Ok, for some of you, you may not understand this post. I, Amber, am a clothing addict. I love clothes. And it doesn't just stop there. Purses, Jewelry, Shoes...pretty much everything you can wear on your body. (I even went through a phase where I LOVED buying and having TONS of underwear) My closet is typically packed to the gills and even when I buy more hangers, within a week or two they are all filled and I am out again. My poor husband has a tiny corner of our walk-in closet. My heels take up the shelves along one wall, my jeans and sweaters take up the shelf under the top rack of clothes. My jewelry hangs on hooks inside the door of the closet. I have a lot of STUFF! Sometimes when you are feeling down, there is just something about getting something new (or new to you...I LOVE garage sales and consignment shops) that can lift your spirits.
I am in withdrawl!!!
Pregnancy not only changes the way you eat, sleep and use the bathroom, it also effects your fashion capabilities. Yes, there are PLENTY of super cute, trendy clothes out there for maternity wear, but unless you have the money to spend on not one but two additional wardrobes, you are out of luck. I am reduced to wearing the same things week after week. Then to add some more insult to injury, it got warm this week, and my possibilites were reduced even farther. I keep looking at my spring and summer things from last season as they hang, untouched, on the other side of my closet and I weep a little :( I now know how my husband must feel. The clothing that I can wear is now reduced to a tiny little patch in the closet :(.
Then there are the shoes! Heels and I have a love hate relationship, I LOVE the way they look, but I HATE, HATE, HATE my little sausage toes that I have for about 24 hours AFTER wearing heels. Anything that is too confining, by the end of the day, makes my feet feel like I am cramming a size 12 into a size 6 (I wear a 9).
Then we come to jewelry. You can't go wrong there...right? Well my necklaces still fit, and yes my earrings are fine (I don't think your ears can swell), but my poor wedding ring! If I get too hot or stand too much, my fingers are like hotdogs and I have to take my ring off. I know before long I will most likely have to retire it completely or risk getting it stuck.
So...What do I have left. My purses :) You can't go wrong with a purse. No amount of swelling, growing or heat will keep me from using whatever purse I want to.
Oh... I'm sad :(
4.26.2007
4.23.2007
Weekend Report
I am so proud of myself. I believe this is the fifth post for April! Don't let that fool you though, life is still pretty boring here.
Friday was a busy day at work. We threw our annual Volunteer Appreciation for our volunteers of our agency. April is considered Volunteer Appreciation month, so we always try to do something to say "Thanks" to all our dedicated and overused volunteers. Our theme this year was "Volunteers Rock" and we decorated it in a 1950's theme. We had balloons and crepe paper. We played old 45's and LOTs of music from that decade. We served banana splits and even had a costume contest. It was a ton of fun. BUT also a lot of work. I got there at about 8:30 that morning to start setting up and didn't sit down until I left at about 5 pm that evening. Whew...that is a long time to be on your feet and working when you AREN'T pregnant. I can really feel my limitations these days. I just don't have the stamina that I used to.
To top off my Friday, I had a clinical training that evening at 5:30. So instead of getting to drag my tired, swollen self home to bed after my day of festivities, I had to go to campus for a 3 hour training. I wasn't super excited. Fortunately it went fairly quickly, and it was very informative. I will probably be doing additional hours at the MNU clinic, so it was valuable for me to know this. Also, I had a chance to talk to my clinical supervisor and she instructed me that I am to take AT LEAST 3 weeks if not 4 off from internship. Up until then I had only planned on 2 weeks, so this was a huge relief to know that she is willing to work with me and really is looking out for me!
Saturday was a day spent cleaning, grocery shopping and baking. Yes, I said baking. I decided to try a new recipe this week and it was wonderful!!! I made an Applesauce Cake. It was heavenly. I even made my own cream cheese frosting. Yum!
Sunday we had our friends Troy and Becca over for Sunday lunch. We really love entertaining others when we can, but because of our schedules it isn't always possible. I love cooking...and cooking for two is sometimes hard. I made Homemade Manicotti, Garlic Bread, Ceasar Salad and Green Beans. And then for dessert of course I served my Applesauce Cake. It was so good to break bread with friends.
That afternoon I decided to forgo my Sunday nap and joined my mother and grandmother at Joann Fabrics. We found the material for our baby girls nursery!!! It is all sort of pinks. There is a satin-y light pink, a stripe with all different colors of pink, a fuscia solid in flannel and then a chocolate brown. My mom and I will be making the quilt, curtains, bumper, and dust ruffle in the next couple of weeks. We also found wooden letters that spell our baby girls name:
G-R-A-C-E-L-Y-N-N
We are going to paint these and then use them over the crib. I am so excited to get it all going. I am not good at "starting" a project and then just sitting on it. It just really hits home with each passing day that in less than 4 months, we will be bringing home a little baby girl! I absolutely love that thought. It makes all the stresses and anxieties seem like they don't even matter.
I also hit a new milestone last night. Well, it isn't a milestone from a book or the doctor, but for me it was a big deal. I was sitting on the couch and with every little kick and punch that my baby girl made, I could SEE it. She was hanging out right about my belly button and I could see my stomach jump and sway as she moved. It was so strange and amazing at the same time. There had been times I thought I might have seen my belly move before every once in a while, but this time it was constant! She is growing...
Well, that is all I have to share from this weekend. We have out 24 week appointment this Friday, so we will see what happens after that.
Have a great week!
Friday was a busy day at work. We threw our annual Volunteer Appreciation for our volunteers of our agency. April is considered Volunteer Appreciation month, so we always try to do something to say "Thanks" to all our dedicated and overused volunteers. Our theme this year was "Volunteers Rock" and we decorated it in a 1950's theme. We had balloons and crepe paper. We played old 45's and LOTs of music from that decade. We served banana splits and even had a costume contest. It was a ton of fun. BUT also a lot of work. I got there at about 8:30 that morning to start setting up and didn't sit down until I left at about 5 pm that evening. Whew...that is a long time to be on your feet and working when you AREN'T pregnant. I can really feel my limitations these days. I just don't have the stamina that I used to.
To top off my Friday, I had a clinical training that evening at 5:30. So instead of getting to drag my tired, swollen self home to bed after my day of festivities, I had to go to campus for a 3 hour training. I wasn't super excited. Fortunately it went fairly quickly, and it was very informative. I will probably be doing additional hours at the MNU clinic, so it was valuable for me to know this. Also, I had a chance to talk to my clinical supervisor and she instructed me that I am to take AT LEAST 3 weeks if not 4 off from internship. Up until then I had only planned on 2 weeks, so this was a huge relief to know that she is willing to work with me and really is looking out for me!
Saturday was a day spent cleaning, grocery shopping and baking. Yes, I said baking. I decided to try a new recipe this week and it was wonderful!!! I made an Applesauce Cake. It was heavenly. I even made my own cream cheese frosting. Yum!
Sunday we had our friends Troy and Becca over for Sunday lunch. We really love entertaining others when we can, but because of our schedules it isn't always possible. I love cooking...and cooking for two is sometimes hard. I made Homemade Manicotti, Garlic Bread, Ceasar Salad and Green Beans. And then for dessert of course I served my Applesauce Cake. It was so good to break bread with friends.
That afternoon I decided to forgo my Sunday nap and joined my mother and grandmother at Joann Fabrics. We found the material for our baby girls nursery!!! It is all sort of pinks. There is a satin-y light pink, a stripe with all different colors of pink, a fuscia solid in flannel and then a chocolate brown. My mom and I will be making the quilt, curtains, bumper, and dust ruffle in the next couple of weeks. We also found wooden letters that spell our baby girls name:
G-R-A-C-E-L-Y-N-N
We are going to paint these and then use them over the crib. I am so excited to get it all going. I am not good at "starting" a project and then just sitting on it. It just really hits home with each passing day that in less than 4 months, we will be bringing home a little baby girl! I absolutely love that thought. It makes all the stresses and anxieties seem like they don't even matter.
I also hit a new milestone last night. Well, it isn't a milestone from a book or the doctor, but for me it was a big deal. I was sitting on the couch and with every little kick and punch that my baby girl made, I could SEE it. She was hanging out right about my belly button and I could see my stomach jump and sway as she moved. It was so strange and amazing at the same time. There had been times I thought I might have seen my belly move before every once in a while, but this time it was constant! She is growing...
Well, that is all I have to share from this weekend. We have out 24 week appointment this Friday, so we will see what happens after that.
Have a great week!
4.17.2007
Busy Busy Busy
Hello guys!
Well I am coming off of an insanely busy weekend. At about 9 pm on Sunday when I sat down I recounted what I did:
Went to a banquet
Sang for 300+ people (in heels)
Visited my grandparents...just back from Florida looking tan and fabulous.
Praise team practice
Grilled with friends
Sang in both church services (in heels again)
Sunday dinner at friends
Study group with classmates
Visted my mom
Grocery shopping
Laundry and other misc. cleaning
Paper due on Monday
And all of this took place from Friday at 5pm to Sunday at 9 pm!!! Crazy!
I also had the pleasure (???) of experiencing my first swelling! I was standing up in church for the gospel reading and suddenly I had a huge heat wave just roll over me. I had to excuse myself because I was so warm. I went to the ladies room and took off my jacket to cool down. I looked down and realized that my ankles were HUGE!!! I pretty much tried to sit for the duration of the day and I think I have to now officially retire my heels for the remainder of my pregnancy :( I am particularly saddened by this considering that it is just now getting nice out and I have some really cute heeled sandals. I know, sounds silly but I guess I will be resigned to flats this summer.
