Jim and Jessica Hill

Bethany's Wedding

2011-09-18T17:07:00.000-04:00

Mallorie's Baby Shower

2011-08-21T23:08:00.000-04:00

We have had many celebrations in my family lately and today was all about Mallorie and baby Cade! Some family and friends had a shower for Mal today and Cade was spoiled a little bit more! We can't wait to meet the newest member of the family!!!!!

Bethany's Wedding Shower

2011-08-15T11:21:00.002-04:00

We had such a great time celebrating Bethany's upcoming wedding yesterday! I can't wait for 9-10-11 to get here (what a clever wedding date!) I know she will be a beautiful bride!!!

Bethany and Venita (her momma) were great sports when they played a game where their bags were "packed" for the wedding day!!!

Drew's Wedding

2011-08-09T11:54:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to our cousin Drew and his new wife Megan on their wedding! It was a great night with family!

Florida Fun

2011-08-08T23:55:00.003-04:00

Tummies Full of Love

2011-06-20T10:21:00.004-04:00

Hey y'all! Life is going great at the Hill household. I know I am not the greatest at consistently blogging, but I keep telling myself once we have little ones, maybe I'll get better! :o) All the mommas out there are probably laughing at me thinking 'if she doesn't have the time/energy now, she won't once kids arrive!' Probably true, but a good thought nonetheless!

I joined another blog, Tummies Full of Love, with a few other ladies and we have used it to post and swap recipes. We would love it if you would swing by and check it out!!! There are some great recipes on there for busy families!!!

Easter

2011-04-25T22:16:00.004-04:00

We are so thankful for the empty tomb and that we worship a living God!!
We hope you had a great Easter!

!

Beautiful Bride

2011-04-09T20:51:00.004-04:00

One of my best friends, Kelly, got married yesterday and she looked absolutely beautiful! Kelly and I have known each other since high school and cheered at U of L together. I was honored to stand by her during the ceremony and know that she and Jimmy (her hubby) will be happy to settle into their new "normal" as a married couple! Love you Kel!

It's Shipped!!!

2011-03-26T16:23:00.004-04:00

I shipped my National Board Portfolio Box this morning. Working through the National Certification process has been a great learning experience for me and my teaching, but I am sure glad it is over!

I am so happy to have the "Blue Box" out of my possession!

Now onto more fun things like my best friend's wedding, reading books leisurely, spring break, and sleep!!!

SNOW DAY!!!

2011-01-11T11:57:00.002-05:00

Well, we are on our 4th snow day of the school year and it is only January 11th. YIKES! I wonder if we will be in school until July :o/

Enjoy the snowy day and stay warm!

Christmas Cards

2010-11-12T17:55:00.006-05:00

I LOVE getting Christmas cards in the mail and I know that they will start flowing in our mailbox in just a few short weeks. I love picture cards and they are by far my favorite kind of Christmas cards, but by the time you buy them and pay for the stamps they can become pricey.

BUT, if you are a blogger....

have no fear, because you can get 50 free cards from Shutterfly. Just from looking through their site I can say that Christmas cards will be coming out of the Hill household although it will be a tough decision to pick the one I want to order since they have so many cute ones!!!

Here are some I like:

Shutteryfly offers more than Christmas Cards...they also print invitations, calendars, wall art, and much more!

So, if you are a blogger click here to get your 50 free Christmas Cards from Shutterfly... http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Another Giveaway...

2010-10-21T20:52:00.001-04:00

Head on over to Messy Aprons for a chance to win a Very Bradley Recipe Box....with Recipes included!!!

Melissa's Wedding

2010-10-16T22:35:00.002-04:00

Retired Reunion!

2010-10-16T22:22:00.004-04:00

U of L's homecoming football game brought some of the "retired" U of L cheerleaders back together! We had a great time catching up and spending time together!!! I love my U of L cheer family!

Homecoming Game

2010-10-16T22:20:00.003-04:00

Glad Kayla could go to the U of L game with us!!!
Go Cards!

Melissa's Getting Married!

2010-10-16T22:11:00.005-04:00

Great Time with Great Friends!
We all got together for dinner the week before Melissa's wedding. It worked out perfectly because it was homecoming weekend and some out of town people were even able to make it!

Tim McGraw

2010-09-19T22:01:00.003-04:00

Tim McGraw was in concert during the Kentucky State Fair and my good friend Kelly had an extra ticket, so I was able to tag along! We had a great time! And as usual...the people watching was great! Take a look at the lady who apparently got hot during the concert and took her shirt off.... (of course I had to snap a picture) WOW!

Florida

2010-09-19T21:53:00.003-04:00

I was able to spend a couple weeks in Florida over the summer and had a blast! Here are some pictures!

North Carolina

2010-09-19T21:47:00.003-04:00

We were blessed to be able to visit Jim's family in June and we had a great time! We love being able to spend time with them and wish we could do it more often. We are looking forward to visiting soon :o)

Here are some pictures from our visit this summer!

We were able to celebrate Jim's Birthday at a Durham Bulls' Game!

Giveaway at Messy Aprons

2010-07-10T19:44:00.001-04:00

Check out this awesome giveaway over at Messy Aprons!!!

http://messyaprons.blogspot.com/2010/07/our-first-giveaway.html

Enter so you might win a Vera Bradley recipe box (with some recipes in them!!!)

