Wow, everybody. I’m so impressed, not only by the depth and breadth of answers you’ve provided me, but also with everyone being so nice about sparing their own time to respond at all! Thank you also for not “judging me” too harshly based on my expectations and requirements, and for being respectful toward each other even if you disagree. I’ve never posted to a site before and I’m just blown away and grateful.

This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, and the move will definitely be the most difficult, gut-wrenching thing I’ve ever done. Leaving my friends and extended family will have long lasting effects on me, but I’m hoping that if it turns out to be a great decision for my kids, not only in preserving OUR family, but if they’re happier and healthier for it, then I will find it was all worth it in the end.

Flyer, what keeps me up at night is the thought that staying where we are and raising them here, vs. leaving and raising them in CA, they will “turn out” differently. I don’t even know how, or to what extent, I just think no matter how on top of things I am at home, you are so much a product of your environment, and I worry about what “environment” we’ll provide them out there. I’m also so sad they will not grow up with the same tight-knit, big, crazy but incredibly fun and supportive family I had growing up. It will really just be us and their Uncle out there, and no matter how many friends we make, you can’t replicate Sunday dinners with 10-20 aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents around the table. My husband didn’t grow up like that, so doesn’t have that same value set in that department. Ugh…I’m making myself sad just typing this.

Anyway, I know I spoke about walk ability where we live currently, and it’s awesome to have, but I certainly have no problem hopping in the car to run errands, go eat or head to the beach for a walk with the dog. I just want to know that at the end of that short drive, there’s a village of shopkeepers I can get to know, that will know my kids names eventually and where I can grab a bottle of wine, get my dress dry cleaned, make a run to the bank, buy a gift for a friend who’s sick or myself some fresh flowers to cheer myself up if I’m homesick. Does that make sense?

Again, for the umpteenth time…thank you all for your kindness and generosity. I’m going to get to work on researching the cities that may well become home. I even bought myself a little notebook. Wish me luck! 🙂