I had a little bit of a freak out moment yesterday. I was reading a thread on Babycenter.com about hospital bags when you go to deliver your baby. It was all so overwhelming, and they say you should have it essentially ready to go by 32 weeks so you have it ready if you go early and you don't have to think about it. Yes, I know I am only 22 weeks, but that still seems not that far away. So then I started thinking about other things I/we need to do such as make a visit to the hospital to tour the LD facilities, speak with the care coordinator at the hospital to pre-register, take a childbirth prep class...etc. All of this stuck in between work, school, internship, housework, etc. Yeah...you could say I was freaking out a little bit about things. However, today I woke up and was calm again. Don't know what made me calm down, but after a night of sleep I seemed to feel better. I still have these things on my to-do list but I am working on it one step at a time.
In light of "thinking" about things, it also made me realize how soon my baby will be here. I am very excited and anxious at the same time. Anxious only because we haven't really started the nursery. Yes, we haven't really had time and No, we haven't cleared the room out of all our garage sale stuff (being that until this weekend it had been in the 30's and below). So, it's not like I have been slacking, but I suddenly have this urge to have everything READY. I believe this is called nesting and I think I have been doing it since about week 16!!! My need for organization has gone THROUGH THE ROOF and I believe I might be driving my dear husband batty! I have lists for everything, I coordinate our calendars, I clean non-stop, and I have started a new banking system for our check register and accounts. While this may sound highly productive, it is serving to stress me out because I have to also keep up with homework, go to class, prepare to start my internship in a couple weeks and go to work every day. Whew...just preparing me for when the baby's here, right?
Well, that is all I have for now. It's a pretty typical week here, so nothing too exciting to report on.
Love, Amber
Well I am coming off of an insanely busy weekend. At about 9 pm on Sunday when I sat down I recounted what I did:
Went to a banquet
Sang for 300+ people (in heels)
Visited my grandparents...just back from Florida looking tan and fabulous.
Praise team practice
Grilled with friends
Sang in both church services (in heels again)
Sunday dinner at friends
Study group with classmates
Visted my mom
Grocery shopping
Laundry and other misc. cleaning
Paper due on Monday
And all of this took place from Friday at 5pm to Sunday at 9 pm!!! Crazy!
I also had the pleasure (???) of experiencing my first swelling! I was standing up in church for the gospel reading and suddenly I had a huge heat wave just roll over me. I had to excuse myself because I was so warm. I went to the ladies room and took off my jacket to cool down. I looked down and realized that my ankles were HUGE!!! I pretty much tried to sit for the duration of the day and I think I have to now officially retire my heels for the remainder of my pregnancy :( I am particularly saddened by this considering that it is just now getting nice out and I have some really cute heeled sandals. I know, sounds silly but I guess I will be resigned to flats this summer.
I had a little bit of a freak out moment yesterday. I was reading a thread on Babycenter.com about hospital bags when you go to deliver your baby. It was all so overwhelming, and they say you should have it essentially ready to go by 32 weeks so you have it ready if you go early and you don't have to think about it. Yes, I know I am only 22 weeks, but that still seems not that far away. So then I started thinking about other things I/we need to do such as make a visit to the hospital to tour the LD facilities, speak with the care coordinator at the hospital to pre-register, take a childbirth prep class...etc. All of this stuck in between work, school, internship, housework, etc. Yeah...you could say I was freaking out a little bit about things. However, today I woke up and was calm again. Don't know what made me calm down, but after a night of sleep I seemed to feel better. I still have these things on my to-do list but I am working on it one step at a time.
In light of "thinking" about things, it also made me realize how soon my baby will be here. I am very excited and anxious at the same time. Anxious only because we haven't really started the nursery. Yes, we haven't really had time and No, we haven't cleared the room out of all our garage sale stuff (being that until this weekend it had been in the 30's and below). So, it's not like I have been slacking, but I suddenly have this urge to have everything READY. I believe this is called nesting and I think I have been doing it since about week 16!!! My need for organization has gone THROUGH THE ROOF and I believe I might be driving my dear husband batty! I have lists for everything, I coordinate our calendars, I clean non-stop, and I have started a new banking system for our check register and accounts. While this may sound highly productive, it is serving to stress me out because I have to also keep up with homework, go to class, prepare to start my internship in a couple weeks and go to work every day. Whew...just preparing me for when the baby's here, right?
Well, that is all I have for now. It's a pretty typical week here, so nothing too exciting to report on.
Love, Amber
4.13.2007
Pregnancy Survey
I just couldn't resist :)
About Mommy!
Name: Amber
Age (when we found out):: 24 (The day before my 25th Birthday!)
Age (when the baby is born):: 25
Is this your first child? Yes
About Daddy!
Name: Ben
Age (when we found out): 26
Age (when the baby is born): 27
Is this his first child? yes
Finding Out!
When we found out: Sunday, December 10th
Mommy's feelings upon finding out: I was stunned...it was an absolute surprise! I cried for about 5 seconds and then went into shock :)
How did Daddy react? Ben is very "even-keyed" he just said ok, and then hugged me.
Who was there when you found out? Just Ben and I.
Who was the first person you told? Mindy Scott :) I HAD to tell someone other than Ben...someone that would understand from my point of view.
How did she/he/they react? SO excited!
Telling the Grandparents!
How did Mommy's parents react? My mom screamed a little and cried. My step-dad just beamed from ear to ear! We told them at Christmas so we gave them a little card that invited them to be grandparents!
How did Daddy's parents react? They were really surprised AND excited.
Are they helping choose names? No, we did that on our own.
Have they bought anything for the baby yet? No, not really. We were waiting to find out what we are having.
How often do you talk to them? I talk to my mom just about every day and Ben talks to his parents several times a week.
About the Pregnancy!
When was your first appointment? December 29th
When are you due? EDD August 17th
How far along are you? 22 weeks today!
How much weight have you gained so far? As of 2 weeks ago at my last appointment 10 pounds.
Have you had an ultrasound yet? Yes...3 of them
Have you heard the heartbeat yet? Yes, every time we are in we get to hear our little one's heart beat.
About the Baby!
Were you hoping for a boy or a girl? I didn't really care...just healthy!
What about Daddy? I think he really wanted a boy.
What did your intuition tell you you were having? I had really begun to think girl...
Have you had your "BIG" ultrasound yet? If you have, is it a boy or a girl? Yes! On the 30th of March we found out we are having a little girl!
Are you happy with what you're having? Of course...we are so excited!
About the Birth!
What are you bringing to the hospital with you? Other than the basics, we were told to bring a DVD player and DVD's...just in case.
Who are you bringing to the hospital with you? Hopefully Ben can make it ;) And then my mom.
Will you videotape the birth? Um...well we don't have a video camera and that isn't exactly "home movie" material :)
Will the birth be natural or medicated? Meds all the way!
Do you think you'll need a c-section? I'm thinking no...but you never know.
Will you cry the first time you hold your baby? You can count on it.
What will you say to the baby the first time you hold him/her? I imagine I will be speechless
Are you nervous/scared about labor and delivery? Yes and no...no matter what I have to go through it will be ok, and every delivery is different. We will see what I get.
Names!
Have you chosen a name yet? Yes...She will be named Gracelynn DeAnne (at least that is what we are planning on for now).
Will the baby be named after someone? My mother's middle name is DeAnne
Random Questions!
Where was your baby conceived? In our old apartment ;)
Have you felt the baby move yet? Yes! All the time. She moves pretty much constantly!
What heritage will your baby have? A little bit of everything
Do you have stretch marks? Not yet...but bring 'em on, I can handle it.
What was your first symptom? Um...we found out early, so just a missed period
What religion will you raise the baby with? From which side? Christian...both sides!
What music or interests will you share with the baby? I can't imagine our child being anything BUT musical! We both love music so much, she will be around it all the time!
Will your baby have godparents? not planning on it
What theme will the baby's nursery have? I am planning on the colors being soft pinks and chocolate brown. Probably using geometric shapes.
What was the first thing you bought for the baby? So far...nothing
Are you ready to be a mommy? I'm not sure...I will learn as I go (hopefully there is a learning curve)
About Mommy!
Name: Amber
Age (when we found out):: 24 (The day before my 25th Birthday!)
Age (when the baby is born):: 25
Is this your first child? Yes
About Daddy!
Name: Ben
Age (when we found out): 26
Age (when the baby is born): 27
Is this his first child? yes
Finding Out!
When we found out: Sunday, December 10th
Mommy's feelings upon finding out: I was stunned...it was an absolute surprise! I cried for about 5 seconds and then went into shock :)
How did Daddy react? Ben is very "even-keyed" he just said ok, and then hugged me.
Who was there when you found out? Just Ben and I.
Who was the first person you told? Mindy Scott :) I HAD to tell someone other than Ben...someone that would understand from my point of view.
How did she/he/they react? SO excited!
Telling the Grandparents!
How did Mommy's parents react? My mom screamed a little and cried. My step-dad just beamed from ear to ear! We told them at Christmas so we gave them a little card that invited them to be grandparents!
How did Daddy's parents react? They were really surprised AND excited.
Are they helping choose names? No, we did that on our own.
Have they bought anything for the baby yet? No, not really. We were waiting to find out what we are having.
How often do you talk to them? I talk to my mom just about every day and Ben talks to his parents several times a week.
About the Pregnancy!
When was your first appointment? December 29th
When are you due? EDD August 17th
How far along are you? 22 weeks today!
How much weight have you gained so far? As of 2 weeks ago at my last appointment 10 pounds.
Have you had an ultrasound yet? Yes...3 of them
Have you heard the heartbeat yet? Yes, every time we are in we get to hear our little one's heart beat.
About the Baby!
Were you hoping for a boy or a girl? I didn't really care...just healthy!
What about Daddy? I think he really wanted a boy.
What did your intuition tell you you were having? I had really begun to think girl...
Have you had your "BIG" ultrasound yet? If you have, is it a boy or a girl? Yes! On the 30th of March we found out we are having a little girl!
Are you happy with what you're having? Of course...we are so excited!
About the Birth!
What are you bringing to the hospital with you? Other than the basics, we were told to bring a DVD player and DVD's...just in case.
