Trees!!!

One of the things we've been wanting to do at our house is plant some trees. We have a 15,000 sq. ft. lot and 75% of it is in full sun literally 90% of the day. So, in hopes of keeping our grass from frying, and to give some relief to the puppies when they're outside, we planted some trees today!

We got an awesome $150 credit to a nursery for a 2" diameter tree as a part of Wentzville's tree program. So we got to splurge and get a really nice tree from a nursery! We also hit Home Depot and got a couple more. We planted 4 trees today!

We got a Weeping Cherry tree from Home Depot for our front yard for some decoration. It is gorgeous when in bloom!

We took the Crabapple out of the spot in the front yard and replaced it with the cherry. We then put the Crabapple in the front side yard.

We got a Acer Rubrum Burgandy Belle Maple (from the nursery, in case you couldn't tell) for the back side yard.

Then we got another maple for the back yard.

I'm so happy! It was a LOT of work but it looks great!

I love my babies....

I really do. But, I really HATE them right now.

Before Rob and I moved in together after the wedding, Oliver and Dudley were happily living at my parents house and doing just fine. I mean, what dog wouldn't with someone home to keep you company ALL THE TIME. Obviously, that's not the case anymore. Oliver and Dudley live with Rob and I and are home 9 hours a day by themselves. Before we moved, we could let them roam the house without worry. They didn't chew (and still don't) and wouldn't mess in the house. Ahhh, until now.

Now, everyday, I come home to a pile of dog poop. And lately they've been peeing on the carpet. And it's not in a single spot everytime. It's all over the house. I'm so done with this right now. Poop, I can handle (though I still hate it) but pee is a totally different story.

Now the question, what do I do? Should I buy a crate for them? Should they share it? Have their own? What about blocking them off in the kitchen?

I would love to take like two weeks off of work to devote to housebreaking them again. It doesn't help that we don't have a fence either.

I'm so mad right now... :(

The Before's

Just for fun, I wanted to post the "before's" of the pictures I posted of Isabella last time:

Ahhhh... she's such a sweetie!

I couldn't resist...

My beautiful niece was baptised yesterday. I wanted to share some pictures!

This is my attempt at making some of her pictures look better in Adobe Lightroom. I've shown you some pictures I played with in here before, but I was really excited to see what I could do with Isabella.

Some of them are the best in quality, but I tried!

What do you think?

I've made my decision.

After MUCH thought and consideration, I've made my decision. I told Westgate today that I wasn't going to student teach and that I would work for them next year.

Wow.

That last post was a lot longer than I thought! Sorry!!!

Decisions, Decisions...

I hate decisions. Especially the small ones. See, usually the big ones aren't that hard to decide on. But when it comes to deciding where we're going to eat tonight or where to put that picture in my house, I totally sink.

Getting married? A lot of people say that is the biggest decision of their lives. For me, there was no question. How could I not marry Rob?

This is different, though. I have a really big decision to make. One that could, and will, ultimately effect the rest of my life. I don't even know where to begin. The worst part? I have to decide by Friday.

I've mentioned before about second guessing my decision to become a teacher. Especially a public school teacher. Let me start from the beginning.

Last summer I landed a job working at a summer camp mainly helping in the preschool. I was working with 2, 3, and 4 year olds all day. At the time I didn't really like the job too much, because I never knew what I would be doing from day to day and if I'd be stuck doing something I didn't really want to (teaching the elementary kids). This is one of the places that made me realize that I don't want to teach elementary school. Well, I'm back at summer camp this year and am loving it! I'm teaching 4 year olds in my own classroom. It's awesome. I really love the age group and the atmosphere of a private Christian school. This is where things turned on me.

One of the assistant teachers had a baby in June (he's so cute!). She won't be coming back. This means there is an opening in the fall for an assistant teacher. They wanted me to do it! I was so super excited and said yes right away. Of course I want a full time job working with the kids I love! Then my little bout of joy came to a screeching halt. This job is for the school year. Which in the fall is cool. I'm only taking night classes (boo.). But... I'm supposed to student teach in the spring. NOOOO!!! I DON'T WANT TO!

I don't want to be an elementary school teacher anymore. I don't want to teach middle school math anymore. I don't want to have a full time job I don't get paid for and not have a job to pay bills with. I don't want student teach!!!

