Jack o'Lantern

One of my best friends and I took our little guys to have Halloween pictures taken this weekend. It wasn't the fastest trip to Kiddie Kandids but the boys were troopers and the pictures came out great. I couldn't think of any better costume for Jack than a "Jack" o'Lantern (aka pumpkin)...


And here is Jack and his buddy, T...


Jared left for Oregon and his new job last Thursday, so this was my first weekend alone with Jack...on top of desperately missing my husband, I am appreciating his hands-on involvement with Jack more and more!

A couple of weeks ago, there was this post on one of the blogs I read, reflecting on friendships and the value they bring to our lives. I've been so blessed with the friendships I have in my life--and more than just friends, some of these gals are my neighbors and co-workers (yes, there are a few of us that have followed one another from job to job). In addition, I have been blessed with the friendships that have blossomed out of family relationships--my sisters and sisters-in-law.

Never before this year have I seen the power of friendship the way I have this year. When my water broke early and I spent a week in the hospital before Jack's birth, these ladies immediately ran out and bought oodles of preemie clothes, snacks and food in the hospital, helped keep my toes looking cute during my stay (thanks, Jenn!), covered projects at work. Then, after Jack was born, they made visits to see him (and me!), were my rocks, sounding boards, and shoulders to cry on during the month he was in the hospital...my friends and sisters were all about me...even when they had their own difficult things going on. Most recently, they pulled together a surprise going away party for us and have helped keep me sane through the moving process.

I am terrified to move away from this...I don't think I can re-create it somewhere else. I am going to miss all of them so much. Fortunately, I am only a plane ride away--and most of them have guest bedrooms...:-)

Things Found While Moving

Found under the guest bathroom sink...



If little dixie cups don't seem to be a particularly blog-worthy find, check out the expiration date on the coupon on the back of the box... (Look closely, it's at the bottom.)



These little cups have inexplicably survived, well, 32 years...they're older than me! (I say that with glee since hitting 30 has NOT been the highlight of my year.) Lest you think I haven't been able to bring myself to dole out some money for a newer box of cups...they aren't mine! This house belongs to Jared's parents, who lived here for approximately 11 years before our two years. Based on the age of the cups, they have traveled from Westchester, CA (LA) to Grass Valley, CA (Northern CA) and back to Southern California (and to two houses at that!). Why they've been moved is a mystery. I'm certainly not going to be the one to bring an end to their life...they'll stay here with the house. :-)

Nature or Nurture???

Pretty sure it's all nature...as I watched my now 7 month-old son beat a jack-in-the-box lamb toy with a maraca on Sunday night. It's pretty funny to watch the "boy" emerge...

Home is Where the Heart Is...

Introducing...our new house! Our offer was accepted yesterday so, barring any unforeseen complications, this will be our new digs! We're so excited!

We Remember

We have, in our minds and hearts, those who died on 9-11-01 and those who survived them.

Oregon Trails...

I loved that game as a kid...it was one of my favorite computer lab activities in grammar school! Perhaps a portense of things to come...

Anyway, back to topic...for those who haven't heard, we've made the difficult but exciting decision to relocate to Oregon! Jared got a call from a recruiter several weeks ago, which turned into a phone interview, and then a "real" interview...and before we knew it, we were faced with a decision about relocating. After much thought, prayer, (some tears!), and deliberation, we made the decision to accept the offer.

Heavy on my heart was the prospect of leaving my company, which I've been working for through many of my recent major life events...getting engaged, getting married, having a baby, etc. They have been incredibly flexible with me through all of it and I have a lot of loyalty to the company. I was shocked when they made the incredible offer to have me continue working remotely and come back monthly for on-site visits!

We've put an offer on a house and are anxiously awaiting an answer. We found a property that we think will be perfect to raise our baby in...we're hoping the property feels the same way about us!

Please send your thoughts and prayers our way as we begin this exciting new chapter in our lives!