Mrs. Reed

It's official.

I am Mrs. Melissa Marie Reed.

Tim and I got married last weekend, and it was the happiest day of my life. (I hope Tim would say the same thing!)  It was in the 70s, the sun was shining and a few clouds... perfect weather.  The service was great- a packed church, tearful minister, and the love of my life.  

We got to take pictures on the same pier where we got engaged, and at our favorite park.  And then let loose at the most fun reception ever!  We had amazing food, great music, and lots of laughter!  Our photo booth was a HUGE hit, and the book is a fantastic memory of our big day.

Friends and family came from California- Colorado, Arizona, Green Bay, Idaho, ALL over.  It was great!

We had a lovely gift opening as a barbecue at our house.  It was nice to have everyone over and the cool gifts we got!  

I never thought that being married would be all that different, but it is.  I have never felt such immeasurable joy and happiness.  I love being Mrs. Reed.  This past week has been full of setting up our house- putting away new dishes and pots and pans, and setting up our new bedding, all while being Tim's wife.

Friday, I officially changed my name at Social Security, and have never been prouder to be...

Mrs. Melissa Marie Reed.

Where has time gone?

Where has this summer gone?

The end of the school year was incredibly hectic.

Then we said goodbye to both of my grandmothers.

Tim had a groom's shower at school which was lovely.

We welcomed Michelle into the family.

We cut down some trees, went to the Dells, celebrated our bachelor/ette parties, and are in final preparation mode for the wedding.

The wedding.

Is 10 days away.

I. AM. GETTING. MARRIED!

What?

There are a bunch of little things left to do, but mostly it is all good and I'm sure things will work out just fine.  I mean, if we end up married at the end of the day, it was a success, right?

I cannot wait to be Mrs. Reed.  I never knew it was possible to love someone as much as I love Tim.

He is able to laugh and joke around with me, and he does nice things for me, and he understands, and forgives, and accepts me for who I am.  My heart swells each time I think of him.

I am incredibly blessed.

I'm baaaack...

Okay, blogosphere, it has been a really long time.  May has been one crazy month!  Since the last post, chapter 1 of the thesis was completed, we went to A LOT Of Brewers games, wedding invitations were made and mailed out, yard work has commenced, changes at school have happened, a tree fell on me, and I got the best birthday present ever.

Don't worry, I won't bore you with a play by play of the last month.  But, I will tell you about yesterday, it was a good (and crazy) day!

Yesterday was a beautiful day weather wise.  Gorgeous sun, perfect temps... perfect.  I went to see M. play in his soccer game.  It was so great to see him out there playing well, and interacting with all the other kids and such.  He was very excited I was there!  I'm so glad I went.  After soccer, I came home and Tim and I were working on cleaning the house.  Until our neighbor showed up at our door with a "Yoohoo!"  Which led to her deciding that today was the day we were going to cut down the beastly overgrown juniper tree by the garage.  

Tim and I were outside for an hour with our neighbor, snipping and sawing away at this very large tree.  I was sawing off a major trunk that supported the top 1/3 of the tree.  Tim and the neighbor lady, and I were pulling it down, and when it fell, it pinned me under it against the fence.  It was crazy.  I couldn't get up at all from under the prickly brush.  After the world turned gray, and I thought I was going to pass out, I was freed from the brush, with some minor scratches, loss of breath, and only one twig poking me in my eye.  It was nuts!  Tim was great about making sure I was okay.  Thankfully, Neighbor Bruce came by and helped us chop down the rest of the tree.  So two hours later it was done... now we just have a big mess to clean up.  And, our lovely neighbor lady has said she has a question for us once we get all the trees cut down (there are a few more beasts on the property).  Who knows what she wants?    Honestly, I'm scared!

After recovering from the tree incident, we relaxed a smidge and then went to church.  Afterwards, we went to DeMarini's for pizza with Tim's parents and Aunt.  It was delicious, even if Nancy spilled her ice water all over me, and I got pizza sauce on my shirt!  We stopped at Leon's for custard, and while I was enjoying my strawberry yumminess, Tim gave me my birthday present.

It was the best birthday present EVER!!!!

I got a Milwaukee Brewers Pilsner glass.  AND a RYAN BRAUN TOTE BAG!  It looks like the white pinstiped uniform tops.  It is AMAZING!  And wonderful.  When I had to work last weekend, Tim went off to Miller Park to pick up some lovely Brewers items for me.  He did a great job!!!!

Today is the day of my bridal shower.  I am super excited to see everyone who is able to come.  I am also a bit nervous as well.  (I don't know why!)  But, I'm sure it will be great with Katy and Brooke in charge.  

Alright, off to get a few things done before the shower!  I promise I won't be a such a stranger! :)

Just another manic monday...

okay so not quite, I really just wanted to update the blog for Tim, since he KEEPS ASKING! :)  (love you honey!)

Time to Remember

One year ago we lost Dean.

Tomorrow will be a trip up to visit him and honor him.

I miss him so much.  Each and Every Day.

Attention!

The Brewers' Home Opener is in 4 days!

HOORAY!

That is all.

Are You Listening?

Today is World Autism Awareness Day.

1:150 children are diagnosed with Autism.  This is a staggering number.

Today I am proud to be an Alpha Xi Delta.  My heart is bursting with hope as My Fraternity has announced it's partnership with Autism Speaks.  My sisters and their energy, love and dedication will be able to contribute support, funding, and hope for this cause.  

I know that we can make a difference.

Where does time go?

