Rachel's Blog

A New house

2009-01-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-11-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

The weekend and more...

2008-09-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend Jim and I along with his brother and wife and mom and dad went to Colorado Springs for a good friends wedding. We had a great time with a couple of hang ups here and there (missing our flight!). Since the bros were in the wedding, my sis-in-law and I basically had a date weekend. So fun!
Now school has started and we are off and running, activities, driving like crazy, but also some free time and a feeling that we have settled a bit and the kids are enjoying their new school. I am so thankful and proud.

countdown

2008-08-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

Since last Sunday the kids and I have been counting down until school starts. I don't know who is more excited me or them!
We visited both schools this week, met the teachers, walked around the campuses and at last all my fears were put to rest. I can confidently say that both Trey and Sam will be so happy and I can't wait for them to start. (and yes in the pic, that is her playground ON THE BEACH!)
Also I got to have a night out with Jim :), between his schedule and the commute we haven't hooked up much. So last night we went to his Faculty/Staff kickoff reception. It was fun. Jim was asked to do the opening prayer...it was a large crowd and for as they said "the new kid on the block" he spoke from his heart and I was proud of "Dr. Daichendt" :) (that's him on the large screen in the pic)
As for the house hunting we are still looking. We have bid on a few but they haven't been the right deals for us. So onward we press

Summer Lovin

2008-08-21T13:19:00.001-07:00

SO with 12 days to go until school starts we are taking advantage of time and weather. What a blessing it has been to be able to share this time off with our family and friends.
Our NYC condo is in escrow and as long as there our no problems we will close in four weeks. Yea! And on this side we have put a bid on a house that we love and are patiently waiting for a counter. I know that whatever happens is meant to be. I have found a peace about our transition here and as I sit now looking at the ocean and the horizon I feel so lucky :)

Miley Kate Beshore

2008-08-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon Miley joined this crazy family. Our new niece came in at 7 pounds 5 ounces, 19 inches and as cute as can be. Samantha and I once again (Ollie is two weeks old) sat at the hospital and waited...but this time we had Miley's big brother Jack to keep busy and we HAD to stand at the door and hear the first cry.
Once again thankful to be here...

First cut

2008-08-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

Logan had his first haircut this week and at 16 months it was definitely time.
He wasn't liking it at first, but give a kid his first sucker and snip snip old hair gone, new big boy cut here!

Balboa Island

2008-07-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

One exciting thing about living in So Cal now is sharing with my kids the places I went as a kid. One very special place to me is Balboa Island. I grew up going in the summers and for many years have enjoyed time with our families. The kids have not been for awhile, so the four of us ventured out...and we had a blast!!!
They rode their scooters around the island, we went on the Ferris wheel (Logan's first time:), many arcade games...but the best was the rock climbing. I was so proud when they tried their hardest to reach the top and ring the bell. I didn't know they were so agile.
Good times make for a faster summer break

Quick Update

2008-07-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

It was a crazy weekend and Monday...
Over the weekend we had a couple offers on our house and decided to accept one.
So we are in the process of doing the paperwork and praying that all goes smoothly.
This is obviously a huge relief and I can't get over the timing that God has. If this works out we can try to find a new house of our own right in time for Samantha to start school.
And...just a few short hours after all of this was going down my baby brother welcomed his first child into the world. Oliver Walden Savona was born yesterday July 28 at 12:14 YEA! Samantha and I were there when they announced it was a boy and his stately name :) Just another wonderful feeling and confirmation that we are suppose to be here.
We are settling in sort of, our belongings arrived last Thursday and we started to unpack, but now we are in stall mode. Living amongst boxes is not new to us so we will take it one day at a time. The kids have become themselves again and have enjoyed their new room and more importantly the beach! I love summer!

It's all about family

2008-07-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

Since we have been away from California and specifically family for 9 years these past two weeks have been soaked with catching up. I feel like I want to be with people whenever and wherever...and it wasn't until last night that I realized not only am I not leaving and that we will be seeing people all of the time, but I also remembered that it is nice to have routine and consistency for the kids!
Other than maybe two days, we have been leaving in the morning and carrying them in sleeping at night. Our days have been filled with pools, beaches, church, cousins, friends, house hunting...all things that are exciting.
Now I am ready to settle down, relax, and enjoy what is around me. I think the hustle and bustle of New York still is roaring inside me and here it is definitely more calm and mellow.