Who are you bringing to the hospital with you? Hopefully Ben can make it ;) And then my mom.
Will you videotape the birth? Um...well we don't have a video camera and that isn't exactly "home movie" material :)
Will the birth be natural or medicated? Meds all the way!
Do you think you'll need a c-section? I'm thinking no...but you never know.
Will you cry the first time you hold your baby? You can count on it.
What will you say to the baby the first time you hold him/her? I imagine I will be speechless
Are you nervous/scared about labor and delivery? Yes and no...no matter what I have to go through it will be ok, and every delivery is different. We will see what I get.
Names!
Have you chosen a name yet? Yes...She will be named Gracelynn DeAnne (at least that is what we are planning on for now).
Will the baby be named after someone? My mother's middle name is DeAnne
Random Questions!
Where was your baby conceived? In our old apartment ;)
Have you felt the baby move yet? Yes! All the time. She moves pretty much constantly!
What heritage will your baby have? A little bit of everything
Do you have stretch marks? Not yet...but bring 'em on, I can handle it.
What was your first symptom? Um...we found out early, so just a missed period
What religion will you raise the baby with? From which side? Christian...both sides!
What music or interests will you share with the baby? I can't imagine our child being anything BUT musical! We both love music so much, she will be around it all the time!
Will your baby have godparents? not planning on it
What theme will the baby's nursery have? I am planning on the colors being soft pinks and chocolate brown. Probably using geometric shapes.
What was the first thing you bought for the baby? So far...nothing
Are you ready to be a mommy? I'm not sure...I will learn as I go (hopefully there is a learning curve)
4.12.2007
Faith Lesson
Hey guys! If you haven't noticed...we changed our site layout. I figured that I (Amber) was the one getting on here the most AND in honor of our little girl, I changed it to pink. I also changed our title. As of late Ben and I have had several lessons of faith that have really challenged us. First off, there is the obvious. It is growing in my tummy. It is the most bizarre feeling in the world to be SO incredibly excited and elated about something while at the same time being so incredibly terrified. Not terrified of the baby itself (I mean hello...she is tiny!), but more of what it means. Our lives will be changed forever. As trivial as it sounds, little things will change. We can't just drop everything and go to a movie for the night or even leave town for the weekend NEARLY as easy as we do now. As we begin to prepare for the nursery and daycare arrangements, we also realize the huge financial change we will have to make. The "extra" that we have (never really EXTRA) will soon be dedicated to diapers, daycare and other miscellaneous baby things. Our home will change. Our little three bedroom ranch (that is already pretty little for 2 adults, 2 dogs and a cat) will now have baby things jammed and stuffed into every corner. And then...don't even get me started on school and work!
But then I think...how amazing it is that this little life has been given to us. I already sit and feel her moving about inside of me (and trust me she is going to be quite the little acrobat!) and I seriously could make a full time job of feeling her movements...and waiting for the next movement! I think of all the things I want to tell her already, about love and life and God! I get so excited to see Ben be a father toward her and the other children we may have, and I know that he will do a phenomenal job! I know that I already would do ANYTHING for her. My life and needs is now second place...she already is that important. And THAT is what my HUGE faith lesson is. Every day when I start to get anxious or worked up about ALL that stuff up above, I realize how Jesus' mother, Mary must have felt. Her life was completely turned UPSIDE DOWN from the get-go. She was talked about, turned out by everyone but Joseph, she gave birth in a BARN, and then had to flee her home all because of this one little baby. I can't find a single time in the Bible where is talks about her doing this begrudgingly. Up until now, I NEVER could have understood that kind of love. I know that because God had already given us a love for our new daughter, everything else can fall away and we will be OK. Don't get me wrong, this is a DAILY choice that I have to make to give this up...but it is teaching me to really put my faith in God.
As for other faith lessons, lately we have had a huge financial upheaval. In previous posts I have talked about my accident, my ticket, Moose's trips to the vet AND our sink. (BTW, our sink was finally revived...for a pretty penny, but you gotta have a kitchen sink!) We have just been really relying on God and our communication with each other...and it looks like we might just pull through! It's amazing how through times of adversity and trials you can really learn things and even like it! Because of this we have been really careful to cut back on eating out and spending unnecessary money. One, this is really preparing us for when the baby comes and (as mentioned above) we have less "extra". Two, it has really brought us together in the evenings as we plan meals at home and cook together (well I cook...Ben grills when the weather is nice). And finally, it is healthier. We are taking our lunches to work and eating at home more so the type of food we are eating is better and more rounded AND it is smaller portions! I think that this time could really be a new habit forming that will help us financially and physically.
Well, I know that this post was the conventional "what's new in our lives", but this is what has really been weighing on my mind. Thanks for letting me tell you about it!
But then I think...how amazing it is that this little life has been given to us. I already sit and feel her moving about inside of me (and trust me she is going to be quite the little acrobat!) and I seriously could make a full time job of feeling her movements...and waiting for the next movement! I think of all the things I want to tell her already, about love and life and God! I get so excited to see Ben be a father toward her and the other children we may have, and I know that he will do a phenomenal job! I know that I already would do ANYTHING for her. My life and needs is now second place...she already is that important. And THAT is what my HUGE faith lesson is. Every day when I start to get anxious or worked up about ALL that stuff up above, I realize how Jesus' mother, Mary must have felt. Her life was completely turned UPSIDE DOWN from the get-go. She was talked about, turned out by everyone but Joseph, she gave birth in a BARN, and then had to flee her home all because of this one little baby. I can't find a single time in the Bible where is talks about her doing this begrudgingly. Up until now, I NEVER could have understood that kind of love. I know that because God had already given us a love for our new daughter, everything else can fall away and we will be OK. Don't get me wrong, this is a DAILY choice that I have to make to give this up...but it is teaching me to really put my faith in God.
As for other faith lessons, lately we have had a huge financial upheaval. In previous posts I have talked about my accident, my ticket, Moose's trips to the vet AND our sink. (BTW, our sink was finally revived...for a pretty penny, but you gotta have a kitchen sink!) We have just been really relying on God and our communication with each other...and it looks like we might just pull through! It's amazing how through times of adversity and trials you can really learn things and even like it! Because of this we have been really careful to cut back on eating out and spending unnecessary money. One, this is really preparing us for when the baby comes and (as mentioned above) we have less "extra". Two, it has really brought us together in the evenings as we plan meals at home and cook together (well I cook...Ben grills when the weather is nice). And finally, it is healthier. We are taking our lunches to work and eating at home more so the type of food we are eating is better and more rounded AND it is smaller portions! I think that this time could really be a new habit forming that will help us financially and physically.
Well, I know that this post was the conventional "what's new in our lives", but this is what has really been weighing on my mind. Thanks for letting me tell you about it!
4.05.2007
Playing Catch Up
Wow...have I ever let this thing go. I have to first apologize for the lack of posting. I have been playing a bit of catch-up since I got back from Georgia. So let me catch you up.
1. We got our car back! It is nice to have our Honda back and running. It seems to have a little shudder every once in a while, so we are going to take it back in next week to just have them tweak a few things. Fortunately, we have a lifetime warranty on the work they did, so we don't run the risk of a warranty "running out".
2. School is going well. These classes are ALL ABOUT putting into practice what we will be doing in our internships. It is actually really neat to learn all about the different techniques and such. We are also learning about ALL the paperwork we will be required to do. Just to fill you in. I have to have 500 client hours before I am eligible for licensure. That means 500 hours of meeting face to face with clients either in individual sessions or group sessions. I then have to ALSO have 500 professional hours. Which means paperwork, research, planning, etc. So it is a 1:1 ratio of the amount of time spent in the therapy room to the time spent out. AHHH! Another really daunting thing about that is that as therapists we will be required to assign a diagnosis after the first session. HOLY COW...the first session (50 min-1 hour) isn't nearly enough time to know what this persons lifetime of issues means. Hopefully they will begin giving us the techniques to do that too :).
3. For some that may not already know...we are having a little GIRL! We just found out last Friday, and I completely meant to post right after and then of course life happened. We are excited, mostly just to know (and to get to start decorating!). Plus...someone had to supply the female population in 2007. We know eight couples that have either recently had a baby or are having one that have boys! It was time for a little girl power. Ben is adjusting to the idea of what it means to raise a girl ;) I told him it would come to him. Most important, she is very healthy and we are excited to be more than half way through! August will be here before you know it.
4. Moose had his first big adventure to the vet. While I was in Georgia, Ben took him to the vet because of a troubling little bald spot on his side. It wasn't red or an open sore, but it was just completely bald (about the size of a nickle). Well, he was diagnosed with Demodex Mange. UGH..it just sounds so dirty, but really it is something he probably got from his mommy and it just now had started to show itself. Fortunately, our other animals haven't had any problems with it since they are older and their immune systems can fight it off. So, this past Tuesday, Moose went to stay at the vet for his first of two Mytoban Dips. He wasn't super happy and came back completely exhausted! Poor guy, but hopefully this will take care of the problem and his coat will continue to be a beautiful chocolate brown with NO bald spots :) p.s. He is getting huge. 6 months old and 42 lbs already!
5. I felt the baby move! I had different times of thinking I MIGHT have felt her, but while we were sitting in the waiting room for our sonogram last Friday, she just went to town. It was as if she knew we were there to take pictures of her and she wanted to make herself known! It is the most amazing feeling, and even though people tried to describe it to me (popcorn popping, butterflies), there is truly no description that does it justice. I will tell you one thing, when it happens you KNOW! Now I feel her all the time, and it is so awesome how connected I feel to her already. She really starts going to town when I get hungry...she likes her food :)
6. Our sink died again. This just happened last night, and this time the problem seems to run a little deeper. Fortunately, my cousin who lives in the area and is a plumber came over to check it out. Hopefully it is something he can help us with and it will save us a little money. In general...Ben and I are not so plumbing savvy. So pray for our sink...that it will be ressurrected!
