A New Beginning...

We made it to Philadelphia! We are alive and well and settling down into our little pocket of Northeast Philly in a little borough called Somerton. We live right by the train station which makes if very convenient for Matt to commute to school everyday.


At the beginning of August Matt and I drove the moving truck here from Alabama while my parents kept the kids. We are so grateful for that, because it would have been crazy moving with the boys. Thanks mom and dad for your help!


Matt and I got to explore Philly for a few days before heading back to Alabama to pick up the boys and attend my brother's wedding (more on that later). I wanted to see what it was like to ride the train so we hopped on and rode it to Temple University. It is downtown and right around campus the area is really nice, but they warn you to not wonder far from campus because just two blocks over is a whole new territory. It turns into a pretty shady area, you know city life ;) Matt showed me where he'd be going to classes. We ate Philly Cheese Steaks for lunch and they are definitely as good as people make them out to be (yu-u-mmy)! The next day I wanted to drive around and we ended up driving to Center City. On the way there, my jaw dropped as we got closer and closer into the city. The word, "ghetto" came to life in a way I've never experienced. All I could think of was, "we are not in Kansas anymore, Toto!" It was a sight to behold, well for this country girl anyway.


Our home needed a little touching up: painting and cleaning, so we spent most of our time doing that. I wanted to get it all done before we brought the boys home and never got it done. Now we are comfortable and ready to take on the next few years =) It will be challenging at times, but I also know these will be some of the greatest years of our lives, where we can grow together as a family.


Every time we move I am reminded how grateful I am for the church and that everywhere you go it is there with an instant support system. We were welcomed by our Elder's Quorum President and other members the night Matt and I drove the truck in and since have met many new wonderful people in our ward. It is a small ward of about 120 people, there are 5 little boys in the nursery. Carter's Primary class has about 8 little kids. They are a group of humble and faithful members who come from all walks of life, all with diverse backgrounds and their own story to tell. None of us are alike so we have a lot to share and offer each other. There are a few other student families. Matt has already been called to be the 1st counselor in YM's, a quorum he is always destined to be a part of. It makes sense...he's good with the YM and for that I am grateful.



We met some neighbors. The parents are both retired police officers. The guy worked in narcotics down by Temple and was telling us how bad it can be down there. Scary! They have 3 children, 2 boys (ages 8&9), and 1 girl (age 6), who hit it off well with Carter by asking him if he wanted to play baseball with them in their backyard.


Speaking of baseball, the first week we were here, we couldn't resist going to a Phillies vs. Braves game. We went on Memorial Day and got the cheapest tickets they offered. $15 ... not bad, but you get what you pay for... we were on the VERY top row. But it didn't matter, the boys barely new the difference, they were just ecstatic to be there. As to be expected we were the only people there going for the Braves and it didn't help that the Phillies beat us 9:0 that night. Carter said, "This is definitely cool!" And to top it off we only a 20 minute drive to the stadium.


We've been getting Carter ready for kindergarten and he's doing well with that "new beginning" so far. He talks about a friend that he plays with at recess, but he doesn't know his name. His school prides themselves in their music and art programs. Carter painted a pictures of a house today. His teacher is really sweet, I think she's going to be great. Her name is Mrs. Kukulka, how's that for a mouthful. It took me 2 days to remember it. I miss him at home, but it makes it easier to let him go because he was ready and excited for this step=)


Matt has been in school for 3 weeks. He is busy but a good busy, because he really enjoys what he is doing. On the 2nd day they already had him making teeth out of wax. Before we moved he kept saying, " I can't wait to go to dental school." I told him I would remind him of his enthusiasm during Boards and test weeks =)


Mason and I will be buddies throughout the day while Carter is at school. We have Mom and Tots plans and homeschool preschool plans, and just who knows what other plans ;) The first day, Mason kept saying, "Where Carter go, mommy?" I kept telling him Carter went to school and that we would pick him up soon. Right after his nap, I say ready to get Carter, "Yeah!"is his reply and when we get there Carter is greeted with a huge Mason hug. These two have become quite the pair. Mason is like Carter's little shadow.


This past weekend we met up with the Galvins, who give us a good breath of fresh air and warm reminder of home. It truly is a blessing to be going through this whole ordeal with friends that are more than friends, more like family. We all went to the 2nd largest mall in the country, yep it's huge! It's in a place called King of Prussia, PA which is about half way between our homes, about a half hour commute for the both of us. We ate at Cheesecake Factory and the new Hershey cheesecake is ABSOLUTELY the best thing I have ever put in my mouth. We found a park nearby, let the kids play and then said our goodbyes. We have plans to do lots of fun things together and I'm excited for it all!


Matt put a list of things we need to do in their priority order and on the top of the list was " Get the boys in sports" So Saturday morning that's what I did. I found the perfect little athletic facility where you sign up and play all your sports. And it's CHEAP! Like $100 for all the sports all year long, can't beat that! Carter starts soccer Saturday. And I'm in the process of getting our little monkey boy, Mason, signed up for gymnastics.


Something I can say for Philly is they are CR-A-ZY drivers! It really scares me. I've been flipped off twice already and Carter said, "Mom, these people are not very nice, they always honk their horn at you." Ok so the roads are absolutely horrible, I have NOT figured them out yet, seriously the most confusing thing ever !! Granted I admit, I don't know what I'm doing when I'm out there driving, I know this, but cut this country girl some slack.


I'm learning to be more cautious of my surroundings. It just comes with the territory. It is a MUST that you hide your GPS when you park your car. They recommend that you don't ever stick it on the window because the prowlers will see the circular mark it leaves on the window and know that a GPS is in the car.


I have a feeling our time here is going to fly by. So I'm going to enjoy every minute I can. It's a once in a life time experience even though it is different from what we are use to. I kept saying it before I left, " We can do anything for 4 years." and I'll add "as long as we are together!" With much time spent on my knees, I know my Father in Heaven in mindful of me and my family at this time. He is helping us get settled into our new life here in Philly. We love and miss you all and wish you the best in your own "new beginnings"=)