MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

We hope everyone has an awesome holiday!

BIG News!!

So Jon and I have some BIG NEWS to share with you all!!

We are expecting our first child in June. We were waiting to announce it to everyone until Jon and I had the opportunity to tell his parents in person. I am very excited about this baby. Jon is adjusting. The news of me being pregnant was a BIG surprise to both of us, but it has taken Jon a little longer to get used to the idea that he is going to be a father.

These next 6 months are going to be super busy getting ready for the baby, Jon starting school, and trying to hold down two jobs up until the very end. I will keep you all posted on how all those things go.

Jon's mom bought me a few baby things this weekend which was exciting. We are still trying to decide on what we will need for baby, but it's fun trying to decide.

Well that's all the news we have for now!! MUCH LOVE!!

Updates!

So it's update time!

I now have 2 jobs. I have started neither. I'm waiting on FBI clearance and a few other clearances for the one and the other I have to get a physical first. So, job number one is working at a group home taking care of 3 to 4 seniors with dementia. The house is located less than a mile down the road from our house. It's close, but the hours are 4 to midnight. Not so exciting but it's full time with benefits. Job number two is working at an adult day care like I did in Grand Rapids. It's more low key than the one in GR and is currently part-time. This is the job I REALLY want. It turns out that in a month or so it's going to go full time once the funding kicks in full force at the place and they get a few more participants. So for the time being, I'm working there part time. Once it goes full time, I'm quitting job number one.

On the school side of things, Jon hasn't made a decision. It's between Geneva and Robert Morris University. This weekend we will figure out which is the best option for him over all. We are so close on the school stuff.

Jon is still working at Target and actually loving the job. They love him and have offered him the job even after the holidays. Yay!

I think that's all the updates. We are staying here for Thanksgiving because Jon has to work black Friday. We will head to GR in December(19-21) to see everyone and hit up a Christmas party while we are there. We are both looking forward to the holidays!

Much Love!

Nov. 4th, Acceptance, Jobs

I am so glad that today is Nov. 4th. It means that all those stupid political calls will FINALLY stop!! Along with the political ads on TV. I'm not sure I'll be thrilled with either out come of this election, but at least it will be over!

In other news, Jon was accepted to Geneva yesterday. One school down, two more to go. He won't make a final decision until he knows the out come of the other two and what their financial aide packages are and how long it will take to get out. He has a big decision to make ahead of him.

I'm still jobless. I've applied for a number of positions, but typically businesses collect resumes for a time and then go through them to make a decision of who they would like to meet with. So it's a hurry up and wait game. Hopefully I have something by Thanksgiving. Otherwise, I'm working for my mom on a few things.

Well that's all for now. Keep praying I find a job soon! MUCH LOVE!!!

This and That

I noticed the date on my last post was Oct. 9th and thought that I should let you all know that we are still alive over here in PA. We have just been very busy with finding jobs, looking at schools and settling in.

Jon now has a job at Target doing back stock and carts. He has also applied to Geneva College, IUP, and Robert Morris University. We should know if he has been accepted to the schools in about a week or two. We aren't worried about him getting accepted, but it's a step we have to get thru before we find out finacial aid info and costs. It's exciting that he will be enrolled at some college by Jan.

I have applied for a number of jobs in the Retirement Communities in the area. I'm hoping to hear back in the weeks to come. I'm anxious to get a job. Just keep praying.

Halloween was a success around here. We had 36 trick or treaters and got to catch up with some of the neighbors. Plus the high school football team won their first round in the play offs! We are now looking forward to Thanksgiving. It's just going to be the four of us but we are all looking forward to turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes! And then the next day we will shop and Jon's parents are coming to visit!!!

Well that's my quick update. We are headed out to dinner now. MUCH LOVE!

Hello from the 'burgh!

Now that things have slowed down, I thought I would update our blog. There really isn't a whole lot to tell. Neither Jon or I have jobs just yet. He has applied at Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Target so far. He is looking more for seasonal work until he starts school.

I, on the other hand, actually have to find a REAL job. Cashiering won't cut it this time around. I gotta make a little more now that I'm the one making the real money until Jon is finished with school. This arrangement is fine by me, but it takes a little longer to actually get a job since you have to interview, etc. I'm excited to see what job I get!! I'm open to anything.