Ok, I believe that is all for now. I feel that I have suffeciently caught you up on the going ons of the Weyrauch household. Have a wonderful Easter!
Amber
1. We got our car back! It is nice to have our Honda back and running. It seems to have a little shudder every once in a while, so we are going to take it back in next week to just have them tweak a few things. Fortunately, we have a lifetime warranty on the work they did, so we don't run the risk of a warranty "running out".
2. School is going well. These classes are ALL ABOUT putting into practice what we will be doing in our internships. It is actually really neat to learn all about the different techniques and such. We are also learning about ALL the paperwork we will be required to do. Just to fill you in. I have to have 500 client hours before I am eligible for licensure. That means 500 hours of meeting face to face with clients either in individual sessions or group sessions. I then have to ALSO have 500 professional hours. Which means paperwork, research, planning, etc. So it is a 1:1 ratio of the amount of time spent in the therapy room to the time spent out. AHHH! Another really daunting thing about that is that as therapists we will be required to assign a diagnosis after the first session. HOLY COW...the first session (50 min-1 hour) isn't nearly enough time to know what this persons lifetime of issues means. Hopefully they will begin giving us the techniques to do that too :).
3. For some that may not already know...we are having a little GIRL! We just found out last Friday, and I completely meant to post right after and then of course life happened. We are excited, mostly just to know (and to get to start decorating!). Plus...someone had to supply the female population in 2007. We know eight couples that have either recently had a baby or are having one that have boys! It was time for a little girl power. Ben is adjusting to the idea of what it means to raise a girl ;) I told him it would come to him. Most important, she is very healthy and we are excited to be more than half way through! August will be here before you know it.
4. Moose had his first big adventure to the vet. While I was in Georgia, Ben took him to the vet because of a troubling little bald spot on his side. It wasn't red or an open sore, but it was just completely bald (about the size of a nickle). Well, he was diagnosed with Demodex Mange. UGH..it just sounds so dirty, but really it is something he probably got from his mommy and it just now had started to show itself. Fortunately, our other animals haven't had any problems with it since they are older and their immune systems can fight it off. So, this past Tuesday, Moose went to stay at the vet for his first of two Mytoban Dips. He wasn't super happy and came back completely exhausted! Poor guy, but hopefully this will take care of the problem and his coat will continue to be a beautiful chocolate brown with NO bald spots :) p.s. He is getting huge. 6 months old and 42 lbs already!
5. I felt the baby move! I had different times of thinking I MIGHT have felt her, but while we were sitting in the waiting room for our sonogram last Friday, she just went to town. It was as if she knew we were there to take pictures of her and she wanted to make herself known! It is the most amazing feeling, and even though people tried to describe it to me (popcorn popping, butterflies), there is truly no description that does it justice. I will tell you one thing, when it happens you KNOW! Now I feel her all the time, and it is so awesome how connected I feel to her already. She really starts going to town when I get hungry...she likes her food :)
6. Our sink died again. This just happened last night, and this time the problem seems to run a little deeper. Fortunately, my cousin who lives in the area and is a plumber came over to check it out. Hopefully it is something he can help us with and it will save us a little money. In general...Ben and I are not so plumbing savvy. So pray for our sink...that it will be ressurrected!
Ok, I believe that is all for now. I feel that I have suffeciently caught you up on the going ons of the Weyrauch household. Have a wonderful Easter!
Amber
3.21.2007
I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane
Ok the titles a bit cheesy...but I don't care cause that is how excited I am to be going to Georgia in less than 24 hours. I have most of my list crossed off and I actually started packing last night (you should be proud, usually I wait to pack until a couple hours before) Of course that may have something to do with the fact that my flight leaves MCI at 6 AM!!! Ben and I are leaving the house at 4:30 to make it there by 5. Holy alarm clock, Batman...that is early! I am hoping that I will be tired enough that I will sleep the entire 2 hour flight and arrive refreshed and wide awake in Atlanta at 9 am (EST). Considering that I haven't flown in 7 years, I am a little nervous. Not so much about the flight itself, but getting lost in the ginormous airport in Atlanta! Thank goodness for cell phones. And then I will get to see Mindy! I am so excited to get to have 6 days to spend with Mindy, Chris and their beautiful little boy, Luke! Ok, I will get off this kick for a while.
In other news...my car is getting better. I spoke with the repair shop yesterday and so far their estimate is right on. It should be done in another week or so. Whew! I will be glad to have my vehicle, and hopefully everything is still in fully operating order when I get it back.
School is going well. Everyone is jealous that I am taking off a couple days. We don't get a spring break...but I am taking one. We just started a class called Structure and Process of Therapy. It sounds a lot more boring than it is. In reality we learn different counseling skills (or helping skills as the book calls it) and then practice them in class. Not only do we get to learn the skills, but we also get to learn more about our classmates, as we are each others mock clients. It is really exciting, and I want to apologize in advance if I start doing "that therapy thing" on you. They are actually really great skills for anyone to learn that can improve communication between two people.
So this next week Ben will be all by his lonesome. He will probably get sucked into the dark world of World of Warcraft and by the time I get back he will have to go through detox and rehab :). If you think about it, give him a call and make him come out of the haze for just a moment. He will have the dogs too, so I do feel a little bad for him (just a little). Those two pups are quite the handful.
Alright, I have wasted enough time on here. This day just can't go fast enough.
I'll post again soon!
Hugs and Kisses
In other news...my car is getting better. I spoke with the repair shop yesterday and so far their estimate is right on. It should be done in another week or so. Whew! I will be glad to have my vehicle, and hopefully everything is still in fully operating order when I get it back.
School is going well. Everyone is jealous that I am taking off a couple days. We don't get a spring break...but I am taking one. We just started a class called Structure and Process of Therapy. It sounds a lot more boring than it is. In reality we learn different counseling skills (or helping skills as the book calls it) and then practice them in class. Not only do we get to learn the skills, but we also get to learn more about our classmates, as we are each others mock clients. It is really exciting, and I want to apologize in advance if I start doing "that therapy thing" on you. They are actually really great skills for anyone to learn that can improve communication between two people.
So this next week Ben will be all by his lonesome. He will probably get sucked into the dark world of World of Warcraft and by the time I get back he will have to go through detox and rehab :). If you think about it, give him a call and make him come out of the haze for just a moment. He will have the dogs too, so I do feel a little bad for him (just a little). Those two pups are quite the handful.
Alright, I have wasted enough time on here. This day just can't go fast enough.
I'll post again soon!
Hugs and Kisses
3.12.2007
Time Flies...
...When you're having fun, right? What about when you are just plain too busy! Our life seems to be keeping up with the break-neck pace that we have set for ourselves. In general the past week has just flown by, although there isn't anything super significant to report on.
I start a new module for classes tonight, and while that is always somewhat nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time, it makes me realize how fast the past few months have gone by for my Masters program. I started in August, meaning I have already put in 7 months of my 26 month program. Pretty exciting to me. Also, after this module we start our internship (another source of nervousness AND excitement), so we will go down to just one class per module. It really puts into perspective how quickly life just passes you by. I start internship in May and the Baby is due in August. I walk for my diploma in May of 2008 and then finish my internship in July of 2008. I will be completely done in October of 2008. I know for some that may seem forever away, but when you consider what all will happen in that time frame it makes it seem just around the corner.
Speaking of internship, my boss has approved my new schedule for when my internship starts. SO...I can keep my 40 hours a week AND get my intern hours in. It will just mean taking shorter lunches and coming in 30 min early every day. Not a biggie if that means I will be able to leave on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 2:30 to go do client hours. AHHHH! I will have clients in about 2 months. That is so unnerving (for me...hopefully not my potential clients), yet it also really makes me feel that I am making progress. I look forward to seeing my "book smarts" put to use in the real world. I also know that there will be a TON to learnt hat no book could ever teach me.
I am also working with my boss on a way to work part time while I am on maternity leave. Yes...in a perfect world it would be wonderful to take the full 12 weeks that FMLA gives me. However, FMLA isn't kind enough to pay me for 12 weeks, AND since I technically only get 2 weeks off from internship, it wouldn't do me much good. If I can take 6 weeks and work part time for the last 4 that would really help us out. Also, Ben gets 4 weeks of paid paternity, so it will give him a chance to "bond" with our little one :) All in all...it will probably be an "interesting" year as I finish up graduate school with a baby, but it is possible. At least that's what I keep telling myself.
We did have an unexpected event take place this past Thursday. As I was leaving class on Thursday night to go meet some of my classmates for dinner, I rear ended a woman in an SUV. Her car seemed to have little or no damage. Mine on the other hand wasn't so lucky. They also sent the paramedics out, being that I am pregnant, to check me out. Everyone, paramedics, police, Ben, classmates, was so nice to me...and the whole time I am thinking "Don't be so nice to me...tell me how stupid I was". I was pretty shaken up, but after checking me out everything with me and the baby seemed fine. Really all that seemed to hurt was my left knee from hitting the underside of the dash. I have come to terms with the fact that I obviously didn't mean for it to happen and that's why it is called an ACCIDENT! We have a rental car that I am driving and we are awaiting the news from the body shop on the extent of the damage. Thank goodness for full coverage.
All right folks...I must go.
I start a new module for classes tonight, and while that is always somewhat nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time, it makes me realize how fast the past few months have gone by for my Masters program. I started in August, meaning I have already put in 7 months of my 26 month program. Pretty exciting to me. Also, after this module we start our internship (another source of nervousness AND excitement), so we will go down to just one class per module. It really puts into perspective how quickly life just passes you by. I start internship in May and the Baby is due in August. I walk for my diploma in May of 2008 and then finish my internship in July of 2008. I will be completely done in October of 2008. I know for some that may seem forever away, but when you consider what all will happen in that time frame it makes it seem just around the corner.
