Todd, Karla, Boomer & Baby VB!!

Baby in 3D

2010-08-02T21:47:00.003-05:00

If you squint, tilt your head, and take 5 steps back... you MAYBE can make out our baby!! ha haI know what I am looking at, so it is very easy for me to make it out. But the pictures did scan a bit blurry- not to mention the baby was moving constantly, so they are already blurry! My mom had a very tough time making out what was what! So let me know if you need me to explain anything in detail!:)

Baby from shoulder up... has it's arms up, and hands by face!

This is it's face straight on- and blurry because he/she was turning it's neck from side to side like crazy!

Sly little smirk on his/her face! :)

Getting ready for baby!!

2010-07-24T12:07:00.008-05:00

This is only at 5 weeks, but I am glad that we took this picture, so I can see where I started from! haha..
This is our 19 week ultrasound. Todd and I wanted to find out the sex of the baby-- BUT the baby was too modest. He/she had thier legs crossed the entire time, and when the technician was adamantly trying to find the sex- the baby had his/her HAND covering his/her crotch!! haha

21 weeks... getting BIG! ugh!

This is an old dresser that a great aunt gave us, last week my mom and I (well mostly my mom!! Thanks mom!) worked hard on sanding it down, and refinishing it!

here is the awesome after picture!!! We are getting all ready for the baby!! :) I need to slow down.. I'm getting too excited- and I still have 19 weeks to wait!!!!!!!!

Baby, OH baby!

2010-06-01T15:20:00.004-05:00

Boomer has some news to share with everyone!!
He is going to be a big brother!:)
Todd and I are expecting, December 7, 2010!!! We are more than excited!
We went to SD to surprise Grandpa and Grandma Te Slaa this past weekend! They were shocked!:)
Make plans to come to the Chicago area in early December!!!!:):)

Poor, Poor Boomer:*(

2010-02-20T20:01:00.005-06:00

Our dear dog Boomer had surgery! We felt very bad for him. I told my students at school that my dog was in the hospital right now having surgery. They of course wanted to know why, and (stupidly) replyed so he cant have any more babies. They looked at me, and said "Mrs Van Baren, "HE"S" cannot have babies?" haha

Boomer is sleeping on my lap, but standing up with his back legs-- poor guy!

Boomer stood here for 20 mintues and wouldn't move:(

Todds Bday

2010-02-05T17:09:00.009-06:00

For Todd's Birthday (January 24) for those of you who forgot!... we went downtown and stayed in a motel in the "heart of Chicago's magnificent mile!" It was an awesome time! We spend all weekend walking on Michigan ave. checking out all of the shops, and restaurants! (We even went out for pizza at 12:45am! --- because we could!!! haha) It was really fun!!

In our hotel room
View of Mich. Avenue from our hotel room.

Our hotel- right above Neimin Marcus!

In the lobby of our hotel

Lobby of our hotel

Lobby of hotel

Shopping ... somewhere!

We COULD HAVE TAKEN BOOMER????!!!!!!

Projects!

2010-02-05T17:00:00.008-06:00

This is my school bag for this year! (Privacy for all pictured!)
My pillows I made to match the basement valances.

Basement valance

Kitchen valance- and soon a matching Table runner.

Living room valances

Boomer and living room valances! The new furniture will be here soon- and then coordinating pillows will be in order!!:)

Boomer and SNOW!

2009-12-29T01:42:00.006-06:00

We went to SD for Christmas- and Boomer was introduced to snow with a whopping 18' of snow!!!!

This is when he was thrown into a 4 ft drift- he was leaping and bounding to get out!!!

Close behind!

Looking for where the grass went!!

I'm ready to come in.......and......

Put on my new Snuggie for Puppy that I got for Christmas!!!!!!

My last piece of South Dakota Identity... gone...

2009-11-14T17:04:00.008-06:00

Today Todd and I did it.....we made my last piece of legal South Dakota identity disappear:( Haha..
Both of our cars now are legally registered in Illinois! ...I am now just one of the road ragging millions........
(Speaking of which.. I had my first encounter with an Illinois State Trooper last week!! haha..)

There they go.....

going....

going.... (with Boomer's help)

GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Todd... The wife is here to stay......:)

Bring your puppy to work day!;)

2009-09-12T20:12:00.006-05:00

Boomer got to take a ride in Todd's work truck!!!

