Fruit Salad...

This is the best fruit salad. My grandma Staggs used to make this and I loved it as a kid. Now, my girls love it when their grandma Keating makes it.

8 bananas, mashed

1 lg can or frozen OJ, thawed

1 lg can crushed pineapple (drained)

3/4 cup sugar

1 jar maraschino cherries, halved and drained well on paper towels

Mix all together and place in a freezer friendly container and freeze. Can be made several days ahead. Remove from freezer to soften to serve.

I resolve...

I spent some time going over my resolutions for 2009. I think I kept up with most all of them, except the tv one. Kevin is to blame for that, he bought a bigger tv.

Highlights of 2009

• Avery said a highlight was when Marla and Phil got a trampoline for Reese and they got to jump on it.
• We started a basement remodel, which came to an abrupt halt when the Fuller job became a possibility
• We paid off all debt, except our student loans and mortgage. We'll be paying those stupid loans 'til Avery's in college. Ugh-
• Avery started 1st grade
• McKenna started Preschool
• Watching Presley grow and learn
• Kevin is now Dr. Osborn!
• Got to spend lots of time with family and friends

Goals for 2010

• both Avery and Kenna said they want a home. While it's not really a resolution, we all want one really bad!
• Rework our budget to accommodate this new life
• Start 2 new savings acct for-new (to us) vehicle, travel back to Ks
• Figure out a workable schedule/routine for our family that will soon be 6-this would include chores, boundaries, consequences, rewards, time management, etc...
• Get more organized system for couponing, and use it-a lot.
• Get more organized. Period.
• Be intentional about family night. Plan to have a scheduled family night once a week.
• Find a babysitter, so Kevin and I can maintain our date night schedule we established in 2009.
• Figure out plan to work-out. I miss the Y, and U-verse. Bad.
• Do family devotions every night. The girls got a new devo for Christmas, so we'll plan to use it.
• Stay on tract with my personal bible reading/devotion time
• Be a better mom and wife. I haven't been so good lately...

I am praying desperately that we'll find a house we love (and can afford) and that we'll grow to love life in California. This transition has been rough and I don't know when we'll find a place to truly call home. I hope I can be a better model for the girls, and a better support for my husband. That I'll look on the bright side more often, than not. That I'll cry less. That 2010 will be the best year for Osborn abode!

Happy new year to you! What's your resolution?

Christmas Breakfast

Our traditional breakfast on Christmas morning is always a breakfast casserole of some sort and bubble loaf. The casserole usually changes, depending on what everyone is in the mood for, but the bubble loaf is a given. This year, I used this recipe for the breakfast casserole, and it was so good. I'm definitely going to make it again, soon. Instead of the cubes of bread, I used a bag of seasoned croutons (I always use croutons in any breakfast casserole, it's usually cheaper and always easier). I also used wet mustard, instead of dried.

And here's the bubble loaf recipe.

1/2 package, Rhodes frozen rolls

1 cup chopped pecans

1 pkg butterscotch pudding, not instant-must get the cook and serve

6 T melted butter

1 t cinnamon

1/2 c. brown sugar

Spray bundt pan with pam. Place pecans in pan. Place frozen rolls over the pecans. Sprinkle the pudding (dry) over the rolls. Mix melted butter, cinnamon and brown sugar together. Pour on top of rolls and pudding. Let stand overnight or 8 hours. Bake 30 m. at 350 degrees. I usually place the pan on a cookie sheet to catch any spills. I also cover with foil the first 20 m. Remember, if you cover with foil to spray the foil with pam so it doesn't stick.

This is a very easy sweet roll recipe. I make it several times a year. Enjoy!

Food cravings and recipes

When I was pregnant with Avery, Kevin and I were vegetarians, and all I wanted to eat was a hamburger. That's it-no pickles, no ice cream, just a hamburger. I slowly introduced meat back into my diet during that pregnancy. McKenna's pregnancy, well, I really can't remember, I think I just ate everything in site. Presley-I could have eaten McDonalds every single day of the whole pregnancy and been satisfied. I was always craving a cheeseburger from there. Every. Day.

Now, what am I hungry for, you ask? Sushi. That's right. California Rolls with soy sauce, ginger (which Dillons had and Ralphs doesn't btw) and wasabi. We had some last week, and since then, that's all I've wanted to eat. I got some yesterday, had to share with Kevin. I could have eaten the whole thing by myself. And today, I wanted more! Crazy...Although, I'm also growing very fond of CPK pizza-pepperoni and hamburger, nothing fancy. Kevin has so far ordered BBQ chicken, Carribean jerk Chicken and Chipotle chicken, which I have yet to try. They just don't sound good.

So, while I'm on the subject of food, I thought I'd share the beef tenderloin I made on Christmas. Beef tenderloin is my absolute favorite and this was the first time I've made it. I used my mom's recipe, which I think is Aunt Marlene's recipe.

1 beef tenderloin, trimmed of fat

2 packets of Dry Good Seasons Italian dressing

1 cup ketchup

2 tsp mustard (wet)

1 tsp Worcestershire

1 1/2 cups water

Place tenderloin in a large zip lock bag. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over tenderloin. Seal bag and marinate overnight in refrigerator.