Speaking of internship, my boss has approved my new schedule for when my internship starts. SO...I can keep my 40 hours a week AND get my intern hours in. It will just mean taking shorter lunches and coming in 30 min early every day. Not a biggie if that means I will be able to leave on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 2:30 to go do client hours. AHHHH! I will have clients in about 2 months. That is so unnerving (for me...hopefully not my potential clients), yet it also really makes me feel that I am making progress. I look forward to seeing my "book smarts" put to use in the real world. I also know that there will be a TON to learnt hat no book could ever teach me.
I am also working with my boss on a way to work part time while I am on maternity leave. Yes...in a perfect world it would be wonderful to take the full 12 weeks that FMLA gives me. However, FMLA isn't kind enough to pay me for 12 weeks, AND since I technically only get 2 weeks off from internship, it wouldn't do me much good. If I can take 6 weeks and work part time for the last 4 that would really help us out. Also, Ben gets 4 weeks of paid paternity, so it will give him a chance to "bond" with our little one :) All in all...it will probably be an "interesting" year as I finish up graduate school with a baby, but it is possible. At least that's what I keep telling myself.
We did have an unexpected event take place this past Thursday. As I was leaving class on Thursday night to go meet some of my classmates for dinner, I rear ended a woman in an SUV. Her car seemed to have little or no damage. Mine on the other hand wasn't so lucky. They also sent the paramedics out, being that I am pregnant, to check me out. Everyone, paramedics, police, Ben, classmates, was so nice to me...and the whole time I am thinking "Don't be so nice to me...tell me how stupid I was". I was pretty shaken up, but after checking me out everything with me and the baby seemed fine. Really all that seemed to hurt was my left knee from hitting the underside of the dash. I have come to terms with the fact that I obviously didn't mean for it to happen and that's why it is called an ACCIDENT! We have a rental car that I am driving and we are awaiting the news from the body shop on the extent of the damage. Thank goodness for full coverage.
All right folks...I must go.
3.05.2007
New Seasons
Well it seems that the weather has broken. We just might be seeing the end of a COLD winter!!! I am so excited to finally be able to get out of the house without wrapping up in coats, gloves and hats. I am also excited that this means I can get out of the house and go on walks. Ben and I took Olivia and Moose on a walk yesterday afternoon. I can't believe how out of shape I am! Olivia loves walks and she is already used to them since her first 6 months living with us she ALWAYS went on walks. Poor Moose though, he couldn't quite get it down. He kept walking in circles and getting tangled in his leash. Oh well, he'll get it.
I am wrapping up another module for my Masters. This has been the most challenging to date!!! One class had two assignments the entire class...both worth 100 points and both incredibly hard! I didn't do too bad, but it definitely stretched me and made me think outside the box. Though it was very hard, I found it to be a nice change from the "review" that many of the other classes and assignments had been. On to the next module...
In about 2 weeks I leave for Georgia. I am so excited to see Mindy and family AND to get a break. I will miss one class each and then 4 days of work. I will miss Ben and the pups...but it will be nice to get away for a bit and relax. And seeing Mindy is a BIG bonus! :)
When I get back from Georgia we will have three days before we find out the sex of our baby! So on March 30th we will know if we are having a little Ben or a little Amber. :) My many little siblings tried to nickname out baby Bember...but I vetoed that. So it is not affectionately called "Pinto" (as in Bean -- Pinto Bean...my 14 year old brother, Caleb came up with that). In a few weeks though he or she will have a name.
Ok...I have to start paying attention in class :) We are back from break.
-Amber-
I am wrapping up another module for my Masters. This has been the most challenging to date!!! One class had two assignments the entire class...both worth 100 points and both incredibly hard! I didn't do too bad, but it definitely stretched me and made me think outside the box. Though it was very hard, I found it to be a nice change from the "review" that many of the other classes and assignments had been. On to the next module...
In about 2 weeks I leave for Georgia. I am so excited to see Mindy and family AND to get a break. I will miss one class each and then 4 days of work. I will miss Ben and the pups...but it will be nice to get away for a bit and relax. And seeing Mindy is a BIG bonus! :)
When I get back from Georgia we will have three days before we find out the sex of our baby! So on March 30th we will know if we are having a little Ben or a little Amber. :) My many little siblings tried to nickname out baby Bember...but I vetoed that. So it is not affectionately called "Pinto" (as in Bean -- Pinto Bean...my 14 year old brother, Caleb came up with that). In a few weeks though he or she will have a name.
Ok...I have to start paying attention in class :) We are back from break.
-Amber-
2.21.2007
Quickie
Hey folks-
This isn't going to be too involved considering that not much as happened. We just returned from visiting Pat and Judy this past weekend. It was nice to see them and to get to catch up with folks at church!
In other news...we are considering opening a dog kennel...just kidding. We have been returning favors for the past couple weeks to both sets of our parents. My parents left town for over a week to go skiing so we kept their two boxers with us. It was a crazy week with their two BIG dogs and then our two plus the cat. Then this week we are watching Heidi for a couple of days for Pat and Judy. It's nice to be able to return the gesture of keeping animals now that we have our own house, but it will be nice when we go back to just OUR zoo :)
Let's see...school is school. It's busy and I am about to wrap up another module. I do enjoy it, however I find that I have much less energy now and I am working hard to keep up with everything at work, school and home.
This Friday we have a doctor's appointment. We will be 15 weeks! Hopefully at this appointment we will find out the date for our sonogram to tell us the sex. I think we have decided we will find out the sex of the baby. Yes there are so few surprises in life and it would be nice to wait, but I really want to do the nursery in something other than gender-neutral colors. That's another thing, I have begun checking out nursery items and such...so that is exciting and stressful at the same time!
Well I think that is all I have for now. More to come...
This isn't going to be too involved considering that not much as happened. We just returned from visiting Pat and Judy this past weekend. It was nice to see them and to get to catch up with folks at church!
In other news...we are considering opening a dog kennel...just kidding. We have been returning favors for the past couple weeks to both sets of our parents. My parents left town for over a week to go skiing so we kept their two boxers with us. It was a crazy week with their two BIG dogs and then our two plus the cat. Then this week we are watching Heidi for a couple of days for Pat and Judy. It's nice to be able to return the gesture of keeping animals now that we have our own house, but it will be nice when we go back to just OUR zoo :)
Let's see...school is school. It's busy and I am about to wrap up another module. I do enjoy it, however I find that I have much less energy now and I am working hard to keep up with everything at work, school and home.
This Friday we have a doctor's appointment. We will be 15 weeks! Hopefully at this appointment we will find out the date for our sonogram to tell us the sex. I think we have decided we will find out the sex of the baby. Yes there are so few surprises in life and it would be nice to wait, but I really want to do the nursery in something other than gender-neutral colors. That's another thing, I have begun checking out nursery items and such...so that is exciting and stressful at the same time!
Well I think that is all I have for now. More to come...
2.05.2007
Whats new?
Hello blogger world. Just stopping by to say hello. Not a whole lot has changed in the past week...except my growing belly. I am finding more and more need for looser fitting clothes and pants that don't "hug" my expanding midsection. But I love showing...I will really love it when people look at me and "know" I am pregnant and don't immediately think that I am "letting myself go". I made a trip to Old Navy this weekend to check out the maternity section and they had some great sales! I got 2 pairs of dress pants, a zip up fleece and a tank for summer for under $25!!! The pants are still a bit too big and the tank I can't wear for a while, but it was still a great buy! The fleece however, I bought in a small (since when I am huge this summer I won't be wearing a fleece) and have worn it all weekend...hehe. Its so warm and comfy, and with how cold it is in Kansas these days I need the extra warmth.
Well I have other news too. Starting in May, my Master's program will change slightly to where I only have 1 class a week on Mondays. Before you get too excited for me, know that NOW I will be adding a 12-18 hour a week internship to my schedule. This will include meeting with clients, supervision with MNU advisors, supervision with my internship therapist and paperwork. Pretty intense...but really exciting considering that this will be my first legitimate contact with the therapy world and I will for the first time be putting into practice what I have been learning.
Well on to the good news. About two weeks ago, I interviewed for an internship position with TLC for Children and Families. TLC reaches many children and adolescents in various capacities. One way is through the juvenile detention system. TLC has a campus where they have supervised housing for adolescents that have been put into the juveline detention system either through law enforcement or through their familes. Many of these kids come from very broken backgrounds and have resorted to a way of life that is less than desirable. TLC offers them a safe place to live and the therapy they need to get back into regular life. My internship will be working with a group of girls that live at the complex. I will be working with a licensed therapist and doing individual and group therapy sessions with these girls. I am so excited to get a chance to work with these teens and a chance to work with this therapist. I felt like in my interview that we really clicked and that I really like her philosophy and outlook on things. I know that I can learn a ton from her in observation and our supervision sessions. Eventually I will be able to "take the lead" during sessions and be the lead therapist. Scarey...but very awesome.
Ok...that is all for the news. Once again, sorry for the lack of pictures lately. We should be getting a new camera cord soon!
Well I have other news too. Starting in May, my Master's program will change slightly to where I only have 1 class a week on Mondays. Before you get too excited for me, know that NOW I will be adding a 12-18 hour a week internship to my schedule. This will include meeting with clients, supervision with MNU advisors, supervision with my internship therapist and paperwork. Pretty intense...but really exciting considering that this will be my first legitimate contact with the therapy world and I will for the first time be putting into practice what I have been learning.
