My Birthday

I had a wonderful birthday last week! Justin surprised me with a new pink beach cruiser bicycle with a trailer for the kids. I was so excited! Jonathan and Kate really like riding in it. We've had fun riding around Ladera. Justin, great job!! My parents babysat for us and we went out to dinner at Cedar Creek. It was a delicious meal. Thanks to all my family and friends for making me feel very loved!

Mission Accomplished!! (Sort of)

I did it!! I finished my Birth Wisdom CPSS training course. I took the final on Monday night (2 1/2 hour test- very hard and detailed!). I am hoping to attend a couple births early next year and complete my CPR and NST certifications. Then, after I have done 12 births, I will be a certified CPSS! I am so thankful to have found God's purpose for me outside of being a wife and mom. This will be my focus when my children are much older. Until then, I am hoping to slowly gain experience each year. I learned so much and from the best, most educated teachers. Being a birth doula encompasses my love of physical movement/exercise, nutrition, working to achieve a goal, one on one relationship building with other women, encouragement, and pregnancy and birth. Let me know if you have any friends who would let me observe their birth or intern as their unpaid doula!

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving day. We celebrated with my side of the family the first half of the day, and Justin's side the second half. Lots of good food was enjoyed! It was an answer to prayer that Kate was well enough to go out. Just the day before she was throwing up, with a slight fever. The worst only lasted 24 hours. We were hoping she would turn around, but preparing to split up and have one of us stay home with her. We are so happy that didn't happen. Two special things about this Thanksgiving: we got to celebrate in my parents new home in Coto de Caza, and Justin's new niece Julia was born 2 weeks ago. Jonathan and Joseph did some exploring on their own in the Goodman's house and Jonathan said "Don't worry, we're not afraid of anything!" Kate enjoyed running around my parents house moving candles and trying on shoes. Both kids loved eating the little tangerines my mom had in the centerpiece!

Not Just One Firefighter, But Two

Jonathan and Kate had so much fun playing outside today. They love to race down the sidewalk, sometimes getting ahead of me to try to ring a neighbor's doorbell. Sorry Stacy and Teppi! Kate loved wearing Jonathan's old fire pants. What a cute pair they are!!

School for Jonathan

Jonathan and I went and observed in his classroom at St. Johns. I really liked the teacher. She had great energy, was down on the floor playing with the kids, and handled problems like we do at home. The kids were SO cute. Six boys and four girls. They all were very friendly towards Jonathan. He loved the huge fire truck jungle gym on the playground, and equally loved the tiny potties in the bathroom! He is excited to have two schools- one at church (he calls it "my school") and now St. Johns. I am thankful for God's guidance. Waiting to start until January was the right decision. He is ready and excited! Surely there will be some bumps along the way, but I believe it will be a great fit. 

Learning to Smile for the Camera!

Britney Spears What?

Just kidding! The kids love helping Justin move his car. Sometimes the littlest things are a highlight of the day!

Halloween

Jonathan was a fireman and Kate was a dalmation. They trick-or-treated down our street with their best buddies next door. Kate really understood choosing a candy and putting it in the bag. However, sometimes she would try to exchange a piece from her basket for the piece someone was offering her! They didn't care much about the candy after trick-or-treating was over. The candy fairy came the next day and took the candy and replaced it with a toy! I loved seeing Kate run in that dalmation costume- the tail would wag! And Jonathan is so confident as a firefighter. He loves pretending!

Welcome to our new blog!!

We've finally done it! I've been wanting to start a blog for a long time. I am excited to share our family life with you all. I hope to include lots of pictures, stories, and information on things we are passionate about.