Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Taiwan Video #2 - Happy New Year!
We celebrated the New Year at 11:00 AM Eastern time for all of you back home... we're 13 hours ahead. This video is a basically uncut shot of what we saw. Seriously, it was way cooler than Times Square! Enjoy!
Taiwan Journal #4 - Random Observations about Taiwan
(Greg again...)
1. This is not a place that gets a lot of American tourists. Yesterday we were out in the city for most of the day and saw a total of 5 white people and we're pretty sure most of them were European. Jessica especially has been getting stared at a LOT! We found out today that Taiwanese men are very attracted to pretty blonde american women because of the popularity of Hollywood movies here. So yeah... Jessica's basically a rock star over here. She's really hates being stared at so it's been tough for her.
2. Taiwan is a much more "green" nation than the US. That's probably not surprising but here, recycling is everywhere. In fact, if you don't recycle your garbage, you get fined. When the garbage man comes each week, not only do they expect you to have your trash sorted, they also have 2 buckets they empty... one for compost waste and another for all other food waste. Leftover noodles... uneaten meat... whatever... throw it in a bucket and the trash truck will take it. We were told they use it to feed pigs and other animals. They don't waste anything at all! I'm pretty sure they do all of this because they have to... Taiwan is a very small island with a LOT of people... I'd hate to think what it would look like if they didn't recycle.
3. EVERYONE and I do mean everyone drives a scooter here. On the road it's pretty much nothing but city buses, taxi cabs, and scooters and the scooters outnumber all of those probably 5 to one. As you can well imagine, the streets are total chaos... I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to drive here. We've been sticking to taxis and riding the public transportation trains (MRT) and that's been suiting us just fine. I'll try to get some video going of the scooter madness.
4. We were under the impression before we came that almost everyone here speaks at least a little English. We were under a wrong impression. At our hotel, they speak wonderful English. Everywhere else, none. I'm starting to get pretty good at pointing to what I want on menus and signs. We would be completely lost were it not for our wonderful hotel staff here at the Riviera... whenever we are going out, they write down all of the places we want to go on little cards in Chinese... we show those to taxi drivers or anyone else and they help us get where we're going. Fortunately, all of the street signs, bus signs, and MRT signs are both in Chinese and English. I'm not sure why though, it doesn't seem like anyone here really speaks it and seriously, we are yet to meet another American 2 days into our trip. We did meet 2 people this morning from Canada but heck, they probably spoke French.
5. The people here are VERY friendly. Taipei is a lot like many big American cities... parts of it feel very similar to New York with one difference... everyone is very, very nice. Even with the language barrier and with us pretty much sticking out like sore thumbs, everyone has been incredibly friendly towards us and very, very welcoming.
Okay... we're headed out for the evening... much more later including hopefully some pictures and video. Sorry we've been slow getting that together... it takes a long time and we're staying pretty busy!
1. This is not a place that gets a lot of American tourists. Yesterday we were out in the city for most of the day and saw a total of 5 white people and we're pretty sure most of them were European. Jessica especially has been getting stared at a LOT! We found out today that Taiwanese men are very attracted to pretty blonde american women because of the popularity of Hollywood movies here. So yeah... Jessica's basically a rock star over here. She's really hates being stared at so it's been tough for her.
2. Taiwan is a much more "green" nation than the US. That's probably not surprising but here, recycling is everywhere. In fact, if you don't recycle your garbage, you get fined. When the garbage man comes each week, not only do they expect you to have your trash sorted, they also have 2 buckets they empty... one for compost waste and another for all other food waste. Leftover noodles... uneaten meat... whatever... throw it in a bucket and the trash truck will take it. We were told they use it to feed pigs and other animals. They don't waste anything at all! I'm pretty sure they do all of this because they have to... Taiwan is a very small island with a LOT of people... I'd hate to think what it would look like if they didn't recycle.
3. EVERYONE and I do mean everyone drives a scooter here. On the road it's pretty much nothing but city buses, taxi cabs, and scooters and the scooters outnumber all of those probably 5 to one. As you can well imagine, the streets are total chaos... I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to drive here. We've been sticking to taxis and riding the public transportation trains (MRT) and that's been suiting us just fine. I'll try to get some video going of the scooter madness.
4. We were under the impression before we came that almost everyone here speaks at least a little English. We were under a wrong impression. At our hotel, they speak wonderful English. Everywhere else, none. I'm starting to get pretty good at pointing to what I want on menus and signs. We would be completely lost were it not for our wonderful hotel staff here at the Riviera... whenever we are going out, they write down all of the places we want to go on little cards in Chinese... we show those to taxi drivers or anyone else and they help us get where we're going. Fortunately, all of the street signs, bus signs, and MRT signs are both in Chinese and English. I'm not sure why though, it doesn't seem like anyone here really speaks it and seriously, we are yet to meet another American 2 days into our trip. We did meet 2 people this morning from Canada but heck, they probably spoke French.
5. The people here are VERY friendly. Taipei is a lot like many big American cities... parts of it feel very similar to New York with one difference... everyone is very, very nice. Even with the language barrier and with us pretty much sticking out like sore thumbs, everyone has been incredibly friendly towards us and very, very welcoming.
Okay... we're headed out for the evening... much more later including hopefully some pictures and video. Sorry we've been slow getting that together... it takes a long time and we're staying pretty busy!
Taiwan Journal #3 - A Little Rain...
(Greg writing here...)
Our first full day in Taiwan... I wish I could say that today was a great day but that wouldn't be honest... today was very, very hard.
Our first order of business today was to visit the Cathwel Orphanage. We were obviously very excited to visit with Sister Rosa and to be able to spend some time with the children. We were also excited to deliver all of the supplies we collected from Powell Church and also the additional supplies we purchased with donations people gave us. We got there a little after 10:00 in the morning and gave Sister Rosa all of the clothes, diapers, medicine, and bottles. She seemed amazed at how much stuff there was... we brought the biggest suitcase we have and it was crammed completely full. She wanted us to thank everyone at church for being so generous. She seemed to be deeply appreciative for the gifts.
After giving her these gifts she asked if we wanted to talk for a little while about our adoption process. We sat down in her office and began to discuss our adoption process a little bit. I don't really want to get too deep into the specifics of our conversation here on the blog but I will say that she confirmed that our wait is going to be every bit as long as we thought it might possibly be. Because we have requested a healthy infant girl, we will probably be facing the longest wait of all... that's nothing different from what we've been hearing it but to hear it straight from the person who would know best, it was hard not to be discouraged a little bit. There's more too it than that but I'll save it for another time...
The good news is that after our conversation, Sister Rosa asked us if we wanted to go on a tour and to spend some time with the children. We started off in the nursery where there were probably 10-15 babies... some as little as a month and some up to almost a year old. They were all together in one room and seemed to be very well cared for. All of the sisters we met at the orphanage were very, very nice and seemed to really love the kids. I'm having a hard time shaking the image of one little girl who waved to me when she saw me... she couldn't have been more than 9 or 10 months old but she held her hand up and waved at me like she knew me.
After the nursery we spent some time with the 1-2 year old children. This room was somewhat chaotic... there were probably 15-20 children here and many of them had special needs. Jessica and I were able to go in and sit in the floor and just play with the kids for a good while... I can't really even process or put into words quite yet what it was like to be with these children. They were all so precious and sweet and fortunately, most of them are waiting to be picked up by their adoptive families. Sister Rosa would point to the children and say "she's going to America... he's going to the Netherlands... she's going to Germany... he's going to Sweden..." I wish one of them were going to Tennessee!
I wish I could show you some pictures or some video from our time at Cathwel but we didn't want to be rude or invasive so we left the cameras in our backpack. We'll be going back another day though and we may be able to shoot some pictures then.
After our trip to Cathwel, we both were just feeling kind of spent... the reality of being among the orphans, feeling how wide our hearts opened up being around the kids, and then realizing that it could be another 2 to 3 years before we're able to bring Claire home... it felt a little bit like being punched in the stomach... it took the wind out of us both.
We did a little bit of sightseeing in the afternoon (including wandering around looking for a restaurant with an English menu and finally settling on... McDonalds which we must say, tastes exactly the same here as it does at home) and we visited the largest Bhuddist temple in Taipei. The temple was very interesting... you'll see some video of that later.
We went back to the hotel around 5:00 and laid down to take a short nap... we woke up and it was midnight! I guess our bodies weren't quite adjusted to Taiwan time.
So, our first day was a little rough... it was good to get to visit Cathwel, even with the reality of the wait that lies before us sinking in the way it did. I'm looking forward to visiting again later in the week. As I'm writing this, it's 7:00 pm on our 2nd day here... I'll post more after we get home from the New Year's Eve festivities we are going to see... today was a much better day!
Monday, December 29, 2008
We made it!
(This is Jessica, reclaiming my blog!)
50 hours after leaving Knoxville, we finally made it to Taipei! It is 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning here. We're trying to get settled and into bed. We are supposed to meet Sister Rosa at the Cathwel Orphanage tomorrow at 10 a.m. for a visit, and to take all of the donations that we brought with us. I'm excited and nervous to go to the orphanage tomorrow. It's a strange feeling!
Our travel was smooth after our 24 hour delay in Dallas. We had a hard time with American Airlines, and it seemed that the right hand had no idea what the left hand was doing. Every agent told us something different, so we got very frustrated! Despite it all, we are thankful to be here, safe and sound in Taiwan! Thank you so much for your prayers, they definitely helped! I am always such a nervous flyer, and I did better on this trip than any other, which is a miracle! The highlight of our day was flying over pretty much the entire state of Alaska. It took about 2 hours for us to fly over it. It was so beautiful and looked so cold! We got to see beautiful mountains and glaciers. It was amazing! Greg filmed video of it, which we'll post later on!
Tokyo airport was amazing, so clean! We rented a dayroom there and grabbed a quick shower and nap. We went to McDonald's to get a snack and it was crazy expensive! We got one medium coke and one medium fry to share and it was $8. The dollar isn't worth much there!
