YES! We have another exchange student.

Just got word that Emilia has been approved by the school for admittance! We were told it will take a few days to get the paperwork completed in the office - and then they will send us contact information. Super excited one again - we ca not wait to find out when she will be arriving. :)

First Meeting

Just had our first meeting with the new representative for the exchange student. (Our previous rep. has sadly passed away) Things went smoothly and now we are just awaiting confirmaition from the school that they will accept the student we have chosen.

Two Week Notice

Finally caved and put in my two weeks notice at the bank. Interviews for positions with the school district, and an offer to work for Xbox has rolled around as well - not sure I'm "gamer enough" to take a job with them though. Things are definitely in the works if I decided to go that route. Guess I'll find out soon enough - going to see how things pan out at the school.

From South America..

to Europe...

We are pretty sure our next exchange student will be coming from Sweden. The representative just has to verify our hold is still active, and that someone didn't snatch her if the hold did expire....

Does it sound silly to place "holds" on people? LOL! I'll post more information that we have received about her once all is confirmed.

Brazil is Booked!

Ran into a snag with booking Chris's portion of Brazil trip. I'm already flying there by myself, and we really wanted to fly back together...buuuuuuuut....the flight we wanted coming home only had room for one of us. And since there is only one flight out a day on the cheap airline we just moved our trip forward one day. We are soooo looking forward to spending time with Bela and enjoying Brazil.

Reunion Videos

As Promised - I managed to get a few of them loaded today....check them out - some are posted below, one is posted to facebook - but you can find them all in one spot on the YouTube Channel. More to come this weekend, but for now - Enjoy what you got.

Reunion linclogs

Reunion-Chris Waterballoons

Reunion-"Jeep Ride"

Chemistry!

Got an 'A'! Giving myself a super pat-on-the-back for that one. Don't know how I managed to squeeze by with that one.

Family Reunion

Apparently my dates were a little off - The trip to PA for Chris was LAST Tuesday - not today...and I managed to squeeze outta work on Friday to be able to attend. I flew in to Laguardia, and since Brent and Amanda were so close - they graciously agreed to pick me up Thursday night and take me back to PA with them for the reunion.

In true Lara Fashion I left my camera on the passenger seat in my car - but did manage to pack the video camera - so videos will be posted on YouTube tonight or tomorrow.

Chris and I had a real great time at the reunion. I am soooo glad that I was able to make it out there.

First, I got to fly - I love flying and traveling. Just something about it. Second, I got to spend the night in Harlem. Third, We got to love on Makenna all weekend. Fourth, we got to hang out with the family. Fifth, We got to meet relatives for the first time and catch up with others. It has been way too long for Chris. Sixth, We got great food. Seventh, We got see the waterfall. Eighth, I got to paddle around the pond with Momma West. Ninth....okay you get the point...WE HAD FUN! Videos will tell it all.

Back to the daily grind ::::Chris has already hoped on a plane for work and should be back tonight. =)

GAGA

I was hoping to get pictures of the Lady Gaga concert here real quick, but since they are on Casi's camera and it takes her longer to load things then it does me - I'll just post some other people's stuff from the concert.


Thursday I drove to Gary to take my test in the morning instead of waiting till my afternoon class, and Chris came home early from work so we could get on the road. We drove to Indianapolis and met Mom, Casi, Shane, Austin and Devon at Roadhouse for dinner. Chris drove Casi and I to the concert and everyone else went to swim at the waterpark hotel.

The concert was absolutely amazing and I'm so glad I got to share it with my sister Casi! (Thanks for the tickets Dad!) We were in the 11th row of section 13 - it was freaking awesome!

Whoaaa...

Today was our slow-down-and-do-nothing-day and it felt GRRRREAT!

We woke up late (7:45) - Chris started the day's meal in the crock-pot (roast) - I finished all of the disks of our 2007 vacation to Florida and started putting together the West Reunion from last year - We went to watch The Last Airbender (awesome!) - came home, ate on the patio - Watched Eagle Eye (a Redbox purchase) - I worked on the video some more, Chris played with the alarm system - and now he is looking stuff up for the alarm, while I am going to study for my Praxis test on Saturday.

We have had a few busy weekends however - for the 4th Mom flew into Chicago and Brent, Amanda, Makenna, Chris and I all went to pick her up. We stopped by Navy Pier and all took a speed boat ride followed by the Ferris Wheel. Dad showed up later. I had to work Saturday morning - we bought fireworks - Cathy and I went to see Eclipse.