I have two very pregnant sisters-in-law and I am waiting for the excitement of having even more family close :)
See Jonathan and Quinn's blog left below for baby bump comparisons
Can't wait to see their faces

Transitioning

2008-07-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well we moved to California on Tuesday and it has been an adventure ever since. It was so exciting at first to get off the plane see my dad and father-in-law, sun shining, energy up...
We went to our new place and the kids jumped around we unpacked a little then my parents took the kids for a couple days as I got the place ready.
This was before jet lag, organizing, grocery store, buying a car, exhausted kids, time change and just general moving craziness.
Don't get me wrong we have family here and without them the stress would have built up, but I never quite expect the emotions that arise whenever we move and reality sets in.
I am so thankful to be here and yet the "newness" of it all sets in and I find that I miss what I had a week ago (or month ago) the familiarity of life.
So I am adjusting along with the kids and with the help of wonderful parents, brothers, sisters, and nephews :) (and our view of course) we will settle in.

Miss you NYC friends, more to share later!

countdown

2008-07-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's official it is our last weekend as residents of New York.
Wow
Not to be melodramatic but is is hard to believe that we will be leaving Tuesday morning on a one way to Southern California.
So this week we have enjoyed the weather and my mom's help and company by breaking up the packing with trips around the city.
We spent a day downtown at the South Street Seaport, we awed the waterfall installations and had some pizza on the pier...we even took a quick peek at the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park. (which we hadn't done since our first month here :)
We also ventured to Central Park for a fun day at the fair, a wonderful dinner at the Boathouse and a leisurely walk home. All of the things you take for granted become strangely exciting.
Can't wait to see family and friends next week

Milestones

2008-06-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

Even though it seems like all we think about these days is our move it was important to me to really make sure the kids have a good adjustment and end to our time here. Over the last couple of weeks we have been such lucky parents. In such a short time we have had a birthday, a preschool graduation, piano recital, preschool musical, tap recital, 2nd grade "publishing" party and end of our three year run at Public School 199 :)
I know this is just the beginning of so many events to come in the next 18 years and I know every parent is as proud as I am, but I realized that I was not the only one that had a life here. The kids will miss their friends and be missed in return.
We are so blessed...

Our Terrace Topper

2008-06-23T08:07:00.000-07:00

This past warm and breezy Saturday night our dear friends here in the city gave us a beautiful send off. A little over twenty friends joined us on the Ireland's terrace for a perfect combination of delicious food, great cocktails, and amazing company. It was fabulous and I am so incredibly thankful for each person that came. It occurred to me once again how lucky I have been here and how each person can touch your life in a different way. I don't think I saw Jim all night, but I know he feels the same when I say we are truly going to miss it here.

Hopefully more pics to come...

Samantha

2008-06-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

When did I become old enough to have an eight year old?
This weekend Samantha had a birthday and all that it entails:)
Here's a short summary...
pool party, 6 girls (seems small right?) the level of noise is indescribable,
one ice cream cake, three pizzas, one plate Jello Jigglers (per Sam's request) and some watermelon thrown in.
one baby brother following every move, the other baby brother wide eyed and exhausted
a perfectly calm husband/dad that cleaned up too! I know!!!!
It was a great five hours...
Then on to Sunday, the "real" birthday.
And lucky Samantha, since it was Dad's day too they went to a Broadway show, "Young Frankenstein"
I consider it a job well done and better get ready for next years bash
(which in New York isn't to soon :)

thank you holly

2008-06-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

It seems as of late we are trying to squeeze all things New York into our schedules before we depart.
My good, great, wonderful, true friend Holly took me to The Plaza (yes Eloise's abode)
for afternoon tea. It was all that we wanted and more. We sat and chatted without one interruption, it was divine. Then we ventured out and did some damage on 5th Avenue because we would never enter these stores with children and strollers...we could hardly bring ourselves to go home.

Late Night and Update

2008-06-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday afternoon Jim and I ventured out and saw a taping of David Letterman. His studio is near Times Square so it feels very "New Yorky"...standing in line, watching tourists get so excited, and buying a mug after as a keepsake :) It was a fun afternoon date. Can you see me under the marquee?

