still alive...

Small update. I made it through the weekend. Yes! So, let the week of two sub jobs plus 31 hours at Pier 1 begin. Gosh, I'm so NOT looking forward to the hours I will be working there. Especially because 80% of them will be after the store is closed. Plus, I've never liked driving at night. So, driving home at midnight three nights this week should be fun. (note the sarcasm)

Anyways, vent over. I'm gonna put on my happy face and try to think about what I'm thankful for since that's what this week is supposed to be about. I am thankful that my sis will be home tomorrow for the week. Hopefully I'll get to squeeze in some sister time with her.

I'm thankful that both me and my husband have jobs and that we have cars that run, an amazing house, and plenty of food in our pantry. (I realized today that I need to clean that thing out!)

I'm thankful for my friends and family who are too amazing for words.

Last, but not least, I am thankful for my husband. He works WAY harder than me and never complains about it (hmm I should learn from this, huh?!) He loves me more than anything and would do anything to make me happy. Yep. I love him.

Never hurts to write out some of the things you're thankful for. Helps put the annoying things in life in perspective. Okay, off to get some much-needed shut-eye!
Hope you all have a great week!

no time to blog!

Sorry for the lack of updates! I got the second job at Pier 1 and they didn't waste any time throwing me in head first. I am now super super busy.

This week for example, I am subbing Tues-Fri, working 5-9 pm Weds night at Pier 1, and Saturday all day. On Saturday, I'll get my schedule for Sun thru next Sat. I expect it to be crazy since it is Thanksgiving week and the dreaded Black Friday. My manager has already informed me that everyone in the store will be working Weds. before turkey day and Friday and Saturday. Boy oh boy, I'm tired just thinking about it.

I'm not really sure how I feel about the job yet, but at the very least, it will give me some extra money and a discount for the holiday season.

As you may have guessed, Jer hasn't slowed down one bit either. He continues to spend all his free time outside of work and class working on our business or down at the fire dept. I sure do appreciate him and all of the hard work he puts in to everything that he does. I really lucked out in the husband department, that's for sure!!!

For now, that's all of the updates. I don't expect to be able to update much until after turkey day has come and gone. So, I hope every one of you has an amazing and blessed Thanksgiving day and I will catch up with you soon! xoxo

happy weekend!

Couple updates from the Quinby family are in order. Jer is still busy with work and the fire dept and class. He is currently at a Saturday lab for EMT class. He is #1 in his class and has a 98%. I am so proud of him and glad that he is actually enjoying being in school ;).

I have been subbing regularly in Newberg with a few days in neighboring districts. I worked in Canby last week and got to see some of my students from my student teaching experience. They are now 8th graders and all taller than me. I love getting to catch up with them and I always leave on an emotional high.

In other news, I have been applying for second jobs. Anything that I could work after school and on weekends. I have an interview on Monday at Pier 1 Imports. I'm hopeful that it will work out. I love the store and would get some extra money and a nice discount! :) I also have an app. in with a restaurant in town that just re-opened. So, we'll see if I can get anything.

Last night, we went to the NHS vs. Mac football game. It was fun...always good to beat your rival. In the 29 (I think?) years that Eric has been the head coach, we've only lost 3 times to them. Dad was happy to get the win even though they didn't play their best.

I have a bridal shower tonight for a high school friend and I'm really looking forward to catching up with her. She is just an awesome person and I'm sad that we don't get to spend enough time together. She teaches at an elementary school in Corvalis and does an amazing job...she's such an inspiration!

I've gotten involved with the fire dept. auxillary (wives group) and am looking forward to volunteering next weekend at the Turkey Carnival at station 20. Look for updates on that after next weekend!

Other than that, not much else to report. I'm sitting here listening to the pouring rain and thounder as flashes of lightning light up the room. Think I'll go make some cocoa...happy weekend! :)

Pumpkin Patch Pics

I've got a few pictures to share from our trip to the Pumpkin Patch two weekends ago. I was babysitting all day, so we brought Hayden with us. We met Allison, Ben, Carson, and Lori at Fir Point Farms.

