There's No Place Like Home

This past week Joe, Henry and I met my parents in Kansas to do a little house hunting. I was nervous. It's a roller coaster of emotions driving into your new life. We didn't pick Kansas, it was picked for us. I had no idea what to expect. The first night we got there, I went through a moment of culture shock. It's a small town. And we all know my fear of small towns. But after the first night, we saw more of the area and my worries faded a bit.

Yes, it's still small, but it offers everything my family needs. Restaurants, libraries, museums, zoo, cultural opportunities at the college, great schools, parks, pools, etc. I decided that I get to make the decision on whether I love it or hate it. So, I've already decided to love it. I've decided to take advantage of a tight knit community and get involved in anything I can. I've decided that opportunities lie where you least expect them and I need to be proactive in finding wonderful opportunities for me and my family. I've decided that we will love our time in Kansas. I know, without a doubt, that I will cry when we move there, but I will cry even more when we have to leave, because I will have loved it so much.

While we were there, we found that Manhattan, Kansas is not flat. We were told there would be hills, but I was not a believer. Let the records show, that I was wrong. There are, in fact, hills in Kansas. And lucky for us we found a great home on one of those hills. Another reason I know I'll love it.

We spent several days looking at homes and nothing seemed to "fit". By the end of day two of the three days we would be there, we walked into the last house we were being shown. We both knew immediately we had walked into our new home. And to our surprise it was new-it was being built as we stood there. I'm so excited about it. We had a list of requirements we were looking for in a house. Things that Joe and I weren't willing to compromise on. This house exceeded all our requirements. We are thrilled.

But I have to say, the thing I am most above and beyond excited about is the natural light. I think it roots way back to our first apartment in St. Louis. The apartment was terrible. It had a total of three windows in the whole thing and they were all shaded by huge trees. No matter what time of day it was, lights were on. Horrible, unflattering lights were on all the time. It was honestly depressing. Artificial light and sun light are not the same. No amount of lamps or ceiling lights can make up for beautiful, natural light. And our new house is flooded with natural light. It's like a dream.

We are now very eager to move into our new home. Our new home in Manhattan, Kansas. Go figure.

One Year Olds

If you ever have a clean house and for some reason want it dirty-get a one year old, they'll help you out faster than anyone I know.

If you ever feel lazy and need something to keep you busy-get a one year old, they are about as busy as they come.

If you ever feel unloved-get a one year old up from a nap, no one will give you more hugs and kisses and be more happier to see you in all your life.

If you ever need potatoes-get a one year old, mine gets them out of our pantry all the time and delivers them to where ever I am.

If you ever think you are an unfunny person-play "peek-a-boo" with a one year old, they'll laugh every time.

If you ever think you have a gut-get a one year old, their gut beats yours even on your fattest day.

If you ever need to exercise-get a one year old and let them out of their stroller, they'll run so fast away from you. It's a great way to get a cardio work out.

If you ever feel "not so smart"-get a one year old and take them outside. They'll go straight for the garden and eat handfuls and handfuls of dirt. And then cry because it tastes bad.

If you ever feel like getting out of church-get a one year old, they'll give you a couple million excuses to take them out.

If you ever think you have short, stubby, fat legs, get a one year old. Enough said. Confidence boosted.

If you ever think you need a dog- get a one year old-he'll take care of that extra food that fell under the table.

If you ever think you're not important-get a one year old, they think you're the most important, special person in the whole wide world-guaranteed.

If you ever feel like you don't matter-get a one year old and marvel at the miracle you created.

If you ever think being a mom is hard sometimes- get a one year old, they won't let you forget how completely worth it it is.

If you ever think life is not good-get a one year old, because it's a wonderful life.

I wish...

...I had the energy of my 3 year old who skips everywhere she goes from sun up to sun down. That would be nice.

...I had a magic button that I could push when my laundry was folded so that it would magically be put where it belongs without me doing it.

...I had straight hair. Or curly hair. Anything other than the mess of uneven waves I currently have.

...Spring Break would last forever. A week long gymnsatics camp is the best thing ever. My girls are in heaven.

...I could hear my kids laughing all day long. It makes me so happy.

...Next week were already here so we could be at Great Wolf Lodge with our friends.

...Old Navy and Target would make their leggings with knee pads. Because I'm tired of buying them. We've gone through 8 just this winter.

...I had a personal shopper. A personal grocery shopper. Someone to go to the market and buy all the food that we need. Because I honestly dread going. And I only go twice a month because I hate it so much.

...It would stop raining.

...I could sing in tune.

...Junk food was healthy.

...Henry were potty trained. His diapers stink!

...I were more of a scriptorian.

...I could work out, sew, cook and play Polly's all at the same time.

...the night would never end. Because the kids are in bed and LOST is on tonight! And Joe made homemade pazooki's! Life is SO good!