A Very Merry Belated Christmas

Well I'm still here.  (Just in case anyone was wondering.) Geoff, Roscoe and I had a great Christmas.  It was so jam packed with family and fun we're just now starting to feel "normal" again! Since we were gone for nearly 10 days, I'll save you all the wordy details.  

 

My Birthday; pit stop in St. Joe for Chick-Fil-A

 

Went to Silver Dollar City with Mom, Dad, Hannah, Uncle Kelly, Aunt Genie, John and Julia 

 We were there for 12 hours....

 Christmas at my Parent's house

 Christmas waffles at Geoff's Parent's house

Roscoe got the most presents.

 Uncle Stan reading the Christmas Story on Christmas morning.

 Danielle's wedding preparations.

 Christmas at Grammy and Grangrad's

 Geoff is such a stud.

 Practicing for the Big Day!

 Trying not to cry or freak out.

 Geoff was probably the most handsome, good lookin man there!

 I always love time with my Grammy and Grangrad

Geoff's Birthday at Josh and Nicole's house.

It was busy, and we were tired, but it was soooo worth it! I loved being with our family.  It's times like these that really make me wish we lived closer.  I just love being around for everything.  On the same note, we were glad to get back to our place, and Roscoe was really glad to have his poop corner back.  I hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas! 

Hippos Birdies

Hello probably all 10 people that read my blog! Most of you know that I'm still alive, but since I haven't blogged in like years (well years according to Roscoe's), err months I'm going to be catching you up in the next few days.  So here goes....

On December 21st, 2012 I, Holly Ann Karhoff, turned 25.  Gulp.  Normally I love Birthdays, and I stilled loved my Birthday, but 25 is really bothering me.  I'm 25...eeeww.  Now that I'm closer to 30 than 20 (mucho sad face) I've decided that its time to get some stuff done.  So, I've mad a list of 30 things I would like to do before I'm 30.  And I'm sure that this will make for interesting blogging.  I'm sharing this with you to help me be accountable and motivate me to accomplish these things.  Drum roll please! DDDDRRRRRRRR CHING!

Holly's 30 Before 30 in no particular order

1.Buy a brand new car!
2. Buy a house
3. Get my dream job, Elementary Music Teacher
4. Start a family.  A.K.A. have a baby
5. Climb a mountain
6. Run a 5K
7. Take adult dance lessons.....maybe tap? ballet? clog?
8. Go to Disney
9. See a Broadway show on Broadway
10. Have one more fun, no responsibilities college night
11. Get another Basset.  Roscoe really wants a sister
12. Go to the Today show
13. Be in a Community Theater Production
14. Start and finish the One Year Bible
15. Visit Grandma Barb in Florida
16. Take Geoff to a Michigan game in the Big House
17. Watch Gone With The Wind (How have I never seen this movie?)
18. Play Bingo at a Bingo Hall
19. Go on a mission trip
20. Learn to shoot a gun!
21. Go on a cruise (Alaska maybe?)
22. Be debt free
23. Get more involved in Women's ministry at church
24. Finish crocheting the blanket I've been working on for-ev-er
25.Go Brunette for a bit!
26. Go on an "all girls getaway"
27. Learn to honestly sew
28. Be better at printing and albuming pictures
29. Write more snail mail letters and send birthday cards out on time!
30. Read 12 books for fun in one year.

Geoff took me to Chick-Fil-A in St. Joe for my Birthday!

Merry Michigan Day

WARNING: This blog contains impressive football knowledge by me, Holly Karhoff.  You may be very, very, very, very impressed.

Well the day of all days finally came.  In Geoff's nearly 26 years of living and loving of everything U of M he finally got to see a Michigan football game in real life.  Granted, it was at the University of Nebraska's Memorial Stadium, but you take what you can get.  I think he barely slept at all the night before; it truly was like a kid before Christmas.  And I have to admit, I was kind of excited myself.  Since marrying him, I have become a big Michigan fan by default.  Who knew I would look so stunning in Maze and Blue?

We got all layered up and decked out to head out to the game.  Of course we wanted to take in the atmosphere of game day downtown and chose to eat at a new pizza place called Toppers.  I think what cracked me up the most was all the "WELCOME TO NEBRASKA!"s we received.  We finally got tired of explaining that we lived just 10 minutes away and started saying "THANKS!"  Plus it was fun to see other Michigan fans and exchange our "GO BLUE!"s. 

