Pause

Life right now . . .
wake up
take care of girls
straighten house
work on projects for new house
take care of girls
do one of the always behind loads of laundry
go to Target to get stuff for house
take care of girls
start work at 2
cook meals
straighten house
do the never-ending dishes
go to Lowes for stuff for house
take care of girls
put Hallie to bed
put Claire to bed
watch movies and/or talk with Chris
go to bed
take care of Claire in the middle of the night
begin said process the next day
Chris has the same schedule (including take care of girls) but his schedule includes yard work as well as official curtain rod and picture hanging duties.

Life is good-- but even summer stays busy, busy, busy.

Today we are going to the zoo. After I pay bills and Chris spends the morning at Lowes-- of course.

We can't wait to be settled in so that we can appreciate the break part of "summer break."

But, we can't complain. We have a beautiful house; a big yard; two beautiful, happy, healthy children; and each other.

And we have moments where we can stop all the work and just have fun.

Disneyland

When we were in California recently, we got to go to our favorite place in the world-- Disneyland. It is such a special place to us. Of course it is magical because of the childhood memories. But for Chris and I, it was where we fell in love. Our first date was at Disneyland and much of our courtship, engagement, and newlywed years were spent within the park and at Downtown Disney. And because I was a passholder during many child and teenage years, I sort of feel like I grew up there. There are so many fun pictures from our visit. Honestly, this is the best I could do to edit them down. I've posted them small so click on an image to see it larger.

Kitchen and Family Room

I am so pleased to present more photos of our first home. Today, your tour includes the kitchen and family rooms. These rooms are still "in process." We would love new light fixtures in the kitchen (but will wait for that) and mini-blinds in both rooms. Although we need curtains on windows and pictures above the couch in the family room, the psycho perfectionist in me can show you what it looks like for the time being.

We love this home. It isn't grandeous. But it is so grand to us. After six different apartments in seven years, it feels fantastic to finally have a real home. This August when we celebrate our eighth wedding anniversary it will be so nice to reflect on great things we've accomplished: two bachelor's degrees, two children, and now we own a home (and a cute one at that). Things like a driveway, good-sized yards, steps leading to our front door . . . they all make us stop and pinch ourselves. And for the first time upon moving in, we didn't have to stop hanging pictures at 8 pm to be respectful of neighbors. We were ecstatic when we realized we could bang nails into our walls at 1 am and wouldn't bother soul (except maybe our two sleeping babes). It was a long road to home ownership, but the wait and hard work is more than worth it. We love you our home, sweet, home!

Father's Day Festivities

Daddy and his girls

We took some pictures of Daddy and his girls following church today. Hallie was a tad restless. But they still turned out darling. I can't believe these three are mine-- forever!

daddy

no one can make her laugh . . .
or her smile . . .

like he can . . .




I married a great Dad.

I am so grateful.