Moving to Pitt

The trip was all and all very positive. We had so much fun as a family hanging out and learning about the new place we will call home. The kids really were amazing. We spent most of the days driving around looking through all the possible neighborhoods we would want to live in. Thank goodness for DVD players.

A few of the things that occurred during the trip made me laugh. Caleb kept asking when are we going to “Picksbird” and we kept saying we are here. He was convinced there must be more to it. Over and over when we would say we are in Pittsburgh he would reply, “Nu uh mommy not yet.” Maybe he was expecting a thing instead of a place.

One evening we watched the Hannah Montana concert and used the hotel bed as a trampoline. It was a great workout and good for lot of laughs. Daddy’s dead fish and chicken walk were show stoppers. Caleb was laughing hysterically. I started laughing when Caleb decided to mimic Daddy and did his own version of the chicken walk.

We were trying hard to make them excited about the move and I have to admit it broke my heart the few times Caleb would sob and say I want to go home. I am not sure what that was all about, but he has never been known for adjusting well to change. One of our many attempts to get him to love it was driving 35 minutes to the only bounce house place in the Pittsburgh area. So sad, when we got there it was closed. Caleb was pretty disappointed, but as a consolation we found a Chucky Cheese and had fun playing for a couple hours.

It is definitely a lot different up there. Overall, everything is much more vintage. This is probably the nice way to say it. My Starbucks addiction will be eradicated. There are only 2 Starbucks in the area (USC) and neither are drive thru. This is quite a contrast to the plethora in the Dallas metroplex. The people seem very friendly which I am thankful for. Everywhere we went people would comment on how pretty Makaylee was and she was her faithful flirty self giving her coy smile and pretty eyes.

We really enjoyed the 10:45 service at the Chapel and when we asked Caleb if he liked the church he quickly said, “I like my new church.” The nursery ladies said Makaylee did great. It is very comforting to know we can get plug into a great church.

I will say I am starting to get really emotional about the move. I guess going up there made it a lot more real. I seem to tear up every time I think about leaving. Caleb was watching Diego one morning, while I was getting ready. I overheard him say when they asked, “who are your good friends you like to do stuff with?” He replied,” Jack and Hampton.” Going to the mall play area at South Hills was just not the same without his buddies. I know he will meet new friends, but it is going to be really hard to say goodbye to the dear sisters and their little ones we have bonded with over the past 3 years. Not to mention all the other amazing friends we have been blessed with in Dallas.

The last day in Pittsburgh we decide to venture into the city. Our first stop was the Carnegie Museum of History where we saw T Rex vs. T Rex. Caleb loved all the dinosaurs. He also got to dig for dinosaur bones with Daddy.




Makaylee also thought the dinosaurs were pretty fascinating


We also saw the University of Pittsburgh campus, which we enjoyed immensely. I think my favorite part was the enormous Cathedral of Learning. Caleb was sure that it was a princess castle and that Mickey Mouse was there.

History seemed to be everywhere. This is probably one of the most exciting things about moving to this part of the country. Living in a place that we will have easy access to much of our great country’s History. The township we will live in is Upper Saint Clair and it was founded in 1788.



View from the road our house is on.



The house we will be living in.

Getting so Big

This past year has really flown by, but I think this week I really saw how quickly my kiddos are growing.

Caleb

Amazing sense of direction

I have noticed he has an amazing since of direction. We were up in Plano which we haven't been in awhile and drove past our doctor's office on the way to Central Market. Caleb said it is Dr Katz. He loves Dr. Katz, but I was so shocked he knew just where we were. I hadn't given any indicators that would have tipped him off. Yesterday was the topper. I have never been known for my sense of direction, but I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I was driving all around looking for the new awesome bounce house place Boomerangs. I had not been yet, but Caleb and Cory have spent the last three Saturdays up there. Anyway, I finally had given up finding it and called Cory to get help. Caleb all the while is pointing and saying it is right there mom. I didn't see it so I didn't believe him and sure enough it was right where Caleb said it was.