I cannot believe it has been a month since I last posted.  Life has just gotten in the way I guess!

Today was a great day.  We were up early, and I finally got the painting done in the attic, and most of my clothes put away up there.  This is highly exciting.  I cannot wait to get my desk to the house, and to put my touches on that room.  Then we just need to hang some blinds, and fix the door and closet doors and it will be ALL Finished!  (We have yet to have a room that is COMPLETELY complete in the house.  This drives me crazy!)

We did get our drapes and blinds hung in the living room, so it actually looks like a living room.  I love it!  We even ordered rugs that will be here in a few weeks.  They match our curtains wonderfully- at least in the catalog.. so I hope so in person, too!

Wedding plans are coming along nicely... crazy it is only 4 months away!!!  I am so freakin' excited!

I am slowly making progress on my research for my thesis.  I need to crank out some serious work before the end of the semester, but hopefully with good planning I can make some work time for that!

School is going well.  I love my job, even if it is VERY challenging.  There are definitely ups and downs, but I am so thankful to be there, and to be able to make a difference while I am there.

Things with Tim keep getting better and better.  We passed our marriage seminar, and I feel have just kept getting closer and closer.  Communicating about things and enjoying time together.  I love him so much and cannot wait to be his wife.

So, that is a mini update on my life.  It is good.  Opening day is 3 weeks away, and Spring is here.  

Hooray!

Stop this ride... I want to get off.

Okay, so not really, but gosh are things crazy crazy crazy busy!

I spent last weekend in Boston with 5 other lovely ladies from school.  It was a bit cold, but a great weekend in a different city, learning cool stuff, and eating yummy food.  I definitely learned a ton about IB, and am now puzzling about how to make a good special ed IB model since there IS NOT one!  I also fell in love with Boston and want to go back and explore MORE!  Although I felt like I was missing out on so much being gone, it was nice not working on anything while I was away, and just taking a break.  I left my laptop at home for Tim, and enjoyed a wire-less- weekend!

Speaking of Tim and laptops, he finally bought one of his own!  hurray!  However, we are officially a 3 computer 2 person house.  Crazy.  Additionally, we FINALLY got Time Warner back here to fix our Wireless Network, and now all three computers are happily, and legally, wirelessly connected!

School is interesting... the kids have had lots going on, the staff has lots going on, but overall things are going okay.  It is official however that we can NOT share a room next year.  It is WAY too over stimulating for EVERYONE!  

I am beginning work on my thesis, and this is freaking me out.  But, I am excited to accomplish such a feat, and get my master's, and get the cool hood thingy, and move all the way over on the pay scale thanks to all of my credits.

Lastly, the house progress has slowed to a crawl.  I still need to move out of the apartment completely, then there is finding room for everything, weeding out things, and making things OURS, not his and mine.  Hopefully, we can get back to progress soon!

Life is good.  Busy but good.  Just how I like it!

6 months...

There are only 6 months until the wedding.  This freaks me out.  There is a lot to do, and I have lots going on.  I'm thinking that some major listmaking/ timelining/ budgeting will be taking place soon.

Last week I started my research core to complete my thesis and thus my master's degree.  I must say I am VERY excited about this crazy endeavor.  1) It will be a great accomplishment.  2) I will have a published book in the Carroll library.  3) I will move ALL THE WAY across the pay scale thanks to all of my credits, and add on an additional license.  This is highly exciting- and very scary!

A summary of the past month...

Life is good, but very busy.  The house still needs lots of work- but hopefully once I move in I can help more.  I can make a mean batch of homemade mac and cheese.  Nintendo is the best timewaster ever!  (Tim and I have been playing a lot of old school Nintendo)  Unexpected 5 day weekends are wonderful, even if it is wicked cold.  Nights with my girls are a godsend.  I love being a sorority girl.

I now must go and pack...  hopefully I can be moved into the house soon.  I need to be there like yesterday.

Thanks to everyone reading the other blog.  I'm glad people are reading and commenting and creating their own.  It is awesome!

How Quickly Things Are Changing!

It is crazy to me how quick time is flying by and how quickly things are changing!

Just over a year ago, I had just met Tim, and was not sure what that would lead to.

Now, with only 201 days until the wedding, it is crazy that we have a house, a fun filled sassy relationship where we talk about stuff and laugh a bit too much, amazing families and wonderful friends.

I am so excited to celebrate with EVERYONE this summer at our wedding.  It is going to be a true celebration of our love for each other, our families and our friends!

***

Alas, I must also say that my time in Apt 212 is coming to an end... this freaks me out in so many ways!  I am so excited to live with Tim in OUR house and have my things in one spot and not be shlepping back and forth all the time.  I am also sad to leave 212 as it has MANY memories- we love hotel 212... the laughter, the tears, the good times!

I think though, that leaving here might help me with the whole moving forward business I haven't been doing so well with...  we'll see.

Alright, tomorrow is back to the grind, hopefully I can sleep tonight!

2009- The year everything will be FINE :)

Hooray!  The New Year is FINALLY here!  

I'm so blessed to have had a year full of craziness that was supported by my amazing friends, family, and fiance.  

Here are some goals for 2009:

1) Get married.

2) Attempt to remain sane.

3) Focus on the positive each day.

Since last year was such a freakin' roller coaster, I have decided to focus on the blessings of each and every day.  You can follow this fun journey at my new blog: The Best Thing About Today.  The idea is I will post every day about something good that happened that day.  Readers are welcome to comment, add their own 'best thing' or just read the happy thoughts :)

***

Last night, Tim and I rang in the new year at Alex and Jenny's.  It was a lovely night with friends, and plenty of good food and drinks!  The best part was having someone to kiss at midnight, and realizing that I was going to be his bride in just 7 months!

