It is hard to believe that Davin and I have lived in Marshalltown for 4 years in just 2weeks from now... Time flies when you are trying to make everyday the best, in this horrible little town...
When we moved in we had the intention of staying only 5 years, but now that I have a job and need to finish school it will probably be more like 8 years. Not much has changed from then to now. Our house has changed and we have gotten fatter, but as far as our social lives when comparing them then and now, not much of a difference. We have few friends, and none that we socialize with on a regular basis. Some might say that this is our fault, but all relationships have two sides, and we have never really been accepted into the social network her in Marshalltown. I think that that is the hardest part of living in the middle of what seems like nowhere.
There have been other challenges also, financially, reproductively, career wise... Davin and I have not been able to conceive. Well, really we found out that it is not Davin it is me. My body produces to much prolactin (the hormone that tells your body to lactate) which inhibits me to ovulate regularly... We just found this out when I was offered the job, so we decided to wait on the trying side. Some may think that this was the best option, but telling myself to stay positive is like trying to hold water in your hands, it only lasts so long. Then you have to start all over.
On the upside, Spencer has a new home with our neighbor, Jan!!! I have a Job as a Special Education teacher, and i work with some amazing teachers!!! My sister lives in Omaha now!!!
that is all i have to say now...
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Antique Shopping
Since we have remodeled our room, I have been looking for new things to put into it. Therefore I have been to the local antique shop and to Ames to HobLob... I want to put black decorations in, If you have any good Ideas let me know.... Still need to fill in a lot of areas.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Buys Life....
Davin and I have been on an organization kick... After what seems to be the busiest fall ever, we finally got most of the yard work done tonight (half in the dark)... We also just red modeled our bedroom and office space. It is nice to have things in our house coming together. Eventually we will replace all the flooring, but until then if you come over don't judge us by our carpet...white is not very becoming...
I finally got accepted into the Masters Program at UNI (University of Northern Iowa-for those of you who may not know). Got registered, just to find out that I was in the wrong program of study...in the end I am in the right program now, I just have to touch base with my advisor.
I have had a huge learning curve at work, most of the time I feel like I have no idea what is going on... Oh well, loving every minute of it.
Counting down the days until Thanksgiving!!!
I finally got accepted into the Masters Program at UNI (University of Northern Iowa-for those of you who may not know). Got registered, just to find out that I was in the wrong program of study...in the end I am in the right program now, I just have to touch base with my advisor.
I have had a huge learning curve at work, most of the time I feel like I have no idea what is going on... Oh well, loving every minute of it.
Counting down the days until Thanksgiving!!!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
fall days...oh how I love thee!!!
It is one of the most beautiful days, today. I am sitting outside on a lawn chair in the shade of our lilac tree (yes a tree). Watching the pooches snoozing in the sun, while I am reading The Last Song!
Davin is cleaning the chimney today, I made chili for the Husker game today. Earlier we went to Green Castle Park and took a walk with the bassets. Spencer is in his new semi-permanent home, with our neighbor Jan!!! She is very excited to have him with her.
Davin did a job that I normally do this week, he took the dogs to the vet...He paid for every test for every dog...$200 later we apparently have some very healthy dogs ;). Spencer got raving coments on how healthy he is for a 10 year old dog, that is why he is now staying with Jan... Spencer weights 33.3 lbs which is in the "normal" ranger for cockers. Elly Mae weighs 45.4 lbs, and Jasper tops the scales at 51.6 lbs!!! I knew he was a big boy, but not 6 lbs more than Elly...
Oh well I better go back inside now and get ready for the Kratzers to come over for the game....Until next time!
Davin is cleaning the chimney today, I made chili for the Husker game today. Earlier we went to Green Castle Park and took a walk with the bassets. Spencer is in his new semi-permanent home, with our neighbor Jan!!! She is very excited to have him with her.
Davin did a job that I normally do this week, he took the dogs to the vet...He paid for every test for every dog...$200 later we apparently have some very healthy dogs ;). Spencer got raving coments on how healthy he is for a 10 year old dog, that is why he is now staying with Jan... Spencer weights 33.3 lbs which is in the "normal" ranger for cockers. Elly Mae weighs 45.4 lbs, and Jasper tops the scales at 51.6 lbs!!! I knew he was a big boy, but not 6 lbs more than Elly...
Oh well I better go back inside now and get ready for the Kratzers to come over for the game....Until next time!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
A week alone...
Davin left me for a whole week to go be Fisher's poster boy, and to hang with Hayder for the weekend. I was the responsible one and stayed home to work. I was worried that the week would drag by, but I was mistaken...I must be getting old because it flew by, or at least now it seems that way. Davin is now driving us home from the airport. I embarrassed him with the whole jumping in to his arms thing...it is always nice to have a time appart, but nicer to be back together!!!!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
School and other stuff
So I survived my first week of school! And besides the information overload I really like it! I found out that I will be writing an IEP in the next month and that I will be co-teaching in the gen. ed. classroom. I have some great kids that I get to work with! Legally I cannot mention any of the kids, or what I work with them on.