He should be their maskot!! I would totally buy all my doors from them if he was!.. Although I already do buy all my doors from them!;)

Proud Daddy and puppy!! hahah

Boomer's first trip to Sioux Falls

2009-09-12T20:09:00.003-05:00

With Grandpa and Grandma Te Slaa!

Boomer's first trip to the beauty shop!!

2009-08-28T17:11:00.003-05:00

Boomer went to the beauty shop this week! He only got the "puppy package" which helps puppies get used to the idea. He got a bath, trimmed around the face, and paws, nails clipped etc! I wasnt ready to say good-bye to his puppy FLUFF yet anyhow!!!!

The Before!!

The After-
At this point Boomer was READY to get home!!!- He had fun, but was very happy to see me come back!!;)

New Classroom

2009-08-19T17:32:00.008-05:00

As Summer comes to a close- and all the little kids are going back to school... So am I!! I will be a Discovery Center Teacher this next year! It is a very structured, specialized resource room- that is "powered" by Elim Christian. It is for all levels of learning disabilities in grades from K-8th grade! I am very excited about this new journey!
Here is my classroom- Todd and I finished it last night!! He is such a keeper!!! Dont you just love him!!!! hahahah

Todd refered to this as the "Classic teacher pose".... hahah yea right! If he only knew!!!:)

If I have 5 spare minutes in my day to use the bathroom- I'm Thrilled!!!!!! haha

Links to Videos of Boomer!

2009-08-05T17:52:00.002-05:00

Boomer is awesome!

We love having him as our dog! He is always so playful, and excited to see us! He officially knows three tricks: roll over, "give me five," and sit up (on his hind butt... its cute!) And he is potty trained!

We got Boomer when he was 8 weeks old.. now he is about 13 weeks old!:) He is growing a bit, but so cute!!

here are some links of some videos of Boomer!

Check em out, and let me know what you think! It's easy to comment on here, just click on "0 comments" and type away. You do not need a google account to do so. You just type your name in "Name/URL" box!

Boomers Bark: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGexyvXeSn8
Boomer's Raincoat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3Gbj41kQjQ
Boomer learning to roll over: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9lGDaguphE
Boomer learning to sit up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIZB149qkaQ
Boomer escaping!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91g0O2IYLjE
Fetch never gets old: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc_P5IP9zyc
Boomer learning to give "fives": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgZsR4tjnks

Enjoy!!!

My sewing projects!

2009-08-03T19:44:00.008-05:00

I have always wanted to learn how to sew! So one day my sister in laws and mother in law got together to make a purse! Since then I asked to borrow my mother in law's machine, and I made the following projects!!! I love doing this- it is really fun!
Anybody want a new cute bag???.. I should sell these somewhere!!;)

This one is my new teaching bag for next year!

This is the purse - it is reversable.

the bag I made for my mom!

Beach bag!

Beach bag!!

Home sweet home

2009-08-01T14:49:00.010-05:00

Here are a few photos of our home! If you want to get a better look--- come and visit!!!:) We also have a very nice and spacious guest bedroom (not pictured) for anyone wishing to stay over!!!!

The living roomGoing away gift from SFC (the tree picture with Bible vs.)

Our Bedroom
Our bedroom

Our sweet puppy Boomer!

Our kitchen

Addition to our family?????

2009-07-07T06:50:00.004-05:00

Boomer Ready to play!!!!

he found a stick 3 times as big as he is-- but he still would run and get it everytime I threw it!!

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Come Meet Boomer!
We got a new puppy yesterday on our way home to Chicago!
We had been looking for a long time around the Chicago area- but found they were very very expensive.
So while we were at home, we heard of this breeder in Edgerton, MN. So we stopped there on our way home yesterday to "look!" haha ya right.. we came home with Boomer "rang" Van Baren! :)
He is a Teddy Bear breed. Part Shitzu and Part Bishon. He is great!

**************************

Boomer was trying to learn how to climb, and go down the steps. He was scared at first- then he hopped right up... He is soo little!!

I want up!!!

I made one!!!!

All tuckered out after a hard morning of playing!!!!

A few more wedding.. and Honeymoon later this week!

2009-06-25T15:39:00.013-05:00

Alright, sorry it took a while to update-- but here are a few more wedding photos.. and Ill add honeymoon ones in a day or so.

