At Home in North Carolina

So we are feeling very at home in NC. We bought a wonderful house and have been working and having work done to make it our own.

We have done some painting ourselves.

We had 2 sliding glass doors that didn't slide very well. We had those removed and french doors put in. It is so nice to be able to go in and out to the back yard!

The most dramatic change has been the renovation of the 1/2 bath. Before it was a pink tile, pink floor, not at all suitable for a house full of guys.

Rather than demo the whole thing, Brian painted the top half brown, we had the tile painted white, new tile put down on the floor and new sink and commode installed.

Now you can see what we have been up to. Have a great day! Leat

We Are Moving

We will be moving to North Carolina in the very near future!

Brian accepted a job offer at Spirit in Kinston.

His first day is March 2. Several days before that, he and I will drive down to house hunt. We have an idea of what we want, but won't know until we actually tour the homes in person.

In the meantime, we are getting our house ready to put on the market. Selling a bunch of things on Craigslist, donating bags and bags of things to Goodwill,and giving stuff to friends.

We are fortunate to have the assistance of a relocation company. There are some hoops to jump through, but I think it will all be good.

Luke is 13!

Our first born is now a wonderful young man of 13.



We had a great day. As with all birthday kids, he chose the menu for the day.

Breakfast was sausage, egg and cheese biscuits and homemade doughnuts.



After breakfast, he opened his gifts. he got 22's, money, and Butterfingers



We went to the Y for our water class. then ran some errands. We stopped in at Dillons and got some crab legs for the birthday boy.



Lunch was pita sandwiches and chips
Dinner was meatloaf, shredded potato casserole, green beans,and cheddar biscuits.

For a cake he chose a two layer giant cookie cake with cream cheese icing.

Last Day to be 12

Our first born turns 13 tomorrow. When he was born he had such long fingers. Everyone who came to visit that first day said, "He is going to be tall."




I think I am still taller by a hair! I know he will soon be towering both his Dad and me before it is all said and done.

Growing up

Nathan lost his first tooth yesterday! It had been wiggly for a few days. The night before he ate an apple and that really loosened it up.

I came in from the clothes line and he held up his prize. Look Mom! I pulled it out myself!

Birthday Fun

Today is Nathan and my birthday!

Yes, we share the same birthday. He was God's gift to me on my 31st birthday.

Brian is out of town and sadly missed our special day. But, he gave me a wonderful wake up call this morning, texted throughout the day and called again this evening.

The boys made us each a cake, decorated themselves.






This evening, Nathan and I went to Red Robin for our free Birthday burgers. On Monday nights they have a balloon man who makes all kinds of balloon shapes for the kids. Can you tell what he made for Nathan?


It is a monkey on a tree!

What can beat a birthday cheese burger and fries?


An ice cream Sundae, that's what!

On Our Own

We dropped Brian off at the airport this morning for his flight back to NC. It will be three loong weeks until we see him again.

I am hoping to use this time wisely and keep up the momentum with school and finish the semester well. I also have at least a dozen different lists in my head I need to transfer to paper so I don't forget anything.

The boys and I are so excited about getting ready for our big journey the week before Christmas to pick up Brian in NC and then all of us head down to FL to spend time with my parents! (Hence all the lists!)

Here are just a few of the things I need to organize and not forget.

1. Christmas cards and gifts to put in the mail.
2. Travel food to buy and make.
3. Packing for 5 people for 2-3 different seasons. The temperature will warm up as we go and cool down as we return.
4. Arranging a hold on the mail.
5. Shutting down the house.
6. Don't know what else, but I'm sure it will come to me.

So now you know what I will be doing in the next few weeks.

Leat