Check out this video on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/ck1d30Fezec
Sent from my iPhone
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Thursday, September 11, 2014
LB lessons how to ride a bike!!!
Sent from my iPhoneOur goal all summer!!! Just 2 weeks past our goal...Labor Day weekend and a week later he did it!!!!
Friday, August 29, 2014
Kindergarten
Well the day has come and gone like that...I meant to blog 5 days ago! The night before Kindergarten the kids were pumped to go and went to bed like Rock Stars. Laying out new outfits, talking about what they think they will learn, discussing if there will be a TV at rest time, and how many recess breaks. We had just visited the Open House on Thursday night before and celebrated at Cup of Yo-Daddy spoiled us! (haha). So the kids found their seats and cubby on that Thursday night.
On Monday morning, I woke the kiddos up and of course they jumped right out of bed at 6.30 am. I think they slept better than I and I had been up since 5 am since I really wasn't sleeping. As I wondering did I get everything ready, are they ready for a new school, is their teacher good, will the teacher know when they need to go potty, will she know that you can't ask them you just need to tell them to try (anything), and will they miss me...the worries went on the whole night. But it was good time now...The kiddos were excited about their outfits that they are picked out for the 1st day...Landon choose a red/black polo with khaki shorts and new under armour shoes (red/black) of course! Emma purchased some hot pink cowgirl boots...days before we were still looking for the perfect outfit to go with those boots! (did I mention we are in Texas it was going to be 95 on Monday!) Emma found a dress that actually pretty much went with the boots for the most part!
I surprised them with Chocolate Chip Pancakes (I know not healthy at all!!)...they were so pumped about those pancakes. I curled Emma's hair and put gel in Landon's hair...we had so much fun getting ready for school. I even had time to have 10 minute photo shoot. See some of the pictures below...
The next part is the BEST. The door opened...Jeremy walked in the door (yes he already had been at work) and he came around the corner...The kids beamed with excitement and the biggest smiles I had seen in a long time! Emma says oh I thought it was Mom going in and out not you Dad...then they asked what are you doing at home...Jeremy says I'm going to take you to school, too today. Their smiles grew even bigger...but I also think there was a minute they thought why this must be a VERY big day...dad came home to go to school with us.
Off we went to school in two separate cars of course...but still all four of us together. The kiddos walked in with confidence and excitement. They settled in their seats and I double checked it all...I told them I loved them so much and was very proud of them. Jeremy and I walked out and I just wanted to linger by the door to watch them grow right there that minute. My eyes filled with joy and sadness...they are growing up. Then I think back and it all went so fast...we are so blessed with happiness, health, and good people that have helped us get to this point! The texts, messages, and facebook post kept rolling in this morning for great support...we are so lucky! I did laugh as I read Jeremy's text to me as he was ahead of us waiting for us near the front doors...it stated..."Where are you the 5 minute warning bell just sounded?" (as I watched others just flowing in and after we left I watched more flow in...its the first day...everyone is running behind...plus we were right on time!) I just thought it was funny as everyone's text were supporting and then I got to this one. haha
I came home and I could not focus...the day really didn't go as I had planned. Not that I wasn't enjoying myself I just thought it would be different. I just could not focus on what I wanted to or what I should do. I started to pick up the house...I bent down to put my tennis shoes away by the front door in the bin...there it laid the little baseball glove and ball. I could heard a little voice in my head..."Momma, when can we go out to play catch?". Then tears started to flow and I thought back about our memories this summer. Funny how this works just last week or two...I know I heard the same question and I would reply go out and I will be out soon...(not all the time but sometimes I just wanted to get some things done or wanted a break for a minute)...this moment on Monday I wanted to go play catch but you were in school! My day got better but I wondered if you were wondering what I was doing or missed me at all.
