Where have we been???

How many times have I done one of these postings? It's been months since the last post, and each time I make a promise to myself that "I will be better" and beg my few followers not to give up on me. I then sit down, dedicated for a few weeks and then life happenings work, commuting, toddlers, commuting, spring fun get the best of me and next thing I know it has been 4, yes 4 months since my last post. How could it be! Well unfortunately it is and now how do I make up for the lost time? 

I guess to start is why the silence? As I've sat here always looking at my blog not knowing how to begin to share all of the changes that have occurred over these past few months I feel overwhelmed and can't even begin. So after a plea from a fellow blogging friend posted to my facebook {Sarah} I realized I need to get over it and get posting. 

So here I am, with my first posting in quite some time. And as I write I'm still struggling with where to start. The first and foremost news is that Brent has been saved! As he was recently greeted, "Welcome to the Kingdom," and I couldn't agree more. To say that the shift in our home and direction we lead has been a 180 degree change is an understatement. There wasn't one moment, one person, one thing said that did it, what it was honestly was God, working in his life for years and what's important was that it happened. He loves God, loves Christ, and there's nothing more amazing to see the man you love have a love for Christ. This of course made me take a very close look at myself and realize how I have not been walking with Christ for many years and brought me to my own knees asking for forgiveness and guidance on where to begin. Mostly these past months have been spent away from a focus on worldly things such as the TV and the internet and just making time to be with Him, in his word, and praying. 

That has also lead us to other big decisions about what is best for our family and we realized that having me at home with our kids rather than working would serve our family for a greater purpose than a career at this point. So with that I gave my notice to work leaving Advising at the beginning of May. Since then we have been trying to find our grove again. Now after some time I am finally feeling like my old SAHM again. I'm enjoying the days with Keely and Brayden. Finally getting back into my kitchen, baking and cooking. Having dinner as a family, and most importantly teaching our children to love the Lord. It's been incredible really. 

I of course wanted to give some account to what else we've been up to during this time. Over Memorial Day weekend when Keely turned the big FOUR we went camping for the first time ever down in beautiful Asheville, NC. The kids had a great time swimming, fishing, hiking, making smores around the campfire, and sleeping in a tent. It was so much fun and after a very expensive trip to REI I believe that camping will be a staple in our future adventures. 

 We made our first trip to the National Zoo! We joined our friends to celebrate Keely's "bestest friend" Gracie for her birthday. We had a great day seeing the llama- llama's, the active elephant's and my long awaited check on my bucket list to see a Panda!

 We are experimenting with different ways to do Miss Keely's hair and came across this web site that showed us the fun Sock Curls! She is digging this one these days, asking to put socks in her hair and enjoys the curlies the next day. 

 July we made our way down to Brent's folks to enjoy the holiday with family relaxing by the pool. This kids helped Nana pick strawberries from the garden and then enjoyed dipping them in chocolate for a tasty dessert. We spent each day in the pool enhancing the skills of the little fish our kids have become.

It's been another whirlwind few months {wouldn't be us if it wasn't} but it's been amazing. I am looking forward to see what the Lord has in store for us and where we will go from here! To my fellow bloggers, my family, and my friends I'm back and hope that you will be too!

One fish, two fish...

Brayden and Daddy went on their first fishing trip to our little pond across the street. They were ready with snacks, fishing poles and worms. Brayden caught two fish on his first day! He reeled it in with such excitement!
When it came time to see the fish not all fared well. He says "I don't like fishies anymore!" He'll get used to it!

.

Clifford the Big Red Dog

So while browsing and researching nook's I saw that our local (local in these parts would be about a 25 minute drive north of here) Barnes and Nobel would be having a visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog. So who couldn't resist, not this Mama! I packed the kids up and we headed out. What a great visit!

Look at that face, Brayden was SO happy to see Clifford!

We colored some pictures of our favorite big red dog and heard stories of Clifford growing up...

Some of us couldn't wait through story time to share with

Clifford our art work, I think he was ok with it :)

Fun visit with Clifford, couldn't leave the store without a new Mercer Myer book for our home collection!

First Day of School

This Mom was not ready for this. The kids were starting their new daycare this week and when I went to drop off the final paperwork we were given our first school supplies list. We made a quick run to the store picking out our new markers, scissors, glue and more and next thing I knew it looked like we were ready for our first day of school! I thought I had a few more years before I was marking and labeling each item for my two little ones, it was a bittersweet moment for this Mamma! The kids were so excited and couldn't wait to start their school. Keely has been asking for a while to go back to school so she could play with her friends, read stories and learn so she can be smart. It was a very exciting morning and no tears for anyone (including Mom). We're growing up!

(Couldn't get the kids to sit together for a picture so I settled for single shots)

Giving Thanks...

