first time we got to use the porch like that!). O it was so much fun!!!

Everyone was in bed early because the next day we were heading to Sesame Place. Again loving those season passes. We got to ride all the rides and had a blast with the kids. No water rides this time but it didn't matter - it was FUN!!!! Then it was time for everyone to leave and the celebration for Carlita (who turned 6) and Luke (who turned 3) was over. We love our kids! they bring us tons of joy, happiness, craziness, and keep us humble! We love you Carlita and Luke.


Carlita's birthday

Halloween 2011 - the Incredibles

October came so fast this year. With everything going on, I wasn't able to work on our costumes until the weekend prior to Halloween. Lucky for me, the idea was simple - be the Incredibles! This was easily done by getting red long-sleeve sheets and red pants for each one of us (Karl ended up wearing black pants). then I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics to get the other materials like the black for the collar, orange for the belt, the masks, and felt for the logo (I used black felt with a sticky back to stick to the shirt - the other felt colors were glue gun on). the black gloves for the kids were a $1 from Target. So each costume came out to be roughly $10-15. (adults clothing cost me). My gloves were my prom gloves from the '90s (they always come in useful), and long black socks since I couldn't wear boots due to my broken toe. The hardest part of the costume (which wasn't that hard) was sewing on the black collars.

We looked great in our costumes and we went trick-n-treating in our new neighborhood with other kids we knew. We started at 6pm and ended by 7:30pm. the kids got a load of candy - 100 pieces which Luke ate more of it in one sitting. He was ready to fall over with a sugar high. Once we got back from the evening, Luke went to bed and the rest of us actually watched the Incredibles movie. It was a great way to end a wonderful night.

MACUHO Conference '11

It is conference season and MACUHO (Mid-Atlantic College and University Housing Officials) had its annual conference in Reading, PA. Over the years I have slowly gotten more involved in the organization. Since 2004 I have served on the programming committee, presented on various topics, and won awards here and there for my presentations. This past year I got more involved with planning the first ever Summer Summit and had a desire to serve on the executive board. MACUHO went through some strategic planning and we discovered we had a huge E.B. and needed to re-configure our organization. At this year's event the vote was casted and a new organization structure was put in place. As a result, I have been appointed to the first ever Director of Learning and Development position. I am very excited for this position and what I can contribute to MACUHO.

But the conference wasn't only about the restructuring of MACUHO. It had the best programs, keynote, and CIR (Consultant in Residence). We had a large number of CHO (Chief Housing Officers) presenting on great topics such as moving up in the field from their lenses, behavior care campus teams, and mold/bed bugs (I know not the most exciting stuff but it's an issue on campus and how you handle it dictates students' satisfaction). Our keynote was Matt Glowacski, who spoke on being happy and how to do that everyday. Our CIRs were Dr. Janet Walbert from Arcadia University, and Khadish Franklin, who both were excellent consultants to those at the conference. We had wonderful vendors who shared with us the newest products and how they can support our work. At night we had great events like mask making, henna tattoos, and palm readers. The last night we had "office olympics" hosted in the bar. But the highlight of the conference (I think) is the basket raffle. Every year baskets are donated by universities for a cause. This year's cause was Operation Smile. What a great cause and we raised over $2000 for it. I of course won something during the vendor raffle (a kindle and $100 supplies from Imprints!). NICE!!! So a basket I didn't win but others did. It's a great way to end a great conference and I'm looking forward to a great year in taking MACUHO to the next level.

A broken toe

Unbelievable! that's what you'll say after you read this post.

Last Wednesday I was getting the kids ready for bed and we were all in the bathroom. Kids sitting on the countertop, brushing teeth. The kids had their drinks, all in stainless shell bottles. For some reason Carlita's starting to roll off the countertop. As it fell, I tried to move my feet but wasn't fast enough since I was holding the kids on the countertops. And next thing I knew I was on the ground in pain. Carlita fell on me and she was crying. Luke was crying because everyone else was crying. It was just a hot mess. There was some blood and after 5 minutes of Carlita yelling "get up Mommy!!!" and me trying to figure out what happened, I finally got the kids to bed.