Remove from marinade and pat somewhat dry. Place on foil lined roasting pan or 9x13 pan and bake at 425 (uncovered) for about an hour. May need to cook longer depending on size of the tenderloin.

Let set 20 minutes before slicing.

We always serve horseradish sauce with the tenderloin-

Mayo

Sourcream

Prepared horseradish-you should find this in the refrigerated section-in Ict, it's by the refrigerated pasta and sauces, in Ca, it's by the hotdogs.

Salt and Pepper

Mix about equal portions, start out with 1/2 cup each of the may and sour cream. Add about 2 TBSP horseradish and salt and pepper. This is really just an eyeball and taste method.

I'll post the frozen fruit salad recipe soon.

Merry Miscellaneous

Well, yesterday went much better than I expected. With the help of Skype, we were able to see both sets of families and talk multiple times with them. The girls had a great Christmas! Not one fight or disappointment. With the exception of 2 blown breakers, the first at 6:30am, the day was awesome. We had to forgo heat to enjoy our Christmas tree lights. The food was great, I must say, and it was a really good Christmas for us. We really have no plans for the next week, other than find some new/cheap places to enjoy around here.

• At lunch yesterday, I asked the girls what their favorite gift was. Avery said all of her clothes (she got a lot) and McKenna quickly said the m and m's she got in her stocking. From the looks of it, Presley's favorite is her new Tinkerbell chair that's just for her. My favorite gift was getting to experience Christmas with my love and my girls. And, considering all of the compliments he made, I'm guessing Kevin's favorite was the food that was consumed yesterday. And the fact that he got to spend the whole day in his sweats!
• We shared some big news with everyone. This will be our last Christmas with just the 5 of us. Baby #4 will be coming in June, much to everyone's surprise, including ours!
• We watched lots of movies-Elf, Grinch, Home Alone (McKenna's new favorite), Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, and SNL's Christmas special (after the girls were in bed, of course)
• I thought I'd be celebrating this Christmas with my new CA driver's license, but no such luck. Can I tell you how much I hate the DMV and got a taste of how things run when the government is in charge. It sucks. We needed to have either birth certificates or passports to verify id-social security cards and current driver's license were not accepted. I also needed my marriage certificate. Kevin couldn't find his birth cert. so he took his expired passport and they accepted it, no problems. I took my original birth cert. and a certified copy of our marriage license and was denied. They want a seal on the marriage cert. No where online did it state that. I've been married for 12 years and had 3 kids with me. I was furious, to say the very least. I studied so hard for that stupid test and was ready for it to just be done. I hated being at that place. It was crowded, dirty, and gross. And, I plan to write a heated letter to Arnold about my experience there. So far, California is NOTHING like his commercials describe.
• So, I have yet another appt. with the DMV on Jan. 12. My new sealed marriage cert. should be here by then and I'll take the stupid test and declare it will be the last time I set foot in that horrid place.
• I am so ready for a permanent place to call home. I'm ready for Central heat. A garbage disposal and dishwasher. An extra toilet. A fridge that holds more than 2 days worth of food. A bug/spider free place. Carpet where your feet won't turn black if you decide to go barefoot. 3 prong outlets. A laundry room. The simple things you take for granted until you don't have them. Maybe next Christmas...
• This apartment looks like a bomb exploded. Today, we are cleaning and finding room for all the stuff we got. We may need another storage unit :)
• The things I was thinking about last Christmas are so different from what's on my heart today. If you would have told me last year what we'd be doing this year, there's no way I'd believe it. NO WAY-

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas! May this season be one of family, joy, laughter, and making great memories for you and your loved ones.

The Plan...

So, we're celebrating Christmas in California. Usually, our family has a variety of snacks on Christmas Eve. Usually we have those snacks with family. Well, it's just the 5 of us, so here's what's on the table tonight-

• cheese/crackers/ summer sausage-I usually just do cheddar and pepper jack, but I added Dubliner and Chavrie to the spread this year
• 'lil smokies in sauce of grape jelly and ketchup-sounds gross but tastes good
• dill dip in bread bowl-actually, they don't have dill dip here, the lady at Ralphs talked me into getting spinach dill dip from their deli, we'll see...
• homemade chex mix
• lots of different cookies
• queso and chips, salsa
• white chocolate pretzels-made trips to several stores to find stuff for this and the queso

We made Christmas tree cut-out brownies for Santa

Tomorrow morning, after stockings are opened, we'll have bubble loaf and breakfast casserole. We'll read the Christmas story and skype with family back in Ks. Sometime later in the day, we'll eat-

• Beef tenderloin with homemade horseradish sauce-I'll be eating this in Heaven, too
• twice baked potatoes
• green beans
• frozen fruit salad
• Jesus cake-we make this every year for Jesus' birthday
• pumpkin pie-because Kevin saw this on tv and really wanted one

We plan to eat, watch good Christmas movies, play with whatever Santa brings us and enjoy being a family of 5 this Christmas. If I'm motivated, I'll post recipes later.

Have a Merry Christmas!

House Hunting

So, back in September, we looked at some houses out here and thought most of them weren't for us, but we were told we could find something. We knew house prices had fallen drastically and we were glad because there was no way this would work otherwise.

Fast forward to now. There is absolutely nothing in the Pasadena area even close to our price range. The problem with house prices falling is that no one is selling. A tiny common sense fact we didn't think about when we decided to move here.