Puzzle man

He is really into puzzles lately and dinosaurs, so we got a couple of the huge floor dinosaur puzzles and work on them pretty often. Most of the time I hand him pieces and tell him were they go. He has to figure out how it fits in that spot, but I do most of the problem solving. I got distracted and was not giving him pieces fast enough and he started grabbing them and putting it together all on his own. These puzzles are challenging even for me, so I was thoroughly impressed. This has also been really fun for me. I love that we are in a stage where it is not always mindless activities.

Books we read

He is starting to love the long stories and we can read books we both really enjoy. I especially love when he reads to me and tells me the story of "The Three little Pigs"

Potty training

He still has no interest, but yesterday I think so he could have some tractors he gave me a good thrill and "pee pee on the potty."

Makaylee

11 months 2 weeks

All I can say is she is almost a year old. This brings tears to my eyes. She is such a joy.

Fast metabolism

She is pretty much done with the whole nursing thing. She loves real food and never misses a meal. She can eat us all under the table. She seems to be filling out, but she is still pretty petite. I am thankful she has a fast metabolism.

Beautiful Girl

People tell me all the time how pretty she is, and as a mom I do think she is pretty, but these pictures really showed me what a stunning little girl we have been blessed with. Not only is she pretty outside, but she really has such a beautiful personality. She is so affectionate and can bring a smile to even the roughest situations.

Monday Nights at Caruth Park

Almost every Monday evening we head down to Caruth Park in Highland Park to run our 38-42 minute route. After we are done and arrive back at the park Caleb either hits golf balls, throws the football (the boy can throw a wicked spiral) or plays on the playground. This past Monday we decided to change it up a little and met another couple for some tennis instruction. I had so much fun learning and I really am excited to take tennis lessons through the cold winter months in Pittsburgh. I'm secretly hoping I can get the rock star legs those tennis ladies sport. Caleb was a great ball boy. He would sit perfectly in the Wimbledon ball boy position at the net. One would think he had experience.

Before our friends arrived, we had a little time to kill, so Caleb hit a ball with Daddy. He to me, and I know I biased because he is mine, but is absolutely amazing for a 2 year old. You can pitch a ball at him and much of the time he connects.



Makaylee started crawling last week and really is getting around. While, I was filming my future MLB star, she was cruising around the tennis court. She was doing quite well until her arms gave out and she smacked her little teeth against the extremely hard ground. She waled, blood flew, and I was very concerned she might be toothless until seven. However, she seems to be okay. This is the second blood related incident associated with crawling. Last week she fell and gave herself a pretty good bloody nose. I really don't remember so much trauma when Caleb learned to crawl. She started pulling up to a standing position yesterday and I am definitely not looking forward to the pain this brings as she develops her stability.

After, the lights failed we decided to go run with our friends. I have to say it was a nice alternative to the normal food related social time. Don't get me wrong I always enjoy some good eats, but it was cool hanging out and feeling really productive with the time. I love communing during a run.

One more thing that I don't ever want to forget is how cute Caleb is as he tries to be like Mommy and Daddy. He runs all the way through the park, at least a quarter mile. Then when we're done and it is time to stretch the way he attempts to contort his little body into the quad stretch is really endearing. What a fun family I have been blessed with.

Painful Reminders

I am heartbroken for my friends today. Last night they lost their sweet baby boy. I sit here wondering why and I really have no idea. It is hard to understand the reason we don't get to enjoy this little guy’s life, but I am grateful that he is in a much better place with our Heavenly Father. He will never feel pain or struggle. He is in Heaven hanging with my bro and his every moment is bliss, which we only have pale glimpses of now.

I often have a bad attitude toward lives inconveniences and today I am impacted, because of his life I will be different. I will treasure every moment with those I love and take nothing for granted. I will not get in a hurry and miss an opportunity to rest in their embrace. I am thankful for your sweet life and what it has taught me. I look forward to meeting you someday JB.