The next day I put a bandaid on the toe to attach it to the next as I thought it was just a bruise. Then I tried putting it into a shoe. OUCH!!! But I had a conference I was attending in Philly and I wasn't going to be stopped. So spent all day Thursday at a conference and when I got home I took my shoe and sock off and saw the different colors of my toe. hmm.... could it be broken? My lovely husband encouraged me to go to the doctors but I had one more day of the conference. So Friday back to the conference. Lucky Temple has a foot and ankle clinic near the Philadelphia Convention Center so I called and got an appointment in at noon.

It was a great clinic, and great service. I had a wonderful intern that x-rayed my foot. He didn't think much of the smoky areas of my toe but he consulted with the doctor and the doctor came in and told me I had not only one but two fractures in my toe. TWO!!!! And because he knew I was so active and was a trouble maker he was putting a stint on my toe AND a boot! for four weeks. Plus gave me medicine to avoid any inflection. And no working out! No running, nothing!!!! for four weeks. Really four weeks! Otherwise he was going to put a screw into my toe.  Did I want that? No Sir.

So I'm not allowed to be on my feet too much (really that won't stop me) and can't teach aerobics classes or run. That really ruined my plans this month for 5k and working out at MACUHO conference (this upcoming week). So beware of flying zippy cups - they might just take you down.

 my sexy boot

 my poor toe

the Culprit

July 15 - Moving day

After we settled on the house on June 22, we couldn't move right away into our new house. First, our rental lease went to July 15th. Second, Househunters was coming to film us (more on that in another post) and we couldn't move into the new home.  and third, we wanted to get some things done before we moved in.

So my sister and husband and baby surprised up by coming up the weekend of the settlement. They bought a Little Tykes house, bookshelves, and tools to help us get our yard under control. We spent the weekend weeding the heck of the back yard and front yard. Once finished, we can see how beautiful and spacious our yard is. The kids ran around, playing hide-n-seek, and we ate off our porch. Everything we imagined how we want to live in this house came true!

Fourth of July came and went (we simply went to my sister's for the weekend), HouseHunter filming (another post to come) and then finally Moving Day. We did spent these weeks working on the house. I had a family member come and help with a long project list. We went through our home inspection report and fixed as much as possible that wasn't done through settlement. We fixed up all the electrical outside and in the basement (that we should had them fixed since they had installed it poorly and it was a safety hazard). We fixed holes here and there and made a long list of more projects to get done.

For Moving day, we were so luck to have Sandra and her family come up again and our friends Steve and Alfred, and our real estate agent, Tiffany her her fiance Craig, come help us move from Elbow Lane, PA to Boothby Drive, Delaware. We rented a truck (which only came out to be $200) and the loading began. Lucky everything was already in the garage since we have been living simple and within two hours we were ready for the trip to our new home. Lunch time and the unloading began. That box goes there and that one goes there. Wow, there's a lot of binder boxes here. O I forgot I had this - put it in.... After 3 hours it was done. We were moved in!!! Crib was set up, our bed was set up, and we were in our new home!

Thanks everyone who helped with this move and helping us start our new journey as homeowners.

New schools for everyone

Along with the purchase of our new home, we also started new schools for the kids. Luke is now attending Edgemoor Community Center, 2 minutes down the road from the house. Since we moved to our house in July Carlita and Luke attended there for a month before Carlita started kindergarden.

And yes our first born has started kindergarden. She is attending Las Americas Aspira Academy, a bilingual school back in Newark, DE. She could attend Mt. Pleasant Elementary, right next to Luke's school but we wanted her to have this experience. It is a new school and there's been some growing pains. Karl has to drop them all of and twice a week we have a sitter pick up the kids since I get home right at 6pm from work. Carlita stays in an after school program run by the Latin American Community Center (LACC). She really loves it and her teacher. 

The first day was rough for me, some tears. Carlita hated putting on an uniform but once she saw the other kids she loves wearing it. I did have to bride her with a Barbie (yes I bought her the only Barbie I even bought for her) but it was a special gift for her first day of school. Now she comes home every day and we review her "sight words" and talk about her day. It's amazing how big she is getting and how much she is learning. She can sign and dance in spanish and english.  