So far, this year is off to a fine start...  let's hope it continues!

Happy 2009!

As the Year Turns

Today is the last day of 2008, and I couldn't be more thankful for that.  This has been one heck of a rollercoaster of a year.  I'm really hoping that everything will be fine in 2009!

Sadly, it is Wednesday already, which means that there are only 4 days after today of Winter Break.  This makes me very sad.  I feel like we have been out of school forever!

I also came to the realization that I have not slept at my apartment in over a week.  I really just need to pack up and move to the house.  Like NOW.  Like YESTERDAY!

I wish I could find a magic roommate to take over my lease, then that would be perfect.

Alas, it is time for the activities of today to get started.  

Happy New Year, one and all!  May 2009 be fine for everyone! :)

The Year in Review: 2008

It’s back for another year!

 

1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? 

This year was quite the roller coaster!  I fell in love, got engaged, buried one of my best friends, totaled my car so the air bags exploded, went to a MLB Playoff game, Packers game and Badgers game, bought a house, used a crowbar, and saw Rascal Flatts in concert!

 

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions and will you make more for next year? 

They stunk this year… but this year was crazy!  There will definitely be resolutions in 2009!

 

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? 

The Kupfer family welcomed Isaac David this past spring! J

 

4. Did anyone close to you die? 

My Uncle Gary passed away in February.

And, we lost Dean.  LCpl Dean D Opicka was killed in action on April 14, 2008.

 

5. What states/countries did you visit? 

Illinois, Missouri and Michigan

 

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? 

This year was such a roller coaster… I just want everything to be fine in 2009 (not great, just fine J )

 

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

April 14, 2008 was the day Dean was taken from us.

May 3, 2008 was the day Tim asked me to marry him!

 

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? 

Finding the man of my dreams J  Finding a great job, and not going crazy after everything that happened this year!

 

9. What was your biggest regret of the year? 

Not being in more contact with Dean while he was in Iraq.

 

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? 

I had strep, some nasty colds, crashed my car for some great seatbelt bruises, skinned my kneed pretty bad in Tosa, and sprained my wrist at BBW.

 

11. What was the best thing you bought? 

My wedding dress!

 

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? 

Tim for not only proposing to me, but putting up with me! Scooter for getting through some tough stuff. And of course, Katy B for being the strongest person I know!

 

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? 

My former boss.  Ugh.

 

14. Where did most of your money go? 

Bills and wedding.

 

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? 

The HOUSE!, our wedding, NKOTB!, The Brewers in the playoffs!

 

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?

“No One” Alicia Keys; “I kissed a girl”- katy perry; “International Harvester”

 

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

i. happier or sadder? Happier!

ii. thinner or fatter? thinner

iii. richer or poorer? same

 

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?

Being in touch with friends, and spending time with Tim

 

19. What do you wish you'd done less of? 

Working, stressing out, and getting stuck.

 

20. How will you be spending Christmas? 

Christmas Eve was at my parents with Tim, Day Tim and I went to his aunt’s then to his parents’.  It was wonderful!

 

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?

Yeah, there may or may not be this love of my life named Timothy Robert Reed.

 

23. How many one-night stands? 

None! (well, except for a certain left fielder after that one baseball game, and that one group of hot men from boston after their concert… J )

 

24. What was your favorite TV program? 

Grey’s Anatomy, Whose Wedding is it Anyway?, Clean House, Suze Orman

 

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? 

There is one person whom I pretty much cannot stand.

 

26. What was the best book you read? 

Sadly, I didn’t do much reading this year… L

 

27. What was your greatest musical discovery? 

NKOTB all over again!

 

28. What did you want and get? 

NKOTB tickets, and a future plan I cannot even believe is happening to me!

 

29. What was your favorite film of this year? 

The Bucket List was incredibly good.

 

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 30. J  It was celebrated with good friends downtown Milwaukee with a hotel stay thrown in.  The best present was not only those in attendance, BUT my RYAN BRAUN autograph! (Thanks Uncle Keith!)

 

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? 

Not losing Dean.

 

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? 

Practical… my job requires it!

 

33. What kept you sane? 

My girls.

Tim.

 

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? 

I love John Cusack. I love Patrick Dempsey. Enough said.

 

35. What political issue stirred you the most? 

The presidential election was SO exciting! Getting to vote was the best feeling ever.

 

36. Who did you miss? 

Dean.

Scooter.

 

37. Who was the best new person you met? 

Probably the staff at my new school, they are fantastic.  And getting a lot closer to Darren and Doug has been great too.

 

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008: 

Say what you need to say, when you need to say it.  You never know if you will have the chance to say it again.

 

39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

Have no fear for giving in

Have no fear for giving over

You better know that in the end

It’s better to say too much

Than never to say what you need to say again

 

Even if your hands are shaking

And your faith is broken

Even as the eyes are closing

Do it with a heart wide open

 

Say what you need to say

 

Oh, Happy December!

Hooray, December is here!  And in Wisconsin that means SNOW!  Which I L O V E.  I love snow almost as much as I love Ryan Braun, NKOTB and crow bars combined!  Seriously, that is a whole lot.  Snow is just great, magical, wintry loveliness.  I am so glad I live in a state where we get to have the 100 degree 100% humidity days now and then in the summer, soon followed by gorgeous changing leaves, and then this fluffily (that is right, I said fluffily) white stuff.  It is great!

