Monday, May 29, 2017

Moving Day

So many mixed emotions over the last few weeks that definitely culminated today.  After several trips to the storage unit and one final trip to our new place today, our previous home is empty.  I had a hard time holding back the tears as we left for our new home.  We don't close until mid June but because of our schedule we needed to be out earlier.  So minus a few more trips to take care of the yard, we are officially moving on to our next adventure.

Lots and lots and lots of great memories in that home.  As we cleaned and packed up a flood of memories and emotions came over me.  Remembering things that happened in each room.  The firsts that occurred in the girls' rooms.  The time spent with friends and family.   Below is a letter we wrote for prospective buyers.   It definitely helps sum up some of my feelings.

Dear Future 4218 Home Owners,

We have lived here for 11 years and our family has grown over those years!  We have loved this home and put our hearts and sweat into it.  It is hard for us to leave this home and our amazing neighbors but the time has come for us to move on.  We are hopeful that a family will come in after us and continue to love this home, neighbors, and neighborhood.

We have spent so many hours at the park and splash pad up the hill; many miles walked, biked, and ran on the trail and roads in the neighborhood; many hours sitting out with our neighbors who will be forever family to us; and so many evenings spent in our backyard playing, eating, celebrating birthdays, and fire side conversations.  

Almost everything has been updated or has been replaced in our 11 years here, such as Marvin Windows, LP Smart siding, high efficiency Rheem furnace, Rheem AC, granite countertops, all new carpet, new appliances and paint throughout the house. With all of these updates, our utilities run a little over $200 per month on average. The last thing that we would like to do is refinish the wood floors; however, we’d like to wait until after we have moved out since we have 2 dogs and 2 kiddos who like to run laps around the stairs.  In order to keep them nice and new for you we will have them refinished professionally near the closing date. 

It has been a hard decision for us to decide to sell but our family is in Kansas and it is time to move back towards them.  We will never take for granted the neighbors who help shovel snow, neighbors who jump in to help move, and neighbors who spent time loving on our family.  We will take memories from this home with us forever.  We hope that you make your own memories in this beautiful home!  Matt & Megan

My focus over the last month and what will be my focus going forward is doing the right thing for my family.  We'll be making some big decisions over the next year about where and what will be our next move in this adventure.  We are praying that the Lord will lead us and open doors.  No regrets!!

Monday, May 22, 2017

School Carnival 2017

Ava and Ella had so much fun at the school carnival this weekend!!  I love that we're part of a school that does such fun stuff for kids and families.  And I am so thankful for the friends Ava has made over the last 2 years!  It's beautiful to watch these sweet friendships form!







Sunday, May 14, 2017

Mother's Day...One of my Most Favorite Days of the Year

Mother's Day is now one of my most favorite days of the year.  However, for what seemed like years it was one of the most difficult days of the year.  I longed to be a mom and wondered why "everyone but me" was able to be that.  I had this desire in my soul and knew that I was destined to be a mom some day.  But God and I would would often argue about the timing of this desire.  Those were some dark days.  Some of what I pray were the hardest days of my life.  

But God was Faithful!!  

My girls with me at church this morning

He guided us through and brought us (from across the globe no less) 2 gorgeous, beautiful, strong daughters.  I simply cannot imagine my life without these 2.  I thank God everyday for these 2 amazing blessings in my life.  I have no idea how I deserved to be there Mama; but here I am.  I feel like I fall short so many days; but still they love me.  And no matter how hard the days are sometimes I will always be thankful for my greatest blessings!

My gifts from my precious ones

Picnic with my loves



Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Happy 4th Birthday Ella Bella!!

I have no idea how my baby girl is 4, but she is!!  And she is happy to inform me all the time that she is not a baby :((

Her birthday was on a Thursday this year, but that didn't stop the fun.  Her and I made and decorated cup cakes for her to take to daycare for her friends the night before.  Ava, dad, and myself woke her up on Thursday singing "Happy Birthday".  We certainly have a girly 4; going on 14.  Ella quietly pulled her blanket up over her head and rolled over to face the wall about half way through!!  We finally got her up and going to school; with a smile on her face.   I was able to get out of work at a decent time and took full advantage.  I picked up Icee drinks for the girls and we headed to the park.  For dinner she requested Spaghetti and Meatballs from Carrabbas!  Our girls have expensive taste but that's because we don't do fast food...we're created monsters!!  Our waitress was awesome and without asking brought over an amazing chocolate dessert with 4 candles on it at the end of our meal.  Ella thought this was the best and we all enjoyed!!  We finished off the day opening gifts.  All in all, she thought it was a great birthday!


Ella and her buddy, matching on her BDay!




Her birthday wasn't done there though!!  We had her party on Saturday with family in town, friends, and neighbors.  We are so blessed!  I love watching others love on my kiddos and them love on others.  






 



We are beyond blessed!  Love you Ella Bella.  Happy Birthday!  May God bless and protect you this next year.


Tuesday, May 2, 2017

School Picnic

School Picnic Day today!!  We were blessed with beautiful weather!  Ava was so excited to have us at school.  I love being able to see her during school and I LOVE that she loves having us there!



                              Ava and Claira BFFS :)

     Ava and her amazing teachers!!  So thankful for them!!