Breathe, 1, 2, 3...again

That has been the last month for me, WOW can school start any sooner??? My boys are at each others throats. Don't get me wrong they do wrestle, have stick fights, and fish in between. But majority of the time one is complaining about the other or I hear them begin to rumble slowly. You know the sounds...was that a laugh or cry? Oh a laugh, but you know the cry is coming. I can feel my patience dwindling and I do the breathing, the count. Then I literally have to laugh out loud or I am going to lose it. I then remind myself that school is oh so close and I will be dreaming of these days come the weekend. But now that they are getting older our weekends are more compromised with activities. When I was a kid I think I was in maybe 2-3 activities. Not in 2012! To be a kid now...
I will be starting a new job on September 10th with Eide Bailly as a Senior Technical Recruiter. My friend Michelle moved onto a new opportunity and called to present me the position since she was moving on. I have LOVED my job at The CE Shop but once we began speaking more about it, there was no reason to not apply and give it a shot. The interview process was rigorous and there were times I thought there was no way I got it. But I did and I am thrilled! I gave my notice to The CE Shop yesterday, there were tears but so much support from a wonderful team. Everything does happen for a reason and I look forward to the next chapter. Not without a going away party and a sushi date with my current CEO. The last 2 1/2 years I have learned so much and met so many great people.
We did hit the lake a lot this last month and spent some time in Itasca with Leslie and Stu. We also headed up to Homme Dam for a family reunion-my family is SO. DANG. FUN! Good energy, tons of lawn games, and amazing food/beverages for all. I don't think Talia's feet touched the ground because she was being passed from one relative to the next. My dad has 12 brothers and sisters, all were home. I think there are 67 in our immediate family? Bliss.

Ready to rumble gear...

Helping my sister move into her AWESOME place!

About to start 3rd grade, how does that happen?

At Les's lake, Talia meeting Baby Brooklyn.

She loved her so much, she kept saying,"Ahhh, baby..."

Then she smacked her.

Itasca

Yep. I'm one!

15 minutes is all it took for all of these photos! This one likes to have her picture taken, no doubt.

Spaghetti Day

Yesterday was a spaghetti kind of day. Now that summer is starting to wrap up we have been a little more lazy on our days off. Not heading to the lake but the little swim pool at the park. Filling school supply lists, finalizing daycare and school plans, and trying to get through the day without any major fighting.

 So far so good!

Talia's first birthday!!!

So our little peanut is now ONE! This past year has flown by. I have been able to spend it all with her due to working from home and I am very grateful. She is truly a gift, to all of us. The boys still cater to her, not as much as her father but that is a whole new post. Her daddy caters to her every whim. Last night he came home and as soon as she heard that door shut she squealed for him,"DADDDDDA!" He rounds the corner and they have their nightly meet and greet. Sorry, I digressed. Back to her birthday. Truthfully I did not really have an elaborate party planned. Thought the boys and I could make her cake, have a small celebration after dinner with just us. That did not happen. Too many family and friends that kept calling to find out,"What's going on for Talia's birthday? What time should we come over? Can we bring anything?" I realized that she is already apparently a party girl, I do see the irony in that. So we had a party and it was a night that I will always remember because my little girl is now one. I do have more pics to share with you but here is one from yesterday in the mean time because nap time is ending here shortly.

Talia's words: Mom, Dad, Baby, Go, she can say woof, woof if you ask her what a puppy says, and pretty sure she says her name...TAAALIAA
Milestones: She is trying her hardest to walk, so far the most steps in a row without falling is 5. She plays peek a boo, patty cake, and claps. LOVES to dance. We chant...GO Talia, GO Talia, GO and she dances like crazy.
Loves: Babies, swimming, swinging, her brothers...not much this girl does not love. She is so easy going and acclimates to pretty much anything with ease. She has been that way since day one and I cross my fingers we keep going with it. She goes back and forth from being a daddies to a mommies girl.
Dislikes: Not a huge fan of veggies pureed, has to be the real deal. Do you blame her? She is not a fan of wearing shoes, car seats, or strollers. Once you get her strapped in she is fine but getting to that part is not always easy.

I have more pictures to share from her birthday but hear her calling my name over the monitor, I need to grab her before Big Al flips her out of her crib. I love you Talia Claire, you have completed our world. xoxoxoxo