We have been busy unpacking boxes, repacking boxes, and shuffling boxes around. We have called storage places for prices but we have not decided on a place just yet. We want to find out how long it will take Jon to finish school before we sign a lease. We should know that by the end of this month. For now, the garage is our storage unit.

We are adjusting nicely. We are both bored with lack of jobs, but hopefully that will change soon! If you are in the Pittsburgh area, stop by and say HI!!

That's all for now!

MUCH LOVE!

WE'RE HOME!!

Just wanted to let everyone know we made it safe and sound to Pittsburgh. I'll update more once we get settled.

Much Love!

Packing and More Packing

Things are pretty crazy around here at the moment. It sorta looks like WWIII occurred in our house, but what can I say? WE MOVE IN 10 DAYS!!!! While I'm incredibly stressed and my mind is going in a million different directions trying to get things done, I'm thrilled to be moving so quickly! It still hasn't 100% sunk in that we are leaving Wheatfield forever but I don't have time to get emotional about it until AFTER we get on the road. Too much to do!! LOL!!

My in-laws are coming on Saturday to pick up Jon's John Deer and some other yard type things that we won't need for a little while and to see us before we move. They'll be back on Thursday to help load the truck..so they'll put a few miles on their vehicle in the next week.

My Dad and Sister-in-law are coming next Wednesday to help pack the last of the stuff and load and then all drive back to Pittsburgh. I'm so greatful Kelly is coming!! It will make the last days easier to manage all the crap and it will be nice to have someone to drive home with. Jon and my Dad enjoy driving trips and enjoy driving alone...me on the other hand....not so much. So I'm thrilled she said she would come.

Well enough of this, I gotta get to work! Boxes don't pack themselves! lol!

MUCH LOVE

So Long!

So the buyers countered our counter and.........we accepted!

WE OFFICIALLY SOLD THE HOUSE!!!

We are moving Oct. 3rd. Yes, that's two weeks!! We are going to have the craziest two weeks of our lives.

I still can't believe how fast this all went. Our house was on the market for 16 days!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all the prayers!! God was listening and they were answered!!

Offer

We received an offer on our house last night!!!

We have put in a counter offer and now await the verdict. We should know by tomorrow night!

I hate waiting and I'm so nervous!!

Keep Praying!!

Open House Success!

Our open house last night went very well. There were three groups of people who came through. The first couple has already sold there house and is looking for another. They loved the house! Hopefully we get an offer from them. The second couple is trying to sell their modular home, but really love our house. Not the best buyers for us because there are contingencies. The last was a woman looking for friends of hers, but I guess she was ooooing and awwing the entire time and said that her friends would love the house. Hopefully they call to get a showing of their own.

Over all we feel pretty good. It's nice to hear that people other than family and close friends love the house. We are just praying to get some offers and/or some more showings! Keep your fingers crossed and keep praying. We would like to be outta here as soon as possible!

That's all for now!!

Much Love!

Our Listing

Below you will find the listing to our house if you want to check it out!!

Our Listing

Hopefully some time soon we get some potential buyers through.

Keep praying!!

No Showings....

Well there isn't much to report. We haven't had any showings of the house as of today. I emailed the realtor tonight to see if there has been any interest and hopefully I'll hear back from her tomorrow.

Jon called some of the colleges he is interested in visiting to set up appointments to meet with an admissions counselor. Not all were available so he'll have to call a few later this week. We will be heading home to look at schools in late October. At least thats the plan.

Well that's about all. I'll write more when there is actually more to write about.

Much Love!

It's official!!

Well it's official!! Our house is on the market!!

The realtor came yesterday and took all the pictures, helped us set a price, and we signed all the papers. The listing should be up by Thursday on the Internet. We are very happy with her and we believe she will do an excellent job!

Now just pray the house sells quickly and we can be out off here before it snows!

Labor Day--An Overrated Holiday

Why do those of us who work hard and make crap have to work on Labor Day, but those who make the big bucks, complain about how other's do their jobs, and do pretty much nothing all day get Labor Day off??

It's interesting how business works. At least I get time an a half today...of course that only means I'll be making what we should be paid at starting pay. Grocery stores pay crap! and Grocery stores in Indiana REALLY pay crap!

Oh we'll. At least I'll be home by 2.

New Paint Makes A Big Difference

So I thought I would post some pictures of all the hard work we put into the house the past two weeks. I think the changes look great!


