Craig's List

I was recently introduced to Craig's List. I am assuming most of our readers already know and/or use Craig's List so I will not explain what it is. But I will say that I am fond of it. This is my story about how I became a Craig's List fan....

About a month ago a co-worker of mine mentioned how is sister found a great deal on a set a bunk beds on Craig's List. So immediately I ask what is this thing and how do you use it? (because as soon as he said his sister got a great deal I was interested) Anyways.... once I was informed that all ya gotta do is type in your area and search for the item or items you want I started searching right away. What I found was a Graco car seat and two bases for $80. So what do I do? I send my mom to West Des Moines two days later to meet the lady who is selling the car seat and check it out to see if it is worth the money. Turns out it was only used by one child, they were non-smokers, and didn't have pets. Needless to say we purchased it. It is great and once again we ended up finding a pretty good deal.

Here is a picture of the car seat. Also pictured is a vibrating baby seat my mom found for us at a garage sale for only $5! Have I mentioned that I am a fan of garage sales?

Garage Sales

I find garage sales to be an absolutely great way to shop. Personally I think they are worth waking up early on a Saturday morning for. Although I am rather new to what veterans call "garage saleing", I have definitely been bitten by the garage sale bug. Last year was the first year I started this money saving technique and found a couple fantastic deals.

This year has been pretty successful as well. This past weekend a couple friends and I spent 2 hours hopping from sale to sale. What I came home with was a medela breast pump. Yes, I know, not very exciting to most people. But lets put it this way, I think the $230 that I saved by spending $20 dollars on a used one as opposed to a new one at $250 is something everyone could appreciate.

And for those concerned about how unsanitary it is to use a used breast pump, don't worry! You can buy replacement parts for less than $40. So my total savings $190! I think it is totally worth it!

Pregnancy Update!

So, just for fun I thought that I would inform our faithful blog readers with some of my current pregnancy statistics and experiences.

1. L.B.J. is about 5 to 5 1/2 inches long.


2. I cannot button any of my pants anymore, not even my "fat day pants".


3. I have become a master of creative solutions to item number 2.


4. Large chunks, hunks, or slabs of meat are appauling.


5. I have only gained 2 pounds but it feels like 10 as a result of item 2.


6. I really wish Ames had a Sonic.....can I get a cherry lime-ade please!!!


7. I feel fishlike movements very rarely....well, maybe it's just gas but let's be optimistic.


8. I cannot stand the smell or thought of Chinese or Japanese food.


9. I really want to sleep on my stomach.


10. Only 150 days until our due date!!

Ag Leader Technology

I try not to write much too about work because, in general, it is boring to write and even more boring to read. I thought some of you may be somewhat interested though on what I have been doing these last couple months at work.

Between the thunderstorms and rainshowers, we have been working on constructing a roughly 96,000 square feet addition to an existing building. The main floor is 360 feet long. For comparison, a football field is 300 feet between end zones. Total size of the main floor is roughly 1.3 acres. Footings are in, which is a good milestone, but it also catches all the water every time it rains and doesn't allow it to drain.

For an official Ag Leader Technology press release of the addition, click here.

Whatchu talkin 'bout Willis Wednesday

At first glance to me, it seemed like another slow week. Nothing really all that interesting to share with everyone. No big news. No awards for either Allison or me. More rain. The NFL Draft came and went without my name being called AGAIN this year. No great pictures or stories to post.

But as I thought about it, the more it came to me of how much I have to to talk about. The blessings we have could fill an entire blog. When I went to bed tonight (yes, I've been to bed and back up already-too much on my mind) Allison was sleeping and it made me smile just thinking about how much I love her. I also thought about our little baby and what an exciting time it will be for us.

On Dave Ramsey's call in radio show, he is commonly casually asked "how are you Dave" before they begin the real reason for their call. His response is always, "better than I deserve." What a true statement. We are all blessed in so many ways. I've actually borrowed Dave's answer a couple times and have gotten some interesting looks. But what a good, quick way to perk others up to the fact that life isn't all that bad.

All too often, we all focus on the things that are going "wrong" in our lives and forget about all the things we have to be thankful for. I'm thankful. Are you?

I remember this old song from when I was little that still goes through my head from time to time. The last line of the chorus sings: Count your many blessings; Name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done.