The Quinby Family Pumpkin

Me and Hayden with the pumpkin he picked out. It was his 28th pumpkin...no joke. He had 27 at home.

I'll leave you with this pic of Jer. He was such a good sport that day! More updates to follow after this weekend. Happy Halloween!!

Update: Camera Found!

Good news! Jer found my camera. So, it's time to update with pics of our fireplace decorated for fall/autumn.
Yes, we still have some work to do to finish the fireplace. I'm hoping to have it done by Christmas. Is that a reasonable goal? Not so sure. But, here's hoping!

I love autumn and we have been really lucky with the weather up until this week. The rain has come, but I'm hopeful that it's just temporary. My favorite thing to do lately is light my pumpkin pie candle every night after I clean up the kitchen. There's something about it that relaxes me.

I'm finally working tomorrow which I'm very thankful for. I hate not being able to work when I want to. We also have a big high school football game tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to going and supporting the team and my dad. They looked so good last night and I know they can beat 'em! Last, but not least, one of my best friends, Holly, is coming home this weekend. I'm so excited to see her and get some hang out time in!

Hope you all have a great weekend! :)

I lost my camera.

Or rather, Jeremy took it hunting with him and never returned it to me. I cleaned out the truck and looked through his hunting bag, but couldn't find it. I'm hoping he will find it soon because I want to share my fall decor.

Not much new going on with me. This is a slow week for me subbing wise...especially because the teachers only had a three day work week last week. I'm doing the usual chores around the house, and working on stuff with the business. Some day I hope to get paid for my work with Quinby Construction! ;)

Jeremy is even busier than ever...and I didn't think it was possible! He continues to work long days at his HSW construction. He just had his year-end review and received a lot of positive feedback. I'm so proud of him and how hard he works even though he knows he won't be there forever.

Jer also started EMT Basic classes a few weeks ago. They are going well and he has his first big quiz tonight at class. He's home today for his required one day off a month (with no pay) so we're studying together. If anyone watches Brothers and Sisters our morning has been very similar to Justin and Rebecca...he points outs all of my arteries etc.

So, Monday through Thursday and some Saturdays, he has fire/emt stuff going on. I don't mind being home because I get to watch my trashy reality tv shows without him bothering me! ;)

In other news, our neighbor continues to make our lives difficult. I seriously hate him and pray that one day he messes with the wrong biker dude or somethin. Last night he threatened me when I went outside to take out the trash. I hate having to be cautious every time I go outside MY OWN house! Jer called the police to see if I could get a restraining order and unfortunately, harrassment doesn't get you one...unless they are a family member. boo! So, I guess I'll just continue to be cautious. I can't wait until we can afford to move to the country where we won't have any neighbors!

On Sunday, we had the fire dept. rib feed. It was fun to hang out with friends and eat lots of food. I was looking forward to having this Sunday together and maybe going to the pumpkin patch, but I have to babysit. I may try to get out of babysitting on Sundays since that's our only day to spend together and babysitting really isn't worth the money any more.

That's about it for the updates in the Quinby household. I'll update again as soon and Jer finds my camera!

busy weekend wrap-up

Well, it was another busy weekend in the Quinby household! On Saturday, I spent the majority of the time doing a deep clean of the house. I won't go into the boring details, but I'll just say the house looks MUCH better. :)

Jer spent the morning with his dad, running errands for their house building project. We were also able to watch the Ducks dominate on the football field!!

Saturday night was date night and we went to Famous Dave's BBQ which was A-mazing! If you haven't been and there's one in your area, you must try it!

On Sunday, Jer and I had a busy day spent together. It started with Jer stopping by his parents' house to check on the men roofing the house. It's looking good!


Then, we headed out to Beaverton to check out a job that Quinby Construction poured earlier in the week. Here are some pictures of the driveway and walkway to the front door.

