Kara's Birthday

August is over. Where has the summer gone? Four days after Spencer's birthday was my birthday. We both had to work during the day. Spencer did give me breakfast in bed. I woke up to him coming in with my tray of breakfast while singing "Happy Birthday". He made me Crepes, my favorite breakfast food. He made me two, one with syrup and powdered sugar and one with strawberries and cool whip. He even put them on 2 seperate plates so the different ones didn't touch each other:). Peaches were also cut up for me. After I finished I walked out to the living room and dining room full of ballons with confetti all over the floor and a 'Happy Birthday' banner in the dining room. I only wanted to open 1 gift in the morning. I opened the movie "The Blind Side" and a new limegreen spoonrest (mine had burnt on the sides). I had a good day at work and even got flowers in a coffee mug, with a balloon delievered to me from my parents:). Spencer also came in when he got off work and brought me a birthday balloon. After I got off work (which I did get to leave alittle bit earlier than I was scheduled) we headed to Macaroni Grill for supper. It was both of our first times there. I got shrimp alfredo and Spencer got pepperoni pizza. Both were very good! For dessert we walked across the street and picked up cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. We took it home and saved it for alittle later. When we got home I opened the rest of my gifts. First I opened from my parents and I got lots of goodies. I got a new purse, shoes, dresses, bed bath and beyond giftcard, wallett, a mom/daughter locket, a pesonalized necklace  and I can't even think what else. Oh I did get my espresso machine earlier when Mom, Dad and Tan were here...that way mom and I could have our coffee:) My big gifts from Spencer was the rest of my lime green kitchen aid (all the Bed Bath and Beyond giftcards we had gotten from our wedding went towards the kitchen aid as well). I also got my printer! I really wanted a printer so I could print all my coupons. I got things for the printer, lotion and lime green kitchen utensils. I was so glad when Spencer got my printer hooked up! I've been printing alot of coupons and loving it! It's becoming my new hobby:) Spencer and I both have been working alot and getting good hours!
I know there's been all the talk about hurricanes and us getting hit or getting weather from it. It really hasn't been that bad. This morning it was raining and alittle windy, but as the day went on it sprinkled off and on. A couple days ago we went to Wal-Mart to get some food and supplies and Wal-Mart was PACKED! All the water and bread were to a minimum! The aisles were almost empty and the employers were bringing pallets of bottled water out to the middle aisles. The checkout lines were crazy long! Waiting was probably over half an hour long! I finally noticed there was a lady checking out in the customer service area so I went and asked if she was ringing people out. The cashier said she was as long as there was no produce or anything that needed weighed. So I put back our peaches and bananas and we went to checkout at the customer service checkout...that was alot quicker!
I finally have a day off tomorrow so I'm not sure what I'll do because Spencer has to work. Sunday we are going to try out a different church. We didn't like the church we tried out last week. Did not feel welcomed at all! Please pray we find the right church for US and sooner rather than later. It is much appreciated! Love to all!

Happy Birthday to Spencer!

