Life has just been too busy.
Well, as many of you may have heard....it's a BOY!! :)
We are so excited!!
Downsizing Update: Almost 5 Years Later
6 days ago
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Announcement!
Man, it's been awhile since I blogged last.
Life has just been too busy.
Well, as many of you may have heard....it's a BOY!! :)
We are so excited!!
High-five! :)
Life has just been too busy.
Well, as many of you may have heard....it's a BOY!! :)
We are so excited!!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wow, it's been awhile!
Today I had some guilt about blogging, because I am wearing my shirt that says "I am so blogging this" and in reality I haven't blogged in over a month!
So, here I am. :)
I am all moved, mostly settled in, and life is good.
I've unpacked lots of stuff (almost done!), decorated, rearranged, and more. The house is still in disarray, but at least it's organized, livable chaos.
My life is busy with the some of the usual things, but mostly lots of new fun things. My days (and nights) are kept busy by the following:
1. Grad school homework (only one year to go!)
2. VBS (this is my last year...I mean it this time!), which I am planning from afar- still at the Moody Church in Chicago. I'll head back there in August to witness the event!
3. Internship: I've been interning with Congressman Phil Hare's Moline office on Mondays and Tuesdays and will do this through the end of July. I absolutely love it! It's a lot of that "intern" stuff...filing, mailing, sorting, but it's really interesting and I'm learning a lot. I've also never worked in an office before, so this is a fun new experience.
4. Babysitting: On Wednesdays through Fridays, I am taking care of my BEST friend's baby. It is so fun that my best friend (and our other mutual best pal) have all moved back to Moline and are having babies. I'm watching her baby and then our other friend, who's having her baby in early July, will add her little one to my Wed-Fri gig starting in August (after VBS). This is going to give us a little extra income so I can stay home with Sprout when he/she comes in November. It has been so fun spending the days with Kennedi and I'm so blessed to get to do this.
In attempt to get organized, I've made us a chart, so I don't lose track of the baby, Kedzie, or myself. This will really come in handy when I'm taking care of three babies at once!
5. Last but not least, I am kept busy with my puppy, Kedzie, with whom I am just smitten! She keeps us busy, but she is soooooo cute and fun and doing SO well with training, so we are very proud of her!
I'll keep ya'll posted on Sproutie's sex, which we will find out in a couple weeks. Here is a picture from two weeks ago when I was officially 4 months.
This pregnancy has been an interesting one for me, to say the least...with everything else going on and dealing with some past issues, it has certainly been a time of relying on God for strength and peace, which is always a great, but difficult learning experience.
One more pic...before I moved my team at work threw me a delightful shower with Sprout as the theme! It was so cute!!
So, here I am. :)
I am all moved, mostly settled in, and life is good.
I've unpacked lots of stuff (almost done!), decorated, rearranged, and more. The house is still in disarray, but at least it's organized, livable chaos.
My life is busy with the some of the usual things, but mostly lots of new fun things. My days (and nights) are kept busy by the following:
1. Grad school homework (only one year to go!)
2. VBS (this is my last year...I mean it this time!), which I am planning from afar- still at the Moody Church in Chicago. I'll head back there in August to witness the event!
3. Internship: I've been interning with Congressman Phil Hare's Moline office on Mondays and Tuesdays and will do this through the end of July. I absolutely love it! It's a lot of that "intern" stuff...filing, mailing, sorting, but it's really interesting and I'm learning a lot. I've also never worked in an office before, so this is a fun new experience.
4. Babysitting: On Wednesdays through Fridays, I am taking care of my BEST friend's baby. It is so fun that my best friend (and our other mutual best pal) have all moved back to Moline and are having babies. I'm watching her baby and then our other friend, who's having her baby in early July, will add her little one to my Wed-Fri gig starting in August (after VBS). This is going to give us a little extra income so I can stay home with Sprout when he/she comes in November. It has been so fun spending the days with Kennedi and I'm so blessed to get to do this.
In attempt to get organized, I've made us a chart, so I don't lose track of the baby, Kedzie, or myself. This will really come in handy when I'm taking care of three babies at once!
5. Last but not least, I am kept busy with my puppy, Kedzie, with whom I am just smitten! She keeps us busy, but she is soooooo cute and fun and doing SO well with training, so we are very proud of her!
I'll keep ya'll posted on Sproutie's sex, which we will find out in a couple weeks. Here is a picture from two weeks ago when I was officially 4 months.
This pregnancy has been an interesting one for me, to say the least...with everything else going on and dealing with some past issues, it has certainly been a time of relying on God for strength and peace, which is always a great, but difficult learning experience.
One more pic...before I moved my team at work threw me a delightful shower with Sprout as the theme! It was so cute!!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Kedzie sleeps
We just love the new little addition to our family. She is so much fun and so darn adorable.
She is extremely curious, hyper, energetic, and all puppy!
One of the cutest things about her is that because she is so lively, she crashes frequently, completely wiped out.
Here are some of her adorable...and somewhat strange sleeping positions.
It's fun because we're both always so sleepy these days!
Sleeping on my brother's amp in the backseat of his car.
Fast asleep while I do homework.