This is a picture of our office. It used to be a dark blue color. We like how it turned out even if it wasn't a color we would have chosen for ourselves. We would have painted it a shade or two darker, but it looks good.


This is our bedroom. We put in up the crown molding and painted the walls. It no longer looks like a hot dog exploded in our bedroom!


This is the peak in our kitchen. There used to be a Bible verse where the star now is. I think it still looks really good without the verse. I love my country kitchen.


This is our basement bathroom. New tub shower, new floor and new paint. I love how this turned out. It goes great with the rest of the basement! I just noticed how the walls look blue around the door frame....they aren't really, they are white.

Well those were our updates. Once our house is listed with the realtor, I will post the site you so you can check out our whole house. It's amazing what a little paint can do!

What To Do?!

Ever since we decided that Jon was going to go back to school and we were going to move to Pittsburgh, I have been browsing the job situation. There are so many great jobs out there that I'm debating whether to just apply and see what happens. A part of me doesn't want to leave Jon all alone over here, but at the same time, he and I both agree that I could use a pay raise. It doesn't make sense to look for another job here seeing as we are moving. So what to do?!

Any suggestions would be helpful!

Updates Continued

These past few days have been busy ones. My parents returned this past Wednesday night to finish up where they left off. We painted our office so we no longer have 3 blue rooms at one of the hall. We painted over the Bible verse in the kitchen which was located in the peak above the cabinets. I know that sounds weird, but a Bible verse in such a prominent place in the kitchen could potentially be a turn off to a buyer and we can't risk it. The changes we made in there look good. We hung up a ton of pictures in order to "stage" the house. It's weird all the things you do just to sell your house.

After we finished those final touches, we packed and packed and packed. My parents are returning to PA with another van full of things that we can store in their house for the next few years. I'm getting good at packing boxes in order to be stored for a long time. I have to pack all similar things together and label EXTREMELY well. At least when we move out of my parents we will know what we need for sure and what we can sell because we didn't miss it.

So things are moving along. There really is nothing much else going on. I don't work all weekend which I'm looking forward too. Hopefully Jon will be home for some of it. I will keep you posted on how the selling of our house goes. Much Love!

Updates

So here is an update about the last week:

1.) Jon will be losing his job at the end of the season if he and his boss can make it that long. Hopefully unemployment will follow to cover us until our house sells.

2.) The house is on the market. At least, For Sale By Owner until the projects are finished. Keep your fingures crossed it sells fast.

3.) The projects: Paint Master Bedroom-Complete, Finish Basement Bathroom-Complete, Paint Office-Color chosen, just have to paint, Pack boxes- Started and have a long way to go.

4.) We have almost decided 100% what we are going to do next. As of this moment, granted something could change but not sure we would change our minds even if it did, we are going to be moving to Pittsburgh, moving in with my parents so Jon can go to school and get another degree in the Business field. I will be working full time some where. After much debating, we have decided that this is probably the best option for us.

As of right now, we are waiting on the school information to arrive so Jon can narrow down the choices to the ones that interest him the most so we can go visit them. We are busy packing up our house and trying to decide what we can store for the next three years. We do hope that after a year we can move out of my parents and rent something, but that is to far in the future to think about. Even though this is a stressful time, we are looking forward to something new and different. That's all for now. I will keep you all updated as things occur. Much Love!

Painting and Preparing

Today I begin to paint our Master Bedroom in preparation for selling our house. It's an odd feeling to be painting a room we, hopefully, won't be able to enjoy for very long. But it must be done. The paint colors the previous owner had picked for the room are horrendous. I'm not so sure she wasn't color blind. As my brother puts it, our room looks like a hot dog and ketchup exploded in there. So in a day or two, the room will be a nice, neutral brownish color and we will also have crown molding. YAY for changes that will help sell the house.

Our house is officially on the market. We placed a "For Sale By Owner" sign in the front lawn this past Saturday. Mostly so people know we are selling our house, while we finish up the last few projects, but also to see if we can get a buyer with out a realtor.

So where are we headed when the house sells?? Not a clue. We just need to get rid of the house. We have options, but until the house sells and we nail down a few more details about some things we will either end up in Pittsburgh, Grand Rapids, or some other town. Like I said, we don't know yet.

Well to painting I go so I can get one coat on before I head to work! Bye For Now!