Spencer had a great first day of work on Wednesday! He has really seemed to liked it and is getting lots of hours! While Spencer worked on Wednesday I went and did some last minute grocery shopping for Spencer's birthday supper and had to pick up a few gifts (like 35 lb. dumbells that had to wait till as late as possible because I didn't know how I'd get them in the house or how I'd wrap and disguise them.) I also started on his cake. That night I surprised him with mini homemade pizzas that were delicious! Yesterday was Spencer's 21st birthday. When it comes to birthdays and Christmas he is just like alittle kid! Thursday night he didn't sleep well because Friday was his birthday. He woke me up at 7am asking if we could get up and do gifts and breakfast already. I fell back asleep and got up around 8. I made him sausage gravy and biscuts, bacon and an egg. He wasn't even half way finished when he wanted to come out and open up presents. So we got up and he opened all his gifts from my parents and then one from me. We both had to work from 10-5. I actually got a girl from work to switch shifts with me because I was actually scheduled 11-7. So I was thankful she was ok with switching.
Work went by quick yesterday. We were fairly busy but did have a few slow spots which was nice. Thankfully I don't think I had one screamer. I had alot of very good kids that would sit still and just talk to me or watch the movie. I'm talking like 2 year olds!! I was cutting this boys hair and his sister was going to get her hair cut too and when we first started she asked her mom 'why does she have purple eyes?' I said 'oh that's my eyeshadow:) ' I was still cutting her brother's hair and she was called but she didn't want to go with the other girl. Her mom said she wanted me to cut her hair because she liked my purple eyeshadow:)
Once Spencer and I both got off work we headed home and I started supper. We had new york strip steak with homeade mashed potatoes, gravy and corn on the cob. After supper he opened all his gifts from me. We went out to Wal*Mart so he could spend one of his giftcards, but he didn't find what he was looking for. So we went to Blockbuster and he got 3 new release movies that had been preview all for $20. Then we came home and had cake, started a game of diamond scrabble(which we didn't finish because we were really tired) and we got to skype with my parents, which was really nice.
This morning Spencer had to be at work at 8:30, so I dropped him off and came back and went to bed. I go into work at 12:30 to help with a birthday party and a spa party. I'm really excited to do those and learn how to do them. I think it will be lots of fun!

Time for a Blog...

Ok lets see, I know I haven't written a blog the past few days so I'll try to inform you all what's been going on. I've been getting good hours at work. I really love where I work! Even with screaming kids occasionally and hovering mothers ;) My days usually go by fast which is always a plus. I've had the past couple Saturdays off, which has been really nice. This Saturday I'm going in to learn how to do the birthday parties. We have a room in the back where we do different kinds of birthday parties for kids so I'm going to learn how all that goes. Then I'm learning how the 'Spa Parties' work. We have a Spa Party after the birthday party. A spa party is where there are fewer girls and you paint their finger nails and toe nails, and do their hair in a up-do. I've had a couple little girls already come in just to get their fingers painted while their brothers get their hair cut. They always pick 5 different BRIGHT colors to paint on each nail:)
This past Sunday we tried out a new church. It's called Gateway Freewill Baptist Church. The Pastor wasn't there but we met a lot of friendly people. We went back for the evening service which was then followed by an ice cream social. We weren't planning on staying for that but after the service more people came up to us and asked us to go. So we went and had great conversation and were introduced to even more people. I just hope I can remember peoples names because I'm usually good remembering names but we met a whole lot of new people. I feel bad because everyone remembers ours and we can't remember everyones, that will come with time. We are planning on going next Sunday to sunday school. They have a   young married sunday school class and that is something that's important to us. We're hoping to meet more young married couples. Then we'll also be able to meet the Pastor and hear his preaching. There is another church we've read about to that we might check out the following week.
Spencer got hired and Moe's Southwest Grill (praise The Lord!) and he starts tomorrow! It is a huge blessing because it is located in the shopping center across the street from mine. So having one car is more manageable. He did get offered hours at Pennys but because he wasn't formerly employed for a whole year he wouldn't get all the benefits. He would have to start all over, then with the little drive it is just makes everything harder with one car. I do have tomorrow off so I'll be picking up around our place and finishing last minute errands for Spencer's birthday, which is Friday. He has requested steak, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. For dessert he wants chocolate cake with cream cheese icing. So we will see how it all pans out.
Thank you for all your prayers and support! It's greatly appreciated!!