Then, we spent the remainder of the afternoon painting our deck railing white. We still have quite a bit to go, but we ran out of paint and time.
Lastly, we went to dinner at my parents' house. The food and company was fantastic and on the way home, we dropped off the new truck at the dealer because we are having the running boards installed today. Updates to follow...

another reason I love our house

Deer are frequent visitors in our backyard. When I opened the shades in our master bath this morning, I saw four deer happily eating grass out back.

These photos aren't the best, but this one is of a momma and two babies. They were taken a month ago from our bathroom window, so they're not real clear. I just love seeing them in the morning!

The Whirlwind Month

Well, as it turns out, September has been quite the whirlwind! We'll see if I can do a quick re-cap on this crazy month. (I can't believe it was August the last time I blogged!)

So, the month started off with my family taking my little sister to college. She is attending PLU (Go Lutes!) and we're all very happy that she chose WA over Cali. It was so awesome to be back on campus. I have so many happy memories from that place and I'm so excited for Kenzie to experience all that that place has to offer!

Next, school started! Yipppeee!!! I was very ready to get back to work...as was my pocketbook! So far, I have been keeping really busy. This week for example, I work Tuesday through Friday. The kids have been great so far and I am being reminded that I have chosen the best profession. :)

With school starting, football season has also started. Jer and I have gone to the home games to support my dad who is a coach and we'll most likely head to some away games once league starts. I'm also looking forward to hitting up some middle school games to support my students.

Jeremy is keeping busy with work and his business and firefighting. His business has really been picking up. We have both Ben, our brother-in-law, and Eric, a good friend, working with us. They are such a help since Jer has to spend his days at work. (Trust me, he'd rather be out there working for himself, but we need the steady income.)

Lastly, I want to brag a little about my wonderful husband. Last week I was working at the middle school. I walked in to the lunch room and there was a beautiful vase of flowers with my name on it. Jer was so sweet and sent me flowers with the nicest note about wanting to make my day a little better. Gosh, do I know how to pick 'em or what?! Love him!!!

Momma's Got A New Ride!

Look what I'm drivin! Jeremy needed to get a bigger truck...one that could haul a lot more weight than the Tacoma. The biggest reason is that every time that Jer's company has to rent equipment, they are charged a $250 delivery fee. So, we bought a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 that can now haul a bobcat or other equipment that is needed...essentially saving us money.

I love the Tacoma and am a little sad to see it go, but the new ride is really nice. Plus, it's a four door which will be nice down the road for kiddos. We have a friend who is working for Jeremy that wants to buy it. If he backs out though, we know we can get more than the loan we have if we sell it privately since Tacomas are great trucks and always in high demand.

Anywho, I'm pumped because I will actually be the one driving it most days. Since Jer has quite the commute, he'll take the small car and I will drive the truck just down the road to school. YAY! I'm thinking about going out driving tonight and practicing parking in an empty parking lot! haha...I had to have one of the salesmen at the dealership back it up today when I picked it up because I was not about to wreck my new truck! I'll letcha know how that goes!!