I, my self, was really super nervous for the game.  I wanted Michigan to beat Nebraska so badly.  We beat them last year, were ranked number 22 to an unranked Nebraska, and just the weekend before Michigan received its 900th win! So you would think the odds were in Michigan's favor.  Things were going good in the first quarter.  Although Michigan was close to scoring a TD several times, they all ended in field goals.  This was impressive since their kicker is an underclassman and is only capable of making field goals within 25 to 30 yards.  He pulled it off for us, many times!

Then, the unthinkable happened.  Denard Robinson got injured.  At first, we all thought it was just a minor injury and would be back in the game in the second half.  But after the half, he came out in a coat.  NOOOOOOOO DENARD!!!!  WHYYYYY!!!!!!!!???????!?!?!?!?!?!?  Turns out, messing up a nerve in your elbow is not so good if you are a quarter back.  Maybe if he would tie his shoelaces every once in a while you might not be so susceptible to tripping and leading to an injury.  Just sayin.....

The game went on with Nebraska  scoring a few TDs and ended in a 23-9 final score.  Michigan went for three consecutive games with out a TD.  Sad day for the Mighty Blue.   I think Geoff was ok with the outcome, considering the majority of Michigan's offense (Denard Robinson) was gone the majority of the game.  All in all, it was a pretty fantastic day despite the loss.  If was fun to get to cheer on our team in real life, AND I got free popcorn at the end of the game. 

Roscoe Rambling

I've come to the realization that there is not enough Roscoe on this blog.  I mean, after all, he is THE most important member of our family.  I look back to almost three years ago when Geoff and I became the three of us.  I had no idea how much this forever shedding, slobber king would worm his way into my heart.  I love knowing at the end of my very long days, I have him and Geoff waiting to cuddle with me.  All he has to do is look at me with those big, sad, dopy, brown eyes and I know I'm loved.  I honestly believe that I would not have survived our big move to Lincoln with out him.  He kept me company on those first lonely days and gave me a reason to fall in love with our Dyson.  He is our little buddy and loves to follow me around the house in whatever I am doing.  I love that it is getting colder which means he loves to cuddle longer at night and keep my feet warm!  I love this 67 pound guy.  And life without him? I don't ever want to think about it. 

Everythings Up to Date in Kansas City

A couple of weekends ago Geoff and I met my parents and the Pettits in Kansas City for the Pitt State vs. Northwest Missouri Fall Classic at Arrowhead.  This was my very first game as an alum and I was super stoked.  Last year, Geoff and I did not make it to one football game, even our big win last year at Arrowhead!! So I was really looking forward to a Pitt State win.  But alas, that was not to be in the cards.  I won't even mention what happened this past weekend at Homecoming.  (Gorillas!?!? WHAT is going on?  You play football....remember?) Despite the torrential rain, lighting and the major upset, it was a pretty great weekend in pretty great company.  I was excited to see some old friends and be around some Gorillas.  Nothing beats Pitt State football.  Nothing.

Sunday was spent doing some major retail therapy.  It was fun to get to do some shopping with my Mom and to get to joke around with my Dad.  I really miss them, and just doing everyday stuff with them.  I guess it just makes us treasure the time we do get to spend together.

Waiting in the car.....on the rain.

With my main Gorilla, Gus!

Chritta!!! SO HAPPY to see you!!!

Waiting on the rain.....Isn't that a song?

With my Momma!

I've missed this!

 On a different note, Christmas is like literally around the corner.  No really, SDC opens their Christmas season on November 3rd! AND I'm missing it for my Cousin Danielle's Bachelorette party. This just proves how much I love her! I seriously love this time of year.  I think this year, I am most looking forward to spending time with Family!! I miss them!!

Sickcation

Since about last Wednesday, Geoff and I have been on a little bit of a Sickcation. Geoff has been battling quite the toothache, but I guess that's what happens when you haven't been the dentist since high school.  He broke down on Wednesday and called to make a dentist appointment for Monday.  We ended up at the Doctors on Thursday morning with an emergency visit.  His face was so so so so swollen and he was in a lot of pain, and trust me, no one has ever experienced pain like Geoff Karhoff has experienced pain.  Unfortunately we were sent home with antibiotics and Vicodin to take care of a nasty infection that was hindering the Dentist from doing his job.  So we I was in store for a fun, fun weekend.  Luckily the meds took care of the infection and the pain until Monday morning when the tooth came out.  Geoff named his tooth Henry (pronounced the French way like "ahnrey") since it was being so ornery.  Today it was back to work for both of us since I got to partake in Sickcation on Thursday and Monday.  I was really thankful for this though because we got to spend some much needed time together.  I feel like I hardly get to see my Husband anymore, and we loved every moment we got to be together. 