God Always Knows

As I lay in bed earlier wondering what Jon and I are going to do about our current situation, I decided to pray and then read my devotion from the book "My Utmost For His Highest." God always knows just what to say when you need it most.

Here is what it said:

Will You Go Out Without Knowing?

"He went out, not knowing where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8)

Have you ever "gone out" in this way? If so, there is no logical answer possible when anyone asks you what you are doing. One of the most difficult questions to answer in Christian work is, "What do you expect to do?" You don't know what you are going to do. The only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing. Continually examine your attitude toward God to see if you are willing to "go out" in every area of your life, trusting in God entirely. It is this attitude that keeps you in constant wonder, because you don't know what God is going to do next. Each morning as you wake, there is a new opportunity to "go out," building your confidence in God. "...do not worry about your life...nor about the body..."(Luke 12:22). In other words, don't worry about the things that concerned you before you did "go out."
Have you been asking God what he is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do--He reveals to you who He is. Do you believe in a miracle-working God, and will you "go out" in complete surrender to Him until you are not surprised on iota by anything He does?
Believe God is always the God you know Him to be when you are nearest to Him. Then think how unnecessary and disrespectful worry is! Let the attitude of your life be a continual willingness to "go out" in dependence upon God, and your life will have a sacred and inexpressible charm about it that is very satisfying to Jesus. You must learn to "go out" through your convictions, creeds, or experiences until you come to the point in your faith where there is nothing between yourself and God.

Jon and I both need to remember that God is in charge of this situation, He knows where we are going and that we are not to worry. We need to "go out" and have faith that God will lead us where we need to go.

I ask now, more than ever, for prayers. Things have come up, which we expected, sortof, but are hard to hear and it has changed a lot about our current situation. Pray that God will show us where we are to go from here. Pray that everything will fall into place over the next few weeks and that we are both less stressed. Pray that Jon and I can come up with a plan that not only is right for us but that it's what God wants for us.

Thank you to all who have been praying for us, we greatly appreciate it!!

Much Love.

Moving Along

Still no news about the job search. It will still be a little before we hear anything with the Norfolk job and we haven't heard back from Jon's Dad about the tax assessor job. We are still searching the horticultural websites for something that looks interesting and is either in the midwest or on the east coast. No luck just yet. If we wanted to move to California or Washington we would be golden! However, I don't want to raise my children in California and both states are EXTREMELY expensive. We will just have to wait an see.

On another note, I got a raise at work! Hahah...minimum wage went up in Indiana, so now I make more. It sucks making minimum wage. I am totally wasting my Calvin degree, but it works for now. When we move, I'll try to find something again that suits my degree or at least pays me what I am worth.

Jon and I are still working away on getting things ready to put our house on the market by the first of Sept. I can't wait to get it on the market and I can't wait to have it sold. That will take a HUGE weight off our shoulders. However, I'm not excited to pack up our entire house again. I'm ready to just be settled already!!!

Well that is all for now. Thanks for visiting!

The Stresses of Life

So I realized last night just how stressed I am about Jon's job and the whole situation.

A friend of ours from the church we are attending came into the store last night and we chatted while I checked him out. We haven't seen each other for probably a month due to work, vacation, etc. He asked how we are doing and I told him briefly our situation. It was after he left that I realized I wanted to cry.

As much as I hate to admit it, being the strong one and organized one in this whole mess is harder than I realized. I hate that Jon is treated so poorly and I hate that his self esteem is so low. I worry about him when he goes to work and I worry whether today will be the day that he comes home to tell me he quit or was fired. I am also the one that does most of the job looking for him and it's very frustrating when the jobs that are available are in places like California, Washington, Oregon and Texas. I know that God's timing is perfect, but it's hard to wait.

Along with stressing about finding him a job, I am stressing about trying to get projects finished around the house so we can at least put the house on the market. Things never seem to get accomplished fast enough which is my fault and Jon's. We need to make a time line for ourselves, but we haven't had time. I feel like once the house is on the market a lot of weight will be lifted from my shoulders.

Please continue to pray for us. Pray that Jon finds the right job for him where he will be respected and given great opportunities to succeed. Pray that we finish up our projects in a timely manner and can list the house as soon as possible. Pray that we will hear back from the job in VA and it not be like the other jobs where the guys never called to tell us either way. Pray that where ever we end up that I find a job that I enjoy and pays me reasonably well.

