Our New Home.

After many months of planning, preparing and praying, we are finally in our new home here in Willmar. And it feels good. 

We were so thankful to be able to close on our house on Monday, June 23rd as we had originally planned. If you have ever purchased a house, you know the process and the closing can always take longer than expected because of some unexpected something that comes up at an unexpected, and typically, inconvenient time! We were told it's never a done deal until you have the keys in hand... and those were wise words to remember in the home buying process. God was definitely wanting us to grow in trust and patience during this process! 

All that to say, we were thankful for a full week to paint and move prior to Jimmy starting his new job on July 1st. With me being 7 months pregnant, I was not much of a help in the painting or moving process!  Thus, I was extremely grateful that Jimmy had extra painting help from my mom, my youngest brother and from our church family. They were able to get the living room, kitchen and bathroom done prior to us moving in. The other rooms will get painted along the way! :) 

The following weekend, we made the two and a half hour move from North Branch to Willmar. We had Kost youth guys help us pack on the North Branch end and then we had a crew of Willmar youth guys on this end to help us unpack. This made for a wonderful and smooth move! Thank you to all who helped us in this process! 

So the last few weeks have been spent unpacking boxes, organizing cupboards, screwing in curtain rods, hanging curtains, installing new home items (such as the mailbox, water filter, dryer, dishwater, etc.), and attempting to make our new house feel like home!  It's a process...especially with a one and half year old running around... but we both have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are so grateful for our new (earthly) home. 

Auditioning for Wheel of Fortune!

You may have already caught wind via Facebook of Jimmy's "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to audition for our favorite game show- Wheel of Fortune! Three words: OH SO FUN!

When we heard the "Wheel-mobile" was coming to Hinckley, a town just north of us, it was a simple convincing to get Jimmy to commit to going. We made it a double date with good friends of ours who also are Wheel-lovers. Thanks to Caleb and Melissa for joining in on our ridiculous fun!

How it worked: 

There were three "shows", each an hour long, and you could apply for each one if there were enough applications available for that specific show. We had arrived late and were not able to be a part of the first show so we filled the time by filling our bellies at the Hinckley buffet... and were reminded why we very rarely eat at buffets. :)

Along with hundreds of other people, we got in line for the second show and found a seat in the large auditorium.  After you fill out a simple application, it gets put in a big drum and then they randomly draw five names out at a time to be brought up on stage for an audition. Within a one hour show, I would guess there were probably about 30-40 names that would get called to stage for an audition.  An audition would include a quick interview to get to know you and then you would participate in one "fast-round" puzzle. Like they do on the TV show when time is running out, the fast-round puzzle is when the contestants call out one letter and then have three seconds to solve. If they aren't able to solve, it goes on to the next contestant until someone solves the puzzle.

How it happened: 

We were all full of excitement but realized our odds of getting called up to stage were very, very slim.   However, within the first few rounds, Jimmy's name was called! What a shock! What an excitement! He ran to stage full of enthusiasm as I screamed, "that's my husband!" We were so pumped to say the least.

Jimmy was the first in his group to give his interview. The point of the interview was to see if you are a fun, energetic person.  I know I am biased as his wife, but he did an awesome job and used his wittiness to get the crowd engaged!  You can see the clip at this link.

After the interviews took place, the fast-round puzzle began. The category was "place".  As the contestants called letters, the puzzle began to take shape. At that point I believe the puzzle looked something like: "The  _ ns_ _e   l _ ne." The gentleman before Jimmy called "I" and we all thought he would definitely solve because most of the entire puzzle was then filled in. However, the buzzer buzzed and it was Jimmy's turn. He called "D" and yelled out "The Inside Lane"! He solved the puzzle! It was quite a bit more exciting then we solve puzzles at home in front of the TV. :)

For getting called up on stage, Jimmy won a "Wheel of Fortune" hat, shirt, water bottle and mini pack... And even better, a free night's stay at the hotel plus $100 gift certificate to the spa! That in itself was worth it in my opinion! :)

What's next: 

Even though Jimmy solved the puzzle and had a great interview, there is no guarantee that he'll get a call back letter. If he would get a call-back letter, we would find out sometime in the next four months. At that point, he would have a second audition at the regional try-outs in Minneapolis.  Regardless of what happens, we had a ton of fun and are thankful for the "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity! It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with some good friends!

Packing, Playing and Photography

What's keeping us busy these days:

Packing. With only 6 weeks to go until our hopeful move date, the packing has gotten under way! I'm not one that can just throw things in a box and call it good.  I feel the need to organize, sort, get rid of, throw out and clean as I pack. Thus, this process may take me longer than the normal human being.

Playing.  Lots of this is happening these days with the spring weather finally here. Charlie loves... I should say "adores" the outside. From playing basketball on his Little Tykes hoop to riding his Red Rider "tractor" to exploring the backyard, he is thoroughly entertained by the outdoors.

Photography. We have been humbly blessed by those who have approached us to take their photos. From seniors to engaged couples to families, we have loved getting the opportunity to capture each in their own season of life! It's been a great little hobby and business that Jimmy and I can do together. You can find us on Facebook at Growing Images Photography.

Pregnancy. We are at the 23 week mark and are so thankful to be past the first trimester! My energy came back plenty in time to start the packing process. God's timing is good.