Hope everyone is having a great summer!!!

The Fow's Wedding!

2010-06-13T17:12:00.004-04:00

Eric and Joy had a wonderful wedding and reception this weekend! While it was a little warm outside, I would say everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves! Thanks for a great night and have fun on the Honeymoon in Jamaica....oh how Jim and I wish we were going with you!

Jim somehow talked the DJ into giving him the mic to sing a song to Eric and Joy.... There are no words.

Surprise!

2010-06-13T16:59:00.004-04:00

I had Jim a surprise 30th Birthday Party Friday night... and I think I was able to pull it off without him knowing! (He says I did anyway!) Thanks to all our family and friends that made the night a great one!

(you might want to turn down the volume some on the video.... apparently my 'surprise' voice is high pitch and loud. I hope it is just my 'surprise' voice...not my 'regular' voice anyway.....)

Of course I had to get some snuggle time with the babies!!!

Baby Jase

Baby Liam

Jase is home!!!!

2010-06-13T16:53:00.003-04:00

We are so excited that Jacob and Tiffani were able to finally bring Jase home! He is so sweet and precious!

Jase and Liam (I am sure they will be best buds!)

My new love....

2010-06-03T21:07:00.006-04:00

....is reading. I have recently figured out that I LOVE reading. Since I have always been in school I always associated reading with the words "homework" and "mandatory" :o( But, now that I am finished with school I have been moving through books like crazy! Here are some that I have read recently and I recommend them all!!! Seriously, I have loved each one so far!

(photos taken from amazon.com)

This is an AWESOME book by Angie Smith who's blog is Bring the Rain

So, what about you? What books do you recommend I read this summer?

Day at the Races

2010-06-03T20:58:00.004-04:00

While we didn't get too lucky, we did have a good time together at Churchill Downs! Here are a few pictures from our Day at the Races!

me and Jim

Mom and Kenny

Kayla and her "friend"

Sisters!

Mom and Kenny waiting on the race to start

Hoping our horse might win!!!

a quarter of a century...

2010-06-03T20:53:00.003-04:00

That's how old I am now (although I realize it's still young!)

Here are a few pictures from our dinner out a P.F.Changs!

My Yummy cake that Grandma O (Nan) made for me!!!!

I am done with school!!!!!

2010-06-03T20:44:00.004-04:00

I graduated with my second master's degree the beginning of May and I was never so happy. I know Jim was just as happy. He was so supportive through my classes. He encouraged me when I needed it and understood when I just wanted to "grab something to eat" because fixing supper was not what I felt like doing...mainly because I was doing homework :o( Here are some pictures from the ceremony!

Women of Joy Conference

2010-06-03T20:37:00.003-04:00

Mom and I were able to go to the Women of Joy Conference that was held here in Louisville this year. Jim was out of town, so it was a perfect way to fill the weekend!

We were able to hear Sarah Palin speak (she was awesome!) and also go to the Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith concert!

These are the best I could get of Mrs. Sarah :o( not too great, but she is there none the less.

Tiffani's Baby Shower

2010-06-03T20:27:00.004-04:00

Sorry I have been MIA, but summer is now here and school is out, so maybe I will be a little better at blogging!??! We will see!

I had the privelage of helping throw a baby shower for my good friend Tiffani. She and Jacob are adopting a little Boy who was actually born yesterday (June 2nd)! He is precious!!!!

Here are some pictures from the shower (that are from....April. I know it's sad I am just now getting around to these...)

I made these letters for Jase's room and used them as decoration on one of the tables!

Here is Jacob's mom Karen, Tiffani, and Tiff's mom Tami.

Here are the hostesses with Tiffani

and....

...Here is sweet baby Jase!!! I can not wait to get my hands on him! Hurry home from Utah you guys!!!!

The Last Song

2010-03-30T21:23:00.003-04:00

While Jim was out of town with business this past weekend, I found myself captured in a wonderful book... The Last Song, by Nicholas Sparks.

I read the whole book this weekend! I thought it was a great book! I must have perfect timing too, because the movie comes out tomorrow...(side note: do all movies release on Wednesdays? I thought this was an odd day to release...)

Anyway, now that the book is read, I am on a mission to see the movie. With Spring Break next week I am sure I can find time to squeeze it in!

(photo taken from google images)

Let it Snow!!

2010-02-09T16:48:00.006-05:00

We had a snow storm push through Louisville last night into this morning. As always, I love a good snow day, but especially today since I had been feeling under the weather I was thankful for a day off. It was a great day to stay in and curl up under the blankets. While Jim and I LOVE sledding, we didn't get to go today. Jim was busy with work stuff and I was... well, you know, curled up under a blanket!

Jim did get out for a while to shovel the driveway...probably not his idea of playing in the snow!! :o) Champ also got out for a little while and he sure loved it. I snapped a quick video of him outside. I am convinced he would stay out there and eat the snow all day! ha! I wonder why he likes it so much?!?

**You might want to turn down the volume on you computer... Jim is shoveling in the background and it is SUPER loud... who knew shoveling could be so noisy?!?**

By the way, that yellow blob next to Champ is his tennis ball, which he absolutely LOVES...but as you can see he LOVES the snow much more!