Well on to the good news. About two weeks ago, I interviewed for an internship position with TLC for Children and Families. TLC reaches many children and adolescents in various capacities. One way is through the juvenile detention system. TLC has a campus where they have supervised housing for adolescents that have been put into the juveline detention system either through law enforcement or through their familes. Many of these kids come from very broken backgrounds and have resorted to a way of life that is less than desirable. TLC offers them a safe place to live and the therapy they need to get back into regular life. My internship will be working with a group of girls that live at the complex. I will be working with a licensed therapist and doing individual and group therapy sessions with these girls. I am so excited to get a chance to work with these teens and a chance to work with this therapist. I felt like in my interview that we really clicked and that I really like her philosophy and outlook on things. I know that I can learn a ton from her in observation and our supervision sessions. Eventually I will be able to "take the lead" during sessions and be the lead therapist. Scarey...but very awesome.
Ok...that is all for the news. Once again, sorry for the lack of pictures lately. We should be getting a new camera cord soon!
1.29.2007
Ehhhh....
Just when I start to think I am feeling better...BAM! Of course it can't happen on a Saturday or even a Sunday...but Monday morning! Ok...enough complaining, I should be getting my medicine tomorrow (barring any other insurance issues) and then all should be well for a while. I am hoping that "the sickness" will leave me soon and I will get to enjoy my second trimester as everyone has told me I should.
Friday was a good day. We had our second doctor's appointment and after waiting for a looooong time, we finally got to see my doctor. She had been in a tough delivery, so I couldn't be too upset :). I weighed in...no weight gain yet!!! Ben was a little confused as to how I can be growing a belly already and not have gained any weight. But the doctor said that as long as I am not losing a ton of weight (I only lost half a pound) then we are doing just great.
We then got to hear the heartbeat on the fetal monitor. It took a couple of minutes for the doctor to locate it. I was a little worried until suddenly, bah dup bah dup bah dup. It was so awesome. I know for Ben it will be great when he can SEE him or her on the ultrasound...but it was so reassuring to hear our little baby and know that he/she was doing ok.
I am trying, in case you didn't notice, to be very gender neutral. Ben and I both have gotten into the habit of calling our little one "HE" all the time. I really don't want to give my child a complex :) AND I don't want to start thinking in one way, and then it be the other. Whatever "it" is we will be happy!
In case you are wondering, I am growing a belly. I know that the term "huge" is realative to where you are in your pregnancy...but that is how I feel now. I don't mind though. Now that everyone knows we are pregnant...I don't mind looking the part. Other than "the sickness" its the only thing that REALLY makes me feel pregnant so far.
I had better get off of here and get to work...more to come soon!
Friday was a good day. We had our second doctor's appointment and after waiting for a looooong time, we finally got to see my doctor. She had been in a tough delivery, so I couldn't be too upset :). I weighed in...no weight gain yet!!! Ben was a little confused as to how I can be growing a belly already and not have gained any weight. But the doctor said that as long as I am not losing a ton of weight (I only lost half a pound) then we are doing just great.
We then got to hear the heartbeat on the fetal monitor. It took a couple of minutes for the doctor to locate it. I was a little worried until suddenly, bah dup bah dup bah dup. It was so awesome. I know for Ben it will be great when he can SEE him or her on the ultrasound...but it was so reassuring to hear our little baby and know that he/she was doing ok.
I am trying, in case you didn't notice, to be very gender neutral. Ben and I both have gotten into the habit of calling our little one "HE" all the time. I really don't want to give my child a complex :) AND I don't want to start thinking in one way, and then it be the other. Whatever "it" is we will be happy!
In case you are wondering, I am growing a belly. I know that the term "huge" is realative to where you are in your pregnancy...but that is how I feel now. I don't mind though. Now that everyone knows we are pregnant...I don't mind looking the part. Other than "the sickness" its the only thing that REALLY makes me feel pregnant so far.
I had better get off of here and get to work...more to come soon!
1.21.2007
The rumors are true...
Yes. We are pregnant. I am finding it hard to find a good way of telling that information. We have worked so hard for so many weeks to keep it a secret, and now that we can share, it seems odd. But we are. God gave us a little surprise on December 10th and in August of 2007, we will meet that surprise.
So pregnant life...very interesting. You don't feel normal...ever! I struggled with morning sickness for the first 4 or 5 weeks and finally my doctor gave me some medication to help. It was becoming hard to function with work and school and I needed a little help. It has done wonders and I just have to say I love modern medical advancements.
We are already adjusting too. Mostly just planning our adjustments, but it really does change your thinking and the way you plan. All in all we are just taking it a day at a time...and enjoying the ride.
We hope that you will join us in our excitement...and pray for our new little one, whomever he or she may be.
***Baby Weyrauch, making an appearance August of 2007***
So pregnant life...very interesting. You don't feel normal...ever! I struggled with morning sickness for the first 4 or 5 weeks and finally my doctor gave me some medication to help. It was becoming hard to function with work and school and I needed a little help. It has done wonders and I just have to say I love modern medical advancements.
We are already adjusting too. Mostly just planning our adjustments, but it really does change your thinking and the way you plan. All in all we are just taking it a day at a time...and enjoying the ride.
We hope that you will join us in our excitement...and pray for our new little one, whomever he or she may be.
***Baby Weyrauch, making an appearance August of 2007***
1.13.2007
One Year
Can you believe it. It has been one year today since we tied the knot! Where the heck does time go? I have to admit, it has been a ride. You think you know someone, but until you live in the same household and are committed to a lifetime together, you ain't seen nothin'. Over the past year we have brought the best...and the worst out of each other, and we are still standing. We have adopted two puppies, changed jobs, bought our first house, and navigated through our first Holiday season together. I am very proud of us...if I do say so myself. I can't wait for what the future holds for us!
On a personal (and somewhat mushy) note, I just want to say how much I love my husband. There are times that I look across the car, the dinner table or the room and realize over and over again how there is no one in the world that I would rather be on this journey with. I knjow that life may throw many different things at us...but I know with him by my side, we can take it :).
Thanks to all of you that have been our friends and loved ones through our courtship, engagement, and now our marriage. Without you, praying for us and teaching us along the way, we may not be where we are now. We love you all!
Here's to many more happy years!
Amber
On a personal (and somewhat mushy) note, I just want to say how much I love my husband. There are times that I look across the car, the dinner table or the room and realize over and over again how there is no one in the world that I would rather be on this journey with. I knjow that life may throw many different things at us...but I know with him by my side, we can take it :).
Thanks to all of you that have been our friends and loved ones through our courtship, engagement, and now our marriage. Without you, praying for us and teaching us along the way, we may not be where we are now. We love you all!
Here's to many more happy years!
Amber
1.12.2007
New Year...New Beginnings
Welcome to 2007 folks. Life has slowed for us, a little at least. We made it through the madness of the holidays and had our first "party" at our new house. We hosted a New Years Eve party this year and it was so much fun. It started as a small gathering, but as you know, it never stays that way. I think in total we had about 13 people in our little house. We made due with what we had and played games, ate food, and then at midnight watched the ball drop. It was tons of fun and great to welcome people into our new HOUSE! I have really been working on making this house a home over the past couple of weeks, but it has been slow going. It still hits me every once in a while "this is OUR house...we can do whatever we want to it!" I was thinking yesterday that the numbers on the outside of our house are really small and that they might be hard to see from the street. It suddenly hit me all at once "HEY you can CHANGE that now!!!". I know, kind of corny, but still its a nice revelation.
I am back in school and I decided I almost wish we hadn't had a three week break. It was VERY hard to go back. This semester I am taking Psychopatholgy and Lifespan III - Adulthood. Psychopathology is very interesting and I think there will be plenty of GREAT discussions that come out of that class. I am also beginning the process of finding an internship to start this May. It is a very stressful process and I am so afraid of making the wrong step. I think that too much rides on our internship and that is making the interview and selection process all the more tedious.
Our house could easily be named the "animal house". With our cat, Chloe, and then our two pups, Olivia and Moose, it seems like we are always chasing after one or the other. Moose is getting big and has already passed Olivia in height, length AND weight. She still shows him whos the boss on a daily basis. Is is possible to have a smaller female dog be the "alpha dog"??? Every once in a while Moose will get fed up and teach her a lesson though. All in all, the two puppies love each other and pretty much do everything together...including being lazy and laying around on the couch, floor, bed, etc. As strange as it sounds it almost seems easier to train dogs when there are two. They usually keep each other out of trouble (although sometimes they help each other into it!).
Well there is a little glimpse into the Weyrauch household...We'll write more soon.
p.s. for your viewing pleasure...This is our new puppy......MOOSE!
12.26.2006
Holiday Rounds
Well, we officially survived our first Christmas as a married couple. It was a nice Christmas and we were so glad to get to see everyone, but by yesterday afternoon we were a bit Christmas-ed out. We came home last night from our final Christmas and had planned on exchanging our gifts for each other, however we both were so tired we just crashed and plan on doing that tonight. Here was our weekend schedule:
Friday, December 22, 2006
Leave Shawnee, KS at 5 pm for Manhattan, KS
Arrive in Manhattan, KS at 7pm
Enjoy Christmas with Ben's parents and sister
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Enjoy breakfast with Ben's parents and sister
9:30 am leave Manhattan, KS for Emporia, KS
11 am arrive in Emporia, KS
Enjoy Christmas with Ben's Weyrauch side of the family (Everyone was there yay!!!)
Stay the night in Emporia
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Enjoy breakfast with Weyrauch's
9 am leave Emporia, KS for Newton, KS
10:30 am arrive in Newton, KS and go directly to church
Enjoy Christmas with Ben's Grandma and Grandpa Manes AND get to see Ben's aunt and uncle from Chicago
5 pm leave Newton, KS for Olathe, KS
8 pm arrive in Olathe, KS
Enjoy Christmas Eve with Amber's parents and siblings
9:30 pm go home to sleep in our own bed!!!!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Wake up at 6:30am to get ready
8 am go to Olathe for Breakfast and Christmas with Amber's family
Enjoy Christmas with Amber's parents and siblings
11:30 am go to Amazonia, MO
1 pm arrive in Amazonia
Enjoy Christmas with Amber's Kirk side of the family
6:30 pm leave Amazonia for Shawnee
7:45 pm drag our weary butts into bed
So as you can see it was a long, busy, exhausting weekend. BUT...so worth it.