This breed is known for being somewhat catlike. :)
She literally slept like this for about 30 minutes in the car. :)
She is extremely curious, hyper, energetic, and all puppy!
One of the cutest things about her is that because she is so lively, she crashes frequently, completely wiped out.
Here are some of her adorable...and somewhat strange sleeping positions.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Top Ten Things I'm Going to Miss -#10
Last one!
#10- 90.1 WMBI
The last thing on my countdown is something that has been a part of my life since moving to this area in 2001. I listen to this radio station constantly and as lame as it sounds, I feel like I know the hosts! I've had the pleasure of visiting the studio a couple of times too and I get all giddy when I see the "celebrities" of this radio station around church or at various Moody-related events. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be getting the WMBI WiFi radio which lets you listen to the Chicago station anywhere in the world! :)
If you don't listen to this station, I encourage you try it!
#10- 90.1 WMBI
The last thing on my countdown is something that has been a part of my life since moving to this area in 2001. I listen to this radio station constantly and as lame as it sounds, I feel like I know the hosts! I've had the pleasure of visiting the studio a couple of times too and I get all giddy when I see the "celebrities" of this radio station around church or at various Moody-related events. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be getting the WMBI WiFi radio which lets you listen to the Chicago station anywhere in the world! :)
If you don't listen to this station, I encourage you try it!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Top Ten Things I'm Going to Miss -#9
Almost done!
#9- Diversity
This sounds kind of lame, but I really will miss this! Obviously, Chicago offers diversity that just isn't in Moline. Besides the actual city of Chicago, the suburbs are quite diverse as well. Many people in our apartment complex speak other languages and over half of my third graders speak a language other than English when they go home each night. I love looking across my classroom and seeing children from China, Korea, Georgia (the country), Russia, and many more places around the world.
I will truly miss this!
#9- Diversity
This sounds kind of lame, but I really will miss this! Obviously, Chicago offers diversity that just isn't in Moline. Besides the actual city of Chicago, the suburbs are quite diverse as well. Many people in our apartment complex speak other languages and over half of my third graders speak a language other than English when they go home each night. I love looking across my classroom and seeing children from China, Korea, Georgia (the country), Russia, and many more places around the world.
I will truly miss this!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Top Ten Things I'm Going to Miss -#8
Continuing on...(I'm getting a little bored of this series, to be honest). :)
#8- Trinity Community Philharmonic Orchestra
People always ask me if I watch American Idol. My answer is, no, not since the first season. Why? Because since the fall of 2001, I have played in the TCPO every Tuesday night during a school year!
It has been a pleasure playing horn in this orchestra, first as a student for four years and then as a community member for four years. I have enjoyed playing under three conductors and with many different people in the horn section throughout the years. It's been so fun to get to play regularly with this group.
I wish them all the best!
#8- Trinity Community Philharmonic Orchestra
People always ask me if I watch American Idol. My answer is, no, not since the first season. Why? Because since the fall of 2001, I have played in the TCPO every Tuesday night during a school year!
It has been a pleasure playing horn in this orchestra, first as a student for four years and then as a community member for four years. I have enjoyed playing under three conductors and with many different people in the horn section throughout the years. It's been so fun to get to play regularly with this group.
I wish them all the best!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Top Ten Things I'm Going to Miss -#7
Continuing on...sorry it's been awhile!
#7- Apartment Living
Apartment living is great. The space is small, the cleaning is minimal. If you forget something in another room, it's only a few paces to go get it. I really like living in a small place and the thought of having to go "all the way upstairs" to retrieve something at house is something new to me. Also, if you hear sounds in an apartment, it's okay, because you're supposed to hear sounds. In a house, when you hear sounds, they can be creepy because no one else is supposed to be in the house besides you!
We have lived in this apartment for almost five years. Marcus moved into in May 2005 and I moved in after our wedding in July. It's been a wonderful place for us to start our marriage and I'm going to miss it!
Here's a pic of the packing process...
#7- Apartment Living
Apartment living is great. The space is small, the cleaning is minimal. If you forget something in another room, it's only a few paces to go get it. I really like living in a small place and the thought of having to go "all the way upstairs" to retrieve something at house is something new to me. Also, if you hear sounds in an apartment, it's okay, because you're supposed to hear sounds. In a house, when you hear sounds, they can be creepy because no one else is supposed to be in the house besides you!
We have lived in this apartment for almost five years. Marcus moved into in May 2005 and I moved in after our wedding in July. It's been a wonderful place for us to start our marriage and I'm going to miss it!
Here's a pic of the packing process...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Top Ten Things I'm Going to Miss -#6
Continuing on in my series...
# 6- French Horn students
Okay, so I complain about teaching horn lessons almost every time I go to teach them, but, if I'm honest, I'm going to miss these girls. I teach four eighth grade girls in Deerfield, Libertyville, and Glenview, and they really are a lot of fun. I've been working with a couple of them since they were in fourth grade, which is weird for me to think about! A couple of them I've really gotten to know after seeing them weekly for years. Besides the "easy money," I really enjoy encouraging these girls to keep playing, keep practicing, and to work toward their best potential. I hope I can hand them off to a good teacher when I leave and that they will continue a lifelong love of playing.