An Apartment into a Home

Boy have we been busy the last few days! I am happy to say we have gotten most of our stuff loaded into our apartment. It is definately feeling like our place and alot more 'homey' (is that even how it's spelled??) We do have a few boxes of our odds and ends that we wll put away eventually. I love how everything has turned out. Once again my parents and Tanner were a HUGE help! It was wonderful having them here! It was such a blessing that they were able to make the trip down here to help us!
Since Spencer, Tanner and I won't be with my parents on our birthdays they took us all out for dinner to celebrate early. Friday, we went to Buffalo Wild Wings because that's where Tanner wanted to go, and he doesn't have one around school. While driving over there we saw a new side of town. Found some more cool stores! :) We discovered a store called '5 Below' which is awesome!:) Well Spencer and I thought it was :) It's like an upscale dollar store. Everything was $5 or cheaper. I did end up getting a zebra dust pan from there!
Saturday night Spencer and I got to pick and we choose Max & Ermas, which was in the mall we went to in Nofolk. After we ate the boys went to see a movie and Mom and I wondered the mall. We found some cute stores there.
Today before Tanner headed out we went to the beach. We did rent a large family bike and all rode up and down th boardwalk. Tanner left around 2 for school. The rest of us finished last minute running and organizing of our place. Mom and Dad, Spencer and I went to Moe's Southwestern Grill (like a Qdoba) for supper and then had Skinny Dip for dessert. Again it was delicious! We got home and all played a game of Phase 10 Dice...which is so fun! My parents are planning on heading out in the morning. So pray for travel safety for them! I'm back to work tomorrow and Spencer has an interview. We are praying he gets the right job and one that is close so that we are still able to keep one vehical. We appreciate all your prayers!!

The Trailer Arrived!...Along with my family!!!!

Yesterday (Wednesday) I worked a morning shift (which was awesome! I just know I'm going to love my job and I'm not going to come home stressed! maybe just tired feet :) which I have a hubby who gives awesome footrubs). While I was at work Spencer did some last minute paint touch ups and cleaned up some of the mess in our apartment. After I got off we came back and I finished lining shelves with the liner I had left. Around 5:00 Mom, Dad and Tanner pulled in with our explorer and Dad's trailor full of our 'stuff'. We gave them the little tour of our place and then headed to to get some supper quick. We ate a Firehouse Subs, which was pretty good. Can you guess who's idea that was? :) We then came back to the apartment and started unloading the trailer and trying to put things in their place in the apartment. We are realizing how much stuff we actually have.
Around 9:00 we decided to take a break to go to 'Skinny Dip: frozen yogurt bar'. It was so much fun! You walk in and pick the size of bowl you want, then you go over to a wall full of soft serve machines that have different yogurt flavors to choose from. They did have little tester cups to sample the different flavors. I ended up getting white chocolate mac. nut and fresh strawberry. Then you walk to a wall that has TONS of different toppings! Anywhere from fruit to candy to cereal to nuts, you name it they probably had it. After you're done topping it you take your bowl up to the front to a scale. They weigh your yogurt and you pay by the ounce. It's pretty much the coolest ice cream(well yogurt) place ever invented. Now if only they will get TCBY's which chocolate mousse :)
We then drove by my work so I could show them all where I'm working. We got back to our apartment and started putting more stuff away. My family has been and still is a HUGE help! It would take us forever without them! We still have boxes and containers full of stuff to be put away. I work at 3 today so we will see what all they get acomplished without me:) Then we may head to the beach tonight...depending on weather. I know they were calling for storms. So we will see.

First Day of Work

So today I started my first day of work at 'Pigtails and Crewcuts'. I really enjoyed it. I started by filling out alot of paperwork and reading the manual etc. I eventually did do some haircuts. And of course on my first day I had a little boy who didn't want to get his hair cut and kept whinning. The girls I met today all seemed to be very nice. I love the set up of the salon...and the colors are awesome! All bright and colorful. I think I'll catch on very quick. I work again tomorrow and thursday and then I'm off till Monday, which will be nice since my parents and Tanner will be here! I came home to the painting finished, besides some small touch up work. Spencer started supper, which is lasagna and garlic toast. And I opened the fridge and saw chocolate covered strawberries!:) I've already ate a few and they were delicious! I think tonight after we eat we might go to the beach and explore some more! It's been fun exploring this new city. So far we love it!
My parents and Tanner are on their way and will be here tomorrow evening with a trailer full of our stuff. So we will be doing alot of unloading and setting up our apartment! Fun stuff!

