Sunday, June 19, 2011

I Still Can't Believe We've Lived Here For One Year Already!!!

1 year ago today (June 18, 2010), my family went through some HUGE changes!! I'm not one to express my feelings, but that day was very emotional...happy, sad, scared, angry, excited, depressed all mixed into one.

I was looking forward to the new life we were getting ready to start, and I was super excited for Mike and his new job that he LOVES.
But, I was scared and sad, too. Scared to move to a place that I only knew Mike's Aunt & Uncle, unsure and depressed by the idea of not having friends and having to make new ones, and sad to move away from my family. If you haven't had to make a move like that, it is very difficult.

I have met a few nice families with kids, and I'm sure I'll be able to build on those friendships and meet others as time goes on. It's nice to feel accepted, because being the "new" gal can be awkward at times.


Before I moved, it seemed I was always meeting up with someone - hanging out at the parks, malls, movies, friend's houses. I am an extrovert, and LOVE to interact with others. So my first few weeks here were very frustrating. As time went on, I met some other mom's, Jacob started school, the girls and I went to playgroups and bible study, and things started getting into a routine.


I still missed my friends and family deeply, but I'm starting to accept the fact that we will probably be living in California permanently. I look forward to my visits back home, and having my family and friends visit here. :-)


Overall, this move was the best thing for our family. Mike is doing very well with his job. It's worth it knowing that he enjoys what he does. He is such a hard worker and I am truly blessed having him as my husband (I'd like to think he's blessed having me as his wife, too - lol).


In 1 week, I'll be in Vegas seeing my mom!! (and my aunts, uncles, cousins, brother and his girlfriend)!! Can't wait!!

This is a picture of the kids shortly after we moved in.
(Lauren was about 6 weeks old, Ashlyn was almost 3 1/2,
and Jacob was 6 years and a few months)

Friday, June 3, 2011

Playgroup, New Car Seat & Carnival!!

Today was a busy, but fun day!! The girls and I went to our weekly playgroup. They have a lot of fun. Lauren is really enjoying the time she has to play there, too. Today Ashlyn got to paint. She loves doing all kinds of arts and crafts, especially painting!! I think more paint gets on her than anything else. ;-) After story and snack, I took the girls outside. Ashlyn loves playing at any park, and Lauren really got into the whole playground concept. She loves crawling up the steps, through tunnels and going down the slide. Every time she gets off, she's ready to do it all again.

After our playgroup, we made a quick stop at Kohl's (Mike earned some gift cards from his Amex rewards - he's so sweet he gave them to me)!!

Then we picked Jacob up from school and headed to Babies R Us. I've been thinking about getting a new car seat for Lauren for a while, but it's been a hard decision for me!! She's been in her INFANT seat until today. The other 2 kids were out of theirs at 6 months old. I guess I was in denial about her being old enough (and just about big enough) for her new seat and face forward. I wanted to do this now, because I want her to get used to it so it will make our travels to Anaheim, San Diego, and Las Vegas (and back) much easier - because now she can actually see the TV. :-)

When Mike got home, we headed out to Jacob's last baseball practice. He's supposed to have his last game tomorrow, but I think it may get cancelled because of rain. :-( Hopefully they will reschedule it. He really enjoyed this season, and he has greatly improved!! Next sport will be soccer this fall.

On our way home, we decided to go to the carnival. We were planning to go tomorrow, but since it's supposed to rain, we decided to go tonight instead. It was fun, the kids had a blast!!












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Lauren Loves Slides!!

Lauren enjoyed going down the slide at our weekly playgroup. Every time I picked her up at the end, she pointed to the slide again!! I love my kids, they (and my family) make me so happy!!

YouTube Video

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