Well, that's all for now. We are excited about our first day in Taiwan tomorrow, and will post our adventures tomorrow night! Thank you again for your prayers, and please continue to pray for safe travels and protection for us!
50 hours after leaving Knoxville, we finally made it to Taipei! It is 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning here. We're trying to get settled and into bed. We are supposed to meet Sister Rosa at the Cathwel Orphanage tomorrow at 10 a.m. for a visit, and to take all of the donations that we brought with us. I'm excited and nervous to go to the orphanage tomorrow. It's a strange feeling!
Our travel was smooth after our 24 hour delay in Dallas. We had a hard time with American Airlines, and it seemed that the right hand had no idea what the left hand was doing. Every agent told us something different, so we got very frustrated! Despite it all, we are thankful to be here, safe and sound in Taiwan! Thank you so much for your prayers, they definitely helped! I am always such a nervous flyer, and I did better on this trip than any other, which is a miracle! The highlight of our day was flying over pretty much the entire state of Alaska. It took about 2 hours for us to fly over it. It was so beautiful and looked so cold! We got to see beautiful mountains and glaciers. It was amazing! Greg filmed video of it, which we'll post later on!
Tokyo airport was amazing, so clean! We rented a dayroom there and grabbed a quick shower and nap. We went to McDonald's to get a snack and it was crazy expensive! We got one medium coke and one medium fry to share and it was $8. The dollar isn't worth much there!
Well, that's all for now. We are excited about our first day in Taiwan tomorrow, and will post our adventures tomorrow night! Thank you again for your prayers, and please continue to pray for safe travels and protection for us!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Taiwan Journal #1 - This is Not Going According to Plan
(hi everyone, this is Greg writing...)
The fact that I have internet access right now when I should be on a plane should let you know that things aren't going exactly according to plan right now. Here's what's up...
We drove to Nashville last night so we could catch our early morning flight to Dallas. We only had a 40 minute layover in Dallas so we knew it would be tight... 40 minutes to catch a flight to Tokyo had us pretty nervous. Our flight this morning took off from Nashville on time and everything was going just fine until...
"This is your captain speaking... there are some sudden thunderstorms that have come up over Dallas and we're going to have to divert... we'll fly around the storms to Waco and fly in behind the storms... shouldn't be too much of a problem".
Okay, so maybe a lot of flights are experiencing this and they'll just delay the flight to Tokyo to wait for us. We might have to run through the airport but hey, that will be exciting. We'll be fine.
"This is your captain, guess what everybody? I'll be darned but we're fresh out of jet fuel if you can believe it. Tell ya what, we'll just land here on this airstrip 5 minutes from the real airport and refuel and we'll have you there in a jiffy, okay? Great. Thanks for your patience."
Awesome... anyway, long story short, we get to Dallas about 45 minutes after our plane to Tokyo took off. Wanna guess how many flights there are from Dallas to Tokyo each day? If you guessed one, you win the other half of the room service pizza sitting at the foot of my bed in the Courtyard Mariott right now.
So we're stuck for 24 hours here in Dallas in an area that could only be described as a barren wasteland of abandoned factories, warehouses, vacant lots, railroad yards, and as luck would have it, a Courtyard Mariott. We're surrounded by what looks like the set to an episode of "24". I'm pretty sure I just heard Jack Bauer scream "We're running out of time!" from behind one of the factories that completely surround this hotel.
The ONLY piece of good news from the day is that American Airlines agreed to let us stay an extra day in Taiwan since we lost a full 24 hours getting there. So, instead of getting home at around 11:00 pm next Sunday, we'll now be returning home at around 6:00 next Monday. We'll be flying back through Tokyo and Los Angeles instead of Dallas which is fine with me... I don't care if I ever come to Dallas again.
The fact that I have internet access right now when I should be on a plane should let you know that things aren't going exactly according to plan right now. Here's what's up...
We drove to Nashville last night so we could catch our early morning flight to Dallas. We only had a 40 minute layover in Dallas so we knew it would be tight... 40 minutes to catch a flight to Tokyo had us pretty nervous. Our flight this morning took off from Nashville on time and everything was going just fine until...
"This is your captain speaking... there are some sudden thunderstorms that have come up over Dallas and we're going to have to divert... we'll fly around the storms to Waco and fly in behind the storms... shouldn't be too much of a problem".
Okay, so maybe a lot of flights are experiencing this and they'll just delay the flight to Tokyo to wait for us. We might have to run through the airport but hey, that will be exciting. We'll be fine.
"This is your captain, guess what everybody? I'll be darned but we're fresh out of jet fuel if you can believe it. Tell ya what, we'll just land here on this airstrip 5 minutes from the real airport and refuel and we'll have you there in a jiffy, okay? Great. Thanks for your patience."
Awesome... anyway, long story short, we get to Dallas about 45 minutes after our plane to Tokyo took off. Wanna guess how many flights there are from Dallas to Tokyo each day? If you guessed one, you win the other half of the room service pizza sitting at the foot of my bed in the Courtyard Mariott right now.
So we're stuck for 24 hours here in Dallas in an area that could only be described as a barren wasteland of abandoned factories, warehouses, vacant lots, railroad yards, and as luck would have it, a Courtyard Mariott. We're surrounded by what looks like the set to an episode of "24". I'm pretty sure I just heard Jack Bauer scream "We're running out of time!" from behind one of the factories that completely surround this hotel.
The ONLY piece of good news from the day is that American Airlines agreed to let us stay an extra day in Taiwan since we lost a full 24 hours getting there. So, instead of getting home at around 11:00 pm next Sunday, we'll now be returning home at around 6:00 next Monday. We'll be flying back through Tokyo and Los Angeles instead of Dallas which is fine with me... I don't care if I ever come to Dallas again.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas and Adios!
We leave tomorrow for Taiwan! I can't even believe it's time! I'm still not packed, but I swear I'm going upstairs to take care of that in a minute. Talk about procrastination! We're planning on doing a little bit of shopping in the morning and then we head out to Nashville. We fly out early Saturday morning with stops in Dallas and Tokyo, before Taipei.
We had a wonderful Christmas. We had both sides of our family here this morning, and enjoyed a yummy Christmas lunch, that I thankfully pulled off without any disasters. I'm usually a good cook, but I kept thinking, if I mess something up, it's not like I can just run out and grab something else! Since Greg and I were dating, we have always had the tradition of going to a movie and eating out Chinese food on Christmas evening, and we have had so much fun carrying that on with Connor! Tonight we spent some great time as a family, enjoying our last evening together for several days!
This will be our last post for a few days. We'll be out of communication completely for about 24 hours. We'll hopefully post again on Monday evening (Monday morning here at home). Please pray for us as we travel to the other side of the world, and please pray for our family back home! Please pray for protection for not only us, but for Connor and everyone else here helping to take care of him. Check back for exciting pictures and video of our great adventure! My fortune cookie tonight read, "A pleasant surprise is in store for you soon in the coming week." We'll see!
Enjoy our holiday pics from the past two days! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
It's About That Time!
I can't believe Christmas is this week! Time has flown by. I am so thankful that I started Christmas shopping early this year, even though I still have had a hard time getting it all done. I feel like I've been wrapping presents for days. Hopefully, that will get finished up tomorrow, as well as trying to get the house cleaned up and ready. Then add in the grocery shopping to feed 10 people Christmas lunch, which I'm actually very excited about, and trying to pack up to leave the country the day after Christmas. It's hard trying not to be stressed in the midst of it all, but I am in great anticipation about the good things on the other side of it all.
I cannot believe we leave for Taiwan early Saturday morning. We drive to Nashville Friday night to spend the night, and then head to the airport at about 5 a.m. We finally make it to Taiwan Sunday morning our time, Sunday evening Taiwan time, after a short layover in Dallas, and a 4 hour layover in Tokyo. It's hard to believe this time next week we'll be on the other side of the world! We are scheduled to make our first visit to the orphanage Monday morning and have a huge suitcase full of donations thanks to Powell Church. Monday evening, we will explore Taipei. Tuesday we are scheduled for private cooking lessons which will last a good portion of the day, and Wednesday we plan to enjoy ringing in the New Year at Taipei 101, which looks to be an amazing fireworks show. We also plan on making several more trips to the orphanage, visiting a hot springs, and hopefully making it to some parks and museums. We have so much to pack in! I am having some slight anxiety about being on the other side of the world from my baby boy, but I know he is in good hands with Mimi, and the rest of his grandparents are right here to help too if needed. It's just a little scary as a momma!
Here are some Christmas pics of Connor getting into the Christmas spirit. I think he's ready! Also included are pictures of Connor, Atley, and Ava rockin' out at the Ralph's World concert last weekend. They had front row seats and thought they were pretty cool little cats! We had a great time!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Possibly The Youngest Running Away from Home Note Ever.....
Today I have been doing nothing but cleaning and decorating for Christmas since 8 a.m. I pretty much change most of my downstairs decorations for the holidays. I absolutely love Christmas!! Connor has been very consumed with drawing and writing for the past couple of weeks. I knew that today I would be very busy, so I bought him a floor drawing pad so he wouldn't get too bored during my cleaning and decorating frenzy. I was in the middle of cleaning the dining room and Connor comes in to find me with a huge sheet of paper held close to his chest. "Mom" he says. "I have a very sad note for you" He produces this:
(Mommy translation: "Mom, I am leaving. --Connor" )
I think he might have gotten a little bored today! He told me he was taking his Daddy on a boy's only trip to "Snagalooga." (Another Mommy translation: "Chattanooga"). We were supposed to go Friday but he came down with a massive ear infection and an upper respiratory infection and we've been trying to make him take it easy, despite the fact that he refuses to believe he's sick! So, he's not even five and already planning to leave home. Oh, how I can't wait for the teenage years!