Marriage Survey

Marriage Survey
1. When is your "engagement" anniversary? I have no clue...some time in May (2006)
2. When is your "marriage" anniversary? August 12, 2007
3. How long have you known your spouse? since 2000 (8th grade)
4. How long did you date/court before you were engaged? 6 years
5. Where did you meet your spouse for the first time? uh, we knew of each other b/c we went to middle school together, but one of our first memories together is our 8th grade DC trip.
6. What is your spouse's full name? don't really want to put that out there on the internet...
7. Do you have any children? nope, just the puppies!
8. How many - boys/girls? n/a
9. Do you have any house pets? Toby and Bailey our two labs
10. Do you own a house or rent? We own our house and have another property that we rent out.
11. Do you live in the country or town/city? in town
12. What is one of your favorite activities together? Watching our tv shows together, just hanging out as there are very few opportunities where we're both home with nothing to do.
13. Do you have a favorite vacation spot? I feel like we haven't gone very many places so this answer is going to have to wait.
14. When did you first kiss? Christmas time 2000
15. What church do you attend? we don't have a church. it's been hard to find one that we both like. plus, jer works most sundays so it's very rare that we have a sunday where we can go. when we do, we're always trying new churches as we hope to find one we like.
16. Did you get married in a church? Where? Nope. At the beach.
17. What town is your current address at? not saying...you know, just in case there are any crazies reading this.
18. Do you work or stay at home? work
19. Where did you go on your honeymoon? Oahu, Hawaii
20. What was the funniest gift you gave when dating? I'm not a funny gift-giver...more of a sentimental type.
21. How long have you been together? Nine years in one month!
22. How long did you know each other before you started dating? couple months -ish
23. Who asked who out? He asked me out. :)
24. How old are each of you? 23
25. Where do you each work or go to school? He's in construction and training to be a firefighter. I'm a teacher.
26. Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? Lack of time spent together. Jeremy works his butt off and I get lonely. But, we're hoping that the hard work now will pay off later!
27. Did you go to the same school? Yep. since middle school.
28. Are you from the same home town? I guess you could say so. Jer moved around a bit but was always in the area.
29. Who is smarter? Depends on what subject!
30. Who is more sensitive? Um, no doubt about it. ME!
31. Where do you eat out most as a couple? I don't know. It varies, but maybe cooperstown just b/c it's close.
32. Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Hawaii
33. Who has the craziest exes? I don't have any and I don't know if his count since he was in middle school at the time...ha!
34. Who has the worst temper? Probably me, but he can get angry too!
35. Who does the cooking? Cooking? What's that? When we actually cook, I do it.
36. Who is more social? Hmm, hard question. He gets along with everyone, but I'm the one who wants to spend time with friends.
37. Who is the neat-freak? I am FOR SURE. He could care less about how clean the house and car are. I freak out about that stuff!
38. Who is more stubborn? We're both pretty stubborn, but I'm probably more so.
39. Who hogs the bed? Definitely HIM! He's a big guy and flails in his sleep!
40. Who wakes up earlier? He does...has to drive 45 min. to work each morning.
41. Where was your first date? I don't know. It was too long ago! Maybe to the movies.
Not sure where 42 went. :)
43. Do you get flowers often? Nah...for special occasions :)
44. How do you spend the holidays? The holidays are crazy for us...we juggle both families.
45. Who is more jealous? neither of us.
46. How long did it take to get serious? Ummm probably three or four years. hard to say.
47. Who eats more? HIM!
48. Who does the laundry? For the most part me. He's not allowed to touch my clothes and I do his b/c he's never home to do his own. I'm awesome like that! ;)
49. Who’s better with the computer? He's kind of a computer geek ;)
50. Where do you see the two of you in ten years? He'll have a job as a firefighter and his construction business will be makin bank! I'll have a job as a middle school teacher. We'll have one or two kiddos and maybe live on some acreage by then!

That was fun! Copy and paste if you want to play!

Positive Thoughts

It can be depressing to be on the job-hunt. Especially for a teaching job. So, it's always nice to hear some encouraging words...especially when all the doors seem to be closing in your face. So, I'm writing this post mostly to myself, to remind myself about the positive words of affirmation I've heard the last three days.

There is nothing like having students that you adore begging you to be their full-time teacher this year.

There is nothing like getting those hugs, high-fives, and fist pounds.

There is nothing like being around students and having them turn toward you for answers.

There is nothing like having parents tell you how much their children enjoy having you for a sub.

There is nothing like being told you are appreciated.

And finally, there is nothing like being told that someone can tell I love my job and love my middle school students.

I know that perfect job for me is right around the corner, and until that day comes, I plan on making the most of my year ahead. I feel like I have an awesome opportunity to touch students' lives and I LOVE working at the same school and getting to know the kids.

