Oh Happy December 17th

There is Max...letting it all hang out.

I seriously need a tan

Beautiful couple who just said "we do!"

Paredes studs...Picking studs

Let's start off by saying that I can't use my Photoshop software at the present because Chad is fixing that computer. So, let's just say that the camera adds several pounds of pregnancy weight to my body. I'm not really a small elephant...or am I?

So this weekend marked our last weekend in KS as a family. We had lots on our plate, so we are going out with a bang. Friday night we spent with Andrea and Kate. I'll sure miss that little booger, and Kate too :). Kate & Henry shared their first baby smooch. I think Kate saw her in and made a move.

Saturday was the wedding our our dear friends Ty & Brandi. They both looked amazing - Ken & Barbie like. The wedding was romantically beautiful. He cried as she walked down the aisle. So did she. So did I. I've watched their relationship grow over the past couple of years and knew one day they would tie the knot. My booty stepped down from my bridesmaid post due to my large belly not fitting into the dress. After seeing the bridal party, I was kinda thinking I  made the right choice. Darn those hotties! I did get to enjoy the wedding at a table with our wonderful friends and we had so much fun. We danced and danced. I think Chad pulled out some pretty sweet moves that I haven't seen in years. He was a rock star on that dance floor. I'll miss Brandi, but at least she has Ty to help with the void left by my absence :).

Today we picked the boys up from Jackie's where they spent the night. It was a final farewell for them too. This is their last week with her, and we are no doubt sad by that. Ben said on his was home from church today that he was going to be sad leaving her. That made my heart sad too. It finally hit me yesterday as I was folding laundry on the couch. I lost it. I realized we really are leaving our first home as husband and wife. The first home we brought our babies home to. More importantly, the only home they know. Now they have to get to know another one. We are taking them in a few days, and who knows when they will be back. Will Ben even remember? I hope so, but I also hope not. I don't want him to be sad. He is only three, but he knows what is happening. I'm am just thankful it's happening now instead of a few years down the road when he is aware of much more. Ben & Henry were born in Kansas. Max will be born in Indiana. Already he's he odd ball.

Tonight we had the Paredes brood over for pizza, spring rolls, and nutter butter pie. Bee was my very first friend at Delta. They are amazing people and all 4 of their kids are the most respectful and well behaved kids I have ever met. I hope we had enough time for that to rub off on ours. Not likely. I'll miss Bee's wonderful spring rolls. They are such a special treat. Luckily because of the holiday party season, we've spent a lot of time with them lately. I hope they come visit in our neck of the woods.

Now it's time to pack, but I just can't. I've done nothing. Not even a sock. I will...tomorrow...after dinner with a few girlfriends...or maybe Tuesday.

Last but not least, Lauren & Jathan welcomed Noah Ryan to the world on Saturday. A day of new beginnings! A good thing about our move? I get to watch him grow up! He & Max will be bff's and sneak out of the house just like their mommie's did (just once of course). Congrats to the happy parents. He is so gorgeous and loved.

Sweet Home, Indiana!

Another busy weekend this time of the year. Friday was our Christmas party at work. It was bittersweet since it's the last one for me, but it was lovely all the same. They really do it up for us with a great dinner and program. We had a fabulous photo booth complete with props. If I ever get our scanner working, I'll be sure to add them to the blog. It was quite hilarious. It was great enjoying the evening with some wonderful friends. The boys were at home with Brandi & Ty, and behaved themselves from what we understand. Ben just wanted more and more books, while Henry wanted more and more food.

Saturday we took Ben to the Children's Theater for a Christmas play. He will be three this week - where the heck did the last three years go?! So, we took him there for a little celebration. They had cookies, balloons, and of course Santa. (Just a side note...I originally typed Satan instead of Santa...good thing I reread before I post.). Anyway, they didn't have highchairs at this joint. No kidding. At a Children's Theater. So, Chad & Henry stepped out while we enjoyed the program. Sorry they had to miss it though.

That evening we stopped by some friends to celebrate their engagement and new home. It was gorgeous! Exactly what we love in older homes - character! It has a great front porch too. We are so very happy for them. Chad & I then came home to clean the house for the realtor. The boys spent their last parent's night out with the kiddos from daycare. Another bittersweet moment.

I guess I should clearly state our reason for a realtor. We are moving back to Indiana! I accepted a position back home and it's the perfect Christmas present. We have wanted this for so long. Then, we stopped looking and viola. I received a call and a few weeks later we accepted not only the position but a complete change in our lives. It's a dream job for me.

That being said, some our best friends are here. I will miss them so much, it hurts to think about it. They have been our family for the last seven years. It's scary to start over, even though we are going home. I wish I could take them with us, or better yet move our family here. However, this is what we want and need. With little Max on the way, family will be more important than ever. There isn't a part of me that feels we are making a wrong decision. I'm still terrified though.

The realtor said our house is in great shape. We have very little preparation to do, and Chad will have a while to box things up since he is staying behind for a while until we sell and the school year ends. That I can't even talk about because I dread it. We have been apart before when he was in the service. It's different now. I worry more about the kids and life without daddy for a while. He will visit as often as he can and this is the best decision we can make at the time. However, we will miss him so much. Ok, I'm done before I get too misty-eyed on this end.

Today we attended the most beautiful church service that either of us have ever seen. Our church is amazing. Yet another reason we are sad to leave. Every Sunday we have the pleasure of listening to a 60 person choir with some amazing soloists. They make me tear up weekly with their voices. Today was full of Christmas songs, the bell choir, and a full orchestra with a harp. It was AMAZING. They must have performed a dozen or so songs, including one from the Nutcracker and The First Noel. I can't explain how beautiful it all was. I don't know that we will find a place back home that we enjoy quite as much, but I sure hope so. At least Chad gets to enjoy it for a while longer.

Finally, I made these reindeer treats for Ben's birthday at day care. They were kind of a pain - the pretzels especially. Well worth the effort though. Too cute! Another busy week and weekend ahead with Brandi & Ty's big day. I get to do a toast. Yikes! I've been in plenty of weddings, but a toast is scary. I'm sure I'll be up all week scribbling notes.

The Bug Lady

We had a fun birthday party this weekend! Ben was able to "pet" all sorts of creepy-crawly creatures such as spiders, millipedes, birdies, and snakes. He loved every minute. I hid behind the camera. What a fun idea! We also tasted many yummy cookies as a cookie/recipe exchange and Ben ran around with his buddies. I'm cookied-out. Maybe. Not.