tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69451147879728179122024-03-13T13:22:52.753-04:00Max & KayleeKayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.comBlogger735125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-60897188986352115422017-09-12T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-12T07:00:20.918-04:00The Couch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It all started with a craigslist ad for a free couch on the curb. Max and I were headed home from dropping the kids off at my parents for a few days, back in December of last year. We had an empty van, and I had always wanted a cool "old" couch, so it became craigslist adventure time. The couch had decent bones, but the outside was not so happy - the trim was falling off, there were cat scratches in the fabric, and it smelled - which meant that I would have to replace everything, if I wanted to keep it! Max assured me that it couldn't be that hard (his famous last words, everytime!), and I somehow agreed with him, and so we managed to squeeze the thing into our van, and brought it home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOHpXKgSaEs/WbDEaRPf6qI/AAAAAAAAJaw/tHSzaI06wDEznT6m0p5mQgc0M-EPtn3dgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8449.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOHpXKgSaEs/WbDEaRPf6qI/AAAAAAAAJaw/tHSzaI06wDEznT6m0p5mQgc0M-EPtn3dgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_8449.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started doing a lot of research, and came across some good blog posts by other people who have restored/reupholstered old couches - specifically victorian settees or couches. They were super helpful for me to read - to get an idea of what tools/supplies I would need, the steps I would have to take, and a realistic budget. I knew that I would need foam, stuffing, fabric, trim, a few tools - but that it wasn't cheap to replace all of it. We had known when we picked it up off the curb, that it would be anything but "free"! I set my budget, started searching for the fabric I wanted to use, and began collecting my tools. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URZss9kymmU/WbDG9lke70I/AAAAAAAAJbI/UQkYtYzrDgMaxG_kzBBLdUNPiJIxsfKjgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-URZss9kymmU/WbDG9lke70I/AAAAAAAAJbI/UQkYtYzrDgMaxG_kzBBLdUNPiJIxsfKjgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4751.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvRH2hh1DAM/WbDG9iZkIrI/AAAAAAAAJbM/Snql2BwU7DoHmpE3yBShRh0ckmB3gMP6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qvRH2hh1DAM/WbDG9iZkIrI/AAAAAAAAJbM/Snql2BwU7DoHmpE3yBShRh0ckmB3gMP6QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4755.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started taking her apart, piece by piece, tack by tack. It was a long, arduous process - the fabric was held in place by thousands of little tacks, and some were old and rusted into the wood. "Undoing" the couch was by far the most time-consuming part of the entire project. I think I put at least 30 hours over the course of a few months, into pulling those tacks out! As I went along, I made sure to take pictures of how I was taking it apart, and I labeled each fabric piece, so I could use it as a template for the new fabric pieces I would cut out! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtndI-UwBaw/WbDHeDjVyCI/AAAAAAAAJbU/mm8yDeiNaC4lbPpDHgDcq4_BRR2BTADGACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtndI-UwBaw/WbDHeDjVyCI/AAAAAAAAJbU/mm8yDeiNaC4lbPpDHgDcq4_BRR2BTADGACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4766.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I started taking the couch apart in January, but lost some motivation over the next few months, and so it sat in the garage for awhile. Once Max deployed, I knew I wanted to make it my goal to finish the couch while he was gone, so I started putting more hours into getting it taken apart in the Spring and early Summer. I would spend an hour during nap time or after the kids were in bed, every few days, turning on a podcast or music to listen to, and working my way around, pulling tacks out and taking notes. It wasn't until the end of August that I finally had the entire thing taken apart - tacks out, fabric off, stuffing out, horsehair thrown away! I found it pretty neat that it had a tag on it, from an upholstery shop in Maxton, North Carolina, with the date of 1971! I don't know if that was when the couch was originally made, or if that was just the last time it was reupholstered! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uSpTnZue9nM/WbDEaZtZQnI/AAAAAAAAJa0/CtjjeO3DksQ7g5n5jztuvMH-ID3c1kxtwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uSpTnZue9nM/WbDEaZtZQnI/AAAAAAAAJa0/CtjjeO3DksQ7g5n5jztuvMH-ID3c1kxtwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8277.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once I had it taken apart as far as I wanted to go (I kept the innermost burlap layer, the edge rolls, and the springs, as they were all in good shape still!), I made sure to check the springs for tightness, and then I began working on putting all new pieces back on the couch! I used the pictures I had taken, and tried to just work "backwards" from how I had taken it apart, putting new batting, lining, burlap, muslin, fabric on as I went! If I ran into questions, I would go back to the blog posts/tutorials I found, to see how others had done their couch restoration/reupholstery projects!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2Lg1FVdr8U/WbDEaRHrDiI/AAAAAAAAJas/L-HOI9aVf4Ei--KbI7fDqYo-nqWTmrNBgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2Lg1FVdr8U/WbDEaRHrDiI/AAAAAAAAJas/L-HOI9aVf4Ei--KbI7fDqYo-nqWTmrNBgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8329.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AXCnGWvJ2xk/WbDEZ9OUuxI/AAAAAAAAJao/30E0geQeqZ4l6bWH_17kxkWshfFHE_19QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AXCnGWvJ2xk/WbDEZ9OUuxI/AAAAAAAAJao/30E0geQeqZ4l6bWH_17kxkWshfFHE_19QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8448.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I originally started this project, I intended to re-do the diamond tufting that the original piece had, but I ran into some issues (thanks Mom, for sticking out those tense moments of helping me with that!!) and in the end, decided to have it be a flat fabric back. I didn't map out the tufting from the old couch well enough, and they had also used a lot of extra batting to stuff the tufting, which I didn't anticipate. As I attempted to tuft, it just wasn't coming out the way I hoped/expected, and after deliberating and searching different couches, I went with the flat fabric panel on the back of the seat. I'm really happy with how it turned out! I think it makes it more "French Colonial" than "Victorian", but I'm not a style expert ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also decided to get some help on the seat cushion. I probably could have figured out the sewing, but I wanted to make one cushion in place of the three original cushions that were there, and I knew that it needed to be done well, so it would fit and look right! I found a local upholsterer that was happy to help - he was so helpful with other aspects of my couch as well, and did a fantastic job on the cushion! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctEgonxqcuo/WbDEbJbU1XI/AAAAAAAAJa4/m4ECnONdkwYEpaiUA09jVZYDraD3OvBQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctEgonxqcuo/WbDEbJbU1XI/AAAAAAAAJa4/m4ECnONdkwYEpaiUA09jVZYDraD3OvBQwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8512.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have to say, there were moments, as I was pulling out tacks and spending hours on one section of the piece, back in January or July, that I wondered if it would be worth it. If the couch I came out with would be "cool" enough to have gone through all the work for. I can definitely see now why upholsterer's are paid what they are paid - It is very time-consuming to take an old piece apart, and to restore it. I wouldn't say it is "hard" to do, necessarily, but it was tedious and took a lot of work/time. I almost stuck to the budget I set out with (do you know how expensive good upholstery fabric and foam is?!?!), but with getting help with the seat cushion, went over by a little bit. I'm still really pleased, as I know that if I had found someone to do the entire project, it would have easily been two to three times the amount I spent on it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I learned a lot about restoring and reupholstering old furniture through this process. The couch isn't perfect, but it is imperfectly unique - and all mine. I'm very happy with how it came out, and quite proud to have gotten it done! I think it fits in quite well here, and I am thoroughly enjoying the time I've been able to spend reading and sitting on it, now that it's complete!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxeW92R2z9g/WbDEjC8r6YI/AAAAAAAAJa8/sI04oBwWICsywz6DwsCVQeoFoycIUF9OACLcBGAs/s1600/21430560_10154698923966993_2747467020417029641_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxeW92R2z9g/WbDEjC8r6YI/AAAAAAAAJa8/sI04oBwWICsywz6DwsCVQeoFoycIUF9OACLcBGAs/s640/21430560_10154698923966993_2747467020417029641_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-f8b_ASnzw/Wba6FPJCVAI/AAAAAAAAJbo/NBLQxxDa-5wIAoq4Sz7rUxO17RzIv4-mwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1326" data-original-width="1224" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-f8b_ASnzw/Wba6FPJCVAI/AAAAAAAAJbo/NBLQxxDa-5wIAoq4Sz7rUxO17RzIv4-mwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8772.JPG" width="590" /></a></div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-73785146491935983692017-05-02T23:07:00.003-04:002017-09-06T23:59:54.919-04:00Life Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I get asked often how we are doing. I feel like now that Max has been gone about a month, we are settling into a nice rhythm and routine here, although we definitely feel his absence. The first couple weeks weren't too bad, as we are fairly used to him being gone a few weeks at a time for training. But now that those few weeks have gone by, this whole "Daddy being gone at work for a long time" thing has started to lose it's luster, and I can tell the kids are trying to wrap their brains around what this means and how they feel about it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All that to say, we are doing pretty well. We have our routine, and most days go smoothly. We also have our rough days tossed into the mix, but that happens regardless of Max being here or away! The older kids get the length of time a bit more than the two little girls, especially Emmalee. She sees Max's car in the driveway and assumes he's home, or she will cry for him at night - which just about does me in! