Life is Good!

Flashback Friday!!

2011-07-08T15:32:00.000-07:00

Last week, we purchased a Canoscan9000F. We needed to update our old scanner, which was probably as old as, oh, I don't know, when they first began to make scanners for home computers. Yeah, it was old. Sometimes you don't realize how out of date your technology is until you get something new. This new scanner is amazing, it scans negatives!! I know, right!

So, in the process of scanning a few old negatives, I have come accross some really great old pictures and thought I would share some of my favorite "flashbacks" this friday. These are all from the early nineties, all scanned from negatives on my new Canoscan900F.

Have a great weekend!

Three Years Ago Today......

2011-06-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Three years ago today, we looked like this! Ughhh!

That's right, it has been three years since the "Flood of 2008". I thought it would be nice to do a little recap of the last three years and our recovery since the flood.

So, for those of you who don't know the story.....In May of 2008 Todd and I owned three pieces of property in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that we considered investment properties. A small house located at 908 7th St. SW, a duplex which also had a small guesthouse on the property located at 914 7th St. SW and another duplex located at 700 6th St. SW. That's six separate rental spaces, all fully occupied.

We had started purchasing the properties in 2001, we were able to purchase them at below market value prices most of the time (usually due to their condition) and had worked very hard to remodel and restore them. Lots of painting, landscaping, refinishing etc. They were nice, Life was good.

I am realizing I could really write a book here, but I will try to give you the condensed version. So......it was the second week of June in 2008, let me back up a little, we had had over three feet of snow the winter before. The week before, it rained 9 inches up in the northern part of our state {Iowa} and it just wouldn't stop. It rained 6 inches in one day!! That monday our well flooded, the old copper pipes were rusted and broke. The tanks were floating in the pumphouse and the water all came out into our yard, flooding the pumphouse and shorting out the electrical system in there. It was a mess! It kept raining, and raining and raining some more the water in the Cedar River was rising. It went over its banks and flooded sooo many home and businesses, including ALL of our rental properties. I couldn't believe it and we were kind of in shock and definately unsure what we would do and how things would end up. And best part of all, we had NO flood insurance!! I take that back, I now realize that the best part was that our own home {where we live} DID NOT flood, thank goodness. So.... let's get to some pictures.

914 7th St. SW {the Guesthouse} - BEFORE

Here are some pictures shortly after the flood:

It was so overwhelming, pretty much all of the tenants belongings were ruined. It was such a mess, over four feet of dirty, stinky sewer water. Everything was covered in gunk.

Everything had to be removed immediately. Furniture, cabinetry, carpet, bathroom fixtures, {EVERYTHING} all hauled to the curb for the garbage man. It was depressing, it was hot out, and it smelled BAD.

All of the drywall had to be removed and the studs had to be sprayed with bleach and hosed off.

Remembering, I am going to try and give you the short version,

Here is how it finally looks today.

It is so nice now, all brand new. This guesthouse has been finished and rented since may of 2009. Even the windows and door and the siding are new. I can't believe all that we have been through to get to this point. Thank you so much to everyone that has helped us in anyway. We could not have done it without you!

That brings us to our second property. Our small house at 908 7th St. SW. It is right next door to the one shown above.

Here is 908 7th St. SW {shortly after the flood}

And here it is during the cleanup and renovation process:

And here it is after:

I love the color, especially the front door. This property has been finished and rented since September 2009.

700 6th St. SW Before the Flood:

This duplex was marked as unsafe two weeks after the flood because the entire foundation wall along the front of the house {under the porch} washed into the basement leaving no support on that side of the house. It was accross the street from an elementary school and very dangerous so a year and half after the flood the city demolished it. We no longer own this property.

So that leaves one other property, we have the duplex at 914 7th St. SW. That property is about 60-70% completed and has just been sitting there since we stopped working on it about the middle of 2010. It has brand new furnaces, water heaters, central air and wiring and some odd other things completed, but the loan that we recieved from the SBA {Small Business Administration} was not sufficient to complete the project. They would not loan us anymore money and since we already had a loan out on the property we could not accept any other form of monetary help due to "duplication of benefits". Basically we have been trying to get through A LOT of red tape with the city of Cedar Rapids, and the SBA. We hope to wrap it up by the end of this year. We have a contractor on stand by. It has been VERY VERY frustrating working through this and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT until the day that we are 100% back to normal.