Then.. I'll update with photos of our newly settled home! You'd NEVER guess it was a bachelor pad for 3 years!!! It feels so homey!! Getting ready!
You're REALLY going to take a picture right now!!??

haha, I really could put in my own jewelry!!..

At the falls!

Cold feet???.. haha no way!;)

A few of my students.

Every Bride needs a pott shot!!:)

More To come.... stay tuned!

2009-06-09T00:35:00.005-05:00

We're Married!!!!

2009-05-30T09:03:00.003-05:00

Well the big day is over, and what a wonderful one it was!!! Everything went really, really well!! We left after the recpetion to drive to Omaha for our honeymoon! We are currently sitting in the Dallas airport waiting for our flight to Mexico!! We cannot wait to post wedding photos once we get home!.. stay tuned! :)
Thanks everyone for a great day!
We will be sure and catch a few rays for ya!!

signed.. MRS. Van Baren!!!

3 days!

2009-05-26T15:00:00.003-05:00

I remember when my countdown said "120 days" I was sure that it would never actually come! Well.. only 3 days left! (2.5 actually!)

Todd's parents are coming today, they will be here in about an hour. Todd is coming here after work tonight, and then the festivities will begin!! My bridesmaids are coming on Thursday to do nails etc! then set up the church, and then rehearsal!

Then Friday is the big day!!! I cannot wait for the day that I can post wedding photos on here!! ;)

By the way- fun tid-bit.. this picture is one of the weekend that we met for the first time!!!!! He came to SD to visit me.. and this was our first "datish" weekend! I knew already that weekend that I wanted to marry this guy!!! He was so outstandingly sweet, kind, and genuine!

What else has been filling my time this Spring????

2009-05-19T19:50:00.005-05:00

I am also the girls golf coach at SFC. And this spring, we had an awesome season! We won two meets, and took 2nd place in 4 meets. A huge accomplishment this year was making it to the state golf tournament!! State was yesterday and today- we finished in 5th place as a team! They played really well, I am so proud of them!

So with the golf season now over, my master's degree finished (graduation is this coming weekend!), and school ending tomorrow (report cards still need to be stuffed in the envelopes yet!)....... I will finally be able to focus, and prepare for the WEDDING!!!!.. which is only 10 short days away!!!!! wahooo!!!!

Saying our sad good-byes!

The girls said they started a fund to keep me here as their coach.. and not move to Chicago. Then they came up with the plan that I only have to come back to SD for 8 weeks every spring to coach. They promised that Todd wouldn't care! :)

We had a great year- and great (FUNNY!) memories!! I am going to miss coaching next year! This was really fun!! :)

Todd and Karla's LAST visit before the Wedding!

2009-05-13T20:20:00.010-05:00

Our last date, was a hike and picnic at the Palisades Park in Garretson, SD. This is a place that I always take my 4th graders for a field trip. We went just last week, and I wanted so badly to go with Todd!

We had so much fun hiking and wondering around.
We were so adventurous. It was soo beautiful out there!!

This is the "Devil's Kitchen" the Indians used to do all of their cooking down at the bottom-since there was no wind down there! Todd wanted to hike on down!

This is where we sat and ate our picnic lunch! It was so romantic:) We talked about the wedding, and how excited we are to spend our lives together!!!!!!!

TODD'S ROCK CLIMBING ADVENTURE!!!!

HE MADE IT TO THE TOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The top of the 4 foot ledge!! WHOO HOOO!!! Go Todd!!;)

This was a great way to close the weekend! Our last good-bye was not even that sad! I get to see him in two and a half weeks, and he will then be my husband!!!!!!

Todd's trip home on I-80 yesterday

2009-05-12T14:37:00.003-05:00

*Yesterday Todd drove home from a quick weekend here. On his way home he heard a loud boom, and looked back in his rear-view mirror and saw balls of fire, and smoke. This is the news story about what happened.
I am SOOOO thankful he was not 1 minute behind schedule--- that could have been HIM!! Ohh it gives me chills... If he wasn't going at that exact speed, or if I would have talked him into staying 2 more minutes- or if I would have given him ONE more hug during our good-bye...
In God's providence, Todd made it safely home!! God was watching over him! WOW!!!

