Today we’re headed to Ikea for a little hang out time and mom get together. Ikea is a great place to take the kiddos as they have a playroom where they can play up to an hour while you get some shopping done. It’s great. Sassy Pants begs us to go to Ikea all the...
Sassy Pants is having a birthday soon and I’m excited for the theme she’s picked out. It has nothing to do with Princesses or make up or dress-ups…which is a huge surprise. She said she wants a flower party…so we’re going to have a garden party in February, sort of the opposite of Christmas in...
Hi All,
Yes, a "Flower Party"! I remember Fancy Pants at Christmas telling me that she was going to have a "Flower Party" for her birthday! Where does she get this sense of style from? Hummm, it must be in her blood. What a little Fashionista!
Love it! Can't wait for the pics!
Hey check me out over at Todaysmama.com where I share a Love Mix for February. Well it’s sort of a love mix… it’s a tortured love mix. Same thing right? Check it out!
I love "Joey"! Especially singing it as loud as I can in the car:)
Tortured love songs are so much better than happy ones:)
here are some for you from my list:
"First Love"- Adele
"Bittersweet Surrender"- Big Head Todd
"Mandolin Rain"- Bruce Hornsby
"End of the Innocence"- Don Henley
"Fields of Gold"- Sting
missing you and your music today!:)
P.S. For non-tortured love songs, I love anything by Sade!
Happy early valentines!ReplyCancel
This post is for my brothers and my dad…and basically everyone else in my family who likes sports and is thinking it’s a little ironic that I got to go here instead of them since I do not have a true appreciation for the game that is baseball. Michelle, this means you’ll have to be...
Football culture is often a big-deal atlanta divorce attorneys state (maybe other than South Us ones. I really enjoy seeing the following region does not have lots of perseverance with regard to football). This particular tradition needs to help happiness to your country's group every time they have fun with, in addition to service well liked club. However, some football fans receive swallowed as well as violent.
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This picture has nothing to do with the post, but this weeks been a little slim on the Lamp cuteness front…so here you go. Thanks ya’ll for all the input on the upcoming move to Texas. I’m starting to get more excited… honestly. It’s weird being so nomadic these past few years I feel...
I did Green Dimes (which is now Precycle) 4 or 5 years ago and it made a big difference initially. Pretty much eliminated credit card applications, mailers, etc. My junk mail has started to creep up over the past year, so I probably need to do it again. I don't know how much the increase has to do with the change of the company, or if it is something that "wears off" over time.
We used catalog choice when we lived downtown and saw a substantial reduction. (The trick is save the catalogs and mailings for awhile & enter them all at once onto the website.) We haven't signed up with them in the new house and started getting a lot again. There are 'change preferences' links on a lot of the e-newsletters from stores that we get and some of them have a checkbox for no paper mail.ReplyCancel
With this last move I was shocked at how little increase there was with our junk mail. The only advice I have is concerning credit card offers. Instead of just recycling or shredding them, I open them up and mail the information/application back to them with the pre-stamped envelope. On the application I write void in red ink and then ask to be removed from their mailing list. When you mail the envelopes back to them, they have to pay postage which I assume is irksome if they are not getting a new customer. When I started doing this, we completely stopped receiving offers in six months. We get a total of zero now. It's fantastic.ReplyCancel
We did this 10 years ago with our church. It was fantastic, but a lot of work. Call them. Call them again. Refuse to accept the mail–10 years ago we could return to sender, but I don't know if you still can do that. We wrote letters to everyone and asked. The amount of work involved is tremendous, but it oh so worth it in the end. We literally have no junk mail. None. Many days our mailbox is empty, and I love it.
i saved up my catalogues and then went to the individual sites to unsubscribe. i started doing that with email subscriptions too because i was being bombarded by junky messages.
i'll probably check out precycle too, and see what else i can unsubscribe from. save trees! also, how disappointing is it to realize that more than half your inbox is NOT email from real people?
It’s a little early in the game to be saying this for sure, but it looks like the next stop for our little family is Texas. Can you believe our little stint here in Cincy is almost done? Two years goes by in a snap and we’re closing in on our final months. It’s too...
I LOVE Texas! Admittedly, there is nothing big city, foreign, exotic or glamorous about it. Maybe that's why I like it. It is just super friendly, down to earth people who have a greater appreciation for God, family and country than any of the other 6 states where I've lived. I would be happy living out my days here, but that is not likely unfortunately. I think you will love it.ReplyCancel
i am from texas!! texas is the best state. for reals. i have heard people who have only visited texas note that texans have a lot of patriotic pride, so that's something to look forward to. i'm from dallas so i don't know a lot of stuff around san antonio, but i do know some:
-best waterpark ever. though it's closer to austin, i think, so worth it. http://www.schlitterbahn.com/nb/
-best high school football. i don't know if you guys are football fans now, but if you live there, you probably will end up.
