We finally have our housing situation squared away!
In May we found a couple to rent my house and they moved in on June 19. So far we haven't had any issues with them, and we've received our rent on time. If all goes as planned and no issues arise, we think they might stay in my house for two to three years. Hopefully by the time they move out the market will have turned around and we can make sell it and make some money.
Just last month we found a family to rent Ross' house and they moved in on December 18. His house was on the market for nine months and during that time we did not receive one reasonable offer. We realized it was time to make a change and decided to put it up for rent. About a week after listing it on Craigslist.com, we signed a one-year rental contract.
Although we much prefer to have sold both houses, we're thankful to have found good tenants. And hey, there's nothing at all wrong with someone else paying your mortgage for you!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas Plans
Ross and I are looking forward to spending our first "married Christmas" with both of our families. My Christmas vacation begins at noon on December 23. My work is closed the 24-31, so I have 10 days of vacation before I return to work on January 3, 2011. I am very excited about this vacation! Ross will hopefully get to take off work early on the 23, and he has the 24, 27, 28, and 31 off from work.
We plan to drive up to Kansas City on the 23 and will stay at Ross' parent's house. His brother and family will come over in the afternoon on Christmas Eve and we'll have dinner together and open presents. Then Ross and I will leave, hopefully no later than 8pm, and head to my parent's house in Ash Grove. My sister and her family will get there sometime during the day on the 24. We'll spend Christmas Day at my parent's and then go home to our house on the 26.
This is the first time in 30 years that Ross and I will both be doing something different on Christmas. I have to admit, it's a hard change! Although it will be fun being with my new Wiseman family, I'll miss what's going on with the Ward family. But, really, no matter which family celebration we're at, it will be fun because I'll be with Ross!
We plan to drive up to Kansas City on the 23 and will stay at Ross' parent's house. His brother and family will come over in the afternoon on Christmas Eve and we'll have dinner together and open presents. Then Ross and I will leave, hopefully no later than 8pm, and head to my parent's house in Ash Grove. My sister and her family will get there sometime during the day on the 24. We'll spend Christmas Day at my parent's and then go home to our house on the 26.
This is the first time in 30 years that Ross and I will both be doing something different on Christmas. I have to admit, it's a hard change! Although it will be fun being with my new Wiseman family, I'll miss what's going on with the Ward family. But, really, no matter which family celebration we're at, it will be fun because I'll be with Ross!
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 20, 2010
8 Months and a Date Under $25
Last Friday, December 17, was our eight-month wedding anniversary! Quite an accomplishment, huh?!
In the eight months that we've been married, we have tried to celebrate, in some form or fashion, on the 17th of each month. It's nothing really big or formal, usually just a nice dinner at home eating on our china plates, or a nice dinner out. This is fun and a tradition I hope we continue after our first year, even when we have kids.
I was super excited about our eighth month celebration because of the cost of all that we did. We were able to catch Happy Hour at Flame (a very nice and expensive steakhouse in downtown Springfield) where we ordered a burger and fries for $3.50 each, total bill of $10.
After dinner we headed to the Gillioz Theater, also in downtown Springfield, to see the Christmas movie Elf. Our tickets were $5 each, total bill of $10.
Our anniversary celebration could not be complete without dessert! After the movie we headed to Orange Leaf for frozen yogurt. We each got our own cup with yummy, yummy flavors and toppings. The total of our dessert was $4.12.
All in all we had a fun and cheap date night/anniversary celebration. I am just tickled that we only spent $ 24.12 for our evening of fun!
But, then we went to Walmart. That trip was definitely not under $25!
In the eight months that we've been married, we have tried to celebrate, in some form or fashion, on the 17th of each month. It's nothing really big or formal, usually just a nice dinner at home eating on our china plates, or a nice dinner out. This is fun and a tradition I hope we continue after our first year, even when we have kids.
I was super excited about our eighth month celebration because of the cost of all that we did. We were able to catch Happy Hour at Flame (a very nice and expensive steakhouse in downtown Springfield) where we ordered a burger and fries for $3.50 each, total bill of $10.
After dinner we headed to the Gillioz Theater, also in downtown Springfield, to see the Christmas movie Elf. Our tickets were $5 each, total bill of $10.
Our anniversary celebration could not be complete without dessert! After the movie we headed to Orange Leaf for frozen yogurt. We each got our own cup with yummy, yummy flavors and toppings. The total of our dessert was $4.12.
All in all we had a fun and cheap date night/anniversary celebration. I am just tickled that we only spent $ 24.12 for our evening of fun!
But, then we went to Walmart. That trip was definitely not under $25!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Christmas Party
For the past five years I have hosted a Christmas party for all my friends. And last Saturday Ross and I hosted what is now called the the sixth annual Wiseman Christmas party! This is a party I started in 2005, the first year I lived in my house. It's always a fun night of great food, gag gifts, and games. I have always had 15-20 people at the party - in my little house! I was really looking forward to having it this year in our new house - much more space!