DAVENPORT --- Two people died and at least one was injured in a fiery four-vehicle accident that shut down Interstate 80 from Interstate 74 to the Illinois border for more than three hours Monday night.Three of the vehicles burst into flames after the accident about 6:15 p.m. at Mile Marker 305, about one mile west of the Mississippi River near LeClaire. Ambulances, fire departments and hazardous materials crews were called to the scene. Billowing, black smoke could be seen from a distance.The names of the victims were not being released early today by the Iowa State Patrol, pending notification of relatives.The patrol said a semitrailer driven by Anthony L. Johnson, 34, of Arlington, Texas, struck a line of vehicles stopped on I-80 eastbound as they approached a bridge construction zone.The semitrailer struck the rear of a 1989 Chevrolet Corvette, pushing it into the south ditch. It then struck the rear of a 2003 Chevrolet van, pushing it into the rear of another semi, driven by Todd Iagulli, 39, of Westampton, N.J. The first semi ended up in the median.The names of the drivers of the car and van were not released.Gary Martin of Bradley, Ill., who witnessed the accident, said the eastbound lane of traffic was backed up because of construction on the I-80 bridge that narrows traffic to one lane each direction across the bridge. A Corvette and van were stopped behind a semitrailer, when a second semi failed to slow down and rear-ended the van, sending it into the back of the Corvette, he said. The van and the car went into the ditch and were engulfed in flames.The semi that rear-ended the van then sideswiped the other semi before going into the ditch and bursting into flames as well, Martin said.He said rescue workers still were trying to remove victims from the Corvette after 9 p.m. and had already removed one burn victim from the van. Another man and woman who were thrown from one of the vehicles were taken away by ambulance, he said.“The flames were pretty intense,” Martin said. “We couldn’t tell who was in the (vehicles). There was too much fire. There was nothing left of them.”Shortly before 9:30 p.m., emergency crews were pulling the last vehicle from the ditch and all of the fires had been extinguished, Martin said. The fire was so hot, it burned the paint off the van, which was being loaded onto a wrecker late Monday.The interstate reopened to traffic about 9:40 p.m.

Wedding To-do!

2009-05-05T09:07:00.003-05:00

Wedding completion this weekend:

* Dress first fitting

*Florist meeting

*Reception meeting #1

* Wedding music choosen

*Church decorations completed

*Thank-you gifts wrapped

*Making wedding jewlery

*New honeymoon clothes!!

*Made unity candle

Wedding To-Do:

* Final fittings

*Reception meeting #2 and#3

* Meet with cake dude

*Reception agenda

*Figure out our honeymoon

*Wedding Programs

*Grandparent's candles

*Practice hair appt.

*Get marriage licence

*Figure out how I am going to move all of my stuff to Chicago!!!

*wait for May 29!!!!!!!!!

What am I forgetting?????

SWINE FLU???????

2009-04-29T08:29:00.002-05:00

OK, so can anyone enlighten me a bit about this stupid swine flu??? It sounds to me like it is just like the flu??? (People die from the flu, too.) Todd and I are thinking about our honeymoon- to MEXICO, in one month. DO you think it will be cleared up by then??? Any advice?!?!?

Our travel agent said that we couldn't really switch our destination this late- but we could go to Siberia, Russia for minimal fees!!!! HAHAH... No thanks to Siberia!!!!

So input? advice? Cuz we are stressing out about this. (OK, I am ... Todd says we will go no matter what! haha..)

All Grown Up!

2009-04-04T20:53:00.004-05:00

Here is a sneak-peak to our wedding video!

Two cuties, finally all grown up and ready to get married! Looking back at all of our old pictures, I can't help but wonder what our kids will look like! Todd has such great blue eyes- but I am VERY doubtful our kids will have any:(

Todd Micheal, 3 1/2 years old! What a doll. He looks like such a good kid.

I bet he never did anything wrong... look at that face!!!
Karla, 2 yr old. My mom swears that I never went through the "terrible twos"... hahah.

As I was looking through all of my child-hood pictures, I had to laugh because I ALWAYS had to have jewelry on! Each picture I had a necklace, bracelet,(or several at once)... and I thought hmmm.. I guess some things never change! :)

Shower Weekend!