Things learned during Sickcation: 
1. Geoff's insurance ROCKS
2. Vicodin only costs $2.30.  A-MAZ-ING
3. Geoff is super fun on Vicodin.  Super fun.
4. We both could get used to sitting around and doing nothing.  No wonder so many people live of the government.
5. Geoff does not like pictures taken of him whilst sick.  Hence no pictures of Geoff's chipmunk cheek.  :(
6. Tooth aches are no fun, so make sure you brush your teeth!

Do as the Huskers Do...

A couple of weekends ago, Geoff and I took one of his customers to the Nebraska vs. Arkansas State game.  Yes, we attended a Nebraska game, in Nebraska gear and cheered when Nebraska cheered.  Although we aren't the biggest Husker fans (Ok we're not Husker fans at all), it was still pretty fun.  I had never attended a Division I game before so this was a new experience for me.  I was slightly prepared for the madness since I was around it last year, but I just had no idea...no...idea.  Husker fans are weird/crazy.  And a little out of control.  I mean, who wears red and striped overalls with no shirts like its normal? Anyways.....Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure. 

Geoff was truly thrilled to be wearing his Husker shirt at a Husker game. 

BAND!!!

Kick it ladies!

View from our seats.

Don't you see us? I'll give you a hint, we're wearing red.

Free Popcorn!!

After the game we went out to for wings with Geoff's customer.  Which was super good!  I think we will go back to get wings again.  But once we got home, Geoff immediately put on his Michigan gear.  To quote, "I just feel more comfortable."

A Very Karhoff Labor Day

Last weekend, Labor Day weekend, the Karhoffs came to visit.  We were bummed that Doug and his family couldn't make it out but, it was nice to get to be with Kirk and Peggy "just us."  This so rarely happens and I loved every sweet moment with them.  It was a perfect weekend except I was fighting off severe allergies/cold and just had no energy, but I pushed through!

Grandma and Grandpa are here! Roscoe couldn't be more happy!!

Along with all the treats Grandma brought him, Dad bought Roscoe this HUGE bone at the Farmers Market.

Linoma Lighthouse.  Something to definitely go to next summer.  Swim beach, camping and a land locked light house. 

Antique hunting is never boring with the Karhoffs.

Hanging out at the dog park.

As usual, there was not enough time together, but we are looking forward to our next visit.  Roscoe already misses his Grandparents!

Its been a while...

I know I haven't posted in a long time, but to be honest there hasn't but much to post about.  The month of July was spent working at Sam's Club for me.  Geoff's job is really taking off!  He is starting to get clients of his own and making more sales.  I love to see how much he loves his job!   I don't mind listening to him talk about fixtures and bulbs everywhere I go, because it just shows how much he loves what he is doing!

This past weekend my parents came to visit!  It had been a really long time since we had a chance to spend some quality time with them!  Friday, we drove to Omaha and did some serious shopping at Charming Charlies and Cabellas.  We also stopped at Mahoney State park on our way back to Lincoln.  Geoff and I have had this park on our list of places to check out for quite a while.  This state park its huge and has tons to do! It has everything from horseback riding to put-put, mellow dramas to water parks, tent camping to condo stays and some really fascinating views of the Platt River.  Although we were just checking it out and driving through, we really enjoyed it! I'm definitely looking forward to doing some camping there this fall!  AND this winter if it ever snows, they have a pretty sweet sledding run and ice skating rink!

At the top of the observation tower at Mahoney State Park

Saturday was spent going to the Farmer's Market, taking Roscoe to the Dog Park and getting some UNL Dairy Store Ice Cream!! Dairy Store ice cream is about as close as I can get to Braums here.  I LOVE their pumpkin ice cream and cannot wait for fall to be here so I can enjoy it!  Sunday came and we went to church and ate ourselves silly at Dicky's BBQ (so good.  so, so good.) and unfortunately it was time for Mom and Dad to head home.  I miss being near them so much.  Really I just miss being close to my whole family, all of our friends, Chick-Fil-A, Braums, Silver Dollar City, trees, hills, the general hospitality of "the south." I guess you can say, I've been pretty homesick lately.  Oh well, Christmas will be here before we know it and I will get to go home for almost a week! 