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have been plenty busy - for some reason, I thought I would have extra time to blog or do projects in the evenings once Max was gone, but I have not! School (and getting back and forth for drop-off/pick-up) takes up most of our day, and then we add household tasks, Bible studies, hanging out with friends, running errands, and doing homework - and we have plenty to do! My NLA work is picking up right now too, so that keeps me busy during nap time and after the kids go to bed! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now that Max has gotten to his base and settled in, we've gotten a better sense of what communication may be like. We are able to email with him a few times a week, dependent on what he's doing for work, and he was also able to FaceTime with us for a few minutes over the Easter weekend - such a relief to see his face and hear his voice! The kids love making him letters and pictures to include in the packages we send to him, and we put up a map to see visually where he is in relation to us. We also put up a clock with his time on it, next to our clock, and they love checking to see what time it is for Daddy, and wondering what he may be doing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkJy3yQcR2Y/WQlCIhw5r9I/AAAAAAAAJY0/A-HTii6Ew3w0L9HoSs7JiMFeatVs4iQlwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kkJy3yQcR2Y/WQlCIhw5r9I/AAAAAAAAJY0/A-HTii6Ew3w0L9HoSs7JiMFeatVs4iQlwCLcB/s640/IMG_6176.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUpxIHj_A6w/WQlCI1Mf5gI/AAAAAAAAJY8/dNxef01n1UcYHnylGfroTyz9lv_2FPGWQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUpxIHj_A6w/WQlCI1Mf5gI/AAAAAAAAJY8/dNxef01n1UcYHnylGfroTyz9lv_2FPGWQCLcB/s640/IMG_6181.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLof7mSjfAo/WQlCIi7snDI/AAAAAAAAJY4/jDIzTyZK2b4R6o-sIRORpdeR1kdKRiyoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yLof7mSjfAo/WQlCIi7snDI/AAAAAAAAJY4/jDIzTyZK2b4R6o-sIRORpdeR1kdKRiyoQCLcB/s640/IMG_6206.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0AVcqSQ4lI/WQlCJJMvdYI/AAAAAAAAJZE/s-tdf-sh5CYfkJVeUkuHTm0fVO2vOuSAgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0AVcqSQ4lI/WQlCJJMvdYI/AAAAAAAAJZE/s-tdf-sh5CYfkJVeUkuHTm0fVO2vOuSAgCLcB/s640/IMG_6224.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Be_-o6QVOnQ/WQlCJNWrJKI/AAAAAAAAJZA/5k7n1FMV--kleSr11Ug1pTQTcA79zZP6QCLcB/s1600/IMG_6281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Be_-o6QVOnQ/WQlCJNWrJKI/AAAAAAAAJZA/5k7n1FMV--kleSr11Ug1pTQTcA79zZP6QCLcB/s640/IMG_6281.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lph0OWzQ2Q/WQlCJ5SJt-I/AAAAAAAAJZI/FJPCPG1nnrsPpROYSytaTBFPQO-gzqStACLcB/s1600/IMG_6283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lph0OWzQ2Q/WQlCJ5SJt-I/AAAAAAAAJZI/FJPCPG1nnrsPpROYSytaTBFPQO-gzqStACLcB/s640/IMG_6283.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTnT8SVgFaM/WQlCKuSnEZI/AAAAAAAAJZQ/104GJiRB_8Mas8voy5WvnM0WFbNExiWzQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTnT8SVgFaM/WQlCKuSnEZI/AAAAAAAAJZQ/104GJiRB_8Mas8voy5WvnM0WFbNExiWzQCLcB/s640/IMG_6295.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-niNhpqSjVJ0/WQlCKV38yAI/AAAAAAAAJZM/fUwRvJH9EOEA3X70Jq1dW1e5HlWkIezhgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-niNhpqSjVJ0/WQlCKV38yAI/AAAAAAAAJZM/fUwRvJH9EOEA3X70Jq1dW1e5HlWkIezhgCLcB/s640/IMG_6301.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvkVJtlRQNM/WQlCLbX9QHI/AAAAAAAAJZU/n6_DbebVqfwA5Rt37XclcouEq7zNnT6IQCLcB/s1600/IMG_6304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rvkVJtlRQNM/WQlCLbX9QHI/AAAAAAAAJZU/n6_DbebVqfwA5Rt37XclcouEq7zNnT6IQCLcB/s640/IMG_6304.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-62267394971241679792017-05-02T22:34:00.000-04:002017-05-02T22:34:26.633-04:00Celebrating a Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I celebrated my birthday last week! The kids and I didn't do anything crazy, but it was a good day!! Emma and I went out to use my birthday money, in the morning while the kids were at school, and to get my free coffee. I skyped with a dear friend during nap time, and then we picked up In N Out Burger for dinner! The kids insisted that I light a candle while they sang me Happy Birthday, which was sweet - I did have to convince Ezra that I was not about to light 31 candles, and that one would suffice! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The day after my birthday, I was able to meet up with one of my best friends, who was in town visiting her sister. Our babysitter came to put the kiddos to bed, and I got to head out for a few hours. It was so good to see Aimee, to spend a few hours sans kids, and to catch up with her and some of her family! It sure did my heart good! We ate a delicious dinner, then walked down to see the sunset at the beach - it was a lovely evening!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naB6CvvOiyc/WQk_0V7WlZI/AAAAAAAAJYk/a5uyG3mJK44LEl4o0HD0MXs27zLPeMD1ACLcB/s1600/IMG_6265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naB6CvvOiyc/WQk_0V7WlZI/AAAAAAAAJYk/a5uyG3mJK44LEl4o0HD0MXs27zLPeMD1ACLcB/s640/IMG_6265.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJs1QOaIgTI/WQk_0eXr38I/AAAAAAAAJYg/-zlgPJ8ju4sWIDrC6gqNNPKIh3_AME2wgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJs1QOaIgTI/WQk_0eXr38I/AAAAAAAAJYg/-zlgPJ8ju4sWIDrC6gqNNPKIh3_AME2wgCLcB/s640/IMG_6274.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc9oc1NRI64/WQk_zRWYwhI/AAAAAAAAJYY/v72dhdMhdisppAcTiYm-yAlKMw62xM1pwCLcB/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kc9oc1NRI64/WQk_zRWYwhI/AAAAAAAAJYY/v72dhdMhdisppAcTiYm-yAlKMw62xM1pwCLcB/s640/IMG_6273.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bSO195Asgw/WQk_0uPP9nI/AAAAAAAAJYo/kDBT8w8Zxncj66Kiv2Ff-bCX2c1LLgGXgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bSO195Asgw/WQk_0uPP9nI/AAAAAAAAJYo/kDBT8w8Zxncj66Kiv2Ff-bCX2c1LLgGXgCLcB/s640/IMG_6277.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-88816327798068609072017-04-24T00:41:00.000-04:002017-04-24T00:41:24.422-04:00Spring Break '17 in the Desert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The kids had their Spring Break a week ago, and we headed to my parent's house in the desert. We spent just over a week with them, and had a great time there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were able to see my brother perform in an Opera at the University - Eliana and Evie were able to attend, and he did awesome! We got to have dinner with sweet friends who love to spoil us with delicious noodles that the kids plates and plates of. We went swimming, did some shopping, took a trip to the Zoo, played lots of games, sent the kids hiking with my dad, read books, and relaxed. We spent Easter there, which was a nice treat - to celebrate our Risen Jesus together, by going to church, eating a delicious dinner, and hunting for Easter eggs/baskets. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was so nice having help with the kids that week, and having plenty of adults around to have conversations with! The kids loved their time with their Bibi, Babu, and Uncle Kyle, and we were so grateful to spend the week with them! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3avlyx9fkM/WP1-mFt59dI/AAAAAAAAJYA/72pP4uGfse8aUOORCodCvPGTPNhe-yKdgCLcB/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w3avlyx9fkM/WP1-mFt59dI/AAAAAAAAJYA/72pP4uGfse8aUOORCodCvPGTPNhe-yKdgCLcB/s640/Untitled.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Emmalee helping Babu make coffee // Eliana and Evie // waiting for noodles!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Emmalee the Diva // early morning sunrise walks with George // Emma told me to go brush my hair!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F8TJGeU1dQg/WP1-mLmmEHI/AAAAAAAAJX4/XfVkkszJk3Qf7J0SGEEwHhO6RiNQtYsRgCLcB/s1600/Untitled3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F8TJGeU1dQg/WP1-mLmmEHI/AAAAAAAAJX4/XfVkkszJk3Qf7J0SGEEwHhO6RiNQtYsRgCLcB/s640/Untitled3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pretty peacock // snack break! // flamingos</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bibi and kiddos // elephants playing in the mud // Emma and her daddy doll</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x13d5DWZZSw/WP1-mWFSc4I/AAAAAAAAJX8/79BSJ7LT4qgz-eCAa1320LFJ-iFcFgF_wCLcB/s1600/Untitled1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x13d5DWZZSw/WP1-mWFSc4I/AAAAAAAAJX8/79BSJ7LT4qgz-eCAa1320LFJ-iFcFgF_wCLcB/s640/Untitled1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After dinner one evening // coloring Easter eggs // Auntie Alison came to visit!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Easter morning // another early morning sunrise walk // we love Bibi & Babu</div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-59360725892104845432017-04-05T22:54:00.000-04:002017-04-05T22:54:15.280-04:00Goals.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love making and working on goals. No big surprise there! I didn't make a ton of goals at the start of 2017 - it was more of a stick-to-the-ones-that-were-going-already-going-well. But I've been thinking about how to make this time with Max gone as good as it can be. And for me, making some goals and habits I can work on is important. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The main goals I've been working on maintaining are: exercising 5 times a week, getting in the Word every day, eating 80% clean; drinking at least 100 oz of water daily, and getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night. It's definitely been a work in progress, and some days/weeks are much better than others. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The last few weeks before Max left, I was anxious and overwhelmed, and ended up eating a lot of my emotions. Not a great choice, and I can definitely feel (and see, haha!) how my body has responded to that. I want, and need, to get back on track with eating cleaner and moving my body, as I know how beneficial it is for me to do so - mentally, physically, emotionally. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also want to make sure I'm taking time to fill myself up, to find little things that make me smile and fill me with joy. For me, that means reading books, having flowers and candles in the house, making time to chat with friends, and getting a few creative projects done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't typically get flowers, but I would love to make a weekly trip to Trader Joe's for a $5 bouquet to have in the house. It is such a sweet, simple thing, but truly brings me joy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a few projects I would love to accomplish - one being the reupholstery of the free, vintage couch we picked up off the side of the road. I have almost all the material off the frame, but need to finish taking it off, clean up the wood, and then start piecing the entire thing back together - and pick out new fabric for it! I'm super excited for the final result, but I definitely dived into a bigger project than I expected when we got it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am halfway through a few books at the moment - Wild & Free by Jess Connolly and Haley Morgan, Food Freedom Forever by Melissa Hartwig & Nothing to Prove by Jennie Allen - and have a few more that I would love to start. I also have a few easy fiction from the library sitting on my nightstand. My goal is to finish all the books I have started, and read a few others on my list!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6wl_Vn9aiM/WOWDAEBUmkI/AAAAAAAAJXg/Xbk8kaIpbbEScGNSGJHWYe2IaPJCKJGlQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t6wl_Vn9aiM/WOWDAEBUmkI/AAAAAAAAJXg/Xbk8kaIpbbEScGNSGJHWYe2IaPJCKJGlQCLcB/s640/IMG_5772.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-60362342190966446082017-04-04T00:03:00.002-04:002017-04-04T00:03:56.511-04:00Bubbles, seedlings, and the beach.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our weekend was full of a beach clean-up with our church small group, a birthday party, spending time in the backyard blowing bubbles and checking out our garden, catching up on sleep, house chores, dinner with friends, movies, and laughing at our goofy George. So thankful for the little things that make up our days</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm6B-VfIzsw/WOMYbkvZGAI/AAAAAAAAJWU/k_K5DPj6yRQVvECDGk_FgnAPIxy5xd5HQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lm6B-VfIzsw/WOMYbkvZGAI/AAAAAAAAJWU/k_K5DPj6yRQVvECDGk_FgnAPIxy5xd5HQCLcB/s640/DSC_0446.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1EQTwCK1z4/WOMYc2fIHhI/AAAAAAAAJWk/T3-sS64XQ0oI-jzsTUI6w-wdpRzpQ5gywCLcB/s1600/DSC_0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1EQTwCK1z4/WOMYc2fIHhI/AAAAAAAAJWk/T3-sS64XQ0oI-jzsTUI6w-wdpRzpQ5gywCLcB/s640/DSC_0456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSWomeoV7_I/WOMYbyRdMKI/AAAAAAAAJWY/SotBkiaCLPkJG4NLlx9ZzVyKYg5p2OjQwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSWomeoV7_I/WOMYbyRdMKI/AAAAAAAAJWY/SotBkiaCLPkJG4NLlx9ZzVyKYg5p2OjQwCLcB/s640/DSC_0450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16JxxYkTsWs/WOMYbtGNCwI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/KJMDkWKCMqgfGRM6GSt4gSJ4ppNogICRgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-16JxxYkTsWs/WOMYbtGNCwI/AAAAAAAAJWQ/KJMDkWKCMqgfGRM6GSt4gSJ4ppNogICRgCLcB/s640/DSC_0453.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uDypVkA_vw/WOMYc7gtm2I/AAAAAAAAJWo/7YdlgeYAu5EWpskWhWk7k0fztKVIz7eRgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uDypVkA_vw/WOMYc7gtm2I/AAAAAAAAJWo/7YdlgeYAu5EWpskWhWk7k0fztKVIz7eRgCLcB/s640/DSC_0460.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRXryaljTBo/WOMYeTO3-CI/AAAAAAAAJW8/vOaeIf16LRMiZ8QDe2T9iTWeSW7J_WCdQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRXryaljTBo/WOMYeTO3-CI/AAAAAAAAJW8/vOaeIf16LRMiZ8QDe2T9iTWeSW7J_WCdQCLcB/s640/IMG_5784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3t8Tp5i9Foc/WOMYdLhWQyI/AAAAAAAAJWs/ZTcZ1RBLvgEUGmOdVRphMCOfQBOVLklUQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3t8Tp5i9Foc/WOMYdLhWQyI/AAAAAAAAJWs/ZTcZ1RBLvgEUGmOdVRphMCOfQBOVLklUQCLcB/s640/IMG_5763.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85KaDufXBrk/WOMYeD15aBI/AAAAAAAAJW0/YvRxeTPzSwQbysvCKZv6n5Y8PiH7YJg7ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85KaDufXBrk/WOMYeD15aBI/AAAAAAAAJW0/YvRxeTPzSwQbysvCKZv6n5Y8PiH7YJg7ACLcB/s640/IMG_5780.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYJyuVBiCxg/WOMYeKZebII/AAAAAAAAJW4/AIDmu3HDjYs7AW73gs9NlpeevxbJzze7QCLcB/s1600/IMG_5793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pYJyuVBiCxg/WOMYeKZebII/AAAAAAAAJW4/AIDmu3HDjYs7AW73gs9NlpeevxbJzze7QCLcB/s640/IMG_5793.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6sRExiFKmc/WOMYerZDDkI/AAAAAAAAJXA/drlHdFYpcGgiAviIzgodToa1r91kR7JmACLcB/s1600/IMG_5799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6sRExiFKmc/WOMYerZDDkI/AAAAAAAAJXA/drlHdFYpcGgiAviIzgodToa1r91kR7JmACLcB/s640/IMG_5799.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-87827997930606707852017-04-02T19:44:00.000-04:002017-04-02T19:44:46.946-04:00Block Leave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Max was gone on and off for training, in the months leading up to his departure, but he was able to take a few days off before he left. We definitely soaked up the time we had with him. There was lots of coffee, plenty of special treats, visitors from MN, family movies, a beach BBQ, trips to the park, and much snuggling with Daddy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Max and Ezra finished the dinosaur that Ezra got for Christmas - it took them weeks of working on it every night after dinner, but it was a great project for them to do together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grandma Judy & Grandpa Tom made a visit out here, and we had a blast visiting Balboa Park, eating tacos, getting projects around the house accomplished, and hanging out together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's not very often that Max is able to do anything with the kids at school, but he happened to be off on St. Patrick's day, so got to come to Evie's class to show off the leprechaun trap they made. And also got to see Eliana's classroom, which was special for her.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was a lot to get done before he left, with packing and cleaning and putting things in order, but we were able to sneak away for a date night to see Beauty & the Beast (it was fantastic!), and had a few at-home date nights watching Vikings and eating way too much ice cream! He and Emma and I also went on a breakfast date while the older kids were at school - and he claims to have seen some famous actor, although I cannot verify the validity, because apparently I am clueless and didn't notice said famous actor at all! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The time went much too fast, as always, but I am so thankful to have made some precious memories, save up some fun stories, and soak in the simple moments as a family!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXM2Cu2ZYs8/WOGHT_eIXUI/AAAAAAAAJVM/MaQYT2PR9RgApncK-viXXKFR3eE6ADjaQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXM2Cu2ZYs8/WOGHT_eIXUI/AAAAAAAAJVM/MaQYT2PR9RgApncK-viXXKFR3eE6ADjaQCLcB/s640/IMG_5504.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uBsF_g7W3-4/WOGHT-SUazI/AAAAAAAAJVI/a2XzUUx9ibc5WnlImulIgwQ7-3KcCM5hQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uBsF_g7W3-4/WOGHT-SUazI/AAAAAAAAJVI/a2XzUUx9ibc5WnlImulIgwQ7-3KcCM5hQCLcB/s640/IMG_5557.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_EgUCd8PNkc/WOGHVAMm5AI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/MZB91Q_a2wM8i9ztl7FUVp07qPSi4hBNQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_EgUCd8PNkc/WOGHVAMm5AI/AAAAAAAAJVQ/MZB91Q_a2wM8i9ztl7FUVp07qPSi4hBNQCLcB/s640/IMG_5572.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XV5-Fiyhp-s/WOGHV-IZDhI/AAAAAAAAJVU/8rmARJEFKZsa30p85AgxIUTxEhe6suyRgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XV5-Fiyhp-s/WOGHV-IZDhI/AAAAAAAAJVU/8rmARJEFKZsa30p85AgxIUTxEhe6suyRgCLcB/s640/IMG_5620.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SjOVVG1lG7I/WOGHWJMzlNI/AAAAAAAAJVY/YtQrJgicvqQkEyNBavMfjL-i92CcS5C4wCLcB/s1600/IMG_5630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SjOVVG1lG7I/WOGHWJMzlNI/AAAAAAAAJVY/YtQrJgicvqQkEyNBavMfjL-i92CcS5C4wCLcB/s640/IMG_5630.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L70DvE150qc/WOGHWXHGpEI/AAAAAAAAJVc/wAui5_Q7XBc9PQZH9QuxRv9y05EjT2LIwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L70DvE150qc/WOGHWXHGpEI/AAAAAAAAJVc/wAui5_Q7XBc9PQZH9QuxRv9y05EjT2LIwCLcB/s640/IMG_5644.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNJhR8houUc/WOGHW8WvaYI/AAAAAAAAJVg/wfIa1toGeZczKAqlr5061HhwfzqBCoWyQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eNJhR8houUc/WOGHW8WvaYI/AAAAAAAAJVg/wfIa1toGeZczKAqlr5061HhwfzqBCoWyQCLcB/s640/IMG_5649.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSmpK3tz9xw/WOGHXU067II/AAAAAAAAJVk/od3pNg-bGuAnRjD9_Ih2OnHNUBiq7hoXwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSmpK3tz9xw/WOGHXU067II/AAAAAAAAJVk/od3pNg-bGuAnRjD9_Ih2OnHNUBiq7hoXwCLcB/s640/IMG_5667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4z0CpI0ardA/WOGHXW15hEI/AAAAAAAAJVo/6APspEhxqBA0NTSEGQswn_OScQ9AANDkwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4z0CpI0ardA/WOGHXW15hEI/AAAAAAAAJVo/6APspEhxqBA0NTSEGQswn_OScQ9AANDkwCLcB/s640/IMG_5674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfr35IJn8ZQ/WOGHXetPPRI/AAAAAAAAJVs/5qtEWII7ZeAd5-qI2CsKpRb1k_f2Py2vgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfr35IJn8ZQ/WOGHXetPPRI/AAAAAAAAJVs/5qtEWII7ZeAd5-qI2CsKpRb1k_f2Py2vgCLcB/s640/IMG_5682.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YoBomxQ33wU/WOGHYD-QxzI/AAAAAAAAJVw/z65W7CYi9gM1vJhbYDbHgq6vqm66wkLvACLcB/s1600/IMG_5685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YoBomxQ33wU/WOGHYD-QxzI/AAAAAAAAJVw/z65W7CYi9gM1vJhbYDbHgq6vqm66wkLvACLcB/s640/IMG_5685.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmz_HNZEgsI/WOGHYSqk-II/AAAAAAAAJV0/GTY0ZmUY2csCZlFpsGH4YH-CLzq21LBiwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmz_HNZEgsI/WOGHYSqk-II/AAAAAAAAJV0/GTY0ZmUY2csCZlFpsGH4YH-CLzq21LBiwCLcB/s640/IMG_5698.