So, our realtor suggested that we look into the Valencia/Stevenson Ranch area. It would mean a 30-45 minute commute for Kevin. Not exactly what we wanted, for those of you in the ict area, it would be comparable to driving from Newton to W. Wichita. Not a huge commute, but something to consider. Anyway, the schools in that area are much better than in Pasadena, and the family quality of life is better. We've made a few trips out there and really like it. It reminds us of Colorado Springs in the fact that it's flat but surrounded by mountains. The best thing is that it just feels open and nice. It's clean and you don't have to pay to park anywhere, like you do here. The houses are much more affordable there as well.

We looked at 6 houses on Friday, 2 of which we could see ourselves in. Those were already under contract, but the realtor knows what we like now. It's so hard to look at another person's home and try to mentally put your stuff in it and figure out where things would go. It's also interesting that the homes that have the grossest carpet are the ones where we are asked to take off our shoes at the door. Weird. Houses spaced closed together. No brick. No basements. Beautiful landscaping. Not much of a yard. I guess it will just take some time to get used to California architecture. Oh, but I hope we find one, soon. I can't wait to have a home again. Hoping the market will pick up again after the holidays and we'll find something we all like.

Excuse me, but where can I find...

So, the Kroger affiliate out here is called Ralphs. Let me tell you, it is no Dillons. Not even close. I miss Dillons. These are the things I can't find here.

• Velveeta-I make homemade queso with it and rotel.
• Rotel-see above
• Red hots-aka cinnamon imperials, we needed these for gingerbread cookies. I improvised with raisens. Won't do that again.
• Almond bark-for white chocolate pretzels, a Christmas tradition for us
• Bugles-to go in our homemade chex mix.
• Summer sausage-to serve on Christmas eve with cheese and crackers.

The only thing good about Ralphs is that they have peppermint mocha coffee mate creamer. And that's it.

It's a Good Thing

Well, we finally have internet in our apartment. We're still working on trying to get the wireless router to work, but Avery's school desktop is working so I feel like we belong to civilization. However, you don't realize how much you appreciate having a Mac until you have to spend time on a pc, a slow pc. Anyway, I hope our laptop is up and running soon.
It's a good thing I didn't have access to blog last week. It was the worst week ever, and I probably would have said/written a lot that I shouldn't have. Here's a quick recap of the last 12 days

• the cable guy came Friday afternoon, only to find out our apt. building isn't wired for cable at all, so we have to go with a dish. DirectTV said they'll come on Sunday. We call ATandT about internet and after 45 minutes, they tell Kevin they'll come Dec. 14.
• 2 hours after the moving van left, Avery throws up. Everywhere.
• Thinking naively it was just her that was sick, the rest of us ate a big supper of In and Out burgers, fries, etc....
• a few hours later, it hits the rest of us. All of us were out. Saturday was the most horrible day. Both Kevin and I were very sick, we all just laid around, groaning and sharing 1 bathroom. Poor Presley and the girls pretty much had to fend for themselves. Not one box was unpacked that day.
• Sunday-woke up sore and weak, but not sick anymore-must. unpack. boxes.
• Realize after sleeping in our bed, that the movers didn't put it together correctly and it was sinking terribly in the middle. Kevin had to take the whole thing apart, bend the metal back and start over
  
• ant problem in the girl's rm
• toilet problems
• major plumbing issue with kitchen sink faucet. Called after hours maintenance (for the second time) b/c the faucet just wouldn't turn off. Ugh
• spider problems in bathroom-McKenna won't go in there by herself anymore...
• Our back door window is covered with tape and packing paper b/c the shade won't stay down.
• more ant problems-not in the kitchen-they must like the bathroom and girls room.
• Walls are paper thin here. We are a loud family. Not good in an apartment. I feel so sorry for our neighbors.
• Our one and only toilet takes 5 to 6 minutes to refill with water after a flush. Seriously, I timed it.
  
• No heat in here except our 3 space heaters-Surprisingly, it gets cold here in SoCal, especially at night.
• several breakers blown. Breaker box is located in room down the way. Our key didn't work the first night we blew one. Another call to maintenence after hours.
• Found out we can either watch tv, or have the Christmas lights on. Also, if you want to use the microwave, you must turn off the space heaters.
• I've already spent $50 doing laundry at the laundry mat.
  

My girls amaze me. They are doing so well! I can't believe how well they are doing. I'm supposed to be the model, the strong one. Well, I'm not. This has been the hardest thing I've ever done, without a doubt. I'm not very good at faking it.

The weather has been better the last few days, so we've been able to get out more. A much needed break from our apt.

Here's hoping this week is better than last...

We're here!

We got to Pasadena around 9:30 on Wednesday night. After 13 hours on the road, we were exhausted, to say the least.

