Fabulous Fall and blog update!

Remember how I started a 2nd blog last year at http://missmatchedandmarvelous.blogspot.com/ ? Well, I'm all into repurposing things lately. So it was only a matter of time until this rarely used blog needed an update. So now...Mismatched and Marvelous will "house" our adventure of making our new house our HOME! So make your way over there...I'll make updates between packing and unpacking!

Wanted to share some pics of last weekend. It was the first sunny days is about a week, so perfect timing for the Pumpkin Patch and to get some great shots! Enjoy...


Like so many parents do, this is the annual picture that measures just how much our baby has changed in the last year.


Becca was so happy to help with the pumpkin this year. The attention span still wasn't completely there. But as you can tell, she was very thankful for her Daddy's help!


Becca was having a quiet moment at Grandpa Steve's house. I almost felt bad for capturing this moment she was having, but glad I got it.


But of course those quiet moments are few and far between...this is how we usually see Becca...becoming a gymnastics star!


And our little beauty. I can't fathom how she continues to grow more beautiful every day!

We're Moving!!!!!!!

Wow! I can't believe its been exactly a month since I posted last.

Well! Its happened! Our house has sold and a week later we put in an offer and it was excepted on a BEAUTIFUL and PERFECT house!
Check out the link! http://www.searchthecedarvalley.com/idx/residential/164466/details.html

The 3 of us may have to wear tracking devices or gps units...so we don't get lost or at least know where each other are in the new house! Main floor has MY living room, kitchen/dinning room of course, bathroom, craft room and Becca's bedroom. The 2nd floor has Tim and my bedroom/master bathroom, and an open loft space (without the loft..hard to explain, come and see us after we're settled and you'll get it!)
Basement is completely finished with a playroom space, Family room, 4th bedroom and then the utility room. Oh yeah...forgot to mention. WASHER AND DRYER ON THE MAIN FLOOR!!!!!!

We're getting down to all the details now. Inspections and appraisals on both houses, paperwork, and learning to write like a doctor! Oh yeah, incase you haven't had the pleasure of signing mortage papers, real estate offers, etc...Here's the deal.
Make every signature a squiggle from the beginning. Because after you get done signing your name 436 times, it will look like you've got a doctors script! I'm pretty sure that I missed some letters in Nicholson, and maybe even Missy a time or two!

Moving day will be November 24th, with closing on both houses the day before Thanksgiving! Heck...we thought this time of year was busy before....You've got nothing on us this year! haha!

This Friday we have the inspection at the new house. Tim and I will both be going, with camera and tape measure in hand. The furniture placement is what keeps me up at night. I can't lie about that! But funny thing is..its causing Tim some tossing and turning too! hehehe! Glad I'm not the only one!

Once we have more pictures, I'll post more!

Its been a while I guess since I've posted last. There has not been a lot of down time lately. Constantly keeping the house picked up and presentable. And honestly, Becca and I have purposely not spending a lot of time at the house, so not to clutter it up and get it messy again! But still no takers. We wonder now, since school has started, how many families are going to put THEIR house on the market. So we're a little nervous that if we do get an offer, there isn't something out there that we are completely in love with. All in God's timing!

I've started something new. I'm selling Avon now. With my mom-in-law selling, and the long time consultant at Grainger who is no longer working there...seemed like a good opportunity, with 200+ women that are lost without their consultant! Ha!
I'm just in my first campaign. We'll see how it goes! I'm optimistic and love that customer's that aren't even near me can order from my website... www.youravon.com/ynicholson. So check it out! Want free shipping? Enter FSANY in the coupon code and it will ship directly to you free of shipping!

Becca has s new love for Football. We took her to a UNI game last weekend and she loved it! She wore her Panther Cheerleader outfit that Grandpa Steve bought her and ponytail ribbons that I made. She looked adorable! She loved the loud music and danced alot! We shared popcorn and icecream and juice. I think we will be doing it again sometime soon.




As the weather remains cool, I look forward to nature walks and pumpkin patches and trick or treating with her! She's decided she wants to be a Pirate! We're piecing her costume together with great success and can't wait to reveal her alter-ego! Stay tuned!