The only pic I have of any of horn students is this one, when she starred as Mulan in her middle school's production of the musical. :)
# 6- French Horn students
Okay, so I complain about teaching horn lessons almost every time I go to teach them, but, if I'm honest, I'm going to miss these girls. I teach four eighth grade girls in Deerfield, Libertyville, and Glenview, and they really are a lot of fun. I've been working with a couple of them since they were in fourth grade, which is weird for me to think about! A couple of them I've really gotten to know after seeing them weekly for years. Besides the "easy money," I really enjoy encouraging these girls to keep playing, keep practicing, and to work toward their best potential. I hope I can hand them off to a good teacher when I leave and that they will continue a lifelong love of playing.
The only pic I have of any of horn students is this one, when she starred as Mulan in her middle school's production of the musical. :)
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Top Ten Things I'm Going to Miss -#5
There are so many things I'm going to miss about our lives in Chicago, but for now I want to describe...
#5- The Hawthorn School District
Back in 2004, I was first introduced to the Hawthorn District by the junior block program at Trinity. I observed in a first grade classroom at Hawthorn Elementary North two days a week and did some teaching at that time as well. I built a great relationship with the cooperating teacher and we made plans for the following year for me to student teach with her. In 2005, I student taught with Rachel and I grew to love the Hawthorn District even more. In the fall of 2005, I was hired as an instructional assistant at Hawthorn Elementary South. I met a whole host of fabulous teachers and administrators who helped me grow in my teaching abilities and make the connections necessary to land a job in 2006 as a third grade teacher at Hawthorn Townline Elementary.
What a life change this has been! I will always and forever cherish the friendships I have built at Townline (and throughout the district) and the hundreds of students I have had will always hold a dear place in my heart (although that's hard to say when it's almost May!). :) I have been so blessed to get to work in this district for my first job and I know that the foundation it has provided me will only lead to future success, whatever I do and wherever God leads me.
(The crazy third grade teachers I love working with)
#5- The Hawthorn School District
Back in 2004, I was first introduced to the Hawthorn District by the junior block program at Trinity. I observed in a first grade classroom at Hawthorn Elementary North two days a week and did some teaching at that time as well. I built a great relationship with the cooperating teacher and we made plans for the following year for me to student teach with her. In 2005, I student taught with Rachel and I grew to love the Hawthorn District even more. In the fall of 2005, I was hired as an instructional assistant at Hawthorn Elementary South. I met a whole host of fabulous teachers and administrators who helped me grow in my teaching abilities and make the connections necessary to land a job in 2006 as a third grade teacher at Hawthorn Townline Elementary.
What a life change this has been! I will always and forever cherish the friendships I have built at Townline (and throughout the district) and the hundreds of students I have had will always hold a dear place in my heart (although that's hard to say when it's almost May!). :) I have been so blessed to get to work in this district for my first job and I know that the foundation it has provided me will only lead to future success, whatever I do and wherever God leads me.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Top Ten Things I'm Going to Miss -#4
Continuing on in my series, today on the top then things I'll miss the most about life in Chicago:
#4- Erica
Many of you blog readers have the privilege of knowing Erica. I consider her my best friend in Chicago. We met in college when she transferred to TIU in 2002. We got along great then, but post-college was when we really developed our friendship.
I admire her in so many ways for her hospitality (I have "lived" with the Hangs before, and will again this coming May for a bit), for her mothering (she is an AMAZING, inspiring mother and I hope to attain to her standard someday), for her kindness and for her servant's heart.
She is such an amazing, inspiring, kind person. I absolutely love spending time with her. One of my favorite things about my friendship with Erica is our honesty. Together, we can talk about anything, even the "hard stuff" and get down deep into each other's lives. She helps me keep a Godly perspective and prays for me often. Summers with Erica will be something I'll miss the most. In the summers, we hang out frequently- sometimes we go weeks when we hang out every day! We do fun things together and we do nothing together.
She is a blessing in my life and I will truly miss her. I know we will continue to remain close friends, even though miles will separate us. She is an indelible, integral part of my life.
(Erica- this is like the only picture I have of us!!!)
#4- Erica
Many of you blog readers have the privilege of knowing Erica. I consider her my best friend in Chicago. We met in college when she transferred to TIU in 2002. We got along great then, but post-college was when we really developed our friendship.
I admire her in so many ways for her hospitality (I have "lived" with the Hangs before, and will again this coming May for a bit), for her mothering (she is an AMAZING, inspiring mother and I hope to attain to her standard someday), for her kindness and for her servant's heart.
She is such an amazing, inspiring, kind person. I absolutely love spending time with her. One of my favorite things about my friendship with Erica is our honesty. Together, we can talk about anything, even the "hard stuff" and get down deep into each other's lives. She helps me keep a Godly perspective and prays for me often. Summers with Erica will be something I'll miss the most. In the summers, we hang out frequently- sometimes we go weeks when we hang out every day! We do fun things together and we do nothing together.
She is a blessing in my life and I will truly miss her. I know we will continue to remain close friends, even though miles will separate us. She is an indelible, integral part of my life.
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