Ice Storm

This winter we have been hit hard by ice. I can't remember having this much ice and snow so early in the season. I don't think it is officially winter yet and I am sick of winter. Oh well, just a few more months then I'll be complaining about being so hot!

Harris Christmas/Patten's Indoor Happening

Last Sunday was a little busy. First there was no chuch due to the weather, which made the day a little less busy. We went to Indianola for the annual Harris Christmas. This is my mom's side of the family. There wern't too many there due to the bad weather. It was nice to see family we only see this time of year. Some are getting older and others are bringing new little ones into the family.
Then later in the afternoon, Cindy and I went to Dr Patten's Christmas party. He is one of the ob's that delivers at Lutheran. It was fun to sit and talk to people out of the work setting. His house is so beautiful and his tree was gigantic!!!
After that, I went home and spent so time with Andrew and got some sleep!

Christmas Tree

We finally put up our tree last night. We were going to do it tonight, but Andrew felt festive, so Wednesday night it was. We played some old Nat King Cole records on the record player and starting decorating the house. Now it is starting to feel like Christmas at the Dutler's! Finally I can move all the presents from the formal living room to under the tree!

Great News

In 2003, I was in a car accident on I-235. I won't go into all the details, but one of the persons in the accident was suing my insurance for $80,000. Naturally, and if you know me, I freaked out. Litrally, everytime I got something in the mail from the insurance company, I just wanted to throw up.

Back in February we had a deposition. I just did my part and left. I didn't want to stay and hear what anyone else had to say.

Nothing was getting settled, so I had to request to take a week off in January for a potential trial date for this accident. Again, wanting to throw up. I don't do well under major pressure.

So last week I got a phone call from my lawyer saying that the case had SETTLED!!! I was so excited. I cried. I was so happy to have that off my chest.

I prayed almost everyday that God would let this case settle. I know others were praying too. So thanks to all who kept me in your prayers during this difficult time for Andrew and I.

Good Books

I just finished reading 2 good books.
"Agent Zigzag" by Ben Macintyre was great. It is about a man with a criminal past who becomes a spy for the Germans during WWII. He is sent to England to gather war information, but is caught right away by the British. The story goes into detail about how he, Edward Chapman, becomes a double spy and why he does it. The book was slow to start for me, building how he became a spy. Once the storyline gets to the actual spying, it was hard to put down.
"The Painted Veil" by W. Somerset Maugham was a quick read for me, just a couple of days. It takes place during the 1920's when a woman named Kitty, 25, finally gets married to Walter. She only marries him to be married before her sister, who is younger than herself. During her marriage she lives in Hong Kong because of Walter's occupation. During that time, she meets a man, Charile, and begins having an affair with him. When confronted by Walter, she has no choice but to go with him to a remote area of China where cholera is running rampant. It is there she finds who she really is and comes to terms with her past behaviors. I totally recommend this book.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday was my birthday. I'll save my age for when you ask, but I won't publish it. It's not that I am ashamed of how old I am, it just might come back to haunt me in future years.
So after hot tub club, I came home and slept for a few hours. Was feeling lazy and bored, so I went to the gym. Walked for an hour and then ran a quick mile. Came home, showered and Andew and I ordered Happy Joe's Pizza. I was craving taco pizza, so that is where we got it. It was so good, it hit the spot. Andrew got me the new Reba duets CD and the movie "Transformers" as a gag gift.
Then we went to the mall. We were window shopping at Helzberg's and I found an opal that I liked and Andrew bought it for me!!! I was a little shocked. It is not like him to just buy something without comparing. It is so pretty. I had to have it resized, so next Tuesday I should have it.

Hot Tub Club

Yesterday we had Hot Tub Club in honor of my birthday. This time it was Gina, Misty, Marlys and me. It was fun to just sit and relax after a 12 hour shift and shoot the breeze with friends.

Boredom

We have season tickets to ISU. This year is not the year to have them. It has been quite disappointing. Yesterday we played Texas. When we got to our seats, there were 3 Texas fans about 2 rows behind us. One of them was really annoying. I mean, she was being annoying to just be annoying. In fact, she was so annoying that after the 1st quarter, Andrew and I moved to a different area. At the end of the second quarter I predicted the score would be 56-10, knowing the score was 28-3 at the end of the half. Well the score was 56-3, close enough. At half time we left and ate lunch at Hickory Park. It was very yummy and very fulfilling. Needless to say we did not eat supper last night.

