Bidding Adieu

We will be moving in the next few weeks, and I just have to pay tribute to this wonderul, little house we've been living in the past 2 1/2 years. It is adorable and has been perfect for us. We were given a steal on our rent and could not ask for better landlords. They are always trying to make things easier for us. The house is all of about 900 sq. ft., so we have learned to be quite creative in arranging a small space. I am excited to have storage..among other things. It will be nice to live in town, save money on commuting, and it will be helpful for Matt working and getting around. I have lived up here in Vallecito my whole life almost, and I will miss it. I will miss having the lake right next door, having hiking trails within miles, and having the peaceful, laid back feeling. I will miss being able to run to my parents house in a matter of minutes (but I get it, maybe I should at least loosen the apron strings a tiny bit). I am so excited to move to our new place, redecorate a bit, have new opportunities, etc. but there are difinitely a lot of things I will miss.

The living room. This house is so bright and sunny, I love it.

I am also really looking forward to having color on my walls!

The little gas-log fireplace is one of my favorite things. It just poofs on when the temp. gets too chilly, or we can just flip the switch. It gives the house such a warm, cozy feeling.

Kaden's room/Matt's changin area and closet/office/extra storage. The multi-purpose room. You can see how packed everything is in this room! Matt will be thrilled to have a closet in our bedroom, I'm sure. Kaden will be thrilled to have his own space, and not to be interrupted when he's trying to snooze, I'm sure.

Our little bedroom. The bed takes up most of it, but it's cozy.

I have become so attached to this house, I really will miss it. I almost feel like I have to have an application and interviewing process for the next renters. It's been wonderful to us, we've created a lot of memories here, and it will always have a special place in my heart.

"Blow-up Bouncy Castle"

Kaden's friend Danica just turned 3, and her mommy Marisa is quite the party thrower. She got the awsome bouncy thing, and the kids were in Heaven for HOURS. I posted a bunch of pictures, but I cannot get over how funny they are. The kids are flying all over the place, squealing like piglets, and their hair is sticking straight up. It was just as entertaining for me, I think. The progression of the photos and their faces are hilarious (even though the pictures didn't turn out great).

Kaden hasn't quite figured out the jumping thing, so he spent a lot of time just rolling around. He tried running through, dancing, and he came up with this funny march. So, jumping wasn't a necessary talent.

Then the daddys got in and it got about 100X more fun.

Matt looks like he is about to pulverize Kaden. Luckily, they both made it out safely.

FUN was had by all.

I scream, you scream...

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!!!!


Happy 3rd birthday, Danica!


Teryk and Kaden



hah! Teryk is caught in the act of stealing the toppings. After this he grabbed a spoon and ate the m&m's like cereal. Mmm, mmmm!


"What should I attack next?" And, of course, leave it to Kaden to clean up everyone else's left-overs. He snatched the extra half-eaten cupcakes from the other bowls and shoveled them in...should I be worried?!?!


Kidlets at their own table. They had so much fun together.

Pot-Bellied-Candy Corn

Irresistable!

-

On a side note...this sweetie, without fail, has said "daaaa chyoo" (thank you) every single time I have changed his poopy diaper in the last few weeks...and not once was he promted. That's love right there.

The grace of God

I have been checking this website every couple of days, to check up on the Nielson family. I just have to say, that I have totally fallen in love with this little lady, and her precious family. There is something so real about her, about her zest for life and things that are truly important. The way she tells things so candidly, with such a sweet sense of humor. She seems to be so true to herself, what she loves, and it is evident that she is full of passion and love. I just am magnetized toward people like this.

The reason I mention this, is that through reading their story, a flood of memories and emotions return to me. Nie (Stephanie) and her "Mr. Nielson" were in a plane crash that left them both critically burned. They have four beautiful children and my prayers are with them. As I read the updates her sister writes, I cannot help but feel empathy and love. Her sister, Courtney, tries to see the positive, to have faith, and to hope for the best, while still telling the truth of the events transpiring. The way she writes is absolutely beautiful and I cannot help but shed tears as I can feel the emotion in her words. I feel for this family, and they are in my thoughts frequently. I wish them the miracles they are hoping for.

The incredible blessing of God's grace will always abide with those who are pained, who suffer a loss, who are in the shadow of the unknown. He will always, ALWAYS, carry us with His all-knowing, strong yet gentle, omnipotent hand. He sees what we cannot, and if we let Him guide and carry us, He will always lead us to what is best. Despite the despair we may be in, His grace can erase much of that pain, and replace if with peace and comfort. It can, and it will, if we have the faith to let it.

I am reminded of the months following our accident. The memories are not of sadness however, but of peace, warmth, and something I just can't find words to explain. In the most harrowing and scary time of my life, I felt the closest to my savior, to my father in Heaven, and to an actual tangible, warm feeling. I let my mind wander to that time, and the only way I can even put words to the feeling is by likening it to a blizzard. The winds are blowing, the snow falling, the temperatures freezing, but I am there with the thickest, warmest coat imagineable, completely encirlcled in its warmth. I am still in the storm, it rages aroud me, and sometimes I feel the biting cold, but mostly, I feel the warmth that will never leave. And I know now, that it will NEVER leave.

If I had lots of money...

I would buy a fancy camera, lenses, the works. I would take every class I could find and read books and magazines. I have always loved photography. I have loved the classes that I have taken, and I love to look at fantastic photos. I would rather decorate my house with beautiful pictures than with paintings or drawings. It's become quite a trend to start up on photography... and I would join this trend. Not professionally, but as a hobby. But, until I have lots of money and extra time, I will just take pictures with my point and shoot. I will take pictures of my handy little model and show them to everyone. Not necessarily for anyone else, but for my own pure joy. I will hang my photos, professional or not, all over my walls, and I will obsess over them every day. Just as I obsess over this beautiful child, EVERY DAY.

He still does it....

He still sticks his lip out as far as possible when he is sad. I still think it's the cutest thing ever.