HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!Enjoy the cuteness that is Owen!!!

It's Pumpkin Time

I just thought that that since tomorrow is Halloween I would take this opportunity to share a picture of the cutest little pumpkin in all of the patch.This is baby Owen who belongs to my best friend Leslie. Though he may not be my "official" nephew, I will always be his Auntie Kate. This picture is one of my favorites since the outfit that he is sporting was picked out with love by yours truly, right down to the strippy orange socks. He REALLY is a little pumpkin!!

Welcome to the Family

Just a little update on the post that I brought you yesterday. I just got off the phone with my sister in law Renee and the meeting last night went well. Sunday morning I will be an aunt for the first time when Casey and Renee bring home their new son Cohen Adam Stormes. Mike and I are very happy for them and look forward to meeting him when we visit MI next weekend. I hope to have pictures to share soon. Kate


Updated 2:30pm WI time:
Here are a few photos I just received of Cohen's first meeting with his new parents:

Welcome Baby Girl Sanford!!

I know that some of you remember Lori Hiligan and Jack Sanford. What you may not know is that they were married a few years ago, moved down to NC, and were expecting their first baby. Well, as of 4:30 am this morning, they are no longer expecting, but welcoming Peyton Delaney Sanford into their family. She is 7 pounds 13 oz and gorgeous. I wish that I could show everyone her picture, but the only one that I have is on my phone. Mom and baby are doing well and I will keep everyone updated. Please keep Jack and Lori in your thoughts and prayers in this happy, but stressful time. Thanks! Kate

New Nephew

I just thought that I would ask everyone to think and pray for my brother and sister in law. They have been trying to adopt a baby for about a year. Yesterday they found out that there is a one month old boy in foster care that's Mom choose them to be the adoptive parents. They are going to meet him today and then can go from there. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers and I will keep you posted.

One Year Later

I know that it is hard to believe, but it has been a whole year today that Mike and I left everyone we knew and loved and moved across the pond. Lake MI may not seem very big, but it was a HUGE leap of faith to leave the home that we had always known and move to another state. Looking back I wouldn't change a thing. Mike has a great job that he loves. I am working normal hours and love my job. Last, but not least, we have made a few GREAT friends here that make our time away from work tons of fun. Speaking of those friends, today we took a trip to a local pumpkin patch with Diann and Nadine, my friends from work, and their beautiful daughters. Here is a group shot from the wagon ride that took us through the pumpkin patch.From left to right: Mike, Giana, me, Megan, Madeline, and Diann (Nadine was taking to photo)
Hopefully the next year will bring an addition to our family and many more happy memories. I keep everyone posted.

Making Our House a Home

Well, Mike and I have been in our new house for almost 3 weeks. A lot of the unpacking is done and now it is time to decorate. In the last few days we have been putting our own personal touches up that make a house a home. Many of you have been asking to see the inside and how things are shaping up...so here go's.

First is our kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances and a large wooden dance floor. What, doesn't everyone dance in their kitchen?



Second is the dining room which is much bigger then our last one. I hate to say it, but this is the first time we have been able to see the top of the table since we moved in.



Last for right now is a few shots of the living room, which is really cozy and a great place to curl up and watch a movie.



I hope that these pictures tide everyone over. I will post more as the decorating continues.

ALL MOVED IN!!!

SO, the BIG move is over and we are OFFICIALLY living in the new house!!! YIPEE!! The only down side is that we can't find anything and have boxes, boxes everywhere. On the bright side, we had our new bedroom furniture delivered yesterday and it is even better then we had hoped. It was great to actually sleep in a real bed last night. The next to weeks will be filled with lots of unpacking and organizing, and then it is back to MI for GVSU Homecoming Oct. 11. We are very excited to see friends that haven't been together in a long time. Most of all I can't wait to spend time with my little Owen who is growing up so fast. I am looking forward to some cuddle and dress up time with my little guy. Well, there's lots to be done and never enough time, so I should get to it. Hope to see everyone soon. Kate