Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of our family and friends! We send big hugs and love to each of you!

Christmas in Show Low

We were so grateful that we could get the whole family up north for 4 days to spend at my parents cabin. We had a fantastic early Christmas together! We played lots of games, ate tons of great food, had late night chats, opened presents and sang happy birthday to baby Jesus. It was a memorable time for all of us!

My mom used her creative juices to surprise all of us with matching pajama pants that she made herself for our "Christmas Eve." You're cute mom. :)

It was especially cool that we got to have our first "White Christmas" together as a family. A big ol' snow storm came in and being native Phoenicians it was a real treat.

We especially treasured our time together as Kevin and Jill are leaving in February for Korea to teach English for a year. We are going to miss them a ton! It is such a blessing to be part of a family that really enjoys each others company and are not only family but friends. :)

City of Phoenix Light Parade

We had a great time at the City of Phoenix Light Parade on Saturday (even if I am the only one smiling for the camera). :) There were many cool floats that were all lit up and big balloon characters that Caeden really enjoyed. We spent time with our friends after for hot chocolate and decorating sugar cookies. So fun!! We will be heading up north today to celebrate Christmas with my family up in Show Low for the weekend. We'll keep you posted with more fun pics when we return.

I lie awake and wonder.....

Well here I am, another middle of the night post. Once I awake in the middle of the night I have the hardest time shutting it down again. I lay there wondering how I should decorate baby's room and the new family room. I create a list of to do's to be ready for Christmas with my family in Show Low next weekend, and Jay's side on Christmas day. I think about the parts and pieces I need to get ready for Cora and Nick's wedding on the 18th. I ponder baby's name. I pray. I eat. I think about all the things I didn't get done the day before and what awaits me for tomorrow.
I know there is a lesson in contentment I must learn. Just yesterday a lady at Caeden's gymnastics class asked me when I was due, I told her and I said I was looking forward to having him out already. She said, "enjoy your pregnancy." Oh, I thought. Then I was reading in Mom and loving it to cherish all the moments because they go so quickly. I am definatly in a rush mode of late, thinking, "how can I get everything that needs to get done done?" Even with Caeden I was trying to hustle him along yesterday to get some more errands off my list. I was standing at the car waiting to buckle him in and finally told him "ok, mom is going now." He started running towards me with a purple lantana flower in hand. He said, "mommy I picked this for you." I almost started to cry. One at how bad I felt for trying to have him join my rush and two at what a blessing his sweet reminder was to slow down and enjoy the moments. I am frusturated with myself because I know I will be discontented as long as I continue to focus at everything that needs to get done and the things that will be happening in the next few months. How do I relax long enough each day, each moment to appreciate them before their gone? Should you be looking for something to pray specifically for me on... this is it. I want to be filled with constant joy, patience, love and contentment. I don't want to waste any of my time (or my boys time) because I am so focused on what all we still need to do. As I write I think I am going to not worry about completing my Christmas decorations this year. I have 6 boxes in our shed and presently we only have out C's nativity play set, a wooden nativity of mine and the tree with lights (no ornaments). Could I be so willing in this busy season of preparing for my son to come (and HIS) to let go of the way things have always been decorated? It will be interesting to see, but something has to give so that I have more to give.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Hello one and all! Happy Thanksgiving! What a beautiful day it has been here in AZ. We have so much to be thankful for! I hope and pray that each of you have been able to enjoy the company of those you love and care for.
Many of you have been asking how my birthday was, thank you, I had an amazing Birthday!! I was inindated with phone calls, emails, and texts, thanks to each of you! I had a fun party at my parents, a fantastic massage and a trip to die for with my hubby. If anyone is ever looking for an amazing place to stay in Sedona then look into the L'Auberge resort it was beautiful! It sits right on Oak Creek, and the campus is loaded with greenery, trees, fountains, lights, and red rock. Our room was "uber" cozy and had patio seating looking out to the amazing scenery. They had a free wine, cheese, fruit and beer gathering on Saturday night, yummies for breakfast and had Rocky Mountain choclates with a birthday wish waiting for me in our room. We enjoyed sitting by the indoor fire playing cards, eating, watching movies, taking walks, and working out. The whole thing was perfect.
Oh.. another funny from bud. It was chilly in Sedona and I was wearing a scarf on Sunday when we got home. Caeden saw my scarf and said, "mommy, why are you wearing a towel around your neck?" Kids say the cutest things!
May you continue to enjoy this amazing Fall season and continue to focus on all that you are thankful for. :)