On the way home from the game, Andrew talked to one of his college buddies. I got bored and took pictures of us. Here they are. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Baby!!

Today is my husband's 32nd Birthday! So I thought I would write a few things as to why I love hime so much:

1) He's handsome

2) He's intelligent

3) He makes me laugh when I am down

4) If I am sick, He'll try to take care of me

5) He always makes sure that everything is going to be okay

There is plenty more I could say about him, but I don't want to have you read a really long blog!

I love you honey!

5K

A coworker, Amie, and I have decided to run the Susan Komen 5K on October 6th. I have always wanted to run a 5k but have always found a reason to not to. I have paid my money, so now I am committed. We bought new running shoes yesterday that are comfy and were on sale ( a bonus!). I ran 3.1 miles yesterday under 33 minutes. Today I ran for 21 minutes, 2 miles, on a program that does random inclines. Hopefully over the next 3 weeks I can get into better shape and lose some pounds.

Living Room

I painted our living room a couple of weeks ago. It is called polished maple. It turned out to be a really nice deep brown. I love it. Makes the room seem so warm and inviting. Now just to finish decorating!

Great Book

I just finished reading "A Thousand Splended Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. It was one of the best books I have ever read. It is a story about a woman who suffers through the invasion of the Russians in Afghanistan during the 1980's and all the trails and tribulations that she faces. I loved this book more than the "Kite Runner." I couldn't put it down. I totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

Labor Day

One of my best friends from junior high came out for a visit over the weekend with her husband and two very adorable children. We had a lot of fun. Saturday we went to Outback Steakhouse and on Sunday they came over and we grilled out. Nettie's oldest is 2 and this was the first time I got to see him and his little sister. It was nice to be able to catch up and spend time with friends, though it does want me to rethink having children, at least that close together!

Welcome Ethan!!!

My friend Amanda and her husband Quintin had a baby boy last Thursday. Ethan weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces; much to the surprise of everyone! I recorded the delivery for her. It was alot of fun being able to tape and not actually have to "work." Congratulations you two! He's a keeper!

Neosho

I was at work last night on CNN's web page when I read about the shooting in Neosho. For those of you who don't know, I lived there for about 6 months, went to church and high school there. Fortunately, I did not attend church there. And who knows, maybe someone I went to school with did. I just don't understand why people have to be so violent and so desperate that they only way they can handle a problem is to go and kill random people - and a church of all places! One should be able to go to church in America and feel completely safe. We all need to say some prayers for this community, the church and those involved in the shooting. May this be an opportunity to witness to a hurting community and bring everyone closer to God.

Hairspary

I went to see "Hairspray" yesterday with some friends. Again, skeptical about the movie, but did enjoy it very much. The songs were catchy and I found myself tapping my foot along with the beat. John Travolta did a great job. All the actors did amazing. My advice, go see it!

Family Reunion

I had a busy weekend. First my parents came and stayed with us Thursday night. We took them to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. It was good.

Friday I made a pasta salad and made meatballs for the Asmus reunion on Saturday. Andrew and I watched "Night at the Museum". It was funny and entertaining.

Saturday up at 8:00 to cook the meatballs and got ready to leave. Got to Cedar Falls about 11:30. Jeff and Tina were there with Cody and Lilli. They are soooo cute!!! Alot of family there. Had fun. Came home and did nothing!!!

Sunday I went to church. Then we had lunch at Andrew's parents house. Andrew's step-grandma was there. We stayed til about 2:30 and went home. I took a nap, then headed over to Monterrey's for supper with Book Club. We had a farewell dinner for Monica since she is leaving for Tuscon for her doctorine in sociology. Then off to work for 4 hours.

Grace Lahey

Welcome Grace!! This is Grace Lahey, one of my best friend's new baby. She was born on July 10 in the afternoon. She looks just like her daddy! Congratulations Dan & Sara.

Clarinet

I decided to get my clarient out and play in a group for Iowa Health Systems. I feel very - lost. I haven't played in probably 7-8 years and am a little rusty. I can't remember all the fingerings for it so I have quit practicing for a little while anyway. And most of the songs have 3-4 sharps, which is kind of difficult, but I'll get through it, just need to buy some things to make it easier.