Let's just say that this year will be a challenge and a learning experience.
Everyday flies by, I go from recess duty, to planning, to Kindergarten math, to 1st grade reading, to lunch, to Kindergarten reading, back to 1st grade math, finally supplemental time (if any of the kids need extra help). Before I know it the day is 1/2 over and then we are loading the buses.
I got a fish tank for my classroom and painted my windows to look like a lake! with rocks and plants and water. My Mentor is really into fish and shares the classroom with me. His name is Kevin and his really nice and supportive. I am truly blessed with this position and the people I work with.
Let's just say that this year will be a challenge and a learning experience.
Everyday flies by, I go from recess duty, to planning, to Kindergarten math, to 1st grade reading, to lunch, to Kindergarten reading, back to 1st grade math, finally supplemental time (if any of the kids need extra help). Before I know it the day is 1/2 over and then we are loading the buses.
I got a fish tank for my classroom and painted my windows to look like a lake! with rocks and plants and water. My Mentor is really into fish and shares the classroom with me. His name is Kevin and his really nice and supportive. I am truly blessed with this position and the people I work with.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The New Cars
So the minute I got the job offer, Davin went straight to the car dealership to look at trucks. He has wanted one for the longest time. Since I am going to have to drive 40 miles or more a day, we were in a desperate situation where our vehicles needed assistance. Davin's Intrepid would not make that trek for very long, and my car (although it was still in good condition and I loved it) was at the point where if we were to put more miles on it we would diminish the value of it. So Davin traded in my Sante Fe for his truck and sold his Intrepid to a coworker in need of a vehicle. Which conveniently left me with out a car.
The guy that was helping us at Dodge was amazing, he knew that if we did not find me a car that Davin was not going to get his truck. When we first went to the dealership I told them how much I did not like the Caliber, it looked like a rolling turd. Then I looked at a Fit, but we would not get the financing of a newer vehicle. So I relented and told them that if they found me a Black or Silver car with dark interior that I could compromise.
So I am now an owner of a 2010 Black Dodge Caliber! and Davin is the owner of a 2010Dodge Ram 1500, Or should I say that I am the owner of 2 new cars according to the paperwork...
Here they are:
The guy that was helping us at Dodge was amazing, he knew that if we did not find me a car that Davin was not going to get his truck. When we first went to the dealership I told them how much I did not like the Caliber, it looked like a rolling turd. Then I looked at a Fit, but we would not get the financing of a newer vehicle. So I relented and told them that if they found me a Black or Silver car with dark interior that I could compromise.
So I am now an owner of a 2010 Black Dodge Caliber! and Davin is the owner of a 2010Dodge Ram 1500, Or should I say that I am the owner of 2 new cars according to the paperwork...
Here they are:
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The stressful week... and some
Last week has surely been placed at the top of the list for one of the most stressful week of my life. Starting from the last 2 posts of this blog. The interview and the job offer. Here is how the week went:
Monday: I was in Omaha helping Jenni get settled into her new home, painting and furniture shopping. After we went for a jog, Jenni made breakfast and I took a shower and then I got a phone call from the school that I had interviewed at saying that he was offering me the job!!! Jenni was prepared with sparkling grape juice and wine glasses. She started crying! All day we ran around like mad women on a mission, then Chawnta came and had dinner with us at the Cheese Cake Factory - yummmmm... We stayed up until 2 am painting.
Tuesday: Had to leave Jenni's to meet Davin in Ames due to the fact that when Jenni and I got into my car I realized that my gps and ipod were missing. That is right my car got broken into. They left my camera though. I was called by my doctor to tell me that my prolactin levels were still high and I was going to have to have an MRI to see if my pituitary gland was normal. We ran some errands and then got back to Jenni's house to put it back together. When we got back I realized that I did need to contact ISU about getting into classes. That is when they told me that their program would not work for me. I frantically called UNI to see if they could help me. Luckily they could and that I just needed to apply online and have my transcripts sent. Getting Union to send my transcripts was like pulling teeth. I got it all figured out though. Then I had to split with Elly to make it home in time to meet Davin. When I got home I had to apply for college.
Wednesday: All that and we are only on Wednesday. I had a dentist appt. at 8am. Davin drug me to go see a car that he had picked out since he found out I had a job. Yikes Davin wanted to buy a new truck, not just any truck but a Dodge Ram 1500. This led to us going to look at a smaller car which did not work out. We spent the whole afternoon at Ford, when I could have been taking a nap. I received an unusual amount of papers in the mail from the school district. I think that covers Wed.