I picked the kids after school...they had stories to tell me and it was so much fun talking about it all every day. The biggest items of the day were ONLY one recess and during rest time there is no TV time! haha Oh and lunch...that everyone brings their lunch...we ended up making a deal that on Fridays you can bring a lunch to school! The cutest thing...Landon said Mom I forgot to tell you and Dad this morning..." Don't cry. Mom and Dad Kindergarten is cool!" he goes on to remind me its from the Night Before Kindergarten book that we read for the past few days...(thanks aunt Marcia for the book!)
Five days later its still fun...trust me day 3...we were tired and the bounce isn't always in the step as it was the first day but I still think you think Kindergarten Rocks!
And on Day 5...Jeremy was able to take the kiddos to school. Knowing this I set my alarm for 6 am to get up to get a workout in downstairs and then go for a run. It was like the first day again excited Dad was home (I think it had been at least 2 days since they had seen him!) and then he was going to take them to school! Between workouts as I double checked things were going as planned...Emma came up to me and said...Mom can you fix this toy today (basically saying I don't think you have anything else on your schedule today can you at least do this...) I said sure why not...Then as you all headed out and I headed out for a run...Landon said "mom are you just going to come back today sit on the couch with their coffee and watch the Today show". Five days and our kiddos turned into stereotypical humans...assuming all Stay at home moms sit on the couch and eat bon bons! haha!
And unfortunately, My role as a stay at home mom as comes to an end and I will start my new gig next week. As the kiddos said...Mom its ok if you are a little scared and excited at the same time we were for Kindergarten! Too cute!
1st Day of Kindergarten.
Open House
Open House
Open House- went for a special treat with the family
How I felt all day!!!
After school Treat...
On Monday morning, I woke the kiddos up and of course they jumped right out of bed at 6.30 am. I think they slept better than I and I had been up since 5 am since I really wasn't sleeping. As I wondering did I get everything ready, are they ready for a new school, is their teacher good, will the teacher know when they need to go potty, will she know that you can't ask them you just need to tell them to try (anything), and will they miss me...the worries went on the whole night. But it was good time now...The kiddos were excited about their outfits that they are picked out for the 1st day...Landon choose a red/black polo with khaki shorts and new under armour shoes (red/black) of course! Emma purchased some hot pink cowgirl boots...days before we were still looking for the perfect outfit to go with those boots! (did I mention we are in Texas it was going to be 95 on Monday!) Emma found a dress that actually pretty much went with the boots for the most part!
I surprised them with Chocolate Chip Pancakes (I know not healthy at all!!)...they were so pumped about those pancakes. I curled Emma's hair and put gel in Landon's hair...we had so much fun getting ready for school. I even had time to have 10 minute photo shoot. See some of the pictures below...
The next part is the BEST. The door opened...Jeremy walked in the door (yes he already had been at work) and he came around the corner...The kids beamed with excitement and the biggest smiles I had seen in a long time! Emma says oh I thought it was Mom going in and out not you Dad...then they asked what are you doing at home...Jeremy says I'm going to take you to school, too today. Their smiles grew even bigger...but I also think there was a minute they thought why this must be a VERY big day...dad came home to go to school with us.
Off we went to school in two separate cars of course...but still all four of us together. The kiddos walked in with confidence and excitement. They settled in their seats and I double checked it all...I told them I loved them so much and was very proud of them. Jeremy and I walked out and I just wanted to linger by the door to watch them grow right there that minute. My eyes filled with joy and sadness...they are growing up. Then I think back and it all went so fast...we are so blessed with happiness, health, and good people that have helped us get to this point! The texts, messages, and facebook post kept rolling in this morning for great support...we are so lucky! I did laugh as I read Jeremy's text to me as he was ahead of us waiting for us near the front doors...it stated..."Where are you the 5 minute warning bell just sounded?" (as I watched others just flowing in and after we left I watched more flow in...its the first day...everyone is running behind...plus we were right on time!) I just thought it was funny as everyone's text were supporting and then I got to this one. haha
I came home and I could not focus...the day really didn't go as I had planned. Not that I wasn't enjoying myself I just thought it would be different. I just could not focus on what I wanted to or what I should do. I started to pick up the house...I bent down to put my tennis shoes away by the front door in the bin...there it laid the little baseball glove and ball. I could heard a little voice in my head..."Momma, when can we go out to play catch?". Then tears started to flow and I thought back about our memories this summer. Funny how this works just last week or two...I know I heard the same question and I would reply go out and I will be out soon...(not all the time but sometimes I just wanted to get some things done or wanted a break for a minute)...this moment on Monday I wanted to go play catch but you were in school! My day got better but I wondered if you were wondering what I was doing or missed me at all.
