twenty seven...

So, far 27 is a great year for me. My husband gave me a wonderful birthday. First, on Wed. night, we had yummy food at PF Changs. He got me strawberry cheese-birthday-cake... and even marzipan!

Then, birthday weekend, he gave me the best surprise! He took me to the CUTEST cottage right on the McKenzie river. It was amazing!

We also went on a beautiful hike and saw gorgeous waterfalls! I love surprises and I love waterfalls! Yay for living in Oregon!

pink, pirate & pumpkins...

Halloween was fun for us here in Eugene. We got some cheap costume pieces from W*&%#@!^, and my friend Sara from work came over and hung out (our first dinner guest... yay!)

That morning at work, we had a couple of "harvest" parties with the kids and it ended up being a lil stressfull, so it was great to have a fun night!

We ate... carved pumpkins... got some Prince Puckler Homemade Ice Cream (yummy!)... drove around to mock all the costumed college students roaming the streets (comedy!)... and even semi- stayed awake to watch "Run, Fat boy, Run". 'Twas a great time had by all.

yes, that's right... my pumpkin has a flamingo on it.

la la land...

My trip to L.A. was awesome and a much needed dose of the people I love. Sorry to those who have been waiting for this post... but here are some pics for ya!

The fam...

It was great seeing the Ennis family... I really miss those munchkins! (Lu is walking now!!!)

Amy Grant concert was SOOO amazing... I just love her!

Seeing it with my Mommy and my Auntie made it that much better!

(sorry, the videos wouldn't work on here)

I had a dream that she invited me to her house in Tennessee... hey, it could happen!

fall leaves fall...

I have never seen such a beautiful autumn...

... and that's the least of it.

click my heels...

I'm coming to L.A. for the weekend! It's a short trip... specifically to see Amy Grant with my mom and aunt (SOOO excited!). But, we are having a big' ol family/friends dinner at C&O on Saturday night. I want to see you... so, if you want to see me, come to dinner! Or, at least gimme a call ;)

updates...

Since last week...

I had my first day of work...

We bought a weed-wacker and clipper/trimmer things and J went to town in our backyard and bushes...

We bought some awesome used bikes! We found this retired guy who fixes up old bikes and he and his sweet wife gave us a great deal! Woohoo for bikes and nice Oregonians! (We also got helmets!)

We finally finished our 2,000 piece puzzle (after 2 weeks- ish)...

And we were very excited to put those final pieces in!

Ok... time for mimis!

Working girl...

I got a job! I got THE job! I am an assistant (full time) in a room of autistic children. Not the pay or the pressure of teaching, but a ton of amazing experience. Bonuses: Health insurance that starts next month, discounted tuition so Jason can go to school this semester, and we get to stay in our house! This is the most relief and peace I have felt since this whole moving to Oregon thing started. I feel like we belong here and we are going to make a life here. Honestly, this was completely God. We have been on our knees in prayer for every aspect of this move. He gave us a date, a home, and 2 other job offers I turned down before this amazing opportunity. I am in awe of how amazing He is and how much He loves us... seriously pulling off some miracles for us in Oregon.
So, I signed the papers Wed. morning to be an official employee, and then started training right away (a week-and-a-half behind the rest of the staff). It has been really interesting and a little intense... had a bit of time with the kids already. Today in training we talked about what to do when a child is biting, pinching, scratching, kicking you... cuz it will happen. I'm still excited about this job.
On another note...
I am missing my people. My family and friends... it's so nice to hear their voices... your voices (so call us and say hi!). At the top of that list, I am aching for the family I nannied for. I miss the kids every single day, and talking to them on the phone makes me cry. I know we are supposed to be here, and it was time to move on from that phase of my life, but I just love them. Yesterday was the baby's 1st birthday... and they're going to dedicate her this Sunday... stuff I would SO be there for. Maybe I can finish my transporter (transpondster?) machine by this weekend.

Happy Birthday Lulu!

Ok, time for bed... I have a job to wake up for now!
If you're reading this... we love and miss you!