Jocelyn's Family Birthday Celebration

As if one full day of birthday celebrations weren't enough...we had two!  I decided to have a family only birthday celebration for our soon to be big 4 year old before I left for Ohio.  Very uncharacteristically of me, I did not plan ahead with all Pinterest inspired decorations like I normally do, because quite frankly...I ran out of time.  I doubt Jocelyn will remember that.  I am so happy everyone was able to come help us celebrate and we had a great time!

Jocelyn is obsessed with all things "frozen" right now

Jocelyn requested a princess Elsa cake...and this was the only thing Pinterest inspired.  Gramma Lynna pulled this one off like a champ!  I put in the request and she delivered.  I do not think she will be entering in the cake decorating business anytime soon during retirement though!

Princess Elsa

The boys!

Poppy & Lynna

Gramma and Grandaddy

Our sweet family

Aunt Blaire and Uncle Steven tried for a picture and this was the best we got

Our big girl got a bicycle for her birthday and she loves it!

So cute!

Jocelyn's pre-birthday party!

Since we will be in Ohio during Jocelyn's actual birthday, I was feverishly trying to throw something together before I left to make it special for her.  So I did what any mother would do, and I brought it back to the days of my childhood.  When Blaire and I were growing up, we use to spend a lot of time in downtown Dallas for special events, birthdays, etc.  So, Jocelyn got to invite her best friend...and luckily enough we are very good friends with Ava's parents, so it worked out on all accounts. 

We let them each pick out a ridiculously expensive circus toy...

These two loved the circus.  Jocelyn loved the horses and Ava said she loved the tigers!

We had pa-ske-wee at Spaghetti Warehouse

A princess carriage for two princesses

Love these two!  Such cuties...and divas!

In a matter of 3 weeks...

In a matter of 3 weeks a lot has happened in The England family.  As many of you know, I work for SW in Human Resources and have been with them for 11 years.  It has come to the point in my career where, for a lack of better terms, I needed to shit or get off the pot.  So, I decided to take a leap of faith and apply for a promotional opportunity at work...and I got it!!!  I accepted the role of Director of Human Resources at Headquarters, which means The England's are moving to OHIO! I accepted on July 18th, we listed our house in Texas on July 31st, Derek and I went to Ohio (Cleveland area) that weekend and bought a house, we sold our house in Texas on August 5th, and the new owners want us out on August 28th.  Whew!  So, in a matter of 3 weeks a lot has happened in our world. 

Derek and I are so sad to leave all of our family and friends in Texas, but we are very excited about this new opportunity and chapter in our lives.  This new role for me is going to open many more doors and give me great exposure at headquarters-wish me luck!  Derek is going to resign from the Rangers, and will hopefully gain employment at one of the major teams up in the Cleveland area (Indians, Browns or Cavs).  He already has some strong leads and I truly believe everything will work out for us.  Yes, we are aware that Ohio is C-O-L-D, and we are going to freeze our booties off, but I am certain that we will love it...eventually! 

Sad day in Texas...

New home we are building...will be complete at the first of December

our lot

our new hometown to be...

They started digging on Thursday, we will keep everyone posted on the progress.  We are going to love this house, and it has 2 extra rooms for visitors (ahem!) It even has a basement which is new to us, but Derek can't wait to make that his "man cave"! Ha!