Positive+

On Valentine's Day, Philly suggested that we go shopping for an engagment ring! No way? Yep. Ely and I both got teary eyed. How exciting. So, the following Saturday we went on a ring shopping adventure. Of course I naturallly picked the most expensive ring in the store. We immediately began planning a wedding. We choose our location, guest list, flowers, even booked the day and time. Ready to inform everyone of the big plans...
Then on March 15th there was a pink plus sign. A plus sign means positive... right? All I could think was, "What ye shall ask in prayer believing, ye shall recieve." We got just what we had been praying for. With a baby on board our plans switched from wedding dresses and reception sites, to prenatal appointments and clearing out a bedroom for baby.

So here's baby... the size of a peice of rice in this ultrasound photo. Amazing!

'Daddy to be' bought baby's first item on his trip to the annual golf tournament....a Masters onsie! How appropriate.

 Of course this is only the begining of many pictures to come.
Love, peace, and joy,
Jen, Phil, Amaya, Ely, and Baby

2012-So Much To Celebrate!

A new year always feels fresh. A new beginning, a new chance to change things, and the feeling of wanting to accomplish.
In April of 2008, Philly and I began looking for a home that would fit our family and our lifestyle. At times it was extremely frustrating to continue our hunt because we kept hitting a dead end. Finally, we gave up and decided that we would stay in Edgewood and build on. I was ready to put down roots and feel stable.
Then, in November 2011 we found out that a house we had previously looked at (a year ago) had been reduced to a price that we felt comfortable with. So, we called our Realtor right away (only to hit another dead end) to be informed that the house had sold just two days before.  In the same conversation our Realtor told us that the couple who bought the house had decided that the historic home would be more work then what they wanted. She offered to call the couple and ask them if they would be willing to sell the home to us but, only if we were serious. We were so serious that we not only had our Realtor call the home owner's but, I drug Phil out on an escapade to the house to meet this couple immediately. I had Philly accompany me while I knocked on the door and explained the situation to the home owners. Shocked is what they were. I told them that we wanted to buy the house from them and to contact us if they decided to sell. One week later we received the phone call that we had prayed for. We got the ball rolling to make a new home purchase! The soon to be "old home owners" felt as though it was heaven sent for us to take the home off of their hands. The feelings were mutual.

We knew we would be closing on the house within days. As the excitement continued to build, I decided to ask a friend (who happens to be an excellent photographer) if she would be available for a photo shoot at the new house. I made arrangements with the homeowners and they graciously allowed us in for some photo time and only days away from moving. It happened to be New Years Eve! That just shows you how wonderful people around us are...to take time for us on a holiday? Wow! Thanks guys.

 Check out how we celebrated in our soon to be, new dining room!

Love the bent knee....Philly's gettin' down!

And when we returned to our little house on Westwood Drive, the celebration continued!
Finger foods and pajamas are a rule at our house on New Years (just in case you are ever present for the festivities.) It gets better every year!

Isn't this picture the best? We love you Sissy!