Oh My, It is truly Fall!

My last post was in the beginning of Spring. I can't believe the summer is gone and cold weather is just around the corner. We had an amazing summer, but all to quick. I have added a few summer fun photos and I will let them speak for themselves! We love 4-H and the Fayette County Free Fair! It closes out our summer perfectly!

Spring Greetings

Hello Everyone...Today was an amazing day, beautiful weather...sure felt like spring. I wish it was here to stay, but I think it is on it's way out, at least for a few days. I was able to hang laundry on the line... so definitely a good day. I hope everyone is doing well and over the winter blues. I am on the final weekend of spring break...didn't accomplish everything I had hoped for, but the toy closet has been purged. (To the kids dismay, of course) So much to do, so little time... guess I should get those clothes off the line! (Yes it is 10:17pm, forgot those clothes) See you soon!

Family photos

Hello Everyone! Two months have passed since I last blogged! Time flies when you are busy! DUH! It was a crazy fall and now Chris is already working overtime. May be a crazy winter too. Just thought I would post some family photos. The kids were hilarious! Hattie was scared of the photographer! (as you will see)

My Birthday!

Let me start by saying turning 29 sure is hard to take. 30 is just around the corner now! (HAHAHA...If you believe that I have some great property in FL I will sell you!)

• My day started with Chris actually remembering and wishing me a happy b-day as he left for work.



• Then the music teacher and students sang Happy B-day to me during our morning gathering.



• Next I got some great cards and heart felt wishes from my kids and staff.



• Upon coming home at 4:30 (although i was shooting for 3:30), There were 2 cards and 2 packs of gummy bears (my favorite candy) sitting with two very anxious kiddos.



• We all went out to eat Mexican for dinner (again one of my favorites).



• After dinner, we came home, Chris let me grab my book and take a hot bath, while he took the kids outside and he cleaned my car. Armor all and everything! PEACE and quiet...

What else could I have asked for? I did have to do alot of prompting on the car thing, but prompts are OK right?

God has blessed me with and amazing family. I am so very grateful!

School Year

Hello everyone! I have missed blogging and will try to have more time to do it. I am learning the ropes so far as far as my new job! I am still learning how to manage home and school! HA! I wasn't so good at the home thing to begin with...(inside chores are not thing) I have already figured out Friday will be the night I can get the most work done...Everyone else jets! Although I am exhausted by then too... I have learned alot about work ethic too...my parents raised kids who are not afraid of hard work, but I know not all people are workers... Also before I sign off with all the randomness...I am joining Emily and writing a book. The craziest things happen in schools...Odd things kids say...and wierd things teachers want! How about 12 sharpie markers...Sorry no $...(obviously a story with that) Have a great day...until next time...God Bless!

Mom and Dad-45 years

Today my mom and dad are celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. I am so proud to have parents who have stuck it out and have been such great role models for my marriage. I can't imagine 45 years. Chris and I celebrated 10 years earlier this summer, but 45 WOW that's amazing!

Need More Time

I am struggling how to manage my time with my new job! I need time management suggestions...Although I must not be doing too bad...Chris is unloading mulch and I am blogging!

By the way...The incident that began March 20 ended today with UNSUBSTANTIATED!!!!! Praise GOD! Without Him I would not be where I am today. Those of you who walked this journey with me, THANK YOU...I made it through because I knew you were praying for me! GOD listens and answers.

Becomes Crystal Clear!

As I read my daily Bible verse...

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27

I had to know God put this on my page today for a reason. I just got word this afternoon my friend from High school lost her 10 year old daughter Friday. I wondered to myself how could any person get through such a tragedy. (This is the second high school friend of mine and Chris who have lost a child recently.) This verse spelled it out...You have God to get you through the most difficult times in life. I prayer as I work through life's most difficult situations, I keep God in the center.

Thank you Lord for giving me peace as I move through tomorrow! And thank you for two beautiful healthy children..

Fair Pics!

God continues to bless our family with good times together as a family!

I want to thank Him for allowing us to make this experience a family affair!

Jackie stole the show...of course Phillip and Hattie were cute too!

Monday a.m. Phillip and his cousin Cody as his mentor showing sheep

Monday p.m.

Hattie with Pee Wee and cousin Shanna helping.

Hattie is Shanna's mini-me!

Phillip and Hattie showing one of Blake's pigs.

Who is leading who?

Phillip showing Miss Calloway (from Home on the Range)

She definitely had the attitude.

Daddy sure looks thoughtful in the background!

More pics to come...Stay tuned...

I'm back!

Hello fellow bloggers and readers...it's nice to be back...I've missed you!

Last week was a crazy week. The Fayette County Free Fair was packed full of excitement and shows, shows, shows. Monday morning was the goat show, Monday afternoon-sheep, Tuesday-swine, and Wednesday- cattle. Phillip was a second year mini 4-H member in each project. Hattie got to show in PeeWee showmanship in each species as well... except cattle. She and Daddy showed together in old-timers showmanship and won. The judge deposited $32 in her pocket. It was packed full and the kids had a blast.

It was exciting to be a parent of a child who does this because they love it and not because we do. Phillip loves all parts of the animals down to cleaning the barn. I am so glad we are able to raise our children on a farm. It is so important to me that our children have a strong work ethic. I know instilling this is the responsibility of the parent.