I also thought I would share an update on our move (that's why I started the blog in the first place :)
We are in the process of making some major decisions right now. Our place has been on the market for about 2 months and while we have had MANY people see it, no offers yet. So instead of being anxious and worried we have decided to set a move date and get to Cali some time in July. We will rent there until our place sells. The market is slow everywhere and we know that in time we will sell ours (easy to say, hard on the nerves)
I guess the biggest change that has happened is that we decided to move closer to family and the beach and not to Claremont, closer to the school where Jim will be. He will have to commute (40 minutes?) but we thought if we are moving clear across the country we wanted to be by the beach, or at least near it, in a place where we have always wanted to live - Newport Beach. So now all of the excitement has returned for me. We found a couple great schools for the kids and we will be so close to family and friends it makes the move bearable. We have really been sad as we have pictured leaving our life here...but the beach is calling! :)

Our fun trip

2008-06-02T16:17:00.000-07:00

We have been home from Texas for 5 days and this is the first chance I have gotten to actually sit down, think, and share some fun from our trip. Every Memorial day we go to Gonzales, TX. It is about one hour outside Austin, it is hot, dusty, and buggy...
But we love it! The kids get to swim, ride on the tubes, and best of all play with their cousins and friends from California. It made me more excited for our move which is drawing closer.
One highlight for Samantha was the BB gun that her Mimi bought her. She's a good shot, were we impressed or terrified? :)

A good day

2008-05-21T18:21:00.000-07:00

For three years I have been lucky enough to be apart of a neat Mom's group every Wednesday morning. It has been a blessing to me and to Trey and this year to Logan. It was a sad day as I said goodbye to many good friends, once again feeling thankful and overwhelmed. What redeemed the morning for me was a small performance by Trey and his class. What a joy!

Thank you to those of you that have been so forthcoming in being a mom in this city and all that it comes with. There were some weeks I may not have made it if it weren't for your prayer and support. Love you...

Trey couldn't stand still it was all about the dancing!

Springtime in the City

2008-05-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

My two favorite times of the year in New York are October and May.
Lately we have been out taking advantage of the warmth, the colors, and the fresh air.
I am thankful for smiling kids running and playing in the grass in the middle of this enormous city.

Proud

2008-05-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

What a great Mother's Day.
I am so proud of Samantha. Her piano recital was wonderful!
Happy special day to Mom, Cathy, Jamie, Nicole, Katie, and almost Quinn:)

p.s. we had a couple showings today on the house...please pray for good responses

Ups and Downs

2008-05-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how in one week your emotions can be all over the place depending on your circumstances? A few things to share...
Sad when my brother left but thankful for him being here
Frustrated that the house is not showing as much, wondering when it will sell
Glad that less showings means less hard core cleaning :)
Tired at the end of a long day of two different schools, piano lessons, poopy diapers
Excited as my cousin comes in town
Sad at mom's group knowing that I am leaving these amazing friends, grateful for them at the same time

All of a sudden it's Saturday night, tomorrow's Mother's Day. Yea!

Hey, Ya'll

2008-05-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

We had more visitors this weekend, my brother Adam and niece Madi came in from Texas and my cousin Randy, from California. What a blast!

It made me think of all the places we have lived in the past ten years and how many people have come to visit. From Boston and Naples, to Los Altos and New York we have been very blessed by the support of family and friends. Each and every time we venture out to see what the city has to offer, luckily NYC never disappoints because between the last couple months and the next couple months we have a stream of people :)

I love walking around with loved ones as they view the city for the first time. All of the things we take for granted you see in a new light. (Besides the crowds in Times Square! :-(, the throw up Trey left on Fifth Ave, and the line at the discount tickets booth)...
Once again I try to savor the moment. What a little life we have created here and thanks to all of you who have been able to share it with us!

Logan

2008-04-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

The third child, he's teething...and loving it!

Spring Break

2008-04-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

Spring break is usually a little daunting...how do you entertain 3 kids for 9 days? Well between the sun coming out, my dad being here, and Jim having a couple days off it was wonderful!
We had a Met (Metropolitan Museum) week :)

We went out to the Cloisters, a Met run old monk monastery that was beautiful! It is perched up at the tip top of Manhattan overlooking the Hudson. What a neat little escape from the city. The building was really amazing and I'm glad we visited before our move.

A couple days later after being inspired by a friends pics :) we went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and visited the roof deck. The kids loved it! On top are three Jeff Koons sculptures, one being a huge yellow aluminum dog. So fun! The view of the city is also breathtaking and we sat, ate snacks, and enjoyed our surroundings.
I wanted to share a few pictures. In the top one Jim took a picture of our reflection in the sculpture titled Coloring Book :)

After a long walk home through the park, a quick stop for ice cream and flower picking we felt completely satisfied putting our feet up and enjoying some quiet time.
Thanks dad, thanks Jim...

ABD

2008-04-25T04:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at 4:00pm Jim presented his doctorate proposal. He is now officially ABD (All But Dissertation) Yea!
I got to go to the presentation and he did amazing! Calm and confident he spoke for the exact 20 minutes showing how much knowledge he has on his subject (biography and case study on 19th century artist-teacher George Wallis), yes I learned a lot too.
During the question and answer period he was exceptional also. It was the part I was nervous about :)
I was so proud. I couldn't help but think just how far we have come in our 12 years together.
So in just a few short months Jim will have his Ed.D. And I'll be married to a Doctor (well, sort of)
Love you and good job Jim!

