Our move

Six years ago, almost down the the exact month, Derek and I told ourselves that we would move into the big model in our neighborhood someday. A month ago, we did just that. My two years of school, late hours, and endless studying has definitely paid off. We finally have enough space for us to live comfortably without feeling so cramped. Doubling in size is definitely worth the hassle of moving and money spent doing it. As for our other house, we currently have a renter and it's working out so far.

I think we timed it pretty well. Although housing prices are continuing to fall, we are in the house we've always liked and we are on a lot with no neighbors behind us which is nice. We looked at a couple other houses and even put an offer and got accepted on another in Villago, but in the end, we decided to stay in our neighborhood since Taitum's school is right in the center of our development. I think changing schools can be a difficult thing for kids and I wanted to try to avoid that if at all possible. So here we are....still lots to unpack, but the necessities...atleast in my eyes, are complete. The entire house is painted (with exception of bedrooms/bathrooms), the kitchen is done (appliances are now matching) and we finally have our playset moved over from the old house!! Here are some pics of what it took to get the girls' playset over here! Thank goodness for Papa having a friend with a crane business, otherwise this could've been quite a task for daddy!!

I will post house pics tomorrow!!

Pinetop 2009

This winter (January 9-11)we took a little weekend trip with the family up to Pinetop to let the girls play in the snow for the first time together. Derek and I drove the girls up Friday night to have an early start Saturday morning ahead of the rest of the bunch. Poor Ry got car sick as soon as we got out of the canyon. So we got to indulge ourselves with the lovely smell of her puke the rest of the way up to the cabin. Our friends Margie and Jesus were gracious enough to let us stay at their family cabin with them that night. Aside from Rilyn's fall down the spiral staircase at the cabin (which is evident in the pictures), we all had a good time. Our girls had so much fun playing with their girls. Thanks Haro bunch!!

Saturday morning my parents and Brent and Traci arrived and off we all went. The girls were so excited to go out explore nature in freezing weather. They got to sled down the hills, eat the snow (we avoided the yellow snow at all costs) and build a snowman. Later Saturday night, Aunt Tiffy and Samantha came and woke up Sunday morning to spend the day sledding down the hills with the girls. Taity and Ry enjoyed every single moment. It was fun to be able to spend quality time with the entire family.
That's my High School Musical impersonator: "Sharpay"

Auntie Traci & Brent (this is what they will look like with a family of their own someday)

Rilyn all bundled up

We are blessed with the best parents/grandparents in the ENTIRE world...honestly.

Going down all by themselves

Aunt Tiffy helped them make their snowman!

Look at Ry's poor little nose...all scraped up :(

Taitum catching some air!

My baby all banged up & still cute as ever

Getting Started

Well, I've decided to start blogging as a means of a journaling keepsake for my kids and family. I love to scrapbook when I've got the time, but rarely journal on the pages. So this is where I've decided to start doing it. I figured it's a great way to ring in the new year. Can you believe it's already 2009! WOW! Time flies by way too fast.
I remember when we had our first child everyone told us how fast she would grow. And here we are, 6 years later with TWO little girls. Taitum is 6 and Rilyn is 2 1/2. They are my world. Although they may not bring out the best in me at times...they are my life and I would be lost without them.
Taitum is my sassy little diva who has an answer for everything and an attitude that's mommy's payback :) She is half way through 1st grade and is doing extremely well. She's a social butterfly and loves to run the show everywhere she goes. She's in gymnastics, dance and cheer and loves them all, but we're at a point now where she needs to make a decision and pursue one whole-heartedly. Hopefully we'll come up with a decision early this year and let her flourish in whichever she decides.
Rilyn is my little sweetheart, although she's learned a thing or two from big sis and has become quite the bossy little entertainer! She has the biggest heart and is full of love! She LOVES to sing and dance and perform in front of anyone who will watch. She might just be out little actor on Broadway someday. Lipgloss, or any makeup for that matter, is a must with this child! There is never a dull moment with her....EVER!
As for mommy and daddy: I went back to school for the second time in 2006 to pursue my nursing degree and have recently got my first job as an RN at Banner Good Samaritan. I am not sure I've found my niche yet, but I'm enjoying the experiences and knowledge along the way. My husband Derek is an amazing man....especially since he has been able to put up with me for the past 7 years! He's been working for the Wal-Mart Distribution Center since they opened here in Casa Grande and is content with where he's at for now.
We have definitely been blessed with an awesome family and all the amazing people that we surround ourselves with. It's our life and we wouldn't change it for the world!