• We got up and took it easy this morning, enjoyed Panera for breakfast. The view of the mountains as a backdrop for Pasadena is stunning. I don't know how anyone can get used to the beauty around here.
• We looked at our apartment. Let's just say, it's big, and that's about it. We'll be contacting a realtor on Monday.
• There's a toddler play area right next to our apartment and the girls loved playing there while Kevin and I looked around.
• Buddy, our Elf on the Shelf (he's been with us for 4 years now!) was waiting in our apartment! Avery about lost her breath when she saw him. The girls were so excited to see he came to Pasadena.
• After seeing Kevin's office and meeting some of his co-workers and employees, we went across the street and ate lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. We call it CPK now. They have a kids drink called a kiwi twist, it was so good-sprite with kiwi flavoring.
• Back to the hotel for naps, then Kevin took Avery and McKenna to their playground to play. I spent time online getting Avery set up for school, California Virtual Academy, similar to what she did in Kindergarten. We hope to get her curriculum/supplies next week sometime.
• Supper was at the Cheesecake Factory. I was explaining to the girls that this was a fancy restaurant and we would only get to go there on special occasions and that we wouldn't get to come eat there very often so we needed to enjoy this experience. Then McKenna exclaimed, "Oh, like Chuck E Cheese!" Um...no, Kenna. Not like that.
• Pottery Barn is across the street. We stop in and buy 2 of the cheapest ornaments they have.
• Then, we went to the Kroger affiliate, Ralphs. Let's just say I'm going to miss Dillons. A lot.
• Went to the apartment to put groceries away. Kevin flushes the toilet for the first time and water goes everywhere. Wondering who to call about that....
• Back to the hotel, our last night (out of 11) living out of a suitcase. We all shared some cheesecake-one chocolate chip cookie dough and one white chocolate peppermint. Yummy!
• No pix for today, maybe later.

Please pray for us on Friday, that the moving truck will be able to actually get into our parking lot to unload, that all of the logistics will fall into place. That the girls will continue to adjust and maybe meet some friends this weekend. That our one and only toilet will get fixed. fast. That we'll learn to talk quieter and adapt to apartment living.

Day 4...Finally!

I'll keep this one brief, with lots of pictures. 13 hours on the road Wednesday. Breathtaking views of the South Rim, a few meltdowns, a drive thru the desert, and we're in Pasadena! Prizes today were silly putty (big mistake on my part), magnet dress up dolls, candy necklaces, and glow sticks when it got dark (which it did around 4:30). The important thing is we're here, and that's a good thing. Our van did great. I'm so glad we didn't cave and get a suburban last week. I know we'd be regretting it now...or would we? :)

Day 3...Flagstaff, AZ

We made it over half-way, that's a sobering thought. We won't be making this drive anytime soon. It's been fun, and we've made great memories. But, let's just say, McKenna is a horrible traveler. And, that's probably an understatement. She came close to getting a spanking today. She lost one of her travel prizes. She woke Presley up by screaming. She was quarantined to the back seat. She's just not much fun to be around when we're all in the van. Once we got to the hotel, however, she was her sweet, spunky self.

We traveled to Flagstaff today, not too long of a drive, just 5 hours. Tomorrow will be a long one. We got to our hotel, changed into swimsuits and went swimming. The water was warmer this time, so we enjoyed it more. Then we met up with a dear friend, Zoe, for supper. Kevin worked for Zoe at Asbury for a couple of years when we lived in Ky. We had a great time, great food and great conversation. Went back to the hotel for some ice cream and happy feet on Disney. Tomorrow-the Grand Canyon, I can't wait!!!! then on to Pasadena!

All things considered, the girls have done remarkably well. It's been a long 3 days on the road, 9 days of living out of suitcases, we're ready for a place to call home. Only 2 more days to go...

First stop of the morning. It was right next to our hotel, God's little way of showing His love for us. There's another one close to our hotel in Flagstaff

Here are a couple of pix of the continental divide. I was the only model, I guess. Avery was in a mood (it was the only one of the day, but a mood, none the less) and McKenna took a rare 10 minute nap during this time. We didn't get Presley out for fear we might not get her back in her carseat. So, it's just me.

Most of our scenery today looked very similar to the movie Cars. It was crazy how much the view reminded us of that. The pictures we took don't capture the beauty we saw. Here we are, almost to Flagstaff.

Kevin and the girls sharing some ice cream tonight in our room.

Here is Presley, not quite ready for bed. She's been so good for us. She just HATES having to get into that carseat!

Day 2...Albuquerque

We got up bright and early and left Liberal around 8am. Made it to Tocomcari for lunch at Kix on 66, a hole in the wall diner on the old Route 66. It was fun and the food was good. This time, Presley arched her back and screamed like crazy when we put her back in her carseat. We made one pit stop at a rest area. New Mexico is not known for their rest area, just fyi. Then, landed in Albuquerque just before 3, mountain time. We got into our room, quickly changed to our swimsuits and went down to the pool. The coldest indoor pool in the entire world. It was so cold. We didn't stay long. Came back to the room, showered, then went and found a mexican restaurant, thanks to the yelp app, and the guy at the hotel front counter. After supper, we came back to the room, ready for bed. But it was only 6 :30. Ugh! Thank goodness, we found the Grinch on Tv, so the girls watched that while we reorganized for tomorrow's adventure. Good travel prizes today were slumber masks (so they'd sleep in the van, they didn't), lip gloss, more books, and Peppermint bodywash and lotion for bathtime in the hotel.

at the mexican restaurant.

the girls at a rest stop. Presley was so happy to be out of the van!

The view from our hotel room-

saying Goodnight~!

