JAust

Mini Monster

2012-01-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

First Swim with Daddy

2011-07-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

Matty's first swim with Daddy....

Calling Nurse Julie!!

2011-05-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

This last week in a half has been a blur since I've had two babies to take care of. John broke his foot on "Friday the 13th" and had to have surgery on it. So, needless to say he has been in bed and I have been on double duty. John has helped out with watching Matty when I need to run an errand or two. He even let me get out for dinner with the ISU group which was much needed.

John is back to work today which is GREAT!! He has crutches and a boot. Pray for a quick healing process for him (and for me)!!!

Update on Matty- He is 5 weeks today and growing like a weed. 12 pounds 8 ounces. He smiles and follows you with his eyes. Loves his pacificer.

Matthew

2011-05-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Matthew John is Here

2011-04-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

Matthew was born on April 21st at 1:57pm( 2 hours of pushing)
9 pounds 7 ounces 22 inches long

I delivered at Liberty Hospital and had the most amazing nurses- my friend Jaime (Henderson) Graham was my nurse and gave me the special treatment!! I went in to be induced since I was 41 weeks along. I spent the night on Wednesday night and got pitocin(ouch!) and had my water broken at 9am on Thursday. Yes, I got drugs... I really wished I could have skipped them but that pitocin really kicked me in the butt!! During the birth Matt had a bowel movement in the womb so when he came out we had a army of nurses ready to clean out his air ways which was really scary since no one told us what was going on( this is very common in over due babies)... within a minute he was breathing on his own and fine. The nurses said he was being naughty in in there.

I will post pictures soon. Nights are a bit rough but I'm sure he will get better.

Lots of Love,
Julie, John and Matthew

Bless You

2011-04-19T12:48:00.001-07:00

I went to lunch with my friend Susie today and we went to Sam's Club after to get a few things. A lady right at the door asked me when I was due and I replied last week. She looked at me with wide eyes and said- Bless you, sweetie and patted me on the shoulder.

Can't wait to meet this little boy. We go in on Wednesday night to be induced so hopefully by Thursday afternoon we will have a baby!!! With all this waiting it's crazy to believe that John and I will be parents!!!!!!! I feel very blessed and to have him on such an important week! Matthew means a gift from God and he truly is. Our little miracle.

Love, Julie

Matty's Room

2011-04-19T09:56:00.001-07:00

Waiting..Waiting

2011-04-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

I'm getting pretty good at waiting. We are being patient for this little miracle to arrive. I go in Monday and if nothing progresses they will schedule me to get induced sometime next week. Please pray he comes this weekend!

Love Julie and John

Baby Update

2011-04-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

I sound like a broken record but no change from last week. Dilated to a BIG 1.5 and still 75% effaced. This little boy likes where he is. My due date is April 13th and that is when my next dr appointment is- if no change then we will see. I would love to go natural but I have been very uncomfortable and with this 90 degree weather.... I'm melting!! I thought my sister was being a baby when we went to Florida with her and JD. She was 33 weeks along with her second, Jackson. Sarah, I take everything back!! Not sure how you survived!!

Bad Cabo! Bad Dog!

2011-04-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

On Thursday morning I woke up to find a yellow ink cartridge emptied onto the carpet in our front room. Who could have done that? Not our well behaved dog ,Cabo?? Oh, yes. I guess he is already acting out and the baby isn't even here yet.

Word of advice. When dealing with ink, don't try to take a Kirby to the stain. Yes, even spending $$ on a great vacuum like a Kirby won't get the stain out. We will forever have a yellow highlighter mark on our carpet until we decide what to do. We did have a professional come in and try to remove it but it still looks the same.

Julie

Count Down Begin

2011-03-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

I'm 37 weeks and we couldn't be more excited!! I went to the dr on Thursday and my blood pressure is down. Yes, I have had some BP issues- I have changed my diet to low sodium( HUGE for me since I love SALT) and all I drink is water, water and more water. Around 35 weeks I started to retain water and I can tell a big difference by eliminating sodium. I feel pretty good other than being tired all the time and not sleeping good- I guess it's getting me ready to be a Mom!

I'm dilated to 1 and 75% effaced. Everything is almost done and we will be waiting for this little guy to decide to make his appearances. I'm guessing his birthday will be April 15th but I could be wrong. I thought it would be neat to have him at the end of March since John's Birthday is March 9th . Plus I don't think any other grandchild is born in March?? Matty will be the 24th grandchild on the Aust side...WOW! He will be #6 on my side.

Love, Julie

There was a Tree....

2011-03-01T19:29:00.000-08:00

My friend Susie helped me put this tree up in our nursery. I ordered it on Esty- I'm so obsessed with finding neat things for Matty's room on this website.

My lovely bump

2011-03-01T18:05:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the layout/order of the pictures. I need to improve on how to do this blog. Here are pictures of my growing baby boy- Matthew John. Yes, that's what we will name him and I'm sure he will have lots of nicknames. We are already calling him Matty.
I had an appointment last week and he was measuring 34 weeks 4 days- a little ahead of schedule but my due date won't change. So, far I have been not sleeping well and I'm so tired all the time. I start my every "2 week" appointments starting next week and then it will be every week. I feel very blessed to feel every kick/move of Matty and I can't wait to meet this little guy. He is already loved so very much by us!!!!