We have a few pictures from the Weyrauch Family Christmas to post...and hopefully others at a later date.
Enjoy!
**Edit** Not sure what the problem is, but Blogspot won't let us upload anymore than this one picture. So for now...this is it.
These Pictures were taken during a long hour of standing out in the cold!!! But we got everyone!
**we are on the far left**
Friday, December 22, 2006
Leave Shawnee, KS at 5 pm for Manhattan, KS
Arrive in Manhattan, KS at 7pm
Enjoy Christmas with Ben's parents and sister
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Enjoy breakfast with Ben's parents and sister
9:30 am leave Manhattan, KS for Emporia, KS
11 am arrive in Emporia, KS
Enjoy Christmas with Ben's Weyrauch side of the family (Everyone was there yay!!!)
Stay the night in Emporia
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Enjoy breakfast with Weyrauch's
9 am leave Emporia, KS for Newton, KS
10:30 am arrive in Newton, KS and go directly to church
Enjoy Christmas with Ben's Grandma and Grandpa Manes AND get to see Ben's aunt and uncle from Chicago
5 pm leave Newton, KS for Olathe, KS
8 pm arrive in Olathe, KS
Enjoy Christmas Eve with Amber's parents and siblings
9:30 pm go home to sleep in our own bed!!!!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Wake up at 6:30am to get ready
8 am go to Olathe for Breakfast and Christmas with Amber's family
Enjoy Christmas with Amber's parents and siblings
11:30 am go to Amazonia, MO
1 pm arrive in Amazonia
Enjoy Christmas with Amber's Kirk side of the family
6:30 pm leave Amazonia for Shawnee
7:45 pm drag our weary butts into bed
So as you can see it was a long, busy, exhausting weekend. BUT...so worth it.
We have a few pictures from the Weyrauch Family Christmas to post...and hopefully others at a later date.
Enjoy!
**Edit** Not sure what the problem is, but Blogspot won't let us upload anymore than this one picture. So for now...this is it.
These Pictures were taken during a long hour of standing out in the cold!!! But we got everyone!
**we are on the far left**
12.20.2006
WE AREN'T DEAD!!!
Ok so I know its been forever...but I kept waiting to post hoping we might get a new camera cord and I could post pictures. Unfortunately, our schedule has not allowed for us to get a new cord...so this post will be very blah and boring...and for those of you that can't read a book without pictures, you should just stop reading now. :)
Well we are moved...mostly. We moved everything (minus a few cleaning supplies and misc. items) and the house is wonderful! That first week of living with the bare essentials really didn't do the house justice. I love seeing our things in the house and thinking about (once the holidays are done) what we can do with the different rooms.
On a sad note....our sink died. Not really, but our kitchen sink seems to have been put together poorly and we need to purchase a snake to clear the drains until we can have a plumber come in and "re-do" the entire plumbing for the kitchen sink. Boo! Welcome to the life of being a home-owner right? It isn't something that will have to be done right away...and fortunately we can just accomodate it right now. Still a bummer though...
We have again added to our family...no, not what you are thinking. We have adopted another puppy. Moose, is a chocolate lab/basset hound mix, however he takes almost exclusively after his lab roots. He is beautiful and very calm, which compliments Olivia's hyperactivity nicely. They both like to play and have become fast friends. Moose is about 14 weeks right now and growing FAST. When we first got him at 12 weeks he was shorter than Olivia...he has now passed her in height and just keeps gaining weight. We wanted a big dog...so that is ok.
I am currently in a 3 week break from classes...SOOO NICE! I can't believe how nice it is. I am waiting anxiously for grades to be posted and then I can completely relax. We start again on January 8th. Not long enough, but I won't complain.
We leave this Friday to "make our rounds" for the Holidays. I want to apologize in advance to all our family for the short amount of time we can spend with each of you. I know that it won't seem like enough, but I hope that it is still wonderful. We love you all, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Ok...I am at work so I should probably get back to it. Love you all and..........
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Well we are moved...mostly. We moved everything (minus a few cleaning supplies and misc. items) and the house is wonderful! That first week of living with the bare essentials really didn't do the house justice. I love seeing our things in the house and thinking about (once the holidays are done) what we can do with the different rooms.
On a sad note....our sink died. Not really, but our kitchen sink seems to have been put together poorly and we need to purchase a snake to clear the drains until we can have a plumber come in and "re-do" the entire plumbing for the kitchen sink. Boo! Welcome to the life of being a home-owner right? It isn't something that will have to be done right away...and fortunately we can just accomodate it right now. Still a bummer though...
We have again added to our family...no, not what you are thinking. We have adopted another puppy. Moose, is a chocolate lab/basset hound mix, however he takes almost exclusively after his lab roots. He is beautiful and very calm, which compliments Olivia's hyperactivity nicely. They both like to play and have become fast friends. Moose is about 14 weeks right now and growing FAST. When we first got him at 12 weeks he was shorter than Olivia...he has now passed her in height and just keeps gaining weight. We wanted a big dog...so that is ok.
I am currently in a 3 week break from classes...SOOO NICE! I can't believe how nice it is. I am waiting anxiously for grades to be posted and then I can completely relax. We start again on January 8th. Not long enough, but I won't complain.
We leave this Friday to "make our rounds" for the Holidays. I want to apologize in advance to all our family for the short amount of time we can spend with each of you. I know that it won't seem like enough, but I hope that it is still wonderful. We love you all, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Ok...I am at work so I should probably get back to it. Love you all and..........
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
11.22.2006
Survivors
Hello all-
This is Amber. I am at work right now on the day before Thanksgiving, bored out of my mind. The phones are pretty much silent. I have worked ahead to cover next week. Now I just have to wait for that 5 o'clock "bell" to tell me its time to take a four day holiday.
Well we are surviving. Life has been very hectic lately. Most of it is due to the fact that we close on our house in a week and move in two. Packing is essentially not happening, school is coming to a head with the module only having 3 weeks left, and then toss the holidays in there to boot and its a big steaming pile. It is always interesting to see how everything will fall when it is all said and done. I have a to-do list about a mile long and I usually add about 3 things when I cross one off. Ok...enough complaining.
I am VERY excited to get into our new home. I can't wait to put up our Christmas tree and paint the rooms the way we want them and rearrange furniture. I love new beginnings, no matter how stressful they are at the time. I am also so very excited about the holiday season. Despite the traveling to and from and squeezing too much family into too little space, I love getting to see people that I see so seldom. I also love being with my family, both on my side and Ben's.
This past weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving with Ben's parents in Manhattan. We drove out Thursday night and then on Friday, while Ben and Pat went hunting, I had the opportunity to spend the day with my very good friend, my best friend, Mindy Scott. (and of course her beautiful son, Luke) We literally spent the day talking. We went to the mall...and talked. We went to lunch...and talked. We got coffee...and talked. Then we went back to her house...and talked. It was the best day. The best day because I am all too aware of how few I have had and how few I will have in the upcoming future. Mindy and her family are moving to Georgia for her husband to go to Captain school for the Army. They will be there for about 5 or 6 months and then after that....who knows. It was so sad to say goodbye to her on Sunday, but I am so happy for them in this new adventure and the next step in their lives. AND, now I have a reason to go visit Georgia. I am already making plans and checking out flights.
The rest of the weekend was spent with Pat and Judy (Ben's parents) and Emily (Ben's sister). On Saturday Judy, Emily and I went to see the Santa Clause 3. It was cute and put me in the holiday mood. Then Judy and I went to meet up with our husbands to watch the K-State/KU game. It wasn't a pretty sight. We can only hope that next year K-State comes out swinging!!! Plus, we still have the bowl game.
On Sunday we got to see all of our old "gang" at church. It is always so nice to see them, yet so sad too. We have made wonderful friends since we moved to Lenexa, but somehow it just isn't the same. I miss you all, Mindy and Chris, Bobby and Lindsey, Annie and Josh, Cherry, Corey and Holly (or Horey and Colly). You guys were a wonderful group of friends and we were so lucky to have to guys as our "group" while we were there. I guess the holidays are good for making you think about the old days too! That afternoon we had a delicious Thanksgiving meal with all the fixin's. It was wonderful and we were STUFFED.
Well it is time for me to sign off. This may come across as rambling and a little scattered, but just know that is how my brain is operating right now. Have a GREAT THANKSGIVING!
This is Amber. I am at work right now on the day before Thanksgiving, bored out of my mind. The phones are pretty much silent. I have worked ahead to cover next week. Now I just have to wait for that 5 o'clock "bell" to tell me its time to take a four day holiday.
Well we are surviving. Life has been very hectic lately. Most of it is due to the fact that we close on our house in a week and move in two. Packing is essentially not happening, school is coming to a head with the module only having 3 weeks left, and then toss the holidays in there to boot and its a big steaming pile. It is always interesting to see how everything will fall when it is all said and done. I have a to-do list about a mile long and I usually add about 3 things when I cross one off. Ok...enough complaining.
I am VERY excited to get into our new home. I can't wait to put up our Christmas tree and paint the rooms the way we want them and rearrange furniture. I love new beginnings, no matter how stressful they are at the time. I am also so very excited about the holiday season. Despite the traveling to and from and squeezing too much family into too little space, I love getting to see people that I see so seldom. I also love being with my family, both on my side and Ben's.
This past weekend we celebrated Thanksgiving with Ben's parents in Manhattan. We drove out Thursday night and then on Friday, while Ben and Pat went hunting, I had the opportunity to spend the day with my very good friend, my best friend, Mindy Scott. (and of course her beautiful son, Luke) We literally spent the day talking. We went to the mall...and talked. We went to lunch...and talked. We got coffee...and talked. Then we went back to her house...and talked. It was the best day. The best day because I am all too aware of how few I have had and how few I will have in the upcoming future. Mindy and her family are moving to Georgia for her husband to go to Captain school for the Army. They will be there for about 5 or 6 months and then after that....who knows. It was so sad to say goodbye to her on Sunday, but I am so happy for them in this new adventure and the next step in their lives. AND, now I have a reason to go visit Georgia. I am already making plans and checking out flights.