(Mommy translation: "Mom, I am leaving. --Connor" )
I think he might have gotten a little bored today! He told me he was taking his Daddy on a boy's only trip to "Snagalooga." (Another Mommy translation: "Chattanooga"). We were supposed to go Friday but he came down with a massive ear infection and an upper respiratory infection and we've been trying to make him take it easy, despite the fact that he refuses to believe he's sick! So, he's not even five and already planning to leave home. Oh, how I can't wait for the teenage years!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Baby, It's Cold Outside!
My very favorite Christmas song is, "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and let me tell you, it's COLD outside!!!
Greg had a commitment last night, so I had promised Connor a couple of weeks ago, knowing Daddy had plans, that I would take him to Dollywood on Friday. I thought we'd get up there before it got crazy crowded for Christmas, and figured that this time of year it would be chilly, but not crazy cold. Boy, was I wrong! It was extremely cold yesterday here in Knoxville, and even colder up in the mountains. I couldn't even talk anyone else in to joining us, and got the "you're crazy" a few times.
Despite the weather, I wanted to keep my promise, so we wore about fifteen layers and headed out. We had so much fun! As soon as we got there, we filled the biggest mug that we had with hot chocolate to keep us warm. There was no one in the park, and we pretty much walked right onto everything. We watched Polar Express in 4D twice, rode a few rides, visited Santa in his workshop, and got a window seat at a restaurant so that we could eat our dinner, drink our warm beverages, and watch the parade from inside. My very favorite part of the night was when we took the train ride. We cuddled up in our blanket, had our big mug of hot chocolate, and rode up the mountain looking at all the beautiful Christmas lights and listening to Christmas music. It definitely put me in the Christmas mood! Connor had a giant smile on his face the whole time. I think that train ride might be one of my favorite memories as a mommy!
I am now ready for the holidays...as soon as I thaw out!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
When It Rains.....
Our family has had an extremely hard past two weeks. Greg's grandfather was hospitalized, and passed away on Friday after spending two weeks in the hospital. In the midst of his sickness, his wife, was put into an Alzheimer's home on Tuesday. Needless to say, this has just been a very difficult time for the Adkins family. They live here in Knoxville, and Greg has always been close to them. We always spent the holidays with them, and this year will just not be the same.
Greg was supposed to be in Las Vegas for work Friday through Monday. He switched planes in Atlanta and found out on the runway that his Papaw wasn't going to make it through the day. He had to fly all the way to Vegas and then turn around and fly back yesterday. He finally made it home late last night. The receiving of friends is tonight and the burial is tomorrow. Please pray for everyone during this difficult time.
It seems so minor to mention in regards to death, but I have spent the past couple of weeks living in the doctors office. I have been in chronic pain for the past two months, and it had gotten to the point where I was unable to sleep at night. I had been having extremely bad leg pain and constant headaches and migraines. I finally began physical therapy on Wednesday and I already feel like a different person. I am still on some anti-inflammatory medication, but I was at the point where I was taking two to three hydrocodone a day and was still in pain and a complete zombie. I am so glad to be off of that now! I had a headache on Thursday, I guess from the soreness that therapy caused, but I haven't had one since. It is such a blessing!
We leave for Taiwan in just seven weeks and are beginning the process of gathering supplies for the orphanage. I have been reading a very interesting Tawian travel book called, "Taiwan: Culture Shock" and learning a lot about its history, culture, and things that I want to do and see. I am so excited about the trip, just not flying for 20 hours!
Connor is doing great. He had a very fun Halloween as you can see from the pictures below. He's had a great Fall filled with lots of fun family adventures. Yesterday we went to Disney on Ice, and he loved it! It was no substitute for our annual Disney trip but at least we got in some Disney this Fall! He's getting so big, and I cannot believe he is able to read and write. He is obsessed with books and Legos right now. He's always building and reading. Five years have passed way too quickly! However, I feel very confident that he is socially and academically ready to go into Kindergarten next year. I am so glad that his birthday is in January, because it will really be to his advantage to be one of the older kids. As well as he's doing however, he's so ready for his little sister! He talks about her all the time, and we're all ready for another little one to join our family. Although we know that day is still many months away, we still pray for her to join us sooner than we expected. We still have peace knowing everything is in His perfect timing, and despite the hardships of the past couple of weeks, still know that He is in control and will carry us through.
Greg was supposed to be in Las Vegas for work Friday through Monday. He switched planes in Atlanta and found out on the runway that his Papaw wasn't going to make it through the day. He had to fly all the way to Vegas and then turn around and fly back yesterday. He finally made it home late last night. The receiving of friends is tonight and the burial is tomorrow. Please pray for everyone during this difficult time.
It seems so minor to mention in regards to death, but I have spent the past couple of weeks living in the doctors office. I have been in chronic pain for the past two months, and it had gotten to the point where I was unable to sleep at night. I had been having extremely bad leg pain and constant headaches and migraines. I finally began physical therapy on Wednesday and I already feel like a different person. I am still on some anti-inflammatory medication, but I was at the point where I was taking two to three hydrocodone a day and was still in pain and a complete zombie. I am so glad to be off of that now! I had a headache on Thursday, I guess from the soreness that therapy caused, but I haven't had one since. It is such a blessing!
We leave for Taiwan in just seven weeks and are beginning the process of gathering supplies for the orphanage. I have been reading a very interesting Tawian travel book called, "Taiwan: Culture Shock" and learning a lot about its history, culture, and things that I want to do and see. I am so excited about the trip, just not flying for 20 hours!
Connor is doing great. He had a very fun Halloween as you can see from the pictures below. He's had a great Fall filled with lots of fun family adventures. Yesterday we went to Disney on Ice, and he loved it! It was no substitute for our annual Disney trip but at least we got in some Disney this Fall! He's getting so big, and I cannot believe he is able to read and write. He is obsessed with books and Legos right now. He's always building and reading. Five years have passed way too quickly! However, I feel very confident that he is socially and academically ready to go into Kindergarten next year. I am so glad that his birthday is in January, because it will really be to his advantage to be one of the older kids. As well as he's doing however, he's so ready for his little sister! He talks about her all the time, and we're all ready for another little one to join our family. Although we know that day is still many months away, we still pray for her to join us sooner than we expected. We still have peace knowing everything is in His perfect timing, and despite the hardships of the past couple of weeks, still know that He is in control and will carry us through.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Virginia Creeper Trail
One of our favorite things to do is biking. Greg and I have always enjoyed it, and we are so glad that Connor loves it too! We found a place years ago that is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places we've ever been, the Creeper Trail in Virginia. It is 17 miles that will take your breath away as you try to take in the beauty of God's creation. It is not a difficult ride, and we highly recommend it!
We were so excited yesterday to finally be able to share this with Connor! He rode in the bike trailer and collected stuff in his "Nature Box" that we had made the night before. He loved finding leaves, acorns, rocks, and moss and that kept him entertained along the way. He is our outdoors boy, so he loved it as much as us! He actually fell asleep in the trailer the last few miles! I told you it was peaceful!
Enjoy the slideshow!
We were so excited yesterday to finally be able to share this with Connor! He rode in the bike trailer and collected stuff in his "Nature Box" that we had made the night before. He loved finding leaves, acorns, rocks, and moss and that kept him entertained along the way. He is our outdoors boy, so he loved it as much as us! He actually fell asleep in the trailer the last few miles! I told you it was peaceful!
Enjoy the slideshow!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
6 Months!
I lied. I thought the next post would be soccer pics, but I still haven't had time to even load those pics on the computer. Life has been ridiculous lately and managing work and home is about to kill me. I hate October because work is always insanely busy, but I love October because it is just the most beautiful month of the year. If you need an understanding of how insane my life is right now, here's a quick illustration. The other day I was extremely sick. I thought I'd come down with a stomach bug. And then I came to the realization that "Oh, you've slept about 6 hours in two days, and all you've put in your body in the past 24 hours is a Venti Caramel Macchiato and a bag of Skittles." Is it any wonder?
Anyways, at least this weekend was good. Greg made it home from Atlanta and had a wonderful trip. Maybe someday I can go to Catalyst with him. I've always wanted to go, but I just can't slip away from work for two days this time of year. He was back in time for Family Night which consisted of greasy pizza (Me and the health food lately. What happened to my organic diet?) and Chuck E. Cheese. It made the little man happy , so that was all that mattered. Nana and Granddaddy took all the grandkids unexpectedly to Chuck E. Cheese again on Saturday (Connor thought he was something special...all those game two days in a row!) and Greg and I managed to have our first date night in months! Saturday was the six month anniversary of officially being logged in at Cathwell Orphange, and we always celebrate adoption milestones with a yummy Chinese dinner. We decided to go out for sushi. Greg loves it, but I have texture issues, so I've always made fun of sushi eaters, but I got cooked sushi and veggie sushi and I have to say it was quite yummy! We then had a delicious dessert at the Melting Pot. We got to have real conversation that didn't involve interruptions from a bored four-year old, and it was so nice. Too many times I get caught up in all the craziness of life and being a working mom, and I just forget what I great husband that I have.
Fall Break is one week away and I can't wait to just be a mom and wife for a week. I'm a little excited about laundry, cooking, and cleaning, because I haven't gotten to do much of that in the past couple of weeks! And as much as I'm heartbroken that we won't be taking our annual October Disney trip, I'm so excited to not be going non-stop on a crazy vacation for a week where I come home more exhausted than when I left. I'm not sure there can be a point of more exhausted than I am. Greg says I'm like this every October, but this fall just feels the worst of all. I am so longing to simplify things and get rid of the chaos. Greg and I have talked so much about this lately, and I'm to the point now where I know things just can't continue the way they are. But where do you start and what is there to let go? It's so hard! The verse I've been saying over and over every day lately is "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). Maybe there is some rest in our future!