I had my first baby shower this last weekend back in Iowa. Lots of fun to see everyone and we got lots of much needed baby items!! Thank you Michele and Pat for putting on a great shower!!!

32 weeks

33 weeks

31 weeks

30 weeks

Out of Control(29 weeks)

2011-02-06T19:21:00.000-08:00

Cash for Julie's Gold

2011-02-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

Friday night around 9pm I came home( yes, me at 30 weeks pregnant) to find that our house had been broken into. Long story short the "Thieves" got all my gold jewelry that is not replaceable. Lots of items from high-school and college( from John and from my parents)
I'm thankful that no one was hurt( me or the thieves). And yes, Cabo has been demoted as our guard dog.

It's Getting Real.

2011-01-30T11:51:00.000-08:00

It's setting in that in a short 10 weeks John and I will become parents. My mind is full of questions- Will I be a good mom? Will I know what to do? I'm sure once they put my baby boy in my arms everything will come natural to me but in the mean time my head is full of questions(AHHHH!!).

In getting ready for this little guy we went to our first "baby class". It covered how to care for your new born the first two weeks. I thought it was good and they educated me on "third hand smoke", "5 S's" and how to properly give your baby a bath and change the diaper.

My sister Sarah gave me 3 huge rubber maids full of clothes( newborn -9 moths) and I had fun going thru all the clothes!!!!! And there are LOTS!!! Just to make sure he wears all the newborn clothes before he grows out of them I will have to change his outfit multiple times a day even if they aren't dirty because they are so CUTE. THANK YOU Sarah for the clothes and the infant seat and swing! AND...Susie and Greg, our good friends, dropped off a bassinet for us to use. And we haven't even had any baby showers yet!

Go AWAY Snow!

2011-01-19T16:58:00.000-08:00

The snow started at noon and hasn't stopped yet-- it's 7pm. It took me an hour and 40 mins to get home which during normal rush hour it takes about 40 mins or so. I wasn't happy but on a good note John and I both got home safely.

Baby Update..

So, far we have the babies room painted and the crib is put together. The room is coming together and I'm getting very excited to meet this little guy! We have also been busy cleaning and putting up drapes. Why haven't we put up drapes until now?? I have no idea!!

I go in for my glucose test tomorrow am. Not looking forward to the drive in the snow or the nasty stuff I have to drink! I hope I pass. The baby is very active and doing good. I love his kicks and movements.

Love, Julie

More bump pics...

2010-12-29T19:20:00.001-08:00

These two pictures are at 24weeks and 25 weeks. Baby A is getting more active and he is already into a routine. Once I relax and go to bed he is up and kicking! I hope that changes fast!!

Growing Bump

2010-12-29T19:02:00.000-08:00

Gray Shirt:22 Weeks
White shirt with pony tail:20 Weeks
Black Shirt:23 weeks

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!! Wishing everyone wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. Safe travels!!

Love, Julie , John and Baby A

Baby Aust Update

2010-12-14T06:59:00.000-08:00

Quick update. I promise to post some more belly pictures(my friends have been asking) soon. John and I have been busy getting ready for this little guy. Oh, yes we did find out the sex right before Thanksgiving ----It's a BOY!!!!!
I feel great and other than restless nights it's been a pretty good 2nd trimester(I'm 23 weeks and growing!!!).

BIG UPDATE for US.....Henry is no longer with us. Henry , is the wire haired fox terrier that we fostered for over 2 years. His owner took him back to live with her. YEAH!!! I'm sure all our nieces and nephews will miss him.

Silly Faces!!

2010-11-20T07:46:00.001-08:00

Baby A Update

2010-11-20T07:25:00.001-08:00

15 weeks

10-12 Weeks

17 weeks

Second Trimester is so much easier then the first!! I feel better and no more random throwing up! One time I opened the refrigerator and I saw some mushrooms and had to use the kitchen sink to get sick and not to mention all the gross things John did!! Everything is going great.
Above are some pictures- I'm currently at 19 weeks and I feel as if my stomach as popped. No sucking it in anymore! Well, I guess everything has popped which I'm trying to appreciate ALL my curves. No cravings really. I could eat Chinese food everyday and I can't get enough of peanut sauce. But nothing crazy yet.

John's Big Deck

2010-11-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

We finally have a couple things off our "TO DO" list before the baby arrives which won't be until April but it will be here before we know it. John's sister, Michele and her husband Chris painted our master bedroom and bathroom. I think Chris has painted our entire house- John and I appreciate them for doing this( Chris,owns his own paining business in Omaha). THANK YOU!!
The deck was done a couple of weeks ago by Sutherland's and we couldn't have done it without Mike, our neighbor, who acted as the Project Manager. Just a couple more things to check off and we will be done.

The Great Pumpkin

2010-11-20T07:00:00.001-08:00

John had a lunch for work a couple of weeks ago and I made a pumpkin cake that I have been wanting to make for about a year(yes,really. For those that know me I tend to think about things FOREVER before I either buy ,make etc. It took more time then I thought but turned out pretty good. I think John's co-workers got a kick out of him bringing it. But they all knew he didn't make it. ;)

Yes, it's true!!!

2010-10-10T06:29:00.001-07:00

We are expecting a little one on April 13th,2011!!! Everything is going great and I'm almost 14 weeks!! Please pray for a healthy baby and pregnancy!!!