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-48285617946253842882017-03-31T19:49:00.003-04:002017-03-31T19:57:04.097-04:00There goes my heart...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">I feel such a mix of emotions on departure day. On one hand, there is such joy and honor, as I send my man out to do what he loves to do. He has worked and trained so hard, for something he is passionate about, and that makes me happy. And yet, watching him get on that bus breaks my heart in two, with half driving off to a destination halfway across the world. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've known this day was coming for months now, and I've been walking around with a lump in my throat and ache in my chest for weeks. But the day has come now, faster than I imagined and anticipated. And I'm left standing here, with 4 kids, who only sort of understand what this means for them and for our family. They get that Daddy is going to work, for a long time, but what that actually looks like in their little minds, I have no idea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can do this, there is no doubt, nor is there a choice. I, and the kids, will be just fine. But that doesn't mean it's my favorite or my first choice. I am so thankful Max has a job he loves, and that he is good at that job, but this military life can still be challenging and hard. And I feel that a lot in these moments. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hugged and kissed and said "see you later" to our very favorite person in the world this week. I stood and waved as the bus drove off, then collected our things, and went about our day. I will put away his shoes and clothes and keys at home, and start to find our new normal, our rhythm, our routine for this time apart. I will pray for and think about my love constantly until the day comes when I can hug and kiss him again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It won't be easy, but nothing worth it ever is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jx_LB0xdqtE/WN1wQS8DVMI/AAAAAAAAJT0/5kcv2FcyGJst_bTfcEmBoP-GLCjAvX3awCLcB/s1600/IMG_5715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jx_LB0xdqtE/WN1wQS8DVMI/AAAAAAAAJT0/5kcv2FcyGJst_bTfcEmBoP-GLCjAvX3awCLcB/s640/IMG_5715.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdlGdo_Adgc/WN7ql1yp1bI/AAAAAAAAJU0/SsUJ0X1jcpUVJW_4iH3pfAsAvsN9KGRTgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SdlGdo_Adgc/WN7ql1yp1bI/AAAAAAAAJU0/SsUJ0X1jcpUVJW_4iH3pfAsAvsN9KGRTgCLcB/s640/IMG_5719.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYxUgXbf3Ok/WN1wRKwCzBI/AAAAAAAAJUA/NXdOBDPrvL8EpeUOwF-QAVfOxEt_25XKwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oYxUgXbf3Ok/WN1wRKwCzBI/AAAAAAAAJUA/NXdOBDPrvL8EpeUOwF-QAVfOxEt_25XKwCLcB/s640/IMG_5724.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jaYv4ID6qzs/WN1wRRtVdkI/AAAAAAAAJUE/rrIsoDOes9EnIRAy5VkYPiaWqYMcQ1NCgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jaYv4ID6qzs/WN1wRRtVdkI/AAAAAAAAJUE/rrIsoDOes9EnIRAy5VkYPiaWqYMcQ1NCgCLcB/s640/IMG_5726.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8qGJaBuXRE/WN7ql7B0VJI/AAAAAAAAJUs/N8YFhmnRYY01qXw4uTokpsD769vDMPiCgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D8qGJaBuXRE/WN7ql7B0VJI/AAAAAAAAJUs/N8YFhmnRYY01qXw4uTokpsD769vDMPiCgCLcB/s640/IMG_5736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OZTdR1d0-Q/WN7ql56LHiI/AAAAAAAAJUw/ixfeqjIcmSUZ869xVp5Chhx1N7jKEghvgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OZTdR1d0-Q/WN7ql56LHiI/AAAAAAAAJUw/ixfeqjIcmSUZ869xVp5Chhx1N7jKEghvgCLcB/s640/IMG_5746.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olnBSwkZUbE/WN1wTR133yI/AAAAAAAAJUU/A_zqJahENNUxKjspG-qDbzM693w0PVPjgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-olnBSwkZUbE/WN1wTR133yI/AAAAAAAAJUU/A_zqJahENNUxKjspG-qDbzM693w0PVPjgCLcB/s640/IMG_5754.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6m-4B-feEU/WN7qnLZ_ZbI/AAAAAAAAJU4/--SYIqmbN4Q6S2NoyIYOJbJZcsEDWzGIACLcB/s1600/IMG_5760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6m-4B-feEU/WN7qnLZ_ZbI/AAAAAAAAJU4/--SYIqmbN4Q6S2NoyIYOJbJZcsEDWzGIACLcB/s640/IMG_5760.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
</div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-67116042716028854792017-03-30T14:18:00.000-04:002017-03-30T14:19:01.961-04:00Dusting off this spaceWell, hello there! It's been awhile - ahem...two years! - since I've shared photos and thoughts and glimpses into our life, here in this space. I have gone back and forth so many times on what to do with the blog, and whether or not to keep or delete it. Each time, I am reminded of how many precious memories I have stored up here - we were just sitting around the computer last night as a family, looking back at posts from when the kids were born, and when Max returned from his first deployment in 2010, and when we moved to Monterey. It was fun to see the kids recognize old houses and ask questions and see pictures of when they were first walking or talking. <br />
<br />
All that to say, the blog is still around, and isn't going anywhere. In fact, it's time for me to dust it off, and start recording moments, stories, and memories again. Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-43530144423031562402015-04-27T16:27:00.002-04:002015-04-27T16:27:43.316-04:00Emmalee Grace - 5 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
It's a few weeks past, but our Emmalee is 5 months old. She weighs about 18 lbs, and is wearing 9-month clothes. She loves to chew on everything, roll/scoot across the floor, and still blows bubbles all the time. Emma wakes up 1-2 times to nurse at night, but goes right back to sleep. She won't take a bottle at the moment. She adores her siblings, and has started to notice the dog - and loves to try to grab his face/fistfuls of his hair, if he gets too close. Her hair is coming in light blonde (and there I go, rolling on the floor in laughter...because I thought I might have a chance of a dark-brown haired baby!!!), and it looks like it will take it's sweet time, just like her siblings. Speaking of which, they adore this babe...she is certainly the baby of the family, and we all dote on her! Love our sweet Emmalee Grace!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKYCqeBe9J0/VT4-iqGy0RI/AAAAAAAAJMY/vYMGLhyO7Ns/s1600/DSC_0148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zKYCqeBe9J0/VT4-iqGy0RI/AAAAAAAAJMY/vYMGLhyO7Ns/s1600/DSC_0148.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0vXoGIXd3A/VT4-jjPFGfI/AAAAAAAAJMg/v5wXdrju3-A/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0vXoGIXd3A/VT4-jjPFGfI/AAAAAAAAJMg/v5wXdrju3-A/s1600/DSC_0156.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw7_NzoeEI8/VT4-k-RPxaI/AAAAAAAAJM0/aTzn2y-Kp_8/s1600/DSC_0183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pw7_NzoeEI8/VT4-k-RPxaI/AAAAAAAAJM0/aTzn2y-Kp_8/s1600/DSC_0183.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYrQe3pEQGA/VT4-lIyCZuI/AAAAAAAAJM4/rvc8xu6n41Q/s1600/DSC_0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYrQe3pEQGA/VT4-lIyCZuI/AAAAAAAAJM4/rvc8xu6n41Q/s1600/DSC_0186.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6r0XQoGYilI/VT4-l9qCiII/AAAAAAAAJNA/iNxOv-zVev0/s1600/DSC_0187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6r0XQoGYilI/VT4-l9qCiII/AAAAAAAAJNA/iNxOv-zVev0/s1600/DSC_0187.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4GcpiG59QE/VT4-mKIj95I/AAAAAAAAJNE/0lUt8vcbu4I/s1600/DSC_0195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4GcpiG59QE/VT4-mKIj95I/AAAAAAAAJNE/0lUt8vcbu4I/s1600/DSC_0195.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-2234451151519521582015-04-16T18:55:00.001-04:002015-04-16T18:55:06.602-04:00Hello Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or also titled, "how I should be folding the multiple piles of clean laundry scattered throughout my house, but would rather keep avoiding it, so here I am, finally blogging again"...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here we are! Max finished his course in TX, and we left AZ two months ago, and moved to sunny Southern CA. It's so good to be back together as a family, to be under the same roof, and have a home of our own again. We are loving it here so far - the weather is gorgeous, the proximity to the ocean is fantastic, and we are feeling pretty settled into our new house. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mK5Nb5z4Eoo/VTApm3b0YoI/AAAAAAAAJLs/cYE0lXJgK-U/s1600/april16.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mK5Nb5z4Eoo/VTApm3b0YoI/AAAAAAAAJLs/cYE0lXJgK-U/s1600/april16.1.jpg" height="638" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
moving day // game time // swinging at sunset by the ocean </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
new digs // beach day // sweet girl </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
swinging with daddy // new bed for Evie // sister tea party</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Max is busy getting situated and trained in at work. The kids and I have been busy settling in, and adjusting to life with just me again. This having 4 kids is no joke! I feel like I am constantly running around, trying to get everything done, and at the end of the day, I still feel like my to-do list is a mile long!!! I am trying to figure out the balance between it all, and it's not been easy. There are days I feel like I go-go-go, but have nothing productive to show for it, and that's hard for me! I have to remind myself that somedays there aren't any "results", and that's ok - as long as I get the kiddos dressed and fed and napped, and we spend a bit of time outside, and the house isn't a major disaster, and there is some sort of dinner at the end of the day, it's probably been more of a successful day than I realized!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-BCv-Vti2E/VTApm80PXQI/AAAAAAAAJL0/a6zdJocOLwQ/s1600/april16.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k-BCv-Vti2E/VTApm80PXQI/AAAAAAAAJL0/a6zdJocOLwQ/s1600/april16.3.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
love them // daddy and empale // georgie </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