I picked the kids after school...they had stories to tell me and it was so much fun talking about it all every day. The biggest items of the day were ONLY one recess and during rest time there is no TV time! haha Oh and lunch...that everyone brings their lunch...we ended up making a deal that on Fridays you can bring a lunch to school! The cutest thing...Landon said Mom I forgot to tell you and Dad this morning..." Don't cry. Mom and Dad Kindergarten is cool!" he goes on to remind me its from the Night Before Kindergarten book that we read for the past few days...(thanks aunt Marcia for the book!)
Five days later its still fun...trust me day 3...we were tired and the bounce isn't always in the step as it was the first day but I still think you think Kindergarten Rocks!
And on Day 5...Jeremy was able to take the kiddos to school. Knowing this I set my alarm for 6 am to get up to get a workout in downstairs and then go for a run. It was like the first day again excited Dad was home (I think it had been at least 2 days since they had seen him!) and then he was going to take them to school! Between workouts as I double checked things were going as planned...Emma came up to me and said...Mom can you fix this toy today (basically saying I don't think you have anything else on your schedule today can you at least do this...) I said sure why not...Then as you all headed out and I headed out for a run...Landon said "mom are you just going to come back today sit on the couch with their coffee and watch the Today show". Five days and our kiddos turned into stereotypical humans...assuming all Stay at home moms sit on the couch and eat bon bons! haha!
And unfortunately, My role as a stay at home mom as comes to an end and I will start my new gig next week. As the kiddos said...Mom its ok if you are a little scared and excited at the same time we were for Kindergarten! Too cute!
1st Day of Kindergarten.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
The Summer of 2014
If you know me stepping away from my career/job was one of the hardest things I have done in the past 15 years. As we whine down the summer before Kindergartner I look back and say you could not pay me enough to work...I enjoyed every minute of it. Grant it some of it wasn't fun we moved so that meant unpacking, painting, and organizing our life. But I tried to make sure we had at least a few hours of fun each day...by the 4th of July we were settled in and having FUN all day long.
We created so many great memories...as I mentioned I would not trade this summer for anything...it was awesome. I watched as our babies went from taking 20 minutes to enter the pool with lifejackets, floaters, and more on too....jumping off the diving board!!! We took 2 weeks of swimming lessons and at least 3 days a week visiting the pool gave them the confidence to do it all. It was amazing to watch them grow each time and get very comfortable.
Of course I envisioned our summer (or my summer) completely different...I envisioned waking up enjoying coffee, watching the Today show, and getting a work out in everyday. I don't think that happened once!!! It was more like wake up early to get in a work out, get breakfast ready, clean up breakfast, play outside/inside, get lunch ready, clean up lunch, get ready for the pool, try to pick up the house between all the activities...get home get dinner ready, clean up dinner, do baths, and put on PJs! I'm wondering how I found time to work between 45-60 hours per week before this summer!
I wish I could remember all the one liners and all the talks we had...trust me we had some very deep talks over lunch. From where do babies come from to why do we never see so and so's Mommy??? Other questions I had to goggle the answers to find so I didn't lead them down the wrong direction. Trust me there were some tough questions and I even learned a lot!
Here is one to remember:
There was one work out shirt that was a little tight...and Mrs Emma bean would say to me as she patted my tummy..."do you have a baby in there Mommy?" Then a few minutes later...are you should there isn't a baby in there? It looks like you are prego!!! Yep to say the least I tried really hard to make sure to work out! haha. Kids are so funny and tell the truth! haha!
