the little things

mondee!

Today is a good day (so far!) let me tell you why.

-It’s beautiful outside! Sunshine, sunshine, sunshine! I love it!

-We’re getting Chipotle today at work! yummO!

-I got just the right amount of sleep last night-shooting for another 7.5 tonight!

-4 day work week this week! (have Friday off to help set up for Tana’s wedding)

-I think I’m going to scrapbook tonight!

-Friends of Nate & I got engaged this weekend!  Their wedding is set for Oct. 6^th, 07! October is a great month if I do say so myself!! Hehe.

On a side note, I’m in search of some “cheap” foundation.  I’m about out. I usually use Mary Kay, but I hate to bother the MIL for some more right now.  I prefer it to be good, and decent priced. Just something good to use while I save up for some more Mary Kay. Oh, and while at Bath & Body works this weekend, I tried some lotion that smells just like lemonade…maybe I already mentioned it below?! Not sure, anywhoo…LOVE that stuff!  It’s been added to my *want* list! (husband-if you read this…please note how much your wife really, really likes the lemonade lotion at bath & body works!)

House Update- we heard back from the realtor, and while they did approve us for a loan, we have decided to set some personal goals beofre really getting serious with this “grown up” stuff! ;)  Since our lease isn’t up until November, we will keep on keepin on like we are now, and then after that, we have decided to rent for another year, somewhere else that is cheaper in order to take the difference & put it right towards a home.

Nate & I both feel it’s a good idea not to rush this.  Because, it’s a stressful enough process with plenty of money, let alone when you have so many goals to try & reach first.

All the info I have gathered on websites, family, friends & you guys has been SO helpful!  I am sure I will have many more stories & questions in the future! Thanks, again!

Happy Monday!

Thank You!

Thank you all sooo much for such amazing responses! J I really appreciate it! It’s fun to learn a bit about others & their spouses, fiancés & boyfriends! Thank You!

The reasoning for my questions is because Nate & I have been starting to think of a home of our own. Granted, we do love where we are currently, but we pay a lot here.  Like, a house payment a lot.  It kind of stinks when we think about our money not going back towards us-as in…no equity.  So, we are just very slowly starting to dip into thinking of owning. 

Our lease here isn’t up until this coming November, so we have a bit of time, plus we want to see about financing first.  I am prepared to be “denied” at first...just because of what Nate & I need to pay off (as in credit cards and all that junk) first.  We are stable, but definitely not where we want to be, so I am trying to build myself up for the initial rejection...as in the creditors saying, “give it some more time...pay down some more debt, then we’ll talk”…which is fine…I guess! lol 

I am just really itching to paint, etc.  But that’s the “fun” part…I realize there is a

LOT

of work & money that goes into owning your own home.  This is why we’re taking this slow.  (FINALLY, something we’re taking slow! lol) It will also be wonderful to pay money for something that is benefiting us …that is ours.

Nate got home early evening Friday night, so we took a little bit of time to do some researching of homes online...found just one that is like what we like & agree on.  It’s fun just to look & see what’s available in our area! I contacted someone at Howard Hanna to see about financing, just to get a head start on if we should even spend time wondering about everything at this point.  We shall see!

In other news…Yesterday was so dreary here!  We still hit up some yard sales-found absolutely nothing. Bummer man! So, we visited with my dad-had a great few hours with him at his new home.  Then, we went to Bed Bath & Beyond (yeyyy for coupons!) to get my step sister & her fiancé a wedding gift-they’re getting married in 6 days!!  Went to the mall...got some new scent of shampoo I have never tried before at Bath & Body Works-Black Raspberry! Mmmm! We had lunch at a sub place we had never tried before-Penn Station yummm! So, so good!

We were so exhausted yesterday!  Oh, and while we were leaving the mall—I totally fell flat on my face (well, actually my knees!) out in the parking lot!  Nate & I were holding hands & my feet hurt from wearing the wrong shoes (doh! On my part! Haha) so I was kind of lagging behind...well, he got a little carried away & fast on me stepping off the sidewalk onto the pavement & down I went!! Good grief! **total Nichole moment right there!!* lol I can laugh about it now, but at the time…I was NOT laughing!  My left knee was & still is so sore! Good grief!

Anywhoo, we came home lounged a bit, and then my mom & step dad came over for a couple of hours.  It was good time!

On a side note: I am completely addicted to anything Home Improvement related!! Maybe it’s the buying a home bug that’s getting me?!  Whatever it is—I am loving all things paint, décor, appliances, construction-related!

It’s time for Wal-Mart real fast, and then out to the patio to enjoy this GORGEOUS weather we’re having today!! Tilapia & perogies on the grill tonight for dinner! J

PS-found this old photo from 2005 before Nate & were even dating!  I was reminded of this very time this morning when Nate sprayed his Polo Blue cologne on..the very schtuff he had on that weekend-it took me back! hehe!