The first two years I had this party I made all of the food - for everyone! I thoroughly enjoyed making everything, and somewhat saw it as my Christmas present to my friends, and as a way to show them how much I appreciate them. But by the third year I was tired of making everything so I provided chili and chicken salad and everyone else brought the sides and desserts. This year we decided on potato soup and pulled pork for the main course.
Each year we have a gag gift exchange/white elephant gifts/dirty Santa ... and I'm sure there are several other names for this version of gift giving. Basically, everyone brings a gag gift and we go around taking turns opening gifts. Once you've opened your gift, you can choose to keep it or steal someone else's gift. We have had a great time with this game over the years. In fact, there is even one gift that keeps coming back each year: The Christmas Vest of Shame! This lovely, glittery vest first made an appearance in 2005 and has made it back every year since!
This party was especially fun and memorable because one of my very good friends, Daryl, proposed to his girlfriend, Angela, right as the party got started!! Daryl called me Thursday afternoon (the party was Saturday, in just 2 days!) to tell me he was going to do this and needed to talk through a few things with Ross and me. He came over Friday afternoon to square everything away and gave us final instructions.
Daryl certainly had his stuff together! He had everything planned out and written out, and had even invited his parents and brother, and Angela's parents and four best friends over to be a part of it. Here's how it went down:
The party was to start at 6:30pm, so Daryl had the 12 "extras" arrive at our house at 6pm to hide upstairs in one of our spare bedrooms. (They parked down the street away from our house so they cars wouldn't look like they were party of our party.) The rest of our friends started arriving at 6:30 and no one knew (well except for a few people that Daryl had let in on the plan) what was about to happen!
A little before 7, everyone had arrived so Ross and I gathered everyone together to pray. After Ross prayed he asked Daryl if there was anything he would like to add. Daryl said yes, there is. He then took Angela into the living/dining room and had everyone else follow. He started his speech to Angela and then had the others hiding upstairs come down to witness the proposal. It was so nice and worked out just perfectly for them! We were able to snap lots of picture and even video-taped the whole thing! Congratulations, to the future Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Brown!
This was the only way to make sure Ross and I were in one of the group pictures!
Starting his proposal with EVERYONE in the room!
The first two years I had this party I made all of the food - for everyone! I thoroughly enjoyed making everything, and somewhat saw it as my Christmas present to my friends, and as a way to show them how much I appreciate them. But by the third year I was tired of making everything so I provided chili and chicken salad and everyone else brought the sides and desserts. This year we decided on potato soup and pulled pork for the main course.
Each year we have a gag gift exchange/white elephant gifts/dirty Santa ... and I'm sure there are several other names for this version of gift giving. Basically, everyone brings a gag gift and we go around taking turns opening gifts. Once you've opened your gift, you can choose to keep it or steal someone else's gift. We have had a great time with this game over the years. In fact, there is even one gift that keeps coming back each year: The Christmas Vest of Shame! This lovely, glittery vest first made an appearance in 2005 and has made it back every year since!
This party was especially fun and memorable because one of my very good friends, Daryl, proposed to his girlfriend, Angela, right as the party got started!! Daryl called me Thursday afternoon (the party was Saturday, in just 2 days!) to tell me he was going to do this and needed to talk through a few things with Ross and me. He came over Friday afternoon to square everything away and gave us final instructions.
Daryl certainly had his stuff together! He had everything planned out and written out, and had even invited his parents and brother, and Angela's parents and four best friends over to be a part of it. Here's how it went down:
The party was to start at 6:30pm, so Daryl had the 12 "extras" arrive at our house at 6pm to hide upstairs in one of our spare bedrooms. (They parked down the street away from our house so they cars wouldn't look like they were party of our party.) The rest of our friends started arriving at 6:30 and no one knew (well except for a few people that Daryl had let in on the plan) what was about to happen!
A little before 7, everyone had arrived so Ross and I gathered everyone together to pray. After Ross prayed he asked Daryl if there was anything he would like to add. Daryl said yes, there is. He then took Angela into the living/dining room and had everyone else follow. He started his speech to Angela and then had the others hiding upstairs come down to witness the proposal. It was so nice and worked out just perfectly for them! We were able to snap lots of picture and even video-taped the whole thing! Congratulations, to the future Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Brown!
This was the only way to make sure Ross and I were in one of the group pictures!
Starting his proposal with EVERYONE in the room!
Girl picture!
Angela won the Christmas Vest of Shame!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Need A Time Killer?
A few of my friends are teachers and one is a math teacher. A few weeks ago when we were all together they were discussing different math games they play with their students. This interested me so I did a quick Google search for math games and found a very fun, very time-consuming game called Math Lines.
I love this game! It's fun but VERY addicting, at least to me. Enjoy!
I love this game! It's fun but VERY addicting, at least to me. Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
It All Began 2 Years Ago Today
Those of you who know me know how big I am on remembering dates. I can remember things, to the date, that happened years ago, even back in junior high! And today is no exception.
Two years ago today Ross and I started dating! As he put it in "Our Book Of Love" (the book he gave me when he proposed to me), "then one night we had the talk that would change both of our lives forever." Oh how I still remember everything about that night! Here's a little history and how that night happened. Enjoy!
