Christmas Dinner

Well the snow melted rather quickly, and went away, but Herman and I had a relaxing and fun day anyways.

After the morning excitement of phone calls and present opening, (and then the obligatory time to play with said presents) we had breakfast.

Incidentally, breakfast was my turn to play with my new toy. Herman got me a George Forman G5 grill with interchangeable plates. One of those plates was an omelete plate, so we had omeletes for breakfast. It was so quick an effortless!

Then we tidied up, watched a movie or two, took a nap, and woke up hungry for dinner.

We had a delicious feast, ham, stuffing, baked beans, dinner rolls, salad, homemade pumpkin pie (thanks Maria for the mix). This entire meal took almost no time at all to make, and helped to make this Christmas seem like a REAL Christmas to me.

And now we're off to scrounge up some holiday egg nog.

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Dreams of a White Christmas...

came TRUE!!!

Last night I hung paper snowflakes in the windows, and this morning, after opening up presents, we looked outside, and saw SNOW!!!

Granted, I have a nasty cold and have been feeling rotten for a few days now, but the fact that it is snowing, and it is actually sticking helps me to feel more festive. We were unable to go to church last night due to my being sick, so I missed the Christmas Liturgy. :(

But, to everyone who reads this, Merry Christmas! Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

Finally a break!

Well it has been a busy past couple of weeks. I have been teaching and subbing non stop; while the kids got crazier and crazier I might add. Herman has been braving the cold december days at work, and recieved a generous Christmas bonus.

When not working, we have been out shopping, trying to find the perfect present for everyone on our list. I ended up hand crafting a majority of them, which took a lot of time and energy.

It is rather ironic; after complaining about being pulled in too many directions when it comes to holiday dinners, Herman and I have nowhere to be this Christmas. This might actually be good, since I have unfortunately caught a fairly nasty cold, but it will still be odd to be alone together for Christmas. Now I'm scrambling to figure out what I'm going to make as a holiday dinner. (I'm better at breakfasts).

But, life is good. We got presents out and too all those we needed to, we have a beautiful tree, and despite this cold, Herman and I are hearty, healthy, and happy.

Birthday and other updates

So as I said in my last post, Herman surprised me with a day early birthday party with some long time family friends. The day of my birthday was rather uneventful, and Friday night we went to my staff christmas party. (We moved the spa overnight to Saturday-> Sunday)

The staff party was interesting. It was the first one we had been to, and it wasn't quite what I was expecting. Some friends and I went to the local watering hole before the dinner, and they got competely trashed. I also had some to drink, but they got wild and loud. It was interesting to watch.

Saturday morning we had our spa appointments. Herman got a facial, and I had both a whole body massage, and a facial. I felt so pampered. It was the perfect relaxing present. After our spa time, we drove around to look at Christmas tree farms. We drove all over the country and saw so much of Oregon's pretty nature.

We returned to the hotel for our overnight stay, complete with free movie admission.

Sunday we went down to Salem to look at houses once again for the people from Florida. We saw many properties, but because of some fallout due to huge miscommunications, we decided that we weren't going to continue going down there for them.

This week was fairly tame, with me teaching and subbing, and Herman working.

Today we get our Christmas tree! I'm so excited!

Belated Thanksgiving Report

It just occured to me that I have been rather remiss in keeping up this blog (and indeed, my own personal blog). However, in fairness to those few people who read this, I believe it is time for an update.

Life continues on as always with its ups and downs. We have been busy re-arranging our apartment, finding the perfect gifts for people in our lives, and continuing to learn how to be good spouses.

Holidays are always somewhat difficult to manage. The question is always, who's family do we spend the holiday dinner with this time? We both want to be with our families. If things were different, I would try to have the holiday dinner here, but our place is just too small for that.

For Thanksgiving, we had a pre- Thanksgiving dinner at Herman's sister's house, the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This worked out perfectly because they were invited somewhere else for the actual day. On Thanksgiving itself we went to my brother's house and enjoyed an amazing meal. Seriously, I think it was the best turkey I've ever had.