Then, the day after the flood in Cedar Rapids this is what happened at our own home:

You can see where we were testing stain colors to see which one to stain the deck, LOL, before this week happened that was our biggest worry, little did we know what lied ahead.

We had a hailstorm! It ripped our pool liner to shreds and our roof began to leak! Happy to report that after two years of fighting with the insurance company and one more hailstorm { it was the size of hockey pucks }on April 3rd 2011, almost three years to the day, we finally have a new roof.

So, there you have it, an update on the worst weather week in the history of my life!!

On the Up side of things, we have been so blessed by the loving people of this community, our church family {Shueyville United Methodist Church}, our own family and friends and so many groups of people all across the country that have reached out to help us. We have so many new friends and we are so thankful for each and every one of you and we could not have come as far as we have without you!!!

Hopefully by this time next year we will be able to report that we are 100% finished!

West High....Senior Prom.....Trevor & Emily

2011-05-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

Saturday night was Miss Emily's Senior Prom. We were hoping for nice weather for photos but it rained ALL day. We made the best of it and got some pretty sweet photos anyway.

The traditional pinning of the flower photo. Trevor likes to jump and fake like he has been stabbed, every year, he thinks it's funny. Emily, not so much.

I love Emily's dress, especially all the little gemstones and sequins, Trevor did a great job picking out a fun corsage that went with it. The colors are so pretty.

Trevor and Emily with Emily's brother Kevin.

We all met at the Marriot to take pictures, there were a lot of kids. It was fun to see them all dressed up so nice. They were all so excited and having a great time!

I think this is the sweetest picture of these two, they are so cute!

And this last one is my favorite of all.

And of course a picture of my two most favorite guys in the whole world!

After all the pictures were taken, the parents went out for dinner together at a place call "Bob's You're Uncle". We met some new friends, had some great food and a lot of fun!!

I love prom, springtime, flowers and pretty dresses, shoes and jewelry.

After the Wedding - The MonteBello B&B Inn

2011-03-27T14:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday after the wedding, after the clean-up was finished and all the goodbyes were said {after Maureen & Alan left for their honeymoon} we all headed to Ames, Iowa. To the MonteBello B&B Inn.

We came around a corner and to the end on the road and there it was. Isn't it beautiful!

Our gracious hosts and owners of the inn, Daphne and Jaime Reyes. Thank you so much for everything, we had such a great time!

As soon as we got there, we had to go exploring of course. I love the bright colors and all the little details.

So much to see everywhere, I wish I had a few more days. Check out the tile work on these stairs! I love it! Trevor, I can see you in the mirror, what are you doing?

This is our room, for tonight, doesn't it look comfortable and inviting?

Todd thought so.....he had to try it out right away.....a little afternoon siesta. It was a really long day, but SO much fun!

Left to right: Trevor Sniegowski, Grandma Kay Eden, Kristy & Chris Billings (brother and sister-in-law), Michelle Nighswander (sister), Me and Mr. Sniegowski

Keeping with the theme of the evening, we decided to head into town for dinner at La Fuente restaurant. The food and drinks were awesome, it was so good to get caught up on life with my family. It had been way too long since I had seen some of them. And it was so nice to finally meet Chris's new wife Kristy {she's a keeper}! Thanks for taking the photo, Emily!

Oh what a great day! Good Night!

The Lins Family

2010-12-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun photographing this family, I was the perfect fall day!

2011 Senior...Morgan

2010-11-23T12:24:00.000-08:00

Just a Sneak Peak for the Bowmans

2010-10-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Iowa City West High School, Homecoming Dance

2010-09-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

Me, Emily, Trevor & Todd

Emily and her parents, Becky and Rick Graf

Trevor & Emily

Saturday night was Homecoming dance at Emily's high school. Trevor wasn't allowed to attend the dance this year, I guess it was due to the fact that he is a Sophomore in college and is so much older than some of the young high school students. We all thought this was odd considering that he has gone with Emily to Homecoming for the last two years. Anyway, they all got dressed up, we were invited to come and snap a few photos, then they all headed out for dinner. Todd and I went out for dinner with Emily's parents, Becky and Rick Graf, at a restaurant called Bob's Your Uncle in Iowa City. A good time was had by all!

Don't they make such a cute couple?

Puppy Love!

2010-09-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

MEET PORTER!

