The Fast and the Furious

We leave today for an Arkansas "birthday trip" for Kayleigh. We're going to vist the fam so Kayleigh can spend birthday time with everyone who can't drive all the way to Dallas to see her next weekend. We're bringing along Gamma and Papa, so the merriment will be complete.

It's going to be a jam packed weekend. We won't get in until late this evening, and knowing the girls the way I do, they'll be so jacked up on being the centers of the universe that it won't be easy getting them down to sleep tonight. We'll be staying with my lovely sister in law who always opens up her house for the tornado that is our family when we come to town. Baxter's parents will be there too, so it'll be a full house. Tomorrow, we'll head on over to Aunt Kitty and Knuckle Roy's house where we'll get the very first glimpse of the growing stomach (Kristen's too) and glow of the mini meow that's on it's way. That's right people, I'm going to be an aunt. I've waited in eager anticipation since my sister's wedding day for these months. Part of me wants to laugh as she retells the stories of wretching in the morning and evening, but that just wouldn't be right. I'm supportive and wonderful, so I can't do such a thing. And when she can no longer see her feet (they'll be so swollen, she won't be missing much) I'll rub them for her. And when that baby gets here, and she 'll be one of the best moms around, I'll finally get to see what I've been waiting for. Then I'll swoop in and take away her little one and hog it the whole time I visit, just the way she used to do with mine. It's the circle of life. But I digress...

We're taking Horton family pictures tomorrow night, (for once I'm not behind the camera!)and there should be enough people to wrangle all my children. Usually, I hate trying to get the girls to cooperate for photos. The usual progression is first, they make ugly/funny faces at the camera, then when they're told to just smile, they sulk and turn away from the camera, then eventually they run screaming away from the camera with tears and snot flying from their face, and I'm left to sit and wonder why I even bother. But with so many people to help, surely it'll go better this time around, right?

After pictures, we're doing cake and ice cream for Kayleigh. She'll get presents (probably too many because she's spoiled), and then they will all be so hopped up on sugar and wrapping paper fumes that they'll be up for another 12 hours. And we'll finally settle them down just in time for the drive home on Sunday.

Then, we'll get home and I'll do laundry from our trip, and start packing for the week long adventure that is teen camp. (7 days, 5 people, how much packing is that again? no, I don't want to think about it yet).

This almost makes me want to go outside and drift in my minivan...That'd be a release.

Hot Dogs, Burgers, and Apple Pie

While you're at home this weekend relaxing and eating too much, lets' take a second and put the burger down to remember what this weekend is all about.

Memorial Day was actually originally called "Decoration Day". The graves of fallen soldiers were decorated to commemorate their sacrifice and honor their memory. Red poppies were worn as an outward symbol of respect. Today, for many Americans Memorial Day is nothing more than a three day weekend ringing in the arrival of summer. The reverence and somber recognition of what was lost has dwindled in its importance for most of us. For hundreds of years men, women (and yes sometimes even children) have put you and I and our freedom before their own lives. Their blood has been spilled in the grass, in the sand, in the air, and in the oceans. Many of them knew it was coming, and kept pushing forward anyway. Many of them were terrified yet were convicted to stay the course by their commitment. What do we say to the heroes that linger on and were somehow spared, yet seriously damaged when we don't acknowledge what they know was lost? Here's our chance. This holiday, make it about them. Enjoy your freedom, enjoy your food, but also, give credit where credit is due, Memorial Day.

Hodge podge of pictures

Good Morning from the park!


This smile's for you!



The elusive and rarely photographed Coco.




There's no better way to fly.






Find the super tired Dad...

Whoosh

Found our house this weekend. It's beautiful, it's perfect, it's just right. Made an offer, negotiated a li'l bit. Made another offer, was accepted today... We close June 29th. Just in time to get settled in for a little while before the girls start school. And before Bax and I go on our 10th anniversary cruise.. Which will be the subject of another blog at some point...

I'm loving this Crazy Beautiful Life.

Of course, this could all fall apart at any second. I realize this...
But, hey, today.. let's focus on the positive.

Keep praying.

Whoosh.

Next phase and ominous request

We now have our house under contract! This has been a truly surprising, fast paced week. Now we begin the process of finding ourselves a new home. This is what I have been waiting for! Although, now I have to say that the worrier in me has kicked in. What if I find one I absolutely love, and our contract falls through? What if something happens and there's a problem lurking only to surface during our inspection? It's just who I am. I worry, a lot. Ask Baxter. He's tired of hearing me whine. But that's the beauty of me... I guess.

If I could just have a moment to request something else from you guys (this is a side note). For the next 8 or so days I would like to have your prayers. I'll go into more detail later, but for now I would just like to keep it under wraps. It's something I don't want to think too much about (worry worry worry) so I'd just like to know it's being taken care of. Please?

Exciting stuff. Can't wait to see what happens next.. sort of.

House Update.

Our house was officially on the market on Monday. Our MLS listing was up Monday afternoon. By yesterday at 8:30 p.m. we have had 4 showings and 1 OFFER! It's a great offer and we're hoping to tweak it just a teensy tiny bit before we end the negotiations. It looks like we'll be outta here by June 26th. Let the fun house hunting begin!

I'll update again if something happens. We are so excited. I'm still cautious because this is so crazy.

If you're curious and wanna see my listing, facebook, myspace or email me and I'll send you the link. I don't want any crazies knowing where I live.

Worth a thousand

Fitness and accountability update

As of this morning, I have lost a total of 35 lbs (bringing my weight to the lowest since 9th grade or so). I can run 5K in 35 minutes, and am on track to pick out a 2 piece swimsuit for the summer.

Now what I really need to work on is scheduling my sweet tooth splurges to once a week, instead of when I get stressed out. I am an emotional eater. I also need to find time to fit in weight training. Come on summer!!!