A New house

It seems like forever since I have sat down and looked at my blog. The holidays were crazy, like usual, and now it's mid-January....
So the good, or I should say great news (for those of you who still follow:) is that we bought a HOUSE!!! YEA!!
After months of looking and numerous offers on other places we decided on a beautiful house in an area we love of Newport Coast, California. I am so excited and thankful that in these crazy economic times we were blessed to find a house that we love and is large enough to suit our needs. I can't wait to share with you more and am thankful for all the well wishes as we have been on this journey since our move in July. I will post pics soon!!

My new doctor

This weekend Jim, Sam and I went back to New York for Jim's doctoral defense. I was looking forward to it for many reasons...

one of a kind food
some culture :)
i love the city at Christmas time
seeing old friends
taking Samantha back to see her friends
Jim misses the city
and of course to see Jim finish what he has worked so hard on!

We had a great time. It was freezing, but I have to say I honestly enjoyed every minute. I was so proud when Jim was congratulated on passing his defense and becoming an Ed.D in Education.
As I sit here in the sunshine now back in our new home town, I am very grateful that I got to see everyone and in a sense get it out of my system. I am moving forward and excited to do so!

tis the season

This is my favorite time of the year. It seems as though everyone around me changes in one way or another. The kids start making lists and talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are finally old enough to understand the true meaning of these holidays so it is even sweeter. I find myself being a little more patient and a lot more loving. With all these thoughts running rampant I realized that it doesn't need to be November or December to see the best in people, especially the ones closest to me.The generosity and kindness that Christmas brings to me and others is something I need year round.
I am so thankful to be with my family during this time. The last 9 years of being away have helped me realize what is truly important.
I am not sure what brought on this explosion of sentiment, but I am just so grateful for the people around me. In two weeks we are going back to NY for the first time since we have been gone. I can't wait to share our move with good friends, do some shopping, and watch proudly as my husband defends his dissertation...
Cheers and see you soon :)

November already?

When did it become November? I have found lately that the days and nights bleed into each other and before I know it... Trey's foot grows two sizes, my daughter is asking me to explain the Trinity, and Logan is yelling momma from his crib at night ( you know how you wait for them to talk and then they start and you tell them to be quiet :)
Anyway, a couple weeks back my bro and his family were here from Texas. What a wonderful week we had! So I want to share some pics because sadly by the time we see our precious Savonas again, all the kids may be voting.

On and yea, 4 weeks and counting until we go East for our first return trip to NYC. SO EXCITED!!!

Fall

After getting tired of missing the New York fall weather, I decided to take the boys to a So Cal pumpkin patch. Yes, this one was great, even though it was in a mall parking lot :) I threw on their sweatshirts and we ventured out. After 15 minutes we were burning hot in our jeans and sweaters, it was a bit loud because of the freeway right behind us...but we had fun with our new friends Jill, Matthew and Jack. I won't complain anymore, we did spot A tree that was changing colors :)

so long

well between our crazy weekly schedule, the computer not working, and just plain tiredness I have neglected my blog.
I think partly also do to the fact that our NYC condo has not closed and it feels like forever. We are just waiting and waiting hoping in this market that it doesn't fall out of escrow. But the fact that we are not there makes it frustrating...
On the bright side school is going well for the kids, the sun and heat the last couple of days (that everyone here seems to hate) feels good to me and we push through because that's what you do.
I am so thankful to my family here, it seems like every time I miss New york something happens reminding me why we are here.
The past weekend the fog here was unbelievable. I would wake up in the morning and not be able to see out the window. I realized that's how I feel some mornings in my head. But with God's gracious help (and coffee) I realize by bedtime what a wonderful life I have and how thankful I am for the man lying beside me and the kids snug in their bed...

I am including a few pics of the last couple weeks...
the group pic is my new mom's group gang Trey in the middle Logan on the far left next to cousin Jack:)

soccer fun

Yesterday we had our first big day of soccer. Samantha and Trey had their first games of the season. It was a beautiful morning, nice and cool to start with a nice breeze. Sam did a great job, she worked hard to keep up with the older girls and this was her first time playing on a full field. We were so proud of course, she had an assist and I really think she was proving herself to her new team :)
Then Trey's game came upon us right in the middle of the day, pretty hot, and we were not to sure what would happen. Then our shy boy rocked the soccer field with 5 goals and some pretty intense falls. It was awesome. We know that this season will be chalk full of funny and proud moments, but there is nothing like that first Saturday. The anticipation from the kids and from us...Plus the extra bonus of moving here and have BOTH sets of grandparents along for the ride. Here's to an adventurous season!!!!