Mertz Family

FIREPROOF

With all of our stresses lately (Dan out of work, broken car, deciding to pull the kids from a good day-care due to money issues) Dan & I needed a night out and a date so we went to the movie Fireproof. We didn't know anything about it but some friends recommended it. I'm so glad we decided to take their advice and go. It was a great movie! Dan & I left knowing that we will be able to get through anything because we are Fireproof! Go see it if you have the chance...take your honey too, even if they don't want to go! You'll thank me later.

Stupid Car

My VW Jetta is causing us much stress! You may remember that it broke down in March. Well 6 months and $1800 later we got it fixed and back. We literally had it 3 days and it died on me...leaving me stranded in a bad part of town with only a t-shirt on, flip-flops and wet hair (I was at my friend's house for a hair cut and color) at 10:45 at night and had to walk 6 blocks home in the freezing wind! I haven't been that angry in a long time! We were hoping it was the same issue and could be fixed with little money but it of course is something different estimated at over $2000. We really need to get rid of this vehicle or should I say LEMON so please keep this in your thoughts and prayers...we are getting sick of putting money in an unreliable car! Thankfully Dan's parents had an extra vehicle so we both have a car but I really want a nice family car. I've been a bit interested in the Mazda CX 9 but know it is only in my dreams until Dan is working full-time and we are back out of debt....some day right?

Bad News

Some of you may be aware that Dan was in the very long hiring process for Rapid City Police Department. After physical and mental testing, back ground checks and meeting with detectives (I even had to meet with one!) Dan was told NO on Friday. We pretty much had a lot of life things hinging on it such as me going part-time, daycare, new car purchase, etc. and we were pretty sure everything was cleared so we were really shaken by the news. It started with 87 applicants and he made it to the top 10, unfortunately due to budgeting they were only able to hire 6 and they had military backgrounds, master degrees, or previous law enforcement experience. So now, it's back to the drawing board for a new plan game plan. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I'm still a bit emotional about it but know Dan did his best and God will work everything out for us.

Where have we been?

I know it's been awhile and a few of you have been wondering about us. Well, we didn't drop of the planet. Here's what's been up: my work now blocks all blogs so I can't enter a quick one from work and I can't check some of yours out so I feel like I am completely out of the loop...then our laptop at home finally died and we just can't afford a new one now (after some unexpected car expenses) so that leaves me pretty out of touch with the world. I haven't been ignoring you, just not able to say hi.

Upcoming August Activities

We are excited that we have been asked to host 2 Japanese student's again the end of July/beginning of August. This time we requested girls and look forwarding to sharing our crazy American life with them. Hopefully they have as good of a time Michi and Alan had with us in March.

Dan & I will be in AZ August 16^th thru the 23^rd. I will be working in Scottsdale Tuesday thru Friday morning. It doesn't give us a lot of time but we are going to mix a little bit of business with pleasure.  We won't be bringing kids since it will be easier to catch up with everyone. So...AZ friends, let me know when we can catch up with you.  

Cookie Lee Party

Mandi is a Cookie Lee Jewelry Representative and I am hosting a party for her tomorrow night from 7-9. If you are in the area and can attend, please stop by. If you can't and would be interested in seeing a catalog and placing an order, let me know. It will still count towards by points so I can help Mandi with her small personal business and I can earn some fun stuff too!

10 Year Class Reunion

I can't believe it is already here! My 10 year class reunion from Sunshine Bible Academy is next weekend (July 25-28). I've been working really hard to plan a perfect weekend to reconnect with old classmates. I can't wait to see everyone, meet their families and just catch up on life. My best friend Mandi is here helping with some planning plus we are getting some fun in with the kids as well.

National Pole Vaulting in Poland

Out of the top 12 places of pole vaulters in the WORLD Leslie got 8th place. It's that AMAZING! We are so proud of her and can't wait to see her jump to new heights in the future. Someday we will be cheering her on in the Olympics...I'm sure of it! Way to go Les!

Hey!

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything lately so I'm going to take a few moments to fill you on a few things.

1) First off, good luck to Leslie (my neice) who will be representing the US in Poland on the 5th in pole vaulting. Leslie, you are so amazing and we are so proud of you. We will be cheering you on at 2:30am or at least we will be dreaming you set new records and win!

2) Mandi (my AZ friend) and her 2 kids Tabor & Annabelle arrived late last night to spend much of July with us. We are so excited to have this time with them and we have a fun and busy agenda ahead of us that includes a wedding, tourist traps, relaxing, and our class reunion.

3) Dan will miss out on the 4th of July fun since he is on the other side of the state. He tested today for the Sioux Falls County Sheriff dept and then is continuing down to Sioux City to spend the 4th with his family versus going to the carnival and Belle Fourche parade with us (which he did the last 2 years).

4) I've been super busy at work. I had a week trip to ND to help with training some new supervisors and will be traveling to AZ in August (why august I don't know!) for work. I'll soon be making some arrangements to see AZ friends while I'm there, so look out for that.

5) Gabby & Zac are well and really enjoying being at home versus day care. They both have nice tans and are enjoying the beautiful weather.

Well, that's about all I can think of to bring you up to date. I promise to get a better post out after my long weekend. In the meantime, have a wonderful Independence Day!

Gabby

I know many of you have been wondering and praying for Gabby's little legs & hips so I wanted to let you know that the 2nd specialist saw her and feels that at her age this is still a normal variency. If she becomes obese because she doesn't want to run around or seems to be in pain then we should be worried but at this time we can wait awhile since so many kids out grow it. If it doesn't go away by the time she is 3 then we should continue treatment. We are taking this as great news and going to stop worrying about it and stop bugging her with adjustments and treatments...she's got enough going on, like getting teeth!

Here is the link to the most recent Spring pictures of her. Hope you enjoy them...

Go to

http://www.smilesbywire.com and enter the following:

Customer Name: Jessica Mertz

Access Code: LTPP0592111272JCP