The weather has been crazy here the past few days. A big storm rolled in, causing incredible amounts of damage. Luckily for us, the only experience of the storm that we had was torrential rains which flooded out several roads. The coast was hit really hard with high winds, rain, etc.

Today is my birthday, and last night Herman surprised me with a small party with some old family friends. Today we're not really doing anything, but tomorrow night he is taking me on a romantic spa overnight trip. I'm incredibly excited. I'm so blessed to have a spouse that cares enough to plan surprises. He makes me feel so special.

Its almost time for me to head out... I took a part day sub job today even though I had told myself to take a day off for my birthday... oh well.

House Hunting and a tour of Oregon

I think its high time I wrote about our weekend of firsts which occured last weekend.
Herman has 2 friends from Florida who are looking to move out here with their family. They were in town last Thursday evening thru early Monday morning. Their goal in coming out here was to find a home for them to buy.

Herman and I decided to trek along with them, and boy are we glad we did. Even though we've both been in Oregon a while, we had never really ventured around the state. We have either been in the Portland area, or out on the coast. When we were with Herman's friends (who quickly became my friends as well) we drove all over Oregon. Some of the places we stopped to house hunt were, Salem, Lebanon, Albany, Wilemina, Vernonia, and St. Helens. Driving from one destination to the next, we saw such beautiful landscapes. With it being fall, the leaves were an amazing array of colors. We drove through forests, mountains, and rolling hills of farms. We truly saw the beauty of this state, and were amazed.

We enjoyed the house hunting and getting to know the market, because hopefully sometime in the near future we oursleves will be out there, trying to find a home for our family. We saw some wonderful homes that I was prepared to fight Tim and Kaire (from Florida) for. One of my favorites was a huge house, built in 1910. It had so many nooks and crannies, and a ton of character. It was out in Lebanon, which is a bit far for this city gal, but I still fell in love.

After a tiring couple of days of house hunting, we decided to go to the zoo on Sunday while Tim and Kaire figured out what, if any, houses they wanted to put offers on. We hit every exibit, and saw some of the animals doing amazing things.

Overall it was a great weekend, and we look forward to when they can move out here, because then we both will have people we can call not only friends, but also family.

Fall

It has been a beautiful fall here in Portland. The weather has been just what you read about in books, always long for, but seldom see. The sun has been out, the leaves are a blaze of colors, and the air is crisp. We are utterly and completely spoiled. Gone are the memories of wet, rainy fall blending into a wet, rainy winter. For now, Herman and I are just enjoying this gift, getting out whenever we can, and appreciating the beauty we see before us.

Each morning on my way into work I drive through virtually undisturbed farm land. I drive down a long and windy road slicing a path between the trees. I am in awe of the colors the trees turn, and the beauty of the sun peeking its way into the otherwise dark atmosphere. My drive become regenerative and peaceful, allowing me to arrive at school ready to teach, and in happy spirits.

The job is going well. I am settling in and feeling more confident in what I do.

Herman is still working hard, although he's had to take a few days off because he keeps stepping on loose nails. Luckily my work insurance has kicked in, so he's been able to go in for a tetanus booster.

We had a brief scare with our kitty Chatty, but he's ok.

Other than that, life is going well, we are blessed, and happy

Wedding Slideshow

A brush with fame

After church today Herman and I went to the Roloff Farms pumpkin patch. For those of you who don't know, this is the home and farm of the family who has their own show, Little People, Big World. They live about 5 miles from us in Hillsboro.

Obviously the family isn't on hand at all times to been seen and met, but we lucked out and got to see the dad of the family, Matt.

We did of course get a pumpkin as well. After our exciting pumpkin hunt, we drove around the neighborhood and looked at other farms. On our way we saw several farms of alpacas

We had a lovely fall afternoon, the weather was gorgeous, and even though I have a cold, it was nice to get out and experience all we were able to today.

Now we're off to carve up that pumpkin!