Ross and I met in March 2006 at a singles small group. We became good friends and got along very well. Even though we didn't see each other but a couple of times a month when our group of friends got together, we just always seemed to pick up where we left off and had great chemistry. In the fall of 2008 I started another singles small group that met at my house on Monday nights. The second week we met Ross was the last person to leave. He ended up staying for about an hour and we talked about everything it seemed. Him staying after everyone left became a pattern that I looked forward to each week. But I started wondering why he was staying. Did he just simply enjoy talking with me? Did he think of me as a buddy? Or did he possibly like me, as in more than a friend?
I started thinking about this A LOT, and of course, sought out the professional opinion of my girlfriends to see if they thought he liked me or not. And I went back and forth in my head between liking him and not. I thought we could never work as a couple because he really likes music and going to concerts and that is so not my thing. And I really like working out and running, which is so not his thing.
Well on Sunday, November 23, 2008, I finally decided just exactly what my feelings for Ross were. Our group of friends went to lunch together and during lunch I asked if anyone wanted to come help me put up the Christmas light on my house. Ross said he would so he came over and put a small section up for me - the section that I was most afraid to do because it required getting up on the roof. Now this was a very COLD day and Ross hadn't planned on being outside so he wasn't dressed properly for it. But he helped anyway.
After the light were up, we came inside to warm up. The KC Chiefs football game was on so we turned it on and caught the last quarter of the game. When the game ended I figured Ross would leave. But he didn't. He stayed until about 5pm and we spent the whole time talking - this was about three hours after the lights had been put up! I had the best time and the minute he walked out the door, I was ruined! I knew I liked Ross as more than a friend and I couldn't hardly wait to spend more time with him.
So fast forward to December 8 ... he stayed after our small group meeting to help me set up my high speed Internet. We were in my office to set it up and after it was done we continued talking so we just sat down in the office. For some reason the topic of marriage came up and Ross said "I don't think I'm ever going to get married." This made me so MAD! I thought "then what the heck are you doing here?" I don't remember all of the specifics of our conversation but it led up to Ross asking me what I wanted to know from him and that led to:
Libby: What's going on here?
Ross: Between us?
Libby: Yes, between us.
Ross: Well, we've been spending a lot of time together lately.
Libby: Yes.
Ross: And I've enjoyed it.
Libby: Me, too.
And that led into more conversations about getting together and afraid of ruining our friendship, etc. He did tell me that the first day he met me at small group in 2006 he remembers that I had workout clothes on, glasses on, my hair in a ponytail, and he thought I was kind of cute. He also told me that he was so happy now to tell me that all he wants to do is buy me flowers and take me out on dates!
Oh it was such a fun night. I remember going to bed that night extremely excited and laying in bed thinking "wow, I know who I'm going to marry!"
And the rest, they say, is history!
Two years ago today Ross and I started dating! As he put it in "Our Book Of Love" (the book he gave me when he proposed to me), "then one night we had the talk that would change both of our lives forever." Oh how I still remember everything about that night! Here's a little history and how that night happened. Enjoy!
Ross and I met in March 2006 at a singles small group. We became good friends and got along very well. Even though we didn't see each other but a couple of times a month when our group of friends got together, we just always seemed to pick up where we left off and had great chemistry. In the fall of 2008 I started another singles small group that met at my house on Monday nights. The second week we met Ross was the last person to leave. He ended up staying for about an hour and we talked about everything it seemed. Him staying after everyone left became a pattern that I looked forward to each week. But I started wondering why he was staying. Did he just simply enjoy talking with me? Did he think of me as a buddy? Or did he possibly like me, as in more than a friend?
I started thinking about this A LOT, and of course, sought out the professional opinion of my girlfriends to see if they thought he liked me or not. And I went back and forth in my head between liking him and not. I thought we could never work as a couple because he really likes music and going to concerts and that is so not my thing. And I really like working out and running, which is so not his thing.
Well on Sunday, November 23, 2008, I finally decided just exactly what my feelings for Ross were. Our group of friends went to lunch together and during lunch I asked if anyone wanted to come help me put up the Christmas light on my house. Ross said he would so he came over and put a small section up for me - the section that I was most afraid to do because it required getting up on the roof. Now this was a very COLD day and Ross hadn't planned on being outside so he wasn't dressed properly for it. But he helped anyway.
After the light were up, we came inside to warm up. The KC Chiefs football game was on so we turned it on and caught the last quarter of the game. When the game ended I figured Ross would leave. But he didn't. He stayed until about 5pm and we spent the whole time talking - this was about three hours after the lights had been put up! I had the best time and the minute he walked out the door, I was ruined! I knew I liked Ross as more than a friend and I couldn't hardly wait to spend more time with him.
So fast forward to December 8 ... he stayed after our small group meeting to help me set up my high speed Internet. We were in my office to set it up and after it was done we continued talking so we just sat down in the office. For some reason the topic of marriage came up and Ross said "I don't think I'm ever going to get married." This made me so MAD! I thought "then what the heck are you doing here?" I don't remember all of the specifics of our conversation but it led up to Ross asking me what I wanted to know from him and that led to:
Libby: What's going on here?
