Miss Paige

We have a new niece! Nolan's sister, Tameran and her husband, Frank welcomed a new baby girl into the world on December 17th. Her name is Paige Elizabeth. Nol and I finally met her last night at the Kitterman Christmas and I must say, I am smitten. She is adorable and perfect! Congratulations Tam & Frank!
Nolan and I sign our closing papers tomorrow! We will officially have a home! Tomorrow night will mostly be spent cleaning so we can move things in over the weekend. I hear the best move to have is from an apartment to a house but we'll see how much I actually enjoy it!
I will update more pictures of the move and the house when we are a bit more settled. For now, just enjoy a couple more pictures of our adorable niece! Love to you all!

Finally!

I knew it. I knew that when I became a blogger I would not update it enough! Sorry for that and thank you for encouraging me to go on. With that being said, I do have news! Nolan and I are now homeowners! As of yesterday we found out that the bank accepted our contract on a foreclosed home. We meet with the mortgage company tomorrow to finish the final paperwork and then we wait to move in! It is a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home! It has a great privacy-fenced back yard, spacious two-car garage, and plenty of space for our family and friends! I will update with pictures once we've moved in and settle a little bit. It's a little nerve-wracking and I feel so grown up but we are both very excited! You all need to come over and see it (and feel free to pick up some boxes to help us move! ha!)

Nolan and I are almost ready to celebrate our first year of marriage! I asked Nolan what he thought he's learned from this first year, thinking that maybe I'd hear something romantic. Instead, I got, "more responsibility really messes with our relationship." Not exactly sweet nothings but true. Life has grown more hectic now that we both have full time jobs and are involved with other activities. We spent a good deal of time straightening up the house after it has been a bit of a train wreck this last month. I am praying that life slows down enough for me to figure out a pattern in our lives where I can keep up with job, family, friends, and housework. I'll let you know when I come up with that ultimate balance.
More exciting is our weekend coming up! Nolan has an anniversary trip all planned for us! I have no idea (besides guesses) what we might be up to. I cannot wait to see what he has been planning for the last couple months! I'm sure I will love it (and I've been guaranteed satisfaction from my sister).
Other than that, we're just getting up every day and choosing to work on this thing called love
We hope you all are well and hope to hear from you!

legacies

In my Bible study this week we took a look at the mourning of Sarah's death in Genesis 22. Beth Moore is the writer of the series and she asked us to think of couples that we can't imagine one without the other. I have been so blessed to know so many Godly couples that have given such rich legacies. Luckily, these couples are still living and I am still learning from their examples. I would like to share just some of my favorite thoughts.
Rick & Denise Ried. My parents are amazing parents. Dad is so quick to help and is always ready to listen to my stories, even when he can't relate or when I'm interrupting his Cardinals game! He has taught me to work hard and to work with integrity. My mom is wise and I trust her advice. I hope I never grow out of my need to call her and ask her what ingredients go in a casserole (this usually occurs while I'm at the grocery store frantically deciding what to make for dinner). She is my voice of reason. We joke that I get so enthusiastic about an idea and I go to Mom to get my reality check. Her lack of 'getting worked up' has often frustrated me but I am learning to appreciate her steadiness.
Al & Sue Kitterman. I am still in the beginning stages of my relationship with my in-laws but I cannot wait to learn more. Al reminds me of my dad and I appreciate his hard work and dedication as he provides for his family. I also see him as a man who still loves his wife and I am appreciative that he has passed this trait to his son(s). I love that he is so quick to enjoy himself and have a laugh. I am also glad I can say that I love my mother-in-law. She is such a blessing and has one of the biggest hearts I have seen. My favorite thing to do at my in-laws is to sit up on a stool at the island and enjoy her company. She is usually busy cooking up a storm but she never makes me feel that I can't stay to chat. She is wise and I am glad I can openly seek her advice.
Newt & Donna Judy. These are my mom's parents. They have been married for 50+ years and have not lost their ability to tease each other like newlyweds. We say Grandma is only a Cubs fan because Grandpa loves the Cardinals. They might tease a lot but I know they still love each other deeply and I am happy to have them in our lives.
Phil & Sally Kitterman. They are Al's parents. I am so glad Phil was able to come on the Kitterman trip to the Boundary Waters last summer. He out-rowed us all and was a joy to be with. Sally takes care of an elderly couple and I admire her for that since I know it isn't easy. I appreciate her heart and smile. They are wonderful grandparents and I hope we will have many more years with them.
Bob & Joan Sattler. This couple is a sweet couple from my home church. One of my favorite memories is from our wedding when Bob & Joan danced together as much as us "young folks." They are always happy together when we see them and I am blessed by their love and support.
Marvin & Linda Andris. I have known Marvin & Linda my entire life and they have a dear spot deep in my heart. I don't see them as often as I'd like but I still look to them for support and love. I have really appreciated the way they have taken Nolan in as if they'd known him all his life. They are another great example of a Christ-centered marriage.
I really could go on but for the sake of this post, I think I will stop there. If you didn't see your name on this list, know that Nolan & I still hold you dear and appreciate what your example teaches us. All of our siblings and their spouses as well as our other extended family members are a testimony to God's love. One lady in my small group described a couple in her life and said, "they are just a couple that always look in the same direction together." I was inspired by that and I simply wanted to share just some of the couples I know who strive to do that in their marriage.