I am hopeful that the 4-H program will move children and families back in this direction.

By the way...I can't get pictures to load...You can bet I have pictures of all of these and will post them soon!

Where have I been???

I know Emily and Milah will relate to where I have been...

Next week is our county fair (formerly known as the McQuinley vacation...we got to camp there as a kid). Phillip is in mini 4-H and has taken 7 projects.. 4 being live animals. He will be showing a pig, calf (Calloway), sheep, and goat (Jackie); as well as turning in 2 posters and a gardening project. This is a family affair and we are all very busy trying to get animals to do things they would rather not, like walking on a leash. (Her leash is very cute...mint green from the Vera Bradley outlet sale.) Goats would rather be eating anything than walking around with a mint green collar! She is doing great and cute as a button. Calloway (name is from Home on the Range) has a bit of an attitude. Last evening we were taking a walk (again something she would rather not do) around the barn lot and she was choosing to jump and hop. A calf jumping and hopping is not the best situation to find yourself in (I am sure emily relates to this!). Any way one hop and jump and I land myself a trip to the emergency room. Nothing was broken, but I am sporting a beautiful splint on the right thumb. they say 7 days, i say until the swelling in down, We will see.

Anyway if you are in need of a funnel cake, corn dog, elephant ear, or homemade ice cream come visit us next week! I am guessing it will be an eventful week and loads of fun!

How We Spent Our Weekend!

2008 Cambridge City Rookie League All-Stars
# 56 Phillip Hobbs

"Hey Batter, Batter!"

He hit a hard line drive!

(Too bad it was the best catch the short stop had the entire tournament!)

Man what do I do now?

(By the way the white legs next to the dug out is Chris in shorts!

That was our strategy...blind the batter!)

Nothing will get by this kid! Ha ha!

(He actually asked to play the hottest position on the field!)

This was a great weekend to be a Mommy! There is nothing like watching your kid love what they do. Phillip loved getting the bats as much as he did playing!

Rascal Flatts!

Now that I got the transferring of pics down, I think I have an obsession. Does anyone know a good counselor???

Rascal Flatts 2008

(The only thing that would have made this a better evening is helping Pastor Kris break that anti-country concert goal of his!)

Girls night out + Alex (behind the camera)

(Robin, me, Tracy, Lynn, & Kib)

Look at that smile.
I hope she doesn't get a blog soon, or she will kill me for posting this pic!

More pics! TN '08

This is Hattie and her foster mom!

(a.k.a. Tracy Brannon)

Boy did we get him!

That was one big splash and he didn't have a clue it was coming!

It's Official!

At the Richmond Community Board of Trustees meeting I was officially named the Westview Elementary Principal. I am so excited and nervous. I remember when I got my first teaching job thinking "what in the world am I going to do with 15 Special needs kids in one room for 6 1/2 hours. " Now I am wondering if I am fully prepared for this next stage in my career. I know God has put me at Westview for a reason. Now I will be quiet and pray without ceasing to see what His plan for me is! Thanks for all your prayers throughout this process.

More Pictures!

Here are more pictures!
We celebrated Hattie's 3rd Birthday while in TN.

Are these for me?
Get those bugs off my cake! It was too cute to pass up!
I love Doggies!

Yummy!

Vacation

I am going to post some pictures from vacation with the Taylors and Brannons!

I will write more later! What an amazing weekend!

Before the Dixie Stampede!

Riding the sheep at Putt-Putt!

Phew!

My second interview was today and was a little intimidating. I interviewed with two teacher teams and they asked all the questions. It went amazingly well. I hope to know something at the beginning of next week. I am very excited about the potential change for me.

Tomorrow, the Hobbs, Brannons, and Taylors (part of them are already there) are heading for TN. I am so excited to get away for a long weekend! We are blessed to have such great friends. The kids will drive me crazy tomorrow..."when are we leaving, how much longer, I'm hungry, I've got to potty". YET...I am so excited to take them on this trip, hopefully they will nap alot! What did we do before DVD players in the car?

We found out this week, Phillip is an official Rookie League All-Star. Which means practices through the week and weekend tourneys. He was so excited, he actually got a real uniform, belt and all! I am so exicted for him, but am tired and sun burnt just thinking about the amount of time we will be spending at random ball parks!

I think I have ADD today...there is no fluency to this blog. Guess I should head to bed! Until Tuesday... have a great holiday weekend!

WOW

What an amazing day! Lots has happened in the last 24 hours. The church service was amazing. Small group is growing... I love you guys! and Chris and I had a real discussion about the nights events. Jack and Jim need to know how much they mean to Chris. WOW! God is working on him and I love seeing it! I don't know what tomorrow will bring (if I was a betting woman I would have to say rain haha!), but God's plan will be magnificent. I think I better head to bed! I need to get up early (and for a teacher in the summer, that means 8ish). Until later!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

This weekend has flown by...I am looking forward to church this morning, a mild afternoon, and growth group this evening. The kids have been playing inside and running outside when the weather will allow for it. I am ready to shoo them out and clean today, but there is a chance of rain again. Being married to a farmer...I have to be very careful to wish rain away.

By the way if you read my earlier post...I am still working on that picture thing. Can't find the cord...Maybe Emily has one that will work since she has to get a new camera every other month! hehehe