He is our new neighbor. Well, he belongs to our neighbors, Josh and Traci. He's a Saint Bernard pup and he's about 13 weeks old now. Porter is so sweet, he's a snuggler and he's so fun to play with. We try to get over there and hold him every couple of days because very soon he is going to be to BIG to hold!! Trevor and Emily (our son and his girlfriend) just love spending time with him.

Mama's Got a New Ride!

2010-09-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am sooo excited and so lucky. We have been looking for a new car for a while, since our minivan blew up in the mountains of Tennessee on our way to visit our daughter Monica this past June. And, last week we finally found just what we wanted. Isn't she pretty? A sparkly Glacier White exterior with a gray/black soft leather interior. And a SUNROOF, I've always wanted one! It has been so well taken care of, not a scratch or dent anywhere, just like brand new, only better because it's used (and so much less expensive). I think I'm in love.....

The Ocean

2010-08-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

A Few of my Favorites

2010-08-09T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hello! I have had a few people asking me to do senior pictures, family pictures, cards etc. And they have asked to see more of my work. So, since I do not yet have a blog or website for only my photography, I will display a few shots for you here (there are a few scattered through my blog on previous posts) this way you won't have to search. I have included several that I have not shown before. Enjoy!

Trevor's Senior Pictures

Iowa City West Homecoming

Trevor and Emily

Wiles Family Photo Shoot

Marshall Allen's Senior Pictures

Monica

Graduation Invites, Christmas Cards Etc.

* Just a note, I did not take the photos for Alison's invitations, I did design her invites.

A Day at the Park with Stephanie and her Girls, Jaeden, Caitlin & Lauren.

2010-08-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

It's been about a month ago, I am kind of behind on things, this summer seems to have flown by so fast! Anyway, I spent the afternoon at the park with my cousin Stephanie and her three little sweeties. We took some photos and played on the playground, a good time was had by all!!

Our Little Tybee Beach Cottage, Omm Sweet Home

2010-08-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well, we had so much fun on our trip to Tybee Island and many people have asked about the cottage we rented. So, I thought I would share a little bit more about that with you. I rented the cottage through a company called Mermaid Cottages and you can visit their website at http://www.mermaidcottages.com/ They have so many cute cottages, ours was named Omm Sweet Home because it was owned by a yoga instructor.

This is where Todd and I slept, it had 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, enough for 5 people to sleep. Everything was so comfortable and decorated so cute. I think our bed had a memory foam mattress, I had never slept on one but it was so comfy.

I think my favorite spot was our nice big screened in porch, I love how it was all lit up at night with these cute little lantern lights! Wait, I take that back, my FAV.OR.ITE. spot in the whole place was definately the outdoor shower. I loved talking a shower outside, I'm not sure why I liked it so much, maybe because it is something we would never be able to have at home. (Can you imagine a great big icicle hanging off the spout on those winter Iowa days!) Probably just because there is nothing like being outside, smelling the ocean, feeling the breeze and listening to the birds while showering. I. Loved. It.

We also had a little library room, fuuly stocked with dvd's, cd's, games and books. That was a nice idea but besides listening to a couple cd's, we really didn't use much of those. We really just wanted to be outside at the beach as much as we could. I just couldn't get enough of the ocean and the sand and the breeze!

The entire upstairs was one bedroom and private bath, Trevor slept here, isn't it cute!?!

I love those light above the bar and you can't see it very well but there is a little teapot collection on the shelf behind the lights. The kitchen was fully furnished with everything we could need and a few surprises!

On another note, this is not a picture you really want to see ten hours into your fifteen hour trip! That's right, we said good bye to our faithful old minivan. Not a good day, that first day of vacation. We broke down on the side of the highway, in the mountains in Tennessee. Not good. So, we waited for a tow truck and the only place open was the Wal Mart service center, the people there were so nice and so helpful. But, the van was going to cost more to fix than it was worth. So, we rented a car and we went on our way and we actually managed to put the car on Craigslist and had a buyer for it by the end of the week.

Anyway, our sweeeeeet little cottage and the rest of the trip was so fun, it more than made up for it!!!

Our Tybee Island Adventure!

2010-07-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

Tybee Island is near Savannah, Georgia, on the coast near where South Carolina and Georgia meet. Its about an eighteen hour trip, we stopped in Fort Robins and stayed one night at Warner Robins Air Force Base, with Monica and she was able to come with us for a few days as well. This picture is in front of the little cottage we stayed in that week, isn't it cute!?!