Life continues to be crazy hectic and wonderful and trying all rolled into one.  I love it.  really!

November was filled with lots of wonderfulness and not so wonderfulness combined.

I tried on MY wedding dress!  It is gorgeous. I LOVE IT.  Sadly, there was a hole in the train... so really, I am getting a NEW wedding dress- on it's way to me shortly!  My lovely attendants have selected their dresses, and they are in.  It is official that our 'blue' is "pool" for those of you familiar with David's Bridal land.  And the dresses are cute, and will look stunning on my attendants.  And they compliment my dress.  I can't wait!

Funny story of dress trying on shopping extravaganza- I am SO graceful, that I fell off of the platform and landed on my tush, with my dress all around me in a big pile of tulle and lace and all that is good in wedding dress construction.  This was lovely.  And so painful that I almost passed out.  And yes, my shin still hurts!

School continues to move forward.  I feel like I am sort of maybe kind of getting the hang of it.  I do love it, and just keep on keeping on to keep getting better at it.  I love my students, my school and my coworkers.  It is so wonderful to be somewhere I LOVE.  Doing what I LOVE to do.  

As some of you may now, Tim and I are buying a house.  This is the scariest, most exciting, craziest, most thrilling experience ever.  The closing is officially this week, but thankfully, we have had access to start work on things.  I have fallen in love with the crow bar, and am an expert panel ripper downer.  Tim is quite skilled at dismantling drop ceilings.  We are so excited to be putting the work and love into this house to make it our own, and enjoy it together.

Sweet house related story- Tim tells me he has a surprise for me on Saturday, but I have to come over to get it.  Now, I had just worked 5 hours meeting America's lotion needs, after working at 5 a.m. on Black Friday, and really just wanted to snuggle in and sleep... but the suspense was killing me.

I get to Tim's.  He hands me a white envelope with a note that says: "You may not have the key to Ryan Braun's house, but here is the key to mine."  And, inside the envelope was my very own key to the new house... and guess what?  The very best part is it is a MILWAUKEE BREWERS KEY!  Like with the M and everything.... it is so freaking amazing.  And a super thoughtful gesture.  (You may ooh and ah now.)

November also was accompanied by a nasty case of tonsilitis :::read strep throat, they just didn't even bother with the test so I could save money and get on meds asap:::  I was sick for a week!  I also got to attend an All Day Krop with Jen.  It was great and I got lots done.  We also realized that we have NOTHING in scrapbooking supplies compared to these professional kroppers...   (Just wait until I get my scrapbook room.... I will have to fill it up :::evil laugh:::)

Scooter was home for Turkey day and we enjoyed a night out... of course, with the girls.  It was wonderful as always.

So in short, life is good, things are crazy,

and Christmas is just around the corner!

And the next President of the United States is...

President Elect Barack Obama!

This is a truly historic day.

I have never been so proud to have voted in an election.

I cannot wait to see what will lie ahead.

May we move forward as a country that continues to grow, work, live and play in the land of the free- as the UNITED States of America.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, The Polls are Now Open!

5:02 a.m.- My alarm went off. Today is Election Day! Time to get ready to elect a new President of the United States!

5:15 a.m.- Watched the morning news, and Obama's awesome Virginia Speech, and McCain's final rally in Arizona.

5:45 a.m.- I debated about going to line up to vote, but decided to wait a smidge longer.

6:05 a.m.- I drove past my polling place, the Elks Lodge in Waukesha, and seeing no one in line, went to Starbucks for a Pumpkin Spice Latte. (I didn't want a free coffee, I wanted my PSL!)

6:14 a.m.- I parked my car at the Elks lodge and was person #12 in line! I drank my coffee, and waited.

6:30 a.m.- The line is getting longer, almost 30 people now. Still waiting.

6:40 a.m.- I keep checking the time. Can I vote, yet? The excitement was churning up within! The line is now close to 50 people.

6:54 a.m.- OPEN THE DOORS ALREADY! The line is over 100 people long and growing quickly.

7:00 a.m.- OPEN THE DOORS! I want to VOTE!

7:00:30 a.m.- The poll manager, in his red blazer adorned with pins of the United States Flag unlocked the door, opened it up and called:

"Hear Ye, Hear Ye! The Polls are now OPEN!"

7:00:45 a.m.- I entered the Elks Lodge, wove through the line markers made of Caution tape

7:03 a.m.- I told the nice poll workers my name and address, and received the 6th ballot for my Ward.

7:05 a.m.- I approached the voting booth, anxiously picked up my pencil and VOTED for President of the united states, representatives and a few local offices.

7:06 a.m.- I quickly went over to the ballot machine, inserted my ballot and #7 of the morning! And received my "I Voted" sticker.

7:08 a.m.- I jumped in my car on my way to work, called my dad to report my voter number (because that is just what we do.) And began the anxious waiting that will take place today.

I LOVE election time!

I cannot wait to watch the results pour in!


Happy Election Day, one and all!

The Greatest Weekend of My Life!

This was the greatest weekend of my life.  Too bad it is about to end.

Friday, I started the weekend by dinner and gaming with Tim.  He won $80 on the nickel slots.  Good start to a great weekend.  

Now Saturday, life gets even better.  Besides being able to see the Alpha Xi's at Homecoming, it was FINALLY time to see New Kids on the Block!!!!!

