So I did it...I appealed our property tax reassessment.  We got a notice in the mail two weeks ago saying the value of our house went up nearly $75K.  Normally I'd be exstatic, but since you and I both know that there's no way in hell that in this housing market that's actually true I'm not taking it lying down.  I did a little research on local properties that have sold and for comparable properties in our neighborhood I calculated a $/sq ft number and applied that value to our house...based on real numbers, our house should only have appreciated $25k or so which I'm more agreeable to.  I also jabbed a bit and told them that it's reflective on the housing market when there isn't a house 1 mile of ours (in our neighborhood, although I didn't see any elsewhere either) that has sold in the past three months...even though many are for sale and most for 3+ months...  We'll just see what happens.  I think I presented a strong case to Wake County so we'll just have to see what they respond with.  I know many others were shocked to when they got their letter so I'd imagine the appeals dept will be flooded with letters.  I think the county is mad because it couldn't reassess when houses actually were selling for the exhorbitant prices and now that it's cooled...no frozen....they're still trying to cash in.  Just a little late to the party guys!

Anyway, we're now fully decorated for Christmas, the tree is trimmed and the holly is hanging from the banister.  Somehow I got away with a fake tree again this year even though I told Joni that if we were home for christmas I had no problem getting a live tree, when push came to shove, she caved...we're going to get a new fake tree, but not until after Christmas.  We also got all the new clothes washed for the Baby.  He's not even here yet and I think he has a more extensive wardrobe then I do...I will admit though he's going to look awfully good in his PSU gear!  If anyone has a good deal on a glider and ottoman, let me know...I'm just not quick enough for Craigslist it seems...