Check out this video and the pictures. I'm so proud of my kids but miss the baby-stage. O well life goes on

EDUCause conference

Right now I'm at EDUcause national conference here in Philly, PA. EDUcause is the leading association for higher edcuation IT professionals. From teaching and learning, to new technology such as clouding and mobile applications, this conference omly renewed and excited me on the potential technology has in enhancing deeper learning. Some of it was way over my head and other sessions were right on Key with my philosophy and approach with education. The opening session speaker was Seth Godin, the former CEO of Yahoo, Inc. he really challenged us to think differently of our impact on the future and our profession. We are artists and must create and have the freedom to do so. I now have a long list of books to read with Seth's books at the top. I was exposed to rising leaders such as Keith McIntosh, who talked about rising leaders and residing leaders. He talked about growing your staff, developing your staff, and loving your staff. This theme came on through other sessions such as one by Lydia Cureton, the CIO of NASA. She spoke of failing over and over. Take a risk and encourage your staff to do so.

Another great aspect of this conference was the exhibitors. I have never seen an exhibit hall like this one. I'll post pictures soon but eveything was 3d, technology everywhere, and great food. Almost every vendor was giving away an ipad (I never won). It was great to learn about new technology and systems. Almost overwhelming for my mind. I sepnt most of the conference reflecting and mulling on the impact of technology, not only in my work but in my life. It has opened new doors and concepts to me and has shown me really what is necessary to truly impact learning.

I don't know if I'll get another chance to attend EDUCause in the future, as it's not the typical conference student affairs professionals attend but I think everyone needs to attend a conference not directly related to their work. This allows you to be exposed to new thought processes and opens new possibilities. I surely got this and have new ideas and methods on how to achieve my goals and aspirations.

M.I.A.

As you may have noticed, we've haven't been writing blogs for agos. With the move into the home, summer training, new academic year, kindergarden, etc. The family blog fell off to the side. Life is hectic learning how to be home owners, getting our kids adjusted to their new schools, and managing all the craziness at work. I am re-committing myself to this blog and getting back on the ball with the prioritizes in my life.

So be prepare for a whole bunch of new posts to come to update everyone on our past three months of transition and our future.

A new house for the Kalihers

It finally came. Settlement day!!! Look I have to write a long blog about this experience but let's just say that the last month it has been non-stop with the broker and the loan company having to proof everything. Really just take my blood - it would be easier. First they needed proof of Karl's employment and every paystubs for the last three months. Next I had to document every deposit from the last three months. Then the loan went through a 2nd underwriter who wanted official bank statements with a signature and date from the bank demonstrating we had money in our account. All this pushed our settlement date back to Friday the 24th from Wednesday the 22nd. I had planned to take off the 22nd through the 24th which I'm glad I did.

On Wednesday had to go to the bank to get the statements and meet the broker. Then Wednesday night had to do more paperwork/signatures to update loan back to 4.5% from 4.35%. See, we were at 4.5% and would only have to have $9500 for closing. Then the APR went low and the loan company wanted us to have another $1000 for settlement (they gave us less of a credit!). Which meant waiting another week because we had to proof we had that extra money in our account (we didn't at Thursday but Friday with payday we did). I didn't want to do that so get back up to 4.5% so had to re-do paperwork and meet the broker on Thursday. Well at the settlement as we found out we got the 4.35% and got a return!!! All this drama for nothing!

Friday finally came and we met our agent, Tiffany, at the house for our final walk-through. As a ResLifer it was like a room inspection. We checked to see if all the work got done (it did) and I took lots of pictures and wrote down ideas of what to do with the house. Look the house is great and there really isn't much but I gotta make it my own.

