Halle's Room

Here is our sweet Halle in her new room in Wheaton. Notice the beautiful trees out her window!

She likes to read books!

Toothless in Wheaton

Look who finally decided to lose a tooth!

Why such a Hot Topic?

The WEATHER. Why is everyone constantly talking to us about the weather? When we announced that we were moving North, everyone enlightened us on the winters to come. And now that we're here, everyone snickers and asks if this will be our "first" winter.

While I appreciate the warnings, I think I'm over the conversation. At times, I've gotten myself so worked up that I'm literally scared of cold temperatures. This doesn't seem healthy, so I'm done being concerned. The way I see it, God created the world, and the weather that goes with each part of the country. Sure, it's colder in some parts than others, and warmer in some parts than others, but I'm no longer letting this conversation dictate my mood.

I am stepping up and embracing the fact that God moved us here for a reason, and that the weather doesn't affect that decision at all. We will stay here and thrive here for as long as God sees fit. We just might be thriving from under big sweaters and coats. This is an adventure......want to walk alongside?

I set up this category for those that are interested on how our thin, tanned skin is adapting up North. Check back for updates!

Out with the old....

See my car? A 2004 Lincoln Navigator Ultimate. There are lots of things to like, and it was the perfect car to handle the Dallas suburbs. However, since moving to the burbs of Chicago, I have become slightly less-enchanted. Why?

• First of all, I realized that my car is a very big premium gas-loving vehicle. And when premium gas costs 'ya over $3.50 a gallon, you raise your eyebrows. Seriously, over $80 to fill my tank? OUCH!


• I also realized that the parking spaces in the Chicagoland area are geared more towards COMPACT cars.....which of course, mine is NOT. Small parking spaces lead to lots of door dings--albeit on other people's cars--but this hurts my conscience. AND, there is constant yelling at my children to BE CAREFUL.


• Halle has grown. How is that an issue? She is the perfect height to run smack into the door with the top of her head, never seeing it coming. Bummer for her.


• Can you image parallel parking that bus into an already cramped space? And I've never claimed to be a champion parallel-parker.

• Finally, I've come to realize that those air-conditioned seats might not be as necessary here....

So, what does all this equal?

A New Family Car for Jennifer!
Welcome the new, 2007 Honda Odyssey! And I'm very pleased to announce that I'm driving the very same vehicle as every other mom in the state of Illinois! Yah, sure, it sort of strips my individuality, but there's something about BLENDING. Besides, my Texas accent gets me more attention than I'd like! I gave up a few features that the Nav had, but I also gained a few great ones: a more sophisticated Navigation system with voice command, a DVD player that will pick up where you left off when the car was shut off, and XM satellite radio! The hardest thing to give up? My TEXAS plates! Now I'm off to the DMV for an Illinois driver's license.....

Parker's Room

Surf's UP Dude!!

Parker likes to collect lots of things. We wanted to pick a theme for his room so he could display some of his artifacts. His largest collection is stuff from the beach...shells, sharks teeth, and the like. We though a beach-type theme would go well.
One of his walls is painted like a giant surf-board. Cool huh? (Johnny and I have been uncovering all sorts of hidden talents! Who knew?)

Grayson's Room

Grayson's picked a soccer room of course!

This mural is all the way from the UK! When you're in Grayson's room, you feel like you're right in the middle of a soccer game!

Go Fire!

Chicago Fire Jrs.

Grayson made his debut the past weekend as a proud member of the Chicago Fire Jrs.

Grayson with his fellow teammate and friend, Clyde Wight. Their uniforms look sharp!

He even got to play one half in goal. He LOVES to play goalie, but he's usually needed on the field.