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!