how is emma so big? // car selfie // new spring outfits</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are slowly meeting new friends, and getting acquainted with our surroundings. We've been to the beach a handful of times, and man alive, was it good to see the ocean again, after those months in the desert! The sand and waves are so good for a person! The kids could sit out in the sand for hours, just digging and scooping and filling buckets. Plus, we found a beach we can take George too, and it's so much fun watching him gallop around in the waves!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aACBhHP9rEw/VTApm6xrBWI/AAAAAAAAJLw/D3EAFol-f2E/s1600/april16.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aACBhHP9rEw/VTApm6xrBWI/AAAAAAAAJLw/D3EAFol-f2E/s1600/april16.2.jpg" height="638" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
palm trees are not cacti // George knows where it's at // chubby baby</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
all my people // mama's quiet time // goofy boy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"am i pwetty?" // from where I nurse // love these kiddos</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have been meaning to blog for awhile, but between wiping bums, and doing laundry, and sweeping floors, and getting into a routine here, it has kept getting pushed back. Which is sad, because I know how happy I am to blog, to keep this space, to share snippets of our story. I'm hoping to figure out ways to carve out a little bit of time for sharing a little more of what life is looking like around here lately. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But for now, I hear a small one calling, and there is dinner to be made...</div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-65643949573814050342015-03-12T16:38:00.000-04:002015-04-27T16:39:50.994-04:00Emmalee Grace - 4 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Emmalee Grace weighs about 16 lbs, wears 6-month clothes, and loves blowing bubbles with her lips. She is still laid-back, and super sweet. Such the perfect caboose to our crew!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCzhaWop9_Y/VT6d44AUurI/AAAAAAAAJOA/LnbdPDJqxBg/s1600/DSC_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCzhaWop9_Y/VT6d44AUurI/AAAAAAAAJOA/LnbdPDJqxBg/s1600/DSC_0008.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MfNXDbaBsQ/VT6d42Duz8I/AAAAAAAAJOI/bCkOzA3fdnE/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--MfNXDbaBsQ/VT6d42Duz8I/AAAAAAAAJOI/bCkOzA3fdnE/s1600/DSC_0015.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R50wZssBatw/VT6d5iYsgRI/AAAAAAAAJOM/t00kfFDb_D8/s1600/DSC_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R50wZssBatw/VT6d5iYsgRI/AAAAAAAAJOM/t00kfFDb_D8/s1600/DSC_0018.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3LlseM34L0/VT6d6A5P6HI/AAAAAAAAJOk/jLWoU0lrveY/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3LlseM34L0/VT6d6A5P6HI/AAAAAAAAJOk/jLWoU0lrveY/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pp1qImkLc5w/VT6d6t4W5KI/AAAAAAAAJOc/_Ep2K7eB-Sw/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pp1qImkLc5w/VT6d6t4W5KI/AAAAAAAAJOc/_Ep2K7eB-Sw/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-84222503712988371582015-02-13T21:00:00.000-05:002015-02-14T09:51:13.141-05:00My Sweethearts.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXxHk5iCFHs/VN9cABo7xUI/AAAAAAAAJKA/LttabUjkQvM/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXxHk5iCFHs/VN9cABo7xUI/AAAAAAAAJKA/LttabUjkQvM/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIGK2YHFiXY/VN9cAOD_czI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/C2Hi9IhaiEQ/s1600/DSC_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIGK2YHFiXY/VN9cAOD_czI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/C2Hi9IhaiEQ/s1600/DSC_0017.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFetI136A6k/VN9cAID03CI/AAAAAAAAJKE/aHuIQbI29LM/s1600/DSC_0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFetI136A6k/VN9cAID03CI/AAAAAAAAJKE/aHuIQbI29LM/s1600/DSC_0030.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3avVWCnYrc/VN9cByYzCiI/AAAAAAAAJKU/kP97TXOz3B0/s1600/DSC_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3avVWCnYrc/VN9cByYzCiI/AAAAAAAAJKU/kP97TXOz3B0/s1600/DSC_0044.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kU1Jd7NXdw/VN9cChnSz2I/AAAAAAAAJKY/6IdXR6QPz5A/s1600/DSC_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0kU1Jd7NXdw/VN9cChnSz2I/AAAAAAAAJKY/6IdXR6QPz5A/s1600/DSC_0047.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I sure do love these precious, goofy kiddos of mine! After taking a few photos of the four of them, Ezra and Eliana wanted to take some with me in the picture. We miss our Daddy (only days until we move, yay!), and can't wait to see him, but I sure am thankful for these little sweethearts of mine!</div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-14223169641815242052015-02-10T23:29:00.001-05:002015-02-10T23:29:59.351-05:00Emmalee Grace - 3 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I know, I know, I am always saying this, but time has flown right by again! How is my precious baby already three months old?! Emmalee is doing great. She weighs in around 14 lbs, and has outgrown most of her 0-3/3m clothes. She has become quite vocal - "talking" to us, making dinosaur-type squawking noises, and she LOVES blowing bubbles with her lips. Emma is a fantastic sleeper, and I am so thankful for that! She sleeps 10-11 hours at night, takes one longer nap in the afternoon, and a few catnaps in the morning. She nurses every 2-3 hours during the day, and if she's not eating or sleeping, she probably has her hands in her mouth. She is still quite laid-back, and easy going, for the most part. We love our sweet Emmalee Grace! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x5AXmaJ201k/VNrY0bir99I/AAAAAAAAJJA/cGePzqpiZZg/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x5AXmaJ201k/VNrY0bir99I/AAAAAAAAJJA/cGePzqpiZZg/s1600/DSC_0001.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q02bU9iQRY/VNrY5osBbcI/AAAAAAAAJJY/0zDqo58pxkI/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q02bU9iQRY/VNrY5osBbcI/AAAAAAAAJJY/0zDqo58pxkI/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5_O8atjX5g/VNrY0XRhndI/AAAAAAAAJI4/aeGryUaCHHE/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5_O8atjX5g/VNrY0XRhndI/AAAAAAAAJI4/aeGryUaCHHE/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" height="640" width="438" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AgWteNE2PE/VNrY5zGo4BI/AAAAAAAAJJc/FTy1su-Efbw/s1600/DSC_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AgWteNE2PE/VNrY5zGo4BI/AAAAAAAAJJc/FTy1su-Efbw/s1600/DSC_0026.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-NSjBD4CQg/VNrY0n_FYQI/AAAAAAAAJI8/MGu3g4vDix0/s1600/DSC_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W-NSjBD4CQg/VNrY0n_FYQI/AAAAAAAAJI8/MGu3g4vDix0/s1600/DSC_0016.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bGNs4dhjSh8/VNrY2FmcZJI/AAAAAAAAJJQ/LgphaRjbtH0/s1600/DSC_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bGNs4dhjSh8/VNrY2FmcZJI/AAAAAAAAJJQ/LgphaRjbtH0/s1600/DSC_0020.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dccGxS43aHg/VNrY6G0i1wI/AAAAAAAAJJk/a0IFoIgv8t8/s1600/DSC_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dccGxS43aHg/VNrY6G0i1wI/AAAAAAAAJJk/a0IFoIgv8t8/s1600/DSC_0029.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-43541951158934056052015-02-09T05:30:00.000-05:002015-02-09T05:30:03.185-05:00Our weekend (or, Alison visits).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
My parents were out of town over the weekend, so when my cousin Alison (who the kids call Auntie Alison) asked when she could visit, this weekend seemed like a great time! She came down on Friday and stayed through Sunday, and we are so glad she made the trek!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The kids were so excited going to bed on Friday night, knowing they would see her when they woke up on Saturday morning! We went the to Zoo on Saturday morning, and had a blast seeing all the animals. There is a baby elephant there, and she is just adorable! She seems so tiny, but just weighed in at 400+ lbs! Crazy! We went out for Sonoran hot dogs after the Zoo, and then headed home for naps. Spent some time outside before dinner, and then once the kids were in bed, Alison and I had a fun night eating treats, painting nails, chatting, and catching up on shows. We headed to the park Sunday morning, to burn some energy off, and then Alison hit the road to head home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I am so thankful for the conversation, extra hands, and help that Alison provided! We are so glad she came down to spend the weekend with us! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbxS2nuUv4c/VNffRGHgrzI/AAAAAAAAJIc/Dm3YzMMDB3s/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbxS2nuUv4c/VNffRGHgrzI/AAAAAAAAJIc/Dm3YzMMDB3s/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
morning walk view // playing outside // sleepy babe // Queen Eliana</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjruJeQIAO0/VNfeu1ZrF8I/AAAAAAAAJHI/EkskRG-1zls/s1600/IMG_3605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjruJeQIAO0/VNfeu1ZrF8I/AAAAAAAAJHI/EkskRG-1zls/s1600/IMG_3605.JPG" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzGfMkAidug/VNfewTzK1uI/AAAAAAAAJHQ/WEnFyuT6QQI/s1600/IMG_3618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzGfMkAidug/VNfewTzK1uI/AAAAAAAAJHQ/WEnFyuT6QQI/s1600/IMG_3618.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAi6m5MWXmY/VNfeyEYkPiI/AAAAAAAAJHY/UmBFWTgL67Y/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAi6m5MWXmY/VNfeyEYkPiI/AAAAAAAAJHY/UmBFWTgL67Y/s1600/IMG_3623.JPG" height="384" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-0q1Ta0RtA/VNfe4M-ep3I/AAAAAAAAJHg/OLZfnFj26I8/s1600/IMG_3635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-0q1Ta0RtA/VNfe4M-ep3I/AAAAAAAAJHg/OLZfnFj26I8/s1600/IMG_3635.JPG" height="640" width="516" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMmUsi0GUIM/VNffFJs-i9I/AAAAAAAAJH4/zifTlrhuZ7A/s1600/IMG_3655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMmUsi0GUIM/VNffFJs-i9I/AAAAAAAAJH4/zifTlrhuZ7A/s1600/IMG_3655.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHm6lREn2Dg/VNfe9w9XE-I/AAAAAAAAJHo/6jRuROnd5wc/s1600/IMG_3641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHm6lREn2Dg/VNfe9w9XE-I/AAAAAAAAJHo/6jRuROnd5wc/s1600/IMG_3641.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you find the little teeny baby in the picture above?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-giVRod_mhOg/VNfe_l3X09I/AAAAAAAAJHw/xgij6q3EUBs/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-giVRod_mhOg/VNfe_l3X09I/AAAAAAAAJHw/xgij6q3EUBs/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGzK69wVaLo/VNffMcpOYdI/AAAAAAAAJIA/_sIvkRlMfE4/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KGzK69wVaLo/VNffMcpOYdI/AAAAAAAAJIA/_sIvkRlMfE4/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1TRe0hHbEM/VNffNiI0v4I/AAAAAAAAJII/YbxdSNwZrXU/s1600/IMG_3673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j1TRe0hHbEM/VNffNiI0v4I/AAAAAAAAJII/YbxdSNwZrXU/s1600/IMG_3673.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGzYFp2InRs/VNffR4vYt_I/AAAAAAAAJIo/IAT7FDOwrP4/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EGzYFp2InRs/VNffR4vYt_I/AAAAAAAAJIo/IAT7FDOwrP4/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTDuTvlnyw4/VNffRPIGbzI/AAAAAAAAJIY/1QqJMXyQnzQ/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTDuTvlnyw4/VNffRPIGbzI/AAAAAAAAJIY/1QqJMXyQnzQ/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage2.jpg" height="212" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