It was about a two block bicycle ride to the ocean, which is where we spent most of our time. We rode our bikes everywhere, its about the best way to get around on Tybee Island! And, it was fun!

We rode to the beach every morning and spent a few hours there soaking it all in. We browsed all of the little gift shops, took pictures of the lighthouse (and everything else) Todd and Trevor played a little beach volleyball, we did a lot of relaxing! It was great, this was a very nice place to relax! I didn't get a picture of it but there is a really nice pier and there is the cutest place on the pier that make THE BEST pina coladas!

We just couldn't get enough of the ocean, I think it's my favorite place to be. I love the sound, the smell, the wind your hair, the shells and the dolphins! Todd always says, " don't you just feel so small in the world, when you are standing there looking out at it (the ocean)? It's so big!"

So, after a day in the sun, we would head home to our little beach cottage, maybe take a nap (*gasp*) and get cleaned up (our cottage had the coolest outdoor shower I have ever seen). We would head out for dinner, there were several fun places right on the Island. Our favorite was Fannies on the Beach, pictured below. It was all open with a view to the ocean and really good food! I

We were here over the Fourth of July, and it was so much fun to ride down to the beach, watch the sunset and then watch the fireworks from the pier.

I would really recommend taking the time to visit if you ever get the chance.

"Me Time"

2010-07-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the McDonald's commercials about "me time"? I love my "me time"! I can't believe it's the end of July already, where did the summer go? It has been a very busy one for us, lots of traveling, lots of work, lots of progress on the rental properties. The first week in July, Todd, Trevor and I traveled to Georgia to see Monica. We stayed on Tybee Island, it was wonderful. When we got back I was home for one day and then off toWest Des Moines with two of my girlfriends to attend the Creating Keepsakes Convention. We had a blast! Thank you to Kyle for letting us stay at his place. Sooo.... anyway, I have lots of pictures to share and stories to tell but I've been so busy catching up on what seems to pile up when you are having so much fun (laundry, house cleaning, bill paying, office work etc.) I will try to be better at updating my blog!

Chicken Salad, my way!

2010-07-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

Had this for dinner last night, its quick and easy and probably my favorite summer meal.

Summer Chicken Salad

3 large chicken breasts - cooked and cubed

6 hard boiled eggs, chopped

1 cup sliced green grapes

1/3 cup slivered almonds

2/3 cup Hellman's Mayonaise

2/3 cup sour cream

Mix together the mayonaise and sour cream then add the rest of the ingredients in order. We like it served over romaine lettuce or on deli flat bread!

Sweet Summertime!

2010-05-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

Baby Bird!

2010-05-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

I stepped outside to go somewhere tonight and had to turn right back around and go get my camera so I could get this little cutie's picture, isn't he sweet?

American Idol 2010 Lee DeWyze Beautiful Day Top 2 finale

2010-05-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

A Few Favorites from Last Week.

2010-05-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

I went for a drive at sunset out in the country and this was my favorite, it seems very peaceful to me.

Sunset on the Beach ~ My Favorite Place

2010-05-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

Night Sky

2010-05-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

This is from the roof of our condo, the night sky over Fort Myers Beach, Florida! The sky was so pretty.

A Quick Peak at Last Weeks Adventures - More Later!

2010-05-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

Sunset on Sanibel Island!

Strawberry Mango Margaritas at A Cheeseburger in Paradise, Fort Myers Beach Florida.

This was the scene just a short walk down the beach from the condo we stayed in.

We stayed at the Air Force Base on the way back and we got to have dinner with Monica and her friends Paige and Russel. I didn't know there was a hotel on base, it's really nice and the funny part is you get woke up early in the morning with Revelry at 7 a.m. It was quite a surprise the first morning!

Diamond Head Beach Resort, Fort Myers, Florida!!!

2010-04-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

You might not hear from me for a few days, I will be busy basking in the sun with a cold fruity drink in my hand. Ahhhhh, relaxation here I come! My friend Beth and I are traveling to Florida and it just so happens we pass right through Warner Robins Air Force Base, where our daughter Monica is stationed, so we will spend a few days checking out her digs as well. Pictures when I get back!

GRAD INVITES FOR MARSHALL!

2010-04-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

I've spent the last couple of days working on these, I like how they turned out! What do you think? Which one is your favorite?

Paper & Layers & Brushes! Photoshop, Oh My!

2010-04-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, I have been taking a digital scrapbooking course at JessicaSprague.com. This really opens up a whole new world for me, I knew Photoshop could do these things but I of course just didn't know how to do it. I am learning so much, and having a lot of fun too!