Thursday: I had to mow the lawn, then I drove out to South Tama to fill out my paperwork and meet with the principal about the provisional license. He did not seem to think that there would be a problem. During all of this I was talking to a professor in the Special Ed program trying to get a course of study set up so that I could apply for the license. She finally got it to me about 3pm that day and I mailed it. Although when it came down to it I had to reapply for the Grad program and not the undergrad one. Dealership visits again. I decided to get a black or silver caliber.
Friday: I finished mowing and cleaned out the garage in prep for our new members of our Nicholas family (cars). Then I got ready for my trip to the MRI machine in Ames. Davin was a good husband and took the afternoon off. When I went in I told Davin that if anyone called me that he was not to answer, but did Davin listen? No he did not, I had to make a couple of phone calls to fix what he did. We had to go to the Library and fill out the Grad application, where I left my purse. Then we went to eat for lunch after the MRI. Headed home to work on the intrepid so that we could give it to Wayne with a clear mind.
All of that happened last week, if it sound stressful imagine if you had to do it.
Monday: I was in Omaha helping Jenni get settled into her new home, painting and furniture shopping. After we went for a jog, Jenni made breakfast and I took a shower and then I got a phone call from the school that I had interviewed at saying that he was offering me the job!!! Jenni was prepared with sparkling grape juice and wine glasses. She started crying! All day we ran around like mad women on a mission, then Chawnta came and had dinner with us at the Cheese Cake Factory - yummmmm... We stayed up until 2 am painting.
Tuesday: Had to leave Jenni's to meet Davin in Ames due to the fact that when Jenni and I got into my car I realized that my gps and ipod were missing. That is right my car got broken into. They left my camera though. I was called by my doctor to tell me that my prolactin levels were still high and I was going to have to have an MRI to see if my pituitary gland was normal. We ran some errands and then got back to Jenni's house to put it back together. When we got back I realized that I did need to contact ISU about getting into classes. That is when they told me that their program would not work for me. I frantically called UNI to see if they could help me. Luckily they could and that I just needed to apply online and have my transcripts sent. Getting Union to send my transcripts was like pulling teeth. I got it all figured out though. Then I had to split with Elly to make it home in time to meet Davin. When I got home I had to apply for college.
Wednesday: All that and we are only on Wednesday. I had a dentist appt. at 8am. Davin drug me to go see a car that he had picked out since he found out I had a job. Yikes Davin wanted to buy a new truck, not just any truck but a Dodge Ram 1500. This led to us going to look at a smaller car which did not work out. We spent the whole afternoon at Ford, when I could have been taking a nap. I received an unusual amount of papers in the mail from the school district. I think that covers Wed.
Thursday: I had to mow the lawn, then I drove out to South Tama to fill out my paperwork and meet with the principal about the provisional license. He did not seem to think that there would be a problem. During all of this I was talking to a professor in the Special Ed program trying to get a course of study set up so that I could apply for the license. She finally got it to me about 3pm that day and I mailed it. Although when it came down to it I had to reapply for the Grad program and not the undergrad one. Dealership visits again. I decided to get a black or silver caliber.
Friday: I finished mowing and cleaned out the garage in prep for our new members of our Nicholas family (cars). Then I got ready for my trip to the MRI machine in Ames. Davin was a good husband and took the afternoon off. When I went in I told Davin that if anyone called me that he was not to answer, but did Davin listen? No he did not, I had to make a couple of phone calls to fix what he did. We had to go to the Library and fill out the Grad application, where I left my purse. Then we went to eat for lunch after the MRI. Headed home to work on the intrepid so that we could give it to Wayne with a clear mind.
All of that happened last week, if it sound stressful imagine if you had to do it.
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Job!!!
On Monday I was offered the job that I interviewed for on the previous Thursday. It comes with some strings attached though. I have to get a provisional license due to the fact that it is a Special Education job, and I am just a regular teacher. So to apply for that license you need a couple of things, a letter from the Principal, and you need a course of study. I begged and pleaded with Iowa State, but they do not offer what I need. That is right I also need to apply, be accepted, register, and pay for College. I am going to be a GRAD STUDENT as well as TEACHER.
Yesterday I spent the day going back and forth with the Special ED director at UNI and we ended up getting a pre course of study that I admitted with the letter for the license. Hopefully I can get the new course of study sooner than later and that all of this goes through. Because school starts in less than 3 weeks... I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. Davin hasn't slept well all week, but he told me yesterday that in college I coped better with a full schedule than a average schedule. So hopefully this is what the Lord has planned for me.
We are trying to make some major changes in our lives and all of this is dependant on wheather or not I get the provisionary license.
Yesterday I spent the day going back and forth with the Special ED director at UNI and we ended up getting a pre course of study that I admitted with the letter for the license. Hopefully I can get the new course of study sooner than later and that all of this goes through. Because school starts in less than 3 weeks... I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. Davin hasn't slept well all week, but he told me yesterday that in college I coped better with a full schedule than a average schedule. So hopefully this is what the Lord has planned for me.
We are trying to make some major changes in our lives and all of this is dependant on wheather or not I get the provisionary license.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Unexpected interview
Today I was running errands, and was mysteriously called at 11ish. It was the principal at South Tama Elementary school... He wanted me to come in for an interview today, at 2:30. So I rushed home to iron my suit that was lying on the laundry room floor waiting to go in the next load. As I ironed I started to think about the impossible questions that I was going to be asked, and started to freak out.
On my way there I was temped to listen to my book, but decieded to spend that time searching my heart for my true wants. I sang praise songs and talked with God about what he wanted in my life more what he has planned for me.
The school was amazing. It has 3 wings that have open classrooms and common teacher planning areas. Each wing covers 2 grades with 5 classes in each grade. Along with the teacer planning areas there are supply rooms and Special Ed rooms. Each classroom is spacious and amazing.
The principal was nice even though he appears to be from MN and a big Vickings fan...He was understanding, even though he asked very difficult questions.
Over all it was an interesting anomally in my day today.
On my way there I was temped to listen to my book, but decieded to spend that time searching my heart for my true wants. I sang praise songs and talked with God about what he wanted in my life more what he has planned for me.
The school was amazing. It has 3 wings that have open classrooms and common teacher planning areas. Each wing covers 2 grades with 5 classes in each grade. Along with the teacer planning areas there are supply rooms and Special Ed rooms. Each classroom is spacious and amazing.
The principal was nice even though he appears to be from MN and a big Vickings fan...He was understanding, even though he asked very difficult questions.
Over all it was an interesting anomally in my day today.
Monday, July 19, 2010
new things as of July
So this last week was a whirlwind experience. We got home from the wedding Sunday night at 10:45pm and we were all exhausted, but stayed up playing wii till 1:00am. Mom was here still, because she wanted to meet Aiden Bryce McCullom (her first kinda grandchild), she then stayed until Tuesday! Then we got up and I made breakfast for the Colorado crew. Then the McCulloms left...sad days.
Mom was introduced to Price is Right on the wii and loved it, mainly because she is better than everyone else and likes to win, not so fun if you are the other person loosing over and over. I made a spaghetti bake that night and Davin was on cloud 9. You see Davin has been bothering me about being more experimental in the kitchen, he says I get in a rut of making the same things over and over. I am sorry, but I LOVE spaghetti - just plain noodles and prego!
So tonight I made a breakfast caserole. It was a experiement that we will just have to see how it turns out. I am serving it with tortillas like breakfast burritoes. I hope that he likes it...
I also got blood work done on Sat. to start the testing to get preggers.
Mom was introduced to Price is Right on the wii and loved it, mainly because she is better than everyone else and likes to win, not so fun if you are the other person loosing over and over. I made a spaghetti bake that night and Davin was on cloud 9. You see Davin has been bothering me about being more experimental in the kitchen, he says I get in a rut of making the same things over and over. I am sorry, but I LOVE spaghetti - just plain noodles and prego!
So tonight I made a breakfast caserole. It was a experiement that we will just have to see how it turns out. I am serving it with tortillas like breakfast burritoes. I hope that he likes it...
I also got blood work done on Sat. to start the testing to get preggers.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The lazy day
Davin and I had a "lazy" day today, we were in bed until 2pm. We then went "grocery" shopping, and spent way too much money. Davin is bent on getting a paninni press, they are way to much though. Then we came home and watched Precious, good movie.
We ventured out into the heat to take a walk with the dogs, we walked 2 miles or so. By the end we we dragging the bassets, they were sweaty and stinky. So then Davin said that I could give them a bath, oh yes a bath!! Davin then fixed the house. So outside, in my not so covering swimsuit, I wrestled the dogs into cleanliness.
Then back to the couches!!! I got to play Lego Harry Potter!!! - thank you to my wonderful husband.
Happy 4th of July everyone!!!
We ventured out into the heat to take a walk with the dogs, we walked 2 miles or so. By the end we we dragging the bassets, they were sweaty and stinky. So then Davin said that I could give them a bath, oh yes a bath!! Davin then fixed the house. So outside, in my not so covering swimsuit, I wrestled the dogs into cleanliness.
Then back to the couches!!! I got to play Lego Harry Potter!!! - thank you to my wonderful husband.
Happy 4th of July everyone!!!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
struggles
sometimes I feel as though nothing ever goes my way. Yes I have a wonderful husband, 3 lovely dogs, 2 snuggly cats, and a very supportive family. But I have been pleading with my Heavenly Father for my two most inner wants: a career and a baby. Davin says we are too passive and need to be more aggressive. So we are devoting the next year into our future. I am probably going back to school for an endorsement and we are going to pursue the making of baby more dedicatedly. This is all very much up to me...right now I just want to curl up in a ball and cry. I have few friends, and no one who knows exactly how I feel. God please give me peace...
