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