TGIF!!

Yeyyy for Friday! Seriously.  So glad this work week is about over!  The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend and Nate has off (bonus!) So, we’re planning on heading to the community yard sales first thing in the morning! It has been years since I’ve been yard sale-ing-I’m so excited! lol

Also, can’t wait to go to the grocery store & get some yummy stuff for meals!  We might also *try* to have a date night tomorrow night-Nate’s craving chinese, me-not so much..but we’ll see!  Maybe we’ll even go to a movie or rent one at home.

I LOVE not having a “planned” weekend. So much nicer & easier! I also really hope to get some pages done for Megan’s graduation album..she graduates in a little over a month! Goodness!

I have a question for all who read this:  if you are married or are going to be-how long were you together before you A.)got engaged and B.) got married?  Also, did you rent an apartment first starting out or buy a home?  If you rented, how long did it take until you were ready to buy?

Shanks, girls!  Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!! :)

(PS-thanks to Typepad's help tickets, I now know why my fonts were all wonky..b/c of my new browser! Must talk to husband about that!)

something is up.

something is up with Typepad & I don't like it. I cannot change my font & color. My pictures in my edit post are all codes, not the actual photo like usual. *sigh* vent over! lol

So, the weekend was absolutely AMAZING! Nate & I both had Friday off. we loved every second. His mom came for her visit from Thurs-Sat. we had a good time. She treated us to lunch at the Olive Garden. Can't ever go wrong there! Did some shopping, hit up Archiver's. Got all the goods for Megan's graduation scrapbook that I must get crackin' on! Got THE cutest FELT 8.5x11 album from ki Memories!! I am IN LOVE!! Cannot wait to go back & get one..or 2..or 3 for myself! ;) I got the green one. Smithville's colors are green & black..even tho Smithville's 'green' is that yucky kelly/hunter green..I chose COOl green for Meg's album!! haha

Saturday was GORGEOUS!! we have had the patio doors open all weekend! Nate & I went to the park..had a great time (see below!) even tho he made me CLIMB up a hill in FLIP FLOPS!! what a site that was I'm sure! lol
Saturday night I ahd Tana'a bachelorette party..she's getting married in less than 2 weeks!! wow! we went putt putt golfing, out to eat a yummy restaurant taht i always forget this city even has! & then back to her house to play Disney's Scene It! Sooo fun! I was the winner! hehe. We party hearty, don't we?!! ;) We hada great time tho. After I came home, Nate & I went to Starbucks..and Walmart. fun schtuff!

Yesterday was a darn good day too! After church we went to my grandparents to visit & have a yummy lunch & play outside! Sucha good time! Got some fun new photos too! Can't wait to scrap them tonight!! That's right..I'm scrapping..because after this glowious weekend we just had...Ohio has to go & act a fool & do this..

RAIN!! booo! I want the sun back! ;)
Have a great week!

today was beautiful..

so we went to the park! Hope everyone's weekend is going just as great! :)

this is love.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              I’m beginning to think I married a child..!  I cannot help but love this man more each day. Found these photos tonight while uploading a few from the weekend..yep. You guessed it; Hotwheels. Check out how he stacked the trucks! Made me giggle so much!

We had such a great weekend.  Friday, I helped my friend Katie & her husband, josh de-wallpaper. Yikes.  That was a killer! We conquered the kitchen & the bedroom-so we pretty much rocked it! ;)

Saturday, my dad wasn’t able to move (postponed til next weekend), so Nate & I took our time grocery shopping.  Then came home to relax. I made him watch A Baby Story with me! lol   Saturday was also our 6monthversary…so, we were able to head to the city & have dinner.  The original plan was to have dinner at Carraba’s, then go see The Perfect Stranger, but time wasn’t on our side (an hour & a half wait for dinner, then we would have missed the movie) so we decided on TGIFridays (Yummm!) & some small shopping at Target.

Yesterday was good too.  We slept in. Lounged. Went to the grocery store again..so I could make these:

Red Velvet Cake..CUPCAKES!!!  They were so, so good!  And these aren’t out of a box, ya’ll! They’re straight from my mom’s cookbook, who got the recipe from our family in

Kentucky

!  So rich & fattening, but so stinkin good! Love my new BIG muffin pan from Kohl’s!)  Nate & I had a blast making these.  We also made ham & noodle casserole. Again, super good!  We love cooking together!

After the cook/eat/eat/eat fest (!!!) we decided to “rent” a movie from the cable company. We chose The Gridiron Gang. Dang, That movie was good! We loved it & when the budget allows, we’re going to buy it!