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
My new blog
After last nights blog, I decided to have more than one blog. So that my social and spiritual lives are not so mixed together on this world wide web. Sticking with my heaven theme it is now called Devotions with Heaven. I will keep a journal of sorts about my daily devotions! I am so excited that I have something to keep me accountable, and that I do not have to feel bad about blogging every day - I do not want to become obsessive.
http://hmnicholasdevotions.blogspot.com/
http://hmnicholasdevotions.blogspot.com/
Monday, June 28, 2010
I am starting a new routine.
I am going to have a new routine in my life, I will take 10 min. a day and have myself a short devotional alone. Today I read a story about a young orphan who came upon a tiger, he sang for God to help him escape, and he was saved. So I went to look up a verse for protection and this is what I got:
"Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.
Look upon my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
See how my enemies have increased
and how fiercely they hate me!
Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you." ~Psalms 25:16-21
I believe that God does speak to us, and that this text describes to a "T" how I feel about my life better than I can even put into words. God knows what we are thinking and our greatest desires, he also knows what we can and cannot handle. He is an amazing role model of patience.
"Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart have multiplied;
free me from my anguish.
Look upon my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
See how my enemies have increased
and how fiercely they hate me!
Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you." ~Psalms 25:16-21
I believe that God does speak to us, and that this text describes to a "T" how I feel about my life better than I can even put into words. God knows what we are thinking and our greatest desires, he also knows what we can and cannot handle. He is an amazing role model of patience.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
my summer projects...
lately I have inherited a good for nothing, lazy, L&O SVU addicted husband. Apparently, Davin has decided that since we painted the house, he now has the right to sit on our bed all day and have a Law and Order SVU marathon. While I on the other hand, am either outside weeding or getting sun burned or doing laundry or cleaning or cooking... I especially love it when I get off at 9 or come in from weeding all day and Davin says "what's for dinner?" I am not just talking about during the week but on the weekends too. Argh....I always end up making dinner in the long run, for fear that my chubby hubby might starve to death.
On top of everything Davin contracted the flu this week, which made him an invalid for 2 whole days. Now enough ragging on my husband.
I am excited to say that I have all but 1/2 of the gardens left to weed! And today I witnessed God's miracles on a personal level...
I was in the garden weeding when I came to a place where the weeds were hard to pull without the trowel. So I got up and got my trusty trowel... after about 2 feet of weeding I felt like the spade was bending. Then all of the sudden the metal part broke, then I decided that I could not continue with out it. I walked over to the shed to look for something that could work, but found nothing. I headed inside to ask Davin if I could go buy one, right when I got upstairs to our bedroom Davin was answering my phone. Some one asked for me, I then took my phone and answered. It was a principal of a local school asking me for an interview!!! After 3 years of subbing, I finally got called for my first interview here in Marshalltown!
When I finished the phone call, I started to think about the perfect timing of all of the events that just happened... God knows the path in my life and I think I am finally understanding what true patients really is. Davin pushes me more, but I have come to realize that God's plan in long, but amazing.
"You are being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, so that you might patiently endure everything with joy." Colossians 1:11 ISV
On top of everything Davin contracted the flu this week, which made him an invalid for 2 whole days. Now enough ragging on my husband.
I am excited to say that I have all but 1/2 of the gardens left to weed! And today I witnessed God's miracles on a personal level...
I was in the garden weeding when I came to a place where the weeds were hard to pull without the trowel. So I got up and got my trusty trowel... after about 2 feet of weeding I felt like the spade was bending. Then all of the sudden the metal part broke, then I decided that I could not continue with out it. I walked over to the shed to look for something that could work, but found nothing. I headed inside to ask Davin if I could go buy one, right when I got upstairs to our bedroom Davin was answering my phone. Some one asked for me, I then took my phone and answered. It was a principal of a local school asking me for an interview!!! After 3 years of subbing, I finally got called for my first interview here in Marshalltown!
When I finished the phone call, I started to think about the perfect timing of all of the events that just happened... God knows the path in my life and I think I am finally understanding what true patients really is. Davin pushes me more, but I have come to realize that God's plan in long, but amazing.
"You are being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, so that you might patiently endure everything with joy." Colossians 1:11 ISV
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Appartment Hunting with Jenni
So this is for my avid readers, now that I have become a blog junky.
This past weekend my sister and mother came and kidnapped me for Monday and Tuesday, while Davin was on his business trip, to go to Omaha for appartment hunting. That is right my big sister is moving to Omaha!!! I am so excited that I went to go pick out appartments with her. We drove out there Monday morning and went to 7 different appartments that day. The last one we went to was my pic of the day! Then on Tuesday we went to 4 different appartments and back to the one I picked from the day before. After all the appartments Jenni narrowed it down to 3. The one I picked, a slightly bigger one that cost a lot more, and a single building one that was cute and cozy. Then it was between the first two and then she applied for them at the airport and was approved for the one I picked. So she finaly picked MINE!!!