Love,
Julie, John and Baby A

Putting the Aust in Austin

2010-07-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

We are back again from vacation (yes, again)!!!! John and I went to visit our wonderful friend Wendy who is living in Austin, Texas for the summer. Chicken Waffle Tacos at 3am, eating at Uchi, Rudy's BBQ, Chuy's Mexican, swimming in Barton Springs, canoeing lake lady bird, people watching and taking in some nightlife on 6th Street, shopping at the BEST outlet EVER in San Marcos, Tx were some of the highlights. Thank you Wendy for being such a wonderful host!
We also got to spend some time in Tulsa with Jenny and Josh, spending a night at there house both to & from Austin. We also ate lunch with my uncle Rusty at the popular Joe T's in Fort Worth. Our friend Brad, who recently moved from KC to Dallas also made a trip down to Austin and it was nice to see him!
(pics to come)

July 4th was also my due date for our first child. It hit me last night when our friends went to the hospital to deliver their first child. We are so very happy for them, but couldn't help to think that could have also been us. Pray!Pray! Pray that we will be blessed with a child.

Love Y'All!
Julie & John

Take me out to the Ball Game...

2010-06-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

Ava"Diva" Don't talk to me or I will get mad
Addy loves the camera!!!
Help me - I'm melting!!
Paula with the wrong team colors on.

Yesterday we went to the Royals game with my mom's side (Royals WON!!! 10-3 over St.L). It was very WARM out! I HAD to go in Sherdian's Ice Cream and cool off since I had sweat dripping off of me. Thank goodness there was some clouds to cool us off. We all had fun!!! Best part of the game was when Tim made it on the BIG Screen!! It was pretty funny!

Wish I was back on the beach...

2010-06-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary!!

2010-06-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

Pat and Ernie!! Hope you have a wonderful day ! We love you lots!
John and Julie

Mexico 2010

2010-06-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hola!! We're Back from Mexico!!!

2010-06-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

We just got back on Saturday (6/19) from our week long trip in Mexico. We stayed at El Dorado Royale- great resort along the Rivera Maya coast, all adults, and all inclusive. Our trip started kind of rocky- our flight was canceled and instead of a 10:30AM flight we left at 8PM due to weather making it a long day of emotions for me. Many of you know flying isn't something I like to do. We did get $400 in vouchers a piece. I'm thinking great I have to use them? John's thinking..Let's plan our next trip!!
Summary of the week.....
On Sunday we had a wedding rehearsal dinner and Monday was Alex and Meg's big day. We got lots of sun and spent time on the beach. I went to Cancun with Meg and her mom on Wednesday while John deep sea fished with the guys. John and I went to Cozumel and snorkeled on Thrus.Willy the Surfer that was in charge of taking pictures gave us the wrong dvd of the snorkel trip-I remember the couple, but that wasn't us...pictures of that to come soon (I hope). It was so much fun and HOT! Sorry John had to throw the HOT in there (inside joke). We had a couples massage and a candle light dinner (both on the beach). John played lots of sand volleyball and we watched a Mexican Michael Jackson (was the entertainment at the resort on Friday night)--- one of the worst things I have seen in my life.
We had lots of fun and we need a vacation from our vacation- today at work was rough. I just wanted to go home and go to bed!!!
Oh, and I have a new nephew... Ryder Charles. I feel very blessed in the department of being an aunt.

Love, Juan and Julia
Pictures to follow post

Drum roll........

2010-06-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

The blood has been drawn and results are in. Everything is normal with John's back (still causes pain but we have eliminated worse case scenarios). He has had MRI's, Xrays, blood work done and still no root cause for the continuous pain- just a slight bulging disc. I had uterus test done today and no issues ! They put a water solution up your uterus and do a vaginal ultra-sound. Not the most comfortable thing to have done, but it's better than what I thought. YAY! and I got 4 out of 6 test (blood work back) which are normal and no reason to believe the other 2 won't come back fine. A breath of fresh air!!! I have been on pins and needles since my last miscarriage but it's very comforting to have these first batch of tests done and have them come back all fine!!!

Tonight is my first meeting for women that have had miscarriages,adoption losses, and infertility issues. It's a faith based group and I can't wait to attend! I did a search in Kansas City and I had a hard time finding one. I emailed the group leader and I have been welcomed beyond my expectations. The group had read this book- Hannah's Hope (Seeking God's Heart in the mist of infertility, miscarriage and adoption loss) which I highly recommend!!!

After all these tests and waiting we can enjoy our upcoming trip to Cancun for my friends wedding. A week long trip in the sand and sun!! Can't wait.

Love, Julie

Happy Birthday to Megan!

2010-05-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 3-0 Club! Hope you are enjoying your day!!

Wearing a bike Helmet is cool and saves your life too!

2010-05-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

That's just what it did on Sunday for my friend Jenny. She had all her guardian angels with her when she was hit by a truck on her road bike training for her first Half Iron Man. PRAYING for a speedy recovery! We love you Jenny- praying and thinking of you!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2010-05-08T17:47:00.001-07:00

To All Mothers

To the Mother who has no children,

But yearns to hold a baby tight,

We thank her for her growing love,

And pray for a future so bright.

To the mother who gave her baby up,

Because it was for the best,

We thank her for the gift of life,

And for her loving unselfishness.