I was 11 the last time I saw them on a cold January day at the Bradley Center with my mom, and a few friends.  I swore that Donnie pointed to ME in the crowd!  ::swoon::  I left that concert on a high, and with no voice... this time was not that different.

Brooke, Bettina, Jodi, Erin and I ventured to Illinois to see our favorite "grown men" in concert.  It was absolutely amazing!  First, I have never seen so many pregnant women at a concert in my life!  Good thing NKOTB thought ahead to sell "Step by Step" onesies.  If there was a child in my near future I would have gotten one.  They were super cute!  After waiting in line FOREVER, we finally got our NKOTB tshirts!!!! YAY!  Then we were off to watch a bit of Natasha Beddingfield and finally... the NEW KIDS!

They were full of such high energy, and did not break a hip while dancing.  In case you were wondering, Joey is the youngest at 35, and Jon, Danny and Donnie are all 39.  Jordan is 38.  So they aren't as old as some of you think.  (Aurelia, they are NOT 50!)   

We sang and danced and screamed all night long!  It was great!  Highlights include Jordan dancing with his shirt open, the rotating stage they moved to by the back of the auditorium, and hearing each and every one of our favorite hits (well,  everyone but "my popsicle")  It was a mix of new and old, and TONS of fun!!!!!  I cannot wait for the Milwaukee show in a few weeks!!!!

Today, I had the honor of attending one of the 2008 postseason games for THE Milwaukee Brewers.  We lost. :(  But, I was 10 rows from Ryan Braun, got my very own RB tshirt and thundersticks, spent quality time with Doug, and enjoyed the Brewers in the playoffs for one day longer than the Cubs!  It was such an awesome experience, and I cannot wait for next season's home opening 4/10 versus the CUBS!

Now it is time to return to reality...  gotta warm up and do some lesson plans.  Life gets back to normal. :)

Time Flies!

Yet, September has flown by.  

In the past month, I have:

* completed the world's largest corn maze. It was amazing and fun, and fantastic! Tim and I had a blast playing in the corn with our Illinois friends. And we found ALL of the checkpoints! Yippee!

* attended my first Packers game at Lambeau Field!!!!! Thanks to Kristi I got to see the Packers play the Cowboys. And although, we didn't win, it was an AWESOME experience!!!!!!!!!!! There is nothing like Lambeau Field... Nothing. We met lots of wealthy Cowboy fans from Texas, and a super fun and cute family sitting in front of us. We got home VERY late, and both skipped work, it was unforgettable!

* cheered the Brewers to the Playoffs at 4 Brewers games! The best was probably the Brewers v. Cubs game last weekend with my favorite cubs fans... even though we lost. I love my Brewers. I love Ryan Braun. I am SO freakin' excited they are in the playoffs!

* dealt with tons of craziness at school. But, I love it, and each day it is getting better. My kids are challenging, but fun and cute. My school is great, even if a bit stressful. My coworkers are wonderful people. It is such a good place to be. I just love it! I have lots of funny stories of bodily fluids, funny words, and sassiness. All good things!

* gotten engagement pics taken by Dan and Brooke, with Tim at Grant Park. It was very windy at the beach, but the park was awesome and we got lots of fun pics!

* taken Tim on nighttime surprise picnic, which was romantic (even if a bit rushed to avoid the creepers).

* helped with recruitment and watched lots of AXDs get lots of new members! It is AWESOME! And I love my position as an Area Facilitator! It is so fun. I know lots of people don't get it, but volunteering for AXD is one of the most fun things ever!

* started babysitting for E. He is fun and cute and very imaginative, even when he gets a bit crabby because of his math homework.

The next month brings NKOTB!, homecoming, Halloween Parties, Playtime in Madison, and hopefully some wedding loveliness.

I will try to post a bit more... really! :)

Sneak Peek!

This is a sneak peek of our photo shoot with Dan

First Day of School...Again!

Tomorrow is the first day of school.  

I think it is about my 25th, if my math serves me correctly! :)

I am VERY nervous.  Mostly because I don't know my kids yet, and normally that is fine, but they are all so different and will need such different things.

So what will we do?  Sing some songs. Read some stories. Bubble paint.  Play outside.  That sounds like a great first day to me! :)

I will say that although I am quite nervous, I am also VERY excited!

I love my new school.  Other than the fact that I don't have a classroom to myself.  It is a great school.  They implement love and logic as their core discipline.  They push all kids to think as if they are gifted, and our school is moving towards incorporating the International Baccalaureate Program.  It is a very diverse school with a very diverse staff.  Everyone has been very nice, so far.  I've learned to be assertive on my kids' behalf, and that is respected.  THat feels good... people expressing their opinions, discussing things openly and not being judged about it!

I hope it is a great year.  I really want to develop my program into a great program :)

Besides school, summer is over.  This is very, very sad.  And then I think of next summer, and my stomach does flips and flops... because I will be getting married!  This concept stills rattles my brain a bit.  Over the past few weeks, there has been some small wedding productivity.  I got our cake topper, a part of what I need for our favors, a piece of the bridesmaid gifts and ring bearer/ flower girl gifts, ideas for invitations, and, oh yeah...  I bought my dress!!!!!! :)  I'm very very very excited for November to get here!!! Then I get to try on MY dress!  This is highly exciting!!!!!

My mom, aunt and Jodi came with me for the dress trying on extravaganza.  It was lots of fun.  Jodi and I became a great team of getting in and out of dresses!  I love putting on big poofy skirts and sparkly things.  I could try on those dresses all day long!!!!!  It was quite lovely!  Major thanks goes out to Jodi for helping solve the dress fiasco we encountered and spending some extra time with me figuring out what to do.  I'm SOOOO excited for the dress!!!!

