Our Nest

So we finally made a compromise with the seller of our new-house-to-be. Much to our gratification, we are not only getting a new roof, but also repairs to the chimney. We are sooo excited! The closing date will be September 8th. We don't have to be out of the apartment until October 3rd, but I am planning on slowly moving boxes into the new place after closing. Who knows, I might even sleep there since it is much closer to work. Anyhow, I really haven't felt this relieved since we got the last thank-you out for the wedding. It will be great to finally have a place that is really our own.

Back-to-School

Yup, we're some pretty groovy people in the special education department. Last week was our annual professional development training. I am on the left (peace) and one of my co-workers, Sara Kuhl, is pictured with the groovy afro. Hannah was unable to join us, as she is a new mom and is on maternity leave until October. While there have been a lot of changes with curriculum and classrooms, I hope our team has a far-out and groovy school year. Peace, love, and happiness for 2008-2009!

Bad News Bears

For anyone that knows us, I call Justin the bear. This is mainly because I think the back of his blocky head and ears looks like a bear. Anyhow, I am really disappointed to inform you all that we might not be able to get our house. We had the inspection yesterday, which went very well considering how most home inspecters are. From experience with my mother I've noticed inspectors are very thorough individuals trying to strike fear into the heart of any homebuyer letting them know that no home, not even new is worth any money. This was not the case for us. Luckily, Mr. Inspector as I will call him, was very pleased with our home, finding very few problems. While there were a few concerns about some wires being switched in some of the electrical outlets everything was pretty good. Then came the concerns about the roof. He informed us the roof was in good shape and had at least five more years left, however, he was worried about us getting insurance because some idiot shingled composite roofing over shaker shingles (the ugly wooden ones that seem to be very popular, but very dangerous and damaging to your home). The grave news occurred this morning, that we would be unable to get home owner's insurance do to none other than the darn roof. The seller is trying to play games with us by trying to get us to use another insurance company, however, other companies have had the same grim response. Plus, we are very happy with our insurance agent. Anyhow, if we can't get the roof fixed or even partially paid for we might have to walk and find another home. I've been on the verge of tears all day because this is very disappointing news.

Pictures as Promised

The above pictures were taken at the Des Moines Farmer's Market. The man in the red suite was advertising for some pizza sauce. I asked if I could post him on my blog. As soon as he said "yes" my mom wanted to pose along with him so she could also be a part of the blog. It was a lovely day.

Is this Heaven?

I went back to Iowa this weekend sans Justin. I am having trouble uploading the images, but will try again tomorrow and post them. They are really a treat. This is my favorite time to visit Iowa despite the fact it is wicked hot and humid. Friday evening consisted of chilling and catching up with my sister, Erin. Saturday I woke up early to visit my mother. We headed to the Farmer's Market in downtown Des Moines. For those of you who do not live in Iowa, it is the ultimate experience. I have always said anything is cause for celebration in Iowa if meat is served on a stick. The Des Moines Farmer's Market consists of streets literally packed to every corner with organic produce, items for your garden, art, and food vendors. If you ever get a chance to visit, I highly suggest it. Really, I don't think there is anything like it unless you visit an open market in New York City or some foreign country. Later that day, I traveled back to Ames, State Center, and back to Ames. We had dinner with my dad and Brenda (my stepmom). They just bought a lovely new home located on a golf course in State Center. We ate some fantastic sweet corn, had a chipping contest to see who could get the closest to the 10th green, and chatted around their fire pit. While it sounds cliche, the whole weekend left me wondering...is this heaven? No, it is Iowa.