Day 1...Liberal Ks

On Sunday morning, we headed west to Pasadena. After weeks of saying our good-byes and many, many tears shed, it was time to go. We packed up the van. And, when I say packed, I mean packed. It was so full that over the weekend, Kevin and I looked into getting a suburban. Seriously. We chickened out, though, since we couldn't find anything we really wanted-'05, leather, bucket seats, under 50,ooo miles, etc. we're not picky. Anyway, packed up the van, tightly and headed west. Stopped in Pratt for lunch. McDonalds, hopefully the only time we have to eat at a McDonalds this trip. Made a pit stop in Minneola, then landed in Liberal in the afternoon. Around Greensburg, McKenna asked if we were close to California, yet. This was also around the time Kevin said that if we flew to Pasadena, it would only take us the time spent driving from Wichita to Liberal. Not what I wanted to hear at that point. Spent the rest of the day visiting family. We stayed with my aunt, Marlene, and chatted with Jeff and Julie all afternoon. Got to celebrate cousin Cameron's 17 birthday as well. I spent a small fortune in the dollar section at Target buying prizes for the kids for good behavior on the trip. Today's prizes were gum, books, and candy.

Here is Presley with her first prize of the trip, a book. Poor girl, no candy, just books.Kevin, trying to stay awake. I kept telling the girls that he was allowed to have as much candy as he wanted since he was driving.McKenna and Avery got bubble gum for their 1st prize, here is McKenna trying to blow a bubble.It feels like we're driving into nowhere....

Moving Day pix

In no particular order...

Thankful

What I'm thankful for this year....

• my family-I have the best parents in the world, the best sister in the world, and the best in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc...no family quarrels, no scandals, no drama, just fun and lots of laughs... and basketball.
• my husband, my best friend, my soul mate. I love Kevin more today than ever. I wouldn't go to California with anyone else.
• Avery, McKenna, and Presley-my 3 precious girls. I can't imagine life without them. Each one is so different and special and my life is better because they're in it.
• My heavenly Father, who is in control of everything, especially when I feel like I'm not in control of anything.
• Doctors who take care of us and give us amoxicillin
• The family who took Abby and gave her a new home. I miss her so much and tears fill my eyes every time I think of her. I never knew I'd miss a silly dog so much. As dumb as this sounds this is the hardest thing about the our move, primarily because it was a permanent good-bye.
• that Kevin has a job and that he can provide for our family
• for crayons and markers and white paper that keep Avery and McKenna occupied for hours.
• for books that Presley loves to read and the blankie that brings her comfort
• for my i-phone. If you have one, you know what I mean...
• for the fact that I was able to enjoy u-verse for the last few months. I'm already missing it.
• we are a few steps closer to being debt free (darn you student loans!)
• the warmer weather that awaits us in Pasadena!
• that through all of the chaos going on in our lives right now, our family is thriving. We all get along, we still like each other, and we're excited for what God has in store for us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The adventure begins!

From the beginning of this process, Kevin and I have told the girls that this will be an adventure. We've told them that they'll need to have patience, that they'll need to be flexible and they'll need to have fun.

The movers came Monday and packed up all of our worldly possessions, and, yes, we found out we are very worldly. We have so much stuff and we threw away over 20 bags of trash in the last week alone. We forgot to set out a stroller to have for the next 2 weeks, it was put on the truck before we had time to get it. I guess we'll either buy a cheap one, or make Presley walk. We also forgot to set aside coats for us to have this week. Ugh...those got packed, too. Oh well, the weather in Ks looks good so far. We'll survive. I was painfully aware of 2 things on Monday-1)I'm not as organized as I thought I was or I'd like to be and 2) I haven' t done the best job of cleaning lately.

In the midst of moving, I went to the dr. for the 5th time in the last 10 days. I took McKenna first, last week, and they said she had a mild case of the chicken pox. Then, Avery had strep throat. Avery went back a couple days later because she was still sick and got a stronger antibiotic. On Saturday, I spent 2 hrs at minor emergency with a sick Presley. She had an ear infection. At one point, there were 5 bottles of pink medicine in our fridge. This time, I was going for me. I woke up with a horrible chest cough on Sunday and the dr. said I had bronchitis. I have a Z-pak and some cough syrup with codeine that makes me feel very loopy. I feel like I've been in a different world. I hate this feeling. Hoping to feel better soon, and praying the Kevin stays healthy.

Because I was so out of it, my best sister in the world, Marla came and finished cleaning our house Monday night. I can't thank her enough.

So, we're homeless now. We closed on the house on Tuesday. Nothing special, just signing a lot of papers. I didn't realize that selling your house would cost so much money! I really wish we could have sold by owner. sigh....Anyway, it's done.

We're up in Abilene for a few days. Then back to Wichita for a few days. Then, the road trip starts!

Last Day on Harvest Court

It's early Sunday morning and I can't sleep, surprise, surprise. This is our last day in our house in Wichita. When we moved here, I said I would die in this house. I knew I was teasing, we've almost outgrown this house in the 2 1/2 years we've been here, but I thought we'd live here a lot longer than we have. I love this house. I prayed for this house. I've painted (along with Kevin and the good people at River City paints) this house. I had big plans for this house. We just remodeled our master bedroom over Christmas break last year, and we had started to remodel the basement this summer and stopped when we knew that moving to CA was a possibility. Kevin told me we'd redo the master bath when he finished his dissertation. I'm going to miss this house. We found out we we're going to have Presley at this house. We've shared many meals with friends and family here, and it's hard to believe this home won't be ours anymore.