This year was a very special Thanksgiving. It was the first year we spent Thanksgiving with Brent's family, not because we never wanted to, it just never worked out being so far away. It also was the first Thanksgiving Brent has spent with his family since he joined the Air Force.....11 years ago. Yes, 11 years since he was home for the holidays. It was nothing out of the ordinary, we cooked, watched the Macy's parade, we ate, enjoyed some wine, watched some football, had a bonfire, made some smores, but it was sitting around with his family that made this holiday extra special this year.

Making Deviled Eggs

Hanging out with Uncle Mikey and Lilly

Cousins! Keely, Brayden, Jeremy, and Keira

(I think that Veronica got a better picture but this is the only one I got)

Special time with Daddy

Pop Pop's Reindeer

(This one is Keely's, according to her)

This one is Brayden's (according to Keely)

Big Boy Brayden

What a big day Brayden had. Full of accomplishments and big steps. Last summer potty training began for this little guy. And though he doesn't always tell you when he has to go, if you prompt him he will go...#1 that is. Our struggle has been the ever dreading #2. We have had some success here and there but nothing consistent (and pretty sure those times were ALL by accident). Today we had triumph....X2!!! Yes, the proud little boy told Nana, TWICE, he had to go and he earned the long awaited lollipop that has been sitting on the window panel in the bathroom. Sweet success!! And here is the look of the proud boy...

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In last month Brayden has also eaten everything in sight gone through a growth spurt. Of course this was after I packed all his clothes looking at pants that were a tad too big and basing all packed pants off of that..only for him to outgrow those. Over the weekend he must have grown just a hair taller because today he was able to peddle on his big boy bike all the way down the road and back (we're talking a bit over a mile here)!!! He was so excited and Keely was cheering him on all the way "Go faster Brayden!" Such an exciting day for our big boy!

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I Heart Fall

Learning new things..

Perfecting others...

Happy Halloween 2011

We had a great weekend with the kids taking them to Fall Festivals in DC and in our new community. They loved playing games, dancing, and of course the perk of getting candy!!! Brayden stole the show when he won first place for best costume (we didn't even know there was a contest) which was a nice Target gift card perk for Mom! Mostly we enjoyed getting them dressed up and seeing the excitement on their faces! Happy Halloween everyone!

Getting ready for Halloween!

The kids got to do a dry-run by trying on their Halloween costumes, just to be sure they fit. This may be a biased opinion...but don't they look SO CUTE! We are excited that both kids will enjoy the excitement of rewards that will come with "Trick or Treat!" We started with a theme thinking we would do Tinkerbell and Peter Pan but then were given a great hand me down Pirate costume from my Aunt in North Carolina. So instead I give you Tinkerbell and Captain Hook!!!

Tinkerbell

Captain Hook

We Made It!!!

After a roller coaster of a summer with so many transitions I can hardly believe it is Fall! Where.Did.The.Time.Go!!!! Here is a breakdown:

July-Brent leaves

August-Brent starts his new job

September-My last days at UNM, packed the house up, finally rented the house and headed out east.

October-Started MY new job at George Mason University, house hunting began and succeeded!

Currently, the kids are staying with Brent's family until we get settled into our home. I was hired continuing to do what I enjoy, advising, at George Mason. We should be closing on our home at the end of November...let me tell you I can't wait. While the kids are not with us, Brent and I are renting a bedroom...yes a bedroom in someone's house. It is an odd arrangement, but it is working and we are grateful to have a place to be while we transition that gave us time to figure out where we should live. This is not an easy task in this area, so many variables to consider:

1.Commute

2.Daycare

3.Schools

4.Home

5.Cost

6.Commute

7.Commute

Now you may have noticed a trend...this area was just voted #1 for WORST commute in the nation. It topped LA, wonderful. So with that in mind and the fact Brent and I work in opposite directions, it made finding the area to live in very difficult. But we finally found a townhouse in a very cozy neighborhood and can't wait to have the kids grow up here!

I wish I could be adding cute pictures of all the events we've had over these last few months but in this transition I just don't have my normal set up for uploading pictures to my little blog. In fact as I look at my other blog friend's pages I am reminded of how much renovating this little blog needs...but like so many that will have to wait for now.

Brayden celebrated his second birthday and is blooming into a really fun personality. He talks so well, really pronounces his words. He can switch moods like a light switch, but is a very lovey dovey boy (melts Mommy's heart). He still loves ALL football, or any sport with a ball for that matter. He's just so much joy to be around.

Keely is continuing to grow into a beautiful little girl. She is quick and smart. Starting to learn to spell her name, she loves to exercise, help in any way she can, and is trying her darnest to stop sucking her thumb so she can have her own carebare!

In the next coming weeks it appears I will have more time on my hands now that our house hunting is done. We will be making trips down to see the kids on the weekends and can't wait to bring them back with us. I hope to have pictures soon of our new home as we get settled in (along with more of the kiddos with all their adventures with Nana and Pop Pop).

