Some Zoo Pictures

I finally got around to downloading some pictures from the zoo last weekend. I have some good ones with the animals, but honestly how many times do you want to see the polar bears? I figured Jeff was better suited here...

He was having a ball playing on all of the statues.

Anxiously awaiting his turn to ride the train!

Jeff & Grandme on the train...

I think this is the first picture of us together in months...to bad he's not looking at the camera!

Planning our Vacation

Since I don't have to start my new job until May 13, Nick & I decided to take a little family vacation since I won't get time off the rest of the summer. I wanted to go someplace warm, Nick wanted to go someplace practical... of course practical won!!! Next week we are heading to Chicago for a couple of days, spending some time at the lake, then heading over to Sandusky and going to Kalahari for a night!

Should be fun getting to explore with Jeff all of these new places & I hope he enjoys it too!

Gorgeous, Gorgeous Weather!

We could not of asked for a better weekend, if we had tried. The weather was amazing...80 plus degrees and bright sunshine, who wants to be indoors? Not anyone in our house that's for sure!!! I will say that it was a quick warm up, and it was a little to warm, but the nice breeze made it all worth while.

Friday night we went to dinner at Mi Hacienda. I had never been there before and it was pretty good. I think I still like the other Mexican places that we go to better, but can you really have bad Mexican food? Don't think so! After dinner we went to Bass Pro to get a few things, so the guys could go fishing the next day, and then it was a quick trip to Meijers to get food for the guys for their fishing trip!

I promised Jeff a zoo trip on Saturday, since Nick was fishing with my dad. My mom came with us since she didn't have anything going on either. We left the house at 9:30, ran a couple of errands and we were at the zoo exactly at 10, which was perfect because it was going to busy. It was nice walking around looking at all of the animals and seeing them out instead of indoors. We should of gone on Sunday though because the zoo was celebrating Louie's birthday that day...I thought it was on Saturday. The train was running and Jeff wanted to go so we took a ride on that. The whole time he was so excited and talking about the train...it was cute! After the zoo we ran some errands, got Jeff shoes for the summer, and then it was home for lunch & naps! Saturday night we went to Sal's Pals, which is a fundraiser for cystic fibrous. We weren't there long, maybe an hour and a half, but it was fun to bid on some things and eat the wonderful food.

Sunday morning we got up and did breakfast with the family. Then Nick headed with dad over to Indiana to drop off the boat since it needed repaired and I headed to the Glass City Marathon with Steph Hoover, to watch Molly finish the race! It was so awesome and inspiring to watch all of these people run the 1/2 marathon, and the full marathon. It really makes you want to get out and do it yourself, we'll see about next year!!! We were down there a couple of hours enjoying the sunshine though. John came over with his tractor and the guys worked on the hill in the backyard and us women went shopping. I have to get clothes for my new job and figured I'd better get a move on with the clothes buying. I didn't get much, but got a few things. We were sitting around chatting and Nick got a call that his brother was having emergency surgery so he took off to Marion & Mom, Dad & I went to dinner at PF Changs. It was nice to sit outside and enjoy the warm spring weather!

Weekend was full and I'm looking forward to the next one!

A Big Announcement!!!

I'm happy to report that as of 4/22/09, I officially have a new job!!! The process has been a long one, I think it's been going on since February, but yesterday it became official and we couldn't be happier. It's going to be an adjustment for all of us. I'm going to be working longer hours, well only a 1/2 hour more each day, but I won't get home until after 5 instead of 3:30, which I don't mind at all, but I will miss the extra time with Jeff. It's a good step forward for me to take in my career and I'm really excited about it.

Of course I'm sad to be leaving my job, I've been here 6 1/2 years, almost 7 and I've learned so much here. But after being unhappy with how things have changed in the past 6 months, I knew a change was needed. It feels great to know that May 6th will be my last day here!

