Moira's Birthday!

 Our darling girl turned two at the beginning of the month. Jon and I play birthday elves and decorated her door the night before. She was so excited to see decorations when she woke up in the morning. Gramma was in town and Carter was home sick from school so Moira got to spend the day with lots of people who love her. She couldn't wait for Daddy to get home so she could open presents and eat cake. That's my girl! Moira is still figuring out the whole present-opening process. As soon as she unwrapped one, she wanted to take it out of the box right away, not understanding the more gifts awaited her. It was all a little overwhelming but it worked out just fine. She was very grateful for all her lovely packages. But I think she liked the cupcakes the best!

 Carter was trying to give a birthday hug but Moira was ready to get to those presents!

 

Yes, my daughter is POUTING because Gramma can not get her package opened fast enough. So proud.

 Again, poor Carter trying to share the love and Moira is eyeing her cupcake.

 Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!!!

Photo Shoot!

In October (yes, I realize it is now nearly the end of December), my good friend took family pictures for us. We went out to the local park and tried to capture moments as the perfect family that one always sees in all those smiling, glorious, breath-taking family photos. Well, our session wasn't exactly like that.
The kids were not interested in having their picture taken at all. So my friend, being the professional that she is, worked with what she had. The results are precious. We may not be "perfect", but my family is perfect for me.
Enjoy!

Back to School!

First day!

my cheese!

Goofy but sweet

Guess who heads off to pre-school next year????

Getting some love from his sister who will miss him very much.

SO excited for school to start!

My big guy!

Carter's Classroom

Could he be ANY more handsome? I mean seriously!!!

Looking for his tote with his name on it.

He didn't even look back.

Today was Carter's first day back to Pre-School - a day he has been waiting for ALL Summer. He was so happy to get into his classroom. He does so well here and I couldn't be more proud of him. When I picked him up at the end of his morning he was bursting. "Mom! I had SO much fun today!" I love the sound of pure joy in his voice. This is my Carter: confident, self-assured, excited. Summer Carter was not that way so I am glad we will finally be getting back in our groove.
He even made a joke when we got in the car. I had asked him what he liked best about his morning. "You want to know what I liked best? Well, that you picked me up! HA!". Funny guy.
I am looking forward to getting into a new routine. I am especially looking forward to some quality time with Moira this year. We are long overdue. I will also be using my mornings to be training for a 1/2 marathon....but that is for another post. ;-) 

Our New Home

SOLD! Feb 2010
 

As some of you are aware, one of our major Summer activities was moving. Not only did we move, but we purchased our first home. While Jon and I had gotten used to the lifestyle of moving every three years or less and living all over, we are excited for this new chapter where we can put down some roots. Yes, we will be East coasters for awhile, much to the disappointment of our West Coast family and friends.
We are very grateful for the blessing of some amazing friends here who came out in full force to help us move ALL our furniture. We were also fortunate in that my parents traveled this way to help us as well. My dad played handy-man with Jon, "supervising" the installation of our garage door, as well as hanging blinds and ceiling fans. My mother, aka Saint Maureen, packed up my ENTIRE house into boxes while I moved them back and forth across town in our JEEP. It made for a very long week but we are so grateful for their help. We wouldn't have survived (nor our children been fed) without them.
We are settled in mostly now and currently waiting for inspiration to strike us for decorating our new abode. That is the fun part for sure, but I don't want to rush into anything either. I keep changing my mind. Jon is being very patient with as he is eager to "get things over with".
Please enjoy the pictures below that mark a little of our journey. We were excited to watch our house grow, literally, from the ground up!

8 Apr 2010

23 Apr 2010

12 May 2010

23 May 2010 - Kitchen

23 May 2010 - Living Room

My pride and joy!

Carter is very excited for his new bathroom

5 Jun 2010

Our Home 19 Jun 2010

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Living room

Front entryway

Kitchen/built in "office"/pantry/ dining room (living room off to left)

Kitchen 19 June 2010

SO proud!

One of the very exciting things about this Summer was visiting my family in Phoenix. I hadn't been "home" in 6 months and it was pleasant to experience a traditional Phoenician Summer again...Oh how I missed it.
The weather aside, what made this trip so special was to see the results of my family's hard work. Several of us have been working very hard to lose the weight we had allowed ourselves to pack on over the years. Each of us, on our own, in our own time, came to the realization that a change was needed. Fortunately, it happened for a few of us at the same time. I eagerly anticipated my arrival in Arizona to witness their amazing transformation. I am so proud of them! They will never truly know how much so. I love ALL of you "girls" so very much. I wish you every joy and happiness in this life.

Before: December 2009

After: July 2010

 

 

LOVE you ladies! You are and ALWAYS have been beautiful!