playing at the park!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{many of the photos above were taken & shared by Alison! Thanks!}</div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-70901152013063265142015-02-06T08:30:00.000-05:002015-02-06T08:30:01.988-05:00The little things this week.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few little things that made me smile this week:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--iGVUYLideA/VNQ9doX__YI/AAAAAAAAJGY/__VfwCJGxSo/s1600/IMG_5432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--iGVUYLideA/VNQ9doX__YI/AAAAAAAAJGY/__VfwCJGxSo/s1600/IMG_5432.jpg" height="640" width="600" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Afternoon popcorn snack, complete with watchful brown beast, and guarding arms!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BspNZXdZeac/VNQ9dqmlVqI/AAAAAAAAJGg/1RJdPwxIQlU/s1600/IMG_5444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BspNZXdZeac/VNQ9dqmlVqI/AAAAAAAAJGg/1RJdPwxIQlU/s1600/IMG_5444.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy, smiley morning burrito babe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LBE7PdQ6KB8/VNQ9bYOpoqI/AAAAAAAAJGQ/JKp_xP28i78/s1600/IMG_5448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LBE7PdQ6KB8/VNQ9bYOpoqI/AAAAAAAAJGQ/JKp_xP28i78/s1600/IMG_5448.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Taking the car to the carwash. Easy entertainment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5gWSoNEc7g/VNQ9geuHxUI/AAAAAAAAJGw/RTMsRWZgydw/s1600/IMG_5460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T5gWSoNEc7g/VNQ9geuHxUI/AAAAAAAAJGw/RTMsRWZgydw/s1600/IMG_5460.jpg" height="640" width="554" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Emma chatting it up with her favorite friend...the ceiling fan!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UOldcxdV_4/VNQ9dih5dBI/AAAAAAAAJGc/RlgJTSDBKao/s1600/IMG_5456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UOldcxdV_4/VNQ9dih5dBI/AAAAAAAAJGc/RlgJTSDBKao/s1600/IMG_5456.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He brought his coffee cup and pot to the table for breakfast. Also, this is his "cheese" face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7O7NbmORjz0/VNQ9g2lDl4I/AAAAAAAAJG0/Ra3FiLchDRk/s1600/IMG_5463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7O7NbmORjz0/VNQ9g2lDl4I/AAAAAAAAJG0/Ra3FiLchDRk/s1600/IMG_5463.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Morning walks with a sweet girl, wearing a bonnet that belonged to me as a babe. </div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-9196037062161673762015-02-05T22:55:00.000-05:002015-02-05T22:55:10.294-05:00A day in our AZ life.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to record a glimpse into what a day in our life has looked like over the last few months, as we've been living at my parents house, in the AZ desert. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My day sort of starts between 4-6am, when Emma gets up for her first feeding of the day. She fusses a bit, I nurse her in bed, then change her, and lay her back in her crib. She goes back to sleep until 8am-ish. I get up before the kids, usually by 645am, to get dressed and ready for the day. I let George out, feed him breakfast, and heat up water for a cup of tea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QM9yNg27bN8/VNQxorTLqoI/AAAAAAAAJFI/i1KzeHRjCIY/s1600/IMG_5464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QM9yNg27bN8/VNQxorTLqoI/AAAAAAAAJFI/i1KzeHRjCIY/s1600/IMG_5464.jpg" height="400" width="393" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The older 3 kids are waking up around 715am. They get dressed, and I start breakfast preparations. If Eliana has preschool that morning, we need to be out the door by 830am, so I have been keep them on track. Otherwise, we eat a slower breakfast. Most days it's oatmeal, or eggs and toast. Sometimes we get a little crazy and do pancakes, or fried potatoes and eggs. Emma is usually up by 830am, and nurses again. If it's a preschool morning, we are out the door, to drop off Eliana. If it's not, we try to get out for a walk with George. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFCg8p325mk/VNQxo9BUNRI/AAAAAAAAJFU/BSvyoWU5Dbw/s1600/IMG_5465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wFCg8p325mk/VNQxo9BUNRI/AAAAAAAAJFU/BSvyoWU5Dbw/s1600/IMG_5465.jpg" height="382" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, we walked to the park, took the "adventure trail" home, and then played in the backyard for awhile. This time of the day is also the time we might do errands, if we have any to run, or head to the library or the Zoo. Emma nurses again around 1130am. Eliana is done with school at noon on preschool days, so lunch typically happens around 1230p. The kids request cheese crisps or sandwiches most days, which is easy and doable!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lI54MzCyDYM/VNQxpM8NT2I/AAAAAAAAJFM/Ly6yHmsXMvc/s1600/IMG_5470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lI54MzCyDYM/VNQxpM8NT2I/AAAAAAAAJFM/Ly6yHmsXMvc/s1600/IMG_5470.jpg" height="366" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After lunch, all the kids lay down for a nap. Eliana doesn't sleep most days, but I still have her "rest" for at least an hour. She often sneaks out of her room before Evie is awake, and asks to sit in Bibi's office, to do crafts or projects quietly. Emma has started taking a longer nap during this time as well, which is awesome. I have some time to myself, to recharge, and to get some work done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gbcMTx7T_0/VNQxqyBSD4I/AAAAAAAAJFY/1LTjdDlN-to/s1600/IMG_5473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gbcMTx7T_0/VNQxqyBSD4I/AAAAAAAAJFY/1LTjdDlN-to/s1600/IMG_5473.jpg" height="400" width="380" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I make another cup of tea, check email, and get miscellaneous stuff done. I am doing some work for a High School leadership organization, so I often get that done at this time of the day. Some days, this is when I have Skype dates with girlfriends. I am so thankful for Skype, and the way it's allowed me to stay connected with dear friends all over the world!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ny8dL-5smk/VNQxrltq2zI/AAAAAAAAJFg/Uvjce5skSek/s1600/IMG_5475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ny8dL-5smk/VNQxrltq2zI/AAAAAAAAJFg/Uvjce5skSek/s1600/IMG_5475.jpg" height="400" width="378" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The kids start waking up around 3p. Emma nurses again. We might play outside or watch a short show, play with toys or read library books. Some days I make dinner, and some days my mom works on it. Emma is usually hanging out in her rocker chair, "chatting" with her hanging animals. Everybody is home from work around 530p, and we sit down to eat together. Sometimes Emma wants to nurse at this time too. The girl could eat all day, I think! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lx3FGX9SBWw/VNQxu-3SI-I/AAAAAAAAJF4/Ok4QAt2q6yw/s1600/IMG_5477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lx3FGX9SBWw/VNQxu-3SI-I/AAAAAAAAJF4/Ok4QAt2q6yw/s1600/IMG_5477.jpg" height="400" width="385" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bath night happens every other night after dinner, and most nights the kids beg to have a dance party! They love to jump around, spin in circles, and just be crazy dancers. It's a great way to burn up some leftover energy, before bed. Emma is usually ready to nurse one last time around 730p, and then she goes to sleep for the night. She sleeps 9-10 hours, before waking in the early morning to eat again. The other kids get in bed by 730p. Evie loves having her Babu "rocka" her, and sing songs. Ezra asks me to lay with him and we recount our favorite part of the day together. Eliana is usually getting up to use the potty 3.5 times before settling into bed, ha!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSoE4xTORjU/VNQxtmE9CyI/AAAAAAAAJFw/dOy77bBP1zU/s1600/IMG_5479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSoE4xTORjU/VNQxtmE9CyI/AAAAAAAAJFw/dOy77bBP1zU/s1600/IMG_5479.jpg" height="400" width="392" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everything is typically settled and calm by 8p. I try to pick up around the house, so toys aren't everywhere. If I have laundry, this is prime folding time. George tends to be wherever the action is, following me around. Some nights, I have a little more work to do. If not, I might read a book, or putz online for awhile before bed. I try to sleep between 9-10p, so I can get up to do it all over again the next day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LAQ80EdkA4/VNQxvC65YGI/AAAAAAAAJF8/touoh-h8uxU/s1600/IMG_5482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5LAQ80EdkA4/VNQxvC65YGI/AAAAAAAAJF8/touoh-h8uxU/s1600/IMG_5482.jpg" height="362" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My days are full of diaper changes, baby girl feedings, reading books, walks with George, making meals, cleaning up said meals, picking up toys, and teaching kids how to behave themselves. It's busy, and chaotic, and at times, overwhelming. And many days definitely do not go as anticipated or planned, which can be hard for the organizer in me! