More CHANGE

A girl can only handle so much!

A close friend moved away about a month ago.
Like across the country moved!
I helped pack her up and see her off. There were tears trying not to be shed, but that couldn't be held back. We will virtually watch each others kids grow up. While that is way better than nothing, it's just not the same!

I'm stepping down from my position in our MOPS group. I'm a HOT MESS and need to take a step back for a season...I think!?  Mixed emotions about this one, but I feel it is what I need to do. I will most definitely be attending though!!

My oldest is going back to college. I'm dying a little inside, but I know this is also a GREAT thing! It's been nice having him home...getting to chat randomly with him...smell his smell...laugh at his jokes...have heart talks...pray with him...see his grin. He's one of my best friends now...in a Mother - Son kind of way. He will be greatly missed!

We are being forced into Obama Care...at first look this is no big deal...it's an ins change right!?  Well yes, but it's so much more than that. Aside from the "paying more $$ for worse insurance" issue, there is a whole notha side to this....my kids and us are losing our doctors...the ones that delivered them and have been taking care of them/us for YEARS.  Their Pediatrician is the only doctor they know...he's like family!  He was there from the first newborn hospital visit till now. He knows my family and all our little quirks AND is amazing with Justus...for all who know Justus you know this is pretty awesome. This is a MAJOR change for us...that we did not chose, but was forced upon us. I feel VIOLATED like someone has robbed us. Being forced into something never feels good!

Along that same topic...they are tearing down the hospital that BOTH my two littles were born in. The place where they took their first breathes is being completely demolished. I will never be able to take them to "the place where you were born" when they grow up. This makes me very sad. :(  Some friends of mine took some pictures of the hospital before it's destroyed:


We *just* found out that our dearest friends...my hubby's best friend since Jr. High!...are moving out of state. We get 3 weeks notice on this one. We are not shocked by this, but it still hits home hard.  They are like a part of our family. Our kids are friends. Justus was holding back tears when we told him. :(  Once again with the virtual thing...I know there is Facebook people, but it just isn't the same!!

Lastly - for now - Two weeks from now Justus starts Kindergarten. This is wonderful and scary. With this come a new chapter for us...the school years. I will also be volunteering at his school, so yet another new change on top of just 'Justus going to Kinder.'
I'm feeling heavy...but in that I also know that I AM BLESSED and God has a plan and purpose in all this change...I just wish He would clue me in...cause a girl can only handle so much!!!

PS. There are also WONDERFUL things happening...like the hubby and I running away to the Grand Canyon and visiting my Brother and SIL...we are all HEALTHY...while our son and friends are moving away, they are all healthy and safe!  I'm trying to keep my head above water, but it just seems like every time I get a breath a big wave comes over me and I find myself gurgling and gasping for air. :/

Changing Weather

 Today was a beautiful day! It's in the upper 60's in January. I must admit this is not good weather for the upcoming Summer...we are in full drought and it's only January. We need rain!! While we wait for the rain, we will play in the beautiful weather. :)  I do hope we get rain soon though.

Our Lovebug giggling on the swing.

This is the first time she has enjoyed the swings. They kinda freaked her out before. It was fun watching her enjoy them today. :)

My hubby is Super Dad! I have no question that there is a cape hiding somewhere under his shirt. <3

Exploring the cracks in the driveway. Hahaha.

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Our little Super Hero is helping. :)

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 He's getting SO big!

 This also happened today. 

Yes Ma'am I got me a Keurig.

 It's my new buddy bringing me caffeinated joy.

I'm the only one who drinks coffee around here so it just made sense.

Today has been an eye opening day. The weather of our lives is going change.

This year is going to be one of some pretty big changes (as if last year wasn't enough. Geesh!). 

I just signed Justus up for his first season of Little League baseball...well T-ball really.  He's excited and so are we. Even though I know it means a lot of time outside in the elements and all our Saturdays through May will be taken up with baseball, but we are still excited for this new adventure.

Another HUGE change will be Justus starting Kindergarten this August.
I. Can't. Believe. He. Is. Going. To. Kindergarten.

My mind is blown.

All this plus I am working on some internal junk. I hoping for personal change this year as well. Maybe I'll share about it later?

SURPRISE!!!!!

 Look who's home for Thanksgiving!!!
My heart is so full. I love this guy!
(I was not allowed to tell anyone...he wanted to surprise his friends. But now that he went to church and surprised everyone, I can let the whole world know...finally! lol)

Lovebug First Birthday Party

 Our Little Miss is turning ONE.

My how the first year seems soooo long and yet it goes by soooo fast!  Well, she won't be officially one till next week. :)  Anywho, I picked a ladybug theme...but went with a "LOVEbug" idea. It suits her. She is a little love for sure. 

I made heart cookies and decorated them like ladybugs...

 Cupcakes are 'funfetti' cause sprinkles make everything better! I made half of them into Ladybugs and the other half had heart sprinkles.

 Confession...I can be a pack rat of sorts...get it from my Grandpa Earl. I've learned to throw things away over the last 10 yrs and only keep certain stuff...like the three leftover heart shaped tin foil cupcake liners from YEARS ago! I just KNEW I would eventually use them...and I used one of them for K's smash cake. :) Yes that means I do STILL have the other two. Hahaha. I'm sure they will get used on some Valentine's Day goody or something...eventually. ;)

Okay, so here's her wittle smash cake...

Me and my Lovebug who doesn't cooperate with the camera.

 I made a Ladybug ring toss game. It was a big hit!

 Grandma and Justus. Poor Justus wasn't feeling so well. He came down sick shortly after the party. :(

 Kenleigh attacking her 'boyfriend'. She likes his hair.

 Love her!

 A few of the dudes.

 Time for her first cake!

 She kept rubbing the frosting between her fingers.

 She finally dove in!

 Now that's how you eat cake!

 The cake stuck to the foil plate I made, but that didn't stop her...

 I have to say that she wasn't nearly as messy as Justus. Much more lady like!

 One of the best, and most underestimated, gifts...a simple bouncy ball!

 She didn't know what to do, so I had to help her. :)

 First doll.

 First purse!

 Cute clothes.

 Musical books. :)

 What did Mommy and Daddy get her? Why a Wonder Woman play set of course! She couldn't be left out of all the super hero imaginary play around here. ;)

 She got the hang of opening her presents...paper was flying people!

 Jammies.

 "What else is in there Mommy?"

 Kenleigh and her 'boyfriend' Ethaniel. Hahaha.

 Grandma and Grandpa Allen and cousin Tyler. <3

 A few of my girlfriends. Don't we look so peaceful in this pic?!

 Yes?! Well here is what was going on around our feet while we were trying to get the above picture...like bees in a beehive..but louder!

 The after party!!

Good times. 

Happy Birthday Baby Girl...We love you!!!