Papa

2008-04-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

This week Samantha is on Spring Break and my dad, papa Paul came to visit.
Yea! It has been sunny, warm, and wonderful. It is so nice to have a break from the norm. The kids are stuck to Papa like glue and we can be out and about for hours.

We continue to have many showings on the house and are so thankful for that, but will be very grateful when it sells and we can go back to being our normal messy selves :)

Since my dad has been here the move has become more exciting. I can't help but talk about what we will be doing, looking at houses, going to the beach this summer, the kids spending weeks at a time with my parents...

Thankful and excited!
(especially the above moment when I was cooking dinner by myself!)

An uphill battle

2008-04-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

I was watching Logan the other day at the park. He has only been walking for two months but he acts like he owns the playground. After some meandering around he finally spotted the slide. This was his first experience with it but of course from the stroller he has countless times watched Samantha and Trey.

What is the first thing he does? Tried to climb UP it of course. No matter how many times I took him away from it and showed him something just as cool, he found his way back, over and over climbed and fell, climbed and fell.
So I couldn't help but relate to this. I often want to try the hard way even though I know I won't make it. Out of sheer determination I try to keep the perfect house, be the perfect wife or mom, even try to make the perfect lunch. I know that I can't but when I fail I get back up and try again. When will it be enough?
I trust that God's love is enough but I can't seem to mirror that in my life. My body can't seem to follow my heart's intentions. Calm down, enjoy the moment, follow Him instead of the world.
Maybe, just as Logan learned that day, you can only fall so many times before you have to take a step back and decide if what you are doing is worth it. Then move on hopefully a LITTLE wiser than before.

In these pics... He was on his own, then Samantha tried to lend a hand, then of course Trey gave a push also :)

Good friends

2008-04-19T06:43:00.000-07:00

We have been lucky to meet some pretty spectacular people in our neighborhood. And I was reminded this week just how thankful I was that certain people are in our lives and just how much I/we will miss them. The week can fly by and without these people I may not make it.

KJ who faithfully walks 22 blocks every Wednesday to mom's group. You know I would be in a taxi if it weren't for you.
The Bazants and our wonderful carpool schedule to the East Side for Preschool.
Holly for being there when ever I needed including a healthy lunch once a week.:)

The list goes on...all the smiling faces during the winter when the cold feels like it won't end.
Then the sun came out this week it has been unbelievable. I think my kids caught on that I want to enjoy the spring in the city before we move because we have spent countless hours outside. And with hardly any complaining we are just basking in the sunshine.

p.s. the kids friends have been amazing also. Trey loves his preschool friends, seen here enjoying a play at Central Park and Samantha and Nathan doing an experiment on a trophy (safety goggles and all!)

Silly :)

2008-04-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Jim and I went to a movie this weekend (Smart People, it was pretty good) we saw this preview and thought it was hilarious.
It may not be your cup of tea but it cracks our family up.

click below for 2 minutes of nonsense
Trailor

Terrificly Tired

2008-04-10T16:09:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you've had one of those days that are so fun and yet so exhausting. Both yesterday and today we were lucky enough to spend quality time with friends and have amazing spring days.
Every morning my family cleans the house. We all do our part to get the everything in order so that it can be shown at any moment. Since it just went on the market there have been many people in and out the last few days, so we have stayed away...thankfully the weather has cooperated.

Yesterday after school we spent a few hours in central park. The somewhat warm temperature (and the Cates family) lured us to the carousel and a picnic in Sheep's Meadow. The kids loved it! Their spirit of adventure came screaming out as they collected sticks, tried to catch a lizard, and soared around on the horses. You know it's a good day when even they want to get in the bath, the dirt was caked on :)

Then today was the warmest we have seen, 75, sunny and beautiful. This time Holly and Sacha joined us for some midtown fun at Bryant Park and the New York City Library. Logan had his first ride on, what Trey called a "chocolate" horse? and Trey got to see the big lion at the library.
We had a lovely time, but once again came drifting home at 6:00 ready for a peaceful bath and bedtime.

We hope to take it easy this weekend! But are thankful for the time outside.

A day in the life...