-for food, you can always use http://www.urbanspoon.com/c/39/San-Antonio-restaurants.html
texas is similar to it's own country. it seriously is such a beautiful place.ReplyCancel
I live in Houston, which isn't far from San Antoino (Texas speaking) and I'll be honest, I wasn't too thrilled about moving here either.
But I will say this. People in the South are the kindest people I have ever met. It's true. Cost of living is cheap cheap. We don't even have to file a state income tax return! YAY!
And… Houston is a super duper place to be medically speaking. My baby just had surgery at Texas Children's and it was fabulous.
Ah Migs! I LOVE Texas! I'm from Vegas and still pine for those Provo mountains, but Texas is phenomenal. That being said, I still empathize with your disappointment.
The very first thing you need to do when you get to San Antonio is drive north on I-35 and go to New Braunfels. There is the oldest Texas bakery in the center of town called Naegelin's. Order the Sweet German Pretzel and die of happiness. Then shoot over to Landa Park just a quick drive away for a train ride with your little SP and Lamp.
I'm in Houston but we're always up for a road trip…ReplyCancel
I have to say that I totally laughed at your Titanic comment! Hilarious.
I'm loving Texas so far, and we've only been here a month and a half! We're about 5 hours to the north of San Anton, but at least you'll be closer to the OCEAN! What's not to love about that?! It will be great for your family…I know it 🙂
Oh, and the joke from fellow UT Mormons around here is, "If we ever start saying Y'ALL, we know it's time to move!" Ha ha 🙂 I don't think I've said it yet, but I caught one of my kiddos saying it a couple of weeks ago! (Aaahhh!)
P.S. I won't EVER mess with Texas. I suggest you do the same. 😉ReplyCancel
San Antonio is an awesome place for kids. There is so much to do outdoors- I live in Dallas and wish it was San Antonio.
You'll love it, plus there is the best healthcare availble in Texas. Phenominal hospitals and physicians- the volume of specialty hospitals within driving distance is impressive.
I grew up in San Diego and I LOVE Love love texas.ReplyCancel
We too are moving to Texas (in summer 2012) after the hubs finishes law school. I'm glad you posted this so I can see everyone else's comments and find out all the ins and outs 🙂
I really enjoy your blog, how loving each of you are, and how inspiring! Thank you for writing.
All things work together for your good! That's what I have to remind myself. Currently we're (stuck) in KS (yes, close to Lawrence ;)and I'm still trying to find the positives after being here for two years already…but if anything we've been able to share the Gospel with a family and gained what I like to call "Forever Friends". And if that's really the only positive this Kansas experience brings it's worth it. Hopefully TX will be the same, if not better!ReplyCancel
When I graduated college I moved to the DC area and seriously thought I would live there for the rest of my life. Then, seven years later I met my now husband, who was moving to Houston for his job. We got married and I moved there, very grudgingly, and was still convinced that I'd convince him retire to DC. We ended up leaving Houston a year later, but you know what? I miss it. I miss it a lot. So much so that I think I would prefer settling down there when my husband retires from his current job (that takes us all over the place) in 15 years.
I can't speak of San Antonio specifically, but I for one love the weather in TX. Sure it gets hot in the summer, but honestly, I thought it would be worse than it was. The real kicker is that the winter is mild. But my very favorite thing about TX, aside from all of the wonderful people I met there? Blue bell ice cream. I still miss it.
Sorry, your dreams had to take a back seat. I have to tell you, though, i am sure you guys will make TX awesome. San ANtonio in particular has an awesome art scene (from what I can tell by the blog world). Oh, and the mexican food… I have a feeling you guys will have lots of exciting experiences ahead. Good luck with everything and keep us posted.ReplyCancel
Oooooh, I am from Texas, too! Have lived here my whole life, and I love it. I currently live in the Ft. Worth area. In San Antonio you can visit the River Walk, Fiesta Texas Amusement Park, oh, and "Remember the Alamo!!!!" (Sorry, couldn't resist.) I also love the friendly people (with just a handful of unfriendly ones thrown in to keep things interesting–wink).
I truly am sympathetic to your disappointment at not going overseas. I am really sorry that you are having to let go of a dream. Maybe someday, though?