My sister & her boyfriend stopped over, as did my mom & step dad for a red velvet cupcake. They were a huge hit! Lots of milk was served to go along! Hehe.

Today on the other hand, has not been so good.  Nate called me about

11 o’clock

while I was at work to tell me he had just spoke to his mom.  Things between her & Nate’s stepdad aren’t looking so good.  Makes us so sad.  They’ve been married about 19 years.  All we can do is pray, but sometimes you just cannot change a person for the better.  His mom will be coming down on Thursday to stay with us a couple of days.  I think she needs it. Nate’s her only child, so I had no hesitations in making the offer.  On my way home tonight I called her to see if there was anything we could do.  If she needed anything.  It seriously broke my heart.  She is staying with her niece for the night, but has no idea what she will be doing after.  I wish we could help her more. We’re2 hours away, not just 15 minutes like parents are to us.  I’ve struggled with my relationship with Nate’s mom.  I often feel like I am not good enough.  I feel like she secretly wishes I weren’t in the picture, but this afternoon, God showed me different.  She was sincere in her words.  In such a sad time, she was REAL with me.  That is all I ever wanted.  I am blessed to have her as my mother in law.  I hate to see anyone hurt, but it hits home when it’s your in-laws.  God is good & He will provide.  This is in His hands.

I hope you are all well. I am off to try & scrap!  And I just might have half a yummy cupcake for you too! ;)

*Sorry for the uber small text..Typepad wouldn't allow me to adjust!

wow!

You guys really are here! Thanks so much for stopping by to say hello! It's been great peeking at your blogs & catching up.

I do need to say that while I do not write in this blog for comments, it's just always nice to know who may be reading. So, thanks again for all the kind words!

Well, the official Day #1 of the budget is here.  I'm really excited! (I think I've probably said that already, huh?!)

Tonight after work I will be heading to a friend's new house to tear down wallpaper! I hope it's as easy as it sounds! I'm not much of a physical laborer! lol  Anything to help a friend tho.

Nate wants to make an early morning trip to Walmart after he gets home from work in the wee-morning hours..THAT should be fun! (not!) But, our weekend is kind of busy full, so we don't many other options, since we're pretty much out of everything.  Tomorrow we're helping my dad move into his new home..and he's even offered me a "job" cleaning it every week for a little extra money! so that's a great thing!

I just want some chill time with my hubster-like a nice date night (we've decided to treat ourselves to a dinner out or something each week if we can) so, I'm thinking Chinese & "The perfect stranger" sound good?! Hoping for tomorrow night...but it may get bumped to Sunday. We'll see.

I have tried to scrap some this week. Two different times, actually..with no luck.  It's such a bummer!  Something is wrong with my creativity lately.  It's off-kilter or something! I dunno, all I do know is I don't like it..I want it back!

I cannot wait to get groceries to be able to cook some good stuff!  I have all our meals planned for the next 2 weeks, with the exception of weekends & 1 day each week for leftovers.  I believe Talapia & salad is on the list, as well as Grilled chicken breast, green beans, rolls. OH, and grandma's potato salad!!!  I cannot wait for the weather to get better around here so we can grill out. ahhh. Hurry up normal spring & summer weather!

I hope you all have a great weekend & thank you again for stopping by!

I guess I'm just not that interesting!

I often wonder who even reads this. Is it you?  If you're here, let me know.  I like comments..and seeing how 'my readers' are doing!

In other news..Nate unfortunetly didn't get the job. I think I was more sad than he was when he told me the news this afternoon, but we just know that it is not God's plan.  He has something different for Nate in His time.  We both must always remember that.

We're back... make that MAJORLY back to budgeting! Did this layout last night in honor of it. I haven't scrapped ina  long time..and I have most def. lost the mojo! I am so anxious to get started, all thanks to this guy, Dave Ramsey.  His plan is awesome & wayyy up my alley.  It's just what Nate & I need. pay the smallest balance first and keep going up (or down! however you look at it!)..this Friday is Nate's payday & we'll be starting on our $1,000 emergency fund asap!  I'm pumped about getting the debt gone!

American Idol's on right now. and I'm not watching.  that show is so silly now. A joke, really. I still adore Blake & Chris R. and Lakisha...but I'm not as into as I have been past years. It's just not that big of  a deal now, I guess.

On a side note-i LOVE staking the whole evening & spending it with my grandparents, and then my parents, all with nate! (that all happened Monday night & it was a blast!)

I also love taking a half day. (That happened yesterday, when I was uber stressed over losing $20.00 & just couldn't get any work done thinking about so much going on lately. So, the supervisor said I could leave So I did. at noon! It was grand. Nate & I got our budget all set up and I relaxed the rest of the night. Delightful!)

