Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Big Party!

OK, I've been sitting in McDonald's trying to check my email, do our finances, and all other things that my totally electronic life demands because I cannot seem to get the internet at my parents house! (and McDonald's has WiFi) They are starting to mop around me as their lobby closes at 11pm. Here are some pictures from the big company black tie event~

Taryn- not quite sure I got the loose updo right- but I did what you said- Dirty hair-apply product-hotrollers-apply more product-bobby pins- and MORE product!



Note-I am wearing earrings, thanks to my cute sister-in-law Ruth who let me borrow her real gold ones! (I cannot wear regular earrings, I'm allergic to the nickel in the metal)




The party was fun- GREAT food, a little dancing, and WAAAAAY to many introductions to a thousand people I will never remember!!! We had a fun and relaxing weekend! Thanks again to Grandma and Grandpa Jarnagin who kept the kids!

Friday, December 12, 2008

In the Middle of the Move

A HUGE thank you to everyone who has helped us with our move thus far. Last week we got moved out of our house in Corpus Christi 3 days ahead of schedule. Thank you to Koryn, Ericka, Taryn, Greg Wyeth, Jeremy, Maxine, and Sally~ without your help we wouldn't have made it.
Here's Coop with his favorite friend Morgan and our next door neighbor Michael, on his final day in class-
Bekah with her fabulous teacher, Mrs. Guerra-

Brayden standing in front of his locker. He would not smile for me, he just kept giving me what we like to call, drug eyes-

We had some kind and generous friends host an open house for our going away. It was a beautiful evening and a gorgeous home. We were very touched by the many friends who came to say goodbye. Here's Emma, being Emma, with some of the youth who came-

The kids with their favorite babysitter ever, Sally-


Tayrn and I on our final goodbye. Sniff, sniff. Tears ensued for many miles down the road. I love you girl. Thank you for EVERYTHING!


The kids and I loaded up in the van and set our sights on Utah, while Adam in his overpacked car headed for PA. The kids could not have been better. I was very blessed. Adam, on the other hand, had a few snags along the way, one of which included an overnight stay in Memphis TN, 4 new tires on his car, and frustration with the auto mechanic who knew Adam had no other options. Can you say, OVERPRICED???
The kids and I had the opportunity to stop at the Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico. It was an amazing time and a great way to break up the drive. We hiked the mile into the cave, during which the trail descends 750 ft (that 75 stories) into the earth. Here's a picture as we prepare to hike in-


And standing next to a large stalagite along the path-


Three days of traveling in the car, across miles and miles of not too much to see, looks a little like this-

And this. Brayden has that deer in the headlights look as he realizes I am taking his picture AND he has been playing his Nintendo DS for hours on end-

Can you see the tired eyes? Hair in another ponytail? The look of, "Please just let me make it there?"

We made it to Adam's parents house by Monday evening and were so happy to be out of the car. The kids are so excited about the snow and don't seem very affected by the cold. I, on the other hand, have been freezing!!! I could not believe how much laundry piled up since we loaded our washer on the truck last Friday. Adam's mom asked me as I ascended the stairs with yet another load, "Is that the last load?" Unfortunately, the answer was no.
I flew in to PA last night and Adam's parents are kind enough to keep our kids. Today has been SO relaxing.... I slept in til 10:45, went to the gym, ate a leisurely lunch, took my time getting ready, and now this. Tonight we will go over to Adam's bosses home for dinner. A little nervous and excited at the same time. Tomorrow night is the big "black tie" party that I flew in for! I will post pictures of the dress, the hair, the accessories, when it is all complete.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Thanksgiving Fun

It has been so great to have Adam home since Wednesday mid-day! On Thanksgiving morning, we ran in a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot (4.1 mile) hosted by the Corpus Christi Road Runners. Adam was kind enough to TROT next to me for the entire race as I tried to chase down an 11 year old girl who ran the whole thing in front of me! I accomplished my goal though- I ran the whole thing and ran at about a 10 minute mile pace! Not fast... but for a girl who hates to run... respectable????











Just a little proof!!

Yesterday we had the awesome experience of having our family picture taken by Amber Bright! You can get a sneak peek at our pictures--go to www.AmberBrightPhotography.com & then click on blog!!! Amber is amazing and I would highly recommend her! What do you think? We can hardly wait to get all the proofs! I think Adam sat and looked at all the pictures today over and over and over! It's fun to see our family growing! (The last time we had a family picture taken, Cooper was 3 months old- he's going to be 7 in May!)

On another note, we are getting our house boxed up and ready to go. Bookshelves are empty, leather furniture is fully Saran Wrapped, and 1 closet is emptied out! We're getting there! One week from now, all my stuff will be loaded on a moving truck. It's crazy to think about!



Monday, November 24, 2008

A Cow Hand Breakfast


Saturday morning we decided to do something truely TEXAN... so we, along with our friends the Christensen's and the Knudsen's, drove out to Kingsville TX to King Ranch to attend their Annual Cow Hand Breakfast. It was a hardy breakfast of eggs, sausage, refried beans, tortillas, salsa, and biscuits and gravy. Very delicious. We decided, however, that to eat like a cow hand, you really then need to go out and work like one! The kids had a lot of fun watching calf roping, branding demonstrations, weaving, country cookin, and exploring the Texas Rangers furs and guns! The Fire Department on hand also allowed the kids to explore their truck, which they all thought was quite fantastic. You can view all our pictures from the day here.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Gabriella

Emma wants to be Gabriella. She has asked Santa for the Gabriella Barbie and the Gabriella Dress. She asks me to sing Troy's part when we listen to the songs. At the park the other day, we had to sing "Can I Have This Dance" and dance around, acting it out. Here is a taste of what I listen to DAILY in the car~

Westford Massachusetts

It's finally official! Our lease in Mass has been signed and a move in date of January 3rd has been set! We are excited to move in to this great community! You can see the town website here and the school website here. Here are a few pictures of our new place...






I haven't been there yet, but I trust Adam's judgement! He says the neighborhood is really nice and the home is on a Cul-de-Sac. This home is smaller than our current home, but it does have an unfinished basement, so we're hoping it will all even out in the end! What do you think? Can you picture our family here?

Thursday, November 20, 2008

On my list today

1. Get the kids up and off to school, without any angry words- check
2. Go Jogging- check
3. Shower-
4. Finish sorting and organizing kids toys and get them in boxes to move-


We are loading up the moving truck on Saturday, Dec 6th, leaving Corpus on Monday, Dec 8th. Then the kids and I will drive to Utah to stay with family and friends for the holiday. The kids can't wait to spend Christmas in Utah!!

5. Worry about our move- check (We have signed a lease for a home in Westford, MA, paid our first and last months rent plus a security deposit equal to one months rent, but the owners have not signed it yet!!! It's been two days!!! We received an offer to lease our home here in Corpus yesterday!!! Great news, I know! My agent called this morning to tell me she was expecting their application today, but their agent told mine that our potential "tenants" are working on their credit and have been living with their parents. Once my rental agreement in MA is finalized, I will post some pictures.)

6. Tease Adam about the new dress and shoes I bought for his company party next month- check Here's a little tease of what he can expect...



7. Like a crazy teenager, I plan to meet many other crazy ladies for dinner at 9pm, followed by-



Here are a few picture highlights from my househunting trip to Boston and Philadelphia-

Autumn leaves


Holly


Independence Hall in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was argued over and finally approved


The Liberty Bell