Now its time to gear up for school to start.  Still no teaching job for me.  There weren't even jobs for me to apply to.  I know God has a plan, I just wish it involved a teaching job for me.  So another year awaits filled with cutting lamin, pouring ketchup, recess duties and babysitting students...yay.

I Bought A Piano!

Geoff is forever dragging me to auctions and this past one was no exception.  This time I had company, mom and dad were in town and they were along for the ride with me as well.  Lincoln Public Schools holds their auctions twice a year.  When we went in the fall, I really enjoyed myself.  It goes by pretty fast and there are lots of items that I am interested in actually bidding on.  For this auction, the preview mentioned Musical Instruments: tuba, violin, trombone and piano.  This definitely caught my eye!

Once I discovered the Piano at the auction, I was immediately interested.  I was surprised at how good of condition it was in; of course it was in need of a good tune and some TLC.  I wanted it!  We stuck around to see how much the piano was actually going to go for.  The auctioneer started the bids at $100.  You could hear a pin drop.  The 20 or so people standing around probably had the same idea we did.  Finally someone bid $10.  Geoff kept looking at me with "Do you want me to bid?" eyes and I kept looking at him with "I really want it" eyes, so Geoff jumped in with $12.50! No more did Geoff bid that the auctioneer was saying, "Going going gone! For $12.50!" 

At first I was thrilled!  Woo hoo!  I bought a Piano!! But shortly after, my thoughts soon turned to where in the heck are we going to put this thing? How are we going to move it? (we own a Blazer and a Grand Am, my parents were here in the "Flea" aka Hyundai Accent)  I have never felt buyers remorse quite like this one.  I was literally sick to my stomach!  Here I was so excited to actually win a bid that I really wanted and it just wasn't going to work out. Plus I already own a piano! It just isn't here in Lincoln with me.  We are going to move it from my parents house until we are in a more permanent place. 

Luckily Geoff's boss, Bryce, was also at the auction with his truck.  The funny thing is that he was the one who bid $10.  We out bid him! So he volunteered to take the piano and store it in his garage.  We decided to put the piano up on Craig's list and try and make a profit and split it between us and Bryce.  (Like it will be hard! We ended up paying $13 and change with taxes put in.)  

Buying this piano also allowed me to bless a family in an unexpected way.  After we won the bid, this lady approached me almost in tears.  She asked if I had bought the piano and I said, "Yes, do you want it? You can have it!"  All she wanted was the tuning tag.  It belonged to her father who was a piano tuner.  Helping make this family's day really helped my buyers remorse.

$12.50 ended up buying us a piano that nobody wants. (Its currently August 6 and no one has been interested.  We have even offered to donate it for free to several places.  But $12.50 did buy me quite the story! 

The moral of the story, remember to spay and nuder your pianos to keep homeless pianos off the street.  

My Friday Five

1.  My parents came for a visit last weekend and we had a GREAT time!! I love getting to spend time with them.  We stayed super busy going to the Farmers Market, LPS Auction, shopping, Cold Stone, and grilling out on Father's Day. 

2. I bought a Piano at the LPS Auction.  This requires a blog post all on its on.  Be on the look out for that one early next week!

Me and my $12.50 Piano.  I love it!  Too bad we couldn't keep it.

3.  We celebrated our One Year Anniversary on Monday!  Geoff surprised me with having a local bakery remake our cake topper.  It was delicious!  And he got me beautiful flowers from the Farmer's Market.  We ended up staying in because we were both so tired from our busy weekend, but it was perfect!  We did go to Olive Garden last night compliments of Grammy and Grangrad and ate our selves silly. (Thank you!!!)

My flowers and our cake!

4.  We bought season two of The Walking Dead on Amazon Prime and this has pretty much consumed our evenings (hence staying home on our anniversary! haha) Although it scares the living begeesus out of me, I'm sucked in! 

 

5.  We are off to Kansas City this afternoon for the CED Prom!  I'm excited to get dressed up and have a fun evening compliments of CED.  Plus we get to spend time with Kirk and Peggy! I finished packing us up this morning now to drop off Roscoe at our friend's house and head that way.  (Side bonus: We get to stop at Chick-Fil-Et in St. Joe!!! Wooo Hooo!)