Then off to lunch at BW3s and to the lawyer's office. Met with the sellers and their agents and the signature marathon started. I kept track of it all. After 40 minutes were up to 40 signatures then the sellers got to leave and it was us, the lawyer, and Tiffany signing away. Paperwork like we promise not to ask the loan company to take care of the appliances, a paper saying who we are, a paper saying we promise to pay the loan, a paper saying we're married, etc. After 85 signatures we were done!!!!! Homeowners!!

Really I felt a sign of relief to get through this process. We had the keys in hand and went home to get the kids to take them to the new house. They loved it! They ran around it and played on the playground.

It's done!!! We are finally started our next chapter of our life as community members and a family!!!

Father Day - June 2011

It was an eventful Father's Day for Karl this year. We spent Saturday at the pool and wore the kids out. Carlita is really into making and selling cupcakes (Cupcake selling) so the rest of the day was doing that.

Sunday the kids and I got up early and jumped on Karl to wake him up. They gave him their present - a painted plate. Very cute. Then as every other father did on Sunday morning we went to IHOP for breakfast. Very good. Then Karl and the kids went off blueberry picking at the UD campus while I got all the bags we needed for a surprise trip. I had purchased tickets to the Wilmington & Western Railroad from a Groupon special. They were having a Father's Day trip. So once they all returned we were off. Karl had no clue until we drove into the train station. The kids (and Karl) were very excited.

I was surprised to see how packed the train was. It seems alot of people were thinking like I. The train ride was 45 minutes to Mt. Cuba Meteor picnic area. We disembarked the train, and had a very nice picnic and then back on the train. Great fun!!!

Then we went to the Western Y pool to wear the kids out more and by 3pm they were passed out in the car driving home. Carlita spent the afternoon making crafts, Karl napped, and I BBQ'ed up some ribs and corn for the big papa. My gift to Karl was massages which he needs one so badly. I am lucky to have a great partner in life who loves being a father and is so caring and compassion. Love you Karl and Happy Father's day.

the Kaliher waterpark

Sometimes it's more fun making a "waterpark" in the backyard than going to one. We added some sprinklers to hang from the clothing line and a slip-n-slide and there you had it! Water fun in the backyard.

Cupcake selling

Carlita is really growing up. She learned all about Spending, sharing, and Saving from an Elmo DVD we got from PNCBank.  She got her banks set up but knew she needed to make money so why not have a cupcake sell outside our home. She was goign to raise funds for sick animals. We made over 36 cupcakes and that little girl sat outside with Karl all day and made no sales. Our street isn't really a place that gets tons of travel. Luckily the neighbors came over and gave her $10 for 4 cupcakes (really we expected a quarter). She was so excited for her first (and only sale). We'll keep trying to make a sale.

The tooth fairy visits

Carlita has had a loose tooth for over a month now. she's been working hard on getting it out. Over the weekend she took a bite out of an apple and it really got loose but we just couldn't get it out. So last night I looked at it and she was able to twist that tooth almost out so one simple pull and it was out!! 

She was so excited. We wrote a letter to the tooth Fairy asking that she return the tooth when she was done with it (for Mommy to keep). Carlita glitterfried the letter and the tooth went into a special box. She slept in her bed all night and this morning woke up to find a dollar bill in the box and a letter from the tooth fairy saying thank you for the tooth and once she checked it over she would be returning it. She also asked to come back! 

It's weird to see my baby growing up but all these moments are worth it!

Horse Lessons for Carlita

So we live on a street that is all about horses. Everyone has one. They walk the horses, instead of dogs. Every day Carlita pets a horse so knowing this is a unique moment of our lives, Carlita started horse lessons at the horse farm right next door to us. She really has enjoyed this experience and is learning alot about taking care of horses and how to ride. I'm not sure how long we can do this for (until we move) but for right now we are enjoying this experience.

Crazy Luka kids

Really our kids keep us very entertained! Carlita is really into watching Dancing with the Stars and Househunters, and Luke is into Chuggington, Thomas, and Cars. Carlita does alot of crafts, and Luke does alot of running around. They love the new pool out back of the house, and love riding around on their bikes. But most of all they love each other and making each other laugh. I hope you enjoy these pictures and video to showcase our crazy kids.

