Thursday, December 16, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Saying Goodbye to Warmer Days
Well, I think this is it. The end of the warmer days are over and now we'll experience the Texas winter. We took advantage of the warm weather last Friday by going on campus to the fish pond and playing with friends. Here are some pictures from our nice day. Goodbye warm temps, hello winter!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
October and November
Can you tell we've been busy?
The last couple of months have flown by and our focus has been stolen away by so much going on. In September we met with someone about potentially what we could be doing after Kevin graduates. He has sent us some job requests for us to consider. It's exciting and kinda weird to be thinking in 5 more months Kevin will not be in school anymore. Our entire marriage he has been in school and we're ready for something new.
Along with job thoughts, we've had some financial issues - like our car. It needed some work, which cost almost $700. So we've been really tightening our purse strings in order to pay for it and still be able to pay other bills. But our Father is faithful and He has provided in amazing ways. When it looks like there is no hope, we put our hope in Him and He is faithful. He's teaching us a lot in these struggles and hopefully the result will be beautiful.
We enjoyed our Halloween Trunk or Treat. Eliana dressed up like a black cat and she was so cute! When we first got there she couldn't stop looking at the crowds of people all over the parking lot. She went through the candy lines, but really came alive once she got in the toddler bounce house. She loved it! At first Kevin and I were unsure about letting her get in there because most of the other kids were so much bigger than her, but she held her own. She even figured out how to walk around without falling. She thought it would hilarious when another kid would bounce next to her and make her fall down. It really taught us as parents to let go and not be so overprotective.
November flew by and we had a good Thanksgiving. We shared it with some friends and met new friends as well. Eliana was the only child there, but she soaked up all the attention she was getting. She loved the big house where we were and had fun running from room to room. She didn't get a nap that day but did so well without getting fussy or demanding. We had good food and watched some football. Before we left that morning we turned on the tv to let Eliana watch the parade. She really liked the bands. But she loves music!
Now we're heading into December and trying to complete some paperwork for the organization we're hoping to get a job with next summer. I got my autobiography finished (an 8-page paper!) and it took about 3 days to complete. I haven't written papers like that since college and boy were my hands tired from all the writing and typing. But now I need to finish two more pieces of information, which will probably still take up a couple days each. Kevin hasn't started on his yet because he needs to finish assignments for school. But over the break he'll get those done and then we'll wait for the next step.
The last couple of months have flown by and our focus has been stolen away by so much going on. In September we met with someone about potentially what we could be doing after Kevin graduates. He has sent us some job requests for us to consider. It's exciting and kinda weird to be thinking in 5 more months Kevin will not be in school anymore. Our entire marriage he has been in school and we're ready for something new.
Along with job thoughts, we've had some financial issues - like our car. It needed some work, which cost almost $700. So we've been really tightening our purse strings in order to pay for it and still be able to pay other bills. But our Father is faithful and He has provided in amazing ways. When it looks like there is no hope, we put our hope in Him and He is faithful. He's teaching us a lot in these struggles and hopefully the result will be beautiful.
We enjoyed our Halloween Trunk or Treat. Eliana dressed up like a black cat and she was so cute! When we first got there she couldn't stop looking at the crowds of people all over the parking lot. She went through the candy lines, but really came alive once she got in the toddler bounce house. She loved it! At first Kevin and I were unsure about letting her get in there because most of the other kids were so much bigger than her, but she held her own. She even figured out how to walk around without falling. She thought it would hilarious when another kid would bounce next to her and make her fall down. It really taught us as parents to let go and not be so overprotective.
November flew by and we had a good Thanksgiving. We shared it with some friends and met new friends as well. Eliana was the only child there, but she soaked up all the attention she was getting. She loved the big house where we were and had fun running from room to room. She didn't get a nap that day but did so well without getting fussy or demanding. We had good food and watched some football. Before we left that morning we turned on the tv to let Eliana watch the parade. She really liked the bands. But she loves music!
Now we're heading into December and trying to complete some paperwork for the organization we're hoping to get a job with next summer. I got my autobiography finished (an 8-page paper!) and it took about 3 days to complete. I haven't written papers like that since college and boy were my hands tired from all the writing and typing. But now I need to finish two more pieces of information, which will probably still take up a couple days each. Kevin hasn't started on his yet because he needs to finish assignments for school. But over the break he'll get those done and then we'll wait for the next step.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Eliana sat on a wall, Eliana had a great fall
Fortunately, Mommy could put her back together again!
Last week Eliana took a tumble on the concrete stairs in front of our apartment and tore up her little head. Lots of tears and a few band-aids later she was playing again. Thankfully, she has healed quite nicely and is on the mend.