Then the wheels started turning. Maybe I don't have to student teach. I can graduate in December with my bachelors in educational studies, work full time at the preschool, go back and get my masters (which I planned on doing anyway) and get certified in early childhood there. But, if I student teach, I can graduate certified in elementary and middle school math, take my Praxis in early childhood and get certified that way. But, then I'd be losing out on an awesome opportunity to get some experience for my resume, which is SOOO important in finding a job!!

Then, another idea popped into my head. I could take all of the early childhood classes in the next two semesters and student teach in the summer. Well, they don't do student teaching in the summer (boo, again!). So, maybe I could student teach in the fall.

Or, I could take all the early childhood classes and not student teach at all. And go get my masters.

I don't know what to do!!! I REALLY want to work next year. Rob and I want to pay off some bills and start saving. I really DON'T want to student teach next spring. But, maybe I should anyway? I'm so confused and hate this feeling. I wish I could fast forward time and see what each decision's effect would be on my life.

Anyone have any advice?

PICTURES!!!!!!

All of our pictures are up!!! I'm thrilled. They are absolutely unbelievable.

Check them out!!!

Click on weddings, proofing and the password is: 061308

Enjoy!

Finally!!!

Okay, okay. It really didn't take that long, but I'm excited to say that a preview for our wedding pictures is up!!!

Check it out!

A Rainbow!

There was a beautiful rainbow behind our house yesterday during the storm. I could see the beginning and end of it and it had all the colors. It was gorgeous!

Ignore the blue-looking sky in the picture. It was really that dark grey storm cloud color with the sun shining on it.

Settling In

My worries are subsiding as we're closing our third week living in our new house. My biggest worries were Oliver and Dudley. They were moving to a new place, leaving Sadie behind, as wells as being away from my parents, brother and sister in law and nephew.

But, they seem to be enjoying themselves:

I'm really happy with how they are adjusting!

Miscellaneous Home Improvement

I'm super excited. Today, Pest Shield is coming to activate our bug system. All the houses in our subdivision are equipped with the system and all you have to do is sign up for them to come and spray the house and charge the system. The tightwad side of me says this is a huge waste of money. But, the inner bug scaredy cat says we can't live without it. So, bye-bye buggies! No more spiders for me!

Now we need a fence. The problem? Fences are freaking EXPENSIVE. Anybody get a fence recently that can recommend a company I can get fencing from for a good price? I'm open to any suggestions. It's killing me (second to the spiders).

But, before we get a fence I would love to install our sprinkler system. See, all we need to do is rent a trencher to dig the trenches. We have everything else. Yeah, that's a heck of a lot of money too. I don't like this homeowner thing. It's too expensive.

No, no. I take that back. I love having my own home. I don't mind cleaning, I like having my own space. It just stinks that everything that you want to make it better costs so much freaking money.

A Little Handiwork

I was displaying my ability to do some handiwork around the house yesterday and I have blisters to prove it. I installed (with Rob's help, of course) handles on most of my cabinet doors in the kitchen. Notice I said "most." As in, I didn't have enough. So, I'm going to Home Depot tonight to get some more. Or did I get them at Lowes? I'll figure it out. Regardless, they look fabulous.

No home improvement project can go without a hitch. I broke a screw off inside one of the holes. Long story. Happy ending.

I'm pretty proud of myself though!

***Still waiting for pictures!!!***

I'm Baaaaaaaccccckkkk!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm married!!! What an amazing week and a half it has been! The wedding went off without a hitch and our week off of work was way too fast. But, I'll start from the beginning.

The week of the wedding was crazy. We were so busy decorating and making sure everything was ready. The rehearsal and dinner were great as well. I was really proud of myself because I never really felt very nervous beforehand. The day of, however was a different story.

I took everyone's advice and made sure I tried to take everything in as well as stayed hydrated and kept food on my stomach. We all met on Friday at the church to get our hair done at about 8am. Deanna, who is AMAZING, was there bright and early and did everyone's hair. She was literally working from 8am until 3:30pm to get everyone done. I couldn't thank her enough! She did a great job on everyone' s hair and kept a beautiful smile on her face all day long! My only pictures from the day of the wedding are of us hanging out getting ready so, here goes!

Deanna (she's gonna hate me for this picture!)

Doing our hair

Playing spoons while waiting...