Ross: Between us?
Libby: Yes, between us.
Ross: Well, we've been spending a lot of time together lately.
Libby: Yes.
Ross: And I've enjoyed it.
Libby: Me, too.
And that led into more conversations about getting together and afraid of ruining our friendship, etc. He did tell me that the first day he met me at small group in 2006 he remembers that I had workout clothes on, glasses on, my hair in a ponytail, and he thought I was kind of cute. He also told me that he was so happy now to tell me that all he wants to do is buy me flowers and take me out on dates!
Oh it was such a fun night. I remember going to bed that night extremely excited and laying in bed thinking "wow, I know who I'm going to marry!"
And the rest, they say, is history!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today I will walk the Turkey Trot with my dad and then Ross and I will head up to Kansas City to spend Thanksgiving with his family.
This will be the third year in a row that my dad and I have done the Turkey Trot. I did the Turkey Trot by myself for five years before my dad started doing it with me. It was fun and I'd always run into (ha, no pun intended!) people I knew, but always thought it'd be fun to do it with a family member. So it'd been quite fun walking with with my dad!
Ross and I will leave Springfield around 11 to be in KC at his parent's house for a 3pm Thanksgiving dinner. It will be kind of different spending Thanksgiving without my parents. For 31 years Thanksgiving to me as been spent at my mom and dad's, not really doing much and having dinner (not always turkey) around 5-6 at night! My mom would always make coffee cake and then we'd watch a bit of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. After the parade we'd watch some of the National Dog Show and then turn on Titanic while we decorated her house for Christmas. Even though we never did much on Thanksgiving it was always nice.
But now it's on to starting new Thanksgiving traditions with my new husband! I hope you have a super great day celebrating with your friends and family!
This will be the third year in a row that my dad and I have done the Turkey Trot. I did the Turkey Trot by myself for five years before my dad started doing it with me. It was fun and I'd always run into (ha, no pun intended!) people I knew, but always thought it'd be fun to do it with a family member. So it'd been quite fun walking with with my dad!
Ross and I will leave Springfield around 11 to be in KC at his parent's house for a 3pm Thanksgiving dinner. It will be kind of different spending Thanksgiving without my parents. For 31 years Thanksgiving to me as been spent at my mom and dad's, not really doing much and having dinner (not always turkey) around 5-6 at night! My mom would always make coffee cake and then we'd watch a bit of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. After the parade we'd watch some of the National Dog Show and then turn on Titanic while we decorated her house for Christmas. Even though we never did much on Thanksgiving it was always nice.
But now it's on to starting new Thanksgiving traditions with my new husband! I hope you have a super great day celebrating with your friends and family!
Friday, November 19, 2010
The Family Room is Finished!
Our family room is now painted! We painted it in September and love how it has turned out! Here's the before:
And now the after:
I love this room so much! It is just nice and cozy. I put up two collage frames of wedding pictures and love having our memories of that happy day displayed! I also made curtains for the family room! I looked all over and just couldn't find a pattern I liked or any that fit the length of the windows correctly, so decided to make some. I found material I liked and basically just cut, measured, sewed the hem, and they were ready to go! During the day I have the curtains on the left side pulled back, but I left them down so you can see what they look like when closed. I enjoyed sewing these and look forward to more sewing in the future!
And now the after:
I love this room so much! It is just nice and cozy. I put up two collage frames of wedding pictures and love having our memories of that happy day displayed! I also made curtains for the family room! I looked all over and just couldn't find a pattern I liked or any that fit the length of the windows correctly, so decided to make some. I found material I liked and basically just cut, measured, sewed the hem, and they were ready to go! During the day I have the curtains on the left side pulled back, but I left them down so you can see what they look like when closed. I enjoyed sewing these and look forward to more sewing in the future!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Birthday Recap!
My 32nd birthday was Sunday, November 7 and it was a good day!
Ross kept the Peterson (my mom's side of the family) tradition of breakfast in bed on your birthday alive by serving me breakfast in bed that morning! He used our "You Are Special Today" plate along with my November china cup. He brought me exactly what I'd fix myself for breakfast - Fruit Loops, toast with butter, and orange juice, just perfect! I had lots of cards to open, presents from Aunt Linda, and then two presents from Ross. He gave me two bottles of Vanilla Lace lotion (my absolute f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e) and then a beautiful silver heart necklace. He is such a good gift-giver!
We went to church and then to my mom and dad's for a birthday lunch of cashew chicken. This is the absolute best homemade cashew chicken. Ever. The Herndons came up for the afternoon so we all had a nice day together. I opened presents and then we had cake. Now my birthday cake really deserves a separate posting, but I'm just going to combine it with this post. Let me give you a little history on birthday cakes in the Ward house...