I feel like just as I was really starting to get down, God gave me some positive affirmations that I am on the right path and I will be rewarded. What a learning experience this has been and I am back to positive thinking and looking forward to the beginning of the school year. Bring on September!

Makin' Memories

Jeremy had just left the house for the fire dept. tonight and I was left wondering what I should do with my free time. I decided to finally put together the shadow box that I had been planning for quite a while. So, here is my creation....full of memories from our wedding. :)

And up close. I put our invite, program, garter, hanky, diy coaster, the cork from the champagne we drank in our hotel room that night, my hair pin, a six pence, the box that my tiffany's necklace Jer bought me for the day came in, a swatch of ribbon from the bridesmaids' dresses, and a sand dollar that I found at cannon beach this year (whew!).

The plan is to hang it in our bedroom on the other side of the door from where it is in the first picture. I'm in love...we'll see what Jer says when he gets home! What do you think???

More Prayers Needed!

Good news! I made it down from over 100 applicants, to the preliminary interview, to the 2nd interview. So, I could use every good thought and prayer that you have that the interview goes well tomorrow and if it's meant to be, I could have a job as soon as Friday. I'll keep everyone updated! Thanks so much!!

House Tour

Last night we had a very successful house warming/open house/bbq. I thought I would do a little house tour on here for those of you that couldn't make it. Alright, let's get the tour started from the front door. This is the living room.

Another shot of the living room from the stairs.

This is the dining room all set up for the bbq...lots and lots of food! Also, let it be noted that the painting really is level...bad angle!

Our signature mats that my dad framed and hung for us! Also in the dining room.

Hallway from the living room to the family room/kitchen. This is the photo wall that we recently put up.

Kitchen from the family room. Accidently caught mom as she was helping us get ready for the party.

Pictures of the family room and fireplace and current mantel decorations.

Powder bath....the blue paint is a lot darker in person.

Now, going upstairs....the laundry room is at the top of the stairs.

Welcome to the organized chaos that is our office. Some day we are hoping to just be organized, no chaos!

Master bedroom. I have curtains...they hust have to be hung! :)

Master bath. We are currently working on the beadboard around the tub and then I will paint it white and finish the paint touch-ups in the rest of the room. You can see the walk-in closet to the right of the bathroom too.

Going down to the basement...this is the man cave or games room.

Last, but not least, the basement bathroom. I did not take pictures of our two spare rooms and the extra bath upstairs because they aren't decorated. My friend, Kristina, will be moving into the basement bedroom this week and will do her own decorating. And later on down the road when we start a family, I will show you the other bedroom and bath upstairs as I am not decorating either until that time.

Okay, hope you liked the tour. We wish you all could have come to the open house, but hopefully this makes up for it!

2nd Anniversary!

On Wednesday, Jer and I celebrated two years of marriage. We went out to dinner in Portland and witnessed a beautiful sunset.

To my husband,

Thank you for spending the last two years with me (ok really, the past 9 years...but who's counting, right?!). You were most definitely created just for me. There is no one else that I could imagine spending all of my time with. You are so kind and patient with me when I am a ball of stress (which happens more than either of us would like!!). And I know that without a doubt, you would do everything in your power to protect me and our family. You have the most amazing work ethic and you love me more than I could ever ask. I love being married to you and I look forward to what life has in store for us!

Love you,

your wife

In need of prayers...

I just turned in an application today for a high school social studies position that is open in a town nearby. If you have a moment, please pray that I get an interview! Good grief it's been a long dry spell and I NEED a job!!

Beach Weekend

This weekend we went to Pacific City with my family. We had a great time relaxing and it is always nice to get out of town!The husband and I are nearing our 2nd anniversary (on Wednesday!). So, we decided to celebrate for a week, starting with the beach trip. :)

We did a lot of walking...

And playing on the beach...


And hung out as a family...

And did a lot of laughing!
The beach is my favorite place to go and we had so much fun. Thanks to my parents for inviting us to go with you! Love you!

August 1st!

