M-O-V-I-N-G

Well, tomorrow is the big day. The big truck will be here, the boxes will come out and all of our stuff that makes our home will be packed and hauled to College Station. It seems like we just did this, even if it was 13 months ago. I finally get adjusted to life in the big city and we decide to move back to Aggieland.

Sam was offered a job in November to teach a class at A&M and finish his PhD. At the time we thought he was going to have to start in January, so the answer to the opportunity was "thanks, but no thanks." You see, Sam loves his job here. He adjusted to being in the office easily, and has grown to love being "on-call" when there is an emergency. Although moving here was quite an adjustment, especially for me, we grew (although it was very slowly) to love Fort Worth. We love our house, our "big backyard" as Carter calls it, our neighbors (there are three families within 6 houses that have kids the exact age as ours), our new friends, the shopping, the zoo, etc. However, we always said that if there was an opportunity to move back to College Station and have Sam be home every night that we would do it! So, back to the story...we found out that Sam could wait and start the A&M job in August, so that was a little more optimistic. It still was not an easy decision, but definitely an opportunity that we could not pass up. I am sad to leave our new big city, but I am also looking forward to getting back to small town life in College Station!

I am excited to be around our families again. To be in Aggieland. To be around my best friends. To reestablish old friendships. To be HOME.

It should take Sam two years to finish his degree, and we aren't sure what the future will hold from there. I am trying not to worry about it, to not be sad that we might end up moving again. I know God has a plan for us, even if it is not the exact plan that I have for my family. All I can do is trust in Him and know that everything will be alright.

The next few days...and months...are going to be hard. It wasn't easy moving with two young kids the first time, and I'm pretty sure that it won't be easy this time. Sam will continue working in Fort Worth (he'll be home on the weekends) until August 1, which means that I will need lots of patience as I try to put together a new home and try to keep two busy kiddos entertained! Whew...I am tired just thinking about it! It will also be hard for Sam to leave the company and the co-workers he loves so much, to begin a new job as a lecturer and a student, but I know he will do awesome at both!

Thankfully, my Mom is here to help. If it wasn't for her, I'm pretty sure that I would have lost my mind by now. Thanks, Mom. You're the best.

We visited the zoo for the last time today, which we will miss terribly!!! Our sweet neighbors also hosted a small dinner in our honor, where we ate pizza, played outside and roasted marshmallows! What a way to unwind before the beginning of a very stressful week!

Ally loves flamingos - they just might be her favorite thing to visit at the zoo!

Carter and Ally love playing in the stagecoach in the Texas section of the zoo. I actually took my camera today and caught a good picture of them!

I'm not sure if Carter actually listens to the voice on the other end of the phones at the zoo, but at least it looks like he is actually learning something!

Our wonderful neighbors. We will miss them so much, and I am hoping to get them to College Station sooner than later!

Aggies in Fort Worth

The Aggie baseball team is playing in the regional tournament here this weekend and somehow we managed to get tickets to all the games! Not only am I excited that my favorite team will be here showcasing their talent for everyone to see, but there is also a chance I might run into this man at a game...

Pat Green!!! Why would I run in to him, you ask? Well, Sam took Carter to a TCU game last week for fun, and guess who he hung out with - Pat Green and his kids!!! Sam said they talked for a little bit while the kids played on the big hill (a TCU thing) and then ended up taking their sons to the bathroom at the same time! For those of you who don't know, I used to be obsessed with Pat Green, mostly during my college days. Did you know that he lives less than 2 miles from us??? I started to turn into a stalker when we first moved here, but then decided that wasn't a very good example to be setting for my young children! I have only seen him around town once - as I was pulling out of my parking space at Tom Thumb and he was walking in. I seriously thought about going in and following him, but I had just been to work out and didn't have any make-up on! Great timing, right? Anyway, wish me (and the Aggies) luck this weekend!!

Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you to those of you who have served our country, those of you who are currently serving and those of you who will serve in the future. We are humbled by your selflessness to defend and protect our family. God Bless America!

Reading Buddies

The Future Bride & Groom

Dear Heather,

We are so excited that you will be joining our family (officially) next Spring! Thank you for loving my brother and making him so happy!

Love,
Courtney

Wedding Bells

Congratulations to my brother and Heather, his FIANCE!!! They got engaged last night and I couldn't be more excited! More details and pictures coming soon!

Summer is Here!

Ms. Sarah and Ms. Ashley (Carter's teachers)
Carter N. & Carter L.
Singing the "Seed" song

Do you notice anyone that isn't in the class in this picture? Ally wanted to be right in the middle of everything!
Ally looks so grown up in this picture!

Carter had his last day of school today, which they concluded with a party after lunch. The kids sang a few songs, ate cake, but mostly ran around like wild animals! I really enjoyed watching Carter interact with all of his school friends, and it amazes me how much he has grown up and matured over the year. I still can't believe that both kiddos will be in school next year...where did my babies go???

Future Aggies

Playmates

Over the last several weeks Carter and Ally have really started playing together. Ally loves Carter and mimics EVERYTHING he does! Carter will even ask to wake Ally up in the morning because she usually sleeps a little later than he does. It is fun to watch them interact with each other, and I hope that they continue to remain friends for the rest of their lives!

Two of a Kind

Carter N. + Carter L. = Best Friends!!!

Water Table or Swimming Pool?

Look what my children decided to do while I was cleaning the kitchen after lunch! I think it is going to be a long summer!!

Pit Stop

You know it has been a long drive (from College Station to Fort Worth) when I pull into Dairy Queen and let the kids split a chocolate sundae in the car!!!

The Dragons

Carter had his last soccer game about a month ago (I know, bad blogger!) and has already asked when he can play again! After the game the team had a party at Rosa's, where he ate nachos and received his first trophy! Although we were a little worried at the beginning of the season, it turned out to be a great experience for him and I can't wait to do it again!

Carter's #1 fan and future player!

Coach Sean and Carter at the party.

Carter and his best friend Carter L.! They had so much fun together!

I'm Back!

The kids are about to wake up from their naps, but I just wanted everyone to know to be on the lookout for new posts in the next few days!