Word on the streets (whatever that means, since streets can't talk) is that all the snow/slush will freeze into ice tonight and through tomorrow morning, so we will see if one snow day turns into two!

Christmas in North Carolina

2010-01-05T21:55:00.006-05:00

We had an awesome visit in North Carolina with Jim's family. We love spending time with them and can't wait to see them all again!!! We had fun shopping, visiting, playing Balderdash (if you haven't played it, you should!) and of course loving on our nephew Drew!

**the guys hanging out**

**Drew trying on my Uggs (haha)**

**playing with some toys**

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T23:09:00.003-05:00

Tonight Jim and I celebrated Christmas with my family. We had a great evening. We went to the Christmas Eve service at Highview and then we and ate an AWESOME supper at Morton's. I think we have made a new tradition!!! :o) It was sooooo yummy! We then headed home to open some great gifts. We are so blessed to have awesome people in our lives to share special times with! We had a great evening and made some awesome memories!!!

chance to win a New computer!

2009-12-24T12:50:00.002-05:00

Hey check out these bloggers below for a chance to win a HP touch smart computer!!! (but hurry because you have until 5:00 this evening!)

Kelly
Sophie
Jen
Stephanie

Merry Christmas to all! and I hope one of us wins!

Go Cards!!!

2009-12-23T21:53:00.000-05:00

We got to go to the U of L basketball game tonight with my mom and Kenny! We had a great time and are thankful the Cards pulled out a win!

(and please excuse the slight double chin I am sporting... diet time is coming...but not before Christmas! ha! on the other hand...Jim has done awesome being self-disciplines and has been working out and losing weight!!! :o) )

I'm Back!!!! (but not in the Poltergeist kind of way...)

2009-12-23T21:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, so it has been a ridiculously long time since I last blogged... and yes, I am going to give the "we have been really busy" excuse... because, well...we have been really busy!

I am now finished with my Rank I, which in Kentucky is the highest level of pay you can receive (besides having a doctorate) for teaching. Basically it means you have completed 30 graduate level hours above your masters degree. So I am thrilled to have that behind me...although I am not quite finished with school, I still have 3 classes left until the degree I am working on is complete. I will be finished in May!!!

I am also coaching cheerleading at Whitefield Academy and that has also kept me super busy.

Jim is busy working and helping coach U of L cheerleading (which of course is near and dear to our hearts!!! Go CARDS!)

Over all, we are thrilled the Christmas season is here... not only so we can reflect and be so very thankful for our Savior's birth, but also to have a week or so of relaxation!!!

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!!!

Fall Festival

2009-10-23T21:53:00.000-04:00

Tonight was my school's Fall Festival! It was a lot of fun. I think the families really enjoyed it. Each classroom had to create a pumpkin for the pumpkin auction. I think mine turned out pretty cute (if I do say so myself! ha!). The kiddos helped paint the pumpkin green. If you can't tell... it is Oscar The Grouch! There was a slight bidding war over Oscar, but there was finally a winner! I will leave the buyer anonymous, but her name may or may not rhyme with see-ban)

Thanks Mom! :o)

What a Year.....

2009-08-04T20:25:00.000-04:00

So in a years time we have had.... a windstorm, an ice storm, AND a FLOOD.

It has been a strange year! I wonder what the next year will bring us?

Here are some pictures from local news stations. Thankfully our house and cars are fine, but not everyone in Louisville was so lucky.

University of Louisville

Churchill Downs

The Guy's Favorite Part!

2009-07-25T15:06:00.000-04:00

I am pretty sure the guy's favorite part of the trip was getting to feed the Pelicans. They were able to walk up these little steps and the Pelicans were like Pavlov's Dogs....they knew EXACTLY what was about to happen and came flying in as quick as they could! Jim and Jacob dropped fish into their mouths, and if you look close you can see a little bird flying above them trying to get in on the action! I will have to admit, it was pretty neat!

Our Little Vacation!

2009-07-25T14:44:00.000-04:00

We were thankful to be able to sneak away for a week to Florida with our good friends Jacob and Tiffani a couple weeks ago! Below are some pictures of our wonderful time!

On our way to the Beach!

Out for Dinner!

My favorite place...The POOL!

At the Pier!

Fun in the Sun

2009-07-17T16:01:00.000-04:00

We have had a great time in Florida with our good friends Jacob and Tiffani this week. We are sad it is our last day, but are excited to get back home! I didn't bring the cords to hook up my camera, but this is one picture (not that great, I might add...) that we pulled off Jim's phone! Hopefully I can put more up later on this week!

Hope everyone is having a great summer!!!

Big Boy

2009-06-23T21:49:00.000-04:00

While I am not going to write a long post, I wanted to let you all know we are having a great time in North Carolina! We are loving spending time with our BIG nephew...remember he is not even a year old yet (but soon...July 15th). Talk to y'all soon!

Eating, Eating, Eating...his FAVORITE past time!

Happy 2 Years!!!

2009-06-06T22:32:00.001-04:00

I can not believe that Jim and I have been married for two years. It seems like yesterday that I was finishing last minute details for the wedding. Our anniversary was actually on Tuesday, but since JCPS was still in school, and we were in the grind of the work week, we decided to wait until tonight to celebrate....and we had an AWESOME dinner at Morton's Steakhouse...of course Morton's never seems to disappoint! We have enjoyed every minute of these two years, and can't wait for many, many more!

