Packin' it up ...

The packing of many boxes began today and we are gradually taking apart what we have called home for the past six years. I have to admit, it's a bit harder than I expected. Yes, I'm ready to move. Yes, I can't wait to start the next chapter of our life in a new house. Yes, I love ... love ... LOVE our new house. But this little house holds a lot of memories and that's the part that makes it difficult to pack up our cozy home.

Abby thought she would skip her afternoon nap today to help us pack a few boxes. (How thoughtful, right?!) At first, she wasn't so sure about going inside the box, but after being tempted with a ball she was good to go! Then she realized she could use the box as a drum and had a bit more fun with that. Needless to say, we packed more tonight after Little Miss went to sleep.

Tomorrow more boxes will be packed and I'll be stopping over the new house to take a few photos for the blog. Stay tuned ... and please stay patient. I'll be back to regular blogging as soon as this craziness fades! :)

Thankful Thursday

Bedtime is coming early for me tonight, so I can kick this cold/allergy/sinus bug before it takes over my body. Plus tomorrow night is the Sugarland concert, which I've been excited about for months now. Can't wait to sing out loud, drink some cold ones, and enjoy a night out with the ladies!

On this Thankful Thursday, I'm thankful for ... and I'm keeping it simple (don't I always?) .....

1. The hug and kiss I was able to give to Abby before she went to sleep tonight. I finally mustered up the strength to watch the memorial slideshow for Baby Cohen, and well ... let's just say I didn't hold up too well. Tears took over, sobbing began, and I silently said a prayer for his family and for our sweet Abby. I'm so thankful I have her to hug and kiss each day.

2. The new house is finally coming together. Appliances are getting delivered, landscaping is almost done, carpet and paint are set for next week. If all goes well, we could start the moving process in just two weeks!

More pics to come!

3. The hubs and I have been able to make decisions on the new house without arguing. Its been so nice to just agree on certain things. I was honestly thinking it would be a bit crazier than it has been. Having the same taste on furniture, appliances, and paint colors definitely help!

4. Neighbors who care and are there to help. Today didn't start off too well ... we were late getting out the door this morning, then I locked my keys in my car at Abby's daycare. Thanks to Joe - he went to our house, grabbed my spare keys, and brought them to me.

5. Modern Family. You all know the show. It's hilarious and I'm so ashamed to say I just watched for the first time last night. Can't wait for Wednesdays!

Wordless Wednesday - Sunday Football

Ahhh, Sundays ...

A day to relax, wear our comfy jerseys, and watch some football!

We need to start fitting church in there.....

Daddy's a Giants fan, so naturally Abby cheers on the G-Men!

Mommy & Abby sport matching Eli jerseys.

Lunch at a local restaurant/bar for some wings, greasy food, and beer sweet tea!

"Touchdown!"

It didn't take long for Abby to learn this... thanks to Daddy!

Beachin' It ...

Since we've been home, the weather here in the sunshine state has been absolutely beautiful. It's still warm and in the 80's, but with low humidity and a delightful breeze. Florida's Fall is on the way and I'm so looking forward to it! On Saturday night, Jim and I decided to take Miss Abby to the beach since the evenings are way too nice to stay inside. We left the kitchen a mess and headed to Siesta Key to enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! (Can you tell I love where we live?!) Even though Siesta is a mere 10 minute drive from our house, this was Abby's first trip to the beach. Well.. besides the time she was four months old and my brother-in-law's wife and I decided to attempt a photo shoot. Yeah, let's just say that was a complete failure but we shared many laughs that day! Remember that Melinda? Anyways ...

It was time to kick off our shoes and relax

& have playtime with Abby at the beach.

She loved the sand, the way it felt, and the way it tasted.

She loved the wind, the seagulls, but was unsure of the water.

She may not like the water, but Mommy loves those chubby feet and toes!

Abby is a beach baby!

I didn't have my good camera out because hubs was worried about sand, so pardon the good ol' point and shoot. And too bad this weeks lesson for my photography class is "light." I could have used some of those tips and techniques! Next time :)

Thankful Thursday - WHAT?! It's FRIDAY!?!?

I totally realize that I've been such a slacker in the blogging world lately. We have been so busy unpacking, picking out paint colors for the new house, grocery shopping, laundry, my photography class ... and entertaining Little Miss in between. I promise I'll get back to taking more photos and will post some at the beginning of the week!

Some things I'm thankful for this Thursday ... uhh, Friday.

1. Spending time together as a family. It's the little things that are often missed during the time that we are apart. Little things like playing outside, taking Abby to the park, having breakfast together ... oh, how I've missed being a family.

2. Abby's daycare. She started back on Tuesday, going two days a week. As much as I love being home with her, it allows me to get certain things done ... like my hair. Oh my hair is so thankful to be healthy again!!! (more to come on her new classroom later)

3. A dear friend of mine and her husband have had some pregnancy complications. I have been praying hard for them this past month and it was such a blessing to hear the news that she is seven weeks pregnant! The couple is still a bit apprehensive about it as they've experienced loss before. Please keep them in your prayers ... stay healthy baby!

4. Being home means getting back to eating healthy. Veggies, more protein, fruits. A few cookies in between. Perfect!

5. Abby's top teeth are coming through. It has taken forever for those suckers to make their way through the gum. She's been cranky, poor thing ... but the front two are through and the two on the sides are almost there! I'm hoping she is more comfortable now ... I can't imagine that feels too good!

Wordless Wednesday - Miss You Gramma!

"There's no place like home ...

except Gramma's."

~ Anonymous

There is NOTHING like it!

During the long months of the baseball season, it's such a blessing to be near my family. Especially now more than ever it makes a huge difference. Not only am I surrounded by help with Abby, but everyone gets to see Abby more than usual. My family was there for many firsts this summer. First steps, some sign language, a few new words and sounds. They were able to see her personality evolve and watch the transformation into a toddler. It's such a special time for us to be together and it's always hard when it's time to say our goodbyes.

However, there is nothing like coming home after being away for so long. Nothing like enjoying a hot bath in your bathtub and sleeping in your own bed. Nothing like catching up with best friends that have been missed so much. There's just something "right" about us living here in Florida, even though we are away from our families and missing them so much.

Needless to say, I've been busy unpacking, grocery shopping, and visiting with friends. Jim gets home tomorrow and we can officially begin our offseason together. Let the moving process begin!! Hopefully sooner than later .... I promise to add some new photos this week. Before I hit the sheets, I've got some work to do for this photography class. :)