I hope the new owners enjoy this home as much as we have.

We have so much to do today...and most of it won't get done, until we can ship the 3 girls off to Kevin's folks as soon as they get home from Tx. We just can't get much done when the girls are here. I can't imagine what it will be like when we get to CA and there are no grandparents to help us out. I don't want to think about that right now.

As you think about it, please pray for the health our family, in the midst of all the chaos. All 3 girls have been sick in the last 10 days, there are 5 bottles of amoxicillin in our fridge right now. It's a lot to deal with in an already stressful time. Thanks.

I know this move is what God is calling us to do. I also know it's the hardest thing God has called us to do. I know His plan is good, and I'm clinging to that promise today.

Next time

If there is a next time we move across the country, 2 things will be different-

1. Kevin will not finish his job on a Friday and start a new job the following Monday. He will take a week off in between, minimum.
2. A moving company will pack our house up. I'm not doing this again.

And that's all I have to say about that...

New Title, same stuff

So, I changed my blog title. Turns out I don't have as many thoughts as I thought I had. And most of my thoughts aren't worth sharing or will get me in trouble.

This blog is about our family, so I chose Osborn Abode. I hope to document our life as we transition from Wichita, Ks to Pasadena, Ca. I plan to share family moments, recipes and experiences of our precious girls, Avery, McKenna and Presley. My secret desire is that this blog will make up for years of not scrapbooking :)

So, stay with me, and enjoy the ride. It's bumpy, but I'm told it will be worth it!

This is hard

The reality of this move has hit me. I've cried so hard and so much that my tear ducts should be dry. Seriously, I can't believe I can still produce tears.

Our dog, Abby, went to a new home yesterday. A childhood friend of Kevin's had a neighbor who took her. This is a family with 4 kids and another beagle, Missy. They came up from Oklahoma last night. Abby took to the kids well and couldn't wait to go with them. I thought I had cried enough earlier in the day and thought I'd be fine, but I lost it when Abby got into their van. I couldn't even compose myself. I was so embarrassed and yet overcome with sadness. I just kept thinking, I can't believe she's leaving, I can't believe we're doing this.

Abby has been our family dog since she was 8 weeks old, back in 2001. My heart is so broken right now. I made it through last night ok. Maybe ok is an overstatement. I took Avery and McKenna to the opera at Friends, so we were out of the house. I managed to sleep until 4 am, then woke up and just couldn't stop crying. Wondering if she's ok, if she's sleeping, if she knows what's going on. I am just overwhelmed with grief and sadness. I cry. All the time. My poor girls have to put up with a mom who cries, when I should be the one drying their tears.

This week will probably go fast, and theres a lot that needs to be done. Packing, packing, packing, wrapping up things with Avery and McKenna's schools. Finishing my classes at Friends, saying our good-byes, etc...and somewhere in the mix, I'm trying to figure out how the girls and I can get H1N1 vaccines.

I'm hoping today goes better than yesterday. I'm hoping the pain in my heart and stomach subsides. I'm hoping to get through the day without totally falling apart.

Family Pix

We were finally able to get our pictures taken as a family last week. We don't have all of the proofs yet, but the photographer put a few on her personal blog. Go here to see them.

Dr. Daddy!

So, you probably know by now, Kevin successfully defended his dissertation this week and he is officially Dr. Osborn. McKenna keeps calling him "Doctor Daddy." She also asked me one day if he was going to work in the building with the other doctors (the one we go to when we're sick). I always joke with people and say, "he's not the kind of doctor that makes money, but he will be the kind of doctor that will change the world." I can't even put into words how proud I am of him. I married way up, and I know it. I'm so grateful to be his wife, the mother of his children, the love of his life. I have no idea what God has in store for us, but I know it will be good.

It's been another busy week around here, and, I assume the busyness won't stop for quite some time. We spent most of the day yesterday packing, or, rather, trying to figure out how to start packing. I remember being in 5th grade and my family was moving from Ks to Ky for my dad to go to seminary. I thought it was so strange that my mom was starting to pack weeks before the move. I also remember that everything just seemed to happen, without my doing much work (and without my consent). Now, I'm keenly aware that things WON'T get done around here unless I do it (with Kevin's help, of course). I guess it's the harsh reality of being an adult. sigh... Today, we're going to tackle the garage, and have lunch with good friends. This is Kevin's last week at Friends U. A week from today, he'll head to Ca to start at Fuller. Then, he'll come back, help me finish with the house, we'll close, celebrate Thanksgiving with family, then head west. Seems like a dream. Not a nightmare, just a dream. A dream that includes a lot of work.

Thank you for your prayers for Kevin and our family. We know God is in each step of every process and path we're on. There are a lot of unknowns for us right now, but we know a known God and are clinging to His word and truth.

Big Day and no pix

Tomorrow is a big day for the Osborns. Kevin and I are heading up to Lawrence for his defense. It starts at noon (CST) and will probably go until 2. Please pray for him-for favor with his committee, for clarity of thought as he answers questions, for everything. We are confident that it will be great, but anxious, none the less.