1 month and counting

That is how long our house has been on the market now. I shouldn't be disappointed. It really hasn't been all that long. And we're getting SUPER foot traffic through the house with private showings. (13 as of last night...thats outside of the 3 open houses we've had with a total of 9 people through).
We've been told that we have someone who wants to make an offer, but that was 2 weeks ago now. Supposidly his deal is, that he's waiting for his bank to approve his open line of credit. Then he would make a cash offer to us. However, we haven't heard anything back yet. I'm not counting on it after 2 weeks now. My guess is he's either moved on to something else, or can't get the credit he was needing to make an offer.

In theman time, we've now been to 18 open houses, and have definitely narrowed our wants vs need list. If all the houses we've seen were on the market the day we sold our house, we have it narrowed down to 2. The one I've liked from the beginning, which needs alot of paint, maybe a new kitchen countertop for the near future and complete kitchen redo in a couple of years and new carpet or pergo in the finished basement. ORrrrr...the one that Tim is stuck on, which for anyone else is fine the way it is. Its beautiful, new kitchen, new hardwood floors...however to be right for us, it needs a view to the backyard, doors to a deck, a total bathroom remodel and an additional stall and a 1/2 added to the current one stall garage. That scares me and I don't want to have to do all that. And to doo all that, we would need them to come down in price about $15k...which is NOT going to happen. That would put this house into a range that we aren't even looking in...because they are so yucky. Not going to happen...just have to convince Tim of that. Yeah it would be great when its all done, but I don't think its feasible.

so....um....lets pray that things work out the way they need to work out (wink)!

My Favorite Boy!

My goodness! It seems like forever since I last posted!

Tim seems to be full of surprises lately. I shouldn't be shocked, because he is such an amazing Daddy and loves to hang out with Becca. I think me moving to 2nd shift has done wonders for both of our relationships with eachother and with Becca. None of them were bad before by any means, but we both enjoy our "daughter" time. Today, Tim came home from work and took Becca out for a "daddy daughter movie date!"
It was Becca's first time at the theaters, and from what I heard, it went well. She was too anxious to sit still in her seat, but because there were so few in the theater, Tim allowed her to move around in the isle a bit. She made it through the whole movie! Thats a bonus. All this fit perfectly today...Because today, Becca informed me that " Well...my daddy is my favorite boy ". Made me a little teary!


The house is listed, and we're just finishing the 2nd week on the market! If you know of anyone looking send them to www.cedarvalley-homes.com and search for MLS#: 163396. There you will find bunches of pictures of our house and all the specifics.
Great time for first time buyers with the $8000 tax credit. I think you have to purchase by November or something like that.

Anywho. First open house was last Sunday with lots of storms, tornado warnings and such going on. Only one couple came through the house. Didn't surprise me. However, we had 3 couples come through this week looking and have another open house scheduled for this Sunday again from 1-2!

Becca and I have been spending a lot of time away from home this week, because we had showings, we didn't want to mess the house up. So we woke up, got ready and left the house each morning. Today, however was a tad different.

We didn't have any showings scheduled. But we decided to join Grandma and Grandpa at McDonalds for breakfast. We even were back home by 8. I was sooo tired from going to bed well after 1am this morning, that I suggested we cuddle on the couch and watch Becca's favorite shows. We both fell asleep for over 2 hours! It was 1045 when we woke back up! Whew! I needed it, and she must have too!

*Deep breath*

Wow. The last month has gone by in a whirlwind! With vacation, packing, purging, cleaning, painting and meeting with our realtor...all that with swim lessons, painting at church a couple of times and work. I'm exhausted!

It feels good to have gotten so much done. Knowing that when its time to move, we have very little actual packing to do now...It doesn't seem so overwhelming.

Realtor is meeting with us before the weekend to finalize paperwork and list the house! Yay! Those little projects will be completed this weekend and ready for open houses next weekend! He has a list of probably 20 websites that he lists the house on. So once I get a link, I share it with everyone...so please pass it on to your friends, family and coworkers! Even if they aren't looking..they may know someone who is!

Becca has finished up swim lessons for the summer. Although she didn't pass, I wasn't completely surprised. This was her first time in a large pool and asked to do many of the tasks they had to do. And mostly, she did them...just not as long as she needed to do (5 second face float, etc). Becca made quick friends with another little girl, as I made friends with her Mommy. We exchanged phone numbers so we could get together to have a playdate! Becca is looking forward to that!