BUT if you do end up in "these here parts," I think you will find a lot to love.ReplyCancel
My husband also joined the AF in order to pay for (medical) school. We were stationed in San Antonio for 4 years and the major downside was the heat. On the plus side, there are tons of things to do with kids..SeaWorld, Fiesta Texas (Six Flags), the River Walk, etc. Also Splashtown and Schliterbahn water parks; we lived there in the summers! Also the Mercado (marketplace) and the Alamo are wonderful. And the medical facilities are awesome..I went through invitro treatments there. Good luck!ReplyCancel
Hi,
I grew up in Texas and have lived in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. So far, San Antonio is the best. Folks are friendly, traffic isn't too bad. Summers are hot, no way around it. But we have nice winters (and everywhere has air conditioning). There are parks and museums. The Spurs. You are only 1.5 hours from Austin, which always has some type of event going on. And you are a hop skip and a jump from the hill country for peach-picking in the early summer, Tubing on the River, and Octoberfest in the fall. Clayfest at Gruene, TX, Market Days in Wimberly, Outlet Malls at San Marcos. Wildflowers in the Spring and bunches of pretty state parks in the area (visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife page). 4 hours from Corpus Christi and the beach. And a new attraction—Morgans' Wonderland is in San Antonio. It's the World's first ultra accessible family park designed for children/adults with special needs.
It is different from the East Coast. And Japan and Europe. But not a bad place. Just a different place.ReplyCancel
I'm a Texan and have never lived anywhere else, in fact. I long for an adventure that would take us to some other destination…
Currently, here in the Dallas area, it's winter, but only this month and it'll be spring by mid-February and summer by May… which lasts until next December when we'll have fall for a few weeks 🙂
I know nothing about Texas. BUT after seeing how you've made Cincy you're own, I'm certain you'll do the same with TX. Also, when we were doing our internship/job search TX came up a few times specifically San Antonio…and I've only heard good things.
Plus, you never know what life has in store…I can see you guys getting involved in a lot of adventures down the road 🙂
Thanks everyone for the encouragement…
So far on the good list:
great weather, close to the beach(road trip!), family centered, close to Austin, friendly people, cheap housing, six flags, Morgan's Wonderland designed for special needs(awesome!), good medical care, good food, and pretty parks to name a few.
It's starting to look up. And I have to agree with those of you who pointed out the we've really enjoyed Cincinnati despite having no idea what was in store.
On the bad list?
Well I'm not going to go there…every place has pro's and con's so lets just focus on the pro's for now.
OK–so keep it coming…also not 1 reader from San Antonio? What's up with that? Any San Antonian's that want a new bff?ReplyCancel
My sister-in-law was stationed in Texas…Army. You should email her or you can find her on facebook. Sarah Heckert. Their email is [email protected]. Good luck. We drove through Texas a few times to visit with them. They have a Sea World. Good Luck! Hey! You could always request Alaska….it's considered overseas!ReplyCancel
I know about the craziness of military assignments (Army), having lived that life for the last 10 years. My husband grew up in Cincy, OH, so has a fondness for that area, and I am a PA gal. We did 2 years in NC before kids. Then we had 4 years in DC, having 2 kids while there. While we enjoyed DC, I am not sure we would go back. It is a very high cost of living area and the traffic is horrible. We decided to live inside the city, and did take advantage of the zoo, museums, and lots of other things that city life had to offer. We also didn't have school age kids to worry about. We had one more kid right before we left DC and moved to San Antonio, TX. Our family has been here for almost 3 years and our kids our now 6,4,2 and we have loved our time here. Cost of living is low, traffic is good. It is the 7th largest city in the country but doesn't feel that way. We have been able to take advantage of all the "city living" activies while still enjoying a taste of suburbia. San Antonio has a great zoo, children's and regular theater, other museums, historical sites, parks and playgrounds, nature areas, amusement parks, sports (professional and kids programs). Plus, fun trips to Austin, Houston, the beach and the hill country are not far away and can be made into a nice day or weekend trip. Sure the summer is hot, but there are plenty of pools and indoor activities to keep cool. Even though I enjoy snow. I think it is awesome to wake up Christmas morning and the kids can go outside and ride their brand new bike. A lot of resturants even have playgrounds and outside dining for families year round. Make sure you link up with the Brooke Army Medical Center or Wilford Hall Auxiliary (they are open any military spouse). Either is a great group to join for a military spouse new to the area. They offer friendship, play dates, soicals, book clubs, community service and a great amount of knowledge. The friendships I have made there have just enhanced our time in TX. I will be very sad to leave this summer as we move back to North Carolina, but please let me know if there is anything that I can do to easy your transition to the area.
boo on the no over seas business but i do know that if you're headed to TX then san antonio is the place to be. supposedly it's really beautiful with the river walk and all. i've never been but when darek got a the job offer in boston he also had on in san antonio and he said it was really pretty, much greener than you would picture TX. so for what it's worth…
plus everyone from TX loves it so there must be something lovable about it 🙂 wish you were headed to LV tho…ReplyCancel
I found your blog through Heather at Amorology weddings. Then I realized I knew your husband back in Provo. Kinda a weird coincidence. I live in San Antonio (Yay!). I can understand your disappointment in not going over seas though. I've always thought it would be such a great experience to live over seas with my family for a couple years. We moved here 3 years ago from LA and I wasn't excited. However I truly love it here! The people are so friendly and there is a lot to do. Our ward is the best ward we have been in as a married couple. Not exaggerating. It is really pretty, lot's of great food. There really isn't much bad about it except sometimes the summers are really hot. Just spend a lot of time at the pool and inside in the air conditioning. If you have any questions feel free to email me. [email protected] I think once you guys get here you'll really enjoy it. There is a lot of character to San Antonio. It's fun. I'll be looking forward to seeing if you do get stationed here.ReplyCancel
San Antonio is good. Very good.