We enjoyed a few Pinterest projects but to be honest we didn't have as much down time as I thought we would have this summer. I thought ever night I would research new adventures or activities for us for the next day. Actually, I was wiped out from the day or still picking up from the day! We did breakfast well everyday, we played the Wii, baseball, golf, trampoline, dolls, arts & crafts. You name it we did it...nothing crazy. We just made the small moments awesome!
No-one can take this summer away from me and I would not change it for the world! We had a great time.
Our biggest adventure was flying back to Iowa for 2 weeks during Fall Camp. I will cherish the time we got to spend with some very special people. Especially, Grandma and Papa Manning have been there through it all especially the last 6 years for us...we created some great memories and some major laughs. We boated, fished, water-ski, lily pad, ate and ate some more...we relaxed. We did Adventureland...super FUN! Those there will remember the suitcase/toothpaste story and giggle forever!
As I recap the best summer of my life to date--the summer of 2014. I realize I only have 13 more summers to enjoy before they adventure off on their own story. I laid them down tonight before their first day of Kindergarten...telling you "Thank You for being you and a new chapter starts tomorrow LB asked what is a Chapter...I said its your individual adventures and its your story to tell...you create it everyday. You both just smiled. (I'm guessing you just thought you are crazy mom and I have no idea what you are talking about!) I can only hope that your father and I have laid a great ground work for you to continue to learn as you head off to Kindergarten tomorrow. I know over the next 6-9 months I'm going to see you grow and become the big person we have been parenting over the past 5 years. My babies have become BIG KIDS!!!
There is a piece of me celebrating tonight...we have made it closing in on 6 years and you are moving onto Kindergarten! Then there are tears of thinking about dropping you off at school tomorrow and how the next 13 years are going to fast by...
I love you to the Moon and Back...
We created so many great memories...as I mentioned I would not trade this summer for anything...it was awesome. I watched as our babies went from taking 20 minutes to enter the pool with lifejackets, floaters, and more on too....jumping off the diving board!!! We took 2 weeks of swimming lessons and at least 3 days a week visiting the pool gave them the confidence to do it all. It was amazing to watch them grow each time and get very comfortable.
Of course I envisioned our summer (or my summer) completely different...I envisioned waking up enjoying coffee, watching the Today show, and getting a work out in everyday. I don't think that happened once!!! It was more like wake up early to get in a work out, get breakfast ready, clean up breakfast, play outside/inside, get lunch ready, clean up lunch, get ready for the pool, try to pick up the house between all the activities...get home get dinner ready, clean up dinner, do baths, and put on PJs! I'm wondering how I found time to work between 45-60 hours per week before this summer!
I wish I could remember all the one liners and all the talks we had...trust me we had some very deep talks over lunch. From where do babies come from to why do we never see so and so's Mommy??? Other questions I had to goggle the answers to find so I didn't lead them down the wrong direction. Trust me there were some tough questions and I even learned a lot!
Here is one to remember:
There was one work out shirt that was a little tight...and Mrs Emma bean would say to me as she patted my tummy..."do you have a baby in there Mommy?" Then a few minutes later...are you should there isn't a baby in there? It looks like you are prego!!! Yep to say the least I tried really hard to make sure to work out! haha. Kids are so funny and tell the truth! haha!
We enjoyed a few Pinterest projects but to be honest we didn't have as much down time as I thought we would have this summer. I thought ever night I would research new adventures or activities for us for the next day. Actually, I was wiped out from the day or still picking up from the day! We did breakfast well everyday, we played the Wii, baseball, golf, trampoline, dolls, arts & crafts. You name it we did it...nothing crazy. We just made the small moments awesome!
No-one can take this summer away from me and I would not change it for the world! We had a great time.