So......

2009-05-10T19:36:00.000-04:00

I am a TERRIBLE blogger and haven't blogged in pretty much forever.

Not too much has been going on in our life, so really you all didn't miss out on much!

I completed my first 6 hours of another masters degree, and classes begin again tomorrow (Monday). It is great because the classes are split into 8-week bi-terms, so I can earn 6 hours in 8 weeks! It is a little more intense because of the shortened time period, but I figure if I can push through I will be finished sooner rather than later!

We have only a few weeks of school left before summer break and the kids...and teachers are READY. I love my job, but this has felt like the longest year. I am sure it had something to do with being overstaffed and transferred mid-year, but I am ready for June 5th!

I can't promise when I will blog again....but like I said, there isn't much that has been going on anyway!!!

I'll leave you with a picture of Jim and I on our honeymoon in Jamaica! I am wishing I was on a beach right now... and since I don't have any pictures of Jim and I recently...this will do!
Oh, how I love Jamaica!!!! Dream with me...just shut your eyes and listen to the Bob Marley music in the background :0)

Have a great week!

Spring Break

2009-04-02T16:07:00.000-04:00

It has been a great and relaxing spring break this week. Jim has had to work, but it has been nice being at home with him! Jim's family got to come and visit this past weekend. We love being able to visit with them and are sad that we can't spend longer together. Jenny and Drew, (Jim's sister and her son) were able to stay until Wednesday morning, so we were able to spend a few extra days with them!

Wednesday afternoon my good friend Tiffani, my mom, sister, and I went to Indiana for some outlet shopping. We shopped all day on Wednesday and finished up a little on Thursday morning before coming back to Louisville. It was a great get-a-way during spring break!

I am terrible and did not take any pictures of our family while they were here, or our shopping trip. But, I will leave you with this one of Jim and his new gift. While I was at the outlets, I bought Jim a Snuggie (which I think are ridiculous, but he has been talking about them for months now). He was so excited, he made me take a picture RIGHT then.

Anyway, have a great rest of the week!

(oh, and in case you were wondering...that is the free reading light that comes with the Snuggie.)
(Oh, and also...Jim is NOT reading that Beth Moore book...it is mine, but he wanted to look like the commercial for the picture...weird, I know :o) )

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!!

2009-03-16T19:25:00.000-04:00

Love,
Jim, Jess, and Champ

Long time, I know...

2009-03-04T20:56:00.000-05:00

So, it's been a long time since I have updated....I know. I have REALLY enjoyed being able to come home from work and NOT do my own school stuff, although that is quickly coming to an end since classes begin Monday. I am starting another masters program. Hopefully I can finish in a year, we will see how realistic that timeline is after this semester :o)

But anyway, Jim and I have enjoyed being able to eat supper together and watching some of our favorite shows...ESPECIALLY 24 and The First 48 (weird that they are both shows with numbers and if you double 24, you get 48....anyway, we watch other shows without numbers, but these two are our favorite!)

Jim and I have been busy with "Life". We feel we haven't stopped "going", yet we really don't have much to write about, so I will leave you with this sweet picture of Champ. Jim was able to snap this shot today after he heard some wrestling around in the living room. He went to look to see what Champ was "into" and as you can see he wasn't into anything, but it seems he was trying to get into a comfortable position to take an afternoon nap!

SNICE STORM....(what a snow and ice storm should be called)

2009-01-28T16:55:00.001-05:00

I am not going to talk too much today because I think the pictures will tell it all. We have had a winter storm push through Louisville the last couple days and as a result we have had some beautiful, but dangerous weather. Once again, there are over 100,000 customers in the city of Louisville without power just like the "Wind Storm" a few months back.

We have power and are very thankful to be warm in our house watching the snowy scene out of the window!

I worked on Monday, and have been able to stay home since then due to JCPS closing school the remainder of the week.

Below are some pics of the house, us sledding, and of course little Champ in his winter coat!

****OH, and thanks for all the prayers, Jim started his new job Monday!!! Luckily he is working from home, so the snow and ice didn't slow down his new work!****

~~~~~
Jim being such a wonderful husband and clearing our driveway!
~~~~~
Getting ready to go snow tubing with Kayla and our good friends Jacob and Tiffani.
~~~~~
Outside our house!

~~~~~
Our Sweet Champpers!!!

Stay Warm!!! :o)

Praying

2009-01-19T16:00:00.000-05:00

With the new year in full swing, and after some events that have been thrown at us, Jim's job loss in particular, I have been trying to connect with God and have a deeper, more meaningful prayer life. I don't mean to say that I didn't have a prayer life before, but I want to be specific about the things and people I am praying for, I want to pray faithfully, and most importantly, I want to pray with the right heart.

For all you "Love Darers" out there, look in the back of the book at Appendix I- page 202-205 for an awesome resource to effective prayer. This is a great resource to begin an intimate prayer life with our Lord. I encourage you to take a look at it! And if you are not doing the Love Dare, I encourage you to do so. The book is from the movie Fireproof (which I think comes out soon on DVD) and it is a great way to become aware of issues or potential issues in your marriage, and how biblically we should approach our spouse and their needs. I have truely learned a lot from the couple of weeks we have been "Taking the Dare" as Pastor Kevin calls it!