A weekend away, and resolutions

Herman and I went away for the weekend a couple weeks ago and went to the coast. We stopped by the Tillamook cheese factory ( a first for us both) and walked along Canon Beach. We also stopped by the Tillamook Forestry Center on the way out. The weather was gorgeous, and a lot warmer than we had anticipated. Here are some pictures from that gorgeous trip out.

It was a relaxing weekend away. We've both been working hard, so it was a much needed refreshing break.

Tomorrow we're going to try and go to the Roloff Farms (Little People Big World family) and get a pumpkin to carve. We've never done that together.

P.S. We gave into our photographer's demands, and now we are in posession of our professional wedding pictures, and I will post some soon. Glory to God that all turned out well.

Richie Visits

Well Richard, Herman's brother was here this past weekend visiting while he was on leave from Navy training. I had only met him for 5 minutes 2 years ago, so it was good to get to know him. We took him up to his uncle's house in Longview so they could finally meet. To be quite honest it was a fairly awkward visit, but I think that in the end, both parties appreciated it. Now Richie is back in S.C. and life goes on.

I've been busy with my new job. On my personal blog I wrote a longer entry about the job and how its going, but suffice it to say that I love it even when it is completely overwhelming. I love knowing that I make a difference in these kids lives each and every single day.

Herman continues to work, and fight the good fight. He really enjoyed having Richie here, and as I was busy most of the weekend, they got some good quality time to spend together. He finally got paid for the fishing he did in JULY and is excited about that.

Life is pretty quiet here. We've settled into a rhythm and its working for us. The only upset is our ongoing battle with our wedding photographer as we try to get the pictures without paying the extra money she is demanding. So please pray that this can be resolved peacefully, quickly, and without legal action.

Long overdue update

So much has been happening lately, that there hasn't really been time to sit down and write about it.
Max did show up finally. In the wee hours of dawn on Thursday September 20th, Herman and I were both lying in bed awake and we hear this pitiful meow. We both bolted up in bed looked at each other in disbelief and ran for the door. There he was, sitting on our front porch. He trotted in and went immediately for the food bowl. Chatty was estatic and couldn't stop smelling max. We are so happy and thankful that Max is back. As I type this he is laying on the desk next to me.

This all came about during the week Nikole started her new part time job. (I'm going to drop the pretense and come out and say that I (Nikole) have been the one writing this all along. I'm tired of writing in the 3rd person, so from now on it will be in 1st person). I've been working at a N. Portland middle school as a Student Intervention Specialist. Basically that means I teach a few periods of social skills, have a smaller group of kids on contracts that I oversee, and house in school detention. Its a challenging job, and I'm struggling with it, but I love it. We hashed out a schedule, and I will be working M,T, and every other F at this job.

Last night (after 2 weeks at this job) Herman and I went to the St. Johns McMenamins for dinner and a movie and bumped into the VP, the SMS, and the B room teacher, and they shared the good news that I am officially hired for the position!!!!! Up till then I was a long term sub/ temp. So I'm psyched.

This coming week I have a mysterious interview with Beaverton (mysterious because I have no idea what its for) so we'll see how that turns out.

Herman has been working his tail off at work. My car broke down this past weekend and so I was relying on him and Megan (our new roomie) for rides to and from work. On Wednesday I got to "go to work with Herman" and see job sites, and how he orders supplies. Fun times there.

Megan has moved in and things are going swimingly. She has brought a lot of life and laughter to this place and we're enjoying having her here.

Now its the weekend, and Herman and I are going to figure out how to best spend our Saturday together. Tomorrow is church then a bruch at my brother's house. My SIL's parents are in town from Holland and they are throwing a brunch in their honor.

Smith Rocks and rocky emotions

It has been a tumultuous week so far. Emotions have been rolling and coming at us from all sides. We came home one night to find 5-6 cops in our driveway. We found out later that a woman a few doors down from us had been mugged, and they were investigating.

This weekend Herman and his friend Travis had planned on going to Smith Rocks to do some rockclimbing, and Nikole ended up going along for some R&R. Herman had a great time and climbed some climbs with Travis, and Nikole enjoyed reading in the sun. She didn't really enjoy hiking up and down the mountain searching for climbs, or freezing in the tent at night, but overall it was a good trip. On the way out there we drove thru Madras, OR, and were able to stop at Nikole's former housemate's new home. It was a lovely visit. That night we ate at the Bend Mc Menamins and gorged ourselves on delicious food.