Camp

I got back from camp and I am glad to be home. It was alot of fun. I gave out plenty of bandaids. (I think we need to invest in the company that makes them!) No major injuries, even though they played in the mud pit for about an hour. I did have one girl run a fever, but got it down. I was just thankful that I didn't have a diabetic. I met some really good kids that were my assistants when I needed them.
It was so great to see so many children reaching out to God and to see what he has planned for their lives. It is hard sometimes to let yourself go and seek Jesus, knowing that all of your friends are watching you, but so many went beyond that and truly reached out to God. It was so awesome and amazing.
I am glad to be home and to be sleeping in my own bed, not that I was as uncomfortable as the campers. I had a nice cabin with a double bed, but nothing is the same as the bed at home. Now I just have to get ready for the next week!

Camp

Just want everyone to know that I am going to be gone for the next week to be a camp nurse for our church. I'll check back in when I get home on Friday!

July 4th

Andrew and I had a pretty low key holiday. We slept in, which felt great. I had worked everyday and was tired. Then I ended up taking a 45 minute nap, which would have been longer had my brother not called.
We got together with Joel and went to see "Transformers". At first I thought I was going to hate it, but I loved it! It was funny and suspensful. Kind of had the same theme as Independence Day. I reccommend it.
After the movie we ordered pizza and watched some TV, mainly some poker.
Then as I was getting ready to get ready for bed, worked called and needed me to come in. I was on call and luckily I took that nap.
So here I am at work, with not a day off all week!

Bizzare

I went for a walk yesterday and I was just a few blocks from the house, when 2 deer ran in front of me and crossed the road. I just find that absolutely bizzare that in West Des Moines, there would be deer in our neighborhood. Hummmmm...........

Bizzarre

Vacation Part 4

Wednesday we went to Mme Tussaud's Wax Museum and then headed to the Eifel Tower at the Paris hotel. We went to the top and looked out all over Vegas. Even saw a fontain show from the Bellagio.

On Thursday we lounged by the pool. After a few hours we went to Seifried and Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin habitat. It was really awesome. For supper we went to Treasure Island and ate at Isla's, a great Mexican restaurant. I'd go back. I also recommend it, Thanks Josh and Dara.

We turned in early because we had to be at the airport by 6am to fly back home. A trip wll worth it.

Vacation Part 3

On Tuesday we spent most of the day at the Rio for the 2007 World Series of Poker. If you know us, poker is a mainstay at our house, we watch a lot and Andrew plays online a lot when I am at work. So to walk in there and see all these world renown poker players, it is surreal. Doyle Brunson, Todd Brunson, Freedy Deeb, Greg Raynor, Phil Gordon, Annie Duke, any one who is anyone in poker was there (except Chris Moneymaker, didn't see him). Even Celine Dion's husband was there!

We watched Howard Lederer and Dan Harrington play a Head's Up tournament. It was awesome to see them play. It is so different than watching it on TV. Can't see what they have for a hand unless the players flip their cards over, which isn't very often.

By the end of the day, our feet and backs were killing us, but it was well worth it.

Vacation Part 2

On Monday we relaxed by the pool for a few hours. Can I say HOT!!! Oh my. Within a couple of minutes you start to sweat, and everything you touch is hot. The cement is hot so you basically run to the pool, where the water is nice and cool. After spending time in the pool, laying back in the chair to work on your tan is much more tolerable.

Then on Monday evening we went to Cique du Soleil's Beatles Love show. It was awesome. Very talented people. The stage is built so that you are almost interactive with the show. Andrew really loves the Beatles, so we both enjoyed the show very much. Too bad we didn't go to Vegas this week because Larry King Live did a show from the Mirage for the 65th Birthday of Paul McCartney and all the Beatles living and the spouses of the deceased were there. How cool would that have been to see the 2 remaining Beatles!

Vacation Part 1

Our flight to Vegas went off without a hitch. We got to our hotel, dropped our things off and walked around. We decided to eat early but in reality it was almost 6 Des Moines time. Then I took a nap. I had been up since 4am and new I would not make it through Jay Leno if I didn't. So after that we went to see Jay Leno. He was performing at the Mirage. Very funny and very hyper.
On Sunday, we did alot of walking. We found a Walgreens to get some staples of food. Everything there is so EXPENSIVE!! A bottle of water in the vending machine was $3! And they don't believe in serving Pepsi products anywhere in restaurants! Everytime we went somewhere that had Diet Pepsi I bought one and horded it to last the whole day! So here are some pictures from the first couple of days in Vegas. The Saga to continue later.