When I turned 16 my mom made a "themed" birthday cake having something to do with an event, special occasions/accomplishment, etc., that happened during the previous year. My 16th birthday cake had baby keys and a Little People brand car and people (think toys we used to play with growing up), thus representing that I turned 16 and received my driver's license. She has continued this ever since for me and Stephanie, too. The year I started rock climbing my cake resembled a mountain. The year I bought my house my cake was a mini replica. The year I got engaged the cake had different elements from our engagement night on it. And this year, the year I got married, my cake certainly did not disappoint!
Although this time it wasn't so much the cake itself, but rather the cake maker (or buyer) that did not disappoint. My mom purchased a cake and had it decorated in our wedding colors and put a bride figurine and man and woman toy on it with a picture of my face and a picture of Ross' face taped to the toys.
And now to the funny part.
When it was time for cake I was told to close my eyes. I sat with my eyes closed for probably about five minutes, wondering what was to come. All of a sudden I heard familiar music playing and realized it was from our wedding. Then I heard the five wedding bells that chimed just before the doors opened my dad walked me down the aisle. (Do you know our wedding day was the ABSOLUTE perfectest, best day of my life?!) I was now able to open my eyes and when I did I saw this:
My mom changed into the dress she wore at our wedding to go along with the theme of the cake. I thought this was so funny. Now I realize that to others this might seem odd and not nearly as funny as it does to me, but I don't care! My mom is so good at making people feel special. I only hope that someday I can make my kids feel half as special as she makes me feel. Thanks, mom! I love you!
Ross kept the Peterson (my mom's side of the family) tradition of breakfast in bed on your birthday alive by serving me breakfast in bed that morning! He used our "You Are Special Today" plate along with my November china cup. He brought me exactly what I'd fix myself for breakfast - Fruit Loops, toast with butter, and orange juice, just perfect! I had lots of cards to open, presents from Aunt Linda, and then two presents from Ross. He gave me two bottles of Vanilla Lace lotion (my absolute f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e) and then a beautiful silver heart necklace. He is such a good gift-giver!
We went to church and then to my mom and dad's for a birthday lunch of cashew chicken. This is the absolute best homemade cashew chicken. Ever. The Herndons came up for the afternoon so we all had a nice day together. I opened presents and then we had cake. Now my birthday cake really deserves a separate posting, but I'm just going to combine it with this post. Let me give you a little history on birthday cakes in the Ward house...
When I turned 16 my mom made a "themed" birthday cake having something to do with an event, special occasions/accomplishment, etc., that happened during the previous year. My 16th birthday cake had baby keys and a Little People brand car and people (think toys we used to play with growing up), thus representing that I turned 16 and received my driver's license. She has continued this ever since for me and Stephanie, too. The year I started rock climbing my cake resembled a mountain. The year I bought my house my cake was a mini replica. The year I got engaged the cake had different elements from our engagement night on it. And this year, the year I got married, my cake certainly did not disappoint!
Although this time it wasn't so much the cake itself, but rather the cake maker (or buyer) that did not disappoint. My mom purchased a cake and had it decorated in our wedding colors and put a bride figurine and man and woman toy on it with a picture of my face and a picture of Ross' face taped to the toys.
And now to the funny part.
When it was time for cake I was told to close my eyes. I sat with my eyes closed for probably about five minutes, wondering what was to come. All of a sudden I heard familiar music playing and realized it was from our wedding. Then I heard the five wedding bells that chimed just before the doors opened my dad walked me down the aisle. (Do you know our wedding day was the ABSOLUTE perfectest, best day of my life?!) I was now able to open my eyes and when I did I saw this:
My mom changed into the dress she wore at our wedding to go along with the theme of the cake. I thought this was so funny. Now I realize that to others this might seem odd and not nearly as funny as it does to me, but I don't care! My mom is so good at making people feel special. I only hope that someday I can make my kids feel half as special as she makes me feel. Thanks, mom! I love you!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
It's the Little Things That Get Me
I love cereal and I pretty much like only a select few types of cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios, Fruit Loops, Golden Grahams, and Lucky Charms.
One morning last week while eating breakfast with Ross I realized I was not so much into the Golden Grahams in my bowl. I told this to Ross and also said I wish I had some Fruit Loops.
To my surprise I came home that afternoon to find this waiting for me:
Thanks for my Fruit Loops, Ross!
One morning last week while eating breakfast with Ross I realized I was not so much into the Golden Grahams in my bowl. I told this to Ross and also said I wish I had some Fruit Loops.
To my surprise I came home that afternoon to find this waiting for me:
Thanks for my Fruit Loops, Ross!
Monday, November 1, 2010
November = Birthday Month!
Happy November everyone! I think November is my absolute favorite month ... but not just because it's my birthday month, I just like November.
We have a somewhat busy month on tap. Ross is taking me out for my birthday this weekend and then we'll go to my parent's for the day on the 7 to celebrate with them! This month we'll be busy with our church small group and home fellowship group meetings, a jewelry party for a friend, girl's night out at Firehouse Pottery, a visit from Aunt Linda and Uncle Dale at Thanksgiving, the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning with my dad, a trip to KC that day to spend Thanksgiving with Ross' side of the family, lots to keep us busy!