Thank you all for the prayers so far. If Jon and I can pray for you and your family and friends in any way, please let us know!

Remember, it's all in God's timing and His timing is always perfect.

Vacation and A Job Interview

Now that I am no longer exhausted from traveling, I can write a decent post about our vacation.

We had a great time. We throughly enjoyed being able to relax, enjoy the warm weather and enjoy family we haven't seen in over a year. The place in Maryland was nice. We didn't have beach on the bay which was sad, but we could see the bay. The complex was located in the middle of no where surrounded by marsh. It was very nice. We hung around the pool mostly and got some sun. Everyone had a night to cook dinner so we ate extremely well.

On Tuesday we went to Norfolk, VA for Jon's job interview. Norfolk is a really nice town. I could move there in a heart beat!! Jon's interview went well and we hope to hear from the guy either way. It will probably be a few weeks before we hear anything though.

We did figure out that we are going to move no matter what. We are going to finish up the last of the projects around the house and then put it on the market. We figure it will be a while before it sells, but if it sells before Jon has found a job, we are moving to Pittsburgh to live with my parents until something comes a long. That way we are rid of the house and can save some money. Plus, Pittsburgh is just a better starting point for us. We can't wait to settle down and stop moving, but Jon need to find a job that is just right for him.

I will keep you all posted on what happens. Please pray for the job in Norfolk, it would be a great job for Jon and my chances of finding a job in that area are much better than here. Thank You!

We're Back!

I thought I would write a quick note letting you all know we are finally back in town. However, I'm exhausted, so I'll write more about our trip tomorrow!!

Bye!

And we are off for our much needed vacation!! Talk to you all soon!! =)

All in God's Timing

Jon and I have always known that God is in charge of our lives. Sometimes we don't understand just why God has put us in certain situations, but we always figure that He knows what is best for us and that we have to learn from each experience.

Our move to DeMotte/Wheatfield was definitely God's plan for us back in January. Everything with the move seemed to fall into place, we met some wonderful people and found a wonderful church. Jon had found a great job and I found a fun job a month ago.

As of yesterday, things have changed. We are not sure things are going to work out here. Jon's job is not going well. He has put in 200% into that job and it never seems to be enough for his boss. He runs him down on a consistent basis and Jon and I never have time to ourselves because of his bosses OCD about things at the greenhouse. I've told Jon repeatedly that his boss is not going to ruin our marriage like he ruined his own!! I realize that is a harsh thing to say, but it's true. Jon and I care too much for one another to let a job ruin what we have together. Jon and I both agree that the job comes third in our lives.


So after much frustration by Jon and stressing by me, we have decided that it is time for Jon to look for a new job. Mind you, this decision did not come easily for us. We aren't exactly excited to move again and lose money on a house again, but we feel this is what we need to do for our family unless some major miracle happens with Jon's boss and things change in the next months. I would like to say they will, but us, family, and friends have been praying for the situation and nothing has changed. I'm not saying God isn't listening, I know he is, but I think he has bigger and better plans for us and that this stop in Indiana was just a stepping stone leading us to something else.

This stop in Indiana has been a blessing for both of us. For Jon, he now has great experience growing annuals. This will only add to is knowledge and make him a much more flexible grower. Jon has realized that not living near your family is not the end of the world. They still visit and will visit no matter where we are. He has learned that our family, him and me, come first and that we must do what is best for our future, not what keeps us close to his family. It's nice to be near family, but that doesn't pay the bills and Jon has a VERY specific degree, so we must go where the jobs are if we want to make some money so we can start a family. Jon has also become much more independent since we have been on our own and I couldn't be prouder of him.

I had a more difficult time when we moved here. I had to get used to small town living. It was definitely a culture shock. I have adjusted mostly. I still miss "city" life. Now that I have a job, I'm happier. I can get out of the house for a little and I'm not stressing so much over money. This move has drawn Jon and I much closer and I have a greater appreciation for all that he does. I've also learned through this move to give all my worries and stresses up to God and then to stop worrying and stressing that He will take care of what we need.

It wasn't until a few days ago that I finally understood why I haven't gotten pregnant yet. It's not because we can't...at least I'm pretty sure that's not it...it's because the timing is all wrong. God knows we want a baby, but He also knew we would probably be moving again. Not the best idea to be pregnant and stressed or have a newborn and be moving. God's timing is so good even if we don't understand right way.