Our biggest adventure was flying back to Iowa for 2 weeks during Fall Camp. I will cherish the time we got to spend with some very special people. Especially, Grandma and Papa Manning have been there through it all especially the last 6 years for us...we created some great memories and some major laughs. We boated, fished, water-ski, lily pad, ate and ate some more...we relaxed. We did Adventureland...super FUN! Those there will remember the suitcase/toothpaste story and giggle forever!
As I recap the best summer of my life to date--the summer of 2014. I realize I only have 13 more summers to enjoy before they adventure off on their own story. I laid them down tonight before their first day of Kindergarten...telling you "Thank You for being you and a new chapter starts tomorrow LB asked what is a Chapter...I said its your individual adventures and its your story to tell...you create it everyday. You both just smiled. (I'm guessing you just thought you are crazy mom and I have no idea what you are talking about!) I can only hope that your father and I have laid a great ground work for you to continue to learn as you head off to Kindergarten tomorrow. I know over the next 6-9 months I'm going to see you grow and become the big person we have been parenting over the past 5 years. My babies have become BIG KIDS!!!
There is a piece of me celebrating tonight...we have made it closing in on 6 years and you are moving onto Kindergarten! Then there are tears of thinking about dropping you off at school tomorrow and how the next 13 years are going to fast by...
I love you to the Moon and Back...
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Texas- The Busch's have arrived...
Well its been almost 3 months to the date since we arrived. Well Jeremy arrived in March and us late May! I should have written this after the first 30 days in Texas...
As the saying goes... Everything is Bigger in Texas. I believe it now!
-Trucks- I swear I grew up in Farm Country...But these trucks it doesn't matter Ford, Dodge, Chevy...they all are big and everyone drives a truck or a big SUV. And FAST!
-Dirt- Yep, its dirty here. Others might call it Sandy but just seems dirty. As my neighbor in 5th grade told me on our first move in day...Don't waste your time cleaning out the garage it will just blow in again tomorrow. She is right. Our leaf blower became the sand blower for now...As a new friend told me...just embrace it and you know I have...after 3 months it doesn't even really bug me as much!
-Speaking of dirt. One of my first days I was totally pumped only $11.99 for unlimited car wash for 30 days. I was thinking Great Deal!!! Only as I was telling a local he giggled a little...then it was just the next day I realized why...it was already time to go through the car wash.
-Everyone drives as if they have somewhere to go. Only one speed... FAST! I have never seen so many aggressive drives in one city. After 60 some days I figured it out and actually think we fit in...it helps we don't have the Nebraska plates anyone on the SUV.
-Texas- Yes they are very proud of their State and City of Lubbock. I love it but wow I have never seen anything like it before.
TEXAS- We are loving it!!!
As the saying goes... Everything is Bigger in Texas. I believe it now!
-Trucks- I swear I grew up in Farm Country...But these trucks it doesn't matter Ford, Dodge, Chevy...they all are big and everyone drives a truck or a big SUV. And FAST!
-Dirt- Yep, its dirty here. Others might call it Sandy but just seems dirty. As my neighbor in 5th grade told me on our first move in day...Don't waste your time cleaning out the garage it will just blow in again tomorrow. She is right. Our leaf blower became the sand blower for now...As a new friend told me...just embrace it and you know I have...after 3 months it doesn't even really bug me as much!
-Speaking of dirt. One of my first days I was totally pumped only $11.99 for unlimited car wash for 30 days. I was thinking Great Deal!!! Only as I was telling a local he giggled a little...then it was just the next day I realized why...it was already time to go through the car wash.
-Everyone drives as if they have somewhere to go. Only one speed... FAST! I have never seen so many aggressive drives in one city. After 60 some days I figured it out and actually think we fit in...it helps we don't have the Nebraska plates anyone on the SUV.
-Texas- Yes they are very proud of their State and City of Lubbock. I love it but wow I have never seen anything like it before.
TEXAS- We are loving it!!!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
I'm back but where did the time go...
So many topics to cover but here is a quick recap to catch us up!