Strawberry Festival fun - first weekend of summer fun

For the first weekend in June, we went off to the Brandywine Strawberry Festival. All week we have been picking fresh strawberries at the Walnut Springs Farm, roughly 10 minutes form our house. they are delicious, and this is coming from someone who doesn't eat strawberries.  So to go to a festival about strawberries we just had to do it.

It took us roughly a hour but we got there. And we had a great time. the kids got to ride rides and bounce around. We took a tiny train ride and got to meet characters. And yes we ate strawberry shortcake. Spent most of the day there and drove home with sleeping babies in the back. Gotta love it.



On Sunday we went to church and Carlita got to see for the last time with the Little Lights at St. Thomas. They were so cute!!! I really enjoyed her being part of this group and the friendships we've made with fellow parents. After church we went off to visit Mike, Tara, and Emma at their new house in NJ. It was great to see them in their new place and for our kids to run around. After a great afternoon of catching up we headed back to Delaware. Just a great first weekend to the summer.

Memorial Day weekend of fun

Memorial day weekend we had a blast seeing family and playing in the water. Our Y pool opened so Sat. was spent at the pool. Carlita tried to pass the swim test in order to use the slides but didn't. It didn't matter. She had a good time in the pool.

Then on Sunday, we went up to Atco, NJ and went to Sahara Sam's Indoor water park. The kids had a blast on all the slides.






Then we went over to Karl's Aunt Laura and Uncle Bob's place for a BBQ. Luke was passed out for most of the party and Carlita got to learn how to do croquet. It was a long day for them and we headed back home late.

The on Monday we met up with my sister and her family at the Susquehanna River for a little boating. Now it was a little because the boat broke down out in the water. We had stopped to swim a bit and the boat wouldn't start up again. After trying to fix it, we waved down another boat and they towed us into a boat landing. Michael, my BIL, had to hitchhike on a truck to get back to our cars. Meanwhile Karl is with Luke and had no idea what was going on. After two hours we got back to where we were originally. The boat never did get fixed but we had a picnic and just hung out. It was an exhausting weekend but full of fun and memories!

Little lights sing

Carlita really enjoys singing in church. This is the video of the group's last sign-a-long for the summer. Yes you can hear Carlita the whole time. That's my girl.

Update on Luke

For a while Karl and I have noticed that Luke’s language development has been slow. Really slow compared to Carlita and just want we know about development. So Sandra helped find early intervention services in Cecil County, PA to get Luke tested. As it was, Luke is behind cognitively and communication. He qualified for services and now sees a teacher once a week and a speech therapist once a month. We also went to see our doctor and she wanted further testing down. So we took Luke to A.I. DuPont and he passed all his hearing and ENT tests. The speech therapist services will also be set up through DuPont, which is good since our new house is very close to the hospital. Immediately with all these services and Karl working with Luke more intentional Luke has greatly improved his language. He is more vocal and articulated of his needs. He does make a lot of noises (just like his mother) but he is speaking a lot more. He finally identified himself “I’m Lukie”. “Here I am – Lukie”. He is so adorable and sweet and crazy at time. WE only think this is the problem due to he being a preemie. Luckily he doesn’t have anything else wrong and this is something we can really work on with him. He truly is our special baby.

May is running season

For the past 6 months I’ve been training for the Delaware half marathon, which was May 16th. Now this has been hard to do due to my schedule, but I have this group of ladies I run with early in the morning (4:45am) that have been very supportive. Now they are not the fastest group, but they care to make sure you make it to the end.

Now I was lucky enough to get a hold of a running bid for the Broad St. 10 miler. This race was sold out within a week – 30,000 runners!!! So on Wednesday before the race I found out that someone couldn’t run the race on Twitter and by the end of the day I had the bid. Then Sunday I ran the race. It was very flat and straight. It was the largest race I’ve ever run and lots of fun to be in, but boy did I struggle. I went out too fast and mentally struggled the whole time. The race started in North Philadelphia (way up there) and ended at the Navy Pier. There were bands and groups of people screaming and cheering along the way. So amazing to have that inspiration the whole way because I needed it!!! My feet at the end of the race were beat up, and I couldn’t walk any more. I had to walk a mile back to my car, and somehow I made it.

