Dan Travels Back to Iowa

We just found out yesterday that Dan is going back to Iowa for a couple of days for work. It has been a while since he has gone out to the Iowa plant. I miss him terribly when he is gone but there are some benefits to his traveling: (1) he makes a little extra money, (2) he is earning hotel points, (3) his meals are covered, and (4) I get to drive his nice, new car while he takes mine!

Dan will be gone Wedneday evening through Friday afternoon. So that's only two nights apart, I think I can manage.

Something from Jessie is on Facebook

As you can see from today's title, Something from Jessie can now be found on Facebook! Log on or join Facebook so that you can become a fan and a supporter of the Something from Jessie Memorial Scholarship - sending inner city students to Phantom Ranch Bible Camp in Mukwonago, Wisconsin.

This fan page was created on April 13, 2010, and already it has over 120 fans! So come join us! There are photos, discussions, links to helpful websites, event information, and so much more!

Click on the links below to become a fan and to RSVP for the annual spaghetti dinner at Jessie's home church, Parker Road Bible Church.

Something from Jessie Fan Page
Something from Jessie Spaghetti Dinner

Colorado, Here We Come

Dan and I are going to Colorado in May! We've been trying to plan a time to visit his best friend (and best man), Myk. So, finally, we managed to plan a perfect time to visit! We'll be out there Saturday, May 22nd - Tuesday, May 25th.

While we are out there we are also hoping to visit other friends and family. After all, its not often we get out to Colorado.

I haven't been there since I was a little. Maybe four? My family used to go to Colorado to visit my dad's brother, my Uncle Ed. I remember bits and pieces from our trips out there. I remember my family placing me on giant rocks and taking my picture. I also remember eating Cheerios and feeding them to chipmunks! Those cute little critters would come right up to me.

Now it is time to experience Colorado as an adult! I'm very excited!

We're Moving

After much discussion and a whole lot of praying, Dan and I have decided to move. I'm not crazy about moving, but it is really for the best.

Dan and I are not happy with the management staff at our current apartment and with him going back to school in September we really need a place that is a bit cheaper. Thankfully, we were blessed with options! Again, after much discussion, a couple of pro and con lists, and whole lot of praying, we made the decision to move into a lovely apartment just down the road from where we live now.

I'll admit, I'm pretty bummed about leaving the first place Dan and I called "home" before we even hit our one-year anniversary, but once again, I know that it is for the best. Now I feel like a real Nelson - I'm moving! Ha ha!

Our new home will be bigger, better, and cheaper! Only 8+ years old, this apartment will have fresh paint and brand new carpet. Plus, it'll be close to Jason and Rachel - we've already made summer plans with them and might even be able to carpool to certain church events.

All this apartment junk has really given me a passion for owning a home some day. Unfortunately, until Dan is done with school and knows where he will be working, apartment living is what we need to do for now.

I don't know if I posted this before, but I am job hunting for a full-time job right now. I have been for a couple of months. Nothing yet, but I'm still searching and still applying. Sometimes I get nervous, the closer and closer it gets to summer... but I know that God will provide all that we need.

We're not big spenders and I am constantly clipping coupons and watching sales, so I know that we will find a way to get by if I don't find a job.

Kathleen and Brad's Shower

On Saturday, April 3, 2010, we celebrated the upcoming wedding of Kathleen and Brad by hosting a lovely shower for the happy couple! Since the downstairs room of my parent's house is nearly empty (after generously donating some of their furniture to their daughters), it was the perfect spot for a cozy shower. My dad borrowed some tables and chairs from his school and my mom and I decorated - with a little help from Kathleen.

Since Kathleen and Brad both share a love for coffee, we made Mocha's and had heart-shaped coffee scoops for party favors! The party favors were put together by our cousin, Cindy. She did an amazing job!

My dad and Dan were close by throughout the shower. They were most helpful with many little odds and ends that kept the party flowing.

Below are some photos from the shower. Brad showed up just in time for presents. The bride and groom were a blast and made the whole experience very delightful.

Mine and my mom's Coco-Latte machines for making Mocha's!

The downstairs is all set for the party!

Lots of gifts for the bride and groom!

The fabulous party favors! Thank you Cindy!

Guests enjoying a delicious lunch!

Kathleen with her beautiful cake!

Kathleen, Esther (Brad's mom), our mom, and me.

"I Love My Wife" & "I Love My Husband" Mugs

Always making each other laugh.

Katleen gets a Fossil purse... life is good.

My soon-to-be brother-in-law... I couldn't be more excited!

Looking Ahead

Recently, I got surprised by my hubby, sister, and future brother-in-law! Turns out these guys were secretly "plotting" behind my back and planning a mini vaca for us in the Dells! As an added bonus, my parents will be joining us. Seriously, with my dad's lame track schedule my mom would never think a trip with all of her children would be possible this time of year. My weekend is going to be full of fun activities... and I can't wait!

First, Rachel and I are having a sleepover with our "little sisters", Courtney and Jessica. Jason will be spending the night with Dan at our apartment while us girls take over his and Rachel's home. It'll be a night of sweatpants, junk food, pizza, baking, movies, and games. What a great way to start my weekend!

Saturday morning I will be traveling up to the Dells with Dan and my parents. Kathleen and Brad will be meeting us there. We are staying in a two bedroom condo at the Wilderness Hotel and Resort. We will be staying there until Monday. I'm looking forward to seeing my family, playing at the water parks, relaxing on the lazy river, doing some shopping, and not having anything to worry about!

Workin' It

Lately, Dan and I have been on a bigger health-kick then usual. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is so much easier when you have a partner... especially someone that you live with.

I'm trying to keep my body from hitting a "wall" while I lose weight, so I've been changing things up pretty regularly. My reason for steady weight-loss? 1. Kathleen's wedding, 2. Summer is around the corner and 3. I'm going on a short vaca at an indoor water park in the Dells next weekend. Plus, I feel better from the inside out when I'm eating right, exercising, and drinking lots of water!

So what's my plan right now? This week I am NOT eating bread, rice, pasta, or potatoes. Instead, I'm eating chicken breast, fish, lots of veggies, and citrus fruits. I'm also cutting back on coffee and drinking lots of green tea in its place.

On top of my healthy eating I am also exercising more frequently. I don't have much time during the day, so I usually do some stepping on my Wii Fit while I watch TV and/or my basic Pilate's DVD.

My body is rapidly shaping up and I'm already getting my slender figure back! Dan is working on his six-pack and its certainly starting to come through!

If you really know me, then you know that I have a serious sweet tooth! So how am I surviving this lifestyle change? Easy! One day a week I can eat whatever I want... however much I want! I call it My Splurge Day. Usually it is on Saturday. Having a splurge day is important because it shocks your system. If your body gets used to you eating nothing but "diet" food, then it'll adjust to that lifestyle... but if you give your body a good shock and eat some junk food (or in my case, a lot of junk food), then your body will reset to accommodate the sudden change.

I'll admit, sometimes I can over do it when it comes to splurging... but I still manage to drop weight each and every week. Plus, if you cut back on your junk food that Oreo cookie will taste so much better when you haven't had one in a long time! I know it does to me.