Getting Settled In

Since arriving in Keller, we have been pretty productive. Most of our weekend involved driving around town and trying to learn the streets. I'm so glad we chose this area to live. It has everything we could want at our fingertips.

We explored some of the neighborhoods to figure out which areas we might be interested in living. With January 1st being the deadline, and Christmas in the mix, that doesn't leave much time to find a place. Thankfully, an old friend of mine is a Realtor in the area and will be helping us out. He has already lined up six houses for us to see today. Hopefully one of these houses will be the one.

The kids are adjusting pretty well. Mason has his moments where he wants to see his friends and just doesn't get that it's a REALLY far drive away. I haven't had my car for over a week, but it should be delivered this afternoon with some of our stuff that we set aside to be delivered early. Everything else will sit in storage until we move into our house.

Adam started his new position on Monday. He is really excited about the opportunities and the people he is working with. It's so nice to have him home each night. The kids are enjoying it too. We hope to see some of our extended family this weekend. Hopefully the next time I write, we will have found a house.

Ten on Tuesday

It's been a long time since I did Ten on Tuesday, but hopefully that will change. Oh how I've missed Chelsea's Ten on Tuesday.

1. What do you order at Starbucks?
As of lately, I have been ordering Cinnamon Dolce Lattes. I recently discovered them and I really only prefer them on long road trips or shopping trips. Otherwise, I just make my own coffee.

2. Where is your favorite place to eat breakfast?
It depends what I'm in the mood for. If I want a breakfast with all the fixin's, then I like Cracker Barrel. Otherwise, I would say The Bagel Cafe in Katy, Tx. Love their food anytime of the day and their coffee. Katz coffee is better than Starbucks in my opinion.

3. Are you on Twitter? Why or why not?
Yes (@tabbykaye). I don't post a lot of tweets, but I like to read everyone's.


4. What is your favorite Christmas movie?
It's a Wonderful Life. I have been watching this movie since I was little and I still get choked up every time.

5. Are you a good gift giver?
I like to think so. I try to put a lot of thought into each gift. I try not to give gift cards if at all possible.

6. Do you like your handwriting? Bonus points for posting a picture.
Yes, I do. I'm a lefty and they are infamously known for bad handwriting, or so I have been told. I worked really hard in elementary school to perfect my handwriting. No time to post a picture.

7. Is your signature legible? Bonus points for posting a picture.
Yes. Isn't it funny that most men sign their names it's basically the first letter of their first and last names and then a scribble of a line.

8. Have you ever been to New York during Christmas season?
No, but I would love to. The cold brisk air, possible snow, Central Park, the food, and shopping. Sounds like fun to me.

9. Are there any items that you are completely brand loyal?
Yes, I have really sensitive skin and the only detergent that doesn't really make my skin break out in itchy hives is Arm & Hammer dye free liquid detergent. Same with their dryer sheets. I also prefer Coffee Mate creamer over any other kind. Better selection in my opinion. When it comes to diapers, I only buy Target's Up & Up brand. I used to spend money on Huggies and Pampers, but Target's brand works just as well on both boys and girls and it costs a lot less. The list could go on.

10. Who is your favorite public speaker?
Beth Moore by far. She just warms my heart and when you listen to her speak, you feel like you're having a heart to heart with your girl friend.

Road Trip

After driving across four states in three days, we finally made it! Since I haven't blogged all week, there is a lot to catch up on.


Monday the movers arrived to pack up everything. When we moved out to California, it only took about 3 hours. Now, we did live in apartment, but I promise we didn't accumulate that much stuff in the last three years. This time, the movers arrived at 8am and didn't leave until a little after 5pm. I tried to keep the kids out of the house and occupied, but you can only do so much. We ended up putting movies on our computers to keep them entertained and they did great.


Monday evening, we headed over to the Robert's house to watch some football and hang out with some friends from our Sunday School class. It was nice to see them one last time. Our class has meant so much to us over the years and we are blessed by all of their friendships.


We stayed in a hotel Monday & Tuesday night, which helped out on Tuesday while the movers loaded all the boxes and furniture. It was another all day process. I really shouldn't be too bothered by it, because if we had done it ourselves, it would have taken much longer. So for that, I'm thankful.


Tuesday evening, we had our last dinner with the Mooney's. Marissa made a delicious meal and the kids enjoyed playing together. It was hard not to get choked up at times, especially since they don't really understand the distance that will separate us.

Mason & Braden. They couldn't stop hugging each other goodbye.

Madison holding Taylor.

Mason wanted to take a picture of Marissa.

The goodbyes were hard. Tears flooded my eyes as I hugged my best friend and gave kisses to her children, who I love like my own.


Wednesday morning, began our trek to Texas.

The entire drive we saw a ton of Windmills. This was near the California and Arizona Border.

Beautiful California

Goodbye California, hello Arizona!

Beautiful sunset on the Mountains.

We stopped in Phoenix the first night and we were so happy to see a Whataburger! Oh how we missed it.

Thursday morning, we ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Mason loved this game. I used to have one when I was little.

Taylor was busy coloring and didn't feel like posing for pictures.

It's hard to see, but this was the University of Arizona symbol on the Mountain in Tucson. Adam's cousin Jeremy and his wife Caryle attended Zona.

Leaving Arizona and entering New Mexico.