Have a good night!

Happy Easter!

It's cold & ugly here..and very UN-Eastery! But it's been a good day anyhow!

We spent the day first at church & then mom & Phil's with family for a great lunch & plenty of relaxation. My mom gave me old photos of Megan to create a scrapbook for her graduation party...less than 2 months away now, wow! Time flies...I better bust a move! Doing the whole thing in 12x12.

Nate & I are now home catching up on some stuff & I thought I would blog a bit...he's still crazy for the Hotwheels, it's hilarious! Check some of his latest additions..

Slowly building the collection back up.  It's fun, I actually like it more than I thought I would!

Nate has this coming Friday off, so I think I'll be taking the day off too, to get some grocery shopping done & such because next weekend we're helping my dad move into his new home.

Tomorrow is a big day for Nate, as he had an interview last Tuesday with the same company he works for now, but for in the OFFICE! and he got called back in for a second interview set for tomorrow at 2:30! Prayers greatly appreciated!  This would mean great things for us. Better pay, better schedule..something at least somewhat to his degree..so exciting! :) I think I'm more nervous than he is! LOL

I think that is all.  At least for now! Hope everyone has a great weekend & that I start updating regularly again!

what to say?!

It’s been a little while..and since I’m paying for this thing, I might as well use it, right?!

Sometimes I go to update & I’m like, “what are you doing? You have nothing to talk about!” but, today, I decided to get some of my money’s worth I guess.

Work still stinks.  But, even more because I am just disgusted with some things.

I’ve updated my resume & have begun a new (slow) search.

Nate had an interview yesterday!  Same company he’s at now-but this is for the office!  *say a prayer if you could?! I know he would appreciate it.

Easter plans with the family Sunday. I’m assigned to bring…CORN. Woowoo. I took it hard at first, thinking my family doubted my cooking skills, but then realized I better quit complaining b/c I got a sweet deal!  next Easter will hopefully be different tho, cuz if I get stuck with bringing corn again, I might spaz out! LOL

Speaking of Easter, Nate is (in a good way? I guess?) out of control with the Hotwheels!  They made Easter hotwheels exculsively for WalMart to sell..he’s freaking out b/c he has 11 out of the 12 & can’t find the 12^th anywhere!  It’s kinda cute & wayyy humorous!

Here’s why you have to love

Ohio

..because it gives you pretty great weather for days..like PERFECT weather to be exact, meaning…not too hot, not too cold, sunny, blue skies, fresh air, etc…THEN it takes a turn today…dropping 30* & is supposedly gonna give us some SNOW starting tomorrow or Friday! What the heck???!!!  Argh! I’m still gonna wear my flip flops &

Ohio

can’t stop me! ;)

We have a lot coming up the next few weeks..Easter, birthdays, my step sister’s bachelorette party, then her wedding..then another wedding for another friend, then my sister turns 18 on june 1^st, has her birthday/graduation party june 2^nd and then GRADUATES june 3^rd!!!  talk about craziness!  I cannot believe she’s going to be 18 AND is graduating! Good grief! I feel old. Really I do. 

My dad bought a house & I haven’t seen this upbeat about something ina LONG time. I’m talking years!  I think it’s because he did it on his own & maybe even feels like he can officially start over…gee, only after almost 8 years of being divorced.  I’m happy for him & we’re getting along better now than we ever have. God is good.

I’ve sooo been wanting to get serious about buying a GOOD camera.  I’m really wanting a Canon Xti…(is that even how you put it?!) really bad.  But, we must wait until we “deserve” it…which means, less eating out, buying hotwheels, and scrap supplies! LOL  No, we’ve done pretty good, but man are we eating out again TOO much!!  But, it’s just so fun & easy…but expensive!  We’ve really gotta get that out of control.  Next week is grocery week & I plan on stocking the freezer & pantry full of good stuff to make.  My mom has given me some awesome family recipes & I’ve found a few online, so I have no excuse!  Plus, I have a husband who loves to cook, so it shouldn’t be too bad, right?!

And to add even more to this randomness..Craemer (my dog..well, the family dog!) gave us a scare 2 weeks ago.  He started limping really bad & wouldn’t eat…he was just not himself.  Made me cry a few times when I was visiting.  We thought he may have hurt his leg.  My mom took him to the vet to find nothing wrong with his legs..but rather his stomach. L  He was in a lot of pain & had a lot of inflammation in there. Poor guy.  It took days to get him to come back around & make an assumption of something along the lines of pancreatitis. But, he got some shots & some meds..and better food & my mom said he’s coming back around!  Thank goodness!  He’ll be 9 this August..I can’t believe it!

Anyways, if you’ve made it thru this rambling mess..give yourself a gold star..i’m out like trout!