The Past Few Crazy Days

Our overnight in KC was great! We stayed at the Hyatt Place Overland Park/Convention Center. Very NICE! I found this place to be better than the nearby 3 1/2 star hotels nearby, plus they served a continental breakfast which meant we didn't have to pay $10 each for a breakfast buffet (which I probably could not have eaten much anyway). The decor was nice the beds were comfy and we had lots of pillows. Shaun's favorite part was the 42 inch flat screen TV which you could watch either from bed or from the L-shaped couch in the living area of the room. This was a very clean hotel with great staff and good food options (you could order from the snack bar anytime).

Thanks, in part, to our GPS we found out there was a Japanese Steakhouse nearby (see Han Shin Japanese Steakhouse's website- this is where we went). The GPS got us to the right area but I had to call to find out exactly where it was located because the GPS was wrong. We hadn't eaten at one of these before so we were excited when we got there and it was what we expected. We had our dinner (which we shared a LARGE meal) cooked on the flat grill right in front of us. We shared the table/cook/grill with a local couple. The food was great and very filling. I'm so glad I hadn't ordered my own! I couldn't have kept it overnight so it wouldn't have been worth it. The hotel room did have a fridge but I didn't want to smell the food the next morning (pregnancy nose) and we wouldn't have been able to eat it for lunch the next day anyway since we were traveling back to Manhattan by then.

Finding the U-Haul was another story with the GPS. ARGH! Who knew there were two roads in the same vicinity with the same name? Of course the GPS didn't tell us this and didn't let me put in the exact address of the U-Haul store. Nope, we had to drive the same short road three times while I called U-Haul and asked for directions only to figure it all out myself because they were screwed up too. Apparently no one had told them there is another road either. Once we got the U-Haul everything went smoothly. We loaded up after spending some time surfing catalogs at Direct Buy. Shaun also ordered pasta maker attachments for our Kitchen Aid while we were there. The trip home was happily uneventful. When we picked our boys up at our friends' home they offered to help with unloading so that went quickly.

To add to the day's excitement, I convinced Shaun to go browse at the "Greatest Sale on Earth" which is in the football/basketball stadiums' parking lot here in Manhattan. The three major local car dealerships bring all of their cars to the parking lot and together have a massive sale. If you haven't seen it it's worth at least driving by. And of course that means the dealerships look like they've all closed which was funny this year with all that has happened with the economy. Our "browsing" ended up meaning that we left with a new car. Dang sales trap! I knew better than to go but really wanted to figure out what we could afford IF we decided to buy something before the baby is born. Hmmm. Fooled myself I guess.

Instead of just going around looking at minivans and SUV's that we knew we couldn't afford I went straight to a sales tent of a local dealer and asked them some questions. I wanted to know what our car would be worth as a trade it and what to expect for monthly payments if we financed. I got the trade-in value without even a peak at our car and was told that financing (with our excellent credit which they also didn't bother to look up) would be about $22 per thousand financed. OK, that gave me a better feel for everything. I asked if they had anything used that was priced around $10,000. We were only interested in minivans and SUV's so that really limited us. They soooo wanted us to just find something expensive that we liked and then come talk. I wasn't falling for it! I asked a salesman who looked nice to bring us to anything they had like what we wanted. They had TWO SUVs and that was it in our price range. So, we looked at the first, almost laughed because it was smaller than our car, and then he showed us the second very unenthusiastically. He seemed tired from working all day and pretty sure that we weren't getting anything anyway. But he was still nice and polite. We thanked him after seeing the second SUV and said we might be back later. We then visited another dealership's area but quickly realized they didn't have what we were looking for so we headed back.

The salesman we had spoken to a little earlier came back over to the SUV when he saw we were back and was very helpful. We ended up taking it for a quick test drive and dropping the boys off for a baseball party at Time Our Corner and then bringing the SUV back to the parking lot. The salesman asked if we wanted to talk about it and I said yes, but that we only had about 15 minutes because I needed to leave for a photo gig. Well, in the short 15 minutes I got the deal I wanted and we agreed to come back later that evening with our car ready to trade (he still hadn't done anything but move it about 20 feet or so but had already committed to a better trade-in price). After photographing a wedding reception Shaun picked me up in the Buick and I called the salesman to say we were on our way back. We met him there, exchanged vehicles, and paid CASH for the remaining part owed. It was crazy fast! Shaun and I were so very proud of ourselves for being able to do this and we felt so grown up. This is the first car we've purchased on our own and we were able to do so with only our savings and a trade in. It was truly amazing!

So, that was our Friday and Saturday. Sunday was very relaxing. After church I studied (ICK! Hate to do that on Sundays.) and the boys and Shaun cleared out their bedroom so the furniture could be assembled. Shaun cleaned the carpet and then Monday evening we assembled all the furniture and the boys started moving their clothing into the dresser and Logan brought his from his closet and took over half of Shane's closet. It was a fun family evening!