Wow...We have created memories and more memories but I guess I didn't track it all. We were busy just having Fun! From Christmas to Bowl game, LB playing basketball, celebrating my birthday with friends, February- Valentine's Day and we did this one big...Em was very dressed up for school! Life was "normal" and in our routine...Then J got the phone call end of February! Yep Texas Tech...opportunity to become the Head Athletic Trainer. The opportunity we have been waiting for since we met but wait we have only started to explore Lincoln after 18 months (2 football seasons). We questioned ourselves, timing, family distance, kids, my career, friends...we plugged the trigger. Jeremy accepted and needed to go ASAP. I don't think I will forget the moment as I thought I was ready for change already...
He called and I said you didn't say YES did you? As the wife probably should have said...Congrats Baby I'm very proud of you...but all those questions ran through my head again but really I am very proud of him! It was official late on Friday evening...we decided it was time to tell the kids. Next is something I didn't think would happen yet...Landon starting crying and said he didn't want to move. He loved his Huskers so we cuddled and talked a lot as a family that Friday evening. Emma on the other hand said cool...when do we pack and move?!?! She was ready to go...It was a tough weekend...did we make the right decision or not?!?
There is no turning back...its game time. The moving details started, letting our family and friends, the scariest selling our home. Of course all of sudden I loved our home and thought is was perfect (that started that Friday evening)...as a sign says that a great friend gave me once that hangs in our home: No Matter What No Matter Where It is home if there is Love there. I remind myself a lot it doesn't matter what type of our home you have as long as everyone loves each other is what really matters. As time went on we continued to plan our move...lucky and with someone on our side our house sold in 3 weeks. This really got the ball rolling and helped save me from the daily routine of cleaning the house before the kids and I headed out for the day. As you know when selling you need to keep it perfect because the buyer might call that day. I was so thankful when we sold it took a load off this momma doing it all...single parent, career, and kiddos in school! Of course my mom helped take off a load...she came to the rescue once again and helped pack us up.
J was gone for the first three weeks came back to visit for Spring break...but then it was the long stretch we had planned...six weeks!! Yes six weeks...this momma got busy planning every moment of every day so we had something to look forward to. Boy did we have a blast we put a lot of miles under our butt to Iowa but boy we created some great memories with great friends and family. We even had friends come to us so we didn't have to travel every weekend to Iowa. Man this is where I wish I would have kept this blog up so I could have detailed our fun weekends. Every weekend seemed to be spent with friends that were moving as well...it actually helped in our move to talk about with all of the kids and moms. I just say moms cause that is what it was...I love the fact the kids know where all of their friends are moving...one family to China, one to Boston ,the other to San Diego, one to Florida. As they say their "cousins" in Iowa don't move but we got to spend Easter in Iowa. This was a first for us. Each of us with our own stories but it is amazing through it all our paths keep crossing. Our friendships don't end with us our kiddos pick up from where we left off the last time and have a blast together. Its amazing. And it amazes me how much EB and LB talk about family as we don't get to see them every day but I realized when we do see everyone we focus on the moment. This year we got to spend Easter with them and being part of Riley's confirmation. We have done great creating some Great moments with fun, laughing, and of course of good-bye tears. Its never easy...
As you can imagine by the end of the 6 weeks...Landon realized he had to move to live with Daddy. I can't tell you how amazing the kids were during these 3 months. They shocked me as they were so good and helpful!!! May finally came...we picked Jeremy up at the airport in Des Moines because of course I planned girls weekend in Iowa. Let me tell you I enjoyed girls weekend after the past two months with some great friends and family. The next part not so good of a plan...in January I booked a 10 year celebration of marriage for a vacation for Jeremy and I. So after spending the weekend with the kids...Jeremy and I packed up and headed to Lincoln to catch a flight to the Bahamas! The kids got to stay with Grandma and Papa Manning...boy did they create some great memories. It was a win win...we had a wonderful relaxing vacation and they created great memories. We met back in Lincoln on Mother's Day. We took Jeremy back to the airport this time just for a week. Mom and Dad headed back to Iowa on Monday. So we balanced out the last four days...end of the school year, dance practice, and putting finishing touches on the move. The big bang was Emma's dance recital on Saturday, May 18th. We picked Jeremy back up at the airport on Friday the 17th and enjoyed the last weekend in Lincoln. Emma did Great at her recital...we were so proud of her! We got to enjoy great company for dinner on our last night in Lincoln with some friends I hope we have forever. We will really miss Barb and Dave across the street...those Creighton/Husker fans!
