Emma's new cousin...

Here's Kellen! Isn't she the cutest thing! Emma and I had such a great time in So. Cal. and we can't wait to go back and see her again.

Our Visit to California...

For the past 8 days, Emma and I have been back in California smothering our newest addition to the family with kisses. It was so much fun seeing Kellen and helping my sister out while her husband was away on business. I would get up (most the time) and help my sister during the night with Kellen, if anything to just be a support to her.

Jay and Emma shared a room, and were excited about having a roommate; it took a few nights to settle into a good routine but they both seemed to enjoy the experience.

It was really nice to see my family, brother Dave and the boys, in addition to seeing some of my girlfriends. It felt like a vacation- getting those things I miss that are not in Texas - Coffee Bean! After we left the airport and before we arrived at my sisters house, I had stopped by Coffee Bean and got my favorite drink. Aaahhh... :)

So, now we settle back into our daily routine in Texas and things are going pretty well. Emma is doing great in preschool, she's taking a cheerleading/gymnastics class through The Little Gym and loves it. She did her first back flip yesterday!

I'll post some pictures when I get them downloaded and you can see what life is like in Texas.

Until then...

Most Frustrating...

The other day Barry and I went to get our Texas drivers license and cars registered. We went to the Department of Public Service first, for the license. However, we had to get the cars registered first. So, we were off to the local court house to stand in line for an hour and a half and then once we were at the window being helped, it took another 45 minutes! We finally finished that process and two days later went back to the Department of Public Safety and got the drivers license. Whew! I felt like I was giving up my last tangible link to California - my roots. So, now I have Texas plates on my car and a Texas license. Hmmmmm, what's next? Cowboy boots and a hat? The rodeo is in town and it's a big deal here, so I'll get back to you on that.

A Simple Day...

... Sleeping in (till 8:30 a.m.)!
... hot cup of coffee
... listening to the giggles of a four old playing with her daddy
... reading my book
... folding a load of laundry
... going through baby clothes to take to my sister in California (can't wait)!
... being thankful for all God has given me

A Baby is Born...

My sister delivered their second child on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 and she had a GIRL! I was so excited that she had a little girl, Kellen Rae Lawrence. I'm counting the days when Emma and I get to go back to California and spend nine days with them. Yeah!!

Emma keeps talking about how excited she is to give her new cousin her baby clothes. I know I'll have fun going through them and remembering the days when Emma was that small and use to wear those outfits. How fast it goes.

I'm getting over a sinus infection, which was no fun and really made me fell yucky, but the Z-Pak works great!

Emma's requesting princess cookies, so I'd better go bake them so they'll be ready by the time our pizza gets here...yummy Papa Johns, our favorite.

Thunderstorms

I was just thinking the other night, while we were having a thunderstorm, that this was our fifth storm since we've been here in Texas; very different than California. However, it's a little fun sitting next to the fire in the fireplace and snuggling down in a blanket. The storms don't seem to last very long, so that helps.

Today we are having Barry's office and the craft room painted. The color in Barry's office turned out great, mine on the other hand - well it's a little to much yellow. So, we will be re-painting at some point. We've been having a good laugh about it. I guess that's what you get when you don't sample the color first.

Tomorrow I hope to get to a Bible Study that I've wanted to attend. I missed last week because Emma was sick, so this week I think we'll make it.

We've been visiting churches and Emma really liked the one we went to on Sunday, Graceview Baptist Church. The lead pastor was not there on Sunday, so we'll go back next week to hear him. There's certainly a lot to chose from out here.

Better run for now. Hugs to all!

Settling In...

We are in our new home and settling in. I have two rooms left to unpack and then I'll be done. Whew!

Emma started preschool today and she did really good considering her days are longer. She attends M,W,F from 9-2:30. I picked her up a little earlier, but her teachers said she did really well. Yeah! Emma said they did a lot of fun things today.

I think I'm going to join a bible study, 'After the Boxes are Unpacked.' It's based on the book and some churches in the area offer this study for those women who have relocated and adjusting to the changes of moving. In fact, the women's ministry leader I spoke with at the church, use to live in San Bernardino for several years and even new of Mariners. What a blessing to talk with someone from Texas who was familiar with So. Cal.

Well, I'm going to tackle another room. I'll write more later.