Furniture and A Night Alone

Yay! The boys' furniture is in at Direct Buy Johnson County! This means we need to now go to Lenexa (near KC) and pick it up. Then Shaun will have the pleasure of assembling everything over the next few days. The boys have been busy cleaning their rooms in hopes that they have a shared room with bunk beds very soon. They will also have a new large dresser to share and the baby will have a nice table/dresser for her/his room. Oh, and we should know if it's a boy or girl the first week of August! Things are moving right along.

In order to go to pick up everything Shaun and I decided that we'd leave tonight...this is where a night alone comes in... We have a lot going on tomorrow evening and want to have plenty of time to pick up a U-Haul, get everything loaded, drive home, unload, and then drop off the U-Haul here in Manhappiness. Shane has a baseball party at 5 and I have a photo gig at 6 (wedding reception for couple recently married in Spain). So, what better than spending the night in Kansas City? I'd considered calling a few friends who live in the area as I'm sure they wouldn't mind having guests but this was too easy for me. Shaun and I haven't stayed alone in a hotel since our friends Heather and Jeff's wedding (um) a few years ago (5 now or 6? I've lost track). I can't remember why we did then, I think maybe it was between the rehearsal dinner and the wedding. Although I was thinking the kids were at the wedding and I remember being sick with strep throat for a few days prior. Dang! It has been a while.

After work I am going to go home and pack quickly (will only take five minutes) then we're dropping the kids at a friend's house and heading out on our own. I like the sound of that. Hopefully we'll grab snacks at home or on the way and then, if we're up to it, find somewhere nice to eat dinner, perhaps in the plaza, possibly Cheesecake Factory which I know Shaun would like. Then to the hotel where I plan to soak in the pool unless there are kids playing roudily. Or we may just stay in our room and um, relax. Tomorrow we'll sleep in and then have a nice continental breakfast before heading over to Direct Buy around 9:15 or so. I think they open at 9:30 so no need to rise early!

Ahhhhh. I'm sooo looking forward to quiet time. Maybe I can convince Shaun not to snore...

Weekend with Kyler

My brother, Kyler, has been visiting since Friday evening. He arrived at our home in time for a quick dinner out and then Shane's last non-tournament baseball game. Saturday we went to the farmer's market for a few small pies a friend was selling and then drove around town to places Kyler remembers a little bit from his early childhood. Everyone but me and mom moved away from Manhattan in 1996, the year Shane was born. Kyler (my step-brother) was about 5 years old at the time. He has only been back once since then, for my wedding.

We drove by our old house, which used to look much better!


His old apartment and daycare:



To Bluemont (Manhattan) Hill just for fun:


He probably didn't go there as a kid. We walked down the steep, never-ending steps and I'm very much regretting this today. I'm soooo sore! My knees killed me the whole way down and now my right knee and thigh are telling me how much they hate my bright idea! In the past I've not had any problems with walking down the steps and haven't been too very sore from climbing up the hill, even when I went straight up without the steps! I'm soooo out of shape. I guess it's about time I got back into a routine to keep myself a bit more fit and healthy while pregnant. Now that I'm feeling better and able to have a bit more energy it's time to use it.


And we went to Pillsbury Crossing, which he did remember!




We got out when we saw this:


A copperhead which later disappeared under water!

Late Sunday, while I had dinner in the oven, we went driving around in the country to see if I could find a good spot for taking pictures later tonight and then drove over to the Rocky Ford Fishing Area behind our house. Then we went home, had a great dinner (if I do say so myself!), and played games as a family for a while. It's been a wonderful past few days!

The boys have loved having Uncle Kyler here, as have Shaun and I. It's been way too long since I've gotten to spend any time with him! Hopefully we can do this more often. This time he happened to be visiting his grandparents in DeSoto, KS and sent me a Facebook message asking if we wanted to see him. OF COURSE! I love Facebook! LOL We'll see him next at my sister Allie's wedding in early September. Hopefully we'll also get to see him each time he visits his grandparents but since he's no longer going there each summer to see his father (who moved out of the country) I don't know how often that will be. Luckily he's 18 now and able to travel easier by driving himself places. I'm hoping he decides to come down occasionally during college breaks while he's earning his welding certificate. He also plans to travel for work once he has his certificate so that may facilitate some visits. I just don't see us going back to the UP of MI any time soon, especially since Allie and Cory won't be there too much longer. Kyler and Allie are my only connections to the UP and even as beautiful as it is, I just don't see us getting back to that part of Michigan for a long, long time.

