HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYLAND

I still can't believe my little boy turned 5 yesterday. I know that once they start school, time really begins to fly. I've been cherishing every moment this spring and summer knowing my little boy is about to really grow up. :)

Yesterday was a good day. Ryland had his Lunchable for lunch and then Leland and Ryland played outside for quite awhile. After I got home from work, we made the cake and just hung out. One of Ryland's birthday to-do list items was a date with Mom (I just love that kid). We made a Walmart run that date. We had purchased a pinata for the party so we needed stuffing supplies. Supper was McDonald's chicken nuggets (with honey of course). Several of Ryland's friends came over for some cake in the evening. Ryland's best buddy Nathaniel was of course Ryland's highlight. The 2 of them finally got that pinata busted open and then cake all around. They both were so excited over every present Ryland received. It was a very nice party and we thank everyone for coming. It was a great day for my Ryland. Here are some pictures from the party.

Ryland wanted to use all the candles. Leland told him he was only 5 so he only got 5. Ryland quickly responded with "it's my birthday and I want all the candles." We couldn't argue. :)

Pinata Time!

Ryland and Nathaniel enjoying cake.

Waiting

I realize it has been over a week since my last post but I'm not sure what has kept me so busy. We have been just trucking along waiting anxiously for the arrival of moving day. We are so excited to get there and make Mansfield home. We have so many ideas of setting up the house. We are just excited to get there and get moving on the next chapter in our lives.

Time is dragging on here though. Leland is not fond of good-byes at all so this waiting period is really tough on him. Yesterday at our congregation they "honored" us after the monthly potluck with a money tree. We were quite surprised with the $500. We have such a nice group of people here. We will miss them dearly.

Saturday was my final "Girl's Night Out" with my group here. I hope I am so fortunate in Mansfield to find such a great group of friends. We had a good time eating and shopping in Midland together. I will miss them greatly. I had intentions of getting a group picture but forgot all evening. Hopefully before we move we will all be in one location to get a group shot.

Tomorrow is Ryland's birthday. Leland told him that the two of them would do whatever he wants. They went to the store last night and Ryland picked out Cookie Crisp cereal for breakfast and Lunchables for lunch tomorrow. Wouldn't it be nice if it was always that easy to please him? :) We have VBS this week so his cake party will be after VBS tomorrow evening. This is the first time he will have kids his own age at his party. We have always been at Mountain View Christian Camp for his birthdays so this is a new experience for him. I'm sure I'll have plenty of pictures.

Well, sorry for the randomness. That really is about it for us lately. We will be doing lots of packing this week. Hope you have a productive week also. :)

Picture Post

My dad was able to make a random trip down this evening to see us.

He hadn't seen Reese yet so it was a much needed trip.

Raylee has learned how to say "cheese."

Reese just chillin'.

Ryland being silly.

We mistakenly packed away the kids' swimming pool so we purchased a sprinkler.

They loved it (obviously). :)

The Corner Stone

We (Leland, Reese and I went to Mansfield this weekend. After a visit with the Caffey's in North Dallas then visiting Yearbook Goddess Marilyn Scoggins in Coppell, we ventured down to Mansfield to look at 15-20 houses. Our realtors (Ken and Mary - who are really great) told us to go by and look at a new development in the south part of Arlington. It's right next to Mansfield and in Mansfield ISD. We looked at two and fell in love with the second house. In fact we didn't even look at the other 15-20 we were going to. Ken and Mary said this neighborhood was probably better anyway.

About the house- It's still under constuction and will be ready for us to move in on July 12 - a day after we close here in Big Spring. It has tile, fireplace, alarm system, 100 more square foot than we do now, sprinkler system, two-year full warranty and more. Here are the photos.

The front of the house.

The back of the house.

Looking through the front door at living room and kitchen to back door.

The kitchen. It's smaller than what we have now. :(

The side of the house. We don't have a facing neighbor. The next house faces another street. (It's on the corner.) This actually gives us a bigger yard and more parking. (Come visit us!)

Loads of Excitement

Lots of exciting things are happening around the Mallett household. First was the arrival of Reese. She is a cutie. She has been a very good baby so far (she doesn't have the lungs Raylee had :) ). Her entry into this world was good also. I did have issues with my epidural again but I had an awesome anthesiologist this time and he took wonderful care of me. Once it was working again I did one push and Reese just slid out. Recovery this time has been the best out of the three. I'm feeling great and Reese is doing great. We are all very thankful.

The next excitement is that our house had an offer last night. Our realtor came over after 8 with the initial offer. After several counters, we had a contract at 10 last night. We are so thankful that happened. Of course now we have the long process of appraisal, inspections, and paperwork, but hopefully all will work out and we will close July 13th.

This weekend Leland, Reese and I are headed to the metroplex do see some family and do some serious house shopping. Hopefully we find a good one and can make our own offer in this trip.

We are all doing well here and are enjoying our family time. Ryland and Raylee are doing very well with the addition of Reese and we are still loving having Grammy here to help.