Then Mom and I drove back to Marshalltown together. And that is the end of one case in which Heidi always gets her way!!! -to my older sister.
This past weekend my sister and mother came and kidnapped me for Monday and Tuesday, while Davin was on his business trip, to go to Omaha for appartment hunting. That is right my big sister is moving to Omaha!!! I am so excited that I went to go pick out appartments with her. We drove out there Monday morning and went to 7 different appartments that day. The last one we went to was my pic of the day! Then on Tuesday we went to 4 different appartments and back to the one I picked from the day before. After all the appartments Jenni narrowed it down to 3. The one I picked, a slightly bigger one that cost a lot more, and a single building one that was cute and cozy. Then it was between the first two and then she applied for them at the airport and was approved for the one I picked. So she finaly picked MINE!!!
Then Mom and I drove back to Marshalltown together. And that is the end of one case in which Heidi always gets her way!!! -to my older sister.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Summer Project 4
This is the last one that we did...so far this summer! Hopefully it is one of the last ones. Before we even finished this on Davin had a list of other projects that he wants.
Davin had an idea of what he wanted to do for the Memorial day weekend and I had a different idea. I wanted to go camping or sit on the couch and watch movies. Davin on the other hand got the project bug, and mentioned painting the Chimney...which led to us having a consult with a siding professional to going and picking out paint colors for the house. There went my relaxing weekend. We started on Friday evening and finished the main part of the house Tuesday night. Davin calculated that we put in a 48-50 hour work week in 4 days. We started at 7ish every morning and finished at 8ish every night. This by far was the most expensive and taxing of all the projects this summer, but at least we do not have to do it again for 10-15 years if we still live here. I am attaching a before and after picture of our most recent adventure in owning a home!
Davin had an idea of what he wanted to do for the Memorial day weekend and I had a different idea. I wanted to go camping or sit on the couch and watch movies. Davin on the other hand got the project bug, and mentioned painting the Chimney...which led to us having a consult with a siding professional to going and picking out paint colors for the house. There went my relaxing weekend. We started on Friday evening and finished the main part of the house Tuesday night. Davin calculated that we put in a 48-50 hour work week in 4 days. We started at 7ish every morning and finished at 8ish every night. This by far was the most expensive and taxing of all the projects this summer, but at least we do not have to do it again for 10-15 years if we still live here. I am attaching a before and after picture of our most recent adventure in owning a home!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Summer Projects 3
It has been a while since my last post, and I need to finish my summer projects blogs... so lets see if I can do that this week! So, we are at number 3! The Chimney...this was not on our to do list at all, when Davin was working on the garden project he noticed that part of the chimney was deteriorating from the inside out...he then decided to investigate. We then had to call a exterminator to come rid us of our unknown residents - carpenter ants, making their home right in our chimney!!! Davin had to then rip off the whole chimney with some help from our friend Scott! Then we had to spend more $$$... He had to rebuild the frame and then put up new base boards, tar paper that, then do flashing. He did all of this while I was at my brothers college graduation. My dad and my brother stopped by to see if he needed any help on the way, dad helped him flash the roof and other stuff. After 3 weekends of working and 2 vacation days Davin finished all of it and then we had to decide to paint it or side it... The picture is part of the redone chimney on the left side...
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Summer Projects 2
Project 2: The decks... We baught all of the supplies for this one in Feb. so that we did not have any excuses when it came to the summer, little did we know that we would be doing so many projects... We ended up having to buy a Power Washer to do the decks. Davin was on cloud nine with all the possibilties of cleaning. Anyhow back to the deck, Davin washed the front porch first and then the next day I did not have a sub job so I went to work on the back deck. Did you know that when you spray with a power washer you get utterly soaked, so when Davin came home for lunch I looked like I had been through a hurricane. Then it was the weekend and we finished the deck in 2 days. We had a dispute about taping off the house so that it would not get stained, I won and we did not. Then I had a couple of accidents and well Davin was convinced that I just ruined the whole house. It was a fun couple activity...not!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Summer Projects
Davin has had some wild ideas this summer, and since I LOVE him so much I let him run with them for the most part...But come on this is getting old, I just want to sit on my butt and do nothing but mow the lawn 1 or 2x a week. I miss winter, or being more poor, or can it please rain or something?
Project 1: The Garden Fences! I had little to do with this one except for helping shop for the supplies (which might I add if I did not rock at! Davin would have spent much more $$$... Heidi = bargain shopper). We went to Lowes, Menards, and Home Depot to price everything...we ended up getting everything from Menards, which we have here in out little nowhere town. I helped load and unload the wood, and then "helped"/watched Davin dig the holes for the posts, then I held some boards for Davin-which means Davin forgot that I was holding the board for like 5 min. Then Ben Koch came and helped Davin for the next 2 days and I went shopping for garden stuff. When he finished and I added... personal touches. Then I killed all the grass and Davin tilled all the ground - He thought his arms were going to fall off. Then I spent the next day taking 5 wheelbarrels of dead grass out of the area before I was able to organize and plant...all seeds. It took all day, and after I could barely move. So now we have a Garden, strawberry patch, and a herb garden...