2009-03-30T09:24:00.012-05:00

This past weekend both sides of aunts gave me a shower. It was nice because then Todd's family could make it down for both of them in one trip! Todd's mom and sister-in-law Karen were able to come down with him! Tiffany was planning on coming until she got sick kids- and ended up getting sick herself. It was a very very nice weekend- I couldn't believe all the nice things that we got! And it was nice to have Todd here this weekend- for a little while at least! :)

Shower number 1- Te Slaa shower

Te Slaa Aunts who threw the shower (and Giant Karla!)
Mother-in-law, Mother, and Karla
Small- medium- large!

Sister-in-laws!

This was (after) the shower, when Todd came back! We did not try to color- coordinate!

I got the griddle Todd wanted! He didn't think that a good breakfast could be made without one!! haha. (no promises that a good breakfast will be made even WITH one!! haha)

Shower number two- Klein shower!
This was Christmas- themed. They wrote in everyone's invitation that Karla's favorite thing (besides Todd) is Christmas- so come in a Christmas sweater, and wrap the gift in Christmas paper! One of my gifts was a tub fulllll of Christmas decorations! Ohh how fun!!

These are my two Klein aunts (Aunt Val, and Aunt La Jean) who threw the shower for me, look at all the delicious food!!!! YUM!!!!!

Klein shower

Haha- really liked this, I guess!

Klein shower- Christmas theme!

Personal Shower!

2009-03-23T13:45:00.011-05:00

This past weekend my Maid of Honor threw me a Personal Shower! It was such a blast! Thanks guys!!

Jenny and I, and my book of advice!

Everyone taking the quiz from Todd. What will he say!!??

The whole gang, ready for dessert!

Everyone at the HuHot!! YUMMM!!!

Jenny me and Annette!

Our team WHOOOPED the other team at The Family Feud! :)!!

Todd's 4th grade field trip!

2009-03-17T09:38:00.006-05:00

This past weekend Todd came to visit! Yay! (March 13)
He came about 10:00pm on Friday night. We went to the St. Patty's parade on Saturday, and to the Brummels, for our last meeting! (We passed- we can get married hehe!) We did a few more things for the wedding on Saturday, and on Sunday had a fun game night with "the gang!" hahaOn Monday- he was going to go home at 10:00 am- but I talked him into staying until lunch. Then after lunch, our class was taking a field trip to listen to the SD symphony at the Washington Pavilion. And after a (small amount!) of pleading he decided to stay for our field trip! He arrived home safely at midnight last night:)
Todd with the 4th graders!

Everyone wanted to sit by Todd on the bus- but I was TOO selfish!!!!

Us at the Symphony

Todd and his new friends!!

Wedding Assembly Weekend!

2009-03-04T11:48:00.011-06:00

What a productive weekend!! First of all, my mom and I assembled some flower arrangements for decorations. This was a lot of fun!!! (This is our "wedding room" hahaha AKA spare/nursery room!!)

That's my wedding dress in the background!!! wahoo

We thought that we needed more weight at the bottom of the arrangements so that they weren't too top heavy! SO I kindly asked my dad if he would go out in the snowstorm and get us some rocks!! Haha- he did! (Although he could have put a coat on--!!)

Helpful dad! collecting his rocks!!!

Two of my bridesmaids Jenny and Annette- sensed that I was getting a bit stressed with things, (wedding, and finishing my thesis!) SO they asked if they could come and help me! And boy oh boy did we put them to work!! Thanks again guys!!

We assembled all of our invitations as well as 300 wedding favors!!!! So nice to check them off the list!!

Wedding favors--

This was our last thing of the night- so we were working on these at about 11:45pm and as the night went on, our famous line was "Oh, it will be dark in there- don't worry about it!!!" hahah

FYI- the groom's boxes have more candy! haha

Annette said- life isn't fair!- Times are tough! hahah Oh what a fun evening!

Dad saw we were having so much fun- so he wanted to join in on the fun!!

We're finished!!! My dad made perfect boxes, with a middle layer pad for all 300 party favors!!

Valentine's/Presidnet's Day weekend in Chicago!

