Issues

I can hardly stand it when I have

computer problems!

What little time I can find to get to the computer to work or blog, I just want my machines to work properly!

Is that too much to ask?!?

What I thought was an internet issue, turned out to be a problem with my desktop computer. Not too big a deal when I've also got a laptop to work on. So while my new desktop was in the mail, I was using my laptop fulltime until it also started having problems. So, my new desktop arrives with all the latest and fastest stuff (you'll have to ask my know-it-all brothers for the specs) and

guess what?!?

The new computer keeps turning itself off!

ARGH!!

After lots of arguing and tons of sweet-talking by my amazing, smart, talented, and handsome (but taken) brother, the company finally decides to send me another new computer and take back this other piece of junk. At first they were trying to get me to open the whole thing up, like unscrew the cover and check the wires and I'm going, this is a BRAND NEW computer!! I shouldn't have to try and "fix" anything besides feeling totally uncomfortable with pulling apart something this complex.

UGH!!

So, now my laptop is working, thank GOODNESS, though not the WiFi part of it, so I'm stuck in my office with cords coming out of every port on this "portable" device.

I'm praying the 2nd new desktop arrives tomorrow with everything working as it should.

Thank you *Richard* for all your help!!

I'm so glad you moved back to AZ :)

Now enjoy some gorgeous shots of my gorgeous kids,

and you'll feel better too!

Soccer!

Miles had his first soccer practice this morning. We made sure there was tape in the video camera, the digital-still camera was charged, he had cute gym shorts and headed for the field. I remembered bottle water but forgot bug-repellent and a lawn chair (for me because Luke has to run the whole practice with Miles). We are your typical new parents loving to experience every first milestone of our first born. Love it!

His new jersey was too big so we made it work with the dorky sleeve roll/tuck-in, but he's fearless and still attacked the field wearing his baggy outfit.
Always remember to stretch first.
Just a little help in the right direction from Dad.
The new baggy jersey only lasted through half the practice.

Once he was comfortable again in his clothes, he was right back out on the field making his move.

GOAL!
Good practice boys!

Paradise Found

Maybe you noticed that I changed my blog title.

I'm just not a creative person, so my old title, Luke.Emrie.Miles.Masie. just seemed to explain what my blog was all about... of course emphases on the Miles.Masie part. I decided our names weren't cutting it any longer. I have this terrific framed art in my kitchen that reads "Paradise Found". At home with my hubby, my son, and my daughter, I know I've found my paradise.

Luke caught all of us "napping" together.
I think this is the first time I've captured them both smiling (granted, with a little tongue)at the same time - success!
It helps that Masie is smiling a ton these days. Luke and I can both get her smiling by tickling her chin and cooing at her.
Miles thinks he's getting too big for naps.

If I can't get him to fall asleep, he'll often crash on the couch right before dinner... After we wake him, he's super cranky for the rest of the evening, so I'm really pushing the naps still.
Nighty-night.

Aussie Tooshes

Monica found the Aussie boardshorts for Luke a few years ago, and when she found some Miles's size, she had to have them and brought them with her on her latest visit. He's daddy's little boy through and through.

So cuddly.

Note: first family picture! Ok, so I look like a cheesy goon (I'm hoping Monica's camera caught me at a better moment than mine did), but the rest of my family is gorgeous!
Monica was off to the airport for home just a few hours after this photo was taken. So good to have her stay with us. We'll see her again soon! (we already booked our flights to AUS for Christmas...)
Please notice that Masie has enough hair to wear cute barrettes that I found online :) Love it!