Project 1: The Garden Fences! I had little to do with this one except for helping shop for the supplies (which might I add if I did not rock at! Davin would have spent much more $$$... Heidi = bargain shopper). We went to Lowes, Menards, and Home Depot to price everything...we ended up getting everything from Menards, which we have here in out little nowhere town. I helped load and unload the wood, and then "helped"/watched Davin dig the holes for the posts, then I held some boards for Davin-which means Davin forgot that I was holding the board for like 5 min. Then Ben Koch came and helped Davin for the next 2 days and I went shopping for garden stuff. When he finished and I added... personal touches. Then I killed all the grass and Davin tilled all the ground - He thought his arms were going to fall off. Then I spent the next day taking 5 wheelbarrels of dead grass out of the area before I was able to organize and plant...all seeds. It took all day, and after I could barely move. So now we have a Garden, strawberry patch, and a herb garden...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Job Search
As some may know I am not currently employed full time, I work part time at Maurices and substitute teach almost full time. I do work, but sometimes I just want something more permanent. Less day to day stress, and more of a money type of thing. My goal is to apply at 2 or more places each day until I find something. So far this week I am golden.
I just wish people that are looking would just give me a chance. In some ways I feel like my education has some strings attached. In others I feel like if they just talked to me I would fit right in. Teachers are always telling me how great of a sub I am, but I feel like that never goes anywhere.
I would be enthusiastic about getting a full time teaching job, but on the other hand I would also like to have a receptionist job as well. I always thought that I would be great at both, but the Lord knows what is best for me. I just have to be patient. That is the reality that I have had to live with for the last 3 years.
Davin and I pray together every night, and we have since we started dating. We pray for patience and that if it is His will that I get a job or something. Patience is a virtue that does not come natural to me....
I just wish people that are looking would just give me a chance. In some ways I feel like my education has some strings attached. In others I feel like if they just talked to me I would fit right in. Teachers are always telling me how great of a sub I am, but I feel like that never goes anywhere.
I would be enthusiastic about getting a full time teaching job, but on the other hand I would also like to have a receptionist job as well. I always thought that I would be great at both, but the Lord knows what is best for me. I just have to be patient. That is the reality that I have had to live with for the last 3 years.
Davin and I pray together every night, and we have since we started dating. We pray for patience and that if it is His will that I get a job or something. Patience is a virtue that does not come natural to me....
Monday, May 24, 2010
Four Years - present
As previously stated Davin and I have been married for 4 wonderful, short years. We have fought, loved, laughed, cried, and lost together. Davin's job has moved us into a seemingly impossible environment where we have to depend on each other for everything down to entertainment. We have now found some friends that I think are going to last, unlike others we found when we moved here. They are treasured beyond compare! I never feel judge as before.
Anyways back to Davin and I... This year, so far, is one of the best that we have shared together! I think it has to do with the influence of his grandparents, and their relationship with God and each other. We watched as grandpa loved beyond compare his wife - Grandma N. As she slowly slipped away. He was ready to let her go the minute the doctors gave us the sad news, I have never seen anyone so selfless. Love is a magical thing that lets you do imposible feats. They loved each other from the age of 18, and until death due them part. Watching them go through that whole ordeal was enlightening to our day to day woes. We now share a more deeper understand of what True Love is.
For out celebration Davin and I went out to dinner - P.F. Changs of course. We splurged a little... and went to South Pacific at the Civic Center in DM. It was long, but amazing!!! I love Davin so much that he would sacrifice what he wanted to do for something that he knew I would love! He is an amazing husband!!!! I can't wait for many more blessed years to come...
Anyways back to Davin and I... This year, so far, is one of the best that we have shared together! I think it has to do with the influence of his grandparents, and their relationship with God and each other. We watched as grandpa loved beyond compare his wife - Grandma N. As she slowly slipped away. He was ready to let her go the minute the doctors gave us the sad news, I have never seen anyone so selfless. Love is a magical thing that lets you do imposible feats. They loved each other from the age of 18, and until death due them part. Watching them go through that whole ordeal was enlightening to our day to day woes. We now share a more deeper understand of what True Love is.
For out celebration Davin and I went out to dinner - P.F. Changs of course. We splurged a little... and went to South Pacific at the Civic Center in DM. It was long, but amazing!!! I love Davin so much that he would sacrifice what he wanted to do for something that he knew I would love! He is an amazing husband!!!! I can't wait for many more blessed years to come...
Friday, May 21, 2010
4 Years -the beginning!
Davin and I have been married for 4 years on this 21st day of May. We have had many hills and valleys, but always come out a stronger couple. I guess it is because Union makes better lovers!