To the Mother who has lost a child,

And struggles to understand,

We thank her for her faith in God,

Knowing that He is holding her

young one’s hand.

To the Mother who continues to show us,

That she is “always right”,

We thank her for her wisdom,

And for the kisses and hugs so tight.

To the Mother with grown children

Who is living in an empty nest,

We thank her for her outstretched arms,

And generations that have been blessed.

To the Mother who is fighting for her life,

To get through another day,

We thank her for her courage and strength,

And we pray for a cure before it is too late.

To the mother who has forgotten,

Because her memory has gone astray,

We thank her for holding our hand,

As we deal with the loss and the pain.

To the Mother who has her angel’s wings,

And is looking down from above,

We thank her for the life she led,

And memories that are full of love.

To all the Mothers out there,

You make this world a better place,

We thank you for who you are,

And the smiles you put on our face.

Happy Mother’s Day,

Love Julie and John

Update

2010-04-25T16:18:00.001-07:00

So, I'm done feeling sorry for myself and ready to be thankful for what I do have. I ended up not having a D&C and miscarried naturally. I had a wonderful crazy busy weekend with my girlfriends from college- I miss them already. AND we became an aunt and uncle (I know again!!) to Mikayla Nichole!!! Congrats Michelle and Chris. 3 wonderful girls!

To Post or not to Post?

2010-04-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

So, I have been struggling with all kinds of emotions and I have decided that in order to heal I need to communicate my feelings. Why the blog and not a journal? Not sure. Maybe this will help someone out there that needs help more than me. And maybe I won't feel so alone. You never see someone on Facebook post "Second miscarriage-this sucks" or "I hate blighted ovums".

It's my second pregnancy (I miscarried at 9 weeks on Dec. 2nd) and I'm 10 weeks along and waiting... and waiting to miscarry yet again. I went in for a sonogram 2 weeks ago and there wasn't a heartbeat and we could only see a black sac. I had my levels checked- I went from 3,000 to 20,000. Which isn't normal due to what the sonogram showed. I went in again last week and it was confirmed again that nothing had changed. Was told that this miscarry will be a blighted ovum. If nothing changes then I will have to have a D&C on Friday. Based on how I feel I'm pretty sure something will happen by Friday.

I ask myself why me? My family has no problems with having children (I don't even need to mention John's side). Should I have not of waited until we were ready? Am I getting punished for something I did? How many times will I have to go thru the pain? I ask myself these questions and I know there isn't any answers. All I can do is pray and have others pray for us.

Love, Julie

"For I know the plans I have you says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope". ~Jeremiah 29:11~

Time Flys

2010-02-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

Wow! Where has the time gone? It's been awhile since I've last posted anything. We had gone to Iowa for the funeral and back to Iowa for John's dad's 73rd Birthday- had a great time with John's family and my mom. We are trying to buy a different car right now and I hate it. To jog your memory we have been borrowing my dad's truck since beginning of December and it's time we think about returning it. I hate car shopping with a passion but we need to do it sooner than later. I went into 2 dealerships today during my lunch break. Yes, just 2 and I'm done. It sucks all my energy out of me. Just thinking of the money we will spend makes me want to get puke.

Sad News

2010-01-18T16:33:00.000-08:00

Our friend, Brian Boka passed away yesterday. Sudden. Shocked. Is all I can say. John and Brian met at Simpson College and were great friends throughout the years. Brian was in our wedding and John in his. Wendy, his wife is in our prayers along with his family (Jeremy, Steve and Diane).
Brian was hard not to forget- 6'6" tall with red hair, he was always the center of attention. He could always tell a story and get you to buy into whatever he tried to talk you into. I'm sure John could vouch for that. We will miss him greatly and always think of him often.

Love you Brian! You will be missed!

Happy New Year

2010-01-10T13:18:00.001-08:00

Pictures from New Years Eve @ Trezo Mare restaurant in Briarcliff Village - Jeff & Rebeca, Sarah & JD, and Susie & Greg Green. Had a great time!!!

'A' is for Addy & 'C' is for Coach

2010-01-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

Funny story. Last night John and I went over to Sarah and JD's to hang out since we haven't seen them forever (it had been a week). Addy was going thru my handbag and she was wanting me to tell her everything that was in there - sunglasses (or known as Nockies), lip gloss, etc. Later that night she got into Sarah's handbag and pulled out her wallet and exclaimed, "You and Mommie have matching stuff!!!" I then quized her on Coach and would say.... What's the best handbag out there?" Addie would reply "COACH!!!!" Sarah's glare was priceless.

Happy New Year!!!

2009-12-31T13:30:00.000-08:00

Can't wait for 2009 to be over with. We have had some bad luck this year and hopefully 2010 will be full of blessings.

Have a safe and Happy 2010!

The Austs

Keep reminding myself....

2009-12-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

To be upset over what you don't have is to waste what you do have.

RIP Dodge Dakota

2009-12-12T18:17:00.000-08:00

John and I will miss the truck - not sure what we will get next! On 12/2, over a week ago, John couldn't stop in enough time and ran into another SUV during rush hour on the Paseo Bridge (boy, I'm sure it caused a huge backup!). Long story short everyone is fine and it could have been worse. My dad is kind to let us borrow his truck! Since we got snow and the truck isn't four wheel drive (John's wasn't either) it's pretty humorous to see John try to get out of the drive way. For about 4-5 years we have been storing these 45 pound free weights in our garage (there's about 10 of them) - I've lost all hope of John getting rid of them, but they did come in handy to add more weight to the truck.