Well, with that said, I must end this post as I have things to accomplish. We go on vacation in exactly a week and we both are thrilled to get away for a while and see my family. I will definitely keep everyone posted on what is occurring with the job situation and potential move. Please keep Jon and I in your prayers as we make some big decisions about our future and deal with the stress of being home owners and being stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. We love you all. Thank you!

Weekend Fun

I had an awesome birthday with my hubby, brother and sis-in-law! I haven't laughed so hard in who knows how long!! We had a blast hanging out and playing games. I can't wait to see Dave and Kelly in a week on vacation!!

However, all great things must come to an end. Dave and Kelly left Monday morning and Jon and I returned to work. BLAH! Okay, work for me isn't that bad. I enjoy it. Jon on the other hand..well, I'm not going there. But I'm frustrated with the situation, I'll say that much.

We have no plans for the 4th which is fine by us! We are just looking forward to being together and making sure our dumb neighbors don't burn our house down with fireworks. (This will be the first year we are in a state where they are legal....a little nervous about that.)

Well that's about all. Catch ya later! Thanks for visiting!! =)

Happy Birthday To Me!

YAY! It's my birthday!! It's 1:00am in the morning and I'm sitting here waiting for my brother and Kelly to show up. They are on their way to visit us. I tried to sleep for a little while, but i'm too excited and can't sleep any. Hopefully they will be here soon!! That's all for now. I'll write more after this weekend!!

YAY for making it a quarter of a century!


Man I'm old.....

Fun and Vacations

I realize my posts are rather boring, but there really is nothing going on here in the wheat field.

I did manage to get SOME of my list accomplished from my previous post. I didn't clean anything yet, but I do finally have the laundry done...thanks goes to Jon for that accomplishment. With me working 2nd shift, Jon usually is the one that has to finish things I begin during the day because I run out of time.

Speaking of job, I had a great day at work. I worked with some great people who just love goofing around and we even had the customers joking around with us. It was great and the 9 hours flew by!! However, I hope to not work any more Sundays. We shall see.

My brother and his fiancee Kelly are coming to visit us this weekend for my birthday! YAY!! I am so excited I don't even know what to do with myself. Kelly has not visited us yet since she and Dave began dating...it's not her fault though, Dave has been lazy about coming to see me!! I'm glad they will get to see our house and where we live, even if it is just for a few days. We have a blast when we are all together. I love them both to pieces!!

Let's see.....Oh, the weekend after they visit is the weekend of the 4th and Jon and I are planning on just hanging out here since gas is up to $4.15!!! Plus, we have to begin packing for vacation!! We are headed to Chesapeake, Maryland for a week long family reunion with my side of the family. We always have a blast at these family get togethers! Oh, by we, I mean, Me. Jon has never been to one of our family reunions yet.

My mom's side of the family has been having family reunions every other year since I was born. We have been to some amazing places of the years and done some amazing things. We have been on cruises, stayed at dude ranches out west and in British Colombia, we have rented HUGE houses to house all 20+ of us in places like Aspen, CO all the way to Virgina Beach, VA. My family and I have great memories and wonderful stories and it's just been a great tradition.

Sadly, we don't know how much longer we will be doing these family reunions. My grandparents have been the ones to arrange for the reunions and as they are getting older every year, the time will come when they are just to tired to plan it. I'm not sure whether or not my mom and her sisters will keep the tradition alive, but we shall see. It's such a great way to see my relatives that live in Hawaii, California, Tennessee and Ohio. We truly are scattered throughout the US.

For this family reunion we have rented an Estate on the Chesapeake Bay. It has a Manor House, Cottage, and a Fun Center. Check out the link: http://www.vrbo.com/15537
They don't have a lot of pictures of the place, but you can get the idea. I will post our own pictures when we get back from the trip. I'm so excited to go on vacation.

Well this post has turned out longer and more interesting than I expected. I hope you all have a wonderful week!! Thanks for visiting!!

~~To Do Lists~~

It's only 11am and it feels like it should be 3pm. This morning I have accomplished a ton. At least it feels like that. The reality of it is, I haven't accomplished much. I deposited checks, stopped by Jon's work, and got the dogs into the kennel for while we are on vacation. I still have to to:

Take Toby to the vet

Start laundry

Clean the guest room and bath

Clean the rest of the house

Make dinner--which if you know me, this is a HUGE task!

