Monday, February 22, 2010

The First 48

Friends and Family,

I have never "blogged" before, and I may never blog again, but the first 48 hours of our lives in Pittsburgh have been compelling, so I wanted to recognize a few folks who have made our transition thus far a smooth one and in doing so chronicle a few of the highlights of our time here so far. So, in no particular order, I want to thank:
  • Kristy --> for being a champion behind the wheel from NWA to PA and for tolerating 3 children along the way (Byron, Carter, and.....me), and for starting the process of getting this house together. Your support for me and this move are inspiring. You are the only partner that I want in life, and I Love You!

  • Scottie --> for taking time off of work to drive up here with us, driving all day Friday, unloading our U-Haul trailer and POD completely Saturday evening, and being great with the boys. Your friendship means everything to me (and don't every let your AAA expire!)


  • Paul --> Through my traveling and work schedule, you have helped me in a huge way with the Drake Street property. I hate to think of the condition that this unit would be in without the hours of labor that you have invested. I am overwhelmed with gratitude by your generosity and support. Thank you, Pop Pops!

  • Our Friends and Family --> Everyone who prayed for us as we traveled. The trip did NOT go according to schedule, BUT we were protected at all times. Kristy and I both believe that the prayers for safety and protection that you offered on our behalf made a difference along our journey.

  • The Boys: Byron and Carter were EXCELLENT!! Both boys did so well in the car, that we are now considering driving back for our first visit (whenever that may be). Byron watched Thomas. Carter slept like a champ. In scope, fussing was held to a minimum.



  • Rick Broyles (owner of Rick Broyles Auto Repair in Cuba, MO): "Yes", there is a Cuba, MO, and "yes" there are still honest mechanics out there. When the Honda failed to start after a fuel up on Thursday evening (about 10:30P), Scott and I tried every trick within our limited skill set to solve for the issue before surrendering to AAA and the repair shop down the road. Rick opened shop at 8A and had us rolling within an hour with a quart of oil, tires properly aired, and a properly installed starter terminal and solenoid wire for $33.98 including tax.

  • Luise our new landlord for having 2 feet of snow shoveled out of our driveway



  • George with PODs for showing up Saturday

  • Riley our neighbor down the street for building the snowman you see below with his family (scaffolding and ladders --> no heavy machinery)



  • Wayne and Julie our next door neighbors for bringing over fresh cookies last night

  • The Inventors of GPS (I might not have made it to work this morning without)

  • IKEA for having "Family Parking"



  • And, Byron for being so excited about "Moving to Pitt-burgh, Byron's new house and finding all of the hiding places - Mimi he is ready for you to come find him"




-R





Thursday, February 4, 2010

We're moving!

Well, I have created a new blog. Yes, I know I couldn't keep up with the old one, but since we will be so far away from friends and family I have decided to create a new one and the fact that the old one was called Byron's Ledger and Byron is not the only kiddo in the house anymore.

We are moving to Pittsburgh, PA! We are sad, excited, and anxious about the move. Sad to leave our family and friends (but, we will be back to visit often and this move is only temporary), excited and anxious about our new adventure.


Here are our latest pics and what the boys have been up to:



Carter (4 1/2 months) has started eating cereal - it's been a slow go, but he will catch on sooner or later!



This is usually where you will find Carter when he is awake. He is really enjoying the ExerSaucer.

Byron has enjoyed making popcorn (and eating it too). He even asked for popcorn for dinner tonight!
About to go out to dinner - I guess the crazy Arkansas weather is getting us prepared for Pittsburgh.
Byron and Reagan sledding this past weekend (Berkli - I stole pics off your blog - I hope you don't mind :). I am so glad you took pics to document Byron's first sledding experience!)
Skiing/sledding behind a truck....
I stayed home with Carter in the warmth. But, it sounds like I missed out on a lot of Binns family fun :(.