Sunday night we returned and slept in our own beds. Nikole was so sore she could barely move, and Herman was thoughtfull enough to provide a yummy and easy dinner to share.

Monday it was back to the real world. Herman went back to work, and Nikole had an interview and orientation at PPS. The morning was confusing, as there was a lot of mis-communication regarding whether or not I was to start my long term sub position that morning, but it was finally figured out. Nikole returned home to start moving furniture out of the roommate's room in preparation of her arrival this coming weekend. She felt quite proud that she moved bookcases and other heavy pieces of furniture all by herself. She did leave the heavy desk for Herman's capable strength though.

Today Nikole had an interview with the Beaverton SD for the sub position and that went really well. Orientation is next week, and things should progress from there. After she returned home she got a call from the HR secretary wanting to schedule her for a "real" interview, for a possible position. Fingers crossed :)

We have been worried about our cat Max since yesterday afternoon. We let him out when we returned from Smith rocks, and it wasn't unusual for him to stay out all night long. But when he hadn't returned home by early Monday afternoon, we started to get worried. Monday night we roamed around the complex, but didn't see hide or hair of our lil boy. Neither of us slept really last night, and as of this afternoon he is still missing. We are both taking it hard, and Nikole started making up flyers and putting them up around our area today. She also called some vets, and visited the animal clinic looking for him. One might say that no news is good news, but at this point, that doesn't seem possible. This absence is totally out of character for him, and gives great cause for worry. Prayers continue for his safe return.

Tonight Nikole is babysitting, and hopefully Max will show up soon!

Roommate???

So money is tight for us right now, and it just so happens that Nikole has a friend who is moving back up to Portland and needs a cheap place to live. So, we're considering letting her move in and splitting up the rent.

We are worried however that it will be awkward, perhaps strain our marriage, and block communication between the two of us, but we really, really, need the financial help. Plus, we're sad about losing our guest room, as we had plans for people to come into town and stay with us.

We don't have worries about the friend as a person and a roommate. She is awesome, funny, outgoing, and a responsible person. This time we have set up expectations in writing and initiated dialogue about them. (We have learned from our past troubles with roommates)

But we're still not sure. For now, I think we're going for it, just because we are so desperate for the money, but it will be on a trial basis, just to make sure its good for all involved. We really hadn't wanted to get a roommate, but for now, it looks like the only option. And, if we have to have a roommate, we trust that she is a much better choice than some of the people we know.

No longer jobless

Well we didn't end up going camping as planned. Herman didn't get home until almost 7 from work, and at that point it was late to be heading out, and he was exhausted from his long day. We have shelved that plan for another weekend.

Just before Herman arrived home, Nikole recieved a phone call from one of the districts she had applied to sub for, saying that she had been selected as a sub, and for her to come in Monday morning to get her badge! She is thrilled to finally have a job.

That night we celebrated by going out to dinner at a restaurant close to the house. We both had never been, and Herman joined their world beer tour club. We sat outside and watched the sunset while eating dinner... a perfect celebration.

Saturday was quiet and spent running errands around town. Saturday night Nikole had a babysitting job for one of her long time families, and was really excited to go back to them. On the way home from that job Nikole had a close call with a deer who was crossing the road. She had been traveling on the back roads. It was late at night, and quite dark. She luckily saw it in time and slammed on the brakes. The experience shook her up a bit. In Alaska one expects to see a moose or something... but this was quite unexpected.

Sunday we went to church and then to brunch at one of the priests' home. Some of Nikole's friends from summer camps in AK were in town visiting another one of Nikole's friends, and they attended the brunch as well. It was a fun reunion, as we had lost touch quite a while ago. After brunch we returned home for a couple hours before heading out with Britt (Nikole's former roommate and bridesmaid) and her boyfriend Shane. We went back to the restaurant with the beer club and added some to our card. The food was great, and it was good to get back in touch with them. We returned home to watch a movie before the evening was over.