Doing my makeup

Steaming my veil

I must say, also, that God is good! I literally sat and stared out the window ALL DAY as it rained CONSTANTLY from 8:30am until Clary (our photographer) got there. It didn't stop!! I was pleading with God to make it stop! He did! So, we tramped out in the wet grass in the wooded area behind the church for some pictures. I'm anxiously awaiting these! I'll definitely let you know as soon as they're posted.

The week after the wedding was a great week off. Not exactly what I had pictured, but still wonderful. Remember how I said Rob hadn't moved anything yet? And he promised he would be moved by the wedding? Well, the day after the wedding he breaks the news to me that he doesn't have any UNDERWEAR! What?! So, we head back to his parents' house to get some of his stuff. We also had a LOT of company the week after. I was hoping for some more alone time, but I still had a good time.


One thing I really loved: spending some good quality time with my babies! I got a whole week to love on them and get them used to their new house. They're loving it here! As am I!


Unfortunately, I had to head back to work today... it was bittersweet. I missed my class and am anxious to establish our routine. However, I don't want to start up the day to day boring stuff. Such is life.

More to come later!

PHEW!

I'm so tired. Not that I'm tired for a bad reason. This weekend was a LOT of fun. But, I'm tired. Saturday I had my bachelorette party! It was a blast. Low key, which is what I wanted. We went to Ariake Steak House and then bowling at Brunswick Zone after which we went back to Casey's house (my future sister-in-law) and just hung out. I know it doesn't sound like much fun to some, but I loved it and I'm the bride, so there. ;o)


Saturday, Rob's dad threw him a surprise party. This was AWESOME! As much as his dad complains about Rob's friends coming over (being noisy and leaving a mess) he's gonna miss it when Rob moves out! So, Don decided to have a last hurrah and had a big poker tournament with all of Rob's buddies. Us girls hung out all night and ate pizza... :o)

Sunday, we took some groceries to the house and then a birthday party for Rob's little cousins, Max, Camille, and Alexandra. It was fun! James, Camille, and Sophia practiced walking down the aisle (hallway) for the wedding. They are going to be great!

On a side note, I went grocery shopping this week. I've definitely been worried about this. We're on a budget, obviously and I was really worried about how much money it was going to cost to get all of those basic things for the house - salt, pepper, vegetable oil, etc. But, I've been clipping coupons, and I went through the ads for the week. Overall, I think I did really well! And, I LOVE Super Walmart! As much as I really don't like shopping at Walmart, you can't deny it when their prices are lower than the grocery store's on sale with a coupon!


I'm going to end this post telling you that I'm getting married next week! AHHH!!! I'm super excited and super stressed. But, after the wedding I have a week off! For now I have to get through a week of a period-induced headache (yuck!!) that hopefully doesn't turn into a migraine, again. I don't need that teaching four year olds.


With that said, I can't say I'll be posting much in the next couple of weeks. I'll definitely make one last post before the wedding, but hopefully after all of this is over I can spend some more time on here!

Getting in the Groove

No, I'm not dancing.... I'm in that transition period I go through every semester when school ends and "break" begins. I put break in quotes because it's never actually a break so much as a shift of focus. I'm no longer focusing so much on homework and grades (ha, like I was actually doing that to begin with) but on working as much as I can to make some money to pay to go to school. Ahh, it's a vicious cycle.

But this summer is going to be different. I'm having my first teaching experience. I've been given the title of Cubs 4 Summer Camp teacher. This means I'm in charge (along with my assistant) of approximately 10-15 four year olds for 9 hours every day of the week.

This is a totally new experience for me. Well, not totally, but that sounds a little more daunting, right? I've worked in classrooms with these kids quite a bit before, but I've never actually had them as MY students. Big difference. It's also kind of strange. I've been going to school for three years to become a teacher. I've learned how to run a classroom, classroom management techniques, etc. But now, I'm actually putting into practice all of these techniques I've learned. And, quite frankly, I really don't think about those techniques I "learned" when I'm actually in the classroom. I'm winging it and constantly taking note in the back of my head of what I need to do to make tomorrow run smoother.

The best part? I love it! It's definitely not what I've planned on. I'm getting a degree in elementary education and middle school math education, not early childhood. The funny thing is, early childhood was my first choice! Except some crazy advisor at Lindenwood decided that I wouldn't like it and steered me in the other direction. At this point, I'm not sure what God has in store for my future, but right now if teaching fresh, young minds is part of it, I think I'd be pretty happy.

