Monday, March 30, 2009

Here We Go Again

School starts back up for Brian and Christi this Wednesday, Happy April Fool's Day to us! Tonight was our Southeast parents meeting night, first teen alcohol and drug prevention and then the San Diego Band Trip parents meeting. Where we learned that we'll get to take on the cost of a used car payment for the next 6 months! It will be fun, Erik will REALLY enjoy it, and the "newlyweds" will be able to go out by themselves for New Years Eve. Now for early bedtimes.... isn't it nice to be OLD?

Saturday, March 28, 2009

A Return to Normalcy





It is quite surreal to be off for a week in the spring. We usually reserve these long trips for Ely. The vacation was nice, at times more stressful than anticipated but here are some lovely pictures of the beach. I now and forever maintain - spend the extra money for the beachfront room, it is exquisite!!!

My thought for this weekend is - In this life there are givers and there are takers, and the givers always sleep better! God and I have these funny things lately where he finds learning moments and phrases that I need and smacks me in the face exactly when I need them. This last one is from an entertainment reporter at the end of a piece about Jennifer Aniston... not someone I have ever been a great fan of, but a powerful thought just the same. Brian and I both sleep well =) Brian with his CPAP or as our Scoutmaster would say "that loud ass breathing machine". I am sure that in the next 5 months there will be nights where I lie awake from excitement, or nervousness about the big decisions and steps ahead, but I know, in my heart, that we are supposed to be together in this time and place and for the rest of our lives! (And that is as sappy as you will ever get from me!)

Friday, March 27, 2009

Back in Nebraska

We made it home safe sound Thursday morning and spent most of the afternoon napping. Christi and Erik are both going to the doctor today since came home with some kind of upper respiratory infection. The trip was fast but worthwhile. Amazing to see Andrew all grown up! This weekend we're hoping to get some painting done at our brand new nest and tonight hopefully we can post some pictures of the beach!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

From The Beach

We arrived in Jacksonville Florida safe and sound yesterday, and after some fun with the car rental company we were on our way to Gainesville, where I met some of Christi's family. We had a wonderful dinner from thier favorite local Chinese place. This morning we got up after much sleep (we started yesterday at 2:30am Lincoln time) and drove to St. Augustine Beach. We are staying at the Holiday Inn and got upgraded to beach view rooms! We'll be taking pictures to post later.

Now back to the waves.....

Saturday, March 21, 2009

The First Pre-Wedding Vacation

We leave very early (out of bed at 2:30 a.m.) on Monday morning to spend 4 days in Florida. As Brian noted before, he might be a little bit nervous about meeting his future father-in-law =) I'm sure we'll have a lovely time.

Today's thought for the day is:

My best friend is one who brings out the best in me - Henry Ford

(If you wish by now that I had never bought the book on writing wedding vows you are not alone!!!)

On the House




We officially took possession of the property on Thursday at 5pm, Brian spent the day there on Friday with the Duct Cleaning crew and then our roofer to get some vents scheduled for replacement/repair. At the end of the night we had a little "humor" when the furnace wouldn't come back on! Fortunately, Brian is a "fixer" and he hunted until we had the right switch! Here are some pictures! Beginning with the front door, followed by the spacious kitchen (we looked at 150 houses to find this one, so we can talk real estate with the best!) and our bowling alley family room!








Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Week of Firsts

Ok, so 24 hours ago I signed the closing paperwork on the house. All in all still feeling pretty darn good about it. I can't wait to go visit OUR house tonight! Tomorrow morning I'll get to spend some quality time there as the duct cleaners are coming over. I'll be working on some other stuff around the house while they do their thing.

The week of firsts continue bright and early Monday morning as Christi, Erik and I travel to Florida to visit Christi's dad. Just another step to combine families into one. I know everything is going to be ok, but who isn't a tad bit nervous meeting the soon to be father-in-law for the first time?

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Good Debt

Brian signed the final paperwork this morning for our house! It's official, we are homeowners. We have a mortgage. We pay property tax. We pay homeowners insurance (thanks Duryea's). We have 2 floors worth of ceilings that need to be painted. This is one of those moments where you feel excited and terrified all at the same time. We'll take some pictures this weekend and get them added to the blog =)

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

We Are Family

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!!

Tonight is another attempt to blend our families together. Erik has a vocal music performance and we're going to meet everyone for dinner at "Buster's" BBQ and Pizza. In other places this might seem strange, but it is actually an attempt to keep two businesses open by combining them. For those who are from Lincoln this is the combining of a BBQ joint with what used to be Ramo's Pizza. Because we want to have a super fun wedding day, we're trying to get everyone into the spirit of togetherness early.

Of note. Tonight after the concert and taking grandma and grandpa home, we will do the final "walk through" on our "Nest". I'm not sure the real estate agent or the seller were excited that we had to wait until 9pm. Tomorrow morning Brian will sign the closing papers and we'll have a house before the wedding. For those who are curious, Erik and I will not be moving in until the wedding =) We're traditional and non-traditional all at the same time!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Buy The Book

Tonight I went to Barnes and Noble and wandered the aisles for 10 minutes before I finally surrendered and asked the staff where to find the wedding books. She asked which one I was looking for. Apparently most brides know the answer to that before they look through the display. There are lots of pretty books. I am a list person, so of course I bought the one with all the lists and check boxes. Hopefully that will help me to be the most organized bride I can be. A girl has to have hope right?

The other book I bought is a collection of beautiful quotes, verses and sample vows, so for tonight I will leave you to think of this: Love is not getting, but giving. It is goodness and honor and peace and pure living. - Henry Van Dyke

First Posting

This is the beginning of our journey to the wedding. I cannot say that it is the beginning of our journey together, because that began when we were 11 years old. This blogsite will serve as our couples journal throughout the wedding process and we can post information here for our friends and family! Hopefully this will be a fun and wonderful time for everyone.