Monday after they all left - Chris and I took Makenna to Indiana Beach where we met up with my parents, Casi and her family and Rachel and Ashley. We kinda-sorta lost track of time and everyone got home much later than planned...but...it was fun.

Last weekend we went Danville for the Danville Dans Game with Rachel, Ashley, Dustin and Kristina. Dinner was great at Jocko's with Mom, Dad and Grandma. Sunday we had lunch there and then came home for the Michigan City Fireworks that night.

This weekend The Steffen Family stopped by and stayed Friday night. Chris worked with Mitch in Fort Wayne. Saturday I worked (of course) and then Chris and I joined them at the beach in Chesterton. After that, we all met in New Buffalo for dinner at The Stray Dog and enjoyed walking the tourist stores there.

NOW - it is time for me to STUDY!

Summer Class & Brazil

So...This summer class is kicking my boootaaaaay! Up till midnight, 1 am every night doing equations, balancing a hundred formulas really stinks - but surprisingly - I'm enjoying it at the same time. I bet I would have really like Chemistry if I would have taken it as a regular semester instead of a hybrid - then I could have really enjoyed it and learned it.

My instructor is awesome because he really wants us to understand it, so he lets us make notes for the quiz and he gives us a study guide to use during the quiz. It kinda goes with how I feel about this type of thing - the more you make me write it - the better I'm gonna learn it.

As for Brazil, if you're wondering - Since we are selling the JetSki - Chris and I have decided to use part of the money to get me to Brazil so we can take advantage of his free airfare there for work. He is going to extend his week long trip by a few days. I will fly there at the end of the week and we will stay with Bela and her family for a few day - wish it could be a longer trip, but what can you do?

Summer (45 photos), by Lara West

I'd like to share my Walmart Digital Photo Center photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

New Furniture!

Our new furniture arrived last week, and we L-O-V-E it! It is called Confetti - Cinnamon. It is so pretty and comfortable! We also bought a new dinning room table since the old wood one from Grandpa West was having a hard time, but still will be used in some fashion once we get things settled. It is a high marble top.

Yay, Casi is blogging!

I am super stoked that my sister Casi is now blogging! Nothing is better than being able to keep up with all the special people in our lives that live so far away! Check out her blog to see what she has to say! Yay!

No More Storms

Ahhh.... I'm so tired of cleaning the yard of storm debris. This last storm broke off a nice branch from the tree in the backyard....but seeing as many people had full trees up-rooted and laying on their beds, I'm not going to complain about that. Chris got to buy a new Chain Saw and Pole Saw - you know he is happy!

Moving Right Along

We've been working on the house every weekend...that's right - EVERY WEEKEND.

Chris has replaced a few broken Sprinkler heads.

Dad stopped by with a delivery here in Michigan City. Naurally, we put him to work. He mowed the yard, cleaned the gutters, and moved heavy things down to the basement. We REALLY appreciate all his hard work.

We also found this girl running around the backyard...

Apparently she is one hot mama, baby came out of hiding too.

Rotation near my friend and boss's house!

This is right above my friends house, and is very close to my boss's house across town.

Oh, I almost forgot -

Chris wanted me to post that last week he was in Ohio for work and after a wonderful roast dinner with a co-worker - he scooted on over to North Canton to visit with Isabela one last time before she went home to Brazil since he was so close. They decided to catch the midnight showing of Toy Story 3. Normally Chris is not a fan of 3d, but he really enjoyed it - thought it was pretty good, but loved getting to spend some more time with Isabela the most. Now he is planning a trip to Brazil for work.

Reading List

I have been reading as planned this past month. I finished "The Host," by Stephenie Meyer. It started slow, but after about chapter nine when I was ready to give-up on it, it really got good. I couldn't put it down.

After that I started "Cell," by Stephen King - but then I came across I, Alex Cross which I have been wanting to rent for sometime now. So...Cell has been put on hold while I read that.

I am almost finished with I, Alex Cross and I will read "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner," by Stephenie Meyer...yes, it is a spin from the Twilight Series - but Kelly at work says it is really good.

It's 'bout time!

I'm finally feeling well enough to make a post or two.... I apologize, but I just haven't felt like posting given all the unpacking, work, school work and last weekend's terrible toothache pain. But today...I'm feeling a little more calm, like things are finally getting organized.