Preparing. Along with the packing of our physical items, we have also been preparing for the move in many of other ways. Jimmy has been filling out countless forms and paperwork for the home buying process. I have been in search for a new midwife in the area. And together, we have begun the paint selecting process for our new home (definitely one of my favorite as well as one of our most challenging part of this process)!

Praying. Prayer after prayer has been prayed in regard to this moving process.  And God continues to show us in His timing His plan for our family and our ministry.  We are so thankful for His continual provision and faithfulness in our lives despite our times of doubt! We do ask for continual prayer as we transition into a new town, a new church, a new job, a new home and a new baby!

Another Announcement from the Buehlers!

If you have not yet caught wind of the news, we will be moving to Willmar, Minnesota come July! Jimmy has accepted a position as the youth pastor at the Evangelical Free Church of Willmar.

Despite having to say goodbye to our big garden and our dear friends here, we are looking forward to the new adventure.  This adventure will bring many new things for our family. A new job for Jimmy. A new midwife, Lordwilling, for me. A new bedroom for Charlie. A new church and home for our family. And let's not forget the new addition that will join our family come September!

To sum it up, many transitions are soon to be had by the Buehler bunch! More to come on the move as we get closer!

Second trimester here we come!

16 Weeks

I've been eagerly awaiting this week. Why? Because it marks week 16 and in my first pregnancy, this is about when the "morning" sickness subsided. I say "morning" because truly it should be called "all day, everyday, anytime of the day" sickness.

And although I still feel nauseous in the evening as well as when I get too hungry, I'm thankful the "all day, everyday, anytime of the day" sickness is not near as common. It's nice to begin to feel a bit normal again.

Since this my second time around, I've learned some hints that help me get through the first trimester. I understand every women and every pregnancy is different but here are a few things that have helped me:

1.  Getting a nap whenever I can as well as going to bed at a reasonable hour.  However, I must admit there were a few nights where I went to bed as early as 8 PM because I was just that tired. Who knew it took so much energy to create a little human being in your belly!

2.  Making sure I never get too hungry.  Yes, it seems backwards but when I would go too long without eating, I would end up throwing up.  So fruit and nuts are often to be found in my purse whenever I am out and about.

3.  Eating eggs every morning. For three months straight, I have had eggs in some shape or form every morning.  Having that protein right away in the morning makes such a difference!

4.  Lowering my own expectations for the home. Being sick and exhausted aren't ingredients that contribute to a tidy home.   Getting some laundry done and a meal made are big successes for me in the first trimester! And I must say, I am beyond thankful for a husband who willingly helps out with the cooking and cleaning to keep us moving along.

5. Getting adjusted regularly.  With my body now shifting again, getting adjusted by my chiropractor keeps me in alignment and keeps the aches away.

6.  Constantly reminding myself of God's grace and goodness.  It is easy for me to get discouraged and down after months of being sick and tired, however, I am beyond grateful that God has blessed us with another little baby. What a grace and every moment of sickness is so worth it!

An Announcement from the Buehler Home...

We are excited to announce Baby Buehler #2 is on his or her way! 

Estimated expected arrival date is September 12th. 

So Baby #2 is at week 12 of life in the womb!

An update from the first 12 weeks:

Although we are absolutely thrilled to welcome a new baby into our family, the first months of pregnancy are hard for me. Now there are some remarkable women who love every moment of being pregnant and I admire those women....however, that's just not me!

Like my pregnancy with Charlie, exhaustion and nausea are my main hobbies these days. Unlike my first pregnancy where I found myself throwing up multiple times a day, there has been multiple days in this pregnancy where I have made it the full day without running to the toilet! That I am thankful for.

One week ago, I hit a low point. I was awful sick and quite down. I was sick of being tired and tired of being sick. And quite frankly, I had a terrible attitude. I definitely needed a come to Jesus moment.

I had sent my husband a text saying, "I'm so done." He then arrived home to a crying son and a defeated wife. Knowing I needed time to myself, he took Charlie out while I threw up, cried, slept and processed with the Lord.

I just wanted so badly for God to take away my nausea and to give me energy... However, God reminded me He wants me to see Him in these moments of trial rather than wishing them away. He wants me to lean and depend on Him when I am weak and frail... And to acknowledge Him in all things despite my circumstances.  He sees this as good for me... and He is withholding no good thing from me. (Psalm 84:11)

So all that to say that through this, I have become more grateful for our good, gracious God, my loving, serving husband, my fun, little boy and our new bundle of joy on his or her way! 

It's Saturday!

Saturday mornings are some of my favorite times... especially when all three of us are home and we have no where to go. And with the recent snowfall, it doesn't look like we'll be going anywhere too far too soon!

Most Saturdays we attempt to sleep in... which means we sleep as late as Charlie allows us. Thus, it's really not much of a sleep-in at all. Needless to say, it is nice not to have any alarms set.

We start the morning by singing, "It's Saturday... It's Saturday...It's Saturday!" It's not a specific song, it's just a little family jingle!

We have decided to make it a tradition to make a big morning breakfast on Saturdays...  Or just make something fun for breakfast. This morning it was blueberry oatmeal pancakes... yum!

After cleaning up breakfast, we typically head to the living room for play time. Jimmy and I enjoy just sitting and watching Charlie play as we chat, read or watch cartoons together. Jimmy savors his cup of coffee while I typically just sip my juice!

It's just nice to have a morning as a family where we can all relax and enjoy one another. So I'm thankful for these Saturday mornings we get together!