Sold......

Since we close on Friday, I think I can officially make the announcement without jinxing anything.  Craig and I received an offer on our house on our anniversary (Dec. 6).  The last month and a half has been bittersweet.  We were very exited to receive a good offer in a time when the housing market is bleak; however, we just broke ground on the home we are building in Springfield and we didn't know where to go until it was built.  We've decided to rent an apartment and let Jack finish out the school year here before we ultimately head down to Springfield when the house is done in May.  This weekend (Jan. 21) all four of us will move out of our beloved home on Necessary court and go "back in time" heading back to an apartment.  We know it will be a little tight with the wee ones, but we're sure it will be fun too!

Taking things Retail

I just finished up my first retail order!  I still can't believe it!  If you haven't visited it yet, you have to check out the new shop The Navy Knot.  They are an adorable new online store offering preppy, nautical themed gifts....and so much more!  My sets may not be up and available just yet, but I'm sure you can find a few little "somethings" in the meantime.  Happy Shopping!www.thenavyknot.com

For Sale....

After much debate about when to go, it's official, we are moving to Springfield, MO.  This will be an important and essential move for Craig's business and with the housing market at its current state, we decided to go ahead and list the house.  We are in no rush, but will go when the house sells.  I must admit I have bittersweet emotions about this.  I am very attached to Kansas City and our house.  I tried to decide this morning if it's the house I love so much or the memories we have made inside of it.  There are so many beautiful memories inside these walls and it's probably knowing all the ways we have been blessed here that make it so hard to move on.  Like a pet you love very much, I would love to think my house went to a good owner.  (I know....I'm kind of crazy, but I want someone to love it and take care of it.)  If you know of anyone who is looking, please feel free to share our house with them.

http://www.reeceandnichols.com/MO/Independence/64015/homes-for-sale/4921-S-Necessary-Court-66554601/popup

Jack's Artwork....

I found this on the front of Jack's door the other day....anyone else think he is trying to make a statement here?

Maren Goes to Preschool!

It was probably the impending move to Springfield next Summer that motivated us to send Maren to preschool this year.  (We had made up our minds we weren't going to send her until she was four.)  We loved Jack's preschool and teacher so much, we just couldn't stand to think she wouldn't get to experience it.

Surprisingly for me, it was a lot easier the second time around.  I remember the tears shed when Jack went, but this time it was just exciting for all of us!  (Maybe because when you are sending your eldest to school all day everyday, a couple of hours two days a week doesn't seem that long???)  Either way, she was ecstatic to be following in big brother's footsteps.  She loves her teacher and has already been telling us about her new friends.  Go Maren!

First Day!!!

It finally arrived; the first day of Kindergarten!  You'll have to pardon my emotions this morning.  I am so excited for Jack and his year to come, but the Mommy in me is struggling a bit too.  I found myself welling up with tears driving to Jack's school this morning.  Suddenly something hit me, how did we get here so fast?  It seems like just yesterday I was holding a new baby in my arms and all I could think was, "He's just so perfect."  It seemed like we would have forever together before he started school.  Like jumping into a pool of freezing cold water, it hit me today that those five years flashed by in the blink of an eye.  I know I'll "warm up to the water," and get used it to it, but today it's really hard to imagine my boy is so big.  It's yet another reminder in my life to cherish everyday.

On the other side of it, I must admit I am overwhelmed by pride in our family.  I remember when Craig and I started talking about having kids.  We knew we wanted to have me at home with our kids, but like most families, weren't sure we could do it financially.  We took a big leap of faith and prayed we could make it work.  What a great feeling this morning to know that we made it.  We've made cuts here and there, but we've never been happier to make them.  I feel so blessed and fortunate that we could give this to our kids.  

We are so happy to have Jack in a school we love so much!  I am always amazed at everything they do to "love on" their kids.  Today Jack had a picture of his family on his desk in case he missed us.  His preschool teacher will be in his room to help the kids transition, and his teacher handed me the most beautiful poem to read on my way home.  It is the most comforting feeling to know and trust his school and teachers so much.  I know he will love his knew teacher (we already do) and have so much fun in the upcoming year. 

Jack surprised me this morning, he's usually always my kid waving me out the door...."see you later Mom!"  This morning we got ready to leave and he looked me and said, "I don't want you to leave."  Bless his little heart.  Moments later he was better, but I think he's got this whole "school" thing figured out now.  I'm already anxious to pick him up and hear how the first day went.  I'll post soon to let you know.  (Thanks for letting me get all those emotions off my chest.)

Kindergarten Bliss

Jack has received two "care packages" this week in anticipation of Kindergarten.  One came from Miss Jen and one from Aunt Erin, and both have helped to get him excited about Kindergarten.  For a bit, Jack became worried that he would be away from home for so long during the day.  He wondered what Maren and I would be doing without him.  It's been a topic of discussion many a night in our household.  After he opened his "care packages" yesterday, the fears seemed to disappear.  Just wanted to say a big thank you to Miss Jen and Aunt Erin for your thinking of Jack; we love you both!