Back to Texas

Well, it's official! We are moving back to the Woodlands. This last year and a half has been a crazy roller coaster ride! I did not want to move out to Utah at all. I loved the Woodlands, loved my friends who were like family, I didn't want to leave. But Joel was miserable in his job and had a chance to do something he loved! Plus being close to family made the move worth it. I can't say I love living in Utah. It just doesn't feel like home to me, but I do love the summers and the mountains. I made some great friends while I was here too. And many of them saved my life while Joel worked two weeks on, two weeks off. It's a hard life style, but I got used to being a single mom half the time. I truly loved being able to do all of the little family get togethers with my family, things I couldn't when I lived thousands of miles away. That was amazing! I have an amazing family. We are all about 4-5 years apart and yet we are all close. I will miss them very much! Gianluca and Allegra will miss their cousins like crazy! It's time to get skype I suppose!

For the last year Gianluca has really struggled without Joel around, well it's hard on everyone. And Joel missed out on all of the every day stuff. He missed our birthdays, Thanksgiving, Gianluca learning to ride his bike... stuff that means a lot. He truly loves his job, but wanted to be with us. So we prayed to find something he would love and that would bring home to us every evening. Soon enough his trainer from Halliburton called him up to apply for a job to train people to be drilling fluids engineer's on the oil rigs. He flew out two weeks ago and interviewed and got his offer yesterday. He is so happy he found a job that is not a desk job and that is also a huge step up in his career. He will also be home every day!!!! We are thrilled! Right now we are ironing out all the details, but we will probably be moving in 2-3 weeks. Crazy right!!!! Luckily we have a company moving us! So if you need any enticement to come visit check out The Woodlands website and you'll see why we love it there!!! I'll keep you posted.

Swagger Wagon

OK, I know you've seen those Toyota Sienna commercials where the mom thinks she's all that driving a mini van. I know, you fellow mini-van owners have been getting ready to go on a date with your hubby or go out with the girls and you look in the mirror and think "I'm looking pretty hot tonight" then you get in your van and it totally kills any hot vibe you were feeling about yourself. So when I saw these commercials I cracked up! I love that they make fun of us, or celebrate us, what have you. I know I was never thrilled to purchase our van, but I will say it is super practical, easy for the kids to get in and out of, and yeah when I can go faster than some guy in his souped up car, I do feel pretty cool.... until I remember what I'm driving. But hey, it's nice to pretend! Enjoy the following video!