Dress Up

One of the kids favorite activities these days is to play dress up in Mom and Dad's closet. Here Keely had found my shoes and my shirt. Brayden needed some assistance but he insisted on wearing "fooball!" So here they are showing me how to hike, run, and touchdown!!!!

Summer 2011

I sat down tonight and couldn't believe the date of my last post...June REALLY! So, I'm not sure if anyone ever comes by to Duncanville anymore but I thought I'd breakdown what has been happening this summer.

Summer started out enjoying the long evenings in our backyard. I was enjoying time to catch up at work with the summer break beginning and taking my first Graduate level course. Brayden was potty trained by Nana when she came to visit. I celebrated my 10 year High School Reunion. We were enjoying every bit that summer had to bring.

Soon Brent learned that he could in fact have an early separation from the Air Force. After 10 long years, he was ready to move on to a new chapter. He was initially offered a position from Intel which had us looking at staying here in New Mexico for a few more years. Then an offer for a position with SAIC in Virginia.

Well, knowing Brent and I you all know that Virginia has been a place we have longed to get to for many years. Here the offer was and we had to look what would be the best opportunity for our family. I had just started school again, finally landed a job I enjoyed so much, we had our home and our backyard where we were enjoying it, we could see life here and it would be safe. On the other hand, the place our heart has desired for so long was here at our doorstep. It would be quick, it would be crazy, it would be stressful, but it would be an amazing opportunity. So we said "let's do it!" Brent needed to pack up and head out east, he started his job August 1st. I gave my notice to work and we put our home up for rent. We are moving to Northern Virginia!

So with the chaos of life with two toddlers, working, and planning a move I have been MIA from the blogging world. I apologize for all of those who do stop by time to time and have seen no updates. This has been such an important part of my life to document the everyday happenings with Keely and Brayden and this summer I slacked. I hope to bring more updates and events and bring back friends and family to Duncanville. Here are a few of my favorite memories from this summer....

After 10 years, still BFF's

LOVE these ladies :)

July 4th, 2011

Balloon Fiesta Park

My two favorite guys

"Monsoosan"

(If anyone listens to OMG in the morning's then you know that Jeff has dubbed Monsoon Season as Monsoosan and I think it's awesome)

Beautiful August skies in NM with afternoon clouds and sudden downpours, NM style

Playing in the rain

Last days with Daddy...

Finding our frog friend in our garden

Evening bath time after a day of play

Cheesy smiles and brother/sister love

So that is our summer! We have BIG changes coming soon but we are so excited for this new chapter and adventure in our life. Most of all I can't wait to share it with all of our friends and family who have been a HUGE support during this transition and continue to do so. Love you all!

Fun in the Sun

It's summertime! And what a better way to spend the weekend than washing cars and some water fun. Keely couldn't wait to get her swimsuit on and didn't want to take if off all weekend. Saturday we started to make our way to the local pool, just to be disappointed that they will not open until Monday. So we turned the car around and hooked up our new alligator sprinkler...not a bad way to spend a weekend!

Keely showing off to Daddy "woo hoo, woo hoo"

Daddy's lil helper

Seeing them together melts my heart...

My Brayden Boy

Trying to catch the water in their mouth became the favorite game of the day!

It All Started...

With this picture. One of our baby shower gifts when Brayden was born was this awesome Giants comic of Brayden as a future Giants quarterback. I am embarrassed to say that this sat in his closet and Brayden's room remained empty and sadly undecorated for the past 1 1/2. We initially planned on doing an airplane them but just never got around to it. Well about a month ago I was cleaning Braden's closet and found this picture and thought "we should have a Giant's theme room." So I convinced Brent to paint Brayden's room and one thing led to another....

we did a little of this...

and a little of that...

needed some of this...

and so there you have it!

Brayden's room is finally starting to look like a room of his own. Ready for all things boy!

Happy Easter!

We started the weekend dying our Easter eggs and Brayden even got to participate this year. He enjoyed coloring the eggs and Keely loved putting them in the cups and trying to take them out. We had even more fun waking up eating candy hunting for eggs and finding some surprises! Then we got headed off for our first game at the Isotopes park. Keely of course had a BLAST in the kid zone going on the "up and down" (merry-go-round), the jumpers, and her first stomach dropping ride with Dad. Brayden decided to hang out with Dad and watch the game. We ended the day dropping the kids off with Mee-maw and Paw-paw. It was an action packed fun day!

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Spring is in the Air

As we say good-bye to the winter months of staying indoors while we cozy on the couch...

we say "hello" to spring! This past weekend was SO nice and we took advantage of every moment of it. Starting with getting the garden ready...

and of course much needed swinging!

Even Brayden loves enjoys hanging out on the swing. Check out the big boy on the big kid swing!

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