A couple of cute Caeden stories

1. Yesterday I was sitting at the kitchen table eating my breakfast and Caeden was standing next to me rubbing my belly saying hi to baby brother. Out of the blue he asks, "mommy, do you have a weiner?" I replied, "no." He said "why not?" I said, "girls have vaginas and mommy is a girl." So he asks, "Does Ella (his little friend) have a weiner?" "No." "Does Miss Heidi (Ella's mom) have a weiner?" I reply, "No no girls have a weiner... grandmas, aunts, they all have vaginas. Boys have weiners like Josh Josh (his best friend) and Daddy, grandpas, and uncles. Even baby brother will have a weiner." He replies, "yeah, a little weiner. Ha ha ha." The questions ended so I think we've got that settled. :)

2. Caeden and Daddy went shopping last night for Caeden to get mommy a card and a little present. When they got home they went into Caeden's room and shut the door. A little while later Caeden came and found me. He had a card in his hand, wrapped in an envelope that read Mommy. He said, "mommy, I wanted to get you this Sponge bob square pants card for your birthday, but you can't have it yet because it's not your birthday so I am gonna go now and hide it. You can have it on Friday." :) I went out and asked Jay, "did you guys get me a sponge bob card?" He said, "yes.... did he tell you?" I said "yes" and Jay said, "he picked it out on his own and is very excited about it."
I love little ones and the joy they bring through their realness.

The latest...

Here we are at 29 weeks. The fun thing on the timing with this little one is that this is my last week of being 29 (and I am 29 weeks) and I will hit 30 weeks next week as I turn 30. Something fun that I will always remember. Speaking of turning 30, where does the time go? When I was younger I would look at women in their 30's and think wow, they are old. As I approach this new decade I have to say I feel way younger than I thought I would. My actual day is next Friday the 21st and I am going to have a massage during the day (a gift from my parents) and then a family party Friday night with food and games (of course.) Saturday morning my boys are going to make me a birthday breakfast so we can celebrate as the 3 of us. Then Saturday afternoon we will drop Caeden to my parents and Jay and I are heading to L'Auberge de Sedona for a little get away. The resort looks so cozy and beautiful!! I am super excited to have time with just my hunny to take walks along Oak Creek, play games, talk, and eat. A time I will treasure before we have 2 little munchkins running around.
The house is continuing to come along. Grandma Shelley has been so sweet to come a few hours each day this week to get caulking done between the walls and base boards and do some initial white painting prior to the color going on. Jay and U.M. will continue work on the bedroom door, closet door and tile this Saturday. Thank you family!
Well, here it is 11:45 p.m. and this mama should be sleeping. Funny how my energy can go in spurts. Last night I couldn't keep my eyes open at 9:30 and tonight I am going to have to force them shut because I have so much going on in my mind. :) Hugs to all! Love, me

This munchkin is a mover!

We will hit the 7 month mark this week! Whoo hoo! In the last few days this little tiger has decided to kick and hit mommy with a couple of jabs that really hurt. :) He is moving and shaking all day long now, and that is my favorite part of being pregnant. What an amazing miracle God created to have a woman carry a child and have that little one grow and develop for just the right amount of time until they can do life on their own.
I am officially huge. I have everyone asking me when I am due and when they hear January most of the time it is met with an "ohhhh." I measured yesterday and I am officially 40 inches round and have months to go. I just look at it like I am providing a wonderful amount of space for my son to have fun in. :) It is getting harder to move around and I am feeling less and less comfortable, but still grateful for the blessing of this boy!! The attached picture makes me appear much smaller than I am. :)

He is approximatley 14 inches long and around 2 plus pounds. The books say he could survive with medical help if born at this stage, that amazes me!! We will have another Dr.'s appointment this Wednesday to hear the heart beat which is always fun!