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But these days are also oh so very good. Sometimes I feel so immersed in all these little people things, and it's hard to see the end of the day, or to figure out who I am in the midst of it all. But then I remember how fast the last few years have flown by. And I know that these times won't last forever. In fact, they'll probably go by faster than I realize! I don't want to miss the little moments, the small wonders around me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The days are quite full, but then again, so is my heart.</div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-50988662476885957352015-02-02T17:00:00.000-05:002015-02-02T17:00:00.738-05:00Mornings with Evie & Emma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: start;">A few shots of a morning last week, with Emma and Evie. The two older kiddos were watching a movie. Emma was busy blowing bubbles, "talking" to us, and smiling. Evie was hamming it up for the camera, making me "coffee", and trying to make Emma smile. These two - the two youngest - sure do make me smile!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hggP_L4gong/VM2tTAqYV_I/AAAAAAAAJEM/QDbKQO2b7nw/s1600/DSC_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hggP_L4gong/VM2tTAqYV_I/AAAAAAAAJEM/QDbKQO2b7nw/s1600/DSC_0013.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PaKY3KZTtPQ/VM2tUzVaPhI/AAAAAAAAJEg/YbEVGuRI2do/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PaKY3KZTtPQ/VM2tUzVaPhI/AAAAAAAAJEg/YbEVGuRI2do/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JV0o3qdF8As/VM2tS0n0WiI/AAAAAAAAJEI/jNfIJasjM4A/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JV0o3qdF8As/VM2tS0n0WiI/AAAAAAAAJEI/jNfIJasjM4A/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5CvBxIKoMd0/VM2tWj2XDqI/AAAAAAAAJEo/Wa-9igwxyPM/s1600/DSC_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5CvBxIKoMd0/VM2tWj2XDqI/AAAAAAAAJEo/Wa-9igwxyPM/s1600/DSC_0028.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk_mjhwyXQ8/VM2tTfwuHaI/AAAAAAAAJEQ/vXvWQzgo_Bo/s1600/DSC_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk_mjhwyXQ8/VM2tTfwuHaI/AAAAAAAAJEQ/vXvWQzgo_Bo/s1600/DSC_0018.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kazmFAd1KME/VM2tXvnFXdI/AAAAAAAAJEw/7nFjobDGICQ/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kazmFAd1KME/VM2tXvnFXdI/AAAAAAAAJEw/7nFjobDGICQ/s1600/DSC_0033.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPRCQ8NW0p4/VM2tYY8ZDEI/AAAAAAAAJE0/QZ1QX6Rpwao/s1600/DSC_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aPRCQ8NW0p4/VM2tYY8ZDEI/AAAAAAAAJE0/QZ1QX6Rpwao/s1600/DSC_0035.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-50202196993647508812015-02-01T07:30:00.000-05:002015-02-01T07:30:00.071-05:00January Snapshots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4urAsPT5Jk/VM2gUjAnPgI/AAAAAAAAJDw/2_9isGXgbho/s1600/jan15.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O4urAsPT5Jk/VM2gUjAnPgI/AAAAAAAAJDw/2_9isGXgbho/s1600/jan15.2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
baby selfies // dino Evie // hot cocoa!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
donut dates with Babu // nursing thoughts // morning walks</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Evie's donut face // Friday preschool dropoff // silly Emma</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2TD9Uhffzs/VM2hFLxAE9I/AAAAAAAAJD4/9NDiXBjhL3k/s1600/jan15.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2TD9Uhffzs/VM2hFLxAE9I/AAAAAAAAJD4/9NDiXBjhL3k/s1600/jan15.3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Evie wants a snack // evening snuggles // George and I got caught in the rain</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
game time // afternoon nap cuddles // how did she get so big?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Georgie snuggles with Babu // church bathroom selfie, haha! // Evie and her baby</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T97_tKlsg8E/VM2fD6RkyhI/AAAAAAAAJDo/LFnCrEWq9q4/s1600/jan15.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T97_tKlsg8E/VM2fD6RkyhI/AAAAAAAAJDo/LFnCrEWq9q4/s1600/jan15.1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Emma @ 2m // L's painting creation // FaceTime with Daddy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dino Evie x2, lol // strapped-in Emma // I love car carts</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
errand helpers // watching over Emma // playtime is exhausting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few photos off my phone, from the month of January. The month was full of preschool mornings, walks with George, trips to the park, running errands, a birthday party that L attended, donut dates, getting caught in the rain with George, nap time & evening snuggles, and growing kiddos. </div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-27877639622803319382015-01-31T16:07:00.002-05:002015-01-31T16:07:58.927-05:00Christmas 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PikIKbPuN2o/VM1AWoZzwNI/AAAAAAAAJCY/6gcdzHYmlq8/s1600/IMG_2881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PikIKbPuN2o/VM1AWoZzwNI/AAAAAAAAJCY/6gcdzHYmlq8/s1600/IMG_2881.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uniKL_JYqNE/VM1AUMdTAiI/AAAAAAAAJCI/kcV53kejGIw/s1600/IMG_3003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uniKL_JYqNE/VM1AUMdTAiI/AAAAAAAAJCI/kcV53kejGIw/s1600/IMG_3003.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcIhBXxtpRI/VM1AVz6D7CI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/lKchJ4I71kc/s1600/IMG_3007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcIhBXxtpRI/VM1AVz6D7CI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/lKchJ4I71kc/s1600/IMG_3007.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzS5QsOIeGk/VM1Ab4SRe_I/AAAAAAAAJCg/RSmfbeLGwjE/s1600/IMG_3016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IzS5QsOIeGk/VM1Ab4SRe_I/AAAAAAAAJCg/RSmfbeLGwjE/s1600/IMG_3016.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hB0grY3p_0/VM1AfkgnYWI/AAAAAAAAJCo/o7owBXIg4z4/s1600/IMG_3028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hB0grY3p_0/VM1AfkgnYWI/AAAAAAAAJCo/o7owBXIg4z4/s1600/IMG_3028.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gw9hNpXun4A/VM1AgpnsQgI/AAAAAAAAJCw/vrn1uXYasrQ/s1600/IMG_3035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gw9hNpXun4A/VM1AgpnsQgI/AAAAAAAAJCw/vrn1uXYasrQ/s1600/IMG_3035.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jaqBv4Xe34o/VM1AlHOb3oI/AAAAAAAAJC4/U8jVxC-MTno/s1600/IMG_3063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jaqBv4Xe34o/VM1AlHOb3oI/AAAAAAAAJC4/U8jVxC-MTno/s1600/IMG_3063.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34gfrSV2HBE/VM1ArGPAtDI/AAAAAAAAJDA/4b8b9UsYkZ8/s1600/IMG_3087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34gfrSV2HBE/VM1ArGPAtDI/AAAAAAAAJDA/4b8b9UsYkZ8/s1600/IMG_3087.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ftZbPSLgSY/VM1ArFEF0qI/AAAAAAAAJDE/eksQfIxo3iU/s1600/IMG_3115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ftZbPSLgSY/VM1ArFEF0qI/AAAAAAAAJDE/eksQfIxo3iU/s1600/IMG_3115.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzSre6Vg4Uc/VM1AvmC5dwI/AAAAAAAAJDY/mlYelEX4p2k/s1600/IMG_3159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzSre6Vg4Uc/VM1AvmC5dwI/AAAAAAAAJDY/mlYelEX4p2k/s1600/IMG_3159.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{photos by: Alison}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know I'm late in posting these, but wanted to share a few photos from our Christmas 2014. We had a low-key day here with my parents and brother. The kids were super spoiled by everybody, and had a lot of fun opening gifts and playing with them for hours. Last year, my Grandma gave Eliana a "big girl bike", and this year, it was Ezra's turn to receive one! He LOVED it! Once we move, and get Eliana's bike out of storage, I am sure the two of them are going to have a blast riding bikes together!! My mom gave Evie (and the others too, but she's claimed it, ha!) a play kitchen, as our old one from a few years ago did not make this last move. She has spent many hours "making food" and serving it to us - she loves to bring me cups of coffee and plates of spaghetti! It's the cutest! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our Christmas 2014 was a good one - lots of delicious holiday food, much relaxing, a walk outside in the sunshine, skyping with Max's parents, and spending time together as a family. </div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-90453270772676430162015-01-27T08:30:00.000-05:002015-01-27T10:44:27.611-05:00Time for Tea.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIzKnBn1SFA/VMVqQn2yCVI/AAAAAAAAJBY/foBypXEWAic/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIzKnBn1SFA/VMVqQn2yCVI/AAAAAAAAJBY/foBypXEWAic/s1600/IMG_2865.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdphN8-kBfo/VMVqRg33TrI/AAAAAAAAJBg/VjDbpEZxf4s/s1600/IMG_2861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdphN8-kBfo/VMVqRg33TrI/AAAAAAAAJBg/VjDbpEZxf4s/s1600/IMG_2861.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09KyJVmXmEY/VMVqUrAu11I/AAAAAAAAJBw/btOukNitu9I/s1600/IMG_2873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-09KyJVmXmEY/VMVqUrAu11I/AAAAAAAAJBw/btOukNitu9I/s1600/IMG_2873.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb8WDZnGPCw/VMVqTLgKgwI/AAAAAAAAJBo/1bZ-zessuik/s1600/IMG_2869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb8WDZnGPCw/VMVqTLgKgwI/AAAAAAAAJBo/1bZ-zessuik/s1600/IMG_2869.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOf-lcHDui4/VMVqWupqlhI/AAAAAAAAJB4/92RecHrjWlw/s1600/IMG_2878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOf-lcHDui4/VMVqWupqlhI/AAAAAAAAJB4/92RecHrjWlw/s1600/IMG_2878.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{all photos by Alison}</div>
My cousin Alison and I have fond memories of going to Tea with our family while growing up. There are stories of too many sugar cubes, exciting car rides home, delicious finger foods, and excellent company.<br />
<br />
