The working part of "settling in"...

It can be summed up in one sentence. 

Adam and I LOVE our jobs. 

It's no secret that our work life was tough (to say the least) in Singapore. It has been an amazing feeling to wake up every day and be excited to go to work. While I had a class full of students to get me through each day in Singapore, Adam did not. That made his job exceptionally tough. In our new roles, we are challenged, busy, purposeful and appreciated. 

For those that don't know, Adam returned to his previous school and became the Dean of Students. He has a few periods of math in the mornings, but spends most of his day in the office. He's enjoying it and learning a lot along the way, mostly due to an incredible mentor. 

In August I accepted a position (at my former school) as the PYP coordinator. I was hesitant to take the role, but knew that it would be one that challenged me (in a good way) professionally. Thankfully, I had some supporters encouraging me to take the role. Never once have I regretted it. I absolutely love it. There's a learning curve for sure, but it feels like I took the right step. AND, it doesn't hurt that I work Tuesday-Thursday. :) 

I am asked everyday, "Is it nice to be back?" 

Never once has my response varied. "It was a wonderful two years and we wouldn't trade them for anything. But yes, we are so, so happy to be home." 

To return to our previous schools is a blessing. To see familiar faces and work with incredible teachers is a blessing. To be excited about going to work every day is a blessing. 

There is no doubt that at this moment, we are where we're meant to be.  

Settling In...

Our shipment arrived from Singapore last week. It was about 4 weeks later than planned and in reality, we were fine without it. BUT, the boys were thrilled to see all their toys and I was happy to have our overseas memories back with us. Pictures of places we traveled, items we bought along the way, our Balinese patio set....all of it.

This was a bit overwhelming to sort through and put away!

Looking forward to this getting a lot of use next summer!

I am in love with this room. So happy with how it came together, by the work of many hands. 

We are settling in well and loving our house. It really feels like a home and a place where memories will be made for years to come. When the moving truck arrived, I had many flashbacks from two years ago when it came to take all of our things to Singapore. It's crazy how an adventure is wrapped up just.like.that.

And just.like.that. life is off and running here. Luke met his first grade teacher last week (who coincidentally has taught overseas and lived in Thailand) and saw his school. He has met some boys in the neighborhood and enjoys playing football with them in the street. Adam and I returned to work this week and are loving our new roles. Since moving back from Singapore, I took on the PYP coordinator role at Bonny Slope. It's still a half time position and one week in, I'm loving it! To have a job that is professionally challenging and still half-time is pretty exciting.

As we enter the Fall season here, I find myself very excited for the weather, football, holidays and all-that-is-fall. It is by far the season I missed the most. I look forward to our new routine and spending more time with Drew at home.

We find ourselves staying connected with friends from Singapore, which is such a blessing. They are forever-kind-of-people and while we aren't spending our days together, it's nice to continue our friendships in a different way.

Things I love about being home:
-I'm in a sweatshirt right now
-I can run any time of day
-My coffee maker
-Snuggling on the couch with the boys and a blanket each morning
-Having space to run and play and get away from one another when necessary :)
-ELLA! (She really should be first)
-Our family being so close. We have seen a lot of them and I love, love, love it.
-Our new jobs are exciting, stimulating, challenging and rewarding

Today marks the first Duck game of the season and I can't wait to watch the game and cheer them on. I have two little devoted Duck fans in this household, which goes to show that Adam doesn't always get his way.

Cheers to a 3-day weekend and beginning a new school year....

My Birthday (and our Anniversary!)

Simply put, my birthday was absolutely wonderful. The boys made my day special with a trip to Crater Lake & Diamond Lake. I loved celebrating in Oregon this year!

First stop: Starbucks for me & donuts for the boys 

This is about 10am, there's a bit of haze from the early morning & fires burning not too far from here. 

The boys quickly got busy making their own "volcanoes" in the sand :)

As the afternoon sun came out, the lake views were spectacular! 

Taking a little time to play... 

After seeing the views and walking around the lodge a bit, we decided to head back down the road to Diamond Lake for lunch. Another beautiful place! 

View from our picnic table...so peaceful!

After lunch we made the trip back to Roseburg. The boys were exhausted...but managed to wake up for milkshakes a bit later. :)

The day ended with a lovely dinner out, minus children. It was the BEST. 

And finally, the next day, we had a BBQ to celebrate. We also celebrated my father-in-law's birthday, whose is just three days after mine. 

Here's to another year of fun, laughter, memories and growth. As the messages, texts and calls came throughout the day, I was constantly reminded how lucky I am to be surrounded by such amazing people. Feeling grateful for sure. xx

Happy Birthday, Dad!

On Friday night we had a surprise party for my Dad, who turned 70. He thought it would just be a family pizza night... given that, the look on his face was priceless when he saw the friends who also came to celebrate.

Of course the court was well utilized :) 

Happy Birthday to a wonderful Dad & Grandpa! We love you so much! Cheers to many more years of fun together. xx

Around the Table...

Some of my favorite moments here in our house have been when friends & family are gathered around the table. As we talk inside, I love hearing the squeals and laughter that come from the kids table outside.

BBQ with cousins, Andreas & Athan

Lunch with little Ayla 

Donuts for breakfast with Macy & Brayden

We are loving our new house and the memories being made in it!

Stepping Back & Slowing Down

Sort of.

We don't do a lot of slow around here. It seems like we are on the go a lot, and for the most part, we love it that way. With two little kids, how can you not be on the go a lot? That said, I am committed to doing my best to enjoy this life, one day at a time. For the past 13 years that Adam and I have been together, we have seen a ton of change. From moves, to kids, to jobs, to countries...we have changed it up a lot. When we were in Singapore, we craved every-day-normal in the states. It's always easier to want what you don't have, but I am determined not to live that way.

This quote is one I heard about 5 years ago and have never forgotten.

"Do not spoil what you have
By desiring what you have not.
Remember that what you have now,
Was once among the things you only hoped for."

In each stage of life, you tend to want to rush through it to get to the next. Then after you're done rushing, you look back and wonder where the time went. You think back to what you missed out on because you were busy wishing time away.

I want to enjoy the moments of settling in, both with our house and back into our lives here. I want to enjoy watching our boys roll around the backyard and squeal with happiness. I want to enjoy my coffee in the mornings as I'm snuggled up with Drew. I want to look at that sweet mouth of Luke's every time he talks, because in time, all those little baby teeth will be a distant memory.

The life we wanted is here. It's ours to wish away or embrace. As I sat on the couch with Adam tonight, a glass of wine in hand, listening to our boys play Ninja Turtles on the deck, I found myself feeling extremely grateful. Grateful for the life we've been given and the life we've created.

Enjoying a final latte with Tanya before she left.  

Trying to notice the beauty around me on my runs...easy to take it for granted!

So much love. 

Mom & Luke time at an art class

Then to check out books :) 

A beautiful, peaceful evening run 

My heart. Best of friends.