The rest of the weekend was spent with Pat and Judy (Ben's parents) and Emily (Ben's sister). On Saturday Judy, Emily and I went to see the Santa Clause 3. It was cute and put me in the holiday mood. Then Judy and I went to meet up with our husbands to watch the K-State/KU game. It wasn't a pretty sight. We can only hope that next year K-State comes out swinging!!! Plus, we still have the bowl game.
On Sunday we got to see all of our old "gang" at church. It is always so nice to see them, yet so sad too. We have made wonderful friends since we moved to Lenexa, but somehow it just isn't the same. I miss you all, Mindy and Chris, Bobby and Lindsey, Annie and Josh, Cherry, Corey and Holly (or Horey and Colly). You guys were a wonderful group of friends and we were so lucky to have to guys as our "group" while we were there. I guess the holidays are good for making you think about the old days too! That afternoon we had a delicious Thanksgiving meal with all the fixin's. It was wonderful and we were STUFFED.
Well it is time for me to sign off. This may come across as rambling and a little scattered, but just know that is how my brain is operating right now. Have a GREAT THANKSGIVING!
11.12.2006
Holiday Blues
Hey everyone. Well we are starting to make plans for our first holiday season as a married couple. It is HARD. There are so many places and so many people that we would love to see and spend time with, but we have only a few days. AND with the new house, we are having to get creative to find ways to afford gifts and gas money to make our many Christmas's happen. We did figure out Thanksgiving...or rather Ben's work schedule figured it out for us. We are leaving this coming Thursday evening to head to Ben's parents in Manhattan. Friday Ben will be hunting with his dad (which he is REALLY looking forward to) and then we will celebrate an early Thanksgiving with them on Saturday or Sunday. We will then spend Thanksgiving day in Olathe with Amber's parents and family since Ben doesn't have the day off after Thanksgiving (bummer). At least this means we get in spending time with both of our families though!
The house stuff is moving right along. We met with our loan officer on Saturday morning to give him all of our financial documents and to sign a TON of papers. It was about as fun as having a tooth pulled, but that step is done. We are in the process of getting our homeowners insurance taken care of AND planning with our electric and gas companies to have our utilities turned on...YAY! In case anyone is wondering, we have yet to start packing. BUT we technically don't have to be out of our apartment until the 31st of December, so it is really urgent.
Amber's school is coming right along too. She is halfway through her second module and is loving the classes she is taking right now...Lifespan I and II (Childhood and Adolesence). It keeps her pretty busy. Speaking of busy, she just started her work towards getting her internship set up. All of her classmates have to apply to the available internships just like a job and then interview for them. She will hopefully know by February or March where her internship will be and then she will start in May. At that time she will go down to one night of class a week BUT she will be putting in between 15 and 20 hours of time for her intership...on top of full time work and studying for her classes. It will be hectic, but worth it all in the end.
Friday night we helped sponsor a youth activity for our church. It was a district event called Breakaway and it goes from 6 pm to 6 am ...YIKES!!! We had a ton of fun with the kids. We posted some pictures below to check out all the fun we had...lol
The whole gang at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe waiting for the service to start (we got there about 2 hours early...so it was a long wait).
Brad...too cool for school. This is kid is NOT camera shy...haha.
There was a group from the KC Urban Youth Center there. They had a gospel choir and then these girls were doing an interpretive dance. It was pretty amazing. The youth at this event raised over $1000 for the KCUYC that night...I was so proud of them!
Worship was very good. For the second half they used their acoustic guitars and bongos!
Brad again...definitely not shy.
Breanna and Kaitlin..taking a time out from the arcade games at PowerPlay for some TCBY.
Becki Privett, another sponsor, taking a nap on the skeeball game at PowerPlay...we were ALL so tired!
Ben and Adam Schwer, our youth pastor, playing Dance, Dance Revolution...Check out their faces...lol
Ben playing some boxing game...he wasn't very good ;)
Ok ya'll thats all for now. We love you and will post again soon!
The house stuff is moving right along. We met with our loan officer on Saturday morning to give him all of our financial documents and to sign a TON of papers. It was about as fun as having a tooth pulled, but that step is done. We are in the process of getting our homeowners insurance taken care of AND planning with our electric and gas companies to have our utilities turned on...YAY! In case anyone is wondering, we have yet to start packing. BUT we technically don't have to be out of our apartment until the 31st of December, so it is really urgent.
Amber's school is coming right along too. She is halfway through her second module and is loving the classes she is taking right now...Lifespan I and II (Childhood and Adolesence). It keeps her pretty busy. Speaking of busy, she just started her work towards getting her internship set up. All of her classmates have to apply to the available internships just like a job and then interview for them. She will hopefully know by February or March where her internship will be and then she will start in May. At that time she will go down to one night of class a week BUT she will be putting in between 15 and 20 hours of time for her intership...on top of full time work and studying for her classes. It will be hectic, but worth it all in the end.
Friday night we helped sponsor a youth activity for our church. It was a district event called Breakaway and it goes from 6 pm to 6 am ...YIKES!!! We had a ton of fun with the kids. We posted some pictures below to check out all the fun we had...lol
The whole gang at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe waiting for the service to start (we got there about 2 hours early...so it was a long wait).
Brad...too cool for school. This is kid is NOT camera shy...haha.
There was a group from the KC Urban Youth Center there. They had a gospel choir and then these girls were doing an interpretive dance. It was pretty amazing. The youth at this event raised over $1000 for the KCUYC that night...I was so proud of them!
Worship was very good. For the second half they used their acoustic guitars and bongos!
Brad again...definitely not shy.
Breanna and Kaitlin..taking a time out from the arcade games at PowerPlay for some TCBY.
Becki Privett, another sponsor, taking a nap on the skeeball game at PowerPlay...we were ALL so tired!
Ben and Adam Schwer, our youth pastor, playing Dance, Dance Revolution...Check out their faces...lol
Ben playing some boxing game...he wasn't very good ;)
Ok ya'll thats all for now. We love you and will post again soon!
11.01.2006
House Update
Hey! This is Amber... I am at work right now on my break. Ok guys...well so far so good with the house. We have been holding our breaths for the past few days waiting for something to hit the fan or for the whole deal to bottom out (not to be negative), but so far we are still on track to have a home and move in on November 30th. ACK! That seems so close. That is exactly 4 weeks from tomorrow. There is still so much to be done...packing, buying appliances, signing papers, etc. However, we can cross one BIG thing off. We had our FHA inspection yesterday. We had to go out to the house for two hours while the inspector looked the house up and down. It was nice to get to be there though so we could get another REALLY good look at the house without the current owners there. Here are a few things we found that we either didn't know before or we didn't notice the first time we were in the house.
1. There is a lazy susan in the kitchen in ADDITION to the two pantries. Though to some this is nothing, I am REALLY excited about having a bigger kitchen with more space.
2. The whirlpool tup works GREAT! We also hadn't noticed that it is a corner tub...so its really big **wink wink**.
3. The whole front room is already wired for a pretty extensive surround sound. Ben was pretty excited about this being that he owns a system that is currently at his parents house because we can't really use it where we are at now. Sorry Pat and Judy...I think Ben is going to want it back now :(
4. The garage is already wired with electricity. This is good for the date in the distant future when we put a driveway up to the garage and use it on a regular basis. We can install an opener and even put electricity out there for Ben to work on the cars!
5. The two second bedrooms are actually quite large...we hadn't remembered them being that big. We are going to use the front room for our office (the smaller of the two) and then the back room for our guest room (Eventually when we buy a new bed for us).
6. In addition to the bathroom walls being recently redone with tiling, all the fixtures in the bathrooms are new too!
7. There is a TON of cabinet space in the master bath. I am so excited to have room for all the bathroom STUFF so it doesn't just sit out on the counter.
Well, these are just some of the observations that we made last night while waiting for the inspection to get done. I have off work next Friday for Veterans day (which is Saturday...don't ask me, I don't complain) and my mom and I are going to go back to the house to get measurements of the windows and stuff! Exciting! Ok...continue to pray that all goes well as we move along with the house stuff. Thanks guys!
1. There is a lazy susan in the kitchen in ADDITION to the two pantries. Though to some this is nothing, I am REALLY excited about having a bigger kitchen with more space.
2. The whirlpool tup works GREAT! We also hadn't noticed that it is a corner tub...so its really big **wink wink**.
3. The whole front room is already wired for a pretty extensive surround sound. Ben was pretty excited about this being that he owns a system that is currently at his parents house because we can't really use it where we are at now. Sorry Pat and Judy...I think Ben is going to want it back now :(
4. The garage is already wired with electricity. This is good for the date in the distant future when we put a driveway up to the garage and use it on a regular basis. We can install an opener and even put electricity out there for Ben to work on the cars!
5. The two second bedrooms are actually quite large...we hadn't remembered them being that big. We are going to use the front room for our office (the smaller of the two) and then the back room for our guest room (Eventually when we buy a new bed for us).
6. In addition to the bathroom walls being recently redone with tiling, all the fixtures in the bathrooms are new too!
7. There is a TON of cabinet space in the master bath. I am so excited to have room for all the bathroom STUFF so it doesn't just sit out on the counter.
Well, these are just some of the observations that we made last night while waiting for the inspection to get done. I have off work next Friday for Veterans day (which is Saturday...don't ask me, I don't complain) and my mom and I are going to go back to the house to get measurements of the windows and stuff! Exciting! Ok...continue to pray that all goes well as we move along with the house stuff. Thanks guys!
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