Thank you for coming alongside us as we travel this life together

My sister is coming to visit today! I am very excited about that. I hear that Mason City is celebrating their sesquicentennial (I need to pause and chuckle. If you've seen 'Waiting for Guffman', you will understand. If you haven't, change that-ha) so we might head over for some festival food and fun! We've been planning for her to come visit since Nolan and I have had our own place but for some reason or another, it's never worked out. That picture is with my grandma Donna. I love her, she is a great woman! One thing I can say my sister and I have always had in common--we love to laugh. I am so glad that we are over the days of hating each other (when you share a room with your little sister, it's sometimes hard to love her) and now we are the best of friends. My sister is a hoot! She has so much attitude, I can't imagine where she learned that but she also has a beautiful heart! I love that girl and can't wait until she gets here!
In other news, I could just hug Nolan every time I think about it! He bought me the movie, "On a Clear Day." Seriously, you need to check it out if you haven't seen it! One of the critics says, "A movie that makes you feel happy about being alive." Now, I don't always give a lot of credit to critics but this one is right on! It does make me feel happy about life. I've watched it three times and so far, it hasn't lost its charm! Please, for my sake, so I'll stop bothering you about it, just watch it! It has Billy Boyd from Lord of the Rings, Brenda Blethyn, and Peter Mullan. They're all Irish actors so sometimes you really have to listen to what their saying but it's a rich film! Watch it and then we can talk about it and I'll be giddy!
Nolan and I have had a rough week as far as our scheduling goes. He's been working with the farm team all week so he's been home later than usual. Then I have bible study on Monday nights and work late on Thursday nights. Plus, we have been going to bed earlier since we both work now (Nolan is ecstatic that I finally understand the value of a good night's rest--I've been on college student time for too long I suppose). So this week we haven't spent a whole lot of time together. This whole growing up thing is tough! I keep toying with the idea of running away to Hawaii to start over but he seems to think our bills would still find us. Anyway, I'm sure the next couple weeks will be a bit hairy but we'll be fine once harvest season is over. Nol is happy to be working with the farm team, he enjoys that type of work. I've been more comfortable with my job this week but I'm even more convinced that it is not where I want to stay long-term. My dear friend helped me have a better attitude and inspired me to have a goal for the job. That has helped my everyday attitude immensely. When I think that eventually, I want to be at home with our kids, I realize this job will help us pay bills and free us from needing two incomes. It will prove to be a blessing, I'm sure.
This is the goings-on of these Kittermans. Drop us a note to tell us how you're doing! Love to you all!

new, new, new

Hello to all! When I said I probably wouldn't update this as much as I should, I didn't expect my absence to be this long! I have finally been inspired to write again. Nolan and I have certainly kept busy. Last Monday I stared the job at World Finance. It is interesting. I'm trying to be patient but I really don't know if it is the job for me. I'm on the phone for the majority of the day speaking with customers who don't like me because I'm demanding that they be responsible and pay their bills. That gets to be a little disheartening. Nolan's job is going much better. He recently found out that he will be working the the call center at Precision. He will miss Les in shipping but he does look forward to talking with customers and being a problem solver. He might also help with the harvest if needed.
Last night I started my first "Adult Bible Study." I did feel old but at the same time, it felt natural to be surrounded by older women. I remember wanting to be around my mom and the other ladies from church while growing up. The bible study is by Beth Moore and we will be learning about the patriarchs. Every once in a while I might be putting insights I've learned during the week. I have to be honest and say I was skeptical to join the study because lately I've rebelled against the corporate church but last night was a great lesson and I believe I will be learning a lot from the ladies in my small group. My small group has a variety of ages and women that are in different stages of life. I love that blend. We have widows, a retiree, two young mothers, an empty-nester, an older single woman, and me! Now that I think about it, I'm actually very excited to meet with these ladies once a week!
In other 'new' news...Nolan and I have two appointments to meet with some other rental property! We are ready to move on from Windemere Estates. It's been a good run but we need to move out! We're meeting tomorrow evening to look at a duplex and then Nolan will be meeting with a lady about a house on Thursday. We drove by both places tonight and even though it was dark, they seemed like two great spots. With the house, we'd have a yard and I love that! It even has a clothes line! The duplex has a lot of renovations and has more room without having a much higher price than we already are paying. I'm excited to take a look tomorrow!
Please pray for us as we make decisions about where to live and where to work! I've looked at some other job possibilities and I will be looking into that over my lunch break. I know I've only been at this present job for less than two weeks but my inner voice is telling me it's not the place. I don't think it was a waste of time because it has certainly opened my eyes to a lot of things such as the desperate situations of people around me. Also, in only a short amount of time, it has taught me that I have more confidence in my abilities than I once thought. Anyway, I would simply appreciate some prayers as I'm struggling with my current job status.
I must close and head off to bed since I'm a working girl now! Much love to you all!
*I just wanted to find a photo that made me smile and remember my awesome friends. boy, am i dramatic!