Last Saturday we went to a wedding and reception for one of Tim's friends. There were a lot of our long time friends there, some that we haven't seen for a very long time. Heck...two of them were even in our own wedding 11 years ago! It was great to see them, catch up with them. We laughed a lot. Before it was time to go..Becca disappeared to her bedroom for quite a while. When she returned....she said " I already got pretty for the party! Isn't it beautiful?"

She had picked out an outfit, although couldn't figure out how to put the shirt on, and even wet SOME of her hair down in the bathroom sink, but putting her head under the faucet. This was evident from just the back of her hair being wet... and the styling she did to it. Looked very much like a comb-over, but combed from the back of her head, up to the top of her head. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of it! This is how the photo shoot went. Sorry for the blurriness of some of them, but it shows the great dance she was doing!


I LIKE TO SHAKE IT SHAKE IT!

FREEZE~STRIKE A POSE

NOW WITH PROPS! (I promise this was her idea!)

THIS IS MY FAVE. LOVE THE FACE. LOL

OK, I COULDN'T HELP IT. I WANTED IN ON THIS PHOTO SHOOT!

What a week!

This has been an eventful week! I did a lot of cleaning and prepping for our Realtor to come to the house on Tuesday! The house looks amazing, and I'm loving not having all the clutter! This may set the stage for a cleaner look when we do sell and find a new home of our own!

Carl came and chatted with us, took the tour. Talked to us about our expectations, what we wanted and what he can do for us. He's putting together some numbers for us and will be in contact this week! After the visit, I got busy on yet more projects. Giving the trim inside a fresh coat of paint as well as getting rid of the peeling paint on the trim on the outside of the porch. I will be making a trip to Walmart to get some exterior paint for this weeks project!

This week, Becca also had some success at swimming lessons! It took some bribing and crying the first week, but she did great this week! We have this week left, and I'm pretty confident that she'll pass. She still won't go all the way under the water, but she's getting closer. Maybe this week she'll get it done!

We sold the boat this week! It had been a good boat, but it was time for something bigger for the family. This boat made its way out of our driveway on Tuesday, and Tim didn't hesitate to take the check to the bank! lol. We may need that for little projects are expenses as we get ready to move!

Besides the small amount of painting at our own house, I've helped paint some murals at Church in the KidsZone area. They are great. Now, I can't take a lot of credit, because it was all drawn out for us, and then we just basically had to paint by number. Its like a huge color book page! Very relaxing and fun!

Becca had another AMAZING day on Saturday, and came home with spectacular news! One of the head coaches as said that she is ready to move Becca up a level at Gymnastics! She said that Becca has some natural talent and..."she's just got it!" So Becca will begin going to gymnastics twice a week for an hour each! Yay Becca! We're so proud of you!

Right now, Tim and Becca are napping, catching up from the busy week we've had. Tim had a bachelor party and then gaming with the guys that were intown for the party.
So while the house is quiet and nobody underfoot...I believe I'll go get my paintbrush out again!

Gymnastics Meet and busy week ahead!

Today was Becca's very first gymnastics meet! It was a "fun meet" that they do once a year, to show off the kid's skills they've learned. Becca did fantabulous!
9.425 on Floor, 9.375 on springboard (she's not heavy enough to make it spring!) 9.475 on Beam, 9.4 on Bars!
Grandma Deb, Grandpa Bob, Wendy and Xavier came to watch the fun! Uncle Gary and Dustin were there also, to watch Breighton compete as well! Breighton was just beaming! He was sooooo happy!

It was hard to get pictures of Becca in motion, they were all fuzzy, but we got some cute ones none the less!

Becca studying the competition! Love this look!


Our favorite Coach Sarah, showing us Becca's Floor Routine score! Way to go Punk!
You rocked that routine!


Becca after receiving her metal! Soooo proud of you!

We are soooo proud of her. Always number one, even if she hadn't done as amazingly awesome as she did! Way to go Punk! We all love you!

We will be having a busy couple of days the beginning of this week. We contacted a Realtor last week, who is coming to the house just to talk with us, answer some questions, tell us where we should start. Which project to go forward on and which to just not even worry about. We're not quite ready to list the house yet, but every day we are closer and closer!