2008-04-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

As we have been talking more about the move, Jim and I had an exciting conversation about buying a car. Why exciting? I haven't had one for three years and sometimes when I leave the house I feel like a walking chauffeur for my kids. I make sure we are set- jackets, drinks, snacks (diaper bag!), best route, who will walk who will ride,can we stop by the park...I know it's not all that different than any venture out but at least in the 'burbs we can hop in the car!
The thought of the stroller falling over one more time because I have piled to many things on it... I'm ready for a change of pace.
The things I love about the city, walking, shopping, etc...can also be the things I hate about the city. Each day Trey, Logan and I pack up and go up to the school to get Samantha. She has classes a few times a week. On Mondays she has tap so I had to share with you this picture because Logan and Trey were beyond cute. They stood at that door for close to 20 minutes watching Sam dance and cheering her on. And just imagine that right beyond them is a very crowded NYC dance studio, they could have cared less :)

Date Night

2008-04-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Most Saturday nights we have a sitter. :) Last night was one of those nice, almost spring, New York nights. A little chilly, a little windy, but totally perfect for walking around. Jim was at the Whitney Museum Biennial finishing a tour and I was delivering a meal to a beautiful mom (welcome baby girl Boone Ireland) when we both hopped on separate trains and met up in SoHo.

Before I knew it we were sitting at Balthazar, an amazing SoHo restaurant, that I'm not even sure how we got into on such late notice. But it didn't matter. The food was tasty, the atmosphere was cool and we enjoyed a peaceful, long dinner.
The best part was when the couple next to us (of course you are only 12 inches from the people beside you) asked if we were married or on our FIRST date. Did we look that happy and relaxed?

I am so thankful for those nights out. It gives me a fresh perspective on our relationship and gears me up for the coming week of craziness with the kids. Isn't it awesome to come home to sleeping kids that somebody else put to bed...:)

Next stop...Claremont?

2008-04-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

It is weird to have to start looking at communities and houses again. We began our search of the outlying areas of Azusa a few weeks back. So far we like the city of Claremont. It is home to many small colleges, it has a cute downtown, and somewhat affordable housing (it is Southern California). Jim and our friend Mark took a drive around it when Jim was interviewing and had a really good sense. We won't know for sure until we go out as a family, but in the meantime...
I begin the task of finding schools for the kids, a nice neighborhood to settle down, and hopefully an overall feeling that this is where God wants us.

Jim took the offer one week ago today and we put our house on the market Thursday. Scary! We know that God has a plan and we feel confident in this move. But I can't help feeling nervous and a bit anxious.

The sun came out today in the city, I feel change coming...

The recurring question

2008-04-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

In the last few days many people have heard of our move and have expressed different emotions. It is amazing to me to see just how many people that we have connected with here, from Samantha and Trey's school, to church, mom's group, our building, the neighborhood. I never thought when we were planning our move here that we would be surrounded by so many cool people.

So I have noticed in all of these conversations recently that the same question keeps coming up.
"Are you excited?" I thought I would answer this now because after reflecting I realize that my answer may be different than I thought. I have been saying, "Yes! of course! I can't wait to be by family." And while this is very true I realize as I am saying the words just how much I will miss this city! I'm not just talking about New York City (which of course is fabulous :), but of the life we've created here.
After all this time of wanting so bad to get back to Cali it occurred to me that I need to remember to live in the moment. Sounds simple right?
God brought us here for a special reason and it is through all of these friends around me that I see why. Yes of course Jim has faithfully worked on his doctorate, but I needed a life also. I am eternally grateful for the people that invited me in, it made the city feel not quite so large. Instead of always waiting for the next thing, at least for right now, I am going to live in this city and have a blast with all of these amazing people around me.

And then after we say goodbye I can look forward to the next phase.

More about the job...

2008-04-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

Jim had two offers and decided to take the job at Azusa Pacific University (about an hour outside LA). This is where Jim and I went to college, 10 years ago this fall! We met there in 1995, fell in love and got married right after I graduated. We are anxious to be back on campus. There is a neat community that we hope to become connected with again. Plus, the biggest bonus is that Jim's sister, Christine, is a freshman there this year. We will have so much fun with "Tia", Samantha is especially excited.
Jim will be an Associate Professor, teaching Art History and running their gallery. He will be amazing at APU, he has so much to offer! I hope to continue taking classes for my Master's and I really want to be in one of Jim's! :)

We're moving...

2008-04-02T17:27:00.001-07:00

So it is official this weekend Jim accepted a new job and we are off to California.
I am so excited and yet we've created a wonderful life here and made some amazing friends.
(One of those being KJ who urged me to do this blog so that family and friends can stay updated, thanks,friend).
Every once in a while check my site and we will let you know all the ups and downs of moving from coast to coast.
Here's a pic of Jim and Logan. It was a great weekend for both - Logan turned 1!

Things we will miss in NY!

2008-04-02T07:48:00.001-07:00