2009-02-17T10:20:00.011-06:00

This past weekend I went to Chicago for a long President's Day weekend. It was an exciting adventure trying to get there, as usual! :) I was trying to fly out of Omaha instead of Sioux Falls this time, since it saved me over $300. Anyhow Omaha was going to have "The Blizzard of the Century" it seemed. (Go Figure, right!) The one weekend that I need to fly out Omaha has its "rare" snow! Well I was dropped off at the airport at 8:50am, but my flight was not until 12:20 pm. My ride wanted to drop me off, and be out of Omaha by time the storm was supposed to hit (9:00am.) Well, I went to the check-in desk and asked them if I should even check my bag this early, or if I should wait a little while, since my flight was FOUR HOURS away! I kidded a little and said, unless there is an earlier flight you want to put me on! He did some checking and said there is a flight leaving at 9:20 am. (TWENTY MINUTES FROM NOW!) He said he would put me on stand-by and by time I got to the gate, I would know if I was able to get on. So I flew upstairs, flew through security, and got to my gate. By this time there were about 5 people in front of me for stand-by, so my hope was fading. The snow by this time was also coming down like crazy. I could hardly even see the plane that was sitting right outside the airport window! He announced my name, and I found out I did make it on the flight after all! Feww!! Twenty minutes from arriving to the airport, I was on the airplane! It was a very nerve-wracking take-off! We de-iced the plane two times, then slid our way to the runway. But before we took off, the pilot came out of the cock-pit and ran down the isle of the plane to the windows over the wings, and said that he wanted to check the wings one last time, he said the looked good... and we took off! It was 100% white out the window- I couldn't see a thing... then about 8 minutes later, it was all fluffy clouds around us...then about 1 minute later it was a beautiful sunny day above the clouds for the rest of the flight!!! Fewwww.. what a trip!!!

This was our Valentine's dinner!

On Saturday we went to the Field Museum downtown Chicago!

It was amazing, we spend a ton of time there, and learned a lot of cool things. We had tours, and talked to people there, and really learned a lot! It was very fun!

These are the first animals to ever be stuffed. They were hunted, and stuffed by the inventor of "taxidermy" Carl Akeley.

This is the Pawnee Indian Village! - Can you figure out the story behind us? It's about the Sioux Indians, and how they took over the Pawnee because the had guns! haha- the man working in the village did NOT like the Sioux!- I told him I was from Sioux Falls. ahaha

This is SUE- dug up in South Dakota!

Todd and the huge museum behind him!

Not ready!

Ok, ready!-- This was right before our good-bye :(

We will be SOOO happy when these stupid good-byes are OVER WITH!!!

Mr. Van Baren- destined to be a teacher!!!

2009-02-02T13:51:00.005-06:00

Todd came to Sioux Falls this weekend for a great visit! He came on Friday night, Jan.31. On Saturday the weather was about 45 degrees and beautiful, we walked around downtown, went to the mall, went to Hu Hot of course, and enjoyed each other's company! On Monday, he came to school to visit his fan-club!! The kids went NUTS! They were sooo happy that he came to visit "them!" I seriously did put him to work! All you teachers out there know that if there is an extra set of hands in a classroom- we will use them;)!!!
Todd is on the road right now back home! We are praying for good roads, and safe travel!

We found him....
Todd busy correcting math workbooks

Answering math questions!

Todd came on Hot Chocolate Day! The kids were able to have hot chocolate all day today, as a reward for making their January reading goal! yum! :)

Grocery Shower!

2009-01-28T13:53:00.009-06:00

My sister-in-law Bethany and Angie threw a triple grocery shower for myself, Pam, and Beth. It was a very fun night, they did a great job. We played the Price-is-Right with groceries, and had amazing food! I received some great gifts, recipes, and groceries that I am very excited to put into our cupboards. I am excited to try some of the new recipes- but a bit nervous! I may be calling some of you for advice! :)

This was a hilarious gift. It was a huge bag of groceries, and we had to see who between the three of us, could put them in alphabetical order first! We all immediately rushed to get started, then we were told- if we would have read the card first, all of the answers were listed! hahah that will teach us!

YUM!! I can't wait to make this Oreo recipe!

More goodies to put in the cupboards!
Adorable chip and salsa bowl from dear friend Evy!

This was a fun game that we played. (As you can see we all read the Standard Bearer as we waited!! haha jk)

The true way to Todd's heart........................FUNFETTI CAKE!!

2009-01-27T10:20:00.006-06:00

The truth is- that Todd will do anything for Funfetti cake! His mom always spoils him with his own funfetti cake on his birthday! I was very thankful that he doesn't expect an elaborate cake each year, because I think that EVEN I can carry on this tradition!!! :)

His only wedding request was that we either have a Pecan Pie wedding cake.. or a Funfetti wedding cake!!!

Happy Birthday, Todd!!!!