That little cutie is growing more and more and learning more words everyday. Recently she learned the word "no", which is a popular word in kiddie culture. But many more words are being said, including "book" and "amen". She continues to amaze us everyday with what all she learns and what she knows. She's so smart and fun. Pretty soon we will be moving to a toddler bed and potty training. So a busy household we will have!
This week we have to have our car fixed - rack and pinion. It will be the most expensive repair we've had to do on this car since we bought it in 2003. Hopefully, this car will last another 8-10 months. We think it will and we are trusting in Him to provide finances in order to pay for these repairs.
Kevin's classes are going well so far and he's still learning so much all the time. I (Mandy) am still watching our friend's little girl during the day and Eliana enjoys having a friend here to play with other than just mommy. We're thankful that this week has brought relief to the heat we've been having and look forward to Fall. Please remember to lift us up as we continue following His lead for our lives. Many important decisions are coming up. Thank you for your love and support of us.
Last week Eliana took a tumble on the concrete stairs in front of our apartment and tore up her little head. Lots of tears and a few band-aids later she was playing again. Thankfully, she has healed quite nicely and is on the mend.
That little cutie is growing more and more and learning more words everyday. Recently she learned the word "no", which is a popular word in kiddie culture. But many more words are being said, including "book" and "amen". She continues to amaze us everyday with what all she learns and what she knows. She's so smart and fun. Pretty soon we will be moving to a toddler bed and potty training. So a busy household we will have!
This week we have to have our car fixed - rack and pinion. It will be the most expensive repair we've had to do on this car since we bought it in 2003. Hopefully, this car will last another 8-10 months. We think it will and we are trusting in Him to provide finances in order to pay for these repairs.
Kevin's classes are going well so far and he's still learning so much all the time. I (Mandy) am still watching our friend's little girl during the day and Eliana enjoys having a friend here to play with other than just mommy. We're thankful that this week has brought relief to the heat we've been having and look forward to Fall. Please remember to lift us up as we continue following His lead for our lives. Many important decisions are coming up. Thank you for your love and support of us.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Starting the countdown at 10...
We just realized that exactly 10 months from today Kevin will be graduating. We are very excited about what He has in store for us next and we are very anxious to get these next 10 months over with! This past month has been a lot of work, but worth it in the end.
Kevin took a class this summer. It was the first of two ST classes and he really loved it. I learned so much from it too because he would come home each day and tell me what they were talking about. Because the class was during the day he had to make up hours at work in the evenings and weekends, so it was very draining for both of us. But it's over now and we have him free for the rest of the summer!
Eliana was sick for the 2nd time ever a couple of weeks ago. She had a high fever and sore throat. That was an adventure for me since she's never had a high fever before. But she's all better and back to her normal self again. She has also cut more teeth. I'm counting 7 now!
Some things to pr for us about:
1. Our trip to Kansas City July 15-18. After this trip we'll have a little more clarity about where to go after school.
2. Trip to LA August 4-10. Kevin's brother Nathan is marrying Shannon on August 8 and we are flying out for the event. I've never been very far west, so we're very excited about this trip.
3. Eliana during our trips. When we're in KC this will be the first time we've been away from her overnight. Also, pray she sleeps well.
Kevin took a class this summer. It was the first of two ST classes and he really loved it. I learned so much from it too because he would come home each day and tell me what they were talking about. Because the class was during the day he had to make up hours at work in the evenings and weekends, so it was very draining for both of us. But it's over now and we have him free for the rest of the summer!
Eliana was sick for the 2nd time ever a couple of weeks ago. She had a high fever and sore throat. That was an adventure for me since she's never had a high fever before. But she's all better and back to her normal self again. She has also cut more teeth. I'm counting 7 now!
Some things to pr for us about:
1. Our trip to Kansas City July 15-18. After this trip we'll have a little more clarity about where to go after school.
2. Trip to LA August 4-10. Kevin's brother Nathan is marrying Shannon on August 8 and we are flying out for the event. I've never been very far west, so we're very excited about this trip.
3. Eliana during our trips. When we're in KC this will be the first time we've been away from her overnight. Also, pray she sleeps well.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
A New Tooth, Finally!
Eliana finally got a third tooth yesterday. She's a little slow in getting her teeth, but that's ok...less to bite us with! Thankfully she hasn't been extremely fussy with this one, so we've been very fortunate.
This last weekend my mom came to visit and it was so nice because she stayed with Eliana so Kevin and I could go out a couple of times. Saturday night we went out for ice cream for his birthday. Then Sunday afternoon we went to see Iron Man 2. It's the first time I've been to the movies since she's been born and boy do I miss it! I'll have to admit, it was a little weird because when the movie started and I realized how loud it was, I kept thinking we needed to turn it down so it wouldn't be too loud for Eliana. But then I got used to it. It was nice to get away for a while and I hope to do it more often. We just need to find a regular babysitter.