Maybe I should knock on some wood though. I mean it is only the first week of school. I just pray that whatever God's plan is for my life, it happens. For now, I'm going to enjoy some funny experiences with four year olds. They have such innocence. I'm sure I'll be sharing plenty of stories!

So, I'm going to spend the next week and a half getting in the groove of things only to switch gears again to get married! That's right! I'm getting married in 16 days! I'm so ready!

Playing Catch-Up

I've decided that I'm a bona fide procrastinator. I didn't use to be a procrastinator. This is why I never blog and never go to the gym. I keep telling myself that I'll go later, or I why bother? Nobody really reads your blog anyway. Just don't eat as many calories. I blame my new procrastinating ways on Rob. Case in point.

Me: Rob, this weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, I'd like to get you moved out to the house for the most part since this will be one of our only free weekends to do it before the wedding.

Rob: Steph, the wedding is THREE WEEKS AWAY!

Me: But, I REALLY don't want to be moving our stuff the week after the wedding when we have off. I want to relax and enjoy being MARRIED.

Rob: We have plenty of time.

Me: Fine.

See, how can I not keep a little of this from rubbing off on me? I mean, Rob is the procrastinator of all procrastinators. Example number two:

Rob: What ring size are you again?

Me: Why? (Is he going to buy me two rings!? Oh wait. Oh, no. My thoughts come to a screeching halt as I realize...) You haven't bought my wedding band yet!?

Rob: No.

Me: Babe, the wedding is in THREE WEEKS!!!

Rob: So, all I have to do is go buy it.

Me: What if it has to be sized!

Rob: Oh.

Yup. We're gonna arrive at our wedding day and I'm not gonna have a wedding band. What am I gonna do, borrow someone's? I need to take a deep breath. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Okay. It'll all be okay.

Speaking of the wedding... I've done a few things in preparation... and I have pictures!!!

Mom and I spent an entire Sunday afternoon tying tags to bubbles with ribbons. It was fun, let me tell you. I'm happy with how they turned out though!


I bought my dress for the rehearsal dinner (again.)! I had bought one earlier and didn't really like it for the occasion anymore so I decided to keep my eyes open. Well, I found this adorable dress from B. Moss for $30! B.Moss is definitely one of my new favorite stores. They have some adorable clothes! (and good deals..)


I also put together my flower girl's gifts... some hair accessories and their Build A Bear giftcards!


Another exciting accomplishment, I dyed my crinoline for the wedding blue! I debated for a while on whether or not to do this, and then thought, what the heck? So we dyed it, and I took it to the bridal shop with Jocelyn to try on with my dress to make sure it worked! I love it.


James' gift came in the mail. I doubled it as his ring bearer gift and birthday gift since his birthday is July 4th. It's a bedroom set with trucks, trains, and tractors on it for the big boy bed he's getting after I move out! He'll love it!


I also had another shower, which I mentioned last time I actually posted. It was a lot of fun. I got some awesome stuff!

My cousin, who's doing my flowers sent a bouquet to see if I like the shape and size of it. It's not at all what my bouquet will look like, but it still looks fabulous after a 4 hour trip in a warm car without water. She also sent a boutonnière, which I'm sure looked a lot better when it was fresh.


One of the gifts I got is a figurine we're going to use for our cake table! Along with this sign. It'll be great.


On a note totally not related to the wedding... WE HAVE GRASS!!! They put sod down at our house on Monday! It makes our yard look HUGE (which, it is at almost 15,000 sq. ft.). Although, now we have to figure out how to water it... since we're hardly ever there. I really don't want it to die.


On a note related to the house, we had our first security scare (and hopefully our last). I got a call from Brinks a couple of nights ago saying that our alarm had gone off in zone 4. I missed the call, so this was a message. I was thinking that zone 4 is the basement (which is guarded with a motion detector) and wasn't too terribly worried considering we live in the middle of a field and a mouse could have gotten in or something (which isn't good, but it's better than a burglar!). Turns out the alarm tripped was the glass break detector in the great room! It detects if glass is broken within a 30 ft radius. They called my house and asked if I wanted them to send the cops. Um, YES! Turns out it was nothing. A false alarm. But, regardless that was scary!