Our Future Home

Since I have been married I have been in search for homes.  Only in the last 3 months has it become serious home searching.  The Lord has brought us people into our lives that have helped us so much.  The two biggest blessings have been fellow Christians.  A dear gentleman who is a very skilled and retired carpenter, and a wonderfully patient lady who has been a very helpful realtor.  Through their expertise, their many prayers, and our many prayers, we have found a home, and are currently in the closing process.  But there are two things that may make this all fall through.

1) the mortgage is only applicable to a house that is "move in worthy".  So, if the appraisal says that the house is uninhabitable, then we loose the mortgage and thus the home. (which is unlikely, but still possible)

2) we have 45 days to complete the loan processes.  The bank thinks it is really tight, but probable assuming all paper work goes smooth.

So, two prayer requests, that the appraisal deems the house livable, and that the bank will be able to finish all the necessary paper work.

Enjoy the pics below!  :-)

The Front

Most of the back yard

The garage

Sick Days

Last week we skipped church because I was sick.  Today, Anna stayed home because she was sick.  Both of us have been a bit under the weather for too long.  However, I realize that when I am sick I am much more thankful for the days that the Lord gives us good health.

Yet, having a sick wife gave me another picture idea!

Anna reading “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" by Charles Dickens, on her new V-day gift. :-)

Presents...

The year is coming to an end, which means Christmas is almost here. That means presents have to be made!  :-D In trying to draft my creations I have thrown out the paper and fully embraced Google Sketch Up. Yes, another lovely google product that has once again entangled me into their lair of goodies.  However, I can't TELL you what I am making, you will just have to wait till AFTER Christmas :-D But tomorrow is shopping day to buy two of my favorite hardwoods.  I can't wait to smell the fragrance of dried wood, sawdust, wood glue, and mmmmmm yes. happiness.

In other news, Anna and I finally put up our puzzle that we spent WEEKS putting together.  Also, Anna is knitting gauntlets.  Pretty neat. :-)

Lens Adventures Upgraded

Over the last few weeks I have been busy getting a "hobby photographer" business(not really business, just a past time) up and running.  I have done two shoots so far, and hope for more! :-D  I never knew how much fun it could be to take pictures of people.  Landscapes, architecture, and animals yes, but people?  Well, it is a new enjoyment of mine, and I am willing to shoot anything.  Cost?  Just cover my gas and the CD/DVD!  :-)  Anna is getting in on it with me too!  Infants, and things she is comfortable with :-)  So, enjoy Ray:

 

A Day at the Market

A number of weeks ago, Anna and I visited my family in Michigan.  During that time, we took my Grandparents to the market.  Raspberries, tomatoes, corn, peanuts, and squirrels. :-) good times. 

No longer a Troll.

As of today, I am no longer a troll.  For those who don't know what a troll is, a troll is someone that lives under a bridge.  All the people that live under the Mackinaw Bridge in MI are trolls.  Today, I left my trollish lifestyle and became a... well, not sure what yet, But my drivers license says "illinois" on it. :)  But what I do know, today was also the first time I tried Landscape Photography.... Many epic fails and only one decent shot.  Enjoy :-)

Honeymoon

About 6 weeks ago Anna and I were married.  Right after that we left for the Oregon Coast.  Rockaway Beach to be precise.  As I was planning the honeymoon, a number of people told me that the weather will be rainy and dreary that time of year.  Well, being the optimist that I am, I decided that dancing in the rain on the beach of an ocean is much better than sitting in a pool in the middle of who-knows-where.  However, during the 5 days that we were there, only the day we came home was dreary.  Only one disappointment in the whole trip: there was only one sunset, and it was LOUSY.  yup.  Just lousy.  MUCH better sunsets on the Lake Michigan coastline.  ah, but oh well.  It was a splendid time making memories together.

 This is how we spent our lovely first days being married:

~ Eating
~ Walking
~ Window Shopping
~ Candy Shopping
~ Lot more walking
~ Swimming in the Ocean (brrrr cold)
~ Visited a Chinese Tea Garden
~ Admired Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach
~ Lot more walking on beaches
~ Took lots of photos
~ Drank lots of Coffee and Tea  :-D
~ Toured the Tilamook Cheese Factory
~ Enjoyed being with each other relaxing on the coast while experience beautiful weather!