After the meet today, we straightened up the basement got some things loaded in the truck for a dump run. Its amazing how much we have that hasn't been touched in the last couple of years. I promise to not let that happen at the next house! We still need to pack the basement, but it looks 100% better than what it did. After dinner, we also went outside and did some yardwork, weeding and trimming. Another two things off the list before Carl comes on Tuesday.

Monday and Tuesday, Becca will be spending her days with Grandma Deb and Wendy, so that I have the time neccessary to get a couple more things done before Carl comes. I'm positive about it, because each thing I get done is one less thing I have to do when we do actually move! But it is exhausting! Lord...bless me with energy this week!

Hey Mom? Where's vacation?

This was the question we heard for 6 hours in the car on the way to Wisconsin, and even once or twice the week we were there! Becca is so funny.
We had a blast on vacation. Even though the weather was crummy, cold, windy and wet...which in turn didn't help the fishing, we made the most of just being away, and not having a schedule to follow.
The kids enjoyed riding in the boat and fishing for short periods. Xavier caught 12 fish and Becca caught 5!



One of the many cool days we went into town and visited the Wilderness Walk. Basically a petting zoo, with many different animals. The kids enjoyed this, feeding, petting and seeing the animals up close. Becca got her Caricature done while we were there and Xavier panned for GOLD!!

We also saw lots of wildlife around the resort also. Deer, turtles, Herons, Eagles, Osprey, Beaver, Grey Squirles and believe it or not, Tim found bear tracks outside our cabin the morning we left. Not sure if it was recent or not. Unfortunately we didn't see or hear it though.
It was bitter sweet as it always is to head home from a week away. It was nice to sleep in our own bed, but just as the weather turned nice, we had to leave. Bummer.
I'm confident though that we will give it another shot at the same resort next summer.

Finally summer arrived.

Although I was perfectly happy with temps in the 70's, it wouldn't be summer without oppressive humidity and heat! Summer finally arrived this week. Along with 2 tornado (ok, one tornado and one Gustnado....who ever heard of such a thing? )

Becca has enjoyed the pool at Wendy and Xavier's house lately, and is actually having fun running through the hose at our own house. We have decided not to put up the pool this year. Thinking ahead and still hoping to put the house on the market within the next month or so. Figured it would show better without the pool up.

An old friend from high school passed away last week. It was quick. Just plain old heat exhaustion, which they believe ended up as a heat stroke. Travis was a great guy. Full of life, full of energy, very dare devilish, would try anything, loved to laugh and was very caring of others. Its just amazing that things happen and change so quickly. Out of the blue. We take wayyyy too much for granted. Travis was the 2nd classmate of mine that we've lost in the last 6 months or so.
Hug someone, tell them you love them.

Happy Father's Day!

Tim, you are an amazingly compassionate Daddy. It is obvious to everyone we know, that you love being a Dad and have fun doing it. You are creating beautiful memories that make me smile and thank God daily for a wonderful husband!



Steve, You have made lasting impressions and imprints on Tim's heart, that has made him the Daddy he is today. He has had a great model to follow after and I thank you for being the Dad you where, are and will continue to be to him. Through life's up and downs, he knows has you to go to for support and knows that you are the best source for it! Thank you!


Dad, Thank you. All that you have done through the years to provide for us. Working long, hot hours in the factory, cold hours plowing and shoveling snow, and countless hours making our house a home. You are the best. You have taught work ethics, the love of God and showing others that same love by giving a helping hand. It is clear that you love your family and are a constant in our lives and so many others. You now are teaching the same things to your grandchildren, who obviously adore you tremendously. Thank you for being the man, the father and ol' grandpa that you are!

Great weekend!

We had another great weekend!
As always, it begins with Becca waking me up, turning my head towards the window and saying " Hey Momma, its morning! See! Look outside! "

We never rush around on a Saturday morning. This particular Saturday morning it was full of Becca showing me her latest gifts from Grandma Kathy & Grandpa Joe. They dropped in for a visit Friday night while I was working, but had a nice time with Tim and Becca. Becca received a new Elmo game for her computer, 3 story books and a Busy Hands Kids Craft Book, full of ideas for us to keep us busy!
As everyone knows, we love to do art projects! We're deciding which projects to get supplies for to take on vacation with us!