I keep feeling like something is on the horizon for our family that is going to be big, because I feel like Satan is really trying to beat me down the past couple of weeks. Some really hurtful actions and words have been coming at me from every direction, even in the most unexpected places. I am trying to keep my eyes on Christ and my faithfulness to Him. Maybe Satan is just trying to wear me down before Taiwan. I'm not sure what it is, but it is starting to affect me, so I ask for your prayer that God will just protect me and help me to keep my focus. Pray for our upcoming trip in just two months and for the remainder of our long wait.
Anyways, at least this weekend was good. Greg made it home from Atlanta and had a wonderful trip. Maybe someday I can go to Catalyst with him. I've always wanted to go, but I just can't slip away from work for two days this time of year. He was back in time for Family Night which consisted of greasy pizza (Me and the health food lately. What happened to my organic diet?) and Chuck E. Cheese. It made the little man happy , so that was all that mattered. Nana and Granddaddy took all the grandkids unexpectedly to Chuck E. Cheese again on Saturday (Connor thought he was something special...all those game two days in a row!) and Greg and I managed to have our first date night in months! Saturday was the six month anniversary of officially being logged in at Cathwell Orphange, and we always celebrate adoption milestones with a yummy Chinese dinner. We decided to go out for sushi. Greg loves it, but I have texture issues, so I've always made fun of sushi eaters, but I got cooked sushi and veggie sushi and I have to say it was quite yummy! We then had a delicious dessert at the Melting Pot. We got to have real conversation that didn't involve interruptions from a bored four-year old, and it was so nice. Too many times I get caught up in all the craziness of life and being a working mom, and I just forget what I great husband that I have.
Fall Break is one week away and I can't wait to just be a mom and wife for a week. I'm a little excited about laundry, cooking, and cleaning, because I haven't gotten to do much of that in the past couple of weeks! And as much as I'm heartbroken that we won't be taking our annual October Disney trip, I'm so excited to not be going non-stop on a crazy vacation for a week where I come home more exhausted than when I left. I'm not sure there can be a point of more exhausted than I am. Greg says I'm like this every October, but this fall just feels the worst of all. I am so longing to simplify things and get rid of the chaos. Greg and I have talked so much about this lately, and I'm to the point now where I know things just can't continue the way they are. But where do you start and what is there to let go? It's so hard! The verse I've been saying over and over every day lately is "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). Maybe there is some rest in our future!
I keep feeling like something is on the horizon for our family that is going to be big, because I feel like Satan is really trying to beat me down the past couple of weeks. Some really hurtful actions and words have been coming at me from every direction, even in the most unexpected places. I am trying to keep my eyes on Christ and my faithfulness to Him. Maybe Satan is just trying to wear me down before Taiwan. I'm not sure what it is, but it is starting to affect me, so I ask for your prayer that God will just protect me and help me to keep my focus. Pray for our upcoming trip in just two months and for the remainder of our long wait.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Oooooops!
I didn't mean to not post for this long, life has been so busy. I used to love that life was busy, and I would get so restless if we didn't have a million things going on. Now, I just want some rest and for things to slow down....but, there's not an end in sight!
Things are great with us. We have had a wonderful start to the fall. Connor has been playing soccer and we've really enjoyed seeing his progress. Although, it has amazed us that the two most competitive people in the world managed to have a son who is not competitive at all! Connor is our social butterfly who is more interested in making his friends laugh and entertaining his team rather than scoring any goals. That being said, he has scored two goals, and has made a lot of progress. He told me tonight that he was really sad he only has two games left. I am going to post soccer pictures on my next post. He has decided that he'd like to do gymnastics in the winter and tee ball in the spring. He's got big plans to keep us busy, go figure!
My Thirty-One business has really taken off. I keep praying for God to open up the doors and give me the time and energy to follow through. It has been such a blessing to be able to earn money for the adoption. We have not been successful with any of the grants due to our income, so this is our primary source of earning the remainder of the money. I am still booking shows and trying to make online sales off my website.
I am really enjoying my new job. It is a huge change for me, but I am really enjoying being the "behind the scenes" person. I miss having a classroom, but I do not miss everything that came with it. My new job is extremely busy and at times overwhelming, but it truly has allowed me to be a better wife and mother and much, much, much less stressed which is something that I prayed for for so long. I was beginning to wonder if He was listening, but I continue to learn more each day about my timing not being the perfect timing.
Greg has a busy fall as well. He's traveling to Atlanta and Vegas (poor guy), hosting an Andrew Perterson concert, running sound for the CAK musical, and finishing up coaching Connor's soccer team.
We're all a little sad that we aren't making our annual Disney trip in October....well, we may be more than a little sad. Connor just said last night, "Mom when we go trick-or-treating at Mickey's House....." I think we have spoiled him into thinking that every kid goes trick-or-treating at Disney, every year. We are so blessed to have been able to take our four-year old three times to Disney, and hope that we can return next October! However, Greg and I are very much looking forward to our trip to Taiwan in December. We are finally starting to think about what we can take to the orphanage and hopefully we'll start nailing down an itinerary in the next few weeks. We are also planning a couple of little side trips during Fall Break to Chattanooga and also a biking trip to Virginia (one of our very favorite things to do).
So, life is busy but going great. We continue to be so blessed, but I do not take any of it for granted. I say a prayer of thanks every day, many times a day for God's goodness upon our family. May we continue to live out His purpose for our lives.
Things are great with us. We have had a wonderful start to the fall. Connor has been playing soccer and we've really enjoyed seeing his progress. Although, it has amazed us that the two most competitive people in the world managed to have a son who is not competitive at all! Connor is our social butterfly who is more interested in making his friends laugh and entertaining his team rather than scoring any goals. That being said, he has scored two goals, and has made a lot of progress. He told me tonight that he was really sad he only has two games left. I am going to post soccer pictures on my next post. He has decided that he'd like to do gymnastics in the winter and tee ball in the spring. He's got big plans to keep us busy, go figure!
My Thirty-One business has really taken off. I keep praying for God to open up the doors and give me the time and energy to follow through. It has been such a blessing to be able to earn money for the adoption. We have not been successful with any of the grants due to our income, so this is our primary source of earning the remainder of the money. I am still booking shows and trying to make online sales off my website.
I am really enjoying my new job. It is a huge change for me, but I am really enjoying being the "behind the scenes" person. I miss having a classroom, but I do not miss everything that came with it. My new job is extremely busy and at times overwhelming, but it truly has allowed me to be a better wife and mother and much, much, much less stressed which is something that I prayed for for so long. I was beginning to wonder if He was listening, but I continue to learn more each day about my timing not being the perfect timing.
Greg has a busy fall as well. He's traveling to Atlanta and Vegas (poor guy), hosting an Andrew Perterson concert, running sound for the CAK musical, and finishing up coaching Connor's soccer team.
We're all a little sad that we aren't making our annual Disney trip in October....well, we may be more than a little sad. Connor just said last night, "Mom when we go trick-or-treating at Mickey's House....." I think we have spoiled him into thinking that every kid goes trick-or-treating at Disney, every year. We are so blessed to have been able to take our four-year old three times to Disney, and hope that we can return next October! However, Greg and I are very much looking forward to our trip to Taiwan in December. We are finally starting to think about what we can take to the orphanage and hopefully we'll start nailing down an itinerary in the next few weeks. We are also planning a couple of little side trips during Fall Break to Chattanooga and also a biking trip to Virginia (one of our very favorite things to do).
So, life is busy but going great. We continue to be so blessed, but I do not take any of it for granted. I say a prayer of thanks every day, many times a day for God's goodness upon our family. May we continue to live out His purpose for our lives.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Adoption Fundraiser
I wanted to adopt early in our marriage, but Greg kept brushing me off saying, "Where's that money coming from? We don't make that kind of money?" Well, I never had a good comeback for that, so I let it go. After a lot of prayer, he and I both realized that if this is what God wanted us to do, He could make it happen, and he certainly has. We were able to come up with the first part of the money that we needed for our adoption with some creativity, generous family members, and Greg's shows and music sales. And now, here we are trying to come up with the second half, so we will resort to more prayer and some creativity once more!
I have become an Independent Consultant with "Thirty-One Gifts," a Christian based company that specializes in personalized items. It is a fairly new and growing company based out of Chattanooga. It was a complete "God thing" of how I heard about it! I absolutely loved the products, and originally just intended to buy a couple of things because the prices were so reasonable. And then I found out that if I became a consultant, I could make 25% off of every sale and put it into our adoption fund to help bring home my precious baby girl.
So, PLEASE check-out my site: www.mythirtyone.com/jessicaadkins There are some really cute products, and monogrammed bags starting at only $17!! Almost every product can be personalized, and the monogramming is FREE! If you are interested in hosting a party, you can earn lots of free products while you are helping to bring Claire home! You can do an in-home party, catalog party, or even an online party. Even if you don't live in Knoxville, you can do a catalog or online party and still help our cause. If you don't want to host a party, you can always shop online at my website! Take a look and let me know if you like what you see!
If you live in Knoxville, I am having an "Open House" event at my mom's in Farragut on Thursday, September 25th at 6:30 p.m. (**Note change of date!!) Let me know if you'd like to come and see what we have!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Reflecting on Thirty Years!
Today, I turned the big 3-0. It would've been a lot more exciting if I hadn't spent the entire week on my back with one of the worst stomach bugs that I've ever had! Every time I think it's passing, it comes back full force! I think I may have turned the corner tonight, and was able to eat solid food at my birthday dinner with my family. Hopefully I'll be in full swing for the big luau Greg and my parents are throwing for me tomorrow!
I have had lots of conversations this week with friends about turning thirty. Some have asked me if I'm where I thought I'd be, or if I had any regrets, and it got me to thinking. Here are my thoughts:
Children: I always thought that I'd have more than one child by thirty, but we're working on that! I feel so blessed to have my precious Connor (even though he's been a little rascal this week!). Sometimes I'll just be staring at him and he'll say, "Why are you looking at me Mom?" I catch myself just looking at him sometimes, amazed at how handsome, big, and smart he is. Even though sometimes I don't understand why we've been asked to wait so long to add to our family, I know we are being faithful to God's plan, so I know He must just have an amazing little girl waiting for us!
