The Wedding

Yesterday was Greg and Keri's wedding.  It was the first outside wedding I've ever been to and it was absolutely gorgeous.  The bride was absolutely gorgeous as well.  I'm so thankful I got to be part of her day.  I was a little busy being Keri's personal attendant, so I didn't take many pictures.

Congratulations, Greg and Keri Gosnell!

She was such a beautiful bride!

Anna and I got to be her attendants.  It was so much fun and it was such a privilege to be part of their wedding.

After driving to Ohio in one day and coming back the next, I'm zonked.  I'm very glad I have tomorrow off.

Ant Candy

So I noticed yesterday that I had a few carpenter ants in my house.  Then I noticed a few more and a few more and so on.  So I bought some Terro.  Let me tell you, these guys love the stuff.  I put it out and they are fighting over it like kids at a parade.  I hope they aren't passing the word to their friends that the party is at my house.

Woooo Hooooo!

I passed!!!  It's finally over!!!!  Not only did I pass, but I did much better than I anticipated.  I'm so thankful for God's direction and help.  He gave a lot of grace today.  Thanks for all your prayers!

I went to the mall afterward to find a wedding present for a friend and discovered they have Chic-fil-A.  And you all know how much I love Chic-fil-A!  So I celebrated by having the Chicken Strip Salad...my very favorite!  I almost got another one to bring home and have later.  I knew the people at the counter would think I was weird, so I didn't.

I also stopped and got a cinnamon crunch bagel from Panara's for breakfast tomorrow.  All in the name of celebration.  I think that's enough celebrating.  Unless of course some of you want to send flowers or a cake or something.  Just kidding....please don't do that.

Thanks again for your prayers.  God is good!!!!!!

Test

I just want to solicit all the prayers I can.  The exam for my personal lines insurance license is tomorrow at 2:00.  Please pray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I only need 70% to pass.  I got 76% on my online practice exam.  I was disappointed that I didn't do better, but hopefully I'll do better tomorrow.

I'll let you know whether I pass or fail.

Amanda

Amanda came to visit for the weekend and here's proof.

We can't help that we're weird.  It comes with spending so much time at camp.  Camp people have to be weird...it's a rule.

Here's a picture to show proof of wierdness.  She wore this when we went to lunch today because her shoes were hurting her feet.  It was such a fashion statement.

I knew she was coming on Saturday and after she had been here awhile, I was very sad to think she had to go.  I told her I wish she had packed a bag so she could stay over.  Well guess what?  She's one smart cookie!  She did pack and did stay over!!!  I love that girl.

We talked and talked and talked.  We ate food...cause we're really good at that.  Then we went for a walk.  Then I beat her at a game.  (She's a pretty sore loser by the way....just read her Facebook status.)  Then we watched movies and ate some more.

It's wonderful to see her growing up and continuing to grow in her walk with the Lord.  God has great things in store for this beautiful, young lady.

Love you, Amanda!!!

It's Been a Long, Long Time

...since I've taken a test.  I graduated from college in 1999 and don't think I've taken any kind of test since then.

All that will change next week.

I need to get my insurance license for my job.  I've been studying a bit here and there, but not like I'd like to or need to.  I guess all the painting and house projects have been distracting me a bit.  Jamie sent Tara and I to a class today to prepare us for the test.  Let me tell you...this guy was amazing!

I wanted to go and take the test right after class was done!  I've been so concerned that I'm not going to be ready for it, but he gave us such good information and in a way that even I could understand it.  I was really surprised by all that I already knew even with my little bit of studying.  We took practice quizzes and I only missed two on all of them put together.  YIPPEE!!!!!!!

The test is scheduled for Wednesday at 2:00.  Please pray for me!  Even though I feel I'm more prepared after taking the class, he did tell us that only 53% of people pass and that includes people that are repeating the exam.  BUT out of those that take his test, eight out of ten pass the first time.

The Suspense Is OVER!

So here is the much anticipated update on the house.  You'll have to look back here to see the before pictures.  We'll start in the bathroom.  This room is totally new except the ceiling.  It's still very tiny, but much more functional and pretty.

Now on to the living room.  I've already shown you some updated pictures, but here is the final view.  It's painted, I have new curtains, the furniture is arranged how I want it and the pictures are on the walls.

The flooring guy put new laminate by the front door, but neglected to make the area larger like I had asked.  I called and he's going to stop in and fix that next week.  He did a great job, but also didn't put back on two doors he took off.  Guess I'll have to talk to him about that one as well.


Now on to the laundry room/utility room/half bathroom.  It's painted, I have new flooring in there too, and I now have a functional washer and dryer.

Look what I got to paint around.  No wonder painting took me forever!!!!  Glad it's done.

Now on to the kitchen / dining area.  I'm so excited that the floor is now done!!!!!  It just simply looks marvelous.  But you judge for yourself. Hey and notice the new hardware on the cupboards.  Such a little knob makes a huge difference.

And check out the dining room!  No carpet under the table anymore.  I also love how it divides up this big room, so I actually have a dining room now.

And here are a couple shots of the living area.

And now for the moment of truth.  The moment I've been waiting for for over two months.  Are you ready?  Don't scroll down unless you're really ready  Cause it's gonna knock your socks off...literally.






Keep going....






















You're almost there...


















You won't believe it...


















Ready?

Yep, I finally walked barefoot in my house.  But I have to go put socks back on because my toes are cold.


So there you have it.  The update.  There is still lots of little stuff to do, but the big stuff is done.  Well, I do need to replace the counter tops some day and all the carpet in the house, but those things can wait.


Well, I have to run.  Lots of stuff to accomplish today.  Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

I Promise

Okay guys. Enough excuses. I promise to post a house update by this weekend. I have pictures and lots to fill you in on.

Today the dreaded, awful, terrible, horrible, disgusting carpet in my kitchen is getting torn out and the laminate is getting put down tomorrow!

I'm very excited about this and have been doing the dance of joy all morning. Yes, the customers have been looking at me like I'm strange. Okay, so I'm not really dancing on the outside, but on the inside I'd win the mirror ball trophy. So check back soon!