2009-01-23T14:00:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday to Todd!!!!!
We all wanted to wish Todd the most happy of birthdays! Todd will be 26 on Saturday, January 24! On the back of each of their letters that they are holding, they wrote Todd a little birthday letter. (To accompany our letter-writing unit! Now all of the sudden they became very motivated to learn how to correctly write a letter!!)
The 4th graders love Todd, even though he has only come to visit them a few times. They ask about him all of the time. Last year was hilarious- my class developed a "Todd fan club." Seriously- it was all they could talk about, they elected a Todd Fan Club president, secretary, vice president, etc. At recess they would hold meetings trying to decide how they could get Todd to visit more etc. It made me laugh!!!

Miss Te Slaa and her 4th graders
NO class picture can ever be done without a "SILLY one!!!!"

Quick-trip to Chicago!

2009-01-20T07:49:00.007-06:00

This past week on Wednesday night, I decided that I really wanted to go to Chicago on Friday. So I did!! I had Monday off of school, so I decided it would be perfect. I had never driven before, so that made me very nervous- but I left on Friday at about 2:30pm, and arrived safely by midnight. We had a great weekend together. I went to his work Christmas party with him, and we enjoyed each other's company again! We spend time with family- and visiting my brand new cousin John Edward! I left Monday at about 11:30am to come home. It was the most miserable trip!!!! My GPS took me on a two lane road for about 200 miles (yes, a bit of a short cut) but the weather was NOT good, and it was a dark, hardly- traveled road. The wind was so great, that it blew the snow from the fields/ditches right up across the road. It looked like solid clouds- I couldn't see the road, lines, signs, it was practically white-out conditions even though it wasn't snowing. It was a long, tense trip home- but I made it!!!! Never so glad to be home!! :)

Todd and I with baby John, and proud sisters Julie and Bekah!!! (I guess they just said something funny!)

Todd and John!!

God's Handiwork!

2009-01-15T09:21:00.009-06:00

I am sorry that this has nothing to do with our wedding- but I had to share these beautiful pictures with everyone! Each morning I get to school and look out my window, and within 10 minutes I see the sky completely fill with "fire" and the snow all around reflects the beautiful glow. The sunrises are absolutely breath-taking- I cannot imagine starting my day any other way! And I wanted to share them with you all to enjoy God's handiwork as much as I do every morning! (disclaimer- these pictures don't do them justice!)

Honeymoon here we come!!!!!

2009-01-08T10:33:00.009-06:00

We booked our honeymoon this week! Wahoo, we are so excited! We are going to Puerto Vallarta Mexico, and staying in a RIU resort. We will be flying out of Omaha at 6 am on May 30. WHOA! We will have to leave Sioux Falls by 2 am after our wedding! :)
The resort looks amazing, it has several pools, 5 restaurants that Todd said wont know what hit them after we've been through, beaches, what more could you ask for!!

Bridal Shower

2009-01-06T10:25:00.011-06:00

Todd's mom graciously threw my first bridal shower. She and my future sister-in-laws put a TON of work into this shower. It was December 29, 2008 at Village Woods. The menu was MEXICAN!!! yay. We had the most amazing enchiladas, as well as a delicious Mexican soup! For dessert we had a sea of delicious truffles, YUM!!! Todd and I were given a lot of very very generous gifts, it was very humbling! It was a great shower.
My mom and dad drove down from Sioux Falls for the weekend to meet everyone in Todd's family, as well as attend the shower!

The sign at Village Woods

Todd's sisters, mom and I.
Michelle, Christy, Karen, Mom, Karla, Tiffany.

A Large assortment of "Little Critter" books
for Todd from Julie and Bekah!

We were soo excited to see our Extremely hard
to find dishes!! Thank you!!

Flower girl Kayla, and I!

Mom TS, Karla, Mom VB

My mom and I

We bought Todd's wedding ring!

2009-01-06T09:44:00.003-06:00

It's official! We bought Todd's wedding ring :) It was very fun to pick it out together, he said is very excited to finally get to wear it... aww!!

Christmas night at the Van Barens

2009-01-05T15:52:00.005-06:00

Christmas with the Van Barens was soo fun! We had lots of fun get-togethers etc. On Christmas night we came home from Eric and Tif's and played lots of Yahtzee!!! It was a blast- I also got serenaded by Todd Michael Van Baren!! Whoo Hoo

Paiting the living room!!