Career: I'm really proud of my career, and feel like I've worked really hard to get to where I am. I feel honored to be in my position at such a young age, and feel so blessed that so many people have put their faith and trust in me. People keep asking me if I want to keep moving up in administration, but I have no idea. I've always seen myself teaching at a college level, never as a head principal, but we'll see what God has planned!
Marriage: I've been married eight and a half years, and these days, that's something I am so proud of. My husband is the most kind and least selfish person that I think I've ever met! There are so many times that I just think to myself, "Why does he put up with me?" Greg is genuine, caring, and has such a gentle spirit. He's an amazing and unbelievable father. He has been able to open up new worlds for me in so many ways. He's changed my thinking, my attitude, and how I see things. He's taken me to so many beautiful places all over the country, and even a few outside of the U.S. I love how much we love traveling, and how we place such an importance on family vacation time. I just love him so much!
Faith: I think it took me thirty years to finally get over myself! I have learned so much this past year about the way I want to live the rest of my life, and what kind of impact I want to have on this world. I think growing up, I probably saw myself at thirty having a safe, comfortable life, and now that's the exact opposite of what I want. I want to make a difference, I want to step outside of myself and do something, not just feel compassion, but actually do something with it. A line from my favorite worship song says for God to "Break my heart from what breaks yours". This has been my prayer for the past year, and I feel so blessed to have become part of a community that seeks this in their lives as well.
So, is my life the way I saw it as a dreamy eyed highschool girl? Absolutely not! But I am so thankful that it's not what I dreamed of. It's so much more and much, much more meaningful. I'm so hopeful as I begin looking forward to the things to come, and to see what I can do with the rest of my life! My prayer is for God to just show me what to do next!
I have had lots of conversations this week with friends about turning thirty. Some have asked me if I'm where I thought I'd be, or if I had any regrets, and it got me to thinking. Here are my thoughts:
Children: I always thought that I'd have more than one child by thirty, but we're working on that! I feel so blessed to have my precious Connor (even though he's been a little rascal this week!). Sometimes I'll just be staring at him and he'll say, "Why are you looking at me Mom?" I catch myself just looking at him sometimes, amazed at how handsome, big, and smart he is. Even though sometimes I don't understand why we've been asked to wait so long to add to our family, I know we are being faithful to God's plan, so I know He must just have an amazing little girl waiting for us!
Career: I'm really proud of my career, and feel like I've worked really hard to get to where I am. I feel honored to be in my position at such a young age, and feel so blessed that so many people have put their faith and trust in me. People keep asking me if I want to keep moving up in administration, but I have no idea. I've always seen myself teaching at a college level, never as a head principal, but we'll see what God has planned!
Marriage: I've been married eight and a half years, and these days, that's something I am so proud of. My husband is the most kind and least selfish person that I think I've ever met! There are so many times that I just think to myself, "Why does he put up with me?" Greg is genuine, caring, and has such a gentle spirit. He's an amazing and unbelievable father. He has been able to open up new worlds for me in so many ways. He's changed my thinking, my attitude, and how I see things. He's taken me to so many beautiful places all over the country, and even a few outside of the U.S. I love how much we love traveling, and how we place such an importance on family vacation time. I just love him so much!
Faith: I think it took me thirty years to finally get over myself! I have learned so much this past year about the way I want to live the rest of my life, and what kind of impact I want to have on this world. I think growing up, I probably saw myself at thirty having a safe, comfortable life, and now that's the exact opposite of what I want. I want to make a difference, I want to step outside of myself and do something, not just feel compassion, but actually do something with it. A line from my favorite worship song says for God to "Break my heart from what breaks yours". This has been my prayer for the past year, and I feel so blessed to have become part of a community that seeks this in their lives as well.
So, is my life the way I saw it as a dreamy eyed highschool girl? Absolutely not! But I am so thankful that it's not what I dreamed of. It's so much more and much, much more meaningful. I'm so hopeful as I begin looking forward to the things to come, and to see what I can do with the rest of my life! My prayer is for God to just show me what to do next!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
A Very Long Week!
This was the first official week of my new job. I have worked 12 hours every day getting everything ready for the year to begin. Most of my week has been consumed with taking inventory of and delivering the school's new Social Studies curriculum, textbooks, and other materials. IT TOOK FOREVER! Greg took pity on me on Wednesday and helped me deliver the last of it to the teachers. Thank God for husbands who are willing to give up their day off to help their emotional and exhausted wives!
Today was the first "normal" day. I actually got several things done and feel a lot better about things. I finally got my new office set up. I decorated it in black and pink polka dots, mainly because it makes me think of this blog and Claire!
I miss my friends at Dogwood terribly! I have stopped by a couple of days to visit. I am so thankful that God placed me not too far away! I literally can be at Dogwood in five minutes, and it is on my way home every night.
I am getting to know the staff at my new school and I really like them. Tonight was our "Meet the Teacher" night and I was very impressed with the turnout. I have also been really impressed with the genuineness of the principal and the way he runs the school. I am excited to get the year started, and I'm excited about this new opportunity. I really feel like this new position is a great match for me, and quite honestly do not regret not being in the classroom at all.
I am hoping to work normal days and be a better mom and wife next week! Now, I just need some sleep!
Today was the first "normal" day. I actually got several things done and feel a lot better about things. I finally got my new office set up. I decorated it in black and pink polka dots, mainly because it makes me think of this blog and Claire!
I miss my friends at Dogwood terribly! I have stopped by a couple of days to visit. I am so thankful that God placed me not too far away! I literally can be at Dogwood in five minutes, and it is on my way home every night.
I am getting to know the staff at my new school and I really like them. Tonight was our "Meet the Teacher" night and I was very impressed with the turnout. I have also been really impressed with the genuineness of the principal and the way he runs the school. I am excited to get the year started, and I'm excited about this new opportunity. I really feel like this new position is a great match for me, and quite honestly do not regret not being in the classroom at all.
I am hoping to work normal days and be a better mom and wife next week! Now, I just need some sleep!
Monday, July 28, 2008
One Long Chapter Ends, A New Chapter Begins
In the Fall of 2000, I walked through the front doors of Dogwood Elementary, a naive pre-intern. I was so annoyed that the University was making me intern all the way across town. We were supposed to be assigned to our "base schools" according to our zip codes. Brickey was one of our program's schools, and it was literally one mile from my house, but here I was driving 20 minutes across town to work at this inner city school, not the nice suburban school, all because UT had not changed my address and my zip code when I had moved the winter before.
I remember being so overwhelmed my first week by what I saw. I came face to face with true poverty. I found my journal a while back and read what I had written. It was so interesting to see how much it had shocked me at first, because sadly, over the past eight years, I have grown accustomed to it. I am used to working with kids so in need that my heart just breaks all day for them. I quickly came to love Dogwood, and was so thankful that God had put me there. I ended up interning full-time there, and have taught third grade my entire teaching career there. I love that school, the staff, and those kids with all my heart, and it pains me to know that tomorrow I will pack up my classroom and begin a new job.
I have accepted a position as a Curriculum and Instructional Facilitator at Mooreland Heights Elementary, very close to Dogwood. It is a "promotion" and my job description is very lengthy, and hard to explain. Greg still doesn't get it. I will miss my third-grade team so much. They are not only amazing teachers, wonderful colleagues, but true friends. They have assured me that I will remain an "honorary third grade team member." I have made so many friendships, gone through some hard times, great times, a lot of stress, and had a lot of fun during my time there. I am excited about my new job, but scared of change. I prayed for God to put me where he wanted me, even if that meant staying in the classroom, so I know that this is what I am supposed to do.
Every day I was so thankful that God was going to give me the opportunity to minster to, love, and teach a group of kids each day that needed me so much. I think that will be the hardest thing for me to give up, the joy of teaching, and the joy of seeing kids loving learning. Thankfully, my new job still allows me to get into the classroom at times. I am so excited to do new and different things, and to see how God can use my talents and skills in new ways.
Here are some pictures of my awesome team at Dogwood who I will miss more than I can even express! I know that our friendship will still continue, but I will miss seeing them every day, laughing with them, and being able to hear how loud they are all the way down the hall from inside my classroom!! My intern from this past school year is moving into my classroom and taking my place (in the pictures below, she is the super cute brunette in the white shirt.....I hate standing next to her!) I love knowing exactly who is in my classroom and taking my place. She will do a fantastic job, and I know the team is so excited to keep her as a part of the third grade! Please pray for me as I begin this new chapter in my life.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
It's been a good week....It's about to get even better!
I have had a GREAT week! It's been so nice! Even though I had to sit in workshops on Monday and Tuesday for work, I got to see all my co-workers. I haven't seen them since May, and I missed them!
Monday, I got to get rid of my nightmare car and I got a good ole' dependable Honda Pilot! I have heard such great things about them, so I am hoping that we made a good choice, although the gas mileage is already killing me. I went from a car that got 26/34 mpg to a car that gets like 15/21.
Tuesday evening, our third grade team had game night, and we had a lot of fun. I don't think any other group of people can make me laugh like them. They're loud and hilarious. We had a really great time, and I didn't even get home until after midnight...it's been a LONG time since I stayed out that late. I am getting old!
Wednesday, I got to spend some time with my best friend from middle and high school, and her adorable little girl. It was really great to catch up. I am so busy, and I hate how I lose touch so easily with people. Life just gets so crazy, and then you haven't seen someone in three years. It's ridiculous, but I have vowed to do better! After swimming with them, Mom and I went to Target and shopped for "The Family Christmas Shop." Right when we got there, they were marking down aisles upon aisles of toys to clearance, and we got two carts piled high with stuff. My small group had given me some money, and then mom and I bought some too. We had such a great time shopping! Connor got into it too, and told the cashier upon her inquiry of all the toys, "They're for kids who don't have any toys." He is so sweet!
