the house

We still don't know if we'll get the chance to actually live in it, but for now we're still building... since the future isn't looking too promising and we don't know if we'll have the pleasure of calling it "our house" for much longer, we (aka. I) now refer to it simply as "the house." Yesterday we headed out to check on the progress of the house, and I must say, it's looking good!

I love the floorplan (I'm really picky when it comes to floorplans). I love the location. I love the lot. I love the cabinets, carpet, tile, and even the linoleum...

Yes, we're still trying to figure out a way to make "the house" our house for good. Wish us luck! But really, we're asking for a miracle. We'll just have to see what happens! *B

PS- HAPPY OCTOBER!!!

a whole lot of perfect(ion) going on

Like many others, my heart is feeling a wee bit on the heavy side nowadays. It's amazing how one day everything seems to be clicking into place... we had the perfect job and in two months, we'd be moving into our perfect little dream house preparing for our first perfect Christmas in our first perfect home. And then the very next day, we find ourselves (in a now seemingly pointless one-bedroom apartment) with an unsteady future; our perfect job may not be so perfect and our perfect new home now looks more and more unlikely. I couldn't be sadder. I couldn't be lower. One day I was engulfed in the happy planning of my happy life. The next day I was engulfed in doubt, despair and discouragement.

And then I remember that that's life. And I'm not scared. When Brad was preparing for the CA Bar he worried... What if his studying wasn't enough? What if he didn't pass? The list of fears went on and on. But I assured him that as important as this test is, it does not define him. And so I remind myself, as I reminded him, of what does define us: our family and the gospel. What more do we need?

Last night, after I cried myself silly, I watched this (that Nie has uncanny timing). And today I read this, and this. I acknowledge the fact that life is hard. My life isn't perfect... But, my life is good. And I'm here to be perfected. God is perfect and God is good, also. And He's given me three reasons to smile:

And so I do. *B

pampered much

That's what happens when it's your birthday! Whether you happen to be turning 29 or the big One-Eight, you're never too old (or too manly) for a pedicure ;)

I believe they enjoyed themselves... and while they left their calluses and cuticles behind, their manhood remains intact. *B

someone got older today

My little boy is now a big boy. And he has one of the sweetest, and funniest, faces I know! Love him. Happy fourth Mr. Will! *B

seriously

and finally!!! It's my turn to get my house :)

I wonder if it has any super incentives I'm unaware of... like an underground lair. That would be cool. Pictures and details to come! *B

the point of no return

We're here. Me and the Missy and the man of the hour. Six hours, to be exact. For three days, to be more exact. Yes, the time has come for Brad to take the California Bar. If you're the praying type, please pray for him. And all other good vibes/energy/thoughts, etc. is needed and gladly accepted! *B

while the cat is away,

the mice will play!

And this little mouse
lives in this pretty house
(for now)



And plays with fabric, yarn and strings,
and other such non-kitty things




And she has the best of playmates!
Yay for cousins, Nana, and this little face
(happy 4 months to my missy!)

All while Mr. Feline goes to his books,
with tired sighs and forlorn looks...
(only 2.5 weeks to go!)*B

this weekend

consist(s)/(ed) of mostly this

and a little ho-hum homemaking.
All in the comfort of my pajamas.
I should at least shower...

More often than not, I don't.

Turns out my weekends are the same as my weekdays. *B

anyone interested

in this (the bedding, not the belly)? If you're even slightly tempted by a Pottery Barn Pinwheel Bumper pad, email me! It's brand new, never been opened. I'm going in a different direction with miss Elsie's bedroom. That is, when she has her own bedroom, instead of this very chic, very cute bedding

it'll be this very sweet, very retro-ish and handmade bedding

Little miss isn't even in a crib yet... but she will be! When she has a room of her own, in a home of our own. For now, she's plenty comfortable taking naps on Nana's bed and sleeping (through the night!!!) in her cradle in the game room, across from Bampa's pool table :)

Which reminds me, I'll have to get some pictures up of our temporary home... aka my parent's house. Anyone interested in seeing where I grew up? *B

mostly finished

He did it!
We did it!

Bradley graduated from
Pepperdine's School of Law
on the 22nd of May, 2009.

Halle-freakin'-lujah!!!

It was an absolutely beautiful day with family and friends. While Brad walked, I sat there beaming and crying. I was honored to hood him and am so proud of what he's accomplished. And besides our massive amount of school debt, the four of us made it through relatively unharmed :) Now it's time to hunker down and study for the bars (CA & AZ). Then, we will be finished. *B

and so it begins

I've come to realize that packing/moving is a lot like law school... it seems to go on forever! But it will end. And change is necessary. I just wish it wasn't so exhausting! *B

the sun will come out

Tomorrow! Brad's last final (of his life) is tomorrow!!!
We all need some good sun hats for the brightness of this moment ;)

Though I doubt we'll all look as cute as missy. *B

on this day

So much is happening right now. And I can hardly wrap my brain around what has already happened, let alone what will happen in these next two weeks...

Today, Elsie is two months old. She's smiling, and cooing and wooing us all! Today leaves the hub with his last two finals. Then he graduates next Friday! And little miss will be blessed that following Sunday. And then that Monday, we leave our beloved California for boiling Arizona... we'll be staying with my folks while Brad studies for the bar (to be taken in July), and soon we'll be looking for a home of our own come August/September! Wow. And, on a side note, today is also the day I would be holding my Maybe baby.


I have a few projects I need to wrap up before we leave, and I've started/planned some other projects to keep me from dwelling on all the upcoming craziness. Oh, and I've been enjoying my children.

So, today is May 11th. A chapter is coming to a close, while another opens. It's a sad/happy/frightening/exciting day :) And today will soon become yesterday. Everything is happening so fast... and I haven't even done laundry today. *B

the end is near

Today is the last day of classes!!! No more night school, too :) Now all we have to get through is finals and the bar exam, and we are done with law (except for practicing it...)! Say it with me people, "HUZZAH!"

The little engine that could is our role model. *B

for the broken record

Six weeks ago my missy was born. Wow. Time flies, eh? All is well. Turns out having two kids isn't too bad after all. Although being a sick family of four for a week is bad. Very bad. But we're all on the mend and what do I have to show for it? Pictures! So eat your heart out (mom!):

Yes, my kids are beautiful, aren't they? *B