Boulevard Tour

2009-11-23T16:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday we got invited to go on the Boulevard Tour with Megan and Alex. John had been there before but it was my firs time. If you ever get the chance you need to do the tour- great time and you can sample the beer after the tour. WARNING- you do need to book well in advance!

Thanks Megan and Alex for inviting us!!

http://www.blvdbeer.com/unfilteredwheat.htm

KU vs. NE

2009-11-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

John and I went to our first KU football game at Lawrence. The McGinnis's invited us to join them watching Nebraska play (Got to tailgate before the game and had VIP parking ). Which we couldn't complain we had great tickets - 50yardline, 23 rows up. I will admit, it was the only time I will ever cheer for Nebraska. Being down here in KC with tons of KU fans wears on you! Weather was good and not too cold - John did end up buying me a hot chocolate.

It was kind of funny I thought that the game was at Arrowhead - I had no idea why we had to leave so early and I told John my concerns on how we were going to meet Trevor and get the tickets. Arrowhead was big and Trevor would have to walk really far so we could get the parking pass...

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-26T17:14:00.001-07:00

Cabo with the 175 pound pumpkin
Out with the dogs at "Dog-tober"Fest

We have been busy with dog events, birthday parties etc. This weekend we had John's event and had Addy's birthday and I went for a girls weekend! Crazy! I'm so glad for my family and extended family! I miss my girlfriends and I wish we lived closer so we can get together more often. Can't wait for Megan's wedding in August! It will be SO much FUN!!!

For Jared and Susan...

2009-10-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

You left a dying plant ...Take a look at this! Boy, do I have a green thumb! John still doesn't think so. Miss you guys and I hope you are staying warm in Boston!

Pray for Ernie

2009-09-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

John's dad is back in the hostipal-- Please pray for him!!

Day at the Dog Park (ok, a couple of hours)

2009-09-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

We met Henry's owner, Debbi, at the Dog park so she could visit Henry. It was good to see her- hopefully we can see her more often.

Henry and his owner Debbi
John and Mr. C

Cabo and Me

Road Trip to Chicago!!!

2009-09-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

We went to Chicago for John's cousin's wedding. We left on Friday morning and got to Chicago around 10:30pm ONLY because we shopped and then took I-80 instead of I-88. We ended up in Indiana... WHICH was only 15 miles from Theresa's. I think we have learned our lesson to PRINT and MAP out where we are going. Just getting in the car and going REALLY isn't healthy for our marriage- Well, at least we can live on the wild side!
We had a great time at the Vance wedding - it was beautiful and we had a GREAT time at the reception! Thank you to Marco and Theresa for being GREAT host!

Michele and Chris and US!

John and Me

Me before the LONG drive (John hated the new hub cap I bought)

John smiling before the drive (Are we REALLY driving to Chicago!)

ISU vs Iowa

2009-09-10T17:50:00.001-07:00

This weekend is the big event- the only game that matters.

Update on John's dad- he's doing WONDERFUL!!!

Send your Prayers

2009-08-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

John 's dad, Ernie, is in the hospital and scheduled for a triple bi-pass on Monday afternoon. The doctor said he is a walking time bomb with 90% and 95% blockage so he will be staying in the hospital because of the risk. Please pray for him that he has a speedy recovery!

We love you Ernie and we are thinking of you!
xxxoo's

Can you Tri?

2009-08-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

John and I did our triathlon together this weekend-Jackson Country Tri at Longview Lake. Yes, John did beat me BUT I got 3rd in my age division. Granted there wasn't too many ladies in my age category but still I get a medal. That's pretty great in my book. I think I will continue to do longer tri's because we all know I'm not a sprinter- my Grandpa Pontious said it the best when I was in cc and track in high school- It doesn't matter if Julie does the 2 miler or the 800 her pace is the same.
John and I didn't see each other until I got to mile 1 of my run and he was at mile 4! he was in the first heat of the swim and I was in heat 4- he cheered me on when I had a mile left to go.

What will be our next race?? Should we do a longer tri? How about a Half Iron Man together? Ummmm. Maybe not!

Jack Jack

2009-08-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Is that Cabo? No, it's Jack- Jack!!

Utah to Boston

2009-08-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

Our good friends Jared and Susan plus Jackson (their 1 1/2 yr old son) stopped by this weekend to visit us. Well, they are on their way from Utah to their new home -Boston!! We know Kansas City isn't really on the way, but they love us so much they had to stop (HAHHA!). Hopefully, John and I will make a visit to Boston to visit them! We never made it out to Utah, but we did make it to Florida with them.

Good luck with the drive this week!

Hot pink handle bars....

2009-08-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

My bike was stolen this weekend while in Omaha visiting Michele and Chris (John's sister). Our bikes were in the truck and somewhere between midnight and 6AM my bike was taken- John's bike was untouched. I told him it's because my bike is cooler.
We had a bike race/event today so I used Michele's bike, which didn't last too long because the tires were old. I didn't even bike 1 mile and the back tire exploded. The cops that were volunteering in the intersection gave me a hard time about the bike. I then had to report to them about my bike being stolen (like they could help me)..... oh, how I will miss my hot pink handle bars. I told John that I felt bad for the bike - who knows what has happened to it now.

