Long Time, No Post

The little ladies and I landed in Illinois just under two weeks ago. It was actually one of the easiest and most laidback flights I have experienced...yes, even with three small children.

Knock on wood, but I am that lucky parent who everyone cringes when they walk past and wonder if they will be seated next to the mother with too many chilfren. BUT after the flight I am also the mother who gets told how well her children are behaved and how many of the travelers never even knew that there were children on the plane. It's a great feeling.

The girls have all adjusted well to the weather. Obviously we have a few runny noses and the occasional cough, but I'll take that over double ear infections and the flu any day!

I got my first hair cut in over a year...yes, I'm a little pathetic...and I feel great. I also bought a new pair of leather boots that I am just in love with. As great as everything is here, I'm really missing my husband. He's doing great and is going to do his best to come visit for Easter. That would be such a blessing.

Xoxo

Illinois Bound

Yes, you read that correctly!

In a matter of 5 weeks I will be packing up our 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, full of junk house and placing everything we own in storage. Then I will be flying over 2000 miles alone with 3 little girls. It's sure to be a busy few weeks and to be honest, I'm a little anxious about it.

Why are making this giant leap of faith??

2011 is a big year for both of our families...

My sister-in-law is getting married and lucky for me, I am a big part of getting everything together. I have parties to plan, dresses to try on and favors to make.

My mother-in-law was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. After what we thought was a successful surgery, we recently found out that she will need to go back in for another followed by a few weeks of radiation. Thanks to everyone for their kind emails and comments. We appreciate the prayers.

My brother is going through a lot with his wife right now. They are separated at the moment and their three beautiful kids are stuck in the middle of it all.

My little sister, by a whole 7 months, is also getting married in the next year and again I will be planning parties, trying on dresses and making favors!

My baby sister is turning 18 and graduating from high school. {sigh}

My parents will be celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary...what an accomplishment!

On top of all of that, Johnathon will be going out to sea lot with work-ups and preparing for his upcoming deployment. He will have yet another advancement test and will be working harder than ever. We've discussed our options, thought about all of our possibilities and we understand what we are sacrificing.

It's going to be a long and hard year for us, but we genuinely feel like we are making the right choice for our family.

Johnathon will come and visit a few times throughout the year and we will keep in touch through care packages, cards and Skype. With any luck, he should be able to attend ALL birthday parties and be with us during our special moments.

Zzzzz...have I bored you enough yet?

I'll be nice and leave you with a picture of my big girls. They are growing up so fast.

Allison & Alyssa

FYI: I have very few pictures lately because my daughters enjoy running around naked. What is a mother to do? :)

The Vault: Emma's Open House

While in Illinois, Johnathon and I were lucky enough to get to go to Emma's 1st grade open house!! She was so excited to show us her classroom and where she went to school each day.

Bubby, Emma & Sissy

(that is what she calls us)
Then I so rudely got scooted out of the picture so she could have one with just her and Bubba...WHAT!?! haha

We also got together and surprised my grandma with a cake for her birthday!!

Isn't she awesome?!

Sad

We'll be going home to California soon.

I'm going to miss this place!

We have arrived!

We made it to Illinois safe and sound on Monday. Since then, however, we have been going, going, going non-stop! The four hour flight was easy and quick. It actually ended up being close to 3 hours and 20 minutes and all three girls slept at some point.

The weather in Illinois has been the hardest thing to grasp. It's H-O-T HOT! The humidity alone is killing me! I thought I was coming to Illinois with a little sun, but in the last two days alone my 'tan' has more than tripled. I tried! :)

The kids are getting along nicely. It's as if no days have passed since they last played with their cousins. Everyone is so happy to see how much the girls have grown and to see what they have learned. It's been fun.

I took my sister-in-law, Becky's, maternity pictures and I think they turned out pretty nice. I'll post a few of them in a couple of days.

xoxo