As soon as I shower and pack, we're dropping Connor off and Nana and Granddaddy's and we're headed to the Haney's in Nashville to meet up with them and the Watson's. We're spending a few days at Nancy's parent's lakehouse in Kentucky. It is such a beautiful place, and I am so thankful that her family is so kind to have shared it with us so many times! I am so excited to end a good week with great friends, and I am sure with a lot of laughing! I am always thankful for my life, but this week has just been filled with so many blessings. It's been such a good week, and if I know my best friends, it's about to get better!
Monday, I got to get rid of my nightmare car and I got a good ole' dependable Honda Pilot! I have heard such great things about them, so I am hoping that we made a good choice, although the gas mileage is already killing me. I went from a car that got 26/34 mpg to a car that gets like 15/21.
Tuesday evening, our third grade team had game night, and we had a lot of fun. I don't think any other group of people can make me laugh like them. They're loud and hilarious. We had a really great time, and I didn't even get home until after midnight...it's been a LONG time since I stayed out that late. I am getting old!
Wednesday, I got to spend some time with my best friend from middle and high school, and her adorable little girl. It was really great to catch up. I am so busy, and I hate how I lose touch so easily with people. Life just gets so crazy, and then you haven't seen someone in three years. It's ridiculous, but I have vowed to do better! After swimming with them, Mom and I went to Target and shopped for "The Family Christmas Shop." Right when we got there, they were marking down aisles upon aisles of toys to clearance, and we got two carts piled high with stuff. My small group had given me some money, and then mom and I bought some too. We had such a great time shopping! Connor got into it too, and told the cashier upon her inquiry of all the toys, "They're for kids who don't have any toys." He is so sweet!
As soon as I shower and pack, we're dropping Connor off and Nana and Granddaddy's and we're headed to the Haney's in Nashville to meet up with them and the Watson's. We're spending a few days at Nancy's parent's lakehouse in Kentucky. It is such a beautiful place, and I am so thankful that her family is so kind to have shared it with us so many times! I am so excited to end a good week with great friends, and I am sure with a lot of laughing! I am always thankful for my life, but this week has just been filled with so many blessings. It's been such a good week, and if I know my best friends, it's about to get better!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Goodbye.....You Stupid, Stupid Car!
Looks nice, doesn't it....don't be fooled! I'm pretty sure this is the car Satan himself drives! Starting two weeks after I got this car, it started tearing up. Power windows, engine, gaskets, seals, strange noises, interior peeling (radio, gear shift, etc.) I have had a lot of cars since I was 16, but this by far was the WORST! The only good things about it were that it was nice to look at, fun to drive with the turbo engine, and it got unbelievable gas mileage. But, who cares when every time you crank it, the computer screen comes on telling you that something else is broken. As of yesterday afternoon, it is someone else's problem. Thanks for a stressful two years!
Never, ever, ever buy a Saab 9-3!!!!
And now I will step down from my soapbox!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Summer Fun!
We've been having lots of fun since the beach! Of course, we are staying so busy, but I love doing so much fun stuff with Connor. Once school starts back, my life is out of control crazy, usually until October.
We've gone to Big Ed's (I hadn't been since highschool), the Secret City Festival in Oak Ridge, picked blackberries, and had a blast on the 4th with family and friends. We've also been going to the library every Tuesday, Dollywood and/or Splash Country every Wednesday, and anything else I can find to keep us busy on the other days. I think we might've had a couple of days at home, but neither of us like that very much.
Enjoy the slideshow.
We've gone to Big Ed's (I hadn't been since highschool), the Secret City Festival in Oak Ridge, picked blackberries, and had a blast on the 4th with family and friends. We've also been going to the library every Tuesday, Dollywood and/or Splash Country every Wednesday, and anything else I can find to keep us busy on the other days. I think we might've had a couple of days at home, but neither of us like that very much.
Enjoy the slideshow.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Taiwan
Well, after a lot of prayer and a lot of thought about finances, we bought our tickets to Taiwan today. I am so excited, I can't stop smiling! We leave for Taipei December 27th and will return January 4th. During that week, we will explore the country and try to learn as much as we can about our daughter's heritage. We will also spend time in her orphanage, doing anything that they need us to do, and hopefully get to know the people who will be taking care of our daughter until we are allowed to go get her.
I will turn thirty in August and I've never been on a foreign mission trip before, so this is like my own little mission trip! We are very excited and feel so blessed to have this opportunity to visit Taiwan before we go over to get Claire. Yay God! Thank you so much for making this happen!
I will turn thirty in August and I've never been on a foreign mission trip before, so this is like my own little mission trip! We are very excited and feel so blessed to have this opportunity to visit Taiwan before we go over to get Claire. Yay God! Thank you so much for making this happen!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
My New Best Friend
This is my new best friend.....
Why you ask? Because Connor is the WORST about getting up fifteen times after he's put to bed for EVERY excuse you can think of. I'm thirsty, I need to poop, I need one more hug, I didn't brush my teeth good enough....you get the idea.
Last week, I was at the Dollar Tree and Connor was spending three dollars that he had gotten from his great-grandmother. I found these book lights and thought, hey, this would be great for him to read in bed at night. So, for the past week, he has been allowed to read one book in bed with his book light after we have tucked him in and said prayers, and then he must turn it off on his own and go to sleep. And it WORKS! No more getting up, no more excuses! By the time I get up there to check on him, his book is beside his bed, his book light is turned off and laid on top of it, and he is fast asleep! I think he is like his momma, and just needs to wind down a bit to fall asleep. I usually have to read at night to wind down. I cannot just fall asleep laying there, unlike Greg who is snoring loud enough to wake up all of Knoxville ten seconds after his head hits the pillow. So, that's pretty much the best dollar I've ever spent in my life! I am thinking of buying a whole set for my classroom, and letting my students have special reading time with them. I thought they'd love to turn off the lights and read with the book lights every now and again. I'm going to Dollar Tree again today to buy all they have!
Why you ask? Because Connor is the WORST about getting up fifteen times after he's put to bed for EVERY excuse you can think of. I'm thirsty, I need to poop, I need one more hug, I didn't brush my teeth good enough....you get the idea.
Last week, I was at the Dollar Tree and Connor was spending three dollars that he had gotten from his great-grandmother. I found these book lights and thought, hey, this would be great for him to read in bed at night. So, for the past week, he has been allowed to read one book in bed with his book light after we have tucked him in and said prayers, and then he must turn it off on his own and go to sleep. And it WORKS! No more getting up, no more excuses! By the time I get up there to check on him, his book is beside his bed, his book light is turned off and laid on top of it, and he is fast asleep! I think he is like his momma, and just needs to wind down a bit to fall asleep. I usually have to read at night to wind down. I cannot just fall asleep laying there, unlike Greg who is snoring loud enough to wake up all of Knoxville ten seconds after his head hits the pillow. So, that's pretty much the best dollar I've ever spent in my life! I am thinking of buying a whole set for my classroom, and letting my students have special reading time with them. I thought they'd love to turn off the lights and read with the book lights every now and again. I'm going to Dollar Tree again today to buy all they have!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Florida Fun in St. Augustine
This vacation has been awesome! One of our most fun and relaxing ever. Pretty much all we've done is sleep, play, eat, laugh, read, and then repeat. Of course, I have some stories for you.
On Sunday, Connor wanted to buy a hermit crab. He decided to name him Shane. On Monday, he decided Shane was lonely, so he bought another crab and named him Howie. (No, I have no idea where those names came from). This morning, I had to break the news to him that Shane had gone to "Crab Heaven". He was really sad, and was asking all kinds of hilarious questions about "Crab Heaven." "Well, people heaven is up there, so is crab heaven down there? " "Why is his shell still here if he's up in crab heaven?' My mother-in-law had her face in a towel because she was laughing so hard. So, today we will bury Shane down by the beach, and return to get another hermit crab (that I'm pretty sure we'll kill too). Connor plans to name the new crab, "Shane Jr." I have no idea where he comes up with this stuff!
Every summer, Greg gets highights in his hair, for my sake only. I always think it looks nice after the beach. This year his Mom, really wanted them to show up, and well, they really show up alright. I think it looks fine, but he's freaking out a little. He looks like a surfer. It's really funny, and I'm sure all the boys will ridicule him to death. But, at least he still has hair to highlight!
Tuesday night, Greg and I dropped Mimi and Connor off at the movies and went out to eat. After dinner, we walked out to the pier and watched all the locals fishing. They caught a ton of sharks, so we thought we'd give it a whirl on Wednesday. So, we all hung out at the pier most of the day yesterday. Greg caught a baby hammerhead shark and a trout. We watched a guy pull in a four foot bullshark. Totally freaked me out! By the time we took a break and went back, someone had pulled in another four foot bullshark, and about the same size hammerhead shark. We saw tons of stingrays in the water, about a dozen dolphins, and a jellyfish that looked about the size of Connor's head. Needless to say, since all this occurred very close to the shore, our family's ocean adventures are over. We're sticking by the pool! Creepy!
Last night we went to an awesome restaurant that this cute little local retired couple recommended. It was called Mango Mango's. They had unbelievable Caribbean food. It is our new favorite down here, and can't wait to eat there again next year! Tomorrow is our last day, and we're planning on getting up early and eating breakfast at a little beach front restaurant called Beachcombers. I can't believe we only have two days left. It has gone by so quickly, but there's still more fun to be had, so I should get outside!
On Sunday, Connor wanted to buy a hermit crab. He decided to name him Shane. On Monday, he decided Shane was lonely, so he bought another crab and named him Howie. (No, I have no idea where those names came from). This morning, I had to break the news to him that Shane had gone to "Crab Heaven". He was really sad, and was asking all kinds of hilarious questions about "Crab Heaven." "Well, people heaven is up there, so is crab heaven down there? " "Why is his shell still here if he's up in crab heaven?' My mother-in-law had her face in a towel because she was laughing so hard. So, today we will bury Shane down by the beach, and return to get another hermit crab (that I'm pretty sure we'll kill too). Connor plans to name the new crab, "Shane Jr." I have no idea where he comes up with this stuff!