Pool fun at Uncle Jeff's.....

2009-08-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

My nieces Ava and Addy are having some fun with Grandma Meyer at Uncle Jeff's!

My tri

2009-08-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

The morning started off with a thunder storm but it cleared off and was a great day for a race. Cool- not too hot! I had a great time with the swim- it was about time. I took some advice from the lady next to me... calm your breathing before you get in the water!! What great/simple advice!! Still training for the next big event- John and I will be doing the Jackson County Tri at Longview Lake. Hopefully, his shoulder will get better!!

Wish me luck!

2009-07-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

My tri is on Saturday which is my favorite race that I have done (ok, I've only done one other tri and it was basically rained out). Over 700 women are doing the event this year- wish me luck! 500 swim/10m bike/3m run - John keeps on telling me that I need to pass as many people on the bike and run! Swimming in the lake is by far my (least) favorite thing to do.

RAGBRAI virgin

2009-07-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

John is off to do ragbrai this week and I joined him from Emerson to Corning which was enough for me. I saw everything you can imagine on this bike ride-barely there clothed women, underwear over biking gear,a guy dressed as a keg (how do you ride a bike as that?). It was pretty crowded and you had to always be on the watch.... which reminds me.

I was riding with John and Brad when all of a sudden the bikers in front of me pointed to he ground. John and Brad knew what to do... I was confused--- I didn't see anything in front of me. All of a sudden my whole body was vibrating! You know when you are in a car and get almost to a stop sign? Yes, it does feel a lot different when you are on a bike! I learned my lesson and avoided anymore of those (r U m B L e S t R i p S).

Sounds like John is having a good time and enjoying himself. He did fall off his bike and hurt his shoulder. He said he iced it and it is pretty sore, but it's fine. Thank goodness! John teased me that he couldn't afford me all week on the trip. I'm a sucker for all the vendors (t-shirts, jewelry etc.), I have to support all the Iowans!

John & JD's Big Adventure

2009-07-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

John and our brother in law JD (Sarah's husband) went on a little adventure down the 'mighty' Missouri River on Sunday. It took them 3-4 hours to go from Parkville, MO to just pass the Paseo Bridge. I wonder what John will think of next?

No A.C = No Fun

2009-07-10T20:30:00.001-07:00

Seems like this summer has been full of things not working. First. It was our AC in our house that decided to go out. Not a big deal because it was nothing too major.. and now our car's AC is out. It wouldn't be so bad if I wasn't quoted over $1,000 to get it fixed. YES!! I'm not kidding!! My car isn't worth $1,300 so why would I spend that much? One word. Sweat.
Yesterday I got home from work and I looked like I just got done working out. So, I have had to be clever in thinking of ways to cool off on the way home. What would you do? Well, I sit on a ice pack. Yes, that's what I do. Weird? Crazy? Let's see you drive a car with no AC in KC's traffic.
We do plan on taking the car up to Shenandoah when we are back in a week. I think we might be able to get it fixed and then I think it's time for a different car. I'm trying to get John to get a small SUV but he says if it doesn't get 30 mpg we aren't getting it.

Sweet Corn... Get your Sweet Corn

2009-07-06T18:34:00.000-07:00

Guess who ate 10 ears of corn in two days? John?? Noooo. I hate to admit it but it was Me. Yes, I love sweet corn and it's even better when I get my families sweet corn from Iowa! I think I'm done for the year now though. Sarah and JD you better get over here fast before I eat your bags of corn :)

65 mile bike ride.....

2009-06-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

For those that are confused no, I wasn't on the back of John's bike - he doesn't own a motorcycle (John don't get any ideas!). John and I rode our bicycles in the Tour de Lakes in Lee Summit, Mo on Saturday which was very hot and hilly (95+ degrees). It was my first time riding that far and my first time in clip-less pedals. I know it probably wasn't the smartest thing to do as there was about 1,000 riders... but I didn't fall once. I did almost fall down a hill with the bike though as I was trying to go up a VERY STEEP hill. I panicked and got my left shoe out as I started to fall to my right; at the last second I got my foot out (I walked up the rest of that hill only to meet John and Brad asking me if 'Ms. Walker' needed any help). We started at 7AM and got done at 1pm- the hotter it got the longer it took us. One day of that was enough for me - I have no idea how John does that day after day on ragbrai.

Don't do Drugs. Do Triathlons.

2009-06-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

John's big triathlon was this weekend. He did REALLY well and he felt great after the event! Watching the race gave me some much needed MOTIVATION!! If I'm going to beat John I need to kick it in gear.

Next Saturday we are biking 62 miles in the Tour De Lakes in Kansas City. I personally have never been on a bike for that long. I hope I can last! Maybe it will rain and I can get out of it?

Missing dog... and we didn't even know it.

2009-06-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Last night about 3am our neighbor (Stephanie) rings our doorbell and yells into our house- Is anyone there? I was fast asleep upstairs and John fell asleep on the couch (what else is new?) he gets up and goes he door. Stephanie probably thought he was drunk- when John gets up from being asleep he's like a Zombie! Well, apparently, our front door was opened and Henry was over at their house barking at their front door to get in. Henry can't really see or hear. We have no idea what happened which is weird and scary. We went all over our house to make sure no one was hiding in our house. We thank Stephanie for coming over to bring back Henry. And no, Cabo didn't get out just Henry which is even weirder.