Right before Christmas, my mom treated Alison, Eliana, and I to an afternoon Tea. It was so much fun! We had tea sandwiches, scones with spreads, fruit, and an egg square. With tea, of course! Eliana opted for hot cocoa, and was so cute, pouring it out of a little teapot - she drank that down pretty quick! We had a fun time sharing stories with Eliana, and enjoying some girl time together.Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-64683840292716976582015-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:002015-01-26T08:00:04.485-05:00A little family update.I feel like I should start with a big "Merry Christmas and Happy 2015!", because it feels like it's been forever since I've blogged, or shared an update! So here goes...a little update on our family...<br />
<br />
Max is plugging away at his course in Texas. He has a few more weeks left, and then we'll be headed to the San Diego area for a few years! It's been a huge blessing to live with my parents here in AZ, while he's been at school, but we are very excited to be reunited as a family, and to have our own house again! I'm sure my parents will celebrate having THEIR own space back as well, and probably relish the quiet - and then maybe miss all the chaos?!? Max was able to come here for his break at Christmas, which was fantastic. We had a lovely Christmas, and enjoyed spending family time together.<br />
<br />
Eliana is still loving preschool. She has had such a fantastic experience there, and we will be sad to say goodbye in a few weeks! It's crazy that she'll be starting kindergarten in the Fall - how did she get so old?! She is such a sweetheart. She loves dress-up and My Little Pony's, coloring and doing crafts. Ezra is...like a little tasmanian devil, without all the destruction. He wakes up running, and goes non stop all day long. It's great that he has so much energy, but oh man, does he wear me out! He loves to laugh at Babu's jokes, go on adventure walks in the desert, and read books. We are still working on potty-training the kid, which is slightly frustrating, after all this time, but I know he can't get graduate from High School in diapers, right?! <br />
<br />
Evie is such a 2-year old. She swings from super sweet to having temper tantrum in seconds. She is testing boundaries and trying to figure out the rules. She cracks us up with her faces and sayings. I want to record her saying things, so I can remember the way she talks right now - it's the best! She loves to try to get herself dressed, be with her Bibi & Babu, and help us with things. Although really, they are all such good helpers! Emmalee is doing well - she eats a lot, sleeps a lot, and makes a lot of dirty diapers! She sleeps so well at night, it's fantastic and I am so thankful! She has started interacting more during her awake periods, and it's so much fun! She smiles and "talks" to us, or to her "friends" - the animals hanging from her bouncy seat! I am still crossing my fingers for brown hair to grow in ;)<br />
<br />
Our big brown beast, George, turned a year old in December. I can't believe it's almost been one year since we got him! We sent him away for training a few weeks ago, and he's back now, doing much better! We were having a hard time with him being quite unruly - and with him being big, it was hard to control him! Things are going much smoother now that he has learned a better foundation! We still have things to work on, and to keep up with him, but that will always be the case! The kids missed him the 10 days he was gone, and have been hugging him all the time, which is super sweet! <br />
<br />
This last year, 2014, was full of transitions and changes for us - getting a puppy, finding out we were pregnant with a surprise baby #4, Max graduating from his language course, moving to AZ/TX, having a baby, Max doing more schoolwork - and we have a few more transitions ahead of us, as we move in a few weeks, get reacquainted with being together as a family, and Max starts his new job. We are excited that we should be there for a few years, so we can settle into our new house (which we already have lined up! Woot!), make friends, and get situated in a solid routine as a family. <br />
<br />
I hope to make time to update the blog a little more regularly in the next few months, so stay tuned...Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-85513123270535309482015-01-25T16:18:00.000-05:002015-01-25T16:18:14.869-05:00Oh hello there! <div style="text-align: left;">
It's a funny thing - how life and time have this way of flying right on by. I never quite understand how it goes so quickly. There are moments I wish time would go faster and there are moments that I desperately ache for time to slow down. But always, I get past a certain situation, milestone, place, moment, and wonder how it happened to be over so fast. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I keep threatening to delete my blog. I think it's because I feel like I haven't been contributing to it lately. That it's this wasted space. That I don't make time to sit down and type the thoughts in my head. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But I don't really want to delete it. This blog holds precious, beautiful memories and reminders of where we've been, who we are, what we've done. There are pictures and updates, stories and adventures - and being able to look back at the past few years that are captured here on the blog is so amazing and special.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I know that right now, my hands are busy and my brain is full of tiny details that keep the days on track, but that won't always be the case. And I also know that taking the time to post updates and stories, pictures and milestones is so worth it. I don't scrapbook or document our life in any other way - and this has become such a special journal of our family, as it has grown and changed over the years. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, here I am, just saying hello.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Time to dust off the keyboard, fire up my brain, and share our life once again. </div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-54305136807463811922015-01-12T23:47:00.000-05:002015-01-31T23:12:36.301-05:00Emmalee Grace - 2 months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GvjvnPKN1rk/VLSdXo_zWEI/AAAAAAAAI-k/G1cqq6htvIA/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GvjvnPKN1rk/VLSdXo_zWEI/AAAAAAAAI-k/G1cqq6htvIA/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfM0NRmz7cE/VLSdV-m1mCI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/jGdDPtGr66k/s1600/DSC_0022jan15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AfM0NRmz7cE/VLSdV-m1mCI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/jGdDPtGr66k/s1600/DSC_0022jan15.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s8R4XmMvuT4/VLSdWx_B2vI/AAAAAAAAI-0/zFqjEHyHbTI/s1600/DSC_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s8R4XmMvuT4/VLSdWx_B2vI/AAAAAAAAI-0/zFqjEHyHbTI/s1600/DSC_0034.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kt-ghQOpH8c/VLSdadXmjNI/AAAAAAAAI_A/FkOx2QmYwbg/s1600/DSC_0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kt-ghQOpH8c/VLSdadXmjNI/AAAAAAAAI_A/FkOx2QmYwbg/s1600/DSC_0045.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KRezVawEuQU/VLSdY478KuI/AAAAAAAAI-4/DDDHdqrhYWQ/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KRezVawEuQU/VLSdY478KuI/AAAAAAAAI-4/DDDHdqrhYWQ/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_Z0QqCIjoQ/VLSdbx-uOEI/AAAAAAAAI_U/_xMI2yc-Pc8/s1600/DSC_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_Z0QqCIjoQ/VLSdbx-uOEI/AAAAAAAAI_U/_xMI2yc-Pc8/s1600/DSC_0061.jpg" height="640" width="446" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our Emmalee Grace is now 2 months old. She weighs almost 13 pounds and is 24.5 inches long. Emma loves "talking"/smiling/laughing at us, eating, and watching the ceiling fan. She is a fantastic sleeper - sleeps an 8-10 hour stretch at night - and naps a few times during the day. She is still fairly laidback, and is adored by us all. One year ago, we had no idea she was going to be a part of our lives, and now I can't imagine our family without her. She is the sweetest addition!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HabS2HHp9U/VLSdgWhv0vI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/vUDmcyFOZu0/s1600/emma2m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HabS2HHp9U/VLSdgWhv0vI/AAAAAAAAJAQ/vUDmcyFOZu0/s1600/emma2m.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6945114787972817912.post-69048471021602967692014-12-15T00:13:00.001-05:002014-12-15T00:13:41.148-05:00Life Lately<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
The last few weeks have been filled with our usual routine: preschool days for L, gymnastics one morning a week, afternoon walks with George (to burn off puppy energy, and to keep me sane in the afternoon hours before dinner!), and many snuggles with baby Emmalee. They have also been filled with Christmas activities: cookie baking day, putting up decorations, shopping for gifts, and planning some fun things to do in the next few weeks. We are looking forward to L's Christmas program at preschool, a girl's Tea time, an observation day at gymnastics, wrapping gifts, looking at Christmas lights, and Daddy coming for a visit - he arrives in a week, and we can't wait! Here are a few photos from the last week: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAoNHbhF_IM/VI5qf9_n--I/AAAAAAAAI8g/SSr5nrAlkLI/s1600/14dec14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MAoNHbhF_IM/VI5qf9_n--I/AAAAAAAAI8g/SSr5nrAlkLI/s1600/14dec14.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
morning walks // sweet girl // a boy and his pup</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
funny Evie // coffee & Christmas lights & movies // sleeping beauty</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BgegD8-3UCA/VI5qf9koLqI/AAAAAAAAI8k/QBd0BTFSKtY/s1600/14dec14.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BgegD8-3UCA/VI5qf9koLqI/AAAAAAAAI8k/QBd0BTFSKtY/s1600/14dec14.2.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
afternoon snuggles // Sunday morning coffee // cookie baking day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
park adventures with my clan // afternoon walks on the adventure trail // smiles!</div>
Kayleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01177043365218384703noreply@blogger.com1