This is by far my favorite picture. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when we saw the sign. Welcome to Texas! We ate a quick dinner in El Paso and drove onto Midland to cut down the driving time on Friday.

Friday morning we made the last trek of the drive to Fort Worth. We made great time and arrived at our temporary corporate apartment around 3pm. The kids did absolutely fabulous during the drive.

Our apartment is 2 bedrooms and has more space than a hotel. It will work perfectly for the next 30 days. We have already been looking for houses, and hope to find one before we leave for Katy for Christmas.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support. They were felt and we are glad to be back in the Lone Star state.

Let the packing begin

As I sit here on the couch, the movers have arrived and started packing up our house. We have set aside our things that will be needed for the next 30 days, but everything else will be boxed. Tomorrow they load the boxes, all of our furniture and my car, and will begin the drive to Texas.

Bakersfield is a huge part of us and we will always love this city and the people. Mason was six months old when we first moved here. This is the home where he took his first steps and said his first words. This is the home we brought Taylor home to from the hospital. This is the home where she said her first words and took her first steps. So many memories were made and Bakersfield will always have a peace of my heart.

Tonight and tomorrow, we will be staying in a hotel here in Bakersfield and spending our evenings with friends. I fully anticipate tomorrow will be the hardest day emotionally for us. That will be the last of the goodbyes. Yesterday in Sunday School we said goodbye to our class and I already started to cry before evening saying a word.

Mason & Taylor are doing pretty well with the move so far. Mason even helped me pack his toys that would be delivered to us in Ft. Worth for the next 30 days. Occasionally he will get upset and I know it's due to the confusion of everything going on around him. Taylor is too young to understand. The real test will be the drive to Texas.

Over the next few days, please pray for our safety as we take the longest road trip of our lives. Pray for safe travel for the movers. Pray for our friends as we say our goodbyes. Pray that we are able to find a home quickly that meets our needs. Pray for Adam as he starts his new position. Pray for the children that they will adjust well. Pray for me as I deal with the little details. Thank you for all of your love and support.

Going Away Party

Little sleep was had on Black Friday. Not only did Marissa & I camp outside of Target at midnight waiting for the doors to open at 4am, but we only took a 2 hour nap that day. Yes, I'm one of those crazy people that will wake up in the wee hours of the night/morning to score some big deals. It has been a tradition that my mom & I started years ago. I look forward to it each year.

To say it was cold was an understatement. We layered our clothes, wore scarves, jackets, gloves and drank a ton of coffee. At one point it was 29 degrees outside and neither of us could feel our toes. Despite the cold, I wouldn't change it for the world. We made memories and had fun.

Our Sunday School class through us a going away party Friday evening. Thankfully, the kids favorite babysitter was available and we enjoyed an evening without kids and with some of our favorite people. Dinner was delicious and the fellowship was delightful. God has blessed us with so many wonderful friends over the last three years. We never could have imagined it would be this hard saying goodbye. We love all of you!

Tabaitha & Jamie

The Kaye's & The Mooney's

Tabaitha & Nicole

Luke & Nicole

Group shot

One Week

If you can't tell, I have taken a break from Chelsea's Ten on Tuesday questions. I will eventually get back to them, because they are fun questions and she does such a great job at coming up with new ones each week. If you want to participate, check it out. They are fun.

Yesterday, our relocation package was approved and we got word that the movers will begin packing everything next Monday and load everything next Tuesday. This is our last week in the house. I have to laugh that we were still waiting for final details up until a week before the move. Just a reminder that we aren't in control and for a planner like me, that was a hard lesson to learn.

After 20 months of Adam traveling, last night was his final night being away (aside from small business trips every once in awhile). Mason woke up this morning so excited that he would get to see his Daddy tonight. It has been a long journey for all of us.

This past weekend, Adam suggested I get out of town with the girls and go shopping. How could I pass on that? His only condition was that I buy something for myself. This is really hard for me. I'm constantly buying for everyone else and talking myself out of buying anything for me.

We started Saturday afternoon with lunch and pedicures. Our friend Sarah couldn't make the trip with us, so she joined us for the afternoon. It was nice to eat a meal in peace without having to worry about the kids.

After an afternoon of pampering, we drove down to Camarillo for the night. We laughed, ate, shopped, and stayed up late talking. The next day we hit the outlets and shopped the day away. I even managed to buy two things for myself. I found a really cute sweater at The Gap and my new favorite perfume, Sensuous by Estee Lauder. It was all around a terrific weekend.

Sarah & I at lunch

The girls after pedicures

Jayme & I on our way to dinner.

2 Weeks

In less than two weeks, we will officially be Texas residents again. It's a day that we have been praying for so long, and yet knowing that it's quickly approaching makes me wish it would slow down. When people ask if we are excited, I always say yes, but it's bittersweet. That is the best way to describe this experience.

Mason was just five days shy of turning six months when we moved out here in January of 2008. Not only was a new mom, we didn't know anyone before moving out here. We knew the best way to make new friends would be to find a church we both liked. Thankfully, it happened quickly. For most people, that isn't always the case. Our friends have become our second family.

This weekend, Adam is treating me to a girls weekend with some of my best girl friends. We will be spending the weekend getting pedicures, eating out, slumber parties in a hotel, and shopping in Camarillo. It's much needed and we also get to celebrate Marissa's birthday a little early. It will definitely be a weekend that I will cherish.