a new season

Wow. Be careful what you pray for! In our case, it all turned out well but it came at me fast. Nolan and I had been praying for a job for me. I also have recently thought that my life had lacked a little purpose because I didn't feel that I was giving of myself enough. Well, when God answers prayer, watch out, it's going to move you. In the the course of one day I

• Was hired at a small loan organization in Lincoln
• Was asked to lead a small group of students
• Was reminded that I agreed to proctor tests for a friend of mine
• Decided to join a women's Bible study group

That day was a whirlwind and I felt a bit overwhelmed. After looking at what I am now involved in, I am so excited to start! I start work on September 4th. I have to travel to Springfield for the first week to train at a different branch and then I will officially start in Lincoln on the 10th. This job will push me out of my comfort zone a bit but I think it will be good. Plus, I'm considered an Assistant Manager, so that always looks good on a resume. The Bible study doesn't start until the 10th and I'm pretty excited about meeting with ladies in the community; hopefully it will help me settle some roots in Lincoln, beyond being a former student. Being a proctor for a test really won't be difficult so I'm not worried about that.
I'm most excited about starting the small group with the girls from school. I think this will be a great opportunity for all of us to grow together and in Him. I've got some ideas for how the semester will pan out with them. I am a bit nervous because I tend to shy away from leadership positions but I feel God wants me to embrace it, so I'm going to. I've also been encouraged by some trusted friends that insist I will do well.
I am genuinely excited about the upcoming months. These changes and challenges are what I've been looking for. Now off to Target to get my planner so I can stay ahead of the game...

Another Great Weekend

This weekend was another family-packed weekend. Our niece, Riley turned 3 on Saturday! She's getting so big. I have to brag that she can already tell her right foot from her left foot, she can count to ten (although she sometimes says "1, 2, 3, 8,9"), she knows her colors and most of her shapes, and she is talking really well! I'm so proud of her! My mom is a kindergarten teacher and I know that some of her students can't tell their feet apart. My niece is great! I love her!
In other news, Nol got his car-pool buddy back. Les is back from Africa and Nolan is pretty excited to have someone to ride to work with. Life is so much better when you have a friend traveling along with you.
Yesterday was finally grocery day. Nol and I have been low for the last week or so. I love shopping at Aldi's. First, it reminds me of when I was little and I played 'store' with my mom's groceries (b/c you have to bag your own goodies at Aldi). I also love it because I know that Nolan and I have gotten so much more food at Aldi than we could afford at Wal-Mart or Kroger. I feel efficient and smart shopping at Aldi. yum. I also feel so blessed on 'big' grocery days because I just think it's such an adult feeling to know that you and your husband have enough food to support yourselves. Just knowing that my fridge, freezer, cupboard, and pantry are full is a blessed assurance. Finally, this is totally me, I love groceries because, to me, order means everything has its own place. That's how groceries are! Frozen food in the freezer, products in the fridge, and then I get to place all the other items in their designated areas. It reminds me that all is right in this world. Okay, that's a bit much but I love it just the same.
Enjoy some pictures from our weekend with our niece and family!

we played the Wii for hours!

Papa should know better than to fall asleep with this crowd

blowing out the candle (or lighter)

"big" pieces

a premonition of what's to come

Riley loves her Uncle Nolan

Aunt Amanda is a bad influence

Surprise!

Family-Packed Weekend

This weekend was pretty action-packed. Saturday we split up. I went home with some girls to see The Wizard of Oz and Nolan went to Springfield for a bachelor party. The play was great and the girls got to meet some of my extended family! Then on Sunday my immediate family met up to spend a few days in Springfield at Knight's Action Park. I had a lot more fun than I thought I would. We spent a lot of time in the lazy river, just floating through and getting a bit sunburn. My back has a nice sting but Nol seems to be doing just fine. My brother and his wife were up from Florida for her brother's wedding so they were able to join us. That is always a great time! That evening we had a delicious supper at O'Charley's and then went back to KAP to hit at the batting cages and driving range. I surprised myself at how many times I actually hit the softball. Nolan and I also got to experience one of those quintessential "golf lessons" as Nolan taught me how to position myself and hit off a tee. Golf isn't my thing but I appreciated the lesson just the same. Enjoy some pictures!

that's my momma!

My sisters & me!

showing dad some love

getting fresh with Abe & Mary Todd

after a delicious meal!

beginnings

Hello to all who may come by this blog! We are newlyweds for a little over 9 months now. We hope to keep our friends and family updated on our lives. We love to have fun and hope you enjoy reading about our adventures!