Holy Moly, it's August! I can't even believe it. This has been a really good, but busy summer. I'm gonna be honest though, I am really looking forward to the school year starting. I want to get back to work and see the kids and be back in the classroom.

Anywho, we have lots more planned in August. Today we had LD's wedding (Jeremy's step-brother). I forgot my camera, so no pictures. Then, we came home and Jeremy has been hard at work on organizing our garage. I hope to post pictures tomorrow or Monday of the finished product. We built shelves, with the help of my dad, and have been organizing all of Jeremy's things.

Next weekend we are going to the beach with my family. I am really looking forward to it! We will be staying in a rental house that my momma found online and we're bringing the puppies too. :)

We have some finishing up to do on the bedroom in the basement. Then, Kristina (a friend from PLU) will be moving in at some point in August.

August 12th brings our 2nd wedding anniversary. I can't believe it's 2 years already! We decided to just do a stay-cation and go out to eat somewhere nice downtown. We're really looking forward to celebrating 2 years!

AND on August 16th we are having our house warming open house. We still have lots of people who haven't seen the house and still others who haven't been over in so long and will see all the updates that we have done over the past few months. Alrighty, that about does it for this post. Here's to August being one of the best yet!

Lots of Fun

This has been a fun but busy week! My dad was out of town this week for football camp at Gold Beach so I spent quite a bit of time with my mom and sister. We went out to dinner both Monday and Tuesday nights with fellow coaches' families. It was nice for me to get out since Jeremy works such long hours these days.

As always, Jeremy has been working a lot at OHSU and then spending hours meeting with people and on the phone for our personal business after work. This weekend is bound to be very productive too. Tomorrow (Sat.) we are having the extra dirt from Jeremy's parents' lot brought over so that we can build up our yard. Then Sunday, we are cleaning out and organizing our garage. yippeee!! Can't wait to be able to park my car inside and have everything in its place.

Also, good news Kristina! Our bedroom in the basement is also supposed to be cleaned out so that Jeremy can get to work putting the room together for you! We still need to finish the trim, casing around the closet, and the closet doors need to be installed. Then, I can paint all of the trim and it should be good to go!

I think that is all for now. I'm just hanging out at home. Jer is down at Old Fashioned Festival working. Since he's a volunteer firefighter, he had to work the festival and will be down there from 6-12 tonight. I'll try to update again throughout the weekend as we accomplish some stuff around the house and have some fun with friends.

Not much to report...

Well, there isn't a whole lot of exciting activity to report from the last two weeks. Jeremy has been working hard at both his job and with his business. I've been spending my time cleaning and doing small projects around the house. Last week I had coffee with an old friend from high school who I had hardly seen or talked to since we graduated. It was great to see her and catch up. Exciting future plans include: going to the beach with my family, spending our 2nd anniversary at the beach, and going to a friend's wedding.

Updates on the House

Well, our laundry room is coming along. I spent some time last week painting the new shelf that Jeremy installed in the laundry room. Here are some BEFORE pics.

Obviously it's messy, but that's because I had already taken everything off of the shelf...I swear it was messy, but not this messy before!

And the AFTER shot! I just need to purchase a few more orange boxes from the Container Store, drapes and a curtain rod, and get Jer to finish the backsplash and build the platform for the washer and dryer.

And here's the ikea ironing board from college that I used as the inspiration for the orange accent color. I really love how this room is coming together and am glad that we're one step closer to being done with it!

Next up is the Family room. I finally purchased the rug from Target that I had been eyeing since we moved in. I also got two blue pillows to match. I am in LOVE with the aqua color.

Last but not least, Dad and I stained both of our decks this last week. They look great, and I don't have to worry any more about the sun bleaching out the boards! I didn't take any close-up pics, so this will have to do.

I ordered the invites for our house warming open house/bbq today so I'm looking forward to getting those and having people over to see the house. Hope you all had a great 4th of July! We had fun on the river, at the pool, and the drive-in.