Becca did awesome at Gymnastics on Saturday also! She's doing her Spin the Cat forward and can pull herself back through, great on her beam and awesome well on her mini routine. At the end of class, she received compliments from two of her teachers! One said " Becca you rock! " and the other said, " You did awesome girl! Keep it up! " Becca just beamed after that!

Becca ent to Wendy and Xavier's to swim...but decided the water was too cold. Tim and I took that time to go out for dinner by ourselves. That was nice. We don't get that chance much at all, especially by ourselves since my shift change. We devoured Chinese food at China Wok! Our fave! After dinner, we joined the rest of the family at Wendy's for a campfire! Can't have a beautiful Saturday night without a campfire!

Sunday we worked on the boat, played outside, then Daddy decided that he wanted to take us girls to Hickory Hills and fish from shore! However, the fish had another idea. Tim was the only one trying to catch, Becca and I played on the playground. After about 15 minutes, Tim decided he did't want to ruin her taste for fishing with not catching any, so we decided to go look at the animals instead. That was fun!
We spent the rest of the night hanging out at home, and had burgers on the grill and strawberry shortcake for dessert! YUMMMM!

Walk on the wildside

Today Xavier, Becca and I went to Hartman Reserve for Nature Time story hour. Xavier had been there on a school field trip previously, so knew what to expect..however Becca was only 1 when I took her there last, so was completely unaware of what this was going to be all about. When I told Hartman Reserve was a forest, with walking paths, her immediate question was " But...there aren't any Lions there...right? "
I reassured her that " No...Lions don't live in Iowa. I promise we will not see any lions. " And she said, " Not even little baby lions? "
This time I told her only little animals and maybe a deer live in this forest. But we probably wouldn't see much for animals except the pretend animals at the center. She was completely ok with that!

The kids looking at the THOUSANDS of tadpoles in the shallow pond.

After hearing a story and looking at the pretend animals, the kids decided the would rather go on a walk in the forest, than play the game they were going to do next. We took the long trail. It was a great work out for sure!


Walking back up the stairs on the bluff. This was the part with the good workout!
Plus, it made a good picture!

Between things....

I'll make a quick post. I know its been a while. We've been super busy lately with a lot of different projects.

Garage. Done. Clean. Organized.

Boat. Bought. Definitely Sea Worthy. Becca loves to "try out the boat" in the garage.

Closets...3/5 cleaned and empty. Yay Me.

3 trips to the dump. More coming.

Becca. Is doing "skin the cat" again at Gymnastics after a 3 month refusal. Yay Becca!

Becca. Is WRITING!!!! Thats right. On her own, without help, she can spell: Mom, Cody, Dad, Becca, Momma, Daddy, Dog, Ball.

Becca is SPELLING!!!! When we sound out words, she will spell them with very little help! She rocks!

Auggie. Still naughty. Still annoying. Still have zero patience for him. But thats just me *wink*

Vacation. 2 1/2 weeks away! Can't wait!

Ok, tator tot casserol is almost done. I will give more details later!

New month, New background

3 years of changes!

This weekend Daddy took Becca and I's annual picture in front of our false indigo! I look forward to its bloom every year!

This shrub is and always will be my favorite. It will go with anytime we move. Forever. This shrub is from an original shrub that my Grandma Smith had at the house they built in Cedar Falls. Mom took a division, and when Tim and I got married and moved to our first house, I took a division, we then brought it to this house, and it will go with us on our next move as well.

2007


2008


2009
So yeah, its kind of an "antique"..if there is such a thing in the horticultural world. But most importantly, Grandma Smith passed away shortly before I was born, and besides my eyes( so I hear ) its the only thing that I have of hers.

First Road Trip (and many others)

Tim suggested early in the week that we should take a fun road trip this weekend. I wasn't going to pass that up! So we took a day trip to Cabella's in Owatonna. It was a beautiful day, made great memories, shared lots of laughs, and enjoyed every minute of it! This was also a day of firsts for Becca. Other than it being her first road trip just for the fun of it, we saw and did many other things.
1. We saw and waved at a convoy of Army guys as we passed them!
2. We saw a Momma deer nursing her baby.

