getting away from it all in lake arrowhead

Life lately has taken a turn from crazy busy to crazier busy. It is going 100 mph all day long, falling asleep on the couch, and waking up to start all over again. Perhaps you can relate. I am sure you can. Raising children, working, taking care of a home and one another is not for sissies. 

Which is why we have to take moments to get away from it all.

Some days that is as simple as reading a few pages of my magazine in silence, taking Lady for a walk by myself, or staying in the shower for an extra two minutes just because.

However, when we get a chance to travel up to our local mountains for a weekend with some of our favorite peeps, we don't take it for granted.

These memories making times are what give me more fuel for the busy, busy, busy.

We seek fun and moments with the tenacity of a gold miner circa 1848. 

Lake Arrowhead 2014...we struck fun, laughter, and memories.

Happy weekend, friends. Make some memories.

Much love,

Katie

welcome to the new digs

When we decided to sell our previous house, we knew that the market was going to be tough for finding a new house. Our previous house sold in three days, which meant all houses in our area were selling fast. House prices were also rising and people were over bidding to compete for homes.

I was searching realtor.com every hour and suddenly come across a craftsman home in our price range. Craftsman had me at hello.

I showed it to Kevin and we quickly packed the boys in the car to drive by it. The property was vacant so we walked around and looked in the windows. It had a great yard for the boys, great bones, and two porch swings to enjoy our country views.

And the door, friends. The door sold it for me.

Kevin and I knew we had to get on it fast. Fortunately the listing agent was from another county and did not put the home under our county on mls. At least this kept other agents in our area from showing clients. Thank you, Lord!

 (the old country kitchen)

 (great room ceiling)

 (great room)

 (laundry room)

 (wait until the new paint reveal)

With a lot of stress and back and forth dealing, we got the house. It was a wild ride until we closed, but when we closed, we knew that we have the house where we will raise our boys.

For previous moving gypsies, it feels good to be home. We're building new memories and establishing deeper roots.

It feels good.

Now, onto the renovations.

Much love,
Katie

the new casa

It's been almost 6 months since we've purchased our new house. Here are just a few pics to introduce you to La Casa de Spencer. We bought the house without even going inside. Yes, crazy but that's how we roll.

Although the house was in move in condition, we're renovating it to fit our taste. More pics to come so you can see the transformation.

Hope you're enjoying your Super Bowl Sunday. We're not football people, so we're off for a hike. What are you up to?

Much love,
Katie

11...impossible!

Luke turned 11 on January 18th. We celebrated Minecraft style, of course.

My 1st born changed my world upside down in the best way possible.

There's a shift that begins at this stage. We have conversations that are deep and mature. Simply put, it fills me up.

He's my thinker. He's a researcher and a master LEGO builder. He knows everything there is to know about reptiles.

My mom had a kidney transplant 2 months ago, so he made her a get well sign with a perfect illustration of the human kidney. He can tell me more facts about the human body than my biology teacher in high school.

Recently, he also crossed over from a cub scout to a boy scout.

 

Luke is just a cool kid who isn't afraid to be unique and an individual. I admire him. I learn from him daily and I'm humbled to call him son.

I love you, Luke. God knew exactly what He was doing when he made you.

Much love,
Mom

my not so baby anymore turned 6

Poor Jack has been a bit skipped over lately. His birthday was between Thanksgiving and Christmas, which is the busiest time of the year for me as a mama of 3 boys and as a teacher.

But, let me take a moment to reflect on this kid. He's 6 now. A big six. He is regularly mistaken as my middle child. He has an enormous personality to match his stature. He is loud, rambunctious, and will cause me to gray long before I should. He's also my most sensitive and affectionate of the 3 boys. He's quite a dichotomy of traits.

He was in his Kinder Thanksgiving show. He kindly (meaning, calling out the girl next to him) when she forgot her part. He's a performer like I was at his age.

Then, before I could even blink, he turned six.

Living in Cali, we don't get dressed up for anything; not even church, so it was fun to see him in a button down for his 1st field trip to see the Nutcracker. His reviews of the ballet weren't shining. I think he'd rather see a wresting match.

I love you Jack and I'm so proud of the big boy you are becoming. I know God has great things in store for you, my son.

Love,
Mom