So that race really was a training device for the half marathon, which happened two weeks later. Karl and I were running this race, which I was excited to do. We planned to run 10 minute pace, but after 3 miles I had to slow down and Karl was off. This race was better mentally than the 10miler, but rougher on the body because of all the hills on the course. I am not a good hill runner and really slowed down on them. What’s even worse is that there’s a BIG hill at the last mile and it really just kicks you. But after 2 hours and 30 minutes I finished!!! Karl came in at 2 hours and 11 minutes. Not bad for someone who really didn’t train. We both were exhausted and somehow got home.

Now anyone who has kids knows that you don’t get a break from kids even though you need one. We both struggled all day walking and playing with the kids. Luckily Luke took a nap so Karl got to rest and I just had to take Carlita shopping for food. Really rough, but we made it.

So we’re done for the season. We’ll keep running for pleasure, but not train for anything. We really wanted to do a triathlon, but with this year’s transitions we’re going to do that next year. But the best thing I think is that the kids really notice that we work out and try to be healthy. Carlita is always saying “Mommy when are you going to work out?” or “Mommy we have to eat healthy”. Yes we do honey. For that reason we started a garden out back and have tons of lettuce to eat (too much actually!). Hopefully our habits will be embedded into the kids for their future.

April is House Hunting time

March was really rough for the family. I was away at conference for 16 days out of the entire month. Though both conferences ( NASPA and ACPA) were local, I was really busy with recruitment and conducting on-site interviews, and didn't get to see the family much. Luckily they did come down to Baltimore to stay overnight one night and the next day we went to the National Baltimore Aquarium, which was great fun for the kids (and grown-ups!).

April came along with a lot of rain and coldness. I was training for a half-marathon, so I got up real early to go run with a group of ladies at the local YMCA. This has been a fun group to get together  and run outside with. Fortunately, the weather started getting better and the sun was getting up earlier.

April was also the big kick off for our house hunt. We decided when I got my Temple job that we would move right off campus in Newark, DE and I would be the one traveling the most. This allowed for one-layer of transition. Now the lease for the rental house is up in July and we needed to look for a place to call home. We had to first decide where we wanted to live. Karl is still working in Newark and I will be in Philadelphia. We went to look at neighborhoods in PA and Delaware and decided to stay in Delaware for several reasons: 1) if we were in PA my train commute would still be roughly 40 minutes due to the area we would want to live in (Media/Swarthmore). Karl’s commute, though, would be 45min -1 hour and considering he works late and isn’t the best driver at night being in PA wasn’t the best choice; 2) the kids would be in PA, and both parents would be 45 minutes from them and would not be able to get to them fast enough if something were to happen; and 3) the cost of houses and taxes are so much more in PA than DE, and for only a little better school system. We couldn’t justify that. So the decision was made to stay in Delaware and look into North Wilmington. This area has the best school district and is the closest to both of our work locations. So off we went looking at areas within North Wilmington. We learned a lot about the developments and what we would like. We made a must list and a want list. Karl and I differed on several points such as:

§  Lulu 

o   Something unique that stands out

o   Nothing like a cookie cutter house that looks like a monopoly board

o   A bit of a fixer –upper is fine

o   Walk-in closet

o   Space for kids to run outside

o   Updated kitchen  (NO white appliances, counter tops or laminate flooring)

o   2 bathrooms

o   Open-space flow in house

o   A garage or basement for all my holiday boxes

o   An office or glitter room

§  Karl

o   No/minimal fixer – upper

o    Lots of updates

o   Space for kids to run

o   Nice backyard/close to park
    2 bathrooms
    Open floor plan

Carlita also had her demands: stairs and a purple room. Luke really needs a dark room to sleep. That’s all.