And if that's not enough we have a few projects around the house we'd like to do. We'd like to put in a storm door in our front entryway and still have a few more rooms left to paint. Plus, don't forget, the ever-important task of decorating for Christmas!! And yes, I am one who puts my decorations up the weekend before Thanksgiving.
All for now! Happy November!
We have a somewhat busy month on tap. Ross is taking me out for my birthday this weekend and then we'll go to my parent's for the day on the 7 to celebrate with them! This month we'll be busy with our church small group and home fellowship group meetings, a jewelry party for a friend, girl's night out at Firehouse Pottery, a visit from Aunt Linda and Uncle Dale at Thanksgiving, the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning with my dad, a trip to KC that day to spend Thanksgiving with Ross' side of the family, lots to keep us busy!
And if that's not enough we have a few projects around the house we'd like to do. We'd like to put in a storm door in our front entryway and still have a few more rooms left to paint. Plus, don't forget, the ever-important task of decorating for Christmas!! And yes, I am one who puts my decorations up the weekend before Thanksgiving.
All for now! Happy November!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Always, Sometimes, Never
I saw this on a friend's blog and snagged it for my own. You can do the same, too!
I always...
-wear my seatbelt
-love Karen Kingsbury or Francine Rivers books
-am on time to work
-try to remember birthdays by sending a card
-am ready to leave work at the end of the day
-hit the snooze button
-like to watch Christmas Vacation or Back to the Future
-want to win
-love a Sunday afternoon nap
-love to take pictures
-like to play the piano
-running in the mornings right before the sun comes up
I sometimes...
-brush my teeth at night (but always in the morning)...don't judge!
-return items I buy when shopping (this might be a better fit in the "always" category)
-get directions mixed up
-like to watch baseball
-get tired of having to motivate people in my aerobics classes
-think it'd be fun to live in a big city...or in the country
I never...
-eat fish or seafood
-take a bath (just showers for me!)
-like to fold and put away laundry
-want to watch science-fiction movies
-could play hooky from work and use a sick day instead of a vacation day
I always...
-wear my seatbelt
-love Karen Kingsbury or Francine Rivers books
-am on time to work
-try to remember birthdays by sending a card
-am ready to leave work at the end of the day
-hit the snooze button
-like to watch Christmas Vacation or Back to the Future
-want to win
-love a Sunday afternoon nap
-love to take pictures
-like to play the piano
-running in the mornings right before the sun comes up
I sometimes...
-brush my teeth at night (but always in the morning)...don't judge!
-return items I buy when shopping (this might be a better fit in the "always" category)
-get directions mixed up
-like to watch baseball
-get tired of having to motivate people in my aerobics classes
-think it'd be fun to live in a big city...or in the country
I never...
-eat fish or seafood
-take a bath (just showers for me!)
-like to fold and put away laundry
-want to watch science-fiction movies
-could play hooky from work and use a sick day instead of a vacation day
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Kansas City 1/2 Marathon
Last Saturday, October 16, I ran the Kansas City 1/2 marathon and thoroughly enjoyed myself! I did this race last year and loved the course so decided to do it again this year. It is a bit challenging, with some major mountains--I mean hills--along the way that seemed to never end, but I am happy to say I ran all of the hills and did not walk!
I finished in 2:29:31, seven minutes faster than my time last year! And I am so proud of the way I finished this race - I ran strong and sprinted across the finish line. Usually I tend to slow down the last mile so was so proud for running strong.
Ross and I stayed in a hotel about 1 mile away from the start/finish line and I had planned on walking to the race by myself Saturday morning and would see Ross at the finish line. Well, Friday afternoon he surprised me and told me he would walk to the starting line with me - this absolutely made my day! He said he didn't want me to have to walk alone, even though it meant he would just be hanging out there by himself until I was done with the race. He is SO good to me!
It was fun having him walk to the starting line with me and see the 11,000+ people lined up for the race. And he took a few pictures of me, which I loved! After the race started Ross actually ran into a good friend of his from high school, whose wife was walking the 1/2 marathon, so they were able to hang out and catch up during the race.
All in all it was a very good run!
I finished in 2:29:31, seven minutes faster than my time last year! And I am so proud of the way I finished this race - I ran strong and sprinted across the finish line. Usually I tend to slow down the last mile so was so proud for running strong.
Ross and I stayed in a hotel about 1 mile away from the start/finish line and I had planned on walking to the race by myself Saturday morning and would see Ross at the finish line. Well, Friday afternoon he surprised me and told me he would walk to the starting line with me - this absolutely made my day! He said he didn't want me to have to walk alone, even though it meant he would just be hanging out there by himself until I was done with the race. He is SO good to me!
It was fun having him walk to the starting line with me and see the 11,000+ people lined up for the race. And he took a few pictures of me, which I loved! After the race started Ross actually ran into a good friend of his from high school, whose wife was walking the 1/2 marathon, so they were able to hang out and catch up during the race.
All in all it was a very good run!
