Settling

Things are falling into place...for the most part.

Big kid started KINDERGARTEN last week, and today will be his first full day. Can't believe my little man is in school now. Crazy. But he absolutely loves it there, and the school he goes to is just wonderful. I tell you what though, not having him around is sure strange. Maybe I'll get the rest of these boxes unpacked after all...

All ready for the first day

We still have a few boxes here and there, but most of that is due to the fact that we are waiting for our "media hutch" to arrive so we have something to put our tv on and all of the various devices that go along with it into. We were spoiled in NE and had built-ins so we didn't have to worry about such things. There are some others too, but we've been having a lot of fun so they have been pushed aside! I LOVE LOVE LOVE our new neighborhood! There are TONS of kiddos everywhere, all close to the same age as our boys, and it has just been non-stop playtime outside. And it turns out that a friend of mine from when we lived in GA (her hubs was on a different boat) lives right across the street from us!! Her son is a week older than my oldest, so that has been really great, and she has been awesome and introduced us to everyone on the street I think. Not really, but it feels like a lot. I'll be sad to leave next spring.

And speaking of leaving. We do have "verbal orders". The hubs is (for now) going to be the Weps on a boat out of Norfolk. We were not expecting this location, but are happy with it none-the-less. It will be nice to be within a days drive of our family, and we've got some good friends going there as well. :) Although I'm trying not to get TOO attached because I know that things very well could change.

This weekend we spent probably 95% of both Saturday and Sunday enjoying the outdoors. We went hiking, kite flying, and got in a few trips to the beach. The weather here is absolutely beautiful and we have been exploring our new surroundings. There is so much fun stuff to do, I'm already making our list for next weekend!

Well I should wrap this up and get a move on my "to-do" list. Maybe now that I have a little "kid free" time again, I'll actually update this blog in a somewhat timely fashion...maybe. *wink*

Later folks :)

Safe and Sound

We've arrived...safe and sound and are (slowly) getting settled. Actually we've accomplished a lot, but as I look around at all the boxes, I realize there is still more to be done. We woke up to a rainy day, so I've been slow getting things together - so I figured I'd update. But I can't stay on TOO long because I am *a-hem* borrowing wireless at the moment. So bad I know...

However, I did get lots of important things done in the few days that I've been in my new residence. I got our insurance stuff switched and the boys and I are all set up with new docs. The boys have dr. apts for school physicals. Dentist appointments have been made. Cable/internet/phone is processing and will be installed on Friday. Big kid will be all set for school tonight after open house. You get the idea. We've been busy.

The hubby doesn't have to start school until middle of next month, so we have a few weeks to enjoy family time. I think we are going to take a weekend trip in the next few weeks, somewhere by train, still have to figure that one out.

Okay, well I should run. I'll be back after Friday when our internet is installed.

Catch ya later folks.

let it begin!!

Hey Folks! How are ya??

We are HOT. It is just scorching here these days, to the point that you doing even want to go outside!! Thankfully by midweek it's supposed to cool down a tad. Don't get me wrong, I love summer, but when it feels like 115 outside...that's a little extreme for my taste. :)

Today begins "massive to do list" mania - bring it on I am SO ready!! We are now close enough to the move to begin fun things like packing and cleaning the outside windows. There is more on the list for today, but those are the first two that popped into my head. I am getting really excited for the move. Not the whole pack-out load up process, but the actual driving to our new home and getting settled is always fun for me. Our boys are troopers in the car, which is AWESOME when you have 4 days of driving ahead of you.

But the best part about the drive is that we get to make a stop in OHIO to visit Nat!!! I can't wait. Nat, if you're reading this check your email if you haven't already because I sent you the info about the day we are coming.

Okay, sorry.

So, I promised some video of big kid and the NEW bike. So here it is. Enjoy :)

It's super early here, my littlest one woke me up around 5:30 to make a trip to the potty. So it looks like I'm going to get an early jump on the day. So with that I'm going to leave you all. Hope you have all had a fabulous weekend. xoxo.

A most useless place...