Funny Conversation between Julie and John...
John: Who brought Henry over to our house?
Julie: It was Stephanie
John: Are you sure?
Julie:Yes, don't you remember talking to her?
John: Yes, but it was dark and you know how I am when I first get up. Plus my contacts were stuck to my eyes
Julie: Oh, brother!

7 Years of Marriage Bliss!!

2009-06-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

Today is our 7th Wedding Anniversary!! I can't believe how fast time has gone by! Seems like yesterday we were celebrating with our families.

Bring It

2009-06-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

John has a Triathlon in about 20 days and he needs some prayers for his training. You would think if you hadn't trained for a race you would just drop out. Well, not him. I have to stress over if he finishes the swim, then I have to worry about if he crashes on his bike. AND then the run!!

In August we will be competing in the Longview Lake Tri together (Olympic distance). I have been talking trash to him for quite sometime to make him start to train so he doesn't get beaten by his wife. I told him that I don't care if it's by a minute or a second it still counts. Last race that I beat John in was the Drake Relays Half Marathon a couple years ago (yes, John I don't forget). I believe John's training schedule consisted of girl scout cookies and the couch. Bring it on John- you are going to get beaten by a girl!

10 Things I will miss about being unemployed

2009-06-02T17:53:00.001-07:00

1. Not knowing what day it is
2. Ironing John's clothes in the morning
3. Taking walks with Cabo and Henry
4. Staying up late
5. Filing unemployment weekly claims
6. Wearing workout clothes and a pony tail every day
7. Getting calls from John asking what I did all day
8. People telling me they are sorry after they hear I got laid off
9. No make-up
10. Hanging out with my sister and her kids

I start my new job tomorrow!

Materpeice... well almost

2009-05-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

I made this a long time ago but I wanted to post it. It was my first time baking a lemon meringue pie and boy, does it look good. Too bad it cracked and my niece ate the meringue off before we could cut into it.

Golden Rule: Never leave pies out in plain sight until it's time for dessert!
(Henry got into one and Veronica got into another)

Pictures from vacation....

2009-05-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Thoughts and Prayers

2009-05-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

John's college friend Sam Langstaff and his wife Jackie were killed in a car wreck this weekend. A teenager ran the stop sign and hit their SUV which rolled into oncoming traffic and they were hit by a semi truck.
Sam was a great friend to John and I can't believe how fast a life can be over. Sam was just 30 years old and his wife was 29. It makes you realize how short your life is and how much your relationships with others matter.

My thoughts and prayers are with Sam and Jackie & with their family.

It's been awhile.....

2009-05-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

I've been out for awhile with this blogging thing. Well, what really happened was I lost my password and we went on vacation & I turned 30. John and I went to Fort Myers, Florida with Susan and Jared Poulsen. They are great friends and we hope they move back to KC some day! My birthday was good- turning 30 isn't so bad, I guess. My mom came down this weekend and we had a little BBQ with Sarah and Jeff.

Stll Wild at 30(Ok, I'm almost 30)

2009-04-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

Week from Hell

2009-04-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have some bad news to share with everyone - I was laid off form work this week. I was told on Monday that Friday would be my last day (it wasn't a surprise to me since my company has been laying people off right and left). Also, on that Monday I fell down the stairs at work and broke my cell phone (two separate things). I went to two different stores to get a new phone and they told me that I would have to pay $20 to brake my contract and buy a phone. I went online and got a better deal!! On Friday night I fell again at Target and did get hurt... my knee and ankle were bruised. I thought it was funny since it was at the Super Target that I opened. I thought about going back and asking if I could view the video of my falling.

Easter Fun

2009-04-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

I went to Iowa for Easter and we had a great time until we had to leave. I had to clean up dog puke from our front seat in the car. Our dog, Cabo had too much fun while out in the country. Who knows what he ate. As for his other master he also ate too much. Let's say I couldn't have driven fast enough back to Kansas City!

Crumbs...My new Favorite

2009-03-31T12:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.crumbs.com/cupcakes#0

PDA

2009-03-31T08:21:00.001-07:00

On Sunday night John and I went to church. Our church offers a mass at 6pm which is great. They play wonderful music and it’s catered towards the younger members. In the beginning of church in the corner of my eye I noticed that a young man about 16 or 17 years old was standing behind a girl (that was about the same age) with his arms around her. AND his pants were down to his knees showing his boxers. I quickly looked to John and he gave me 'the Look' which meant don’t say anything I know what you are talking about. The couple were kissing and holding each other all thru church!!! I couldn’t keep my eyes off from them and it took everything from crawling over the pews to give them a piece of my mind.
Hopefully, someone told their parents that they saw them at church acting like animals in heat. I think we need to sit in the front of church.

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2009-03-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

$108 Down the Drain

2009-03-02T08:06:00.001-08:00

John and I went to Omaha this weekend to visit his sister Michele and her family. While on the way there I got stopped by the Missouri State Patrol going 12 over the speed limit and also got a warning for staying in the left hand lane too long (WTF?).
I even had to go and sit in the patrol car so I could give him my information (my address wasn't current on my DL)! I felt so bad I didn't speak for the next 20 minutes after the event- John was sweet about the whole thing - thank goodness. It could have been worse. First, my tags got stolen so I didn't have any on my plates (they have gotten stolen 3 times so I refuse to put them on!!!) and we didn't have our tag information with us so he could have given me a ticket for everything making my ticket almost $200.