We met on the first day of Freshman Registration 2002, we were both Engineer majors at Union College in Lincoln, NE. As a fresman I became a little cocky to the fact that I was getting more attention from the male race as a whole than I did my entire life before that. I started to write about every guy that I met starting with Davin -
"Engineer Major, from Mile High Academy in Colorado (I think). He is very nice but lied about being my lab partner (but I do not care). He likes my stickers, and is a good friend. He works in Prescott Hall. He has amazing eyes. My first impression was that he was a little hotty - what a waste, he has a girlfriend. Chemistry is a blast because of him & James Chenoweth. Big tease for Davin is his Little Girlfriend. One of my better/best buds. Good Study Bud and guy."
"The next year... He broke up with his little girl and dated another one who intern broke up with him. And that is where it began. 1st kiss - November 1st; Official - November 9th"
Davin's little Girlfriend always accused Davin and I of having something on the side, but we did not start dating until the next year. In fact it was Davin who asked me - out of pitty, to join him and his friends ATVing in the Mountains for October Break. I said yes and that is when we realized there was something more. After a friends talk from Davin, I let him take the lead and it did not take very long. By then end of October we were on our first date - which happend to be on Davin's birthday and a banquet! I told him I would take him to Hooters - and I did! Then as you could see 5 short days later we had our first kiss. And that was then end of it for Davin and I pretending.
We Dated for the next year and on January 2, 2005 Davin proposed to me at Misty's brewery. We were engaged for 1 year 5 months.
We met on the first day of Freshman Registration 2002, we were both Engineer majors at Union College in Lincoln, NE. As a fresman I became a little cocky to the fact that I was getting more attention from the male race as a whole than I did my entire life before that. I started to write about every guy that I met starting with Davin -
"Engineer Major, from Mile High Academy in Colorado (I think). He is very nice but lied about being my lab partner (but I do not care). He likes my stickers, and is a good friend. He works in Prescott Hall. He has amazing eyes. My first impression was that he was a little hotty - what a waste, he has a girlfriend. Chemistry is a blast because of him & James Chenoweth. Big tease for Davin is his Little Girlfriend. One of my better/best buds. Good Study Bud and guy."
"The next year... He broke up with his little girl and dated another one who intern broke up with him. And that is where it began. 1st kiss - November 1st; Official - November 9th"
Davin's little Girlfriend always accused Davin and I of having something on the side, but we did not start dating until the next year. In fact it was Davin who asked me - out of pitty, to join him and his friends ATVing in the Mountains for October Break. I said yes and that is when we realized there was something more. After a friends talk from Davin, I let him take the lead and it did not take very long. By then end of October we were on our first date - which happend to be on Davin's birthday and a banquet! I told him I would take him to Hooters - and I did! Then as you could see 5 short days later we had our first kiss. And that was then end of it for Davin and I pretending.
We Dated for the next year and on January 2, 2005 Davin proposed to me at Misty's brewery. We were engaged for 1 year 5 months.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
First Blog
So this is my first blog since college, since it was officially 4 years ago. I have been married for almost just as long! If you are wondering what my life has entailed since then, here it goes: Davin and I got married on May 21, 2006. From there I got a job as a preschool teacher in Lincoln, NE waiting until Davin Graduated in December. We then moved to Marshalltown, IA (in the middle of nowhere) for Davin's dream job. We bought our first home - a 3 bedroom split level. I started to sub in the local school system, until summer came and then I got a job as a legal secretary at a law firm. I worked there through the next spring and then I got a job at another child care center and worked there until Dec. 2008. Then I started to sub again! I also got a job at Maurices. That brings us up to date on the job front.
Davin and I have had a wonderful marriage so far and are looking forward to many more blessed years together. We have been trying for a new addition to our family for the last 2.5 years. But the Lord has not yet thought it was time. So we have got pets... lots and lots of pets. We have a 90 gal. fish tank, 2 cats - Barnum and Bailey, 2 Basset Hounds - Jasper and Elly Mae, and last but not least a Cocker Spaniel - Spencer.
I have now discovered that life in a smalltown kinda sucks. It is like being in a very big high school and I hated high school. Finding friends with the same outlook in life as you is very difficult.
That is all I have for now if any one actually reads this... Thanks
Davin and I have had a wonderful marriage so far and are looking forward to many more blessed years together. We have been trying for a new addition to our family for the last 2.5 years. But the Lord has not yet thought it was time. So we have got pets... lots and lots of pets. We have a 90 gal. fish tank, 2 cats - Barnum and Bailey, 2 Basset Hounds - Jasper and Elly Mae, and last but not least a Cocker Spaniel - Spencer.
I have now discovered that life in a smalltown kinda sucks. It is like being in a very big high school and I hated high school. Finding friends with the same outlook in life as you is very difficult.
That is all I have for now if any one actually reads this... Thanks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)