This Makes Me Happy!

Today was the most perfect day. The weather stayed in the 60's and 70's and was absolutely perfect. We went garage sale-ing this morning, and who knew, but it was actually really fun! Izaiah did GREAT. We got coffee, took a stroll through Tower Grove Park, and browsed the farmer's market. A chocolate shop just opened right by our new house, so I made a point to make friends with the owner at the park today when I saw their booth. So what if I had ulterior motives? ;) We played at the park, rode bikes, splashed in the fountain, and shopped for furniture. This is my kind of Saturday:)

6 more days until we're homeowners!!!!

Izaiah and a Gun

We went to the mall today to make a quick return. On the way out of Cabella's, we let Izaiah out of the cart to look at the turtles. He ran off and we couldn't catch him. We both chased him all around the store. He grabbed a gun and threw it. He ran out of the store and back into the mall. Finally he lost a shoe, tripped, and was caught. Come to find out, Cabellas does not like it when you throw their $1000 guns. They weren't very cooperative in helping us catch him, nor were they helpful when I begged them to issue a Code Adam. Maybe not such a kid-friendly place. And maybe we will never let Izaiah out of the cart - EVER - again!

My Baby is 5!!!!

My parents and my brother came for Izaih's fifth birthday. Actually, my mom and brother stayed for over a week, which was sooo great. We celebrated by taking a tour of Busch Stadium, spending the afternoon at the pool, and then cake and presents! It was wonderful!

Cake compliments of Mark's wonderful and talented friend, Kim

We aDORE my grandparents!

Hannah, Carlos, and David lounging poolside

Izaih was sitting so nicely in time-out...I just couldn't resist a picture :)

Me, Mom, Izaih, and David at Busch Stadium

Mark's brother, Clayton, and his wifee, Melissa
They were actually here a few weeks earlier but we wish they were here for Izaih's birthday, too!

We can't WAIT for Baby Jillian to get here!!!!

Our House!

We bought a house, folks. It all happened really, really fast! We just happened to find it the day my mom came with us and the Realtor, which was perfect. We loved it and knew it would go fast, so we started writing up the contract real quick before the next scheduled appointment came in. If you know me, that's not my style. However, the seller, who lives in CA and rehabs houses all over the states just for fun, said that the reason he decided to rehab this one is because he knew the next-door neighbor and thought he was incredible and really full of integrity and would watch the house while he was gone. Good neighbors are almost more important than the house itself, so that was a big key point. Plus, it's on a cul-de-sac, which is almost unheard of in the city. The home has been totally gut rehabbed and it designed really cool! It's in Fox Park (if you're from STL, it's nestled between Soulard and Lafayette Square) deep in the city. It - is - STUNNING. 117 years old, so it combines that old-world charm with the modern twist I love. We close on July 24th and plan to start moving in that day. I am freaking out just a bit. I can't believe we're about to be homeowners! That officially makes us grown-ups!:)

On a different note, Mark got promoted at work, so he is excited about that. The Crisis Nursery is such a blessing in our lives. Mark could not ask for a better agency to work with. I have 2 job interviews lined up. One is with the Children's Division and the other is a second interview with a women's domestic violence shelter. Izaih starts Kindergarten in one month. The adoption process has begun. All these changes - AGHHHH!!!!! But I love it:)

Living Room

Family Room

Dining Room