The truck arrived...packed as slow as they could have packed. Finally it was time...we said one last good-bye. As I get older its getting harder. Colorado to Nebraska was hard because Colorado might be the most beautiful place on earth to work and play. Nebraska was hard because we were closer to family and the kiddos are starting to develop those childhood friendships that will last.
Many hours later we arrived...we took our time to say the least! We stopped at the stadium first to put food in a cool place. Emma stated...Wow you were not kidding it is hot here as we got out of the truck! It was 103 on our first day but it been nice after the first day! Then we headed to the house. Did I mention I never actually saw it before we purchased it...besides the 11 pictures on the internet. With the stress it all I guess J and I threw out the opportunity for technology of Skype or taking tons more pictures! I trusted him what can I say! The one trip out to Lubbock we didn't find the home we wanted either so it was on his shoulders the whole time. After two months of being here and reminding myself of our saying...I like our home! My favorite was after the kids looked around LB announced "I like it here and I want to stay!" Emma started yelling he likes it!!! It was as if we were all on egg shells hoping he would like Texas! (at some point when we first told him we were moving he said he would give it a try. at first it was days, then the summer but wanted to be back for Husker football. at some point he got the idea that if he didn't like it we were moving back to Nebraska...apparently he didn't understand we would need to try it for years not days...but no worries he liked it!)
So here we are living in Lubbock, TX. More to come...
Wow...We have created memories and more memories but I guess I didn't track it all. We were busy just having Fun! From Christmas to Bowl game, LB playing basketball, celebrating my birthday with friends, February- Valentine's Day and we did this one big...Em was very dressed up for school! Life was "normal" and in our routine...Then J got the phone call end of February! Yep Texas Tech...opportunity to become the Head Athletic Trainer. The opportunity we have been waiting for since we met but wait we have only started to explore Lincoln after 18 months (2 football seasons). We questioned ourselves, timing, family distance, kids, my career, friends...we plugged the trigger. Jeremy accepted and needed to go ASAP. I don't think I will forget the moment as I thought I was ready for change already...
He called and I said you didn't say YES did you? As the wife probably should have said...Congrats Baby I'm very proud of you...but all those questions ran through my head again but really I am very proud of him! It was official late on Friday evening...we decided it was time to tell the kids. Next is something I didn't think would happen yet...Landon starting crying and said he didn't want to move. He loved his Huskers so we cuddled and talked a lot as a family that Friday evening. Emma on the other hand said cool...when do we pack and move?!?! She was ready to go...It was a tough weekend...did we make the right decision or not?!?
There is no turning back...its game time. The moving details started, letting our family and friends, the scariest selling our home. Of course all of sudden I loved our home and thought is was perfect (that started that Friday evening)...as a sign says that a great friend gave me once that hangs in our home: No Matter What No Matter Where It is home if there is Love there. I remind myself a lot it doesn't matter what type of our home you have as long as everyone loves each other is what really matters. As time went on we continued to plan our move...lucky and with someone on our side our house sold in 3 weeks. This really got the ball rolling and helped save me from the daily routine of cleaning the house before the kids and I headed out for the day. As you know when selling you need to keep it perfect because the buyer might call that day. I was so thankful when we sold it took a load off this momma doing it all...single parent, career, and kiddos in school! Of course my mom helped take off a load...she came to the rescue once again and helped pack us up.