A Request from Nick

So on Sunday Nick was in Tiffin and his mom showed him the blog. Now Nick is claiming that he didn't even know about the blog which is complete BS...unless he doesn't listen when I'm talking. Believe me when I say that I talk about having to go and update the blog all the time. So anyway, I get a phone call asking what DH stands for, so I tell him it stands for darling husband, which is truthfully does, but depending on how you feel about your husband that day it can also mean dumb husband. Nick thinks it stands for dick head! He has asked me to change all of the DH references to LH...loving husband! Sorry dear...it's staying DH!!!!

I did tell the girls on the message board I visit frequently and they thought it was hilarious!!!!

Some Videos

I finally had a few minutes to get some videos up on the blog. I've been horrible keeping up with everything...sorry. I'll try and get better!

Busy Playing

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Playing Cobs & Robbers with Cousins!!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Easter Egg Hunt

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Can It Really Be Sunday?

These weekends just go by way to fast for me. It seems like it takes forever for Fridays to get here but with a snap of my fingers it's Sunday night already. The weekends need to take a little longer!!! The weekend was wonderful, couldn't of asked for better weather, and it felt great to get out of town for a couple of days.

Nick had to work late Friday night, and by late I mean he didn't get home until 5, but that was okay because I got to take a much needed run with Jeff. It's amazing how great it feels to get to wear shorts & a t-shirt outside! When Nick got home he took a quick shower and we were off. We took our time taking 20 across with Jeff asking every 5 minutes if we were at the lake yet. Poor little guy...maybe we shouldn't tell him where we are going until we are a few minutes away. It felt great to get to the cottage though! Us 3 were the first there so we got situated, Jeff got a bath, and then he told me he wanted to sleep in the bunk beds. I was a little worried about it but like my mom said "He's gotta do it sometime..." so bunk beds it was! When mom & dad got up there, Jeff was so excited and talking mile a minute to them about the lake, it was cute. When bed time came around, I put him in his bed and left the room. He screamed, opened the door, and yelled for me. I took him right back into the room and put him in bed. I only had to do this 3 times and then he stayed put. I was amazed, I thought it would take forever for him to get the idea that he needed to stay in his bed. Well as 930 rolled around I was exhausted and ready for bed. I figured since it had been so quiet up there, that Jeff sleeping so I went to bed. The moment I laid down in bed, I heard "Mom... Mom..." little guy is awake...wonderful! I laid with him until he fell asleep. Unfortuenlty I fell asleep first and didn't wake up till midnight. Around 330 I heard "mom... mom..." yet again so I moved back into the bunk with Jeff... at 530 I'm dozing on and off still and decide it's time to move into the big bed. Nick gets kicked out to the bunk bed and Jeff and I are now comfty in the big bed...at 6 I turn his music on and roll over because I'm dying and need to get some sleep. Jeff then proceeds to wake for the day at 730...this kid is killing me!!!

Even though we were up earlier then I wanted to be on Saturday, waking up to sunshine was wonderful! We got dressed, and then headed out to have breakfast with Steph & John. We never go to breakfast on Saturday mornings but it was nice to change things up a bit. When we got back to the cottage, mom & dad took off for a meeting, Steph, Jeff & I took off for an awesome walk, and Nick & John were left to put the pier in. Steph & I were hoping to get out of it this year, but no such luck...when we got back they only had 2 sections in!!!! It felt good to be outside though. We got out all of the patio stuff while the guys were getting the pier in. Starting to feel like summer is near!!!!

We traveled into Ft. Wayne in the evening for my cousin Sarah's wedding. It was beautiful and we had an awesome time. Even Jeff lasted the whole time which was amazing because he didn't get into bed until 1130, and he normally is in bed before 9. We couldn't of asked for a better little boy. He had fun with Aaron who is a few days older then him, and of course running around with the older boys too.

Jeff was so excited to get to walk on the pier!

This is what the pier looked like when we got back from our walk...
Mind you, we had been gone for almost an hour!

Just hanging out...

Jeff's first fancy dinner...they had jello for him and he couldn't wait to dig in.

Aaron & Jeff... they are 4 days apart and so cute together.