Tim and I went to the Dells for a mini vacay a few weeks ago, and it was AWESOME!  We stayed at a small hotel, went minigolfing (where Tim proceeded to severely bruise his foot so I had to play nurse), spent the day at Noah's Ark (America's largest waterpark with America's largest water coaster), ate at the Pizza Pub and Paul Bunyan, bought fudge, and even had our fortunes told by Zoltar. (Just like in Big!)  It was awesome...  I am so excited for many more adventures with Tim!!!

Other than that, not a whole lot going on, there has been lots of relaxing and going out, and having fun the past few weeks, and I am SO not ready to go back to school.  But, there is lots of good stuff going on this fall, so hopefully it will all be worthwhile.

Peach out, homies.

melsie

Today is the day they come home.

I know that it is going to be harder than you could ever imagine.  I know how much I am hurting, and cannot even begin to imagine how much you are hurting.  Find comfort in those who love you and who love Dean.  We are all here for each other, however we can be.  I'm not sure what will happen next or how the homecoming will impact us....  I just know that it is more real than ever, and thus more painful.  But, maybe, we can start to heal, slowly, and steadily, with setbacks, and successes, and somehow together figure out how to live our lives as Dean would want us to, making him a part of it in our own ways... ***Welcome home, men of the USMC 2/24 Fox Co.  We're glad you are home safely. Yet,  we still miss our fallen heroes each and every day. Always loved and NEVER fogotten- Corporal Richard Nelson and Lance Corporal Dean OpickaRIP- 4/14/2008

4 months too many....

It has been four months since we received the news that Lance Corporal Dean D. Opicka was killed in action while serving our country in the United States Marine Corps in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

We still miss him every day.

It still doesn't quite feel real.

In a little over a week, his brothers from the Fox Company will be returning home to their families.  Cpl Nelson, and LCpl Opicka came home early....  way too early.

Why did this happen?  What plan is it a part of?   How will we continue to make it through our days, our special moments, our hard times, without Dean?

Missing him so much.

Today.

And

Every day.

Freedom isn't free, never was.

Semper Fi

Summer Vacay, and the living is easy....

It's SUMMER!  (I know dear readers, that really it is mid-August, and school is just around the corner, but cut me some slack!)

I Love Summer Vacation because:

-I have time to get stuff done.

-Tim and I have a chance to run away for a 3days2nights.

-I can stay up late and not worry about functioning the next day.

-I have time to do wedding stuff.

-I get to enjoy the warmth and sunshine!

-I have time to dream and plan for the craziness that is bound to be my school year!

Today, I went to my new school.  I got to meet Monica, the other special ed teacher I will be sharing a room with.  She is super nice and wonderful!  I can't wait to work with her... Sadly, I have to wait until 10/23 because she is having a baby (like any day now) and will be out on maternity leave.  However, I am excited to be at my new school.  It is a great school, and my program just needs some work to become a great program.  The biggest obstacle we are facing is a space issue.  Here is the low down:  Our room is about 16' x 30"  (Think the AXD suite at Carroll for those who are familiar with that.)  Now, put in that room- 2 teachers, 4 assistants, 1 nurse, 10 K-3 students and 12 3-5th grade students.  That is a whole lotta people in not a whole lotta space!  YIKES!  I'm confident we will make things work, because really, what other choice do we have.  BUT, it sure will be challenging!  

I am VERY thankful to Brooke for providing me with some help and expertise tomorrow as we try to figure some things out to make this okay program in a great school, a great program in a great school.  (Thanks, Brooke- I LOVE YOU!)

Now that camp is over, I have delved into a wee bit of wedding planning.  Here is what we have accomplished this week:

* Purchased a cute cake topper.

* Found a great photographer at a great price.

* Ordered one piece of our favors.

* Got some key questions answered from the Reception Hall.

* Made Dress shopping appointments (yes, this FREAKS me out!)

I feel pretty good about this mini list, and am hoping to get some more things done before school!

Today, I got to watch the Olympics and the amazing Michael Phelps!  And I even did some laundry.  It was very accomplishing feeling.  

I am ready to enjoy my next 2 weeks of mini freedom (mini since i have a LOT to do for school.)  Included in these two weeks are: a 3day2night trip with Tim, wedding dress shopping, BBQing, Brewers Game- (where we MUST tailgate!), classroom setting upping, and getting life ready for school!

And with those lists, I will leave you loyal readers...

I'm off to sleep so I can be super productive and on the ball tomorrow!

Happy Summer Sleeping Weather!

First day of summer vacay

Today is my first true day of summer vacay.

It has been quite accomplishment filled.  Here is what I did today:

* Emailed the reception hall with a few key questions

* Typed up the CPW Staff Evals for my meeting with Jennifer

* Went to said meeting with Jennifer, and carved out my niche

* Got the oil changed on the Scion

* Picked up pictures from Walgreen's so I can continue to scrapbook

* Set up two appointments to look at wedding dresses (EEK!)

* Planned a mini vacay with my lovely, Tim.

* Had a meeting with an old friend to pass of AXD stuff

* Opened a checking account at ECU

* looked at wedding dresses online and tagged my favorites

* started to look at wedding stuff in the sale on The Knot

Tonight's agenda includes room cleaning, scrapping?, and list making.

May the productivity continue!!!

I'm super excited because tomorrow I get to go to my new school and learn about my kiddos!  I can't wait!