Next we needed to know how much we could afford. We checked out three brokers. All said the same thing about our finances. That we needed to pay off debt in order to be considered for a mortgage.  One broker we really liked, but never got back to us so after a month, we let him go. The second broker was a bit arrogant and I didn’t like that. The last one I found accidental by looking at a house and we hit it off. He was experienced, knowledgeable and someone I could trust. So once we figured out how to get our debt paid off, we got pre-approved for up to $300,000. Now that was way too much for us. Karl and I set up our budget at $200-$250,000 thinking that we’ve seen enough houses in this price range that surely we could find a house.

So the house hunt started. I took off every Friday in April to do the house hunting. So the first Friday it was real estate agent selection. We interviewed three agents. Our criteria were to have someone who we could be personable with and have a strong desire to work for us and find a home for us.

First agent was an experienced agent with 30 years of experience. Really knowledgeable of the market. Older gentleman and a nice personality. I liked him a lot. Rated 4.

Second agent was a newly licensed agent who used to be an RA at UD several years ago. Great personality and desire to get started. Really liked her Rated 4

Third agent was several years experienced, but desire to be in the industry was driven by the amount of money he could make. When I told him what I did, he told us “O I was one of those who drank in the halls and never got into trouble”. Yep he was not the one for us. Rated 1

So after mulling about it we went with agent #2. She was youthful, a minority, and someone I could chat with any time of the day.

So the next week was spent looking over housing listings and determining which houses we wanted to go see. There were many we wanted to look at, so the next Friday we went to see 8 houses. Only 1 or 2 were good. We quickly realized that the price range we were in gave us a certain housing area that we really didn’t want to be in. So after much thinking we decided to increase the price of houses we were looking for to $250-$275,000.

So over the weekend we determined another set of houses to look at and on Tuesday met up in Claymont, DE to look at 6 more houses. Only 1 was okay. Friday came again and we looked at another 8 houses. One or two houses now were good enough to make our top 3.

So we had a top 3 and invited Sandra and the fam to come visit them over the weekend. Mike, my brother in law, was very helpful at how to look at issues in the house--what to look for in the basement, foundation, around the house, etc. Our top 3 houses quickly disappeared. What we thought would work for us really didn’t, due to too many issue with the houses. One house was beautiful outside, but not good in the basement with a foundation that had major issues. The second house was custom made, but really did not have good flow. I loved it, but it was way too close to a major street. Too dangerous for the kids. Now the third house (South Rd) we loved the location and the charm inside the house. It really had that mix of old and new. We really were thinking of bidding on this house, but we didn’t like the flow and that we couldn’t see the kids if they were outside. Also we would have to put up a fence and get permission from the home association.

So we went to look at more houses the next Friday – 8 more houses that just didn’t work out. South Rd was still number one. Then a house came on the market, Boothby, and I saw there was an open house on Sunday. It was the same Sunday I was running the Broad St. 10-miler (I was able to get a bid because someone couldn’t do it and they posted about it on Twitter – love social media). So after I ran that race (and that was painful), I went to the Y to take a shower and met Karl and Tiffany (the agent) at Boothby. Immediately we loved it. Karl loved the flow and openness and everything updated. I loved the area and backyard. We were there for most of the open house and then left. Then Wednesday went to see more houses – nothing compared to South and Boothby. So I invited Sandra back up and took her over to Boothby. She loved it. The house is 5 minutes from a state park so we went over there and decided to bid on the house. What!!! Really we bid on the house. The house was going for $279,900 so we asked for $265,000 and sellers’ assistance. After going back and forth we settled at $272,500. Not really where I wanted to be, but with everything in this house really worth it.

So now we're under contract and having to figure out all the steps. We got an inspection done and there were roof and foundation issues. The sellers are fixing these issues. Next we officially applied for the mortgage and are waiting to hear back from the underwriter. If everything goes well, we settle on the house June 22^nd. I really can’t believe it still. I’m waiting at each turn for something to go wrong. There has been a lot going on.  Some of it can’t be posted here, but this process has been intense. It’s easier to have a kid than to buy a house today. Everyone is nervous about the housing market and people are not buying or selling. Very tough. I wonder if we could have bargained more for the house, but we will never know. I also wonder if there’s a better house for us out there. Nothing really has come on the market since early May worth looking at. If they have, they are in bad neighborhoods, or have alot of fixing up to do.