Last night the hubs and I took the boys to the bike shop to get the big kid his brand new bike. He had been riding around on a pretty piece-tacular bike that was falling apart and was too small, but we figured it would be perfect for him to learn on. We had told him once he decided to do it without the training wheels, he could go get a nice new one. Anyway, while we were driving to the shop, I realized something...I'm in the Waiting Place. I'm sure you've all read the Dr Seuss book "Oh the Places You'll Go". It's one of my favorite ones to read my little ones. And it dawned on me today - we are very much in that place - a most useless place...

The Waiting Place…for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite or waiting around for Friday night or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil, or a Better Break or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants or a wig with curls, or Another Chance. Everyone is just waiting.

In our case we are waiting for all sorts of things. Phone calls from detailers and landlords, doctor appointments, moving day, etc. I just feel like we are in a holding pattern this week. It's still too soon to do a lot of the packing prep (that hasn't already been done) and my "to do" list for when we do arrive in the northeast keeps growing, but I can't do anything on that until I'm there. I'm trying to remind myself to just take it easy this week and enjoy my last "quiet" week before next week comes and I'm running around like a crazy lady. But the anxiety is really getting to me. And I can't even bake because I don't want to go buy stuff that I won't use up before next week! :)

{deep breath}

Okay, I feel better. I'm just going to focus on the fun stuff that is going on this week. We have baseball for the big kid, a trip to the children's museum with friends, more baseball this weekend, and maybe a day trip one day to KC for one last visit to my favorite place on earth. I have so much to be thankful for!! So while I am indeed in the "waiting place" I know it's only temporary and I can move on because...

No! That’s not for you!
Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying. You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing. With banner flip-flapping, once more you’ll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!

Well...that kind of a girl rather...and yes, I am that girl indeed...ready for anything under the sky!

This and That

Is the weekend almost over already?? Eeesh, where does the time go? And it's AUGUST - wowza.

So, in-case you aren't crossing off the days until my move on your calendar (although I can't see why you wouldn't be - hehe) we are down to 13 days!! WOAH!! We officially have an address now for when we get to our new location, so that is always a plus, and I've taken care of stopping all our services here minus one more that I have to call about tomorrow.

THANK YOU THANK YOU folks who gave me such awesome moving tips!! I will make sure to have my video camera charged, sharpies ready, and my best "I'm the boss - but a nice one" attitude in check!

This morning we went to church, then home to get some stuff done around the house. The hubby cleaned out the garage, and I've been working on getting together all those things that DON'T go with the packers because I would be heartbroken if they were damaged or lost (mainly my pictures, a few letters, etc.) I also have yet another bag of stuff going for Goodwill - this will be trip number 4 I believe!

Yesterday the hubs and the munchkin went to a bbq at a co-workers house. Big kid and I stayed behind because he woke up all snotty and coughing and we didn't want to share the love. BUT I did take full advantage of the "bring a side or dessert" to unload a bunch of stuff in the pantry! I sent brownies, blondies, a unopened bag of tortilla chips, and some fresh salsa. I got major "points" in the clean-out process for all that!

I tried a new recipe for the brownies - it's one I've had on my "to bake" list for awhile, but always seem to fall back on my favorite Ina recipe. But because I didn't have everything for that one, and I DID have everything for this one, I took a chance. The recipe is from the back of the King Arther bag of AP flour and it's labeled "The Best Fudge Brownie Ever" (click on that for the recipe). I was skeptical because I've had some amazing brownies - so to claim these were the BEST ever...well I just wasn't so sure. Sorry for the bad picture...I was in a hurry and it shows.

My review. They were quite tasty - very moist and fudge-y and the chocolate chips in the batter really do add a little something, but I think I still would chose my Ina recipe over this one. But the hubby said they, and the blondies both went over well.

Today we also had a big moment in "kid world". The big kid learned how to ride his bike without training wheels!! We are very proud. He must have been ready because he picked it up like a pro. Well folks - I need to run. The hubs just informed me he is due for a haircut, so I'm going to go help get the little ones to bed, then do that, then curl up with my book. Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!