Monday, October 18, 2010
A Man's House is His Castle, Until the Queen Arrives!
Ross now has an official Man Room in our house! This room holds one recliner, a TV, stereo, XBOX and some workout equipment - nothing more, nothing less!
About a month ago we painted one of the spare bedrooms that has been deemed "Ross' Man Room." The walls were white with a beach-themed border that neither one of us liked and were more than happy to tear it down.
Ross decided to do two colors in his room - three light-colored walls and one dark-colored, accent wall. I think it turned out very nice and tasteful!
But do you want to know the best part about this room? The sign (that Ross picked out himself) hanging on the wall!
About a month ago we painted one of the spare bedrooms that has been deemed "Ross' Man Room." The walls were white with a beach-themed border that neither one of us liked and were more than happy to tear it down.
Ross decided to do two colors in his room - three light-colored walls and one dark-colored, accent wall. I think it turned out very nice and tasteful!
But do you want to know the best part about this room? The sign (that Ross picked out himself) hanging on the wall!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Six Months!
Ross and I were married six months ago today! My how time does fly! I cannot believe we're already 1/2 way through our first year of marriage!
We have had a great time together so far and have found marriage to be enjoyable and somewhat easy. Sure, we've had our moments of frustration with each other, but Ross and I are very good and talking through and working out our disagreements. I think we've settled into married life and living together quite nicely. I can't imagine what it would be like to live by myself again.
And oh what fun we had on our wedding day! That was the most absolute perfectest, best day of my life! If I could, I would bottle it and live in that day from time to time!
We have had a great time together so far and have found marriage to be enjoyable and somewhat easy. Sure, we've had our moments of frustration with each other, but Ross and I are very good and talking through and working out our disagreements. I think we've settled into married life and living together quite nicely. I can't imagine what it would be like to live by myself again.
And oh what fun we had on our wedding day! That was the most absolute perfectest, best day of my life! If I could, I would bottle it and live in that day from time to time!
Friday, October 15, 2010
The Office
Ross' office is now painted!
Ross picked out an olive-green color for his office and I must say, I am pleasantly surprised at the way it turned out. All along I thought the color was, quite honestly, gross. It looked more like a puke-green to me instead of olive-green, but he liked it and it's his office, so it was his choice.
The office had a wallpaper border that we had to tear down in preparation for painting and it turned out to be a fairly easy process. Once the border was down, the holes patched, and the tape up, we began painting.
I think both of us were a little worried when we started seeing the color on the wall - it just did not look like a very pretty green. But, as I'm sure you know, when the paint color dries on the wall it darkens a bit. And thankfully this paint darkened a lot to where I ended up apologizing to Ross for dissing his color choice! In fact, I fell in love with the color so much that I brought a roller upstairs to our bedroom to sample the color on our bedroom walls. It looked nice in the bedroom, but we've since found a little bit darker, more vibrant green that we'll do in our bedroom.
So one more room checked off our list, lots more to go!
Before:
After:
Ross picked out an olive-green color for his office and I must say, I am pleasantly surprised at the way it turned out. All along I thought the color was, quite honestly, gross. It looked more like a puke-green to me instead of olive-green, but he liked it and it's his office, so it was his choice.
The office had a wallpaper border that we had to tear down in preparation for painting and it turned out to be a fairly easy process. Once the border was down, the holes patched, and the tape up, we began painting.
I think both of us were a little worried when we started seeing the color on the wall - it just did not look like a very pretty green. But, as I'm sure you know, when the paint color dries on the wall it darkens a bit. And thankfully this paint darkened a lot to where I ended up apologizing to Ross for dissing his color choice! In fact, I fell in love with the color so much that I brought a roller upstairs to our bedroom to sample the color on our bedroom walls. It looked nice in the bedroom, but we've since found a little bit darker, more vibrant green that we'll do in our bedroom.
So one more room checked off our list, lots more to go!
Before:
After:
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Sunshine Run 5K
I am a runner. I've been running for 7+ years now and have completed several 5Ks and 10Ks (3.1 and 6.2 miles), 6 half-marathons (13.1 miles), and 2 full marathons (26.2 miles). All of these runs have been great, but I completed the best run of all last Saturday - the Sunshine Run 5K. The reason you ask?
I ran it with my husband!
Ross likes to workout and bike a little here and there, but he is not a runner. Sometime this summer we were talking about running and I asked him if he'd do a run with me in the fall. He said he'd love to ... okay, it probably wasn't spoken that enthusiastically.
We decided to do the Sunshine Run 5K together. I have done this run myself a few times in the past and found it to be an enjoyable course. It's a fairly flat course that starts and ends at Hammon's Field (where the Springfield Cardinals play baseball.) In fact, home plate actually serves as the finish line so at the end of the race we got to run the perimeter of the baseball field.
As I said, Ross is not a runner, so this was not an easy task for him. He started training for the run in mid-August, running one mile, two-three times a week, slowly working up to three miles the week of the race.