Now that I have actually typed everything I need to do, I need to go. Sorry this post is so boring, but there just isn't much going on around here in the wheat field. I'll have more to say after my birthday on the 28th!!!

This and That

The new job is going well. I'm surprised that I actually like it. Obviously it's still a little nerve racking, but I haven't gotten a hold of everything yet. I'll get there.

My parents are coming tonight. They are just visiting until I go to work on Friday afternoon. It won't be a productive visit since they wont be here very long, but that's okay. My dad will have to come back at some point because he is putting up our crown molding in our bedroom once we get it painted. We are looking forward to seeing them.

I, personally, am looking forward to the Pens game tonight!! I hope they kick some Red Wings butt!!! In my opinion, the Red Wings don't deserve the Stanley Cup!! They have had it enough in the past years, it's time to share!!!

Well I would love to write more, but I have to put together the guest room and pick up all before I head to work.

LaterS!!

Just Your Average Day

Today was my second day at work. I thought it went rather well. I'm looking forward to knowing how to do everything and not having to ask. But that will take some time and everyone is very understanding. Tomorrow I'm working 3-9 by myself....okay...not really by myself, but it will no longer be my training period. My boss told me that I am one of the shortest trained cashiers because she thought I could handle it. GO ME!!

Anyway, not much else is going on. We are going to Grand Rapids Saturday morning to visit with the fam and so Jon can pick up a few things from his Dad's barn. It will be nice to be back in Grand Rapids for a little while. I'm gonna hopefully go see Sarah too while I'm up there. YAY!

Well since our house is 15 degrees cooler than outside, I'm gonna go take my book and sit on the deck with the doggies to warm up. (And no, we don't have the air on, it's just that cold in here!) Talk to you all soon!

New Beginnings

I realize that Jon and I have lived in Indiana now for 4 months, but things are still very new to us. We are still adjusting to many new things, like not having family near by, or shopping malls or a Target and Walmart just down the street. We have to shop at ONE grocery store so there is no price comparison shopping, you buy what you need to buy and you sometimes end up paying an outrageous price because there is no other place to go.

For me, I think the adjusting as taken a little longer. You all know I grew up in the Pittsburgh suburbs and then moved to Grand Rapids which was pretty much the Pittsburgh suburbs just on a smaller scale. I have never lived in the country. We have ALWAYS had city water and NO farms near by. Well now I'm on well and septic and there are farms EVERY where around us. All I can say is.....I MISS THE CITY!!

I'm getting used to this place but I would love to mover much closer to my brother and future sister-in-law. I miss them a ton!! I guess I have to wait a few more years until we get our Business Plan written and the ball rolling to begin our own Garden Center in the PA area.

Speaking of Garden Center, we have begun the daunting task of writing up our Business Plan/Proposal. I never realized just how much is involved to convince the bank to take a risk on your business. Some people must be really good at BSing business proposals, because some businesses should just never be started. Anyway, our goal is to have the first draft written by the end of the summer. It's a lofty goal, but if I can keep my easily side tracked husband focused, we can meet that goal. Sadly, that is a very small part of the much larger picture. We are hoping to be moved to the PA area in 5 years to begin this new adventure. (Sooner if possible)

However, since we are looking at potentially five years, that gives my brother and Kelly plenty of time to finish out my brother's active military duty in North Carolina and then to return home to PA so we can raise our future families together---Something Kelly and I are looking forward to a lot!!

So enough about the future and back to the present. I FINALLY have a job. I am working as a cashier at the grocery store. I started yesterday to train. It was a little overwhelming, but I had fun. Everyone is really nice there and it will be nice to work only part time. Jon is enjoying his job for the most part. He is busier than he has EVER been in his life, but I keep telling him, and myself, it's great practice for later. I still never see him and our weekends are shot, but hopefully next season things will go a little more smoothly. We will see!

Otherwise, we have been enjoying the beautiful weather around here to do some gardening and cleaning up around the outside of the house. We couldn't ask for better weather!

That's about all for today. We would love to have visitors at any time. We are only an hour from Chicago and we don't mind being a "hotel."

Have a WONDERFUL day!