Janet,
I realize that the building is your primary joy in this (at least for now), but if you're truly thinking about flying these then I would seriously consider buying a cheap foam electric, like the GWS Cub, to learn on.

They'll use the same mini/micro radio equipment required for your chosen aircraft, so that's money well spent. The rest of the cost, plane and motor/gearbox, is roughly $35. They go together in about two hours and are easily repaired in a mishap. (Unlike your balsa beauties!)

Just food for thought.
Dennis-