Just Call me Roonil Wazlib

Some of you know how much Cory and I love Harry Potter. Part of the reason we became friends is because we discovered our common love for Harry Potter. When we were dating I gave Cory the boxed set of all seven books for Valentine's day (got them from the book order at school). He is one of the only people who not only doesn't make fun of me for rereading them annually but usually tries to do the same. I finished the sixth Harry Potter (thus the title) and I started the seventh. The big question is...does Harry die?

Also, I finally finished decorating (mostly) the guest room! I have spent the fast few days sewing up a storm and I have to say; I'm really quite proud of myself. Please admire my handiwork.

I started by making these curtains. We already had the brown ones, but I wanted to jazz this space up with some color. The sewing isn't perfect...but I put on grommets! That's legit.

Despite my mom's excellent packing of our moving van, a few things were damaged in the move. Some losses were pretty normal (i.e. el cheapo bookshelves falling to bits), but one of my pillow shams got a funky orange tattoo on it. It was packed next to one of our orange couch pillows and decided to leech some of the color. Eh, it wasn't that great looking anyway! So I made these cute tie pillows, added flowers to my remaining beige shams, and made matching pillowcases. They're so snazzy.

I also made this mod podge clock from a cheap clock at IKEA. Hot glued on some coordinating rosettes and...beautimous!

I attempted to take some pictures of the whole room with my prehistoric camera. I usually try and use Cory's camera (which is a little better than mine) but I couldn't find the charger. When your camera still takes batteries, you probably need to upgrade.

There are a couple wall spots that I would like to find something for, we need a dust ruffle that's actually made for a double bed (this one fits a queen), and we need a less green trash can. But, I love the old typewriter I snagged at an antique mall.  Oh, and don't forget my beautiful sewing machine. When I told my mom that I made some projects for my guest room she was thoroughly shocked that I could sew. Mom, I remember making camp shorts and all of those trace the pattern things with you! Plus, let's not forget the teddy bear and coordinating camping tent Christine and I made in our sewing class.

In other news, the master bedroom is the next project because it is seriously a pitiful place. Cory and I are also very excited because we finally found a good sushi place. We love sushi. When we lived in Utah we would go to this gem in Provo with our friend Jeff pretty often that was all you can eat and delicious. Well, there was another one that we decided to boycott after they sat us at our booth and then came up 10 minutes later and said, "You know, you should probably leave, we decided we're not going to serve you." They had decided to close even though we saw people eating at the next table over. Since arriving in Texas we have gone to a place in Austin and a place in Fort Worth. Neither were very impressive and were more trendy than tasty. But, we went to a knockout place that delivered some of the most beautiful and delicious sushi we've had in ages. We were impressed so much that we gave them a 30% tip.

Cory and I also got callings in our new ward. Cory is an Elder's quorum teacher. That means that he teaches about a lesson a month to the men's Sunday school class. I got called to be the Laurel's advisor in the Young Women. So, I get to teach the 16-18 year old girls every Sunday. It's one of my dream callings because I really looked up to my Laurel advisors.

Things have been busy with Cory working as much as ever (those kids wear him out!). I've also gotten to jet back and forth between Fort Worth and Austin a few times. I keep reminding Cory that he knew these ATX jaunts would happen when he stole me away from there :) I do quite like Fort Worth (mostly because I am within 5 minutes of almost any store that I need which is pretty much opposite of Saratoga Springs). Still, I love me some Austin! Last time, I got to see Angie and our whole family was together (minus the sons in law).

Our living room is almost complete; it just needs new curtains and some more pictures. Our complex replaced our fridge/freezer because apparently they agreed that it isn't normal for your popsicles to be juice and your frozen chicken to be very much thawed. It cost some money with the lost food (the most depressing of which was our cookies 'n' cream Blue Bell--that stuff is expensive!). The replacement is only marginally better, but we'll take it. I am still couponing and loving it. Last week I made $1.50 buying cleaning supplies. It's really fun. But, still nerdy.

We've Still Got It & a Couch

In case you were wondering, Cory and I lead a very romantic and exciting life. We went on a date last night couch shopping. And we still had a great time. I went and "scouted" out the Labor Day sales and brought Cory in on Saturday evening to show him my short list. According to Cory, being excited about my successes in couch scouting is nerdy. He tested each one for comfort and on whether the fabric was "Scout-proof" (our cat isn't de-clawed).

Don't get excited, our budget hasn't quite graduated to fine Italian leather with double hand stitching. Although , they did have a nice leather sectional we thought about getting.