His room is coming along. Uncle Mark and Daddy worked hard again yesterday and now all of the floor boards and his bedroom door are in. I can't wait to have his room painted, floors cleaned and furniture put in. That will be so fun!!

God is so good!!

As many of you know Jay and I stepped down from our roles as leaders at our last church and we have been seeking where God would want us next. It has been quite a journey for the last few months, and an amazing blessing came this morning!! We attended a church close by our home and were so powerfully hit by God's peace and love through the people we encountered. We thoroughly enjoyed the time of worship and it was almost as though the message was written for us. I had decided earlier in the week to get on my knees and ask God where he would have us go and we would do it. He answered my prayers and we were blessed today! God knew what we needed and he lead us to His Living Streams. Jay and I are not comitting to anything yet but will continue to seek God whole heartdly week to week for what He desires. He knows so much better than we do!! I want to encourage you. Your Creator is in love with you! He wants the very best for your life and He wants to take you there! Get on your knees and ask Him about the things you are wondering about. I believe He desires to talk with us, to whispher in our ears, to hold us tightly and remind us it's all going to be ok with Him. I know for myself there has been some junk that has had to get washed off from the outside in, but when I am willing to endure the process I get cleaned up and am ready to be a blessing to someone else. Let Him clean you up. Let Him hold you, and direct you. He has great plans for your life! He loves you!!

I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am Lord for your presence, and your grace. I am so grateful for the way that you answered the cry of this daughter's heart. I can't do life with out you!! I am so in love with you!! Thanks for everything you give!!

Bud's actual birthday... today!

Caeden is officially 3 years old and I can't believe it!! He and I had a fun day together. We enjoyed a casual morning in Pjs and then he said he wanted to go to the mall to the play area, to see the puppies and have McDonald's fries. So we did. After nap time daddy came home and we got to open more presents. One of his presents was a new big boy booster seat for the car. He has actually been asking for one for awhile as he thought he was getting too big for his other seat. He was very excited to be using the same strap and buckle that big people use. He got to take his first ride in it to Chuckie Cheese where we had pizza and played lots of games. His favorite was riding the horse that was actually racing on the screen and would move depending on how Caeden moved the reigns. He is starting early with a love for horses like his daddy. Jay thought it looked so fun he actually took a turn too. Fun night with my boys!

Caeden's Birthday party

We celebrated Caeden's 3rd birthday on Saturday with both sides of the family and his 2 best buddies and their families. We had a great time at Roadrunner Park, eating lots of food, playing games and opening presents. Caeden was blessed with lots of presents that he has been enjoying the last couple of days. One of the pics is bud with Ella and Josh wearing hats he got from Josh. He loves to wear hats at Josh's house and now he has his own. Other pics....bud with the cake that Auntie Jillers made for him (it was a Sea World themed party), Caeden hanging out with the ladies and wearing Uncle Dutches shades while he tries out his new trike. It was a great day!

Wow, what a work week!!

This has been a super duper work week at our house. Last Wednesday night when daddy got home from work, Caeden and mommy took our hammers and daddy an ax and we chopped down the half wall. Then Saturday Uncle Mark and Jay were hard at work buying more supplies and getting more odds and ends prepped so that the mudding could take place. Then on Saturday we were blessed by Uncle Mark who said he and his construction partner Dan could come out this week and work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Needless to say they have been our angels!!! It sped our project way up!!! They were able to do all of the mudding, corners, and texturing in both rooms and the hallway. Oh my goodness, it is looking great!!! So 5 of the last 7 days we have been in construction mode around here, thank you Uncle Mark!! Jay and U. M. will get together on Saturday, November 1st to do base boards and put in the bedroom door and closet doors. Then Jay should be ready to tackle a whole lot of painting in the weeks to follow. :) Thank you God for providing everything we have needed for this project, you are ohhh sooo good!!

