Bye, Bye Pacifier!!!

Monday, December 6 was Micah's last day with his pacifier!!! I didn't want to say anthing too soon and then him revert, but so far, so good. This past weekend was a little stressful for him. I think that he was tired and really missing his "BFF" but now he is sleeping peacefully, all through the night!!! One more milestone in his life!!

Happy Birthday Micah!!!!

Two years ago, our family welcomed an 8 pound, nine ounce baby boy named Micah....today we celebrated his second birthday with friends and family. It is hard to fathom how quickly time passes. When the kids were newborn, people would often times use the cliches "they grow up faster than you know", "enjoy them when they are young", and "I can't remember when mine were that little." I remember thinking, "I'll never forget how little he was"...but it is true. When I look at Micah, I see a lively two year old who is happy exploring the world around him. He enjoys saying his new words, using his funny faces, and trying to make us laugh. He is so full of life and energy. Although the two years have fleetingly passed, I am thankful to have a happy and healthy young boy. I hope he continues to stay healthy and that his happy personality is continously fostered.

Micah had a dinosaur birthday party and loved all of the balloons. I am a little dorky about birthday parties and I like the outfit to coordinate with the party. So I was so excited when I remembered he had some dinosaur overalls....Micah looked extra cute today. Josh, Abby, and I gave him a chair, so he reclined in it while opening his gifts. I loved his faces today. He really enjoyed being the center of attention (sounds like his sister:)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICAH..WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Trick or Treat!!!!

Only three weeks behind....that's where I am at with the blog. Halloween week...definitely more trick than treat. First of all, our county can't decide if Halloween is October 30 or October 31. I know you're thinking..."Really?". However, since October 31 fell on a Sunday this year, there was a little confusion. The last time this conundrum occurred, the county collectively decided to celebrate Halloween on Saturday night so that it did not interfere with Sunday evening church services, which honestly was fine with me. Well this year, part of the county celebrated on Saturday and part of it on Sunday. In addition to Trick-or-Treating, Abby was also the flower girl in my cousin's wedding and the rehearsal was Saturday night. So we dressed the kids for Halloween and went to the rehearsal. However, we were late (which we did call to inform everyone) but by the time we arrived at the church, rehearsal was over and the preacher had left. Why? Because this church was one that decided to celebrate Halloween on Saturday and had a Trunk-or-Treat at the local park. SOOOO, we left the rehearsal and went to the park. However, EVERYONE had ran out of candy....ONE HOUR EARLY. Needless to say Abigail, or shall I say "The Little Mermaid", was quite sad. So I did some quick Internet research (what did we do prior to cell phones) and discovered a couple of churches in Elizabethtown that were having Trunk-or-Treats on Saturday night. So away we drove...and drove...and drove because we couldn't find one location. So we abandoned that idea and drove to the other church. When we arrived, there was not a soul (no pun intended) in sight. No candy again meant a sad Abby!!! So, I called my mom and asked if she had ANY candy at all....I didn't care the age or the amount of fuzz from the couch cushions that was on it. My kids just wanted candy!!! Of course, my prepared mother already had individual bags made for each grandchild:) So we drove to Mom's and Trick-or-Treated. After two hours of driving, my kids finally had some loot in their pumpkin buckets. What a night!!!!

On Sunday, we then attended a different church in order to assure that Abby was at the church in time for pictures. She was such a beautiful little flower girl and she did a really great job...of course it was her second flower girl gig in October...she's like a pro. Anyway, after the wedding, we redressed The Little Mermaid and the deer hunter and went Trick-or-Treating for the second time in one weekend. We stopped at the usual places but we also went back to the last church and realized that the Trunk-or-Treat was actually Sunday night, not Saturday night. No wonder no one was there!!! We spent almost two hours at Valley Creek Baptist church playing games and collecting candy. Abby and Micah both really enjoyed the evening. All-in-all, the kids were able to dress up two days in a row, received candy two days in a row, and we had some great family time!!!

Micah the Deer Hunter....Abby as The Little Mermaid!!!

Funny Sayings!!!

At church Wednesday night, Abby discovered (for the 50th time) a mole right below my collar bone. Although she has seen it before, it fascinates her. So she looked at me with wide, innocent eyes and said "Mommy, your heart has a mimple!!" I thought it was so cute. These are the little sayings and words that you hope you'll never forget...but I thought I better jot it down, just in case:)

Fall Break Frenzy!!!

I love being out of school!!! I love the time I get to spend with my family and the break from the daily duties of teaching. As a result, I try to fit as many things into a break as possible, often times resulting in a very tired Mrs. Wilson when school resumes:) Anyway, over our fall break we had a wedding, traveled to North Carolina, visited a pumpkin patch, and laid hardwood floors in our house.