On a more positive note...I've been wondering if I should give up on my photography hobby/business for a while. I don't want to because I really love it but I truly don't have the time to put into it that I used to. I know this next year will be crazy and I don't want to expect myself to do much photography on top of everything else. It's been nice to have the occasional extra income and I really do love it. I'm just concerned about having any time to do it. Well, just as I was thinking this over the past few days or so, as of today I've had two requests to photograph people! Tonight I'm doing a family session for a friend's brother and his family before he heads back to Iraq. This weekend I'm possibly doing a wedding reception for a couple who were recently married in Spain. Both of these were from friends calling to see if I was interested, which of course I always am! I love that I get referrals when I'm least expecting them. I guess this would be my sign that I shouldn't give up my hobby but should just hold out and wait for referrals. I haven't advertised in the past and there is no way I'm going to right now with so much already on my plate. I'm happy to have the opportunity to use my talent when someone wants to knock on my door (or rather call me)!

A Celebrity Death

I don't often forward emails but I really like this one so I'm blogging it instead! I've been trying to figure out how to put my feelings about Michael Jackson's death into words and this soldier did it very well! Personally I'm not a fan of Michael Jackson (haven't been for many years even though there are a couple songs I still like) and his death does not affect my life. I'm soooo tired of the media coverage of this and have been trying to avoid the news since. Normally I watch news programs once or twice a day. Not now. Enjoy the below message that was sent to me. A lot of food for thought!


Haven't most of us wondered about this??? This serviceman is
absolutely on track - God bless him and keep him safe.
*Subject:* Well stated


THIS WAS WRITTEN BY A SOLDIER IN IRAQ .


I was just watching the news, and I caught part of a report on
Michael Jackson . As we all know, Jackson died the other day.
He was an
entertainer who performed for decades. He made millions, he
spent millions, and he did a lot of things that make him a
villian to many people. I understand that his death would
affect a lot of people, and I respect those people who mourn his
death, but that isn't the point.

Why is it that when ONE man dies, the whole of America loses
their minds with grief. When a man dies whose only contribution
to the country was to ENTERTAIN people, the Amercian people find
the need to flock to a memorial in Hollywood , and even Congress
sees the need to hold a "moment of silence" for his passing?

Am I missing something here? ONE man dies, and all of a sudden
he's a freaking martyr because he entertained us for a few
decades? What about all those SOLDIERS who have died to give us
freedom? All those Soldiers who, knowing that they would be
asked to fight in a war, still raised their hands and swore to
defend the Constitution and the United States of America .
Where is their moment of silence? Where are the people
flocking to their graves or memorials and mourning over them
because they made the ultimate sacrifice? Why is it when a
Soldier dies, there are more people saying "good ridence," and
"thank God for IEDs?" When did this country become so calloused
to the sacrifice of GOOD MEN and WOMEN, that they can
arbitrarily blow off their deaths, and instead, throw themselves
into mourning for a "Pop Icon?"

I think that if they are going to hold a moment of silence IN
CONGRESS for Michael Jackson, they need to hold a moment of
silence for every service member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan
. They need to PUBLICLY recognize every life that has been lost
so that the American people can live their callous little lives
in the luxury and freedom that WE, those that are living and
those that have gone on, have provided for them. But, wait,
that would take too much time, because there have been so many
willing to make that sacrifice. After all, we will never make
millions of dollars. We will never star in movies, or write hit
songs that the world will listen too. We only shed our blood,
sweat and tears so that people can enjoy what they have.

Sorry if I have offended, but I needed to say it. Feel free to
pass this along if you want.

Remember these five words the next time you think of someone who
is serving in the military; "So that others may live..."

Weekend Ahead!

Ahhhh! I'm looking forward to a great three-day weekend of food, fun, and relaxation.

I was able to complete my homework assignments early this week since I'd finally gotten all caught up last weekend.

Both boys have baseball games tonight (great way to start an All-American weekend). I'm hoping it's not going to be too hot. Shaun and I will be dividing and conquering tonight since the games are at the same time.

Tomorrow: My plan is to sleep in. I really don't care what else happens until the evening. I should probably do some housework, but I'm not too concerned about getting a lot done. I just need some down time. The Balsmaier family from church has invited everyone over for their annual party. Lots of fun, games and bouncy things for the kids, and then late evening fireworks. We're bringing our fireworks with us so we can have it all done in one night. I've been told that several families will be doing so. We didn't buy near as much this year as we have in the past since we'll be doing them at their house. Usually we buy a ton and a few families in our neighborhood do them at the same time. It's a great show but I don't think it's going to happen this year. At least one other family will be gone and I don't expect the grown sons of the couple accross the street will be home, although they might be. If so we might watch their display on Saturday evening.

Saturday: Sunrise service at church which usually includes a flag raising ceremony, lots of music (both singing and a band), and breakfast. Nothing has been planned for the rest of the day. We're considering watching city fireworks displays in Manhattan, Wamego, or Junction City. They all do well. We'll see if we want to fight the crowds or hide out somewhere scenic.

Sunday: Church and then the missionaries are coming over for dinner. Should be a great day to nap and catch up on some reading.

Have a BLAST and stay safe!