So we’re almost there with the house. Once we know for sure, we have to figure out the next steps of finding daycare and getting Carlita ready for kindergarten for the fall. Also moving and getting settled into the house. Just a lot to think about!!!!! We’ll keep you informed!

First week in April - bike season

Finally spring is in the air and with that the kids can escape outside. Carlita got new rain boots and umbrella. 

Luke loves his sister's bike helmet and wears it around the house. 

Carlita is now known as the "lil chef" an she helps out with every meal. We love being inventive so we tried to make easter egg pancakes.

And Luke loves to get into the cars and plan with buckles. He also thinks he can drive.

Carlita has been taking karate at the Y. Here are hilarious shots of her!

And we love to dress up so here's Mother and Daughter ready for Sunday church. 

But the big thing that has happened is Carlita getting a new bike. She has a dora bike but it's way too small. So off to Toys-r-us we went and she got a new 18inch bike called Coral mist by Avigo.  She loves her bike. We went biking in our area which was hard to do so we wen off to our local park, Nichols Park, where she can go bike by herself and we can be on the playground with Luke. Actually Luke likes to run after his sister. He's our little runner. We're looking forward to a fun bike season with the kids.

Visit to B'more with kids - March 2011

With ACPA in Baltimore and it being spring break at UDel, Karl and I decided to have him and the kids come visit me during the conference. This was rather hard on everyone since there's only so many things you can do with kids in a hotel room. Luckily we were on the same floor as the work out center and pool so the kids ere in the pool right after they woke up and right before bedtime. Carlita really like hot tub though she can't go in them. 

For the first day they were there (I was busy with interviewing candidates, presenting, and networking), they went to Port Discovery, a children museum we are members to. They had a blast but Karl was tired from the walking from the hotel and the running around there. I got to see the kids for dinner and we met up with Jessica, Karl's cousin, who is working in Qatar. Check out her blog here. That night we got to go to the Commission Showcase and some receptions. Then bed time.

On Wednesday we all went to the Baltimore Aquarium. We got in early and there was no crowds. The kids loved seeing the fishes, sharks, and then the dolphin show. Carlita took hold of my camera and took some amazing shots of fishes. Then after a long morning, we ate at Noodles & Company and headed home. Naptime for everyone!!! It was a blast but it's very exhausting to have kids at a conference.  I don't think they will come to any conferences next year - too expensive and just too much to handle. 

Surviving March Madness

For many March Madness is about the NCAA tournament and seeing dreams come true. For us in the student affairs profession, it's the same except it's not basketball we're talking about it's job searching. The marathon to land that perfect job.

In my new job, this is what I do : run all job search processes for my department. For March this is our season - the season to find that next person who will join our team. For Temple we have anticipated job openings so we can interview candidates but can't yet bring them on campus. This year we were lucky that two major conferences, NASPA and ACPA, were within our distance. NASPA was in Philly and ACPA in Baltimore.

For NASPA I traveled back and forth for the week which was exhausting. Next time a conference is in Philly I'm staying over night. But for ACPA we got to stay in the Hilton which worked out great. Every day we ate out at great places (and ate too much). I got to present at both conferences about my dissertation work and StrengthsQuest,which was a great experience.

Applying Multimedia principles to online learning

View more presentations from Licinia Kaliher

So I survived 15 days of conferencing. In between the conferences I was on duty so basically the whole month of March I worked, including weekends. Over 100 people interviewed yet we're not able to move on with the selection process so we'll see how the next months go. But it was worth it for the food and friendships developed.

Snow snow and more snow

It snowed on April Fools. Really Mother Nature - snow in April? Reflecting back on the past three months we had alot of snow in this area - more than usually and necessary. In Jan. we were snowed in for two days. We quickly learned that we don't have to have a large drive-way and will ned a snowblower when we get a house. The kids enjoyed the snow a bit but not really - they hated getting bundled up and only stayed outside for a few minutes. But it was beautiful and memorable. Here are the scenes of snow at our Landenberg house.