Our Soon to be New Home

FINALLY!!

It only took about 6 months to get an answer from the bank, on our dream home (yes it is a short sale). A couple days ago we received our approval, and our closing date of October 22 (if all goes well with inspections and what not). Even though I am heart broken to leave our little beautiful home, I am excited to move forward with our lives and embrace the beauty of our new 4,091 sq ft. home. It is everything I wanted and more.

The home is located in a gated community on the west side of town. The neighborhood is beautiful, with lots of private parks, green belts, and walking paths. It is located right next to one of the top schools in AZ for Jayla. The neighborhood is very family oriented, full of little ones. The first time we ventured out to look at a house, we saw that there was a party going on, at the main park, with jumpies, food, and fun. We found out that these are regular reoccurring events within the neighborhood, for everyone living there. Like annual Halloween parties, and Christmas events. In the several times that we have been out there, we've met some really friendly people, including a lady who just came out to appraise our current house. They all LOVE it and spoke very highly of the community. This just all making our move feel more at ease.

Enjoy the pictures of our work in progress...

Daddy and Jayla are standing in Jayla's future playroom located off of family room/great room.

Jay's playroom has these gorgeous wooden doors to close off the mess she will make.
Future gathering spot for eating.
Daddy's paradise.

Huge backyard of course (just missing a pool, Rosies better get ready for pool crashers)

Gourmet style kitchen

Mommy plans to paint and get all new handles for the cabinets.

I'm so in love with the "ruffed up" look to the tile floors, kind of like saltillo flooring. I'm hoping it won't show as much dirt as our wood floors do.

The great room (keep in mind this is not our furniture...decor pictures will come after the move)

The house has 4 bedrooms, and 3 1/2 baths.

Here is the 1/2 bath (Mommy wants to replace the black)

This is the game room/loft located right outside Jayla's bedrooms (yes I said bedrooms, she can have two until another arrives)

The formal dining room, as well as a butler's pantry, located to the left.

Kitchen sink :)

The HUGE, master bedroom. Bhaw chicka bow bow, hopefully this brings on some babies. I'll take 3 more please!! There is a whole other half to the room not pictured here, for my future work out equipment.

Looking from the kitchen/great room to the entry way.

The living room. My Christmas tree will be displayed for all the neighbors to see. This was a requirement while house hunting.

The master bath. Again, separate sinks was a requirement. We have that now, and I refuse to go back. Boys can be so messy.

The stairs, need I say more.

A closer view of the flooring that I love so much.

One of Jayla's future bedrooms (to be painted of course)

Now who's volunteering to help us move?! Wine, beer, and pizza are always involved. Don't all jump at once.... HA HA!

Taking after her Mommy

It's official folks, we've got a dancer. I know I've talked about signing Jayla up for dance classes over the summer, but we were just way too busy. Just now, we've finally found the time to make it happen. I signed Jayla up for tap and ballet, at the same place she takes gymnastics at, with her Grandma. This place is AWESOME. The teachers are so wonderful, and very patient. Jayla really enjoys her gymnastics class and loves all the friends/teachers she has met. I knew this was the perfect place for her to take dance at.

Wednesday was her first day for tap. Tuesday night we headed to Dee's dance wear for her tap and ballet shoes, and I swear she never wanted to take off her tap shoes. She was "tapping" away on our wood floors all night. Mommy even taught her the "shuffle-hop-step", which she nailed of course! She was so excited on Wednesday morning and would not stop talking about "dance class". However, her excitement did not shine through on her first class. She had to enter the room, alone (this is not a mommy and me class). She can be a bit shy, at first, but then she turns into a ball of fire. All she did the entire class was just stand there. I couldn't stop laughing. Apparently, this is how all the other girls were, on their first couple of classes. The mom's re-assured me and Jearel that she will be just fine, and to give it a couple of weeks. Jayla's new friends were pro's too. They are all around the same age and have been taking this class for awhile (some up to 6 months long). I have no doubts she will pull through. I mean come on, she is an all star at home-HA!

Her first performance is at the Glendale Glitters. Yes, YES, you are all invited to see her debut :)

Jayla and Julia (aka skinny minnie)

Teacher Lauran trying so hard to make Jay move.

Even though she did not move much, she was super happy.

Don't mind the socks... apparently I need the pretty ones with ruffles or tights.

After dance class, she moves on to a gymnastics class alone.

This meaning she has dance classes once a week and gymnastics class twice a week. I'm hoping this will burn some of that toddler energy that we can't seem to get rid of ;-)

"Uncle Tyler's in the BIG Army"

Jearel's little brother, Tyler, is getting ready to leave for Afghanistan. He is stationed out of New York, and will be leaving sometime in October. We were fortunate enough to have him home for two weeks, before we said our goodbyes. So many thoughts, emotions, and prayers will be with him while he is gone. We are beyond proud of you Tyler, and have already begun counting down the days till your return.

Tyler's visit consisted of yummy dinners, thanks to Jearel's step-mom, and a house full of family fun. Jayla was so excited for Uncle Tyler to come home from "the BIG Army", as she would say.

Jayla sharing some much needed time with her Uncle Tyler

Pillow fights were their thing
Jayla usually wins

Papa (Jearel's dad), Daddy, and Jay having a serious talk

Yes, Tyler still sleeps with a Teddy Bear ;-)

Our pretty girl

All this excitement wore her out

Jearel and his baby brother, Ty

Jay and her Auntie Jen

Jayla with some of her favorite family, Ty and Nana.

Kisses from Papa

Kisses for Uncle Tyler

Saying goodbye :(

Till next time....

~WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH TYLER~

Be safe, stay strong, and hurry back!

We will be missing you soldier.

Just the Three of Us, kind of Day

Saturday Daddy, Mommy, and Jayla had a fun filled afternoon. First we headed off to 7th Street and Union Hills, to get pedicures for all, and a manicure for Jayla. I've been going to this nail place for the past 9 years. They are awesome, and so sweet/fun. Distance has never been a issue, as I use to travel from Tempe to them, and now from Peoria. They really are that good!! Just give them a try, I promise you will be back for more. It is called Tammy nails, right behind CVS pharmacy. Anyway, back to this post...

This was the first time for Jayla to get a real mani and pedi, and the very first time my friends at the nail place got to meet her. They were all so in love, and really enjoyed having her there. Daddy and Mommy have been talking to Jayla about our pedicures all week. She was beyond excited to get this done. She loved every second of being a "princess", as she already loves having her feet rubbed at home. Now Daddy gets to look forward to paying for two pampered princesses ;-)

The chairs were a little big for Jayla, so we needed to make do with a blanket and a bag. She didn't seem to mind!!

Loving life!!
Jayla had plenty of time to splash her feet around in the water, before Lynn took over.

Jearel gets embarrassed when I tell people he gets pedicures from time to time.

Although, he does brag about how amazing they are. He was trying hard not to fall asleep in the chair.

Tyring out the back massager.

Lynn at work.

Sea salt scrub and rub.

Lotion massage

She is hooked.

Pretty pink and polka dots

Manicure time

I love her face here.

All done

After our pedicures we headed to Arrowhead Mall for lunch at Miracle Mile, and then to the Disney Store.

Big hugs for Minnie.

Jayla so badly wants to take her home, but she is really good when she has to say goodbye to her. Someday Jay, someday!

Last but not least, off to ride her favorite ride at the mall, "my puppy", as she would say. It's the only one she rides on the mini carousal.

Saturday's like, this need to happen more often. Thanks Daddy for spoiling your girls for a day. We love you sooooo much!!!