Now on to some Prayer Requests...

I have been reading Angie Smith's blog for a couple months now and it is amazing. If you ever have an hour or so, you should hop over to her blog and read her (and her family's) story from the beginning, it is amazing how God uses different struggles in peoples lives as encouragement for others. Anyway, through looking at her blog, I came across Kelly's blog. She too is amazing and has struggled with getting pregnant for some time. The Lord finally blessed her and her husband with a baby, and she was born this past Friday, but unfortunately with some complications. Haper is is critical condition. Take a look at Kelly's blog for the detailed updates, but for now, please say a prayer for baby Harper. Pray specifically for healing for Harper and for peace for the parents.

Also, please keep Jim and his job search in your prayers and a big thanks to all that are already doing so!

Have a great week!

The New Year

2009-01-06T20:14:00.001-05:00

So with all the "Happy New Years" going around, we figured we should post and say it to all our readers as well... so.... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

If you haven't heard by now, our new year didn't start off as "Happy" as we had hoped. Jim was laid off from his job this past Friday (January 2nd). His company was/is making several cuts due to financial issues (I guess the poor economy even effects the cheer world) and Jim was one of the employees that saw the impact.

We are taking this experience as an opportunity and trying not to look at it as a "bad" situation, although it is a challenging one. Jim is exploring many job options at this time, and we will keep you posted if/when something comes available!

On a lighter note, we had a wonderful Christmas break with our families and we miss our family in North Carolina very much. Even though the trip was a longer one, it never seems like it is long enough.

Well, I guess that it all for now! Please continue to pray for us as Jim continues his Job search. We know God is sovereign and has a plan, even when we seem to be wondering aimlessly. We pray that we will open our eyes to see His path for us as we embrace a new journey!

Grades are in!

2008-12-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

I just received my grades for the semester (I know strange after I have already "graduated", but they didn't give us our diploma at graduation...) but anyway, I got A's in both classes! Super excited after a LONG semester!

Thanks for all the support!

In case I do not get to post, Jim and I wanted to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas!

***sorry for the quality of the pictures, but we think they are cute for Christmas!***

Graduation!

2008-12-20T20:43:00.000-05:00

Well here are some pictures from graduation. We had a great weekend (and it isn't over yet)! We headed up to Muncie, Indiana last night and stayed the night that way we would be ready for the ceremony, since it started at 10:00am. Mom, Kenny, Kayla, Mamaw, Nan (Grandma O) and of course Jim and I had a wonderful time visiting with each other!

FINALLY!!!

2008-12-17T23:38:00.000-05:00

Well, it is 11:39 at night, and I need to go to bed, but I wanted to update you all on my accomplishment....I have completed all coursework for my masters degree. I will graduate this Saturday, and have never felt more relieved. This is a huge weight lifted off my shoulders :o)

Maybe now I can actually clean my house or cook dinner for Jim (since we have been bumming off my parents and grandma for at least a month now!)

Also, tomorrow is my last day of class with my students.

I will post pictures from graduation after this weekend!

P.S. It is now 11:42

Night!

Classroom Update

2008-12-09T22:24:00.000-05:00

Each day at work has gotten a little better. In college it seemed as if my professors were always focused on how we manage transitions for our students...but I think transitions are equally as difficult for adults. This transition has not been an easy one, but I am getting through one day at a time. The kiddos are slowly realizing that I am not going anywhere and my assistant and I are finding the best ways to work together. Thank you for praying, and please continue to pray that each day continues to become easier!!!

On a positive note, rest time is great! At the school where I taught last school year my students had a rest time and it was lovely. This school year I was placed in a classroom with an AM/PM class so, neither group rested ...until the transition to the new school, and now I have the same group of kids all day, and along with that comes a rest time :o) You have to find the good in things right?!?

As I was doing my quiet time last Thursday morning (my second day at the new school), I came across this verse and I have carried it to work with me each day since. Sometimes it helps to have a reminder in your pocket! It is so neat to see the way the Lord speaks to us! Ever since I received the news I was having to transfer schools, I have wondered why this was happening and how this could possibly be in God's plan...then I stumbled across a verse I had heard many, many times, yet it took a whole different meaning this time around...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11

God is good!

By the way...only 8 more days with kiddos (9 more work days) until Christmas Break (or winter break as we have to call it).

My other countdown I have going....11 days until graduation!!!! YEAH!!!

Oh, and for those wondering, I am going to do another round of Masters level classes....this time I am going to pursue an educational leadership/principalship license and an ESL endorsement added on to my teaching certificate.

Another Update

2008-12-04T20:56:00.000-05:00

Day number 2 at the new job and things were still rough....but better (although I am not sure it could have gotten any worse.) Still continue to pray that each day gets easier. 11 days until Christmas Break!!!

Job Update

2008-12-03T22:37:00.001-05:00

Today was my first day at my new school. I was unsure what to expect going into a new classroom that has been up and running, but I will have to say it was very rough. Please pray that each day gets easier because if it gets any worse I am not sure what I would do. The classroom is very unorganized and in need of a serious purge of all the junk in the closet and filing cabinets. There will obviously be no cleaning though since I will be teaching all day. Hopefully I can manage through until May and see what path opens up at this point. I will keep you updated!