Grandma Phene

We are quickly approaching my son's 3rd birthday which is so fun! At the same time I have started to realize it is a difficult time for me too. My grandma Phene passed away from her Earthly life last November (the day before my birthday) and entered her heavenly home. The last day that I got to have fun with her before her stroke was at Caeden's 2nd birthday party. So as his birthday has been approaching I have started getting really sad and missing my Grandma a lot! Isn't it funny how dates, occasions and life can trigger us in different ways? So as I am journeying through my emotions it was suggested that I take the time to write the reasons I am thankful for her and the relationship that we had. I share with you today....
I am thankful for....
* our long chats
* the words of wisdom she always had to impart
* our dates together
* the black and white way she saw so many things
* the love she showered on those she came in contact with - family, friends and strangers
* her ability to laugh and have fun with life
* her witty way with words (yes even her use of the word shit)
* her positive out look on situations and circumstances
* her love for new things... travel, restaurants, clothes, etc...
* the fact that she would sit in her prayer chair day in and day out talking to God about her concerns, hopes, fears, and dreams (for her own life and so many others)
* her heart was to see how she could bless others
* she was so devoted to her family
* she loved God, trusted in His plan (even when she didn't like it) and loved attending church
* I loved "her" smell (Oscar de la Rente) I still spray it in the air to remind myself of her presence in my life
* she always reminded me not to compare people~ everyone is unique and special, love them just the way they are.

It is said that we can become anything we want. I want her legacy to live on in me. I want people to still see the Grandma I've been so blessed by, even though she now lives with the Lord. May we all stop and take the time necessary to see who we've been, think about who we want to become, move towards that and be thankful for the people in our lives.
I love you Grandma Phene!! Thanks for helping to make me a better person, I am grateful for your life!!

Pre Birthday

Caeden and I have been attending (with our friends) a monthly gathering at the mall with Webster the Wart hog. Each month they celebrate the Birthdays of the kids in attendance. Caeden was so excited that this month he got to go on stage with Webster and everyone sang to him and the other kids. They gave him a little goodie bag to take home too. :)

Yeah for family!!

We have been so blessed by our family with the addition in our house!! Yesterday my brother Kevin (or as Caeden calls him Dutch) came for the day to help with the dry wall and insulation. I was so proud of my hubby and brother for tackling a project they had never done before and I think it looks fantastic!! When they were finished last night Auntie Jill came to give her expertise in room decorating and she and Jay moved the furniture into 3 different locations. We have settled upon what you see in the picture. It feels nice and cozy. Next Saturday Uncle Mark and Jay will continue to work on the closet, door and maybe "mudding" the dry wall. Yeah, for you little one, we are so excited to be doing all of this to give you a place in our world. :)

The beginning of October

I love when the month of October rolls around. I enjoy that our AZ weather starts to cool off and Fall is in the air. We also have a very festive Oct, Nov, and December with lots of family Birthdays and holidays and Jay and I have our anniversary too!! I love the Fall and beginning of Winter.

We have 2 pictures today. One of the house, as the framing got completed this weekend. And two of bud holding a Birthday count down that he and mom made this week. He will be 3 on October 28th and boy is he excited. Every time we ask him what he'd like for his Birthday he says cake, ice cream, and candles. I am enjoying that he is that simple right now. I know in the years to come I will be given lists of the latest and greatest toys created that he just has to have. :) Until then I will make sure my bud gets his cake, ice cream and candles.

Here's Baby Murphy

We had a second ultrasound yesterday and it made me so excited to meet my little buddy in a few months!!! They say he is healthy and everything is working wonderfully! Caeden went with us to the appointment and after the ultra sound he got to help the Dr. measure mommy's tummy and put the "goo" on and use the heart beat detector. He was smiling from ear to ear!! He also got to feel baby move in the tummy last night and he's not sure what to think of that yet. :) Construction will resume this Saturday to prepare the room, yeah!!!