Queen...A Rock & Symphonic Spectacular

2010-04-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

We had such a good time with our friends Saturday night. First we had dinner at our favorite mexican restaraunt Carlos OKellys, then on to the U.S. Cellular Center for a night of Queen music performed by Orchestra Iowa and the rock musicians of Jeans & Classics, with a special appearance of some local high school choir students.Great food, great friends and great time had by all!!

Happy Birthday Monica!!!

2010-04-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this little girl turned 21 years old today! Well, not this little girl, this is our daughter Monica pictured when she was about four years old. Maybe what I really can't believe is that I have a twenty one year old daughter. Time just goes by so fast!

Happy 21st Birthday Monica!! We love you and are so proud of you!!

2010-03-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

Just browsing through some old pictures today, this was taken last fall on my trip to Virginia with my friend Beth. I love vacation!

This kid is so excited!!!

2010-03-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

If you know Trevor, you know he is pretty laid back most of the time. He doesn't really get excited about much. But he is EXCITED about THIS!!!! He just can't stop smiling.

OK HERE IT IS - THE BEST ENCHILADA RECIPE EVER!!

2010-03-12T21:34:00.000-08:00

This post is for Janice, Stacey, & Dooley who have been patiently waiting for this recipe. Enjoy girls!! You guys should check out my July 29th 2009 post for the recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies, mmm!

CHICKEN ENCHILADAS

2 cups chopped cooked turkey or chicken

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

1 cup Ricotta cheese

1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)

6-8 flour tortillas

1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

1 cup salsa

1 tablespoon chopped fresh Cilantro, if desired

1/2 teaspoon chilli powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease rectangular baking dish, 13 x 9 x 2inches. Mix chicken, 1 cup cheddar cheese, the ricotta cheese, and onion. Spread about 1/2 cup of the mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tortilla around mixture and place seam side down in dish. Mix tomato sauce, salsa and chilli powder and pour mixture over tortillas.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake 15-20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle about 1/2 to 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top and bake uncovered, about 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

You can prepare this recipe, cover the baking dish tightly with foil, cover the tomato sauce mixture and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking.

UPDATE: Airman Sniegowski, Monica E. Fully loaded and reporting for duty, sir!

2010-02-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

Well, this was obviously taken in the bathroom before reporting for duty but you get the picture. Our daughter,Monica reported for Air Force, Security Services duty at a new location after her holiday break. She is now stationed in Georgia @ Warner Robbins AFB. Her new address is as follows:

Airman Sniegowski, Monica E.

780 Pietrich Hall

Unit #336

Robins AFB, GA 31098

To those of you who sent her a card or a treat over the Christmas holiday,Thank you all so very much!!

I am so hooked on this show!!

2010-02-02T21:35:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's February already! Although January seemed like a really long month, it went by quickly. We got so much work done at the lower duplex apartment. Todd was off for two weeks and we rented a drum sander for the hard wood floors, we also finished all the drywall work, sprayed texture on all the walls, painted the whole place and now we are installing new baseboards and casings. We hope to be finished with it this month. All that's left to do is stain and varnish the hardwood floors, seal the grout in the ceramic tile, install the kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity, countertops, sinks, faucets, etc. It's looking really great, but I can't wait to be DONE!
So, after all of that hard work, we were too tired to do anything except watched TV(not to mention, it was too cold to do anything else) and we decided to rent the first season of glee. It is such a fun show! Anyone who has been in show choir or has had a kid in it should see it!! We are definately hooked!

Some Lovely Couples ~ Congratulations on your engagement Hannah and Alex!!

2010-01-01T21:16:00.001-08:00

I had such a fun afternoon with the Wiles family a few weeks ago. Thank you to Tim & Lori, Sam & Krista and Hannah & Alex for giving me the opportunity to create these for you. Aren't they sweet!!

2009 Sniegowski Family Christmas Card, finally done!

2009-12-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

We had to wait for someone (not mentioning any names) to get home for the picture! Hopefully I can get them printed tomorrow, print labels and get them in the mail. Better later than never, right?

Marshall's Senior Pictures

2009-12-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to do some senior pictures for Marshall, a good friend of our son's. We had a good time that day and these are some of my favorites!