Jeff & Aaron were trying to pose each other for pictures

Sunday was nothing special... we were up much earlier then I wanted to be, especially since my sleep was interrupted all night by another little bed partner. The child likes to make sure he head is touching some part of me at all times, so he is moving all the time. We left the lake at a decent time and got home do Jeff could take his nap here. Nick left to go and see his family in Tiffin for the afternoon and it was just me for awhile. I spent the time doing laundry and cleaning up the house. Jeff woke at 430 but was still asleep so I got to sit and rock him for over an hour! He just sat on my lap and slept. I loved every minute of our snuggle time together. We had to run out and get dinner for mom & dad and us so we went to Chiptole. When we got back dad was reversing the boat...Jeff was so excited he couldn't stand it. He can't wait for Grandpa's boat to get in the water!

I'm looking forward to the week...some big things happening that I can't tell yet, but hopefully there will be something to mention this week!

Lots of Vistors & Happy Easter

This weekend is a busy one! We have family in from Virginia and it's been lots of fun. Jeff is thoroughly enjoying having playmates around it's having the visitors around. It's crazy busy but it's been so much fun. We spent all day yesterday playing outside and it's been fun watching Jeff go to "boy school!!!

The 3 Boys...Markus, Jeff & Mack - cousin time!!!

Molly & Jeff - Molly was a huge help with Jeff this weekend.

The boys playing workshop. The tore that thing apart and put it back together.

Saturday was spent coloring Easter eggs, shopping for Mitchell's birthday gift, playing at the park, and playing outside! The boys had a great time riding in the gator, digging in the dirt, playing ball, and being together. It was so much fun to watch Jeff with the other kids.

Jeff showing off his colored egg.

Jeff & Markus riding around the yard in the gator.

Playing cops & robbers...it was hilarious to watch!

We had a great Easter Sunday! Started the day off early with church, and Jeff was wonderful, never had to take him out. Then we came back to the house for breakfast and an Easter egg hunt. It was fun watching Jeff go around the yard looking for eggs. The kids enjoyed looking to see what they got in their eggs and baskets. Nick's parents came up for the afternoon and it was wonderful to see them. Luckily they didn't mind spending time with my dad's family. The afternoon was filled with lots of laughter, stories, football games, etc. Such a great way to end the weekend of fun!

I think this is the first picture I have of Jeff & my parents. Dad looks excited doesn't he?

Jeff finding his eggs...

The eggs were hidden every where. The Easter bunny did a great job!

Jeff opening all of his eggs and checking out his loot! He got $4 in change that he found.

Showing off for everyone!

Aunt Steph having Bo Bear "talk" to Jeff.

Some Updates & Much Needed Pictures

I have been horrible about updating the blog with pictures and I'm sick of it, so tonight I decided to take some time and get this thing updated, especially since I've taken so many today with all of the visitors.

Daddy & Jeff enjoying some piano time.

Jeff "helping" mommy make some cupcakes...

Helping mommy make some jello.

Mom & Dad had a hill put in the backyard so a couple of weekends ago Saturday was spent being outside, mulching and moving some trees. It was lots of fun to see, and to not have to dig all of those holes ourselves. Went a lot faster too!

Just like the smile on his face.

Grandma & Jeff! I think this is the first picture ever of the both of them.

Aunt Steph & Jeff enjoying some sunshine.

The trees getting dug around the yard...it was nice to not have to do it.

Daddy & Jeff watching the guys work.

Enjoying helping Uncle John...notice his wheel barrerl is in the big wheel barrel.

Jeff is really enjoying being outside, especially since we were cooped up all winter. Any day that is above 40 you better believe he is out enjoying the weather. It feels great to get the fresh air and to see how he notices everything. He recently figured out about the detention pond next door to the house and now points out drains to us all of the time. He's enjoying getting lawn mower rides and pushing the gator around the yard.

Helping Grandpa roll the yard...they've done this about 3x now & both of them have serious looks on their faces...it's really cute!

Grandpa showing Jeff how to work the Gator.

The Good of The Weekend!