No Halloween pix for the blog. If you know blogger, you know posting pix isn't the easiest thing to do. I put them on facebook, so if you want to see them, go there. The girls had a great time last night. Avery was princess Belle, McKenna was Pebbles Flintstone, and Presley was a lady bug. They got way too much candy, but they were so good.

Thanks for the prayers!

My Family by Avery Osborn

Avery is always doing a craft project or some type of art or story. Recently, she's been writing books. Here is the latest...

My Family by Avery Osborn 2009

My Family look's like this. Look down. My Dad and my mom my sister's and me. We also have a dog her Name is Abby

My Dad like's to work. My Mom like's to work out.

my sister Mckenna like's to play. my sister Presley like's to play to.

and I like to go to Grandma and Grandpa's hose. I am mooving to a Noo home. and it is ok but I do not wont to moov.

It is Fall 2009 the tree's are changing color's. Fall

Fall yes Fall yes yes

My family it is Fall the end

Pumpkins

The girls were still fighting the virus that hit us last week, but we carved pumpkins anyway.

Before we started, Avery read the Pumpking Patch Parable.

Presley doesn't quite know what to do.

Avery and her pumpkin

McKenna and her pumpkin

Cabin fever and SOLD!

I'm so ready for this week to be over.

Avery is finally feeling better. Still complaining about a sore throat and tummy ache, but no fever and the coughing has almost stopped. McKenna is starting day 6 of this virus. She got tested for the flu yesterday but it came back negative. So, we don't know what it is that's taken these girls down. Presley had a fever off and on yesterday, but this morning was really sick. She kept saying "uh oh" and just whimpering. I just put her down for a nap. McKenna is asleep on the couch downstairs and Avery is in our bed watching tv. I want to escape. I have cabin fever. The only time I've been out this week was to take the girls to the dr. I need some fresh air. I want to eat at a restaurant, where someone else cleans up the mess. I want to go to the Y and work out.

On the up side-we have a contract on the house! We plan to close on Nov. 24. We'll have to stay with family thru the Thanksgiving week, then we'll head west. We tried to sell "by owner" but we weren't having much luck and didn't have time to just sit and wait. I hate the roller coaster of emotions that come with having a house on the market. The constant cleaning and de-cluttering, hoping the phone will ring, wondering what people are thinking as they look through your home, wishing you could do more. On Tuesday night, the realtor put in online, and by Wednesday, we had an offer we couldn't refuse. I'm glad it sold, but my stomach hurts thinking about the money we're spending on having a realtor. Seriously, my stomach really hurts just thinking about it. Sigh...

So, we have a lot to do. Pack, pack, pack. Organize. We need to figure out if we can get rid of stuff here, or if we need to find a storage unit in Pasadena. We're moving from a 2400 sf. home to a 1300 sf. apartment. Fuller graciously offered an apartment for us to live in, for up to a year, so we could get out here and take our time looking for the perfect (and affordable) house. I know I shouldn't feel like this, but, I feel like I have a huge weight on my shoulders and I just don't know how all of the pieces are going to fit into place. Schooling for Avery, transition for all 3 girls, Kevin's defense, money for this move, closure for my students at Friends, finding a home for our dog who's been in our family for 8 years, Christmas, a family wedding in January. It's overwhelming right now. And, yet, I'm thankful, and hopeful. Or, at least I'm trying to be.

Appreciating your Pastor

For Pastor appreciation month (yes, they have a month for that, although it's perfectly acceptable to appreciate your Pastor every month) I thought I would list a few things I love about a Pastor I've known my whole life, my dad.

• He loves Jesus with his whole heart
• He loves John Wesley, and will go to great lengths to defend United Methodism
• He loves his family and is passionate about making memories with them
• He loves to fish
• He loves Colorado and western Kansas
• He loves the farm
• He (used to) love flying
• He is a perfectionist, he strives for excellence in everything
• He loves his wife and is devoted to her
• He is the best marry-er and bury-er I know-the weddings and funerals he officiates are always so good, very personal and life affirming
• He loves KU AND K-State, not many people can say that...
• He loves the church, even the people who claim to love Jesus but continue to complain, bicker, and gripe. But, don't think he's made of steel. He gets his feelings hurt, just like the rest of us and can only take so much.
• He's very good at seeing the "big picture"
• He loves his Mac and i-phone, just sayin'...
• He is loyal and takes his job very seriously

He is human. He lives out his faith every day. I never wanted to be a preacher's kid, I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but I'm proud to be Mike's daughter. Happy Pastor Appreciation Month!

Your turn...What do you appreciate about your pastor?

Menu Plan Monday, Realtors, and a nasty virus

A virus has attacked our family and is taking us down one by one. Avery got sick early Friday, and McKenna got sick Saturday afternoon. We hoped and prayed that Presley would be spared, but she now has a fever. We crazy thing is, the girls feel good in the mornings and then the fever comes back with a vengeance in the late afternoons. It's weird. They seemed so fine the majority of today, they were driving us crazy! Then, all of a sudden, they stopped bouncing off the walls and the fever returned. After $60 in co-pays and money spent on OTC medicine, I'm ready for it to go away. I finally got an Rx today for some cough syrup with codeine. That seems to help some. I should buy stock in Lysol. We've used a ton this weekend. Kevin was up most of the night with McKenna so he stayed home today. I'm so glad he did.