Since I do not like to post without pictures, here are some of the house decorated for Christmas.

Giveaway!!!!

2008-12-01T17:24:00.000-05:00

Check out Whitney's blog (remember the chick I found by blog jumping!) because she is having a great giveaway. Checkout the picture below and leave a comment on her blog!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

2008-11-27T11:33:00.000-05:00

Jim and I have been discussing the issue of people "skipping over" Thanksgiving and heading straight into Christmas. While I do have some Christmas decorations up, and plan to get the rest out tomorrow, I certainly am not forgetting about what I am thankful for. Jim and I are so blessed to have wonderful families, friends, a home, clothes, food, a wonderful church, and most importantly a relationship with Christ. We wanted to say "Happy Thanksgiving" to all of you!!!! Take a moment and thank the Lord for all he has blessed you with!

*****Now for a "lighter" note on Thanksgiving*****

Check out this email my mom sent me this week. Hilarious!!!! Maybe you can try it next Thanksgiving since I am sure the turkey is already in the oven at this point!

Sexy Turkey
Recipe

Nice way to make your guests smile - (see picture below).....
1) Cut out aluminum foil in the shape of a swimsuit.....
2) "Dress" the turkey and roast like you would a normal turkey.....
3) Bake turkey as you would with your favorite recipe.
The aluminum swimsuit prevents tan lines.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

check out the giveaway!!!!

2008-11-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I am a blog-jumper. So as I jumped from a friend's blog to one of her friend's blog I came across Whitney's page. She is too funny. While I do not know her personally, I check every now and then to see what is going on! I am lucky because today as I was blog-jumping, I saw where she posted a giveaway! You all should look at her blog and post to try and win. It is a great prize!

Hope everyone had a great Monday!!!! Hey, only 4 more days till Friday :o)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-31T18:34:00.000-04:00

Since Jim and I have been together, we have carved a jack-o-lantern each Halloween, and this year was no exception. Below are the pictures, and I must say, I think this is the best one we (...I mean Jim) has done. Jim usually mans the pumpkin, while I work with the seeds!!!

Getting the gunk out

Our gunk looked like spaghetti

Jim had to have this picture!

Our BIG nephew!!!

2008-10-31T18:28:00.001-04:00

While we were in NC for Jim's high school reunion, we got in some good visiting time with his family. We stayed at Mike and Jenny's (Jim's sister) house and were able to love on our nephew Drew. He is so sweet, and so BIG. He is not even 3 month old in these pictures! We can't wait until Christmas so we can see everyone and visit some more!

Jim's High School Reunion

2008-10-31T18:15:00.001-04:00

I am always teasing Jim about "how old" he is....so when his 10 year high school reunion came, it was fuel to the fire! I know that Jim isn't old, but he is older than me, so it gives me the ability to joke with him about it.

We had a great time in North Carolina visiting with his family and seeing all his high school friends. Of course, the weekend FLEW by, but thanks to Jim's parents we were able to go. Jim's mom and dad flew us there so we could visit and attend the reunion festivities. We were so grateful! Thanks Jim and Renee!!!

Below are some pictures from the weekend!!!

Don't worry....we are still alive!

2008-10-31T18:03:00.000-04:00

So, I realize it has been an extremely long time since we have posted anything, but in our defense....it has been crazy around here. The next few posts will show that we have been super busy.

I am full force in the middle of my last semester for my masters degree. I can not wait for Christmas to get here. Not only will I be finished with my masters degree, but I will also be finished with KTIP, which is an internship program that teachers have to go through to complete their teaching license in the state of Kentucky.

Jim has been busy with work as well, now that "competition season" is here! He will be traveling some, although his schedule doesn't look quite as busy as it did last year. (I am sure I will be singing a different tune when he is actually out of town!)

One major change that is happening is I am transferring schools (I am talking about my teaching school, not my masters degree school....). There have been some funding cuts in the state, so my district is forced to shut down some Pre-K units. Lucky me, (please sense the sarcasim) I am one of the units that is shutting down. I am being transferred to another school where they have a full time substitute as the teacher now. The big move will be December 3rd, so keep me in your prayers. I am hoping the sub has done a great job, so it won't be completely like the 1st day all over again..... I will let you know how it goes in a month or so!

Sorry to keep you waiting so long without a post, but hopefully this will make up for it!

Our New Wall Art!!!!

2008-09-19T17:18:00.002-04:00

Another day off work, and look what we accomplished!

Devon was was gracious to come over and help me put up the new wall tattoo I bought at Hobby Lobby. After a few lost breaths, we made it through and it looks great!!!! Below are some pictures of the process.

Holding our breath, through the smiles of course!

Halfway done...

TaDaaaa!!!

Now all we need are some window treatments!!!

Look What The WIND BLEW In.....

2008-09-19T17:18:00.001-04:00

So after a pretty bad windstorm that blew through Louisville this past Sunday, the city has been in a whirl. There were hundreds of thousands of people left without power and many homes and buildings were left with damage, mainly from fallen trees. Jim and I were very lucky to have power the WHOLE time. We didn't loose our power once, we are very thankful and realize how fortunate we are because there are still people without power.

Because of the windstorm, there were many schools that lost power or had damage to their structure. Because of this, JCPS cancelled school all week, so therefore I have had an unofficial fall break this week.