Home

We got home from vacation yesterday afternoon and what a welcome it was. Nothing like being greeted by a nasty thunderstorm! Destruction everywhere around us, but not our property thank goodness. Vegas was fun, I'll fill ya'll in on it throughout the next week or so.

Vacation

It is finally here! We leave for vacation today!! 6 nights in Las Vegas. We can hardly wait. We haven't been on vacation since February of last year (2006), so we are ready for this one. We see Jay Leno tonight and on Monday a Cirque du Soleil show. Just ready to relax by the pool and get a tan. See ya next week!!!

Old Friends

I had the pleasure for having dinner with a couple of old friends from Wisconsin last week. I only get to see Tammy once a year when she comes for the World Pork Expo. This year Keri happened to be here also, so I had dinner with them both. It is nice to catch up on everything and to see Tammy's children grow. I worked in the same office as them when I worked for a livestock magazine and they for the Wisconsin Pork Producers. I left WI in 1999 and Tammy and I have kept in touch. We don't talk much during the year, but when we get together, it is like we just talked yesterday. That is what is so great about having great friends - never feeling like you are far away.

brutally honest

I must say that I have not been doing so good with weight watchers today. I get so easily influenced by what others are eating around me that I just want to eat what they eat and not so much of my healthier food (maybe I shouldn't go down to the cafeteria anymore!!). I know it is bad for me, but I do it anyway. The will power is lacking. I just need to stay focused so I can get to my weight loss goal of 20pounds. I hope to hit the treadmill 3 times this week, but will be hard. I only have one night off. Maybe someone needs to hold me accountable besides myself.

first day of core

Yesterday (Monday) was my first day using the core plan on weight watchers. I feel I did pretty well. I used 3 pts for my hamburger bun and had a piece of cake for Andrew's dad's birthday. Otherwise I ate all core. I love the fact that I can eat all the fruit I want, and it doesn't count against me. I also don't feel limited to the foods that I eat, when I can eat them, and how much I can eat. On core, you eat until satisfied, with the core foods. Still have alot to lean about core, but I think it'll all work out.

weight watchers

I am rededicating myself to weight watchers, but this time I am using the core plan vs the flex plan. I have read many people have gotten amazing results with the core plan. The key is getting Andrew to eat some of the foods that are healthier than what we are used to. I hope to get to the gym 3-4 times a week. It is hard when I work nights, but I'll get there. Luckily this is my last week in Newton, so I'll have more time to go there. I'll keep you updated!

25th Anniversary

Tonight Andrew and I went to Pastor Chuck and Helen DeVos' 25th wedding anniversary open house. Pastor Chuck married us and we wanted to show how much they mean to us. It was nice to go back to Osceola and see people we only visit with a couple times a year. Chuck and Helen are a great couple and you can see how much they still love each other. Their devotion to each other and to Jesus it what has made their marriage work. I can only hope that Andrew and I still have those feelings when we reach 25 years. Congratulations Pastor Chuck and Helen! We love you!

pictures from the shower

sorry they are sideways

Sara's shower

I hosted a baby shower for my good friend Sara yesterday. I was in charge of the games, which I think turned out great! I did some I haven't heard of before nor had my friends, so it was fun. The food they brought was excellent. We are all great cooks. Sara ended up with some great gifts. Then we just hung out and talked alot.
Afterwards, Andrew and I went out to eat with friends. He ended up getting his for free because the waitress ordered the wrong meal. I got soup and salad, but hardly ate any of it, too full from the shower. Then I got to feeling sick, so Andrew took me home and he went back to Waukee to be with them. It was a busy weekend.

Yard work

I spent 5 hours in the yard on Friday. I mowed the yard. Then I took out a border around one segment of the yard the previous owners had. Then I started to dig out weeds and found a slew of onions! If only we liked onions... Then I planted grass, planted some lilac bushes, repotted plants, trimmed some branches and hedges, and cleaned the deck and deck furniture. My feet were killing me!! Hopefully it'll all pay off in the end.

Momma Mia

Andrew and I went to Momma Mia last night. That was the anniversary gift he got me and it was a great one.
The plot is about a girl getting married and she invites 3 men to her wedding who might potientally be her father, but she doesn't tell her mom.
It is funny. The singers are so talented. I could only wish to be like that. Ahh, my dream would be to be a broadway singer. Anyway, the costumes were bright, eccentric and even involved spandex!!!
So I downloaded it from itunes and am jamming out while I clean the house this morning!