This morning Nikole went and filled out hiring paperwork with the district and recieved her badge. When she got home she set up her account, and now can start recieving calls as early as tomorrow! We're very excited.

Tonight we have dinner plans with another couple Allison and Jon. Nikole is going to cook dinner, then we're going to go see a movie.... but of course, everything is subject to change. We're really trying to establish a base of friends in the area again, so that we can begin enjoying this beautiful city.

Its a beautiful day outside, and there is lots to do, so we're signing off for now!

A quiet week

We've had a low key week this week. Nikole has been busy lining up babysitting jobs, even doing some babysitting, and Herman worked. The one drawback to Nikole doing babysitting again is that it takes away from evenings spent together. Herman is gone all day, and with babysitting, Nikole is gone all evening, sometimes not getting home until 2 am. She's been asked to do some ovenights, but hasn't quite decided on that yet.

The biggest upset we had this week was Herman's truck getting towed from the parking lot here in our apartment complex. Luckily we were able to get it back quickly and without cost to us, as they had taken it against the property manager's instructions.

We discovered the Franz bakery outlet this week, and for less than $15 we now have a freezer stocked with bread. At a grocery store we would have only been able to get 3-4 loaves of bread for that price. Plus, when you spend a certain amount they give you FREE BREAD!!! What a deal!

We are going camping tonight. It will just be for one night, as Nikole has a babysitting job tomorrow night. We will be able to break in our new camping gear, and even bought an air mattress last night. It will be nice to get out and have an evening consisting of just the two of us... no TV, no phones, no computer.

Will post pictures and camping stories when we return!

Labor Day Weekend

We had a relaxing weekend together. Friday night we went to Kells for Nikole's friend's birthday party, and ate great food. We walked along the waterfront for a bit just enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. It isn't often that we stop to just meander and enjoy.

Saturday we went to Longview to help out a friend of Herman's, and since we were halfway there, we decided to continue on to Astoria and visit the maritime museum. As Herman commented afterwards, it was mainly a coast guard museum, but we still enjoyed it. We even got to board a retired light boat, essentially a floating lighthouse.

Sunday was spent trying to find a campsite for us to use our new camping gear at, but since it was Labor Day weekend, and we were trying to do this last minute, it just didn't work out. Instead we went grocery shopping for a new dish Nikole is going to make for dinner tonight.

Labor Day was spent baking bananna bread, attending a BBQ at Herman's sister's home where Nikole got lots of baby holding time. After that was over, we went to Nikole's brother's house for a dinner BBQ and playing with the kids. We returned home full, tired, and satisfied with how our holiday weekend turned out.

Nikole still doesn't have a job, and has decided to take on odd babysitting jobs to fill her time and to supplement Herman's income until subbing starts up in earnest in October. Today she has two interviews for babysitting positions, one of which is a paid working interview.

Waiting

Well it has been three days since Nikole's interview for a LA position in Forest Grove. She was told that they would be making a quick decision, and since she hasn't heard anything, thinks she didn't get the job. Her theory right now is that they offered it to someone else, and that person asked for a day or two to consider. The office is waiting for that person's response before telling the rest of the applicants that they were not selected for the position.

To be quite honest, Nikole is somewhat relieved. School starts on Tuesday, and she has nothing prepared for the year since she didn't know what or where she would be teaching. If hired this late in the game, she would have to work double time just to get back on track. Other teachers have been planning since the beginning of the summer... and still don't have everything put together. Nikole was not looking forward to that added stress, and thinks that subbing may be perfect for her. She is also looking into adding on to her babysitting client list to supplement the salary for a sub.

Herman is valiantly working in the heat. Tuesday he forgot to hydrate and came home headachey and irritable. He learned his lesson and has been taking lots of beverages to the job site with him.

