Home Sweet Home!

Well we made it to Colorado! Everything has fallen into place just the way it was supposed to. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, but the worst part is over. We love our house and we are happy to be unpacked! Thanks to my cousin Deb for working many hours to find us our home. There are some upgrades that need to be done, but all in due time. No rush. Since I am all rushed out! Noah and Lauren love the big yard. Lots of fun in the sun.

We went back to our old church and Michael will be singing this Sunday which is great! And Michael is very happy at work. Lots of answered prayers.

Enrolled Noah into preschool today and I just found out that my grandfather helped build his school and my mom grew up in that same neighborhood. She past his school everyday while walking to school!!! Too cute!

I started going to the YMCA again. The kids love it and so do I. I can actually work out, shower and put on lipstick. Rarely do I get to do that at home. Sometimes I just go to the Y to shower...j/k! But if I have to I will!

This weekend we're celebrating our 5 year anniversary! I can't believe all that has happened in 5 years...2 kids, 3 moves, 4 jobs, a trip to Italy, and now I have a lot less brain cells than when it all started. Which isn't saying much:)

Hope you all are enjoying life! As crazy as it can be it's a fun ride!

From the beach to the Rockies...

If I don't write this post now it won't happen because we will be quite busy this month with...moving. Yep, the Donegans are moving back to Denver..for the 3rd time!

Last Friday Michael's office was unexpectedly shut down. Unfortunately the market here is terrible and the cost of living is very high. They had been struggling for awhile but we were just hopeful that one day it would turn around. Now we are picking up the pieces. Thank God Ace Denver has an opening. Michael is driving out tomorrow. YES that's right tomorrow. I know so crazy. It still doesn't seem real, but as of right now this is the best choice for our family. There is no reason to risk accepting another job out here with the market the way it is. We need stability at this point.

We have treated this last week as an overdue vacation. We've had a blast and it's been great spending time together. Attached are the pix from our week.

As of right now we don't know where we will be living, but God will work it out. I have so many emotions and feelings at this time and of course I can't write them all down. When we get settled I'm sure I will have an emotional post. I was laughing yesterday because Michael and I were getting caught up on DVR'd Oprah. It's definitely time for him to get back to work:)

Springfest here in Allied Gardens
Noah's first ride on a pony...



Redbull Races at Coronado Bay



Michael, Lauren, our friend Matt and Addie



Disneyland

Look in the upper left hand side..that's us on a VERY scary ride!!!


The famous castle



San Diego Zoo







Corvette's Diner in Hillcrest

A day at the beach...

Who knew a couple of hours at the beach could be so much fun! Yesterday was a perfect day to go to the beach. We took the kids to La Jolla and they had a blast. Noah found treasures (such as seaweed, and other yucky beach things), he also loved running in the sand and they both (for the most part) played well together. Lauren wasn't too sure of the sand in her toes, but got used to it after awhile. Unfortunately we don't get to the beach that often even though it's a 15 minute drive. So yesterday was a treat!





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A year in review...

Unbelievable! We have been in San Diego for a year now! I can't believe it. What a whirlwind it has been. Here are some highlights and lowlights of our past year...

The Good

Being close to family has been amazing!
Everyone is healthy
We go to a great church
Wonderful visit from the Wheelers and Michael's dad
Started a Mom's bible study
Part of a wonderful small group
Met great friends
The weather is perfect
Sea World, The Zoo, beach, etc.
Reconnecting with old friends
Realizing that I don't need the things I think I have to have
Learned some pretty good lessons on money

The Bad

Potty Training (no fun)
Teething
Trips to the ER
No dishwasher
No washer/dryer
House prices START at 400/k if your lucky!
$4 for a gallon of gas (ouch)
Adjusting to 1300 sq ft.
Very difficult to connect...just met my neighbor for the first time!!! Crazy!!!
Missing Colorado friends, family and skiing

And the Ugly..

Michael's looooong hours
Losing my job
The economys effect on Michael's job
The terrible fires
Too many darn people!!!

As I sit here looking at my three lists I am thanking God for all the amazing blessings he has poured over our lives here in San Diego. Yes we have made some sacrifices, and have had a challenging year but it truly boils down to 1 Corinthians 13:13 "There are three things that will endure-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love." Sometimes life seems overwhelming but when you sit in silence and count your blessings it really isn't that bad afterall

Our friends in San Diego..

Go Ducks...

Well I have to admit I am a fair weathered hockey fan. I was a Kings fan, then moved to Denver and of course was an Av's fan and now since we get box seat tickets at the Ducks games, they are now "my" team. Go Ducks...for now!



Michael was lucky enough to get box seat tickets from one of his account exec's. We went to Anaheim to the Honda Center and had a blast. We ate tons of bad food, Michael screamed and hollered, and the Ducks won! Yeah..I guess:) My sister came out and watched the kids so it was a nice treat to have a date with my hubby!

Happy Easter!

I was so happy because for Easter weekend our family was FINALLY healthy:) Is it just us or has this flu season by far been the worst??? I pray that was the last round of ugly bugs in the Donegan household. No fun.

Anywho, on Saturday we went to my friend Mimi's for a fun Easter celebration filled with yummy food, an Easter egg hunt and lots of sunshine. Noah adored their dog Rush and Lauren loved all the flowers.

Side note...The kids (and I) had a meltdown right before we left so I wasn't sure if it was a good idea leaving, but it was and we were thankful we pushed through it. Before I had kids I never quite understood what parents meant by "well it all depends on the kids". When I'd hear this I'd think "just figure it out and make it happen". Yeh, now I get it!!! :)

Sunday we went to my mom's in Corona and had a blast. She cooked an amazing ham that was out of this world. They had an Easter Egg hunt and there was some pool time since it was 85 degrees. I was surprised Lauren enjoyed finding eggs as much as she did. Especially when she knew there was chocolate in them! My adorable 76 year old grandfather hand made Easter eggs for all the kids. Bless his heart. Little Lauren wore her Easter hat and Noah was glued to his Auntie Jaymee as he always is. And of course Lauren was exhausted and passed out right when she got in the car.

We hope you all had a Blessed Easter!

Hugs and kisses...

Fun weekend with great friends!

Our dear friends, the Wheelers, visited last weekend from Chicago and we had a blast. It started on Thursday with a quick trip to Mission Beach. Brought everyone back here for a pasta dinner.

The next day we took a trip to Del Mar which is a small beach about 15 miles away.



That night we had a great mexican dinner in Old Town. The mariachi band (and Josh) sang to us. It was a hoot!





Saturday night we were lucky enough to get a sitter. We went to an authentic Italian restaurant in Pacific Beach called Mama Mia's. We have been there several times because the experience is unforgettable. After a great meal we went downtown and enjoyed the city for a bit.





Sunday was church and afterwards we spent the day in La Jolla. It was a perfect trip..with some minor melt downs. With two young kids you never know what your gonna get. Luckily all went well!!!





We were sad to see them leave but it's only the beginning of many more fun trips....