I have had a great time picking where to eat lunch each day with my mom and my great friend Devon! Check out her blog to see the picture of us at lunch yesterday!

Wednesday night Jim and I, along with my mom and Kenny were able to go to the Louisville football game. We had a great time! Luckily the stadium had their power restored, because the game was at 8:00pm.

It was a double treat because not only did the CARDS win, but the great Muhamad Ali was there for a visit!

(PS I did get my nachos with extra peppers!)

2008-09-13T18:51:00.000-04:00

TOO FUNNY......

2008-09-13T18:21:00.000-04:00

As I was doing "School Work" I stumbled upon this great site: www.yearbookyourself.com! Check out what Jim and I would have looked like in the "older" days!!!

Who knows, there might be more to come....after the homework is complete of course :o)

Wow...time flies

2008-09-13T15:46:00.000-04:00

So it has been a while since I have posted last, but life has been quite busy! Not only have my students started coming to school, my college classes have begun as well. Jim is taking one class this semester, so he keeps busy with work and school too. Louisville football season is in full swing and we of course attend the home games to support our CARDS!!!

Anyway, since it has been busy, I guess I have forgot to post, so here is the hodgepodge of some things that have happened!

Jim's parents came to visit us Labor Day weekend, and we had a great time! We were able to get some good quality visiting done since it was a long weekend and we didn't have to worry about work and school stuff. The Sunday before Labor Day was the U of L/ U of K game, and of course around here, that is a major deal. Jim Sr. and Renee were able to go to the game with us, and despite the 90 degree heat, we had a good time. We had high hopes for our Cardinals, and even though they played a pretty embarrassing game, we showed our support to the team!

The next morning when we woke up, we went outside to our yard and house decorated. It seems that some U of K fans had a great time in the middle of the night with our house. It was a shame that it was decorated with such UGLY pictures and words :o)

Below are the pictures: (by the way this was all done with Post-It's)

The next Saturday, Jim and I went to another U of L game. This time, it wasn't as hot outside and the Cards won, so overall we had a better time....oh and I was able to get my nachos with extra peppers which usually gets me through one quarter without asking questions about the game, which Jim has probably answered 100 times. We were happy that the Cards started to regain their name when they beat Tennessee Tech by 40 points. Football sure makes us happy, Jim loves watching the game, and I love the Nachos with extra peppers!!!! :o)

This week we will be cheering on the Cards again. The game is Wednesday night, and we hope the outcome is more like their second game and less like the first!

OK-one more note: Check out my friend Allison's Blog before Monday morning. She is giving away a great gift....a beautiful necklace! Check it out and post a comment on her blog for a chance to win!

Fun-Filled Weekend

2008-08-23T16:48:00.000-04:00

It is only 5:00pm on Saturday, but this weekend has been quite busy! Jim was able to get his hands on a few Louisville Bats Baseball tickets for Friday night's game. So after a long day of work, we hurried home just in time to head to the game. We were able to stop and eat at The Old Spaghetti Factory. MMMM... I like eating there, I think it is great that you pay one price and EVERYTHING is included. I can never eat all they give me, so it is usually enough for two meals, although since we weren't heading home, I couldn't take it with us. :o( After dinner we went on to the Baseball Field and watched the game. After the game there were fireworks, which Jim and I both love, so it was a great night for us to go!

Here are some pictures...

This morning, Jim woke up bright and early to take Champ to the Vet. We go to a Vet, which we love, but they do not take appointments, so we have to get there literally an hour before they open. They open at 7:00...so Jim was there at 6:00, and was already 4th in line. Champ has a hematoma on his ear so after the doctor checked it out, they scheduled him for surgery Monday morning to have it removed. Poor Boy....

After Jim got home (with doughnuts from Krispy Kreme- YUM-), we decided to go to the Kentucky State Fair. Jim has never been and since it ends tomorrow, today was the day we needed to go! Of course Saturdays are the busiest day of the fair, so it was good we left early. We arrived right at 9:00 when the exihibits opened. We were able to get a prime parking spot, which is always important to me (Jim says I am one of the laziest people he knows). We had a great time looking at all the booths and being able to move though the aisles without bumping into other people! After a while of being inside (where I like it) looking at the exhibits and vendors we moved to the farm animals.

First of all, for those who do not know me, I am a complete City girl...no country living for me. I do not think that there is anything wrong with country living...it just isn't my cup of tea! So when we arrived where the animals were gathered, within two seconds I was gagging from the smell. Just about the time I am gagging, Jim said "Oh, I love the smell of cows"....YUCK.... I guess opposites do attract! Jim was having a great time exporing through the animals, as I was trying not to spew my Krispy Kremes everywhere when what-do-ya-know?!? I step is a great big pile of POOP. Not the best thing to happen to a girl who is already having a hard time mustering through the farm animal exhibit....

Anyway, we finally made it through the animals and Jim wanted to play a few games, so after ring toss and guess your age/weight, we won two balls that I can take to my classroom and decided it was about time to go home. The fair was crowding up quickly, and it was only Noon. So Jim and I grabbed a corndog, lemonade, and an Icee and went on home to take a great afternoon nap!!!