I'm also super happy to have had some Jenny time this weekend with the Brewers' Game and sleepover.  It was quite needed, and very lovely.

Last week was my last week at CPW.  I got some lovely cards from the campers, and loved every last moment.  (Even if I got a bit crabby on Friday.)  Everything is packed up and cleaned up, and all done.  It's bittersweet, but I am definitely thankful for that last summer!

Alright, I'm off to be productive.... there is lots to do before the mini vacay to the Dells!

:)

Srappy Doo

Scrappy Doo!

Tonight was Scrap Night in Illinois.  Here is what I learned:

1) Illinois and Wisconsin are too far away.

2) I love my Illinois gals.

3) Scrappin' is fun, even if it is a bit overwhelming!

4) April- Late June of 2008= big blurry mess.... 

5) I'm glad I keep my planner updated!

6) There is nothing like ice cream and brownies :)

7) I have some very crafty friends.

8) I think I may be a budding crafty person.

I also came to the realization that I only have 2 weeks between camp and school.  This does NOT make me happy, but I WILL make the most of it! :)

and with that, this tired, anxious gal is going to bed....

Nighty, night!

Summer time...

Summertime, and the living is easy...

Well, not really.  It's been one heck of a crazy summer!!!  Thus, I have neglected the good ol' blog! :(

So what has been going on...

The end of the school year came and went without any major issues.  I took the boys to Grant Park for a field trip which was awesome.  Two of my lovelies got suspended for the last day of school, which pissed me off, because I wanted to see them.  My 8th graders almost got left out of graduation.  I am going to miss my kiddos a lot, but not the school.  I think the Social Worker is the person I will probably miss the most, but on the last day, I turned in my keys, walked out the door, and that was it.  

I am back at camp, thanks to being asked 2 weeks before it started.  I am glad to have had one more summer.  I love camp.  I love our campers.  I love our families.  There has been some major yuckiness from one certain situation, but I have learned to pretty much ignore that.  My staff is overall pretty good, so that helps.  And we have had a pretty good summer with no major incidents (Yet.... we do have one week left so I don't want to jinx it!)  So, as of Friday, I'm done.  Who knows what will happen next?

Tim and I had the pleasure of going to three weddings in four weeks.  That is a whole lot of wedding.  First was Brooke and Dan- and everything was perfect and lovely and amazing.  Just as they deserved their day to be.  Brooke will tell you the chair ties should have been ivory and the head table pink... but it looked lovely, and no one else noticed :)  Brooke was a gorgeous bride.  We all had an absolute blast at the wedding and events.    The following weekend was Jenny and John's wedding.  Once again another gorgeous event.  It was an outdoor wedding, and the weather totally cooperated.  It was just beautiful, and super fun!  Plus, Tim, Ryan, Angela and I got to see fireworks after the rehearsal dinner, and that was super awesome too!  The last wedding was Sara and Nick's it was quite gorgeous and formal.  The best part was their reception was at Joey Buona's so we were totally scoping out ideas for our reception next year.

There have also been a few concerts thrown in there this summer.   Tim and I had amazing seats to Rascal Flatts with Taylor Swift at Summerfest.  It was an AWESOME SHOW!  We were in row 20 of the center section.  It was amazing!   And, Brooke and I went to see our boyfriend Phil Vassar at Washington County Fair.  It was another amazing show, by our man Phil.  Sadly, we think the dorky yet cut fiddler might have been replaced. :(

And there have been lots of Brewers Games!  Our boys are doing pretty well- minus those stupid Cubs! :(  We love our Crew, and the games, and the friends we end up sitting by.  Good times.  Also, don't forget the Swedish Fish and Peanut Butter M&Ms for the perfect outing to the ballpark.  We also made our lifelong dream come true of getting on the jumbotron!

Last weekend, I  got to go to St. Louis, and spend the whole weekend in a gorgeous hotel, for Alpha Xi Delta Leadership Traning.  It was totally wonderful and amazing.  I am SO excited to be serving as an Area Facilitator (And NO I dont' get paid!)  But, it will be a fun, new and challenging spot, and I can't wait!

So with August, comes 1 week of camp, some tutoring, hopefully some time in the Dells with Tim, a BBQ for Tim and I, getting ready for school, a girls' night, some Brewers Games, Shawn's 40th bday, and then summer is over. :(

I promise I will try to keep this up a bit more....

Schinker, out

One month.

One month ago, the world stopped turning.

It feels like a lifetime, yet it feels like moments ago.

It still doesn't feel real.

I don't think it will ever be real...

I have cried more than I have ever thought possible in this past month.  

Yet, I have also had such immeasurable joy.  Why do we receive such things at the same time?  My heart is just torn into two pieces.  I think the "good" stuff (new jobs, weddings, etc) was sent here to somehow make the loss of the other part of me bearable...  but it still isn't.

***

I miss you.  A lot.  We all do.  Please know we can't stop thinking about you.  Life keeps going, yet I can't imagine how.  I wish you were here to share all of this with.  I wish you were here to help me make sense of this.

A piece of me will always be with you.

I love you more than you will ever know.

You will ALWAYS be loved, and NEVER forgotten.

Semper Fi.

***

Engaged!

Did you feel that?

The world stopped turning for a second yesterday, approximately 4:30 p.m. CST.

Wanna know why?

Timothy Robert Reed asked ME, yes ME, to be his bride!   :)

I said yes.

I couldn't be happier and am still in just utter shock that this is real.