Every summer, Greg gets highights in his hair, for my sake only. I always think it looks nice after the beach. This year his Mom, really wanted them to show up, and well, they really show up alright. I think it looks fine, but he's freaking out a little. He looks like a surfer. It's really funny, and I'm sure all the boys will ridicule him to death. But, at least he still has hair to highlight!
Tuesday night, Greg and I dropped Mimi and Connor off at the movies and went out to eat. After dinner, we walked out to the pier and watched all the locals fishing. They caught a ton of sharks, so we thought we'd give it a whirl on Wednesday. So, we all hung out at the pier most of the day yesterday. Greg caught a baby hammerhead shark and a trout. We watched a guy pull in a four foot bullshark. Totally freaked me out! By the time we took a break and went back, someone had pulled in another four foot bullshark, and about the same size hammerhead shark. We saw tons of stingrays in the water, about a dozen dolphins, and a jellyfish that looked about the size of Connor's head. Needless to say, since all this occurred very close to the shore, our family's ocean adventures are over. We're sticking by the pool! Creepy!
Last night we went to an awesome restaurant that this cute little local retired couple recommended. It was called Mango Mango's. They had unbelievable Caribbean food. It is our new favorite down here, and can't wait to eat there again next year! Tomorrow is our last day, and we're planning on getting up early and eating breakfast at a little beach front restaurant called Beachcombers. I can't believe we only have two days left. It has gone by so quickly, but there's still more fun to be had, so I should get outside!
Friday, June 6, 2008
So Outta Here!
This has been a really long week! I have been in training for the past three days because the state of Tennessee is changing all their learning expectations for students, and I got the joy of learning about it all so I can go back and tell our school about it. Yes, it was as exciting as it sounded. I kept thinking of everything that I had to get done, so I was completely antsy. That on top of the fact that I am not used to sitting for seven hours straight!
We are leaving super early in the morning for Florida. We are all so excited to get out of here! I'm getting ready to start packing up the car after I post. We are planning on doing nothing but playing, relaxing, reading, laughing, and more relaxing! We always have a great time down there!
Connor has been very funny this week. He is so literal, and I think he might grow up to be a lawyer like his "G" because he seems to find the loophole in everything I tell him lately. First example, we went to Sonic for a slush and they gave him a mint. After he finished his slush, he wanted to open his mint and eat it as we were driving down the interstate. I explained to him that I didn't like him eating in the car because if he were to accidentally choke, I couldn't get to him quickly. So, he found the loophole. He opened the mint, held it between two fingers, and proceeded to lick the entire thing until it was gone. Today, we were coming out of CVS. We were coming towards the end of the sidewalk, and were standing right in front of my car. He almost stepped off the sidewalk, and I told him he knew that he couldn't go in the parking lot without holding a hand. So, he clasped both of his hands together and said, "I"m holding my hand" with a giggle. I gave him "the look" and he then took my hand. Loopholes.....
I'll post some pics from the beach as soon as we get some! See you in a week, Knoxville!
We are leaving super early in the morning for Florida. We are all so excited to get out of here! I'm getting ready to start packing up the car after I post. We are planning on doing nothing but playing, relaxing, reading, laughing, and more relaxing! We always have a great time down there!
Connor has been very funny this week. He is so literal, and I think he might grow up to be a lawyer like his "G" because he seems to find the loophole in everything I tell him lately. First example, we went to Sonic for a slush and they gave him a mint. After he finished his slush, he wanted to open his mint and eat it as we were driving down the interstate. I explained to him that I didn't like him eating in the car because if he were to accidentally choke, I couldn't get to him quickly. So, he found the loophole. He opened the mint, held it between two fingers, and proceeded to lick the entire thing until it was gone. Today, we were coming out of CVS. We were coming towards the end of the sidewalk, and were standing right in front of my car. He almost stepped off the sidewalk, and I told him he knew that he couldn't go in the parking lot without holding a hand. So, he clasped both of his hands together and said, "I"m holding my hand" with a giggle. I gave him "the look" and he then took my hand. Loopholes.....
I'll post some pics from the beach as soon as we get some! See you in a week, Knoxville!
Monday, June 2, 2008
PLEASE HELP ME!!!
Now that it is summer and I actually have time to cook something other than quick meals, I don't know what to cook! I am so sick of cooking the same stuff!
What meals are your family's favorites?
Please help me get out of this rut! Post your favorite recipes!
What meals are your family's favorites?
Please help me get out of this rut! Post your favorite recipes!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Dollywood and Bass Pro Shop
Yee-Haw! Did I get youns attention?
Today was fun....really, really, really fun! We were supposed to go to Dollywood yesterday, but the weather called for rain, so I didn't go and was just planning on postponing it to next week. I woke up this morning and thought, what the heck, let's go! So, we got up early, got there right when it was opening, and it was SO CROWDED! Luckily, no one wants to ride all the rides that Connor is able to ride, so it wasn't too bad for us. He did get to ride the "Blazing Fury" for the first time and loved it. When we got off, he told the ride attendant, "That ride was AWESOME!" He is hilarious!
After a seven hour day at Dollywood, we stopped for dinner, and got reenergized with carbs and sugary beverages. I decided to stop at Bass Pro Shop because everyone says it's cool. Connor is all boy, and really into all that stuff, and I didn't have anywhere else to be, so I thought I'd let him explore. He loved it! We spent almost two hours in there....and guess what, there is a Starbucks right in the middle! What more could I ask for? So, we enjoyed hot chocolate and coffee while walking around looking at boats and "driving" them, his speed boat sounds were hilarious. (Connor and his mommy really want a boat!) We also crawled in tents and had a fake campout, explored all the fishing stuff, got freaked out at all the taxidermy, and the employees picked Connor to help them feed all the fish. It really was a little boy's heaven! He said that he decided it was the coolest store ever, and I loved it because he was just so darn happy in there!
Today was the best day I've had in a very long time. Four is such a great age! I am so glad I'm not teaching summer school and I'm getting to enjoy being a mom this summer. I'm excited to see what we can do tomorrow!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
I Feel Like A Real Live Mom
My life from August until May: tired, exhausted, moody, the fastest dinners possible, in bed by 10 p.m., up no later than 6 a.m. Basically, 20 third graders getting most of my time, and my family is left with the exhausted mess that walks through the door around 5 p.m. and crashes on the couch no later than 10 p.m.
Oh, but summers.....I get to be a real live Mom and it's so exciting! Here was my day today....good stuff!
8:30- Brew some coffee in my pajamas, make Connor oatmeal, check e-mail while Connor watches cartoons.
9:00-11:00- Have "school" with Connor. Help him learn some new sight words, practice writing on lined paper, practice on some worksheets, color, sing, play some games.
11-11:45- Clean up the house a little, do some laundry, etc.
11:45-12- Make some healthy lunch
12-12:30- Finally shower and lay Connor down for a nap
12:30-3- I'm not sure what I did during this time....I should've been doing something productive, but I didn't.
3:00- Get Connor up from his nap, dressed, snack time, etc.,
3:30 -Go to Sonic for slushes!
4:00- Hang out with Greg at work
4:15-5- Go to the library and check out books
5:00-5:30- Make dinner
5:30- Talk Connor into eating Honey Lime Mahi Mahi and steamed broccoli
6:00- Make homemade peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies
6:30-8- Go for a walk with Connor while he rides his bike
8-0:30- Story time, play time
9:30- Connor bath time and bed
10:00- Curl up with a good book
Aaaahhh.... I feel rested, my house is under control, laundry is going, dishes are clean, I don't feel like I am being pulled in a thousand different directions, I don't feel like I am about to have a panic attack at any moment because I don't feel like I am doing anything well because there is just way too much going on.
Hmmm....I wonder at what point I will get bored : )
Oh, but summers.....I get to be a real live Mom and it's so exciting! Here was my day today....good stuff!
8:30- Brew some coffee in my pajamas, make Connor oatmeal, check e-mail while Connor watches cartoons.
9:00-11:00- Have "school" with Connor. Help him learn some new sight words, practice writing on lined paper, practice on some worksheets, color, sing, play some games.
11-11:45- Clean up the house a little, do some laundry, etc.
11:45-12- Make some healthy lunch
12-12:30- Finally shower and lay Connor down for a nap
12:30-3- I'm not sure what I did during this time....I should've been doing something productive, but I didn't.
3:00- Get Connor up from his nap, dressed, snack time, etc.,
3:30 -Go to Sonic for slushes!
4:00- Hang out with Greg at work
4:15-5- Go to the library and check out books
5:00-5:30- Make dinner
5:30- Talk Connor into eating Honey Lime Mahi Mahi and steamed broccoli
6:00- Make homemade peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies
6:30-8- Go for a walk with Connor while he rides his bike
8-0:30- Story time, play time
9:30- Connor bath time and bed
10:00- Curl up with a good book
Aaaahhh.... I feel rested, my house is under control, laundry is going, dishes are clean, I don't feel like I am being pulled in a thousand different directions, I don't feel like I am about to have a panic attack at any moment because I don't feel like I am doing anything well because there is just way too much going on.
Hmmm....I wonder at what point I will get bored : )
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Hair cuts, Taiwan, and Alarm Clocks
I pretty much stink at posting lately. I dropped my Nikon back in the spring and it has been getting "all fixed up" in New York, so I haven't had any pics to post. I know pictures are much more interesting than my writing, so I just haven't posted. $300 later, the Nikon is fixed, so I should have lots of summer posts.