My sister Stephanie was married on October 1 to Tommy Brothers. I was her matron of honor and Abigail was the flower girl. I helped decorate the morning of the wedding and then spent a very nice evening enjoying the festivities. They had a small, intimate ceremony at the Brown-Pusey House in town (ironically the same venue where Josh and I were married six years ago.) She had several innovative ideas that made the wedding extra special. For example, she and Tommy each have child, Caleb is 7 and Camden is 5, so they each contributed to the unity sand ceremony. Each had their own color of sand and added it in layers to a vase. It was really neat. She also had a wishing tree at the reception. This was a tree where guests could hang notes of encouragement from the branches. In celebration of fall, the little notecards were in various fall hues and shaped like leaves. She also only had desserts for refreshments. Cheesecakes, pumpkin desserts, coffee, hot cider, and more yummy treats. It was just a really nice night!!! Many happy years to both of you!!!



The day after the wedding, Josh and I left for North Carolina. We were traveling to see two of the couples from North Carolina that we met in Austria. We left on Saturday and spent the night in Tennessee. Then we spent Sunday with Anthony and Amy Reese in Boone. Boone is a beautiful mountain town. The Reese's, along with their daughter, took time to show us the town and surrounding attractions. Josh had the opportunity to go the office with Anthony to discuss business. Amy and I spent the morning talking...which we found we were really good at:) After we left the Reese's on Monday, we drove to Asheville (about 1 1/2 hour) to meet David and Angela Rea. Although they live on the coast, Angela had a conference in Asheville so we just met up there. We had supper at the Mellow Mushroom and then spent some time with them at their hotel. On Tuesday, we only saw David briefly and Angela was in a meeting. So we went to the Biltmore Estate and spent the day touring the home, gardens, the farm, and actually had a great meal at Cedric's Tavern which is on the farm. Neither one of us had ever visited the estate and we really enjoyed our day.



Thursday of fall break, the kids and I, mom, Pam and the boys, and Tommy and the boys went to Jackson's Orchard in Bowling Green to spend the day. The kids played on the tractors, the Cider Slide, the petting zoo and the straw castle. Then we took a hayride to the corn maze and pumpkin patch. The kids were grimy, head to toe and slept the whole way home. Of course, the adults were pretty tired too. I am glad mom and Pam drove so that I didn't have to. I think I snoozed a little on Pam on the drive home:)

Micah at Jackson's Orchard...attached to the pacifier and refusing to look at the camera.

Micah and the goat at Biltmore Estate....having a standoff!!

Abby and Isaac on the "Cider Slide" at Jackson's Orchard.

Abby at Jackson's Orchard.


Thursday evening, Josh and I ripped up the living and dining room carpet in preparation for putting down hardwood floors. Josh's parents came for the weekend to help as well as Adam, Sarah, and Adelynn Bunnell. (Adam has laid several hardwood floors so he was the expert on the job:) Anyway, it was a very tideous, time-consuming project but with fabulous pay off. I LOVE our new floors!! I feel so blessed to have such a beautiful living room. It doesn't even look like the same house.







Abby and Micah helping Daddy rip up the old flooring.

Abby pretending she is taking orders at a restaurant. We had to take the screen out of the

window so the air compressor hose could come in the house.

Early Sunday morning dancing....the kids love the slick new floor.

A couple of after pictures of the floor.


As usual, my break was packed full with activities and projects, but it was a GREAT fall break...my favorite time of year!!!

Life is a Stage!!!

Abby is a poser...not someone who strives to put on a front, but a real poser....for pictures. If any sort of camera is spied by Abby---phone camera, video camera, pretend cameras---Abby immediately strikes some sort of a pose. This trait has been a basis of her personality since she was old enough to recogonize a camera. She loves to be the center of attention (which I must admit is similar to my wants when I was her age). At about 18 months old, she began her mindset of "life's a stage." Since that point, she will break into song, dance, or pose at any given moment....regardless of the appropriateness of the timing or location. As a young mother, I often become frustrated when she lingers in these moments as opposed to doing as I commanded. However, when she is sweetly dreaming in her bed and I take a peek at her peaceful face, I know these moments are fleeting and I will soon want those little glimpses of her innocence to return. So in the meantime, as she continues to grow up too fast, I will pray for patience and learn to slow down and enjoy those moments more. Her personality leaves a fingerprint on all the hearts she touches. Enjoy some of the poses I captured!!!

Stick a fork in me, I'm Done!!!