We are settling into a routine. We wake up and as Herman is getting dressed and ready, Nikole fixes his lunch and sees him to the door. Then Nikole putters around the house, her latest project has been to compile a rolodex of everybody that we know with their address. Herman gets home sometime between 3-6 and Nikole fixes dinner and we relax for the evening. Neither of us is good at going out and making new friends, so that is a goal that we are working towards.

Last night we went to the Mission Theatre and Pub and watched the movie Knocked up. We both enjoyed it, and as the movie ended, Nikole got a phone call saying that her friend Tamara had her baby earlier that morning. Excitement prevailed and the evening ended on a high note.

Interview

Nikole did not get the position she applied for, and although she was crushed, she is hopeful that something else will come up. The backup plan is to sub in several school districts for the next year, just as Herman's sister has done for the past 6 years.

Last night an old family friend threw a welcome home newlyweds dinner party for us. It was a wonderful evening, and there was even a visiting old family friend who was able to join us. The night was filled with stories, laughter, pictures, and smiles. The plan is to have each of the family friend familes over to our place sometime soon. Hopefully we'll have a dining room table by then, otherwise we'll grab seats on the futon or the floor in the livingroom.

Herman finally went back to work today, he's been home sick the past few days.

Tonight we are having dinner at Herman's sister's house (meaning we get newborn baby time), and tomorrow we are going to Kelso to visit his Uncle and have dinner up there.

We both are feeling like we're settling in and appreciate all the effort that has gone into welcoming us back home.

Welcome

Well we are starting a new life together, and figured we should create a place where those we love can follow what is going on in our lives, and keep in touch with us quickly and easily.

We are married and settled into our new home.

The wedding went off without a hitch. The day dawned bright and clear, a miracle for this area. Britt and Nikole ran around all morning (after church) trying to get everything done; the reception hall set up (with the help of the guys), the flowers picked up (they used blue roses which Nikki had asked them not to do, but it looked pretty), spent 2 hours in hair and makeup, and then went upstairs to get married.

The ceremony was beautiful, the only drawback was that we had forgotten inserts for Nikole's shoes, so her feet were killing her from the get go. We had a Russian documentary film crew filming the wedding for their documentary, and hopefully we will be able to get ahold of their footage. We took the lots of pictures, and left under a cloud of beautiful bubbles.

The reception also went well, there was plenty of food, wonderful toasts, and Nikole was thankful she didn't trip on the first dance. Herman did smash the cake into her face though.... which she was not expecting, but it was funny

People left during the first dance, which saddened us, but we were able to go to the hotel somewhat early and get some much needed rest. Interestingly enough, we were in the room next door to the matron of honor, Lu.

The next couple of days were stressfull since the weather decided to become foggy again, and flights weren't making it out. Everybody had to stay an extra day, but they all finally made it off the island, and we moved out of the trailer.

Apartment hunting was frustrating. We either over qualified for an apartment (meaning we're too rich) or underqualified (we're too poor). The stuff that we qualified for never seemed to be as nice as the stuff we over or under qualify for. We were in Herman's sister's nursery... and since she was due in the next month, we wanted to get out of her way ASAP.

We found a place finally which had two bedrooms, was close to the freeway (practically on top of it.. although surprisingly quiet) and Nikki now has her baby boys back. We were approved on the morning of St Herman's feast day (Herman's patron saint), so we are very grateful.

We are now settled into our new home, unpacked and have survived the first wave of visitors.

My mom was in town this weekend and stayed with us in our office/guestroom. The visit went well, even with Herman being gone for most of the weekend. He attended his best friend's wedding in Eastern Washington Saturday evening, then drove back that night and arrived early in the morning on Sunday. He was exhausted so he slept while Mom S and Nikole went to church.

Then Tim (Nikki's youngest brother) and his friend came down Sunday afternoon to go to the VANS INTERNATIONAL something or other at the Lloyd center. So they stayed the night and everyone left Monday morning.

Today Nikole had an interview for a counselor position, and our cable, internet and home phone are hooked up. Now we won't have to drive the 20 minutes to Herman's sister's house just to check e-mail and job boards.

Our newest nephew was born August 15th, 2007 (three weeks early) and both mother and son are doing well.

Life is good, and we are doing well