He proposed on the lake front at the pier by his house.  With a blustery wind blowing and a few fishermen looking on, Tim got down on one knee and asked "Will you marry me?"  After jumping back 5 feet or so and jumping up and down I said "Yes!  Of Course!"  

And proceeded to curse him all the way back to his place for lying to me for the past 6 weeks!

We were all needing some good news.  Here it is.

I am getting married to my perfect man!  I cannot be more excited!

More details will be forthcoming, but alas, I am not allowed to do any wedding thinking/dreaming/planning until my homework is DONE!  (Now, how about THAT for motivation?)

Life is truly a roller coaster.  I never knew one could be SO incredibly happy, yet so sad all at once.  Somehow this is part of that greater plan that I am not meant to understand.

Thanks for the kind thoughts, prayers and well wishes.  I am truly blessed with some amazing people in my life.

All my love,

The Future Mrs. Timothy Reed

I came by today to see you

Oh I had to let you know

If I knew the last time that I held you was the last time

I'd have never let you go

Oh it's kept me awake nights wondering

Lying in the dark asking why

I've always been told you won't be called home

Until it's your time

I guess heaven was needing a hero

Somebody just like you

Brave enough to stand up for what you believe

And follow it through

When I try to make it make sense in my head

The only conclusion I come to

Is that heaven was needing a hero like you

Oh you held your head up proud

I laughed inside when I saw how you were 

Standing out in the crowd 

You're such a part of who I am

And now that part will just be void

No matter how much I need you now

Heaven needed you more

Cause heaven was needing a hero

Somebody just like you

Brave enough to stand up for what you believe

And follow it through

When I try to make it make sense in my head

The only conclusion I come to

Is that heaven was needing a hero

Just like you

Heaven was needing a hero

That's you

-Jo Dee Messina, Heaven was Needing A Hero

*****

On Monday, April 14, 2008, Lance Corporal Dean D. Opicka entered eternity with his heavenly father while serving his country in Iraq.  This past week has been a week of sadness, remembering, and honoring a great man who was a dear friend to many, a beloved family member, a stellar teacher, a loving fiance, and much more.   We will continue to honor, t0 mourn, to comfort, and to treasure Dean, his fiance- Katy, his family, his friends and all who knew him

Thank you to those who have sent prayers and thoughts.

Dean, we will miss you, and will continue to love you more and more with every day, memory, tear....

You will never be forgotten.

All my love,

mel

Happy Happy Happy

Happy, Happy, Happy!  

That is how I would describe life right now.  Things are just super great!

First off, I got these...

Yes, they would be my first ever pair of hand knit socks from the one and only Jenny Hansen!  She is the bestest knitter I know.  And these socks are the bestest socks I have every worn!  I love them!!!!!  They are made with Socks that Rock Yarn, but I can't remember the color. I just call them FANTASTIC!  And they are super duper t

oasty!  I LOVE THEM!  I cannot wait to learn how to knit socks of my very own someday.  (First, I have to finish my scarf....  it is almost done, but I just haven't had the chance to wrap that project up!)  My wish is to someday be half the knitter that Jenny is!

Second I got these....  Yes, those would be my 7th bouquet of flowers from Tim.  He buys me flowers so much that the ladies at Pick n Save all talk about him and who the lucky girl is who gets those flowers!  (It's ME!)  I love the flowers.  I love the boy.  Things are fantastic!

I don't think I aligned things correctly, so I apologize to my

 readers for any visual discomfort!

Funny story: 

Last week when I was driving home from Tim's, there was a car following me really closely.  Finally, it pulled up along side of me.  I was on the phone with Tim and the guys in this car started trying to give me their number using hand signs.  It was quite ridiculous.

Exciting story:

The Brewers beat the Cubs today in the Season Opener!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sandbox news:

Last weekend, I got to talk to Dean online, which was amazing.  And today, I got a letter from him which was super amazing.  I cannot wait for him to be home.

Getting Wac'd:

Joe is my personal trainer.  He is also training Brooke and Katy.  It is freaking awesome!  I have never worked out like this before, and it is the greatest feeling ever!  I cannot wait to keep at it and see the results.  It is awesome.  We have been working out at the WAC (Wisconsin Athletic Club)  and we love it there!  

Running class has also started up again, and we are so glad to be back in Marty's care.  His jokes are still just as lame, but still funny.  And Brooke and I still have a few Pilates classes left, too.  

So, eventually, I will be a sexy son of a gun. :)

Tim Time:

Tim is amazing.  He loves me even when I am a bit nuts, and can make me laugh no matter what.  He spoils me with flowers, and dinners, and easter baskets.  And he is fitting right in with all of my friends, which is SO important to me.  I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with him!!!!!

60 years:

My dad celebrated his 60th birthday last week Friday.  The ENTIRE family (Mom, Dad, Adam, Eric and his fiancee Michelle, Tim and myself) went to dinner at The Wells Street Tavern.  It was great food, great company and just tons of fun.  My mom even got the huge table of kids and parents to sing happy birthday to my dad as we were leaving- it was super cute!  But, now that my dad did turn 60, it means my 29+1 birthday is up next! :)

Speaking of Birthdays:

We went to Illinois yesterday to celebrate Alex's birthday at Buca di Beppo- one of the greatest restaurants EVER!  It was a fun night with friends, food, and fun.  And despite being a smidge crabby, it was a wonderful evening!

Alas, there are a few snippets on life.  I'm happy, busy, loved, and blessed.  Life is VERY good.

YAY!