After 14 months of classes while caring for a family and maintaining a full-time job, I have finally completed my Master's. My classes were official over last week, but today I received my diploma. It states that I have received a Master of Arts in Education. Although I didn't walk the line, holding that diploma in hand is a sweet reward for the amount of work and time this degree required. I am so thankful to have found a program that caters to working professionals as well as mothers. I am blessed that Josh supported me throughout this degree, even through my stressful moments.

So now that I have new diploma, I look forward to a little less stress and a little more money...a nice combination to say the least.

The First of Many?

Abby was a calm baby..somewhat dramatic but overall calm. She never rummaged in the kitchen cabinets, she never climbed on a chair, she never attempted to do anything without my help. In fact, when she learned to crawl, she wouldn't move out of the room I was in. Fast forward...Micah is in everything. He loves to get into the cabinets, he climbs on EVERYTHING...or at least attempts to. His legs are covered in bumps and bruises, scrapes and cuts. He is fearless in every sense of the word. This past weekend he had the first of many major accidents.

Josh had went to his parents over the weekend to prepare a deer hunting site, so it was me and the kiddos. I had everything well organized and prepared for my morning with both kids. I had the kids up and eating breakfast at 6:30 and out of the house by seven. I had recruited Pam to watch Micah and Abby was going to school. During the day, I received an email from Pam inviting us for supper. Those of you that are moms understand that you always eat any meal YOU don't have to prepare. So I arrived at Pam's about five and Abby immediately joined in the brood to play. I had sat down on the couch and hadn't been there five minutes when I heard Micah fall. I jumped up and he was walking towards me...crying and bleeding. The bottom of his chin had a big, wide gash. The cut was about one inch long but it seemed wide to me. Pam and I concluded that I should take him to an urgent care clinic. Since Josh was gone, I called Mom to ride with me so that I could sit in the back with Micah. Once Mom arrived, I left Abby with Pam and away we went. Micah did not fuss the entire drive to Care First. He didn't cry in the waiting room. In fact, he didn't even cry when the nurse and doctor came in to assess the situation. He would raise up his chin so everyone could see his injury. The doctor felt the cut was wide enough for stitches as opposed to just the "super glue."

So the all the necessary preparations were made and the nurse came in and wrapped up Micah like a mummy in order to restrain his arms. HE DIDN'T EVEN FUSS!!! He just laid there perfectly calm until....until the shot was given. Of course, he screamed and fought against me, mom, and two nurses. (As a result, I also cried:( ) And of course he cried and fought while the doctor stitched him up, but as soon as she was finished, he sat up and started waving to the nurses. He is such a turkey. He slept well and was fine the whole rest of the evening.

Sunday morning, after a night of camping in our woods, me and the kids came in the house while I fixed breakfast prior to church. Abby was playing a game at the kitchen table and Micah decided he should join her. I heard him fall and he immediately started holding his chin and crying. I quickly looked at his chin and realized that one of his stitches had busted out. So I had to go to urgent care for the second time in one weekend. Once again, Micah laughed more than cried. Since only one stitch busted, the nurse practitioner simply glued that portion of the cut and left the other stitches in place. When she was done, Micah acted like nothing had happened and immediately wanted to play.

Micah's rough and tumble attitude will earn him many injuries throughout his life. I am not sure if the stitches were a once in a lifetime accident or the first of many. Only time will tell. I pray that he stays safe, but also maintains his easy going personality.

Back in the Swing of Things!!!

The 2010-2011 school year has once again started and the Wilson family has survived, but barely. I am so tired!!! Even though I was at school at least three days out of each week this summer, it is totally different when 30 students are in the classroom with you. In addition to me starting school, Abby started her second year of preschool and she loves it. She loves her teacher, which is such a blessing as a parent. Micah is once again back in daycare. He loves the people at the daycare and is always ready to play, but it is still hard to know that someone else has the opportunity to spend time with my kids while I am at work:(

Anyway, the whole family has been tired but we will once again grow accustomed to our hectic lifestyle. This year we have added a third agriculture teacher at school so I hope that I won't have to attend every single activity this year. My goal is hopefully we can split up responsibilities throughout the year.

This year I am only teaching two different classes, which is a first for me. I have one class of Principles of Agriculture and five classes of Animal Technology/Small Animal Technology. I like only having to prepare two sets of lesson plans, but I have to say/do the same activity five times in a row. This can be a little draining at times, but I will soon adjust.

As I begin my sixth year teaching, I am completing my Master's through the University of the Cumberlands. I will be glad when all my classes are finished and I have one less thing on my plate.

To all of you who are starting a new school year, good luck and happy learning!!!

My thoughts on the ocean.....