Ohio to Virginia

So I never figured I'd be a 'blogger', but considering the circumstances and the changes we are experiencing, I figured it'd be nice to keep everyone up to date on what's going on in our lives. So as most of you know Spencer and I came down to Virginia Beach the middle of July for Spencer to finish testing for the Police Academy. It turned out that they wanted him to wait and not do the August academy but come back and do ride alongs etc to prepare more apparently. So we weren't sure what we were going to do. Should we stay in Wauseon and 'wait' for our life to start? Or should we take a step of faith and move not knowing what would happen? We immediately started doing ALOT of praying. Even before we headed to Virginia we would pray only for God's will, and that we would be able to 'handle' what His will was. Well, while we were in Virginia Beach I put in an application/resume/letter of recommendation to a kid salon in the area that I had been looking at online and really thought it was something I'd like. I figured even if we weren't going to be moving down a few weeks later (which is what we were planning if Spencer got into the August academy) I would put my application in, since we were in the area. That was on a Friday. On Sunday I got a call from the owner of the salon. She was interested in hiring me. We saw that as God opening a door for us to move to Virginia Beach. To make a long story some what shorter, we did alot of thinking and praying and talking to figure out where we were going next. There was a chance that Spencer would be able to transfer with Pennys and we saw that as a plus. We eventually decided to move so Spencer could be in Virginia for ride alongs etc. and we were ready to really 'start' our new life together. I confirmed things with the salon and we started the quick process of moving. Toward the end of July we moved out of our apartment in Wauseon, so that we could start packing our stuff into my dad's trailer that we would be using to move, and we stayed at my parents. My family was a huge help to us, helping us pack up and load up. We finally had planned to pull out Saturday morning, August 7th. We had alittle bump in the road because we had to wait before we left to check the mail Saturday, hoping for my Virginia Cosmetology license. There was some stress there but God answered our prayers and I got my license that morning. We then went out to lunch with my parents and 2 of my brothers, then we hit the road. We did have to make a few stops but we managaed to keep pretty much the same arrival time on our GPS from Wauseon to Manassas. We stopped in Manassas to shorten the trip and we stayed with some of Spencer's relatives. The next day we got up and headed into Virginia Beach, about a 3 hr drive or so. Our goal was to find an apartment. We found some online that we liked but we were leary  to sign a lease over the internet. So we had an appointment as well as looked at 2 other apartments. We found one we really liked and were able to sign and do everything the same day. Finding an apartment right away was a big priority and once again God answered our prayers! Can I just say that GOD IS GOOD! The apartment had the things we needed and wanted. The fridge, stove/oven and dishwasher came with the apartment! We both really wanted a dishwasher, that wasn't one of our priorities but definately a want. We also have onsite laundry, a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and a tanning bed. We did get our private entrance that was really important to us! The apartment also had new carpet and vinel put in, so we didn't have to worry about weird smells sunk in the carpet etc. The walls seemed to have been primed but not really painted, and they didn't look like they were done the best, so we really wanted to paint. So yesterday and today we have been painting. In between we've gone out to the store to get supplies, return supplies, grab food, get a few groceries etc. Oh might I had tonight we ate at Qdoba. Spencer is thrilled we have one down the road, where in Ohio it was a 40 min drive to the closest Qdoba. It has been so fun to drive around and see the different stores and restaurants that are close to us! I can't wait to go explore them all. I heard on the radio about this new frozen yogurt place called 'Skinny Dip : frozen yogurt bar'...it sounds like a Coldstone for frozen yogurt maybe. But I've been wanting to find it and try it, because I LOVE frozen yogurt!...Tonight on our way to the Super WalMart I spotted it! Granted I had a mini blizzard in my hand (that's right, a MINI blizzard from Dairy Queen...I had never heard of such a thing, but it's the perfect size for a sweet treat!) so we didn't get the yogurt. But I'm stoked I know where it is, so when my family gets down here we're definately making a trip there! My parents and Tanner should be here Wednesday night with the trailer full of our stuff. So they'll help us unload and get settled. It will be really nice to have them here for alittle! Tomorrow I start training for my new job! I'm excited and nervous. We'll see what happens. I think Spencer is going to touch up some trim work and paint one more wall that we have left, and possibly fill out job applications. He has the interview with Pennys next week for the transfer, but in the mean time he is going to fill out applications to see if he can't find anything better or even closer yet. So we'll see what happens with that. I'll try to keep everyone informed of the start of our new adventure. We are very excited to see what awesome things God has for store for us here in Virginia Beach!