The girls had a great trip to the lake. We did nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, and it was fabulous! School has been out since Thursday, and I have just been relaxing! It always takes me about a week to get productive! Today I am taking Connor to school so I can get the house under control again. Scrubbing bathrooms and floors is a lot easier to do without a four year old's "help."
I got all of my hair cut off last week, which turned out to be a disaster. Next time you want a drastic hair cut, don't try a new stylist (duh, you might say). I was at the salon for five hours (no, I swear I'm not exaggerating). Despite me telling this stylist that you HAVE to use bleach on my hair because it will turn orange with blonde color, they used color and had to completely redo it. I loved the part when this stylist asked me if I wanted to come back another day to fix it..ummm...I'm not leaving the salon like this, sorry. The color got fixed, and is fine. The cut I am getting used to, even though it is the worst hair cut I've ever had, completely uneven, and one side is longer than the other. I think Greg could have cut it! When I fix it you can't tell, but I am hoping my wonderful mother-in-law can clean up the mess when I see her. (I should've let her do it in the first place, but I just wanted the hair gone! It was on my last nerve!) Anyways, I am in search of a new salon! I have been going to that one forever, but needless to say, I will never go back! Okay, that was way too much talk about hair....Connor did say, "Mommy you look prettier with long hair, I don't like your short hair...boys and long hair...geez!
If you read Greg's blog, you might've read that we are going to try to go to Taiwan over Christmas break. We are wanting to work in the orphanage, get to know the staff there, and experience some of the culture. We really want to be able to give back to the orphanage that will take care of our daughter while we are waiting to get her, and when we travel to get her, we won't be completely lost in a foreign country with a baby! I am really, really praying that this will come through. We both feel like this is what we're supposed to do, we just need money to buy airfare pretty soon before it starts getting more expensive. We are fixing to start ebaying like crazy and have a we're having a huge garage sale this weekend. We are watching our spending like crazy (I'm really not very good at it!), but I know it will be worth it in the end. I do miss my Starbucks beverages!
A few Sundays ago, we overslept for church, so Connor and I made muffins and coffee and had home church. We've actually done this a couple of times. I just read a bible story to him, and we make some crafts (Connor calls this "doing some gluing".) Well, Sunday I wake up about an hour late, my alarm clock turned off, and my little boy giggling. He said, "Mommy, it's time to make muffins and have home church." The little sneak turned off my alarm clock so we could have church at home. I think it's sweet that he thinks that is so fun, but we had to have a LONG talk about turning off Mommy's alarm. He is such a mess....a sweet mess.
On Sunday, Connor and my niece had a campout at my parents' house. They had so much fun! Greg and I had no idea what to do with ourselves without Connor. We ended up going to Border's, out to eat, took a walk, and came home and played Scrabble. Yes, we are an exciting couple! I can't even remember what we did before Connor. I think we must've been bored and well-rested!
Well, this week begins my summer with Connor! It's hard to believe this time next summer I will be getting ready to send him to Kindergarten. I have lots of fun stuff planned and I am so excited to spend so much time with him! But first.....I must get my house clean and under control!
The girls had a great trip to the lake. We did nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, and it was fabulous! School has been out since Thursday, and I have just been relaxing! It always takes me about a week to get productive! Today I am taking Connor to school so I can get the house under control again. Scrubbing bathrooms and floors is a lot easier to do without a four year old's "help."
I got all of my hair cut off last week, which turned out to be a disaster. Next time you want a drastic hair cut, don't try a new stylist (duh, you might say). I was at the salon for five hours (no, I swear I'm not exaggerating). Despite me telling this stylist that you HAVE to use bleach on my hair because it will turn orange with blonde color, they used color and had to completely redo it. I loved the part when this stylist asked me if I wanted to come back another day to fix it..ummm...I'm not leaving the salon like this, sorry. The color got fixed, and is fine. The cut I am getting used to, even though it is the worst hair cut I've ever had, completely uneven, and one side is longer than the other. I think Greg could have cut it! When I fix it you can't tell, but I am hoping my wonderful mother-in-law can clean up the mess when I see her. (I should've let her do it in the first place, but I just wanted the hair gone! It was on my last nerve!) Anyways, I am in search of a new salon! I have been going to that one forever, but needless to say, I will never go back! Okay, that was way too much talk about hair....Connor did say, "Mommy you look prettier with long hair, I don't like your short hair...boys and long hair...geez!
If you read Greg's blog, you might've read that we are going to try to go to Taiwan over Christmas break. We are wanting to work in the orphanage, get to know the staff there, and experience some of the culture. We really want to be able to give back to the orphanage that will take care of our daughter while we are waiting to get her, and when we travel to get her, we won't be completely lost in a foreign country with a baby! I am really, really praying that this will come through. We both feel like this is what we're supposed to do, we just need money to buy airfare pretty soon before it starts getting more expensive. We are fixing to start ebaying like crazy and have a we're having a huge garage sale this weekend. We are watching our spending like crazy (I'm really not very good at it!), but I know it will be worth it in the end. I do miss my Starbucks beverages!
A few Sundays ago, we overslept for church, so Connor and I made muffins and coffee and had home church. We've actually done this a couple of times. I just read a bible story to him, and we make some crafts (Connor calls this "doing some gluing".) Well, Sunday I wake up about an hour late, my alarm clock turned off, and my little boy giggling. He said, "Mommy, it's time to make muffins and have home church." The little sneak turned off my alarm clock so we could have church at home. I think it's sweet that he thinks that is so fun, but we had to have a LONG talk about turning off Mommy's alarm. He is such a mess....a sweet mess.
On Sunday, Connor and my niece had a campout at my parents' house. They had so much fun! Greg and I had no idea what to do with ourselves without Connor. We ended up going to Border's, out to eat, took a walk, and came home and played Scrabble. Yes, we are an exciting couple! I can't even remember what we did before Connor. I think we must've been bored and well-rested!
Well, this week begins my summer with Connor! It's hard to believe this time next summer I will be getting ready to send him to Kindergarten. I have lots of fun stuff planned and I am so excited to spend so much time with him! But first.....I must get my house clean and under control!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Long Time, No Blogging!
I just realized it's been a couple of weeks since I posted. You can tell it's the end of the school year, because things are insanely busy. I'm slowly working towards the bottom of the paperwork pile. Hopefully I'll get there soon!
This past week has been extremely hard. I found out Friday that one of my former students took his own life. Going to his funeral on Monday was one of the saddest and hardest things that I've ever done. He was a great kid, so much fun to teach, so witty, and extremely intelligent. I spent seven hours a day with him for 180 days, I saw him more in those 180 days than my own family, so needless to say, I have been devastated. I have had such a hard time dealing with his death. First, I was just shocked and heartbroken, then I was mad, so mad that this eleven year old little boy was gone! Now, I just miss him and hope he knew how special I thought he was......it's been a hard week! I have cried and cried, I've punched some pillows, and I just might have thrown some stuff. I know this is an experience that will stay with me my entire life.
On the good news side (Thank you, God that there is some good stuff to talk about), I have five and a half days left of work! Can you hear me screaming and jumping up and down? In all my years of teaching, I've never been this over it! Get me outta there!
Also, more good news....girl's weekend at the lake begins in less than 48 hours! Can you hear me screaming and jumping up and down again? Lots of reading, relaxing, sleeping, and laughing will be taking place. This trip was perfect timing!
Oh, and some more good news, the beach is only three and a half weeks away! Aaaaaaahhh....I can taste summer! Being a teacher rules...well, during June and July anyways.
This past week has been extremely hard. I found out Friday that one of my former students took his own life. Going to his funeral on Monday was one of the saddest and hardest things that I've ever done. He was a great kid, so much fun to teach, so witty, and extremely intelligent. I spent seven hours a day with him for 180 days, I saw him more in those 180 days than my own family, so needless to say, I have been devastated. I have had such a hard time dealing with his death. First, I was just shocked and heartbroken, then I was mad, so mad that this eleven year old little boy was gone! Now, I just miss him and hope he knew how special I thought he was......it's been a hard week! I have cried and cried, I've punched some pillows, and I just might have thrown some stuff. I know this is an experience that will stay with me my entire life.
On the good news side (Thank you, God that there is some good stuff to talk about), I have five and a half days left of work! Can you hear me screaming and jumping up and down? In all my years of teaching, I've never been this over it! Get me outta there!
Also, more good news....girl's weekend at the lake begins in less than 48 hours! Can you hear me screaming and jumping up and down again? Lots of reading, relaxing, sleeping, and laughing will be taking place. This trip was perfect timing!
Oh, and some more good news, the beach is only three and a half weeks away! Aaaaaaahhh....I can taste summer! Being a teacher rules...well, during June and July anyways.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Picture Post
Things have been so busy that I haven't even had a chance to download any pics from the camera. While the boys are taking their Sunday afternoon nap, I thought I'd catch up. Here's what we've been up to the past few weeks!
Connor was actually very excited for his first visit to the dentist! He looked forward to it all week!
He of course had everyone in smiles. They couldn't believe how well he did for his very first trip! They said they'd never had a four-year old take a perfect x-ray!
No cavities! I did awesome!
This is what happens when I work late....I come home and Connor has spelled his name out on the table with his dinner and left it for me to see! It was pretty much dried to the table by the time I got home...disgusting to clean, sweet that he left it for me to see!
In the gardens at Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.
Getaways are very, very good for a marriage!
So glad to be out of Knoxville for two days and staying at a beautiful hotel!
Connor was actually very excited for his first visit to the dentist! He looked forward to it all week!
He of course had everyone in smiles. They couldn't believe how well he did for his very first trip! They said they'd never had a four-year old take a perfect x-ray!
No cavities! I did awesome!
This is what happens when I work late....I come home and Connor has spelled his name out on the table with his dinner and left it for me to see! It was pretty much dried to the table by the time I got home...disgusting to clean, sweet that he left it for me to see!
In the gardens at Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.
Getaways are very, very good for a marriage!
So glad to be out of Knoxville for two days and staying at a beautiful hotel!
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