Below are pictures from the fair (and my poopy shoe):

(and believe it or not, this was after about 10 minutes of scooting my foot around trying to get the excess off....so disgusting)

Free Giveaway...

2008-08-15T17:30:00.000-04:00

Head over to my friend Allison's Blog The Pink Potpourri. Every Friday she has a free giveaway, so go on and search through her blog and post a comment so you can have a chance to win! This weeks giveaway is a book (pictured below) that was written by one of her friends.

Have a good weekend!

Breakfast Dinner Bonding

2008-08-13T20:26:00.001-04:00

After Jim and I got home today, We started fixing dinner. We often like to eat breakfast for dinner, one because we love breakfast food, and two because it is usually fixes up in no time. I was especially excited about this breakfast dinner because I had located a very special ingredient at the grocery this past week.

When we were in North Carolina visiting Jim's family (and our new beautiful nephew) his sister made pancakes for us one morning. I was shocked when she pulled out what looked like a can of RediWhip and started squirting it on the griddle. Well, it wasn't ReddiWhip, it was pancake batter, and ever since then I have been on the hunt for it!

Jim and I found it this week at Meijer and I was very excited to give it a try. After a few "flops" (no pun intended) with me giving it a try, Jim gave it a whirl and had it down to an art. I guess I'll stick to eggs, sausage (veggie sausage to be exact), and toast! Below are some pictures of our Breakfast for Dinner Bonding!

P.S. The product is called Batter Blaster. It is organic, and found in the refrigerated section!

Classroom Update

2008-08-13T20:19:00.000-04:00

So my classroom is finally shaping up. There are still a few decorating things I need to finish to make the classroom look more inviting, but most of the furniture and larger items are in their place. Below are some pictures.

Fun with Champ

2008-08-10T21:39:00.000-04:00

This evening after Jim got home golfing with Kenny we ran to the grocery for a few items. After an eventful trip to the store which included a road rage incident in the neighborhood and an old man at the grocery "stealing" my rotisserie chicken from me (even though he was there first, there was only one left and it was what I went to the store for, so I claimed it mine) we stopped by a new Chinese Restaurant by the house for take-out. Since it was such a BEAUTIFUL evening, we ate dinner (or supper as Jim's dad calls it) outside.

Champ joined us outside and inbetween bites we threw around his tennis ball with the coolest invention ever that allows us to throw the ball without actually touching the ball. Anyway, here are a few pictures of our little one chasing after the ball...and then refusing to play any longer because he was so pooped!

Note the ball behind Champ...he was done with all the running around!

Sunday Outing

2008-08-10T14:45:00.000-04:00

Jim arrived home safely this morning from his sales trip to Dallas. I went on to church this morning since he flew home during our church time. After church was over, I came home to get Jim and we once again went out to eat with our friends Andy and Devon. We ate at one of our favorite places, El Toro. It is the BEST Mexican Restaurant in Louisville. Our good friends Creed and Whitney introduced us to El Toro a while back, and all of us are now regulars!

After lunch, we drove over to the pottery store where Devon and I painted our pottery last Sunday. We were not sure what to expect when we picked up our bowls, since we are no pottery experts, but I will have to say I am fairly pleased with how my bowl turned out. I plan on using it as a fruit bowl. I actually like it so much we have talked about going back to paint another bowl that we could use for salads or side dishes when we have company over. Below is a picture of us eating and a few pictures of my bowl.

I am still working on getting my classroom just the way I want it, so when it is "perfect" I will post pictures! This week Devon and I (and all other teachers...) are back to our first FULL week of work! Wish us luck!!!

Last Days of Summer

2008-08-06T21:17:00.000-04:00

Today I had lunch with my good friend Devon. We went to our favorite place, The Grapevine Pantry. We love to eat here, but it is only open Monday-Friday from 11-2. So, as teachers, we have to soak up every opportunity we have during the summer to eat here because once school starts, that opportunity will be over. We already have plans to eat there on Election Day...since we are off school!

Jim and I are very lucky to have met Devon and her husband Andy. We are in the same Sunday School class, and have grown to be very close. Sunday after church, we went out to lunch to a great pizza place (Puccini's) and then the boys went golfing and the girls painted pottery. Below is a picture of us painting!!!

Tomorrow (Thursday) is my last day of summer break. I start back to work Friday, and while I will have some time off here and there, I will not have a long break until Christmas. I am sure all you non-teachers feel super sorry for me :o) I have been working hard getting my classroom in order and when it is done, I will post some pictures.

Jim is leaving to go out of town tomorrow until Sunday morning. He has to travel to Dallas for some sales meetings. In the meantime I will be resting up for my first "full" week of work since the first of June.

Introduction of Blog/ New Home

2008-08-05T21:35:00.000-04:00

So we have decided that with our busy lives, our families and friends may be able to keep up with us better if we had a blog. Between Jim traveling around the US with his job and myself trying to successfully teach and finish my Masters degree, we find little time to talk to everyone we would like to. So this is our way of "talking".

I wasn't always a fan of blogs, actually I thought they were a bit goofy...but then some of my friends created blogs and now I am addicted to them. I love the fact that tons of people can keep up with your life without having to verbally communicate with each one of them.

So, as many of you know Jim and I have moved into the new house and are (we think) settled in. Here is a picture of it!

This is it for now, but hopefully this will be updated regularly for our family and friends.