Trevor ♥ Emily

2009-12-12T09:14:00.000-08:00

Our son, Trevor and his girlfriend Emily having some fun with the Christmas decorations.Oh, and Max (Emily's dog) too! Thanks for the photo Emily!

Deck The Halls!!! Fa la la la la!!

2009-12-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

Well, today is the third day in a row that all classes have been canceled for this area. We've had about a foot of snow and 50 mile an hour winds over the last couple days. We have just been tucked in here with the fireplace crackling, we put up all the decorations, wrapped gifts, watched some Christmas movies and today I think we might bake cookies! It has just been too nasty to go to work at the rental properties, oh shucks, I would rather not anyway. We're having way more fun at home!

Not coming home for Christmas :(

2009-12-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

Do you recognize Monica, she is in the front row, left side. Just wanted to give you an update on Monica. She graduated from Air Force Basic Military Training this past June in Lackland, Texas. She then went on to complete Tech School, also at Lackland AFB. Currently she is still in Lackland awaiting to be sent to the next location she will be stationed in Georgia.

She has been told at this point that she will NOT get to come home for Christmas. So, if you have time, please send her a card or drop her a note this hoiday season. I know she would appreciate it and she just might even write back to you, thanks!

AB Sniegowski, Monica E.
PSC # 3, 1320 Truemper St.
unit # 387263
Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5570

2009-12-04T11:22:00.000-08:00

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow! Merry Christmas from the Sniegowski's! I had so much fun making it Christmas-y here at my blog !

Hannah & Alex

2009-11-24T20:22:00.000-08:00

I had such a fun afternoon with the Wiles family on Sunday! We took family pictures and pictures of each couple. You guys are so cute! Just click on the image to view it larger.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

2009-10-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

I love vacation! I got to spend last week seeing the sites in Williamsburg, Virginia with my friend Beth. We spent a day touring colonial Williamsburg, I really enjoy seeing all the old historical homes and businesses and looking at all the shops. One night we went on a "ghost tour", that was interesting. We had lunch at an old taven called Chownings. It's just so cool to think about walking down the same streets our forefathers did, I actually sat in Thomas Jefferson's church pew. I liked the Governor's mansion and the old church.

We also spent some time in Virginia Beach, the picture above is my favorite. More pictures to come .

Trevor, what did you do for you 18th birthday?........I FLEW a helicopter!!!

2009-08-18T21:46:00.000-07:00

That's Trevor in there along with flight instructor Tammie. They took the helicopter up this afternoon and Trevor got to fly it. I think he had a blast, so if you see him be sure to ask him about it!

What a cute couple!

2009-08-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

Trevor & Emily ♥

In CaseYou Missed It ~ Mr. Sniegowski Had A Birthday!

2009-08-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

Happy

48th

Birthday

Todd!

July 9

2009

Because I promised and because these are soooo goooood!!!

2009-07-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

Here's what you will need:

1 box Betty Crocker Original Supreme brownie mix (with chocolate syrup pouch)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup water

2 eggs

1 package (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookie mix

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 egg

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray bottom only of 9x13 pan with cooking spray or grease with shortening. Prepare brownie mix as directed on box, using oil, water and 2 eggs. Spread in pan.

2. Prepare cookie mix as directed on package, using butter and 1 egg. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls evenly onto brownie batter; press down lightly.

3. Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted 2 inches from side of pan comes out almost clean. Cool on cooling rack 30 minutes.

4. Frost with Chocolate Ganache (see recipe below)

Chocolate Ganache

12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate morsels

3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

6 Tbsp butter

In a small saucepan, heat cream and butter until just before the boiling stage.
Pour over the chocolate morsels.
Let stand about 20 seconds and stir until smooth.
Pour over brownies and let set before cutting

I found this recipe at a really fun website check it out, http://bakerella.blogspot.com/

Consider yourself warned!

These brownies cause extreme satisfaction and may complicate weight loss!

Enjoy!

Mike, Mike & Adam (and Mike's Dad)

2009-07-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Four Handsome Buckeyes! One day these guys came to our house and within just a few hours they had installed all of the kitchen cabinets in 908 7th St. SW. They had just come to Cedar Rapids for the week to help out in any way that they could and we were so lucky to have them! They did an awesome job, the kitchen looks great! Thank you very much!!

Photo Editing Class Online ~ JessicaSprague.com

2009-07-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

I have been taking a photo editing class online this past week when the guys were in Pittsburgh (Todd and Trevor went last week on a mission trip). I really enjoy experimenting with digital photography. The class is online at http://www.jessicasprague.com/ It's called Photo Editing Frame-Ups and Special Effects, check it out. I have several other photos in the gallery for that class. Have a great day!

