I Feel Better

The other day, Monica, one of my sister-in-laws said something that made me feel better. She had asked if I was ready for Christmas. I told her that I hadn't even started to wrap! She replied, "Well, then we know where your priorities are ...(looking at Steven)". "I'd be worried if you had everything done!", she continued. Oh, that was so good to hear. I had been feeling overwhelmed ... so late with decorating, sending Christmas cards, etc. Plus, this month is Dave and little David's birthdays so add stress about looking for "nothing" (that's what Dave says he wants for his birthday) and planning for David's party! This means the house again hadn't been kept up well ... clutter, dishes and laundry piling, on and on and on. Indeed, the kids and Dave are at the top of my list so the rest will have to wait when I can get to them. Glad to know that someone understands. Thanks Mon.

Lately my parents and sister have been great about baby sitting a few hours here and there so I can go to work or run some errands. Of course, Dave's been the biggest help. He's definitely putting his share in. I tell ya, he's Superman!

Thanks family! You guys rock!!!

Moving Day, What A Feat!!

I had mentioned awhile back that we had bought a one story house in the same city but south up the hill. Dave's good friend had been house sitting it for us. The initial plan was to remodel it to make it bigger (currently 1600+sq ft, 2 bedrooms) by adding another bedroom, a couple of offices, bigger kitchen, and so forth. The drafting of the remdeling took much longer than anticipated and with our up-coming baby the plans changed again. So now 1 1/2 yrs later Dave felt it best to move now before our son is born and while I'm far enough along to be able to, plus be settled in before David starts kindergarten. We will eventually remodel but will have to wait. Anyways, yesterday was the big moving day. I totally filled up the 2900+sq ft house so it was quite a feat to pack and move all our stuff. A few of my church friends helped me pack last Wednesday but most of the packing ended up on the shoulders of my dear sister-in-laws, Tish and Monica (my mother-in-law and I did what we could to help them; and my parents took care of the kids for me). Tish and Monica were efficient and organized. I could not have done it without them! I am sincerely grateful to them!

Dave had some help from few of his friends and few of my churh friends (thanks guys). There were at least three of them at a given time. The 12 hr move proved to be very tiring for them and still there were more stuff left. My dear husband didn't stop working that whole time and today continues to put the furnitures together and settle us in our "new" home. He finds the energy even when there's nothing left! Seriously, he's the most masipag (closiest English translation I can come up with is super unlazy) person I've ever met. So glad to be married to him.

I was surprised to love our new home so quickly. I had forgotten how beautiful the view is from here. I liked the one story layout and the short distance to get from one room to another. A smaller home suits me and I think will prove to be a humbling experience for me. I certainly have to down size my stuff and only put in the essentials and somehow get rid of the rest. It will be a task but I'm determined to do it.

I left my camera at my sister's so I don't have any pictures of the move. I'll try to post pictures of the new house later.

Happy Birthday Mon!!

Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law, Monica. She turned 40 something yesterday, but she looks 20 so here's 20 things I love about her:

1. She's great with kids
2. She sings cool children songs to the kids
3. She's got a warm smile
4. She's got pretty hair
5.. She's a fun, young grandma
6. She's a wonderful mother to 3 girls
7. She's a happy hostess
8. She loves to shop like me!
9. I love getting welcome hugs and kisses from her
10. She's genuinely nice
11. Everyone's welcome to raid her fridge or pantry
12. She's beautiful
13. She's family oriented
14. She has this awesome big calendar that has everyone's b'day & special activities
15. She has the cutiest outfits!
16. Her home is the central family hang out
17. She's friendly
18. She's got the latest scoop on the family
19. She's got a kid friendly home
20. She's an awesome sister-in-law!

Love you lots Sis!