This last weekend my mom came to visit and it was so nice because she stayed with Eliana so Kevin and I could go out a couple of times. Saturday night we went out for ice cream for his birthday. Then Sunday afternoon we went to see Iron Man 2. It's the first time I've been to the movies since she's been born and boy do I miss it! I'll have to admit, it was a little weird because when the movie started and I realized how loud it was, I kept thinking we needed to turn it down so it wouldn't be too loud for Eliana. But then I got used to it. It was nice to get away for a while and I hope to do it more often. We just need to find a regular babysitter.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Eliana Walking!!
Ok, so it took a while for me to get some good video and then get it posted, but here she is!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
It's about time...
Spring is finally here. Warm sunshine, beautiful flowers and nice walks around the neighborhood. Time to break out those t-shirts and flip-flops. We've been enjoying the nice weather and decided to give the blog a facelift for the season.
Here are some pictures of our Spring time fun. Enjoy!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Snow Day!
Today is Eliana's first snow day. We don't get snow very often in Texas and today was a blizzard (comparatively). Kevin was pretty excited that the Seminary was closed today, because, with his new position, he gets a paid snow day off - his first ever.
Eliana thought it was pretty cool. She watched our neighbors out the window playing in the snow and making snow men. She kept pointing out the window and hitting it to get their attention.
Later we decided to venture out in the snow ourselves. We bundled her up in whatever we could find and headed out the door. She wasn't quite sure what to think then, but she was a pretty good sport. She liked the snow men, but didn't want to crawl around in it. We got some good pictures and went back into the warm apartment. 
Monday, February 1, 2010
Not Now Dad, I'm Busy.
Well, it's probably long overdue but I thought it was time I (Kevin) posted on our blog. I'll do my best to keep up with the theme, but I'm sure there will be some noticeable formatting issues. Mandy does great with things like this, so I'll try not to bring too much shame upon the site. I've tried to compile a few images that portray just how busy Eliana is. As you can see, she's taken on a few jobs to get some training for the competitive job market. Those of you with hardwood floors can sympathize with the need to properly treat your floors with a bright blue floor buffer. Eliana has just picked up this skill so she's still bumping into walls and screaming at the machine.
In January, I brought home a disfunctional keyboard from the warehouse I work at because Eliana loves to press CTRL + Any key that will change our settings on our computer. Eliana began as a low-level, trainee in data entry and has picked the Indianapolis Colts to win the Super Bowl in the office pool.
Eliana is now a Data Entry Supervisor. Mandy and I have been assigned double shifts and currently work weekends to comply with our new boss' standards. There is a lot of pointing and not a lot of clear verbal instruction. I just don't understand why she's the only one who gets to wear shorts to work.
While Mandy watches a set of twins on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during the week, Eliana volunteers as a Grief Counselor. She's so-so at listening and I'm pretty sure she's giving hugs to people before their ready for them.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
The Best Birthday Party Ever...well, to me it was
On Saturday we had Eliana's first birthday party. It was a whirlwind of kids, cake, presents and loudness. We had 8 adults and 5 kids crammed into our tiny seminary apartment for cake and ice cream. At one point Kevin said he saw Eliana at the side of the room just looking at everyone.
She seemed to like her cake, although it took a few minutes for her to really dig in. She enjoyed the icing first, and then the cake. She got lots of really great presents: some adorable books, play vacuum cleaner, gumball machine, mailbox, Little People birthday blocks, a cute dress and a big pink ball. Kevin and I also gave her a wood puzzle and some play car keys on her actual birthday. Now our house is crammed with toys since Christmas and her birthday are 3 weeks apart.
Tomorrow we go in for her one year checkup with Dr. Brennan. We're looking forward to her official measurements to see how much she's grown.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Happy First Birthday, Baby Girl!!!
One year ago today Eliana Kaitlyn Moots came into our lives and filled our home with joy. Happy first birthday sweetheart. Mommy and Daddy love you so much!!!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Ow, My Eye!!!
Kevin came home for lunch last Friday saying, "Babe, what happened to your eye?!"
"What? What's wrong with my eye?" I asked.
"Go look in the mirror!" So I go to the bathroom mirror to see this:
I'm still not exactly sure how it happened, but I know that a blood vessel in my eye broke and the blood leaked down into my eye. The campus clinic nurse said it would clear up on it's own and as long as I don't have any pain or vision problems, it's fine. So now everywhere I go, to the grocery store, to restaraunts...everywhere...I get weird looks and questions. Someone even told me that it looked like a vampire eye, so I guess I'm in with pop culture right now.