Progress!

2009-07-25T22:22:00.001-07:00

Front Porch at 908 7th St. SW

We made a lot of progress last week and I will post more pictures soon. This is my favorite thing from this past week. A new coat of paint for the front door, stained the porch floor, a new light fixture and house numbers! I am loving the color, it's called Lost Atlantis (Sherwin Williams).

Faith United Methodist Church, North Canton, Ohio

2009-07-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

The week of July 6-10th, OK I'm a little behind, we had help from an awesome group of BUCKEYES! We had so much fun getting to know this group, especially on Friday. We took a little field trip to the "Do It Best" Hardware store. The kids were fascinated with the fact that everything said "do it" on it. We even got free T-shirts! I guess they probably don't get very many tourists in the hardware store!
We got a lot of work done too. We started on the main floor apartment of 914 7th St. SW, did a lot of framing and drywall work. Thank you so much, it might not seem like much to you but each week gets us a step closer to completion. Thanks for all of your hard work!

Pictured above are, Janice Golden, Matt Partridge, Katie Schirra, Kim Vandervaart, Amy Snyder, Natalie Klco, John Arnold, and Jan Bremer.

Photo Editing

2009-07-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

I'm having a little playtime with some photos I took a while back, I'm just taking a little break and doing some fun things while the boys are in Pittsburgh. I know I need to update here, hopefully later today!

2009-07-12T17:55:00.001-07:00

Community Church of Glen Rock, New Jersey

2009-07-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from the week of June 29th - July 3rd. We had an awesome group of incredibly talented people mainly from New Jersey helping us last week. We made so much progress and had a lot of fun too. We painted the outside of 908 7th St. SW. What do you think of the color? The windows on the main floor are now framed up to look like the old style of the rest of the house, I am totally in awe of the talent, I love the windows, they look great! Also, the entire back porch was gutted and replaced, a new door and window were installed in the porch and the metal soffit pieces under the roof on the front porch were replaced. Oh, they also installed laminate wood flooring, then we had a dance party on it! I hope to post a video of that soon, I am just so new at this whole blogging thing that it takes me a long time to figure out how to do things.

Pictured above, left to right, front to back are: Rich Briggs, Carver Diserens, Elizabeth Gulmy, Karla Diserens, Leigh Ricciardi, Heather Ricciardi, Karen Ricciardi, Matt Flaherty, Marty "Mongo" Moynihan, Peter Chadwick, Gary Montroy, Patrick "Patches" Hughes & Phil Vanderwerker.

I really enjoyed getting to know you all, please keep in touch. I think of you and miss you, thank you so much for all of your hard work. It means so much to us and we will never forget your kindness.

May God bless you, as He has us.

Laurie & Todd

Congratulations Graduates!

2009-07-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

We've been so busy I haven't had time to share picures of our two graduates. Our daughter Monica graduated from Air Force Basic Military Training on Friday, June, 12th in San Antonio, Texas at Lackland Air Force Base. Our son Trevor graduated from Prairie High School on Saturday, May 30th. We are so very proud of both of them!

2009-07-04T19:36:00.001-07:00

2009-07-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

These pictures are from the week of June 21st-27th. We had help from a Mission Camp group, they are from Wisconsin and Minnesota. We all worked so hard and it was really hot but as you can tell from the picture above we made a lot of progress. We got the whole outside of the house primed, the first level painted inside, made a lattice for under the porch, new sump pump installed, framed up the windows outside, met a lot of new friends & HAD A LOT OF FUN!

Pictured above, left to right, front to back are: Amber, Brittany, Jessi, Journee, Roger, Michael, Ben, Dave, Nancy and Lizzy.

Thank you all so much, I miss you!

Laurie

908 7th St. SW ~ Right after the flood ~ June 2008

2009-07-04T09:59:00.000-07:00

This picture shows all of the stuff that had to be thrown away because it was exposed to the flood water and ruined. So sad. There were piles like this in front of houses for blocks and blocks.

After the Flood of 08

2009-07-03T21:59:00.000-07:00

Well, hello. This is going to be my first attempt at starting a blog. I'm just kind of trying this out to see how it works. I wanted to post some pictures, so some of the people who have been helping us rebuild could see how the houses looked before and also see the progress being made.