Belle's Soccer Camp

Belle has been participating in a week long soccer camp that started on Monday. It's been... interesting. Day 1, she kept asking if the side line was the goal. Day 2, she met a friend. Day 3, she and friend had even more fun together. Day 4, she is still running around with her friend while the coach (in a really cool British accent) yells, "Guuurls!" (read 'girls' in a cool British accent). She's learned some "cool tricks" as she describes her new soccer move knowledge, but she mostly enjoys playing tag with her friend and kicking the ball around aimlessly. I've reminded Belle to mind her coach which she is doing more, but at the end of the day, I'm happy she's making friends and that she's getting some exposure to sports. Today, Day 4, she seemed to be understand a little bit more. I love my little guuurl.

Father's Day Surprise

If you know me well, you know it's SUPER hard for me to keep any type of surprise... especially if it's a gift. For Father's Day this year, I took the girls (and AJ my nephew came!) to get their pictures taken and we made a surprise frame layout (6 pictures of the girls) for Jackson. Also, both grandpas are getting some of the pictures for Dad's Day... We gave Jackson the frame this morning (couldn't wait). Great gifts for amazing dads.

The Pictures....

So, I still need to order prints, but here are some of the pictures from our trip to Anaheim... Enjoy!

Belle going to Minnie's House...

We had fun seeing the Klings... we spent a day as families on Tuesday and I went up to visit Sarah and her boys for the afternoon on Wednesday. Here's a picture of Sarah and I:

Belle and her cousin, Ashley. They got their faces painted at Disneyland!

Jackson and I... our first trip to Disneyland together. To quote Jackson, "Disneyland IS 1000x more fun as a parent than it was as a kid".

Belle met Cinderella (and Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, and Ariel) at Ariel's Grotto.

Juliette's first pool experience...

Here we are on the Nemo ride. Juliette rode on this ride, the Buzz Lightyear ride, and It's a Small World...

California Adventure!

It's June!?!?

As you can see, I've taken quite a break in blogging... well, a break from this year's blogging that is. I'm not quite sure when or how I'll post all the blogs that I have been thinking of, but here's what I have for now:

- May Madness- May was an insane month for the Perdues. We had a ton of celebrations- a bridal shower, 2 birthday parties, 2 baby showers, a wedding, a retirement party, and 3 graduations to cap the end of that crazy party train. I may or may not post pictures at some point...

- Juliette has about 6-7 teeth AND she did one little crawl on June 4th... :-)

- We had a wonderful vacation- we just got back last night. 6 days and 6 nights in Anaheim, CA. 2 Days at Disneyland. Lots of Daddy and Belle pool time. We got to see our good friends that moved to Glendale 2 years ago- The Kling Fam. We spent a day with Jackson's sister's family and a couple of days with my family. Wonderful memories. More pictures to come of this for sure...

- I'm going back to work! Well, part-time and only for 4 weeks, but man I feel so blessed I am a stay-at-home mom otherwise. I'll be teaching a few periods for 2 sessions at the local junior college for 4-8 graders.

- Last, but certainly not least, my mother-in-law is moving in with us. This will be a big change, but we know that God is at the center of it and we wouldn't be able to make the transition without him.

My Favorite Teacher

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending Alta Vista High School's graduation (this is where Jackson works, a continuation school in Mountain View-Los Altos). It was amazing. Definitely the best graduation I've ever been to. Each student briefly shared their testimony of how they ended up at the school, and every single student had nothing but praise for the school and the school staff. Many of course shared how they might have been tough to handle, etc., but the overall tone of triumph and grace was one I've never experienced at any graduation I've attended.

Jackson is a phenomenal husband, father, and friend. I already knew he was an exceptional teacher, but it sure was great to hear about it and see living proof yesterday... Congrats on your first full year of teaching, Jax. Here's to MANY more at Alta Vista, God willing.

Home is Where the Heart Is

I feel so blessed to be a stay-at-home mom. In this economy, in this area, and in 2010... it's a privilege to be able to stay home with a family to support. Jackson and I make sacrifices and get creative, but we make it happen. God has made it happen to be more exact. I dreamed of staying home since the day (January 14, 2006) I found out I was pregnant with Belle... on the extra crazy days at home I remind myself that there's no other place I'd rather be. Today wasn't an extra crazy day; nor was it an extra super day. It was an ordinary day where I was reminded of how awesome it is to be me... at home with my girls.

Travelin' Mama

So, as you can see from my previous post, I made a quick jaunt to Colorado last weekend. It was wonderful. I missed Jackson and my girls tremendously. Next weekend, I'm going on yet ANOTHER trip. I have the privilege of spending the weekend in San Diego (El Cajon to be exact) with my BF from college and matron of honor, Lindsey. I am stoked. The more I think about the trip, the more I think about (1) how much fun I'll have and (2)just how much I'll miss Jackson, Belle, and Juliette. Since Belle's been born, Jackson and I made time to go on dates and we even got away for the night a handful of times. We still go on dates... we've been on a lot since Juliette was born thanks to wonderful family and friends, but I haven't gone away solo like this for at least 4 years. Just the other day, I got a MOPS article in my inbox. I don't think it's a coincidence. As a wife and mom, I'm constantly pouring out energy to my family. I love it and I believe I was made to do just that. During this season, I'm realizing that in order to be the best wife and mom I can be, I also need to pour into myself. Believe it or not, that message is still sinking in... More than just taking time out to journal, read, and do things that invest in me, I also need to connect with friends and refresh myself so that I can continue to grow into the woman that God's made me to be. I know this isn't anything new, but I'm excited to be learning this and actually allowing myself to get away. I'll be at boarding a Southwest airplane this time next week to head to San Diego.... Crazy.