Well I know the last post was disheartening and I was feeling sorry for myself. Sorry not sure how else to feel. It sucks we don't get that house, especially since there are not any other houses out there for this type of deal. But things could be a lot worse though right? Look at the button on the right about baby Stellan. We have our health and that's the most important thing!

The weekend was great for spending time with the family. Saturday we moved tons of trees in mom & dads yard. It was amazing to see how quickly it went and seriously I was so happy to not have to dig the holes myself, if we would of had to of done that, it would of taken forever!!! Everyone else took off for the lake but Nick & I stayed home and hung out. We went to the airport to look at planes, then went to Dick's to get Jeff's new basketball since we popped the other when the other night when we ran over it. While we were there we also got his life jacket for the summer...he did not like trying it on, but it's another thing checked off our list so I'm happy about that. We had pizza for dinner, and just relaxed, just the 3 of us...felt good to be together!!!

This morning we woke up and went to church. We didn't want to since it was Palm Sunday and we knew that the gospel was long, but I'm glad we did. We have a lot to be thankful and greatful for and needed to thank someone for that. After church we went to Bass Pro and Jeff got to do an Easter egg hunt. He had fun running around trying to look for those. We didn't stand in line for the easter bunny though because it was way to long. Jeff & I took a nice nap this afternoon and then we made brownies and jello...I'm so glad he loves helping me!!! Since it was raining Jeff & I went to Dick's to take back the crocs since they were to big, then to Target to just look around, and then a drive around. Can you tell that we are bored?

Not looking forward to my day tomorrow, but such is life! Hoping this week will be a good week!!!!

What A Shitty Weekend...

This weekend has sucked more then any I can remember in the recent years.
Friday night we had a budget meeting with my dad about how we were going to afford the house. Turns out we can afford it, but we are not giving ourselves any leway for anything. He said he would stand behind us no matter what we decided, but ask ourselves "Do we want to get ourselves into the same type of position again..." Nick and I talked for a long time on Saturday and decided that no we don't want to put ourselves in a bad place, especially with how hard we've worked to get out of debt. Plus with my job being up in the air as much as it is, it just wouldn't be a good idea to purchase a house right now.

We are so disappointed to say the least. I spent a lot of Saturday crying feeling sorry for myself, but I didn't know what else to do. We have worked so hard, we both have good jobs, Nick more so then mine, and here we are still living with my parents. It doesn't make you feel very good about yourself. Nick & I got the idea to see if we could extend the closing until the end of June. Just to give us some time with my job, so we can have a feel for where it's going and to make sure we can afford the house. They agreed! We were so excited... of course that was short lived because this morning we were told that in order to get the closing that late we have to give $2000 in the earnest fund, but it was nonrefundable. That was just not an option for us so we had to pass on the house. Another disappointment and so today was another shitty day. I just feel about worthless and not sure how to feel better. Hopefully within the next few days things get better for us.

It makes me hate my job even more. To think if I could work 40 hours a week we could afford the house. To know that my hours won't get cut, or that maybe I could get a raise, well then we could get a house. I'm beyond upset, hurt, frustrated and mad...I just don't know how to feel, but had to get my feeling down on paper.

Offer Accepted!

Well we have some big news to report from the Stultz Family...!!! As of 3/20/09 we are credit card debt free, which is a huge accomplishment for us and the reason why we've been living with my parents for so long!!! So after we made our final credit card payment we started looking at houses just so we could get an idea of what we liked and to start the process of moving out. We looked at a couple of foreclosed homes, but of course they need to much money put into them, so those were ruled out. Dad told us to look at a little bit higher priced homes and see if we find anything and sure enough we found the cutest little house.

We knew it was a little soon to put an offer on, especially at only looking at a couple of houses, but it felt right. Plus we knew we needed to act somewhat quickly because this house wasn't going to last long.

Well yesterday they accepted our offer and we are hoping to call this place home for the next few years!!!
http://www.pamelaroseauction.com/documents/6926Westwyck-Listing.pdf