Sharing our Life

Day 6 - Wednesday (the 27th) - It was a relaxing day today! My cousin came over this morning and gave both girls a haircut. It's pretty short (for them anyway!). Then we mozied over to the park for a picnic. My mom and dad went and we also met my aunt. It was a rather breezy and chilly day, but the kids had fun and the company was good. The rest of the day was spent relaxing, catching up on facebook and putting a draft together for the blog!! Tomorrow we head for Topeka to visit friends. I'm anxious to see friends, but will be sad to leave Nebraska. Jessica - before: Jessica - after: Jaelyn - before: Jaelyn - after: The Park: Putting a puzzle together with Papa: Day 7 - Thursday, May 28th - We woke up this morning knowing this is the last day with my folks. It has been a wonderful visit. We were last here in December and my dad's health hasn't been the best over the past year or so. This trip, he looked WONDERFUL! It was good for me to see him looking so well and get...

I meant to do a short blog on May 9 and the day came and went. Two years ago on May 9, we left Topeka, Kansas (actually Lincoln, Nebraska as we were visiting family before we moved down here) and came to East Texas. Two years ago today was David's first day on the job. It's hard to believe it's been 2 years - it has gone by so fast. All of our family and friends in Topeka, Nebraska and Michigan - we miss you! All of our new friends in East Texas - thanks for your friendship!

I'm trying to be a little more coupon conscience. It's a little easier since there are so many blogs and groups that really do all the work for you (thanks!). I still don't get the paper, so I can't get all the really good deals; but, I went to Target yesterday and got these Nabisco snacks for a grand total of $1.58. I didn't think that was too bad, so I just wanted to share!

Last week we had the pleasure of picking strawberries with Kara and her kids. What fun was had by all! I made jam for the first time (I really underestimated the amount of supplies I would need to make jam!). It was a lot of fun! Here's some of the plants at McPeak Orchard: Let the picking begin: The kids: He's not even my kid, but isn't he so stinkin' cute! Eric is proud as can be! Jessica having some fun! Here are the 'fruits' of our labor at home (I think Eric is trying to show how heavy they are and Jessica and Jaelyn just need some grooming tips!!). We had about 32 pounds of strawberries! Pretty much the whole time we were picking strawberries, Eric and Colin were yelling 'Here's a bottom!'. So here's a strawberry that looks like a bottom (you know - it has a 'crack' in the middle!) I'm sure it was Colin who started that, right Kara?? My first attempt at making jam was 12 pints and then 6 Tupperware containers. I still had...

I think! There are a couple of things I should have added to my previous post about the house that further illustrates God's provision, faithfulness, and goodness to our family. I guess it was such a long post and I just stopped thinking! #1 - Although we lost a lot of money in the sale of our house, it could have been so much more! This is a house that we haven't lived in for 6 years and it is 35 years old. I was very nervous about the house inspection and what potential costs could lie ahead for that. Do you ever wonder why you continue to be nervous and worry when God has done nothing but take care of you?? When will I learn? There were some things that needed to be taken care of before the closing could take place. However, what potentially could have been several thousands of dollars, ended up being just under $1,000 (there could have been issues with the AC/furnace which I know is at least 15-18 years old, the roof is at least 15-20 years old, etc.). So, we are v...

I just wanted to document in one place the story of how and why our Omaha house has been such a burden to us. One reason is so I can look back and make sure we never go there again! Secondly, if I can help someone else avoid being stupid with their money or encourage someone else, then that would be great. And finally, just so when I talk about it, ya'll know the history. This may be a long post, but I'll try to keep it relatively brief (just a heads up - I failed in keeping it brief :-] ). How We Got There We bought this house exactly 11 years ago (April of 1998). We moved to Omaha, Nebraska from Topeka, Kansas because I had a job opportunity and David knew I wanted to be closer to family. So, he willingly gave up his job for me. I started working as a manager of a customer service team (managing 16 woman-that's a whole 'nuther story, if you know what I mean!!). David decided to try his hand at a home business. Home Business David found a business initially to work...

I've had this picture for a couple of weeks, but I didn't want to post it just in case something went wrong. Well, the closing was today for our house in Omaha - the albatross is officially off of our backs. I'll blog more later just about the graciousness of God throughout this whole ordeal, but for now I wanted to leave, what for me is, a picture worth a thousand words! This is the actual house with the sold sign in front of it! Thanks to my brother for taking the picture and sending it to me. I wish it was a little closer, but trust me - the sold sign is there!

We are blessed with some of the best friends you could ask for! The friends I'm speaking of now are our good friends from Michigan, Eric and Kim. We had the good fortune to spend a couple of days with them last weekend. Two of their kids stayed with us while Eric and Kim were attending a conference in Dallas. They drove over for the weekend before they had to fly back on Sunday afternoon. I haven't seen them in 2 years (that is way too long!!!). As a matter of fact, the last time we saw them was right before we moved to Texas. They drove to Topeka specifically for the purpose of helping us get our house ready to put on the market. They helped paint the entire inside of the house and they helped with some landscaping. They stayed with us even though we had no furniture - they worked hard and we were so blessed by their sacrifice of time to come and help us! Even though it's been 2 years since we've seen them, it was like yesterday when they came. We had such a good time ...

Jaelyn celebrated her 5th birthday with friends and family at Chuck E Cheese. We were blessed to have her friends from Texas come and blessed that her party coincided with a visit from our very good friends from Michigan. Here are some pictures of the big event! Happy Birthday again, sweet girl!