Things We Hate!

Johan and I recently discovered we have another thing in common. We both HATE carpet (at least 40 year old carpet the smells like animal pee) and wallpaper (especially wallpaper stuck to plaster walls - plaster walls that are falling apart!).

In case you haven't guessed yet, we began the demolition process on the house this week! ON Monday, after the appraiser "OK-ed" the house we got to work ripping out the old carpet. My dad had a dumpster at an old job site that was leaving Tuesday morning so in 6 short/long hours we had stripped the entire house of carpet. Three floors, 10 rooms and two overflowing pick-up trucks later we were rid of all carpet.

Wednesday morning we began to tackle the wallpaper. This was not quite as quick! It is turning out to be a painfully, dreadfully, long process, so much so that this thrifty girl is even considering hiring someone to do it!

We are planning on officially owning the house tomorrow the 29th! We are excited that the day is finally here...it seems a bit strange that we will make such a BIG purchase tomorrow...I am a bit anxious about it. Most likely anxious because of all the work that has to be done before we can move it.

I hope to get some pictures posted soon!

Spring in Iowa!

The last three weeks we have been very busy...here are a few pictures of our adventures...

There is a local raccoon who has moved into the dumpster next to, so naturally one night Johan and the boys (Nate and Tucker) decided that they would go raccoon hunting. So the boys loaded up with a shovel, a painting poles - basically anything they could find in the closet at I-Hope. It was quite funny to watch. Fortunately for the raccoon, but unfortunately for the boys they didn't catch any raccoon that night...

Two weeks ago we attended our first Iowa wedding. I used to work in the youth shelter with Sharon, the bride. It was a good feeling to be invited to a wedding in Iowa - it was a good feeling to know that we are connecting with people in Iowa and forming friendships.

My dad recently had to go to Wisconsin for work on a building project. While he was there he Danish bakery and brought us home a chokolade kringle. It was great to have a little taste of "home".

Last week Johan got to experience his first American prom. JAM (Jesus And Me - Special Needs Ministry) hosted their third annual prom. This year's theme was Hawaiian Johan got thrown right into this American tradition as he was the DJ for the evening... It was definitely a fun night!

Stay tuned for an update on our house projects!