Jimmy.

He turned 12 yesterday. How did that happen? Where did the last 12 years go? I can't believe I've been a mommy now for 12 years. Amazing. He will start 7th grade in two weeks. I'm excited for him...and a little scared. He will be at a new school and for the time being he will also be around high school kids (they are all on the same campus until the middle school is built). He's shy, so I worry that he won't make friends. I see so many similarities between him and me. It's no wonder we butt heads so much, especially lately. I know he's a normal 12 year-old who's parents annoy the heck out of him, but it doesn't help that he has a bad case of smart mouth. Anyway, I know it will turn around eventually and all in all he's a great kid. How could he not be? He's my son.

Jimmy's never been one to want a large birthday party. He's happy just to spend his day at home, eat his special dinner and open presents. This birthday the poor thing couldn't even sit down comfortably and open his gifts. (We didn't have any furniture at this point, just a couple of kitchen stools.) Plus what does furniture matter when you get $100 from your Yiayia and Papouli?

Jimmy even took the time to read our card. We got him a bow and arrow set (not real), a Nerf crossbow, new towels for his bathroom, a board game, a Chowder DVD, an XBOX game and 

his most favorite gift of all HALO 3. Looks like even Will wants to play this game. Happy Birthday, Jimmy!Good luck in 7th Grade. We know you'll do great. We love you so much.

Our new home.

We finally found (and moved into) our new home. It is in the Isle of Pines community near Moss Park. It was the area we were looking at in order to be zoned for Lake Nona High School. After nine years of "association living" we decided we wanted something different...and a little more room. It was between this community and another one off Lake Mary Jane Rd. called Live Oak Estates. I really like that community as well. All the homes are on 1-2 acre lots and surrounded by, what else, oak trees. Really beautiful. Unfortunately, there weren't any five bedrooms available or even 4 bedrooms that would work. But we lucked out with this gem. It's on 5 acres with a pond. And the owners had decided that instead of a formal living room they would enclose it for a home office, which is now Will's bedroom. It worked out perfectly...the 3 boys are on one side, sharing a bathroom and Helen is on the other side with her own private bathroom.

Here are Yiayia and Helen on moving day hanging up a bird feeder in the front yard.

While the girls are doing all the work, the boys are having target practice in the back.

The best part about our new home are all of the animals we "inherited" like this duck couple. They wait by the storage shed where the food is kept and start quacking until you give them some food. The deer also enjoy the corn, but they are a bit skittish and usually come in the early evening or late at night. Occasionally, you can catch them drinking from the pond during the day. Our own little piece of paradise.