Today, I had to cancel a family photo shoot. I don't know if I'll be able to reschedule. I'd been looking forward to getting our family pix taken for, like, a year now. I'm so disappointed.

I called a realtor today. After 2 weeks of For Sale By Owner with not much activity, we're turning it over, hoping for some action.

Now for the menu-I'm starting to clean out the pantry and freezer, in anticipation for the big move. I also noticed that pomegranates are at Dillons now. $2 each. Ugh-but I bought 4 anyway. McKenna and I love pomegranates! Presley tried them and loves them, too. They're so good right now.

Breakfasts-cereal, banana bread, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, yogurt, oatmeal, scrambled eggs

Lunch-leftovers, sandwiches, soup, pizza, etc....(although, today, on my 4th trip to Dillons in as many days, I got sushi for Kevin and me, yummmmm)

Dinner-

BBQ chicken pizza, apple slices

Chili, pomegranates

Chicken enchiladas, corn, black beans, apple slices

Waffles, sausage, fruit

Homemade Gourmet Gumbo, rice, cornbread

Tilapia, mashed potatoes, grean beans, orange slices

Leftovers, Chipotle, or, dare I say, Date night?

I heart my i-phone

I never dreamed I could love a piece of technology so much! Kevin and I finally took the plunge and traded our one mobile phone (I know, can you believe it? We shared a phone for the last 3 years!) for 2 i-phones.

We can text now. Yes, I know, welcome to 2004, right? Actually, Avery got a hold of my phone this weekend and quickly taught herself how to text. She's sent several to Grandma, her daddy and aunt Marla. I'm still trying to work out the kinks. I can't figure out ringtones. I'm hoping Kevin loves me enough to do it for me, instead of trying to teach me how. I don't have enough patience, I guess.

So far, I've downloaded several apps for the girls

• Doodle Kids
• Baby flash cards
• Tic tac toe
• Monkey Preschool
• Whiteboard
• Pocket Phonics
• Matches...aka memory
• Math Drills
• Line Up
• Christmas Countdown
• Flingfree

I have some apps for just me

• Facebook, of course
• E online-I use this one, probably more than I like to admit
• Grocery List
• You version Bible-LOVE THIS
• Chipotle (haven't used this yet, hoping to, soon)
• Bump
• Around Me
• Yelp
• Mixology
• Mint finance
• Pandora-use this ALOT at the Y
• Zippo-Kevin put this on my phone
• Alarm Clock
• Psych bobble heads-I love Psych on USA, just fyi

Speaking of Psych, I wanted to put their theme song as my ringtone. I just found out that the spanish version is free. However, I can't figure out how to get it from i-tunes to my ringtone section. Again...if Kevin loves me...

I actually use the ones that came with the phone, too

• weather-I can check on the weather in both Wichita and Pasadena. So far, Pasadena rocks!
• Voice memos-Avery and McKenna love this-they record stuff all of the time. I love listening to it. Sometimes, I can even record Presley. I love it.
• Stocks-believe or not, I've used this, especially when the DOW went about 10,000
• Camera-again, the girls love this. I sent several pics to my mom this weekend of my sick kiddos.
• Notes-I've used this for small grocery lists, quick reminders and random info.
• Maps-I'm sure I'll use this someday.
• YouTube-haven't had time to mess with this, yet.

So, what's your favorite app? So far, I think I've only paid for one. And that was just $.99. I could spend hours at the app store, just browsing. So, let me know what's your favorite, or what you think I'd like. Thanks!

Fall Break and Almond Tea

So, it's Fall break at Friends U. and Wichita schools. I was so looking forward to having a Friday off. I know, I know, I only teach one day a week, but still. I had planned to help my sister with a garage sale, the girls were going to sell hot cider there. Then, Avery and McKenna were going to a friend's house to play this afternoon.

At 6am, I heard Avery in the bathroom, coughing like crazy. When I went to check on her, she said her head hurt. I took her temp, 102. Ugh. I felt so sorry for her. Then, I thought of the plans we had to change and/or cancel today and my heart ached. McKenna went on to my sister's to "help" with Reese and sell the cider (I spent $15 on supplies for that cider). I made a trip to Dillons before Kevin left for work to get medicine, kleenex and a couple redbox movies (Hotel for Dogs, and Disney Earth). Now, my job today is primarily to keep Avery comfortable and keep her 2 sisters away from her. I'm finding that Lysol is my new best friend. I take it everywhere. Hoping is won't ruin my i-phone, because I keep trying to disinfect it. It has become Avery's new favorite "toy."

I just finished making some Almond Tea. It's a favorite in our family, whether we're sick or not.

1 cup boiling water

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup cold water

1 TBSP instant tea

1 small can frozen lemonade

4 cups water

1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp almond extract

Add sugar to boiling water, on stove top. Dissolve all, heat through, serve hot. Enjoy-I doubled this today. It may turn out to be a long, sick weekend for the Osborn abode.

For Sale

I finally managed to have the entire house clean and wanted to remember the occasion. There are so many things we had planned to do to this house, now all we can do is clean and de-clutter and hope it's good enough. Our home in pix...

The main floor

Pay no attention to the dog. Apparently, I didn't when I took the picture. I didn't realize she was even there until I saw it on the computer.

The basement

the back yard