I've learned my lesson - I need to get my cruise control fixed!!

putting the Aust in Australia

2009-02-23T09:30:00.001-08:00

John has been super excited about this for the last week. Hopefully, he will make the top 50 out of 20,000 - you never know it might just happen.

My application for ‘the best job in the world’ has been accepted!
Check out my video entry & learn more about the job here (http://www.islandreefjob.com/#/applicants/watch/VpV-gC18-UA)! Be sure to give me 5 stars (even though my video skills could use some improving, my message is legit). I’m hoping to get some extra attention from my profile pic (taken when I was 3, wearing my ‘all-star’ shirt). You can tease me when I get back from Australia ; )
From now until the March 2 (Mon. 6pm CST) the field of 20,000+ will be narrowed down to the top 50. At that time, you can help select the ‘wild card’ by voting early & often! Voting ends March 24 (Tue. 6pm) when the 10 finalist, plus the ‘wild card’, are determined. Interviews take place the first week in May (in Australia). Be sure to vote for me & tell your friends!
Thanks,
John

Tag your it.

2009-02-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

I got tagged on writing 25 random things about me on Facebook… so I thought I would share.

1. I don’t like to be late
2. I love salty foods(sunflower seeds, olives, pickles, chips)
3. I have a problem with shopping – I blame it on my major- Fashion Merchandising.
4. Juice, frog, jewels, Juju are some nicknames( I have others that I would rather forget )
5. I love to cook and bake
6. 25 is the number of nieces and nephews I have
7. I’m a Workout Freak… have done a marathon, half’s, tri’s,5k’s,10k’s – My goal is to so another marathon and a Half Iron Man-I just hate open water
8. I’m scared of heights and riding in airplanes (had to be drugged for years when flying after an engine blew up during takeoff).
9. Coconut and lemon flavoring I could live without
10. Black. I wear a lot of it.
11. My brother Tim shocked me with a hog shocker when I was 8. Isn’t he nice?
12. I can’t stand Cranberry Vodka’s thanks to a crazy night out with the girls in college
13. I married my junior high sweetheart on June 8th, 2002. He can always make me smile and he’s an amazing person.
14. Cabo is where we went on our honeymoon and our dog’s name.
15. My house has to be clean… especially when I leave on trips( One of many things I got from my mom)
16. I have two older brothers and a young sister. We are all 3 years apart which made it bad in high school. The oldest always had to give the youngest rides to school. When I was a freshman I always smelled of smoke because of Tim.
17. I’m scuba certified thanks to John but don’t really enjoy it( I get ear infections almost every time I dive or have near death experiences)if you want stories I have many to share
18. I stole Smurfs from Jays when I was 5 and my mom made me go back and buy them and say I was sorry. I still remember that day…boy, she taught me a lesson.
19. Couldn’t spend the night at ANYONE’s house until I was in 4th grade(I was a mommy’s girl)
20. I love to dance - especially at wedding receptions ( they play the best music)
21. I love being around family and friends
22. I always wear shoes with a heel- I will buy flats and never wear them
23. My earliest memory is when my sister was born and I went to see my mom in the hospital- I was almost 4 years old.
24. I believe relationships are everything. You never know when someone is going to touch your life.
25. I cried in sewing class in college. My teacher told me my grandma didn’t know how to sew. Needless to say I was stressed out and changed my major which was production.

RoadTrip

2009-01-23T07:09:00.000-08:00

This weekend I’m going back to Shenandoah with my sister Sarah and her family (John can’t go because he has a busy weekend with meetings and a conference). I get to sit in the backseat with Addy and Jackson. I’m actually really am looking forward to it!! One thing I’m not looking forward to is listening to Maneater- by Nelly Furtado for 2 hours. That's Addy's favorite song to listen to in the car. Addy will say Manny!!!.... Louder!! Juwee dance!!

Here’s the video- Hope you enjoy and think of us on Saturday morning!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yoSoot7U74

Henry

2009-01-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

Henry is our foster dog that we are watching and sometimes he likes to take a nap in the shower. Thought I would post a pic catching him in action.

W2's

2009-01-15T15:07:00.000-08:00

I work in the HR department so I get lots of questions. Today we got our W2's and a fairly recent grad came to my office and asked what he was to do with his W2. I was taken aback and quickly told him it was for he does his taxes. He said so I keep it until April? Long story short I told him to get with his parents.

I got a shoe today in the mail

2009-01-14T11:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, one red Charlotte Russe dress shoe. Not my size and I only got one. It was with a resume and her coverletter went like this... Since I have my FOOT in the door, I'm PUMPED to blah..blah. Did it make me what to hire her? No,but she did get my attention.

In my three years here I have gotten- Huge cookie with hire me on it,emergency kit,dollar bill,book of matches but never a shoe.

I love my job as a Recruiter.

Jackson David

2008-12-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

Sarah and JD just had their baby boy on Sunday, Dec 7th.
Jackson David 7 pounds 12 ounces 20 1/2 inches long

mcginnis wedding

2007-06-28T23:47:00.000-07:00