I never know what to put here...

So here is a quick update! Everything has been crazy lately...I guess that is always the excuse! But seriously, I have never had time fly by like it has since this past August. Everything has been a BLUR!

We made an offer on the older house. (house #1) So far things aren't going as we would have hoped. They made a counter offer but it was pretty far off. SOOO...basically we are going to give them our best and if they don't take it...see ya. A relocation company has the casa now so it sort of mixes things up! I'm a little disappointed, but there are a few other houses out there very similar we may take a look at before pursuing House #2. Right now I am working on patience and trusting that God has the perfect place out there. Add that with the fact that Bob is doing a series over the 7 deadly sins and the past two weeks have been greed and envy...thanks a lot. haha It is crazy how God works out even the smallest details in our lives!

Other events recently...we went to a JH conference this weekend. It was great to hang out with the youth and I think they had a blast! It is so cool to see their hearts take a positive step towards God! I have to admit it was a stretch for me to spend an extra day with middle school children...they are HIGH energy, drama, and excitement ALL the time. But it was worth it in the end! Every Wednesday I am amazed by their knowledge and wisdom. They are awesome kids!

FYI...if you need a good example of what JH girls are like...look on the right in my links and click on "The Pursuit - Paul Irby"...then watch the video...enough said.

House Buying

So I think Kyle and I have narrowed down our house buying process to two. They are TOTALLY different and each has their own perks...so it is wayyyyyy tough to decide. Let us know what you guys think!! Ultimately it will be the one we have the biggest peace about and feel like we could financially do. They are VERY similar in prices....but not finished squared footage....but each needs different work....immediate vs. long-term. Regardless, we appreciate any advice you experienced people may have. There are a couple of pic below. To see more go to:
kyleandemily.shutterfly.com (password is: kpark)

Bob took great pics of House #2. Mine...not so great of House #1.

House #1 - A little older than the other one (but built in 1994) It has 2200 sq. ft. plus an unfinished basement that is about 600 sq. ft. It is a tri-level house (or quad if you count the basement). Huge backyard. 2 dog kennels. (which we will have 2 dogs soon) Above ground pool. Huge deck. Bigger bedrooms. Additional bed & bath. TONS of storage & closets. Extra family room. BUT, needs more immediate work. (you will see the horrible color schemes) Not stuff that would HAVE to be done...except paint for sure. Ideally would like to change some floors & countertops (bath) & lighting. Comes with older fridge and stove.

House #2 - Newer and more updated. Guy bought as repo a year ago & renovated A LOT before getting transferred. I loveeee the vaulted ceilings & flooring & everything he has done. It is 1500 sq. ft. plus an unfinished basement that is probably between 1200-1500 sq. ft. as well. (Similar to the basement we are living in) You can tell in the pics on shutterfly that he started to finish it. Kitchen has a nice eat-in area. Comes with brand new fridge, washer, dryer, and stove. Nicer bathrooms. Walk-in closet for master bedroom. Bedroom not too big. Not as much immediate work...touch up painting. Except the blue kitchen cabinets...gotta go. Eventually will need to build fence & finish basement.

Ok..there are the basics. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!!!!

P.S. Both neighborhoods are great.

(looking at the other pics might be necessary)

Celebration & Ferry Rides

This weekend was a nice, long, much-needed weekend for me. We were off from school today for Columbus Day...and the extra day was A-MAZING to have. Plus...someone had the bright idea that our building could put in new units and the air could be turned off because my goodness...it's the first week of October so it should be plenty cool without air. And heaven forbid we adjust that date since we are having 90 degree days. So Thursday and Friday at school...not fun. It's sad when you have to take your kids outside to 90 degree days just to stay cool. Hopefully this week will be cooler...because it isn't coming back on.

Saturday Kyle and I spent all day watching soccer. First we went and watched Dawson & Griffin play. (the little blonde headed boys I have posted pics of) It was hilarious!!! They are adorable. Afterwards, we went and watched their 2 sisters plus half of our youth girls play their soccer game. It was sooooo hot. I got sunburned. In October. Like it hurts sunburned. Ridiculous. We have pics from the games plus plenty of youth pics. I will try to remember to post some when I get them off the church camera.

Then...Saturday evening was our BIG EVENT!! LifePoint celebrated it's one year anniversary with the first annual Chili-cookoff plus family movie night. The weather wasn't ideal for chili...and I have 24 mosquito bites (unofficially) but it was still a blast!! Everyone seemed to have a great time and the chili was still a hit. Kyle was a judge...and it was hilarious watching him eat the #12 chili...which I heard had peppers in it that will burn your skin off if you touch them. Most of you don't know anyone here...but the winner was Ron Otten...or Otton...not sure. (father of the sextuplets + 2) Again, got pics...will post soon.

To top everything off...Sunday our small group went on a fall outing to a little town (smaller than Weinert) called Brussels. It has this old old old hotel that is now a restaraunt that serves stuff family style. It was a beautiful drive...and you have to ride a ferry to get there...and the food was good...although it didn't hold a candle to Babe's or The Home Place. It was awesome getting to drive along the river. We drove along the town where I teach, Alton, and I had never seen that part! It was gorgeous!! I REALLY bad want to go back in a couple of weeks when hopefully the leaves are changing a little more. I've heard that due to the dry weather they may just all fall off. I will be majorly disappointed if such a thing occurs...but I guess I will survive. PLUS, I went on my very first ferry ride. (pics below) Such a momentous occasion.

Here's our small group: (-Brandon...who took the pic & Bob...who is hidden behind Kyle)

The Mississippi River: