Gardening 101

Although we don't have possession of the house until July 8th, we have been able to work on the outside and get it looking up to our standards. My parents have been such a big help, too. The previous owners had done some landscaping, but they didn't maintain it very well.  That left us with a weedful garden and some overgrown, overcrowded bushes.  Doing such yardwork made me realize two things.  (1)  I do not know anything about trees, flowers, and shrubs! I couldn't tell you how to take care of them, what they are called... (2)  I am so glad Brian and I divided our house duties the way we did.  A long time ago, we made the agreement that I will keep the inside of the house looking nice and he keeps the outside nice.  Of course, we will still pitch in and help each other.  But all this time, I thought I was letting him off easy...not anymore!  I've come to realize that outside work is not for me!

 There was a hideous fence behind the house that had to come down!  It took nearly two days to cut all the wires and remove the fence posts.  There's another reason why I didn't care for the yard work!

 View from our backyard.  The deck on the rear of the house is coming off and we will be making a patio area instead.

 Brian's shop.  I really think he would live in here if he could.  He's in love.

 In this picture, you can somewhat see where we trimmed all the shrubs and Brian mowed the lawn.

A view from our front porch.  It's perfect!  I cannot wait to put some outdoor furniture on the porch.

We put out 16 bags of mulch.  Those bags are heavy so Brian had to get them off the truck for me...I'm starting to sound like a sissy, I know.

Our first picture in front of the home!

23 Days

Only 23 days until I am no longer a Gibson.  Wow...I would say this two year engagement has flown, but let's be honest, it hasn't!  I feel like the days are getting longer as the countdown decreases.  I am not nervous, not scared, not stressed, just plain impatient and ready for our big day to finally be here!!  We have everything ready, now let's just fast forward to July 16th!

While I'm busy being impatient, a few big events will take my mind off that temporarily.  Today, we signed the paperwork to close on the home loan, so we are officially homeowners.  We are overjoyed to be in debt up to our eyeballs :)  haha, but really...we cannot wait to move in (two weeks from today) and turn an ordinary three bedroom, three bath house into the Howard Home.  Packing is nearly complete, minus the things we will need to use in the upcoming days before the new move.  Can you tell we are anxious?  After the closing today, we were able to at least go by and mow the yard and trim some trees.  Looking good already!

As if that weren't enough excitement, tomorrow is my Bachelorette Party.  Twelve of my closest friends (and myself!)  will be going to Churchill Downs After Dark.  I've never been there before, but I've always wanted to go.  Finally, the weather man decided there was a 0% chance of rain and he better not change his mind.  I just look forward to seeing all my girls together at once.  I'll let you know when I win big on a horse!

Oh, and if I don't repost because I'm extremely busy...I will be signing the official employment contract with Hardin County Schools on Tuesday at 1:30 pm.  I am so ready.  I promise classroom pictures will come as soon as I remember to start carrying my camera around with me!

<3 Courtney

Waiting Games

Everything has been pretty calm lately.  Just soaking up the fun of summer and working to save back some money.  We are waiting on the house, the wedding, and the signing of my contract to get here...

My last day at The Whistle Stop is July 8th; wow...finally leaving after eight years.  They've been great to me, so supportive through both my high school and college years.  I will so sad to leave my family there, but I eat there so much that I will still get to see their smiling faces often!

Hopefully, we will be homeowners (officially) by the end of this week.  The goal is to have the loan closed by Friday.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that nothing delays this.  The current owner will move out within two weeks, and the I can begin to move our already packed up stuff into the house.  Can't wait!

Lastly, I finished setting up my classroom last week!  It took me two full days to organize the old materials and move my new ones in.  I still have some finishing touches that cannot be done until closer to the start of school, but I'm pretty pleased with what I've accomplished.  I should have taken pictures---maybe next time!

What a random mixture of tidbits this post was!  Time to go celebrate Father's Day with my Dad :)

My Classroom

Yesterday, I officially got the keys to my classroom, the place where my exciting first year of teaching is about to take place!  Room 222 :)  (My Dad sees the number, 222, all the time!  We thought that was very ironic.)  Right now the floors are being waxed, but about mid-next week I will be able to move in and start getting everything set up. I already have packed my car with all my things so that I am ready when it is!  That means I am driving around with a full trunk, back seat, and passenger seat.  My goal is to have everything ready to go by the time we leave for Florida for the wedding, because we when come back from that, hopefully it will be time to pack for another move...into our new home!

Sweet Summertime

Summer is in full swing!  Although I'm still working at The Whistle Stop, I've been squeezing in lots of laying out, pool time, and relaxing by a fire on the cool nights (there haven't been many of those!). I'm attempting to soak up every second of free time because I know it's about to get CRAZY!

Brian and I had our first wedding shower on May 22nd.  I quickly realized that I do not like to open gifts in front of people.  It was extremely awkward...haha, I tried to just wait until everyone left, but they weren't having it.  Next wedding shower...June 12th with my mom's side of the family.

In other news, today, I had my first professional development at Rineyville.  I was mainly looking forward to meeting everyone.  Plus, I got to see my room...lucky number 222!  (My dad and I see that number all the time, it's unreal.)  I can't wait to get everything situated so I can start to think and plan the upcoming year with my 4th graders :)  Four years and thousands of dollars later, this is the moment I've waited for.


In not-so-good news, Brian's dad passed away since I last updated.  The VAD simply was not doing the job of pumping the blood, causing his kidneys and liver to shut down.  He chose not to have any other surgeries (such as replacing the VAD).  After everything he had been through, it was just more than he can bear.  His passing was pain-free and quick, although it was saddening to not make it to the hospital in time. All I can think about is that he is no longer in pain and that keeps me at peace.  Also, we were fortunate to spend lots of time with him while he was sick.  It's hard when someone leaves this Earth because you are never prepared for that moment.  I know his biggest wish was to see our wedding, but he'll just be watching it from up above.

Until next time...