I feel you on this one, though. I really liked our 3 years in Texas, but yeah…
+people really are so nice.
+cost of living.
+space.
-kinda boring.
+actually San Antonio is actually on the fun side of the TX spectrum.
+close to Austin.
-culture?
+funny San Antonio culture.
+funny texas pride.
+focus on family!
+depending on the area, you'll probably be in a great school district, hopefully (jealous!)
+it seems that health care workers get a great hook-up.
-the weather! have mercy! it's so hot!
+the winters! i heart tx winters.
-nature, camping, growing things, …not so much…at least not in big D.
-over consumption – BIGGER IS BETTER!!! (ugh)
I have a feeling you could thrive in Antarctica, Miggy. San Antonio is lucky to get someone as hip as you.ReplyCancel
I'm sure you have enough suggestions to comfort you, but here's one more…
I just returned from a business trip in San Antonio this last week. I wasn't expecting much, but honestly I was pleasantly surprised. Love the people, the culture, the FOOD, gorgeous downtown, THE TEMPLE IS SOO CLOSE and there is so much to do. It has an awesome energy about it and I'd love to go back.ReplyCancel
My husband and I recently moved to Texas and we love it. I would be bummed if we were planning on living overseas and our new plan was Texas. I'm totally jealous of others who are having their little European adventures! We're living in Austin now and it's not too far from San Antonio, if you do end up in San Antonio you should definitely come out to Austin for a visit. It's true what everyone says about the people in Texas, they're so welcoming and friendly and we love our ward out here. There are so many transplants from all over the country that everyone really looks after and takes care of each other, especially in the church. I hope you guys have the same experience as we've had when you move and that you'll be able to like San Antonio and if you don't, at least it's not forever!ReplyCancel
I'm delurking to increase your excitement about Texas! I work with children with special needs and I love reading about your sweet girls, and your unique perspective on sharing your life with them. Back to Texas … I'm a midwestern girl, but spent my childhood summers at camp in the Texas Hill Country. About an hour drive from San Antonio, and so beautiful. Hilly, green, on a river, great food and shopping – you'll love it!ReplyCancel
This weekend we watched Temple Grandin. It’s a really well made movie with phenomenal acting, especially on the part of Claire Danes. (Ms. Danes just won the Golden Globe for this performance.) The movie is a true story about Temple Grandin, a woman who has autism but who went on to achieve a lot not...
Miggs! Her autobiography was required reading when I was in Engineering School at UVA! It was called "Thinking in Pictures", and it was really remarkable. I loved that we, as engineering students, were exposed to her as a visionary and experimental designer. I can't wait to see this film!ReplyCancel
Wow maybe I should watch it. Dad loves that movie and tries to make me watch it everytime it's on HBO, but I always refuse.
I just had my big lie come out recently haha. Went to Aspen for the X Games with some friends and told everyone I was babysitting for the weekend. Whoops!
Miss you and love you lots! Give everyone hugs and kisses from me!
-MichelleReplyCancel
Hey, I'm Amy!
I'm an author, artist, and disability advocate. I live with my handsome husband and three beautiful daughters in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Our winter sanity saver is the Please Touch Museum. I love Children's museums!
Wish we had one here!
the library. I reserve all the books I want to check out online before I go in so I am not searching all over the place for what I want (or the kids want). If the kids are into dinosaurs, I reserve dino books online. I get a few cookbooks, a craft book, light reading for feeding times… etc. When we get there I already have a dozen books on reserve and I let the boys pick out a couple more. They play with the puzzles and puppets and read while I sit with tommy. Not as fun as getting out with other moms, but it's a way to get out of the house! Online book reservation is awesome.
Sometimes we just take a drive — no destination. A new area of the county, a scenic route. Just new things to see besides these walls!
oh..I miss ikea. Here you pretty much play sports or go out on the snowmachine. I think Dakota is the only one who doesn't really like that. Next up for us is trying to ski. Sometimes I miss all the stuff in the lower 48!
I go to Whole Foods at night with a friend. Two things that can be not as fun with kids, but really fun without.
we totally had a family "date" night at Ikea on Friday night. It was awesome. Noah played in the playspace while Jon, Gabe, and I shopped. miss you guys!