La Jolla.... Day 4

We headed back to Sea World today so that Caeden could see the few things he missed the first day. :) He enjoyed running around the new Sesame Street play area and was even impressed that his pregnant mommy climbed the rope nets with he and Daddy. But his very favorite part was getting the opportunity to touch the dolphins and the sting rays. He was so fascinated by their feel, he would have jumped in both tanks if we had we let him. :) By the time he was done with the sting rays he was soaked from head to toe and took one look at himself and said, "I am all WET!" It is so fun to watch children as they experience life! I am so grateful to be the mommy of such a fantastic little man! Thank you God for a great getaway and for your magnificiant creation of animals and ocean alike, I am in awe of you!!

La Jolla... Day 3

We were able to have a very relaxing day. Slow morning, early afternoon naps and then a cool overcast afternoon at the beach. Caeden loved chasing the sea gulls, climbing the rocks, running on the sand with Daddy and playing in the water with Mommy. How can you not love San Diego? This has been a perfect vacation for us!!!

La Jolla... Day2

We had a nice casual morning at home yesterday and Daddy made eggs and bacon for breakfast. Then we drove alongside the ocean to get to Sea World. The park was open from 10 am to 6 pm and we stayed from 10 to 5. It was a very fun filled day and Caeden did great even with out a nap. Through out the day he would ask to see the park map so he could tell us where he wanted to go next. I think he really enjoyed getting to be "in charge." He was his daddy's boy at the park as he analyzed every animal and encounter. He liked to sit and just watch each of the animals with out saying much of anything. As we ask him what his favorite part was about the day it keeps changing so I am pretty sure he liked the whole thing. At the end of the day we told him it was time to go because we had seen all the animals. He said, "let me see the map." He looked and then said, "No, we haven't seen these yet." He was right the only animal we skipped was the sting rays and he spotted it. :) We bought 2 days of tickets so we will most likely return tonight or tomorrow for another visit. This morning when the fog lifts we will head to the beach!! Yeah, one of mommy's very favorite things!!!

La Jolla... Day 1

We are having a fantastic time here in La Jolla!!! We are staying in an adorable beach home. We were able to walk to the ocean from our place today and we had a blast down at the water!!! Caeden rolled and rolled in the sand and chased the waves. He is a lover of the ocean like his mama. The weather is gorgeous and we are enjoying our family time!! Tomorrow will be Sea World, and Caeden is so excited!

Construction underway

Yeah, construction was able to take place today. Jay and Uncle Mark did a fantastic job cutting all of the ground work and preparing the ceiling for the walls to go up. Tomorrow they will begin work on the electrical things that need to get done to have the room function as a 3rd bedroom. Caeden was very intrigued by the process and helped out too.

Show Low with friends

Caeden and I took our friends up to my parents place in Show Low this week. We had a great time on long walks, playing at the park, going for a golf cart ride, and celebrating Ella's 2nd Birthday. Ella and Caeden are 11 months apart and could pass for siblings but are really great buddies. They get to play a few times a week at the gym in "playland" while Heidi and I work out. It's a great gig!

Let's give it a go....

Hello to all of our favorite family and friends. We have enjoyed getting updates on our friends through this blog so we are going to give it a go too. Hopefully I (Kirstin) can stay on it. :)

The latest.... We are 21 weeks along with our next little munchkin. He has just started getting really active and it is so fun to feel him growing and moving around!! Jay and his Uncle Mark are going to start an add on in our house tomorrow. Our house was on the market for 7 months and we didn't get any bites so we are cutting our family room in half and are building a 3rd bedroom. It will take a little while to get the project finished but it's exciting to think that we really are preparing our lives to make room for one more little boy. :)

We are going to take a family vacation next week to La Jolla, California. We will do the beach and Sea World and we can't wait to have some down time together in cool weather. Caeden has been asking for the last week how many more days til' dolphins and sharks and penguins and whales. He is beside himself with anticipation!! We will attach some pics when we return.