Community Time

Our View off the back porch



We had an extremely encouraging and fun weekend with our Community Group. Thanks to the generous Galvin family all 4 of the couples and kids in our community were able to enjoy some time in the country at Possum Kingdom Ranch. The kids loved going on golf cart rides and seeing the horses. It has been so amazing to me watching our little ones grow into friends and even at points act like siblings. There is nothing like experiencing relationship and events through the eyes of my children. When Caleb hugs his sweet friend Ellie or Makaylee giggles with joy from a kiss received from gentle Knighton it is better than anything I can think of. I image these moments will be abundant in Heaven. It also has been heart warming to watch Caleb have a vested interest in others and want to hear Mr. David's stories about Tri Caleb and Grayson off on an adventure and play with Mr. Mike and little Anna. I don't want to forget baby Athens a precious little giant who's smile is electric.

The adult time was also invaluable. We were able to dialogue and learn from each other how to be more selfless. It always helps me to see we are all struggling with similar issues and that without God being at the center, marriages that are enjoyable are impossible. Thanks to each person who is spurring us on to love and good deeds. I believe I walked away more optimistic than ever that we are on the right path in areas we want to grow. I loved our girl's lunch time, so thank you Hubbies that you were willing to serve us in that way. The evenings, excluding the attack of some nasty foot fungus :), were something I will treasure as we head off to Pittsburgh. I can really understand and see the value in living life this way. Finally, Shelton's I appreciate your hearts to pursue and facilitate this Awesome weekend!!! Now, I must go nap I am EXHAUSTED.

Feed the Birds the Bread

Almost weekly, we go to feed the birds. Caleb loves it because he gets to throw something




And I love it because it feels a bit like we are in a different place than the city. We have a special little pond in Richardson we go to that has a most peculiar swan. We haven't figured out if he is friendly and just wants to get close to say hi or if he is trying to get us to leave. The first time we went he didn't get out of the water, but each time since the swan has gotten a little more daring. The last time we went he traveled up the hill and I was a bit concerned because I didn't want to make the 5 o'clock news as the idiot mom who let her little ones get mauled by the crazy bird, so I kind of freaked out and got both kids in the car quickly. Apparently, Caleb remembered this all too well because when the swan started swimming our way he...

Well the pictures say it better than I can. (imagine the Jaws tone if you will)


Ba-dum…


Ba-dum…


Ba-dum



Today the swan almost touched the car. He showed off his long neck and then returned to the water.






I of course gathered the kiddos up and put them in the car, but braved a potential swan mauling so I could get some pictures.
I tried to get Zoie to come protect me, but she was terrified and hide under the car. I think it was the clicking of the camera, but she definitely is no guard dog.


Before the swan was aware we were there the kids had a little fun playing in the cool afternoon air.







I am not sure what my deal is yesterday it was 85 degrees and I had the kids in long pants and sleeves and today it was 55 degrees and I thought summer attire was appropriate. I think I might need to start watching the news.

The Bachelor or should I say the JERK

I started watching pretty late in the season and I can honestly say now I wished I hadn't. I am so disappointed with the man. He is either so terribly cruel that words can't describe what a creep I think he is or so weak that he would become a puppet and hurt someone in such an atrocious way. Either way, I'm glad Melissa got dumped, because she is far too sweet to spend her life with such a good for nothing. I really can't believe our world has gotten so money hungry. Maybe this terrible recession is exactly what we need to get our priorities straight. A sweet kind girl just got publicly humiliated in an effort to boost ratings and I watched and supported this debacle. So sad. I wish I could find Melissa and tell her what an amazing person she is and that even though the show broke her heart she is loved by millions and most importantly God.
PS For Molly fans out there that are thinking I am being too harsh. It is not at all that he changed his mind, if in fact that is what he did, but national TV, come on!!! Have a heart.