San Diego Zoo

Today we decided to take the kids to the San Diego Zoo. I know that they are a little young to remember it when they get older, but we knew that they would have so much fun today. And they sure did. It was such a wonderful day. We were able to spend the day just the 4 of us and it was perfect. Chloe was in the best mood and loved looking at the koala bears and the giraffes. She kept saying "Mommy the 'walla' bears are sleeping." She thought they were so cute. And Maximus would just stare at the animals and point while trying to tell us something that we didn't understand. He was so interested in the animals. I was really surprised at how much he enjoyed it. I was very proud of myself, I walked the entire park, which probably came to about 5 miles at 8 1/2 months pregnant. And I actually felt pretty good until about the last hour of the trip. Brant was amazing. He carried a backpack and pushed the stroller or would carry a kid pretty much all day. I know that it was probably the most wearing on him, but he was so sweet about it and never complained once. I would offer to push the stroller and he wouldn't let me. He kept telling me that I needed to just take care of me. It made my day much easier. It was a great family day. I love it when it gets to be just us and we get to give our children new experiences. There is nothing more fun than seeing the look on their faces when they see or experience something new. I love it. Chloe kept telling us "I so excited!" And that to me makes how tired I feel right now completely worth it.

San Diego Zoo

We are so blessed!

Well today we finally received news about a new home that we put a bid on last Saturday. They accepted it!! It has been one long journey. We have placed bids on four different houses, which has led to a crazy emotional ride. Then finally on Saturday, we found the reason why our previous bids had not been accepted. The Lord was directing us to the house that He had for us. And on Saturday we found it. We pretty much knew as soon as we walked in. The atmosphere in this house was unlike any other house that we had seen. Long story short, the house was out of our price range, but we still chose to see it. So we offered $30,000 less than the asking price. We didn't think that it would be accepted, but we had nothing to lose. The house had been on the market for just over 90 days with no real interest in it. So we put the offer in. And then today, we found out, much to our disbelief that they countered with just $5,000 over our bid and they will pay all closing costs. The Lord is so good!!! We are about to purchase a house that is worth almost $100,000 more than we are paying for it, and we will pay $25,000 less than the asking price. I absolutely can not believe it. I really thought the bank would not accept that bid and that we would not get that house. It is so amazing how the Lord works things out!! He knows what is best for us and has it all in His hands.

So now it is crunch time!! We will be closing on the house in early March, fortunately our realtor is pushing for the end of February because of our new baby on the way. So whatever happens, we will have a new house and a new son all within about a month. Craziness, I know. But the Lord is good!!!

Our soon-to-be new home!!

Master Bathroom
Master Bedroom
Master Bedroom Closet
Family Room
Laundry Room
Kitchen
Hallway
Entrance/Formal Dining room
Entrance
Chloe's Room
Hall Bathroom
Backyard

My little girl is 2!!

Chloe just celebrated her 2nd birthday!! It is crazy how fast these 2 years have gone by. It is actually kind of depressing. We had her birthday party at Chuck E Cheese this year and she had so much fun. She is getting bigger and smarter everyday. I am really impressed with her. She is the most loving and thankful child!! We are so blessed to be her parents and have her a part of our life.

Christmas 2008

So Christmas is by far the best time of year when you have children. There is so much excitement more so from my point of view than theirs. It is so amazing how good God is. Several months before Christmas, Brant and I were wondering if we were even going to be able to buy Christmas. And then somehow, the Lord just provided. I would have never guessed that they would have gotten so much stuff. I know that Christmas is not about the gifts, the toys, and the food. However, there is a magic that exists in the whole Christmas season and we were able to see that in their eyes. The Lord blessed us in more ways than we ever thought possible.

Christmas eve was spent with Brant's family. And there were 5 kids this year. Talk about craziness!! But more than that it was a blast!! Then Christmas morning was spent with just the four of us and what a special time that was. The kids got to spend a couple of hours just playing with their toys from Santa, and needless to say we did a lot of playing with their toys as well. And then that evening we spent Christmas with my side. It was a great couple of days. And I can not wait until next year, when we get to do it all over again and with 3!!!

Christmas is the best time of year. Chloe is so excited about it this year and it is Maximus' first Christmas. I am really looking forward to Christmas morning with both of them, it is going to be the best part of this whole Christmas season. Today we went to see Santa Claus, and although I am not able to post that pictures for a while, it was pretty funny. Maximus is really amused by Santa, he just stared at him in awe. Chloe on the other hand, does not like him at all. She likes all pictures of him and decorations of him, but not Santa in human form. We tried to bribe her with a candy cane and all kinds of things, but we were unsuccessful. So in order to get the picture, for the memories, Brant and I had to be in the picture keeping her as far away from Santa as we possibly could. But I absolutely love the picture. It will be fun to look back at it in about 15 years and remember the whole day vividly.