3. We saw the Wind farm by Nashua

4. Becca fed the ducks and geese at the park in Owatonna

5. Becca picked out her very first fishing lure!
6. Becca saw all the "pretend" animals at the Cabella's store

7. Becca saw her first turtle up close, as he made friend with her at the aquarium

8. Becca got her first Fishing Hat at Cabella's

9. Becca walked across the foot bridge at the park with Daddy to look for fish


As you can see, it was a fun filled day! Lots of excitement for sure, just enough to let her crash on the way back home....with hat on and all!

Happy Birthday to me!

Today I turn 32. Wowy. I don't feel 32. Well....until I try to walk after sitting for a long time! I look about 82 when that happens!
Thank you to all my family and friends that shows so much love,always giving, never expecting to receive. My husband who has loved me unconditionally for the last 14 years. These 32 years I wouldn't trade for anyone elses.

This weekend was a busy and exhausting one. I was lucky enough to take 1/2 the night off (which meant that I left work at 645) on Friday, so I could go to the Bonfire my sister was having. That was a fun time as always. Mom and Dad brought my Bday gift, which was rubbermaid totes! Yay! More reasons to pack stuff up and get rid of stuff we don't want anymore. Wendy and Xavier gave me a giftcard to Hobby Lobby. That will most definitely go to a good use. Something pretty for sure!

Saturday was Tim's Step-Brother's wedding. It was help out at Steve and Paula's and was beautiful. The weather broke, rain stopped, sun came out and it was perfect! We helped set up and take down, and then headed to the "party" as Becca called it. She was soooo excited to go to the party. Her and Tim danced, which made me cry of course, then we headed home after a long day.

Happy day to Ryan and Angie Brooks!

Sunday and Monday were spent with Tim and I cleaning out the garage, cleaning out the boat to get ready to sell and organizing things to get ready to put the house on the market. It will be later this summer. But we're hoping to get alot of purging and packing done now, so we don't have to do it at the last minute. Great way to spend my mornings, now that I'm working in the nights!

Last week went by in a blur it seems. But that is ok, cause it means we were having fun and lovin life.

Tim and I have gotten motivated to get rid of all the junk in our lives. All the nonsense that doesn't belong and only clutters the house and annoys us both. Which boils down to purge purge purge. Oh, and lots of trips to the dump.

We're cleaning out closets (I have a load of toddler toys and stuff for a family from church that has a 1 year old and another on the way in a couple of months.) I have a baby load for my cousin Katie who has a bundle arriving this fall. I've taken ALLLLLL of Becca's outgrown clothes to girls at work who have a little princess of their own. That feels good. Becca's closet is cleaned out.

Tim and I started making throw away piles over the weekend, ofall the junk that has accumulated in the garage. He and Becca are making a trip to the dump tonight to rid us of that mess. But with cleaning out the garage, comes the next task. Filling it back up with shelves, hooks and organized boxes and totes full of our life's history that we don't need to keep in the house.

Its a big job, but we're hoping to get it done quick. Definitely helps with me being home durring the day, to be able to do a little bit every day. Doesn't seem so daunting that way.

There are projects that need to be done around the house as well, that we're hoping to get finished soon. The back door trim, the trim in the bathroom(yes, bathroom has been without trim for 2 years) and new carpet in the living room. I may even price out carpet for the bedrooms. hmmmmmm...not so sure on that yet.

And while all of this is happening, Becca is more than happy to sit and practice hand writting her numbers and letters if she's not helping hold the door. what more could I ask for? ...Well...ok, I could ask for someone to do it all for me.

Thank God for neighobors...they give me excuses!

I'm in a mood to create and bake lately.
Yesterday we made Rhubarb crisp at Mom's house, thanks to her generous neighbor who offered some fruit from her garden! Gotta love it. I think I'm the only one in the family that REALLLLY likes Rhubarb, and God knows I don't need a whole pan of crisp to myself. But dad doesn't mind it. So I left him a slice, and will be taking the rest to work to share,a fter having a piece or two myself. Yum!

Then yesterday my gentleman neighbor, who just happened to put his house up on the market, offered to take a pile of brush to the dump for us, as he was going already. How sweet! So this morning, Becca and I have made some fresh Chocolate Chip cookies to share with him, as a thank-you!

As soon as our laundry load is out and folded, Becca and I are going to make a trip to Hobby Lobby, to fulfill our urge to create! Maybe a paint-able plate or container to do some artwork on, and put our cookies in for Rich. Hmmm...