Still, we ended up going with the microfiber because it was comfortable, soft, and better with the cat.

We went to a little Indian place after and then got "When in Rome" from RedBox (haven't reactivated the Netflix). We both thought it was silly but funny enough. Since our couch won't arrive for two weeks, we pulled down the foam mattress topper from our bed and watched it from the living room floor. Yes, we camped out in the living room and slept there too. It was a fun sleepover party. We had a lot of fun just hanging out; which is something we haven't gotten to do much of lately.

Cory is off at football practice (had to be there at 1:00 today. He'll probably get back at 5 or 6?) and I get to grade papers for the busy guy. Don't feel too bad, I'll probably read Harry Potter and work on my coupons too. I've decided if I save more money on food, I get to save more money in the bank. But, we'll see how it goes.

Moving In

Moving into our new place has been a bit of a process. First, Cory's parents brought up a small load of boxes and a rocking chair. Then, Cory came down and surprised me with a weekend visit (we had been apart for 2.5 weeks with only a day here and there).

We picked up some stuff white trash style from the storage unit and he took up a load with him.

With my summer landscape work complete, it was time for me to begin moving all of our stuff. One teensy little hangup was that Cory accidentally took the key to the storage unit to Fort Worth, and I was in...Austin. He mailed it to me, but, I decided I didn't really feel like waiting two days for it. So, we got the lock cut and replaced it with an extra one my sister, Tara, had.

Then, Tara came up with me with her Mazda CX-9 loaded up. Meanwhile I drove my parent's truck loaded with a mattress that we scored when my parents upgraded, our kitchen table, and boxes. Since my parents were in Boston for Mackenzie's first day of junior year (what??), I went back to take her first day of school pic (she's a big deal, okay?). Actually, I really came back to trade the truck for my car and come back again with a load.

Finally, we brought the bulk of our furniture and the remaining boxes up the last weekend in August. Since Cory doesn't get weekends off, I was really glad my parents could help us move the rest of our stuff up. We loaded up my parents truck, a 12x8 trailer, and my Mazda 3. They didn't get back home until 3am! That's love for you :)

I've spent the past few days getting unpacked, organized, and settled. We finally got our internet, and we were able to cancel our DirecTV contract without a $400 early cancellation fee! I was so pumped! My parent's washer died at the end of August, so they replaced their washer and dryer. This means that we got their old dryer! I found a used washer on Craigslist. We had to replace the hoses for both units, but we still got a washer and dryer for about $180. Nice!

I'll post pictures of the place once I've decorated. We still need to get a couch and some bookshelves.  I've still been applying for jobs right and left, and even interviewed for one, but I'm remaining hopeful that something will work out. Cory is really enjoying his work; although he works between 70-80 hours a week (unofficial Delaney calculations). I went and ate lunch with him and sat in on one of his classes today. The school he is at is no joke when it comes to discipline and discipline problems. But, he really wanted to work in a lower income school. He'll be great at it.

So far, I've played the devoted wife and attended Panther Night. Cory got hazed. Just kidding. But, they did make him do the dunk tank because he's the rookie.  Poor guy didn't bring another set of underwear so he had to go commando during all of the boring sports introductions on the field. Our friend Jeff sat with me and we both decided it was probably one of the most boring things ever. But, we got sushi after (my favorite).

 Here is Cory on his first day. He wears his coaching stuff to school for practice and changes there.  What a handsome guy!

I've also gone to two football games and we have another varsity game tonight. Some of you know that despite numerous efforts, I cannot understand football. It truly is embarrassing, but a true fact. So, yes, I did try and watch the game...and there were some good runs and we kept hitting the other team so hard they kept getting injured. But, okay, I did read Harry Potter for the last couple minutes. I'm rereading the series (annual occurrence, lame I know) and I'm on book 5. It's my least favorite, so I'll be glad to be on 6. The end devastates me every time.

Scout (our cat) has adjusted well to the move and has mastered being lazy (but still absolutely adorable). He has taken to sleeping in the guest bathroom sink.


In other news, I'm trying to get into couponing (any tips?) and I also ordered this beauty. I am SO excited. I want to make curtains for our house and for Cory's class. I also want to do our bathroom and bedroom stuff. I'll post them when I'm finished!

Overall, life is good, even if I can't seem to get a darn job. We both know that Cory's job is a great match for him and a really lucky opportunity (what entry level coach gets to be on the varsity football staff at a 5A school?). Date night has been officially moved to Saturdays, since Cory works late every night except Wednesdays. I am a football coach's wife. And I like it well enough :)