Fall has gone and fell!

Fall has arrived on Dyrnan Drive!

So I posted about Junk Bonanza and how incredibly awesome it was. Seriously. The atmosphere, the people, the junk,the deals, the laughs. Did I mention the junk?

Here's the junk that was in my trunk when I came home! Well, at least the biggest peice of junk. Not sure what it was or what it was meant to be...but its mine and
its F.I.N.E fine (to borrow from Aerosmith).

Here she is...in all her galvanized goodness...naked from the inside. Well, except for sand to keep it from blowing over.


And now with some dried Switchgrass, seed heads and twigs from the yard painted red.


From goodness to glorious-ness! (is that a real word?)


Once I get my other peices out and into their new homes from the Junk trip, I will post those also! Thanks for visiting!

Junk Bonanza!

I had one of the best times of my life a week ago! Jill, Wendy, Mom and I went north to Shakopee, Mn to get in some junkin at Junk Bonanza! We got lots of shopping done at specialty stores that we just don't have around here. Had GREAT food and sooooo many laughs that we all had sore stomach and face muscles! Seriously...I can't remember ever having such a great time! I'm already ready for next year!

Let me tell you...if you love decorating with junk, antiques and or repurposed items, you MUST make your way to next years JUNK BONANZA! Check out their website here. As of right now, its still showing this years information, all thought its past. However, take a look at Kai's blog(she is the fonder of this awesome junk fest as well as the Flea Market Style magazine!

Here is Kai! She met us at the front door, handing out our free canvas JUNK bags, filled with goodies for those of us that bought EarlyBird tickets, for a full 2 hour sneak peak before the doors opened for the public. It was a.maz.ing!


We got free hot donuts passed out by this gentleman! delish!


Then we found fabulous things. Really...my pictures don't do the place justice! Kai's blog shows much more, so go check it out!

Hello Darlin!

Wow! Its been for.ev.er. since i've updated this blog.
I apologize. But hopefully you've been following me over at http://missmatchedandmarvelous.blogspot.com/

Its been crazy around our house the last couple of months.
Quick run down to catch everybody up!

March 31st I had knee surgery to replace my ACL. Was home on disability for 8 weeks.

In April and May my time off lent plenty of time to help a friend with planning and styling her daughter's graduation party. That was so much fun to create and see the end result! It was very funky, fun and youthful! Loved it.

June is wen we sent the boys (Tim, Xavier and my Dad) to Wisconsin on a week long fishing trip. Mom, Becca, Wendy and I had a good week here at home without the boys. We spent a lot of time at Sturgis Falls and holding down our regular spot that we can always be found. The girls and I also took a day trip to DesMoines for some shopping and food!

In July I helped at church to complete the mural paintings in the Kidzone. Good times and it turned out so cute! I still need to get some good pictures of that!

In July, God also spoke to me about a passion that I had been praying about for some time. I had been contemplating starting my own business as a Party Stylist, but not knowing just how far to go with it, or if it was the right time. He spoke to me....read about it here.

Shortly after, I started working on my cousins September Wedding, and heling my friend Abbi create a fun and encouraging enviroment for our church's preschool Sprout! See picture http://missmatchedandmarvelous.blogspot.com/2010/09/things-are-sprout-ing-up.html. There is soo muh more to the room than just these pictures. I'll take more soon.

Speaking of Sprout...Becca started Preschool! Ugh! Bitter sweet! look at her beautiful little punky little self on the first day! I love you kid!






I helped one of my besties do her daughter's bday. Ms Brynn had a blast as well as her friends and I must say, for the little bit I styled and created...it was enough to make if fun and festive!

Katie's wedding in September was hit! See pics http://missmatchedandmarvelous.blogspot.com/2010/09/svobodakrizek-wedding.html.

Next up...an Enchanted Woodland baby shower for another bestie, Aubrey and her baby girl due in November! I've been collecting and creating for a month on this baby shower I'm hosting and styling! I will defitely be posting pictures after the party!

Ok, so as long as that post was, your caught up now! I promise more family posts in the future. But be sure to visit http://missmatchedandmarvelous.blogspot.com/ to see the me as a Party Stylist in action!

I just don't have words! Who needs words when you have a daughter this beautiful and precious?

Bring on Spring!

Its coming, its just around the corner...you can ALMOST smell it in the air!
There has been a lot of meltage (yes, that's a word. Even if only in my own warped brain) around town. However, the sun is taking its time reaching my yard! I see neighbors and yards all over town that don't have much if any at all, and ours is still completely covered! WHAT GIVES?

Well, I tell ya what...long (ok, I know they are shorter, but they seem to last way longer) days of winter bring on boredom in every way imaginable. Becca and I are starting to go a little stir crazy! Especially with my knee injury, I haven't been getting out a lot. So we find activities in everyday occurrences...like lunch!



I saw this in magazine article YEARS and YEARS ago! And stored it away the back corner of my mellon to use some day when a little punk would appreciate it, rather than just doing it for Tim. Although I'm sure he would've appreciated it...it would have been because he had ammo to use against me and make fun of me about Not appreciating the most refined talent and execution in the art of "playing with my food and not getting in trouble for it".

Making Memories with Gpa Steve

On one of the few warmer (by warmer I mean above 20 degrees) January afternoons, we made our way out Grandpa Steve and Grandma Paula's house to go sledding. This was Becca's first sledding experience and she had a blast. She outlasted the adults and wanted to stay out longer, but since we're the mom and dad...we over-ruled!


Grandpa had plowed a path down the small hill! What a ride!


Of course the walk back up is the hard part!


Very surprised when she asked to go by herself! Not sure why...cause she's got a No Fear policy of her very own.


Daddy didn't want to miss out on the fun.


This was my favorite part! Becca's look of...."we're going to far!" and Tim's "wahoooooooooo!"


And of course, finishing off with some hot chocolate with Grandma Paula!


mmm mmm good!

Long time I know!

Wow! So I have been slacking big time in keeping this blog up to date! You can see what has kept me so busy here . Its all about making my house my home!

But that blog won't show much of Becca! Here is a quick picture recap of the last 2 months! I will have more pics in a couple of days to post!

Making Christmas cooking with Gamma. Becca insisted that she had to remain in her jammies to do this. I was ok with that. Heck....wish I couldn't gotten away with it! Make note Gamma...next year, we're doing this in our jammies!



We had an elf that made his way into our home this Christmas season. He is a magic elf. When we went to sleep at night or left the house, his magic would work and he would play or...more often than not, get into mischief! He was found climbing our tree when we came home from church, he dumped out Becca's piggy bank and spelled her name with the change, he played hopscotch on paper plates. We came home to find him watching a new movie in Becca's room when she was having a sleep over at Gamma and Gampa's! This silly elf! His magic stopped working on Christmas eve when he went back to the North Pole to be with Santa! We sure hope to have him back next year!



Christmas was fun for Becca this year. Even more so than last year, she was all pumped up and excited about it all. She got a lot of things for her kitchen in the playroom! She loves playing restaurant.


Becca was surprised with a colorful bouquet of daisies from her Daddy in January! He came home with them and she was so excited. They were " just because I love you" flowers he said! I love that!

11 DAYS!

Go check out my latest posts at http://missmatchedandmarvelous.blogspot.com/

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!