2008-12-27T00:39:00.019-06:00

The BEFORE!!!!!!!!

DURING!!!!

Special secret message in the wall! It will forever be the foundation of our living room!!

AFTER!!!!!!!

The final product!!

We are very pleased with the color! Although it looks much better in person, you will all have to come over and check it out!!!

This was a photo op! Todd was trying to re-assemble all of his cords etc! I couldn't NOT snap the photo!!!!!

Our first Christmas together!

2008-12-27T00:27:00.011-06:00

This was our gift exchange! Todd got a drill, and tool set, and he got me a massage chair!!! It was funny, becuase that is exactly what I told him I thought it was!

In front of Todd's tree! I can just picture him putting that ribbon on the tree all by himself! How cute!!

This is Todd cutting the chicken for our Tending to the stir fry!!

stir fry!!! YUM!

We had our first Christmas together! On Christmas eve we had an exchange with just the two of us, and made a special dinner at Todd's house! On Christmas day we went to Eric and Tif for a wonderful Christmas dinner, and festivities! And on the day after Christmas we had the whole family get together at Phil and Karen's house! It was a very fun and exciting first Christmas together!!!

Our bedroom set!

2008-12-18T12:44:00.002-06:00

Here is our new bedroom set for those of you who asked to see it! I love the colors- and I feel it is not too feminine for Todd!!!

We bought our new bed! :)

2008-12-05T13:22:00.002-06:00

We are just having a blast finding the latest bargins, and planning out our future home together! Here is our newest addition!! :) Merry Christmas to us! :)

Thanksgiving!!!

2008-12-01T11:55:00.009-06:00

YAY! fun to click a fuzzy blanket!!

Todd is very excited about our new rug!!!

Yup!- TWO times on this ride!!! It was a BLAST!! :)

The amusement park in the Mall of America!

HAHA my mom was so intent on getting the log boat behind us, she forgot to get our heads!!!!!!! hahaha

Todd came to Sioux Falls for Thanksgiving this year. It was a blast! He came out Tuesday, November 25 and stayed until Sunday night!
On Wednesday we went to the Mall of America! And had a blast riding amazing roller coasters!!!! It was such a fun day!

Thursday was family time- and marathon eating!! YUM!! Todd went out shooting with my cousins and uncles after dinner. (He still cannot hear me!! haha)

Friday we went shopping (8:30am) not crazy!! Then we worked out, and went to the AMAZING Sioux Falls Parade of Lights! A tradition that I have been doing since I could walk! (Well probably even before!) It was cold, but so fun! Then we went to Jeff and Bethany's house with a bunch of people to play games!!

Saturday was had our first session with Rev. Brummel, then lunch at the Brummels- and then we REGISTERED!!!! It was very fun- a bit stressful:) We ended up going to Target, and Bed Bath and Beyond! It was great trying to plan our future home together!!!

Sunday was normal- church, lunch, church, SAYING GOOD-BYE:( We are so excited for the time when we no longer have to say good-bye to each other!!!!!)

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-01T11:49:00.002-06:00

On November 13, 2008 I went to Chicago to Surprise Todd!!!! It was amazing!!! He had no idea!
I told him that I had Parent-teacher conferences that night. (lie- ugh!) And that I would call him afterwards. Meanwhile I was in the air, on my way to Chicago. His parents so graciously picked me up from the airport- and brought me to his house. Now he was not home at the time, he was out for supper with friends, so I called him on the phone telling him I was on my way home from school. He then said he was leaving the restaurant so he could talk to me! I told him that I wanted to take a quick shower, and Id call him when he got home. (This was because I didn't want to be talking to him on the phone when he walked into his house, and plus there is a train across the street that he would recognize if the horn blew.) So anyways I heard him come home, and he was coming down one end of the hallway- while I was walking down the other end. He was looking down at something, and when he heard my shoe click he looked up and SCREAMED!!!!!! hahah he had no clue!! It was soooo fun :):):):):) It was a fun bonus weekend!!!!

Welcome to our blog!

2008-11-11T12:07:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone. This blog has been developed to help keep everyone updated on wedding plans- and various exciting things in our lives! This will also be very useful as one of us will be moving away from our families. This blog will help keep everyone up to date with our goings on!! :)
Enjoy- and welcome!!
Feel free to leave comments!!!!