We're still waiting on the furniture to arrive. It should be here next Thursday, so I will post pictures next weekend when we get it in and get it all arranged. I might post a few pictures before that, who knows.

I got my hair cut shortly before we moved. It took me awhile, but I really like it. I'm going to have the back shaped just a little shorter when I got back for a trim.

The Indy500 was amazing - HOT as all get out! But still a great time. I'm so proud that Rachel and Austin did so good. I was miserable with all the heat, and yet they didn't complain or anything about the long exhausting day - they stuck it out like pros when I wanted to throw the towel in...in fact - I did! lol, while walking to our place to set-up camp I stopped and waited for them to drop off the coolers in the wagon and came back for me. (In my defense - I was carrying three chairs...)

Most importantly is that we are enjoying being homeowners once again, and things are moving right along.

New Camera

I don't have one yet, BUT...we are definitely in the market now that ours seems to be totally dead. I guess it is possible that every loose battery in that drawer is all juiced-out. But I'm thinking a new, cheap one is not too far off into the distance. So no photos from us until that happens - hopefully this weekend.

School book Rental!

Who knew!?! So Amanda mentioned she rented her text books, so I went "hmmm..." and while the college does not offer textbook rental like hers does, I found a pretty decent site that does. Chegg. I could buy the book and lab manual at the bookstore for $210 - both very used...OR...I could rent them BOTH - from Chegg for the quarter for $111.00. Now I'm no rocket scientist here, but...I'm thinking I am not going to be able to sell them books back for anywhere close to $99 to make up the difference. So, I rented them and they are on their way.

Also, I ended up not selling the previous semesters books back at the bookstore (I kinda knew I wouldn't be) because I sold them back the online site Textbooks 'R' Us like I have every other semester. The college was going to give me $102 for all of them, this site bought them for $188. (yeah, that might be why I don't buy anything from them! lol) Actually it was slightly more, but they do take out a few bucks for shipping. But I like that they deposit directly into my pay pal account the day after they receive them. Sweeet.

Reading List

I guess it should come as no surprise that I am slacking in the reading department, and I can only assume that I am only going to get further behind. I had to read several books for my Children's Literature class, sooo...I decided to add them the books read list. =) (Hey, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is still exciting, and Anne of Green Gables is rather lengthy.)

...Not to mention that I have been working 32-37 hours a week with my classes last semester. I was on the verge of a complete breakdown. Kudos to Chris for surviving it!

Right now I am reading "The Host," by Stephenie Meyer - which I need to finish before the summer session starts. Because not only will I have the summer session starting, but I will also have the big conversion to PNC going on at work that same week. I'm sure work is going to be a complete madhouse for at least a week, maybe even two...hopefully not much longer than that.

I am in training today and tomorrow. boo.... that means it is almost here. I guess all that is left now is simply getting it over with.

Break Time

Semester is finally over. 4.0 GPA remains intact. All I need to do now is make a trip to the book store, sell my books back, and buy my summer course book.

Official grades are:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Children's Literature: 97% - A
Exceptional Learner: 96% - A
Math for Elementary: 94% - A
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Summer session for Chemistry begins June 8th. I will have eight hours of class each week. Four on Tuesday and four on Thursday. In 8 weeks we will be doing 15 lab experiments. As much as I wanted the face-to-face, I also wanted the online lab so I couldn't be responsible for blowing something up...apparently... some universities won't allow online chemistry to transfer-in anyway, and all the instructors I have talked to encourage the real lab time. So...that's what I'll do.

Weekend Pictures

Mother's Day Weekend

Saturday we met up with Mom, Dad, Kris, Dustin, Rachel and Ashley at the Allstate Arena for the Smuckers: Stars on Ice concert. It was AMAZING! I think we may become yearly audience members. I like watching figure skating on TV, but it is so awesome live.

Sunday we all sat at the pool in the morning and watched the girls swim. We thought about going to Lego Land, but decided to ride the Metra into Downtown and check out the Celtic Festival. We watched Welsh dancing, got free goodies from the tents, and ate Chicago Style hot dogs - Yum!

Chris is planning to travel..

...to Brazil!!!! It is looking like Chris will be traveling to Brazil for work towards the end of June. We hope that I will be able to use a few days vacation and join him. If so, he will be planning on spending a few extra days off the clock for sightseeing and hanging out with Bela and her parents. I hope it works out, we'll have to see how much is left in the old savings account after the closing, the move and the new furniture we want. Fingers Crossed.