J was gone for the first three weeks came back to visit for Spring break...but then it was the long stretch we had planned...six weeks!! Yes six weeks...this momma got busy planning every moment of every day so we had something to look forward to. Boy did we have a blast we put a lot of miles under our butt to Iowa but boy we created some great memories with great friends and family. We even had friends come to us so we didn't have to travel every weekend to Iowa. Man this is where I wish I would have kept this blog up so I could have detailed our fun weekends. Every weekend seemed to be spent with friends that were moving as well...it actually helped in our move to talk about with all of the kids and moms. I just say moms cause that is what it was...I love the fact the kids know where all of their friends are moving...one family to China, one to Boston ,the other to San Diego, one to Florida. As they say their "cousins" in Iowa don't move but we got to spend Easter in Iowa. This was a first for us. Each of us with our own stories but it is amazing through it all our paths keep crossing. Our friendships don't end with us our kiddos pick up from where we left off the last time and have a blast together. Its amazing. And it amazes me how much EB and LB talk about family as we don't get to see them every day but I realized when we do see everyone we focus on the moment. This year we got to spend Easter with them and being part of Riley's confirmation. We have done great creating some Great moments with fun, laughing, and of course of good-bye tears. Its never easy...
As you can imagine by the end of the 6 weeks...Landon realized he had to move to live with Daddy. I can't tell you how amazing the kids were during these 3 months. They shocked me as they were so good and helpful!!! May finally came...we picked Jeremy up at the airport in Des Moines because of course I planned girls weekend in Iowa. Let me tell you I enjoyed girls weekend after the past two months with some great friends and family. The next part not so good of a plan...in January I booked a 10 year celebration of marriage for a vacation for Jeremy and I. So after spending the weekend with the kids...Jeremy and I packed up and headed to Lincoln to catch a flight to the Bahamas! The kids got to stay with Grandma and Papa Manning...boy did they create some great memories. It was a win win...we had a wonderful relaxing vacation and they created great memories. We met back in Lincoln on Mother's Day. We took Jeremy back to the airport this time just for a week. Mom and Dad headed back to Iowa on Monday. So we balanced out the last four days...end of the school year, dance practice, and putting finishing touches on the move. The big bang was Emma's dance recital on Saturday, May 18th. We picked Jeremy back up at the airport on Friday the 17th and enjoyed the last weekend in Lincoln. Emma did Great at her recital...we were so proud of her! We got to enjoy great company for dinner on our last night in Lincoln with some friends I hope we have forever. We will really miss Barb and Dave across the street...those Creighton/Husker fans!
The truck arrived...packed as slow as they could have packed. Finally it was time...we said one last good-bye. As I get older its getting harder. Colorado to Nebraska was hard because Colorado might be the most beautiful place on earth to work and play. Nebraska was hard because we were closer to family and the kiddos are starting to develop those childhood friendships that will last.
Many hours later we arrived...we took our time to say the least! We stopped at the stadium first to put food in a cool place. Emma stated...Wow you were not kidding it is hot here as we got out of the truck! It was 103 on our first day but it been nice after the first day! Then we headed to the house. Did I mention I never actually saw it before we purchased it...besides the 11 pictures on the internet. With the stress it all I guess J and I threw out the opportunity for technology of Skype or taking tons more pictures! I trusted him what can I say! The one trip out to Lubbock we didn't find the home we wanted either so it was on his shoulders the whole time. After two months of being here and reminding myself of our saying...I like our home! My favorite was after the kids looked around LB announced "I like it here and I want to stay!" Emma started yelling he likes it!!! It was as if we were all on egg shells hoping he would like Texas! (at some point when we first told him we were moving he said he would give it a try. at first it was days, then the summer but wanted to be back for Husker football. at some point he got the idea that if he didn't like it we were moving back to Nebraska...apparently he didn't understand we would need to try it for years not days...but no worries he liked it!)
So here we are living in Lubbock, TX. More to come...
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