I'm so proud of him! He did a great job, we ran the whole way without stopping to walk, and we finished in 29 minutes, 45 seconds. It was so enjoyable doing something I love to do with my husband. He is so good to me in that respect. He really takes my needs and desires into account and just makes me so happy!
We decided (well more so I decided) this would become an annual event, perhaps even adding on a race in the spring!
I ran it with my husband!
Ross likes to workout and bike a little here and there, but he is not a runner. Sometime this summer we were talking about running and I asked him if he'd do a run with me in the fall. He said he'd love to ... okay, it probably wasn't spoken that enthusiastically.
We decided to do the Sunshine Run 5K together. I have done this run myself a few times in the past and found it to be an enjoyable course. It's a fairly flat course that starts and ends at Hammon's Field (where the Springfield Cardinals play baseball.) In fact, home plate actually serves as the finish line so at the end of the race we got to run the perimeter of the baseball field.
As I said, Ross is not a runner, so this was not an easy task for him. He started training for the run in mid-August, running one mile, two-three times a week, slowly working up to three miles the week of the race.
I'm so proud of him! He did a great job, we ran the whole way without stopping to walk, and we finished in 29 minutes, 45 seconds. It was so enjoyable doing something I love to do with my husband. He is so good to me in that respect. He really takes my needs and desires into account and just makes me so happy!
We decided (well more so I decided) this would become an annual event, perhaps even adding on a race in the spring!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Creativity is Flowing
I'm having a baby shower for one of my very best friends later this month. She is expecting her second baby boy and I am so happy to have a shower for her. It will be nice to bless her with gifts, but probably more fun for me to throw a party! I love planning parties and this will be even more fun as it will be the first party in our new house.
I decided to make the baby shower invitations and did a lot of searching online for ideas. There are some oh so super cute invitations out there and oh how I wish I was a graphic designer - I'd recreate the designs on my own at a fraction of the cost!
But I'm not a designer so I'm forced to go another route: scrapbook paper.
I took a trip to Hobby Lobby and found several different coordinating designs of baby-themed scrapbook paper that I knew would somehow play into my invitations. I started looking online again for ideas, but this time searched for invitation templates or do-it-yourself instructions and came across the cutest idea. It involved a folded invitation covered with scrapbook paper and ribbon, sealed with a diaper pin. This particular invitation seemed pretty easy to make so I decided to go with it.
The card itself was pretty easy - just measure, cut, fold, cover the card with the decorative scrapbook paper, cover with ribbon, and it's ready to go. Pretty easy until the diaper pin. The diaper pin was supposed to attach the flap of the card to the card itself, but I had issues with this. Major issues. I had a very hard time getting the diaper pin through the hole to close it up - I kept mangling up the flap. So I modified the design and instead of closing the invitation with the diaper pin, the diaper pin just hung on the ribbon as a pretty "extra."
I had so much fun putting these together and honestly it was kind of hard mailing them - I wanted to keep them and just look at them over and over!
Here's a link to the instructions and pictures of the invitations!
http://www.do-it-yourself-invitations.com/baby-shower-invitations-diaper-pin.html
I decided to make the baby shower invitations and did a lot of searching online for ideas. There are some oh so super cute invitations out there and oh how I wish I was a graphic designer - I'd recreate the designs on my own at a fraction of the cost!
But I'm not a designer so I'm forced to go another route: scrapbook paper.
I took a trip to Hobby Lobby and found several different coordinating designs of baby-themed scrapbook paper that I knew would somehow play into my invitations. I started looking online again for ideas, but this time searched for invitation templates or do-it-yourself instructions and came across the cutest idea. It involved a folded invitation covered with scrapbook paper and ribbon, sealed with a diaper pin. This particular invitation seemed pretty easy to make so I decided to go with it.
The card itself was pretty easy - just measure, cut, fold, cover the card with the decorative scrapbook paper, cover with ribbon, and it's ready to go. Pretty easy until the diaper pin. The diaper pin was supposed to attach the flap of the card to the card itself, but I had issues with this. Major issues. I had a very hard time getting the diaper pin through the hole to close it up - I kept mangling up the flap. So I modified the design and instead of closing the invitation with the diaper pin, the diaper pin just hung on the ribbon as a pretty "extra."
I had so much fun putting these together and honestly it was kind of hard mailing them - I wanted to keep them and just look at them over and over!
Here's a link to the instructions and pictures of the invitations!
http://www.do-it-yourself-invitations.com/baby-shower-invitations-diaper-pin.html
Monday, September 27, 2010
A Day of Golfing
Last Saturday was a perfect day weather-wise so Ross and I decided to go golfing. Neither one of us golf, but we thought this would be a great way to spend a beautiful, 70-degree, sunny afternoon. There is an "easy" par-3 golf course on the north side of Springfield that we thought would be a good way for us to break into this game.
We started golfing around 3pm and were done about 4:30. All in all we had a great time. Ross even shot par on one of the holes!
We started golfing around 3pm and were done about 4:30. All in all we had a great time. Ross even shot par on one of the holes!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Happy 5-Month Anniversary To Us!
We were married five months ago today! Here's some of my favorite pictures. Enjoy!
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