I always shunned the idea of going to the beach. My own self-critical mind always thought "Why would anyone want to see me in a swim suit?" Everyone has issues with their own self image. I also thought that I would immediately be attacked by jellyfish or sharks when I even poked a toe in the ocean. So when it was time to plan vacations, I always suggested locations far, far away from swimwear....like the mountains. Well, this summer I didn't have a choice. Josh won a trip through Farm Bureau to Bonita Springs, Florida...so, of course, I went...who could pass up a free vacation!! So we arrived at the hotel mid-afternoon and after an all night driving trip (we left at 9:30 pm), my first priority was a shower, not the ocean. This did NOT bode well with a four year old. To our good fortune, it was raining when we arrived at the hotel and bought me and Josh some time to feel human again. Since I was not in a huge hurry to see the ocean and it was a ten minute drive, we decided to eat supper...which did not bode well with a four year old either. So after we ate, we drove to the beach. I think Josh was more excited for me to see the ocean then he was for the kids to see it. (He loves the beach, so if I was convinced then we could have future vacations in warmer climates.) The drive was a little cruel to my eyes because the view was blocked by either houses or vegetation. We drove to a parking area and strolled on the boardwalk to get to the beach. It was the perfect setting for my first view...the temperature was pleasant and the sun was setting when these eyes first looked upon one of the most beautiful creations are Heavenly Father created!!! I immediately fell in love with the white sand, shells, the smell and feel of the salty breeze, the sound of the waves crashing ever so slighty onto the shore, the feel of the water and sand tickling your feet as you stepped into the water...I loved it! It is so incredible that our Lord has such an wonderful imagination...this world holds so many beautiful sights to behold. I love the mountains and the ocean both!!!

Abby also immediately fell in love with the ocean, especially seashell hunting. (Micah was sleepy, so it wasn't very exciting for him at first!!)

For the remainder of the week, we visited the beach on several different occasions. Abigail and Micah both enjoyed playing in the sand immensely. It was so sweet to watch them play nice together. I know that is so fun for Abby to have her brother as a playmate!! We also spent lots of time in the pool at the resort as well. Needless to say, no one was attacked by a sea creature and I also realized that everyone goes to the beach, regardless of body type. So my initial fears were laid to rest:) We did turn a little pink, in spite of multiple sunscreen applications, but nothing too bad.

In addition to the excitement of the ocean experience, Josh and I also had the opportunity to spend time with Anthony and Amy Reese from North Carolina (we met them in Austria) and their two beautiful, sweet daughters Olivia and Sophie. Visiting with the Reese's as well as our old friends from Kentucky Farm Bureau really added a sweet topping to an already wonderful trip!!!

I have been quite stubborn about our vacation spots in the six years since Josh and I said "I do." He tried on various occasions to convince me of the beauty and pleasantness of the ocean, but words cannot describe it...only seeing it first hand can persuade a person to love the ocean. Future vacations for the Wilson Family will no doubt include several excursions to the beach. Enjoy some pictures from our first!!!

Micah's initial reaction to the beach...of course he had just woke up:(

Abby cheeses for the camera, regardless of location. This was her first view of the ocean and she immediately loved it!!!

Abby was so proud to have a "palm-palm" tree on her cheek...it matched her outfit!!

Daddy the Pirate!!! He and Abby loved the birds...one stayed on Josh's shoulder for about twenty minutes!!

Micah the Crocodile Hunter!!! Actually this is an alligator named Pearl and Micah LOVED her. She also brough an eight-foot alligator friend with her that Micah loved as well!!

WAKE UP!!! It's time to go to the beach!!!

Micah quickly adapted to the beach and enjoyed digging in the sand!!! He looks like he is in deep thought about something....probably those alligators!!!

Abby could have spent hours moving the ocean to a hole she dug in the sand....she couldn't figure out where the water was going.

A true beach bum...still going strong at the resort pool at night after a long day at the beach.

Summer's Simple Pleasures!!!

Summer is a time for the rules to go out the door!!! Bedtimes are extended to almost indecent hours, cleanliness is an option since my kiddos are constantly dirty, clothes are also optional (my kids love to run through the waterhose sans clothes), and an afternoon outside creates lasting memories. As we try to milk the last bit of fun before summer is "over" and school starts again, my kids have discovered the joy of bubbles. Although Abby has played with them for years, having Micah mobile and willing to chase the bubbles is even more fun for Abby. Last week at the fair, Josh bought the kids one of the "Infinite Bubble" machines, which is battery operated and blows bubbles until the batteries are dead or the bubble solution is gone. I thought it was a good deal--$10 got the machine, two bottles of bubbles, and batteries....of course, last night at Wal-Mart I noticed the same thing for $4!!! Oh well!! Anyway, the kids and Josh were outside playing and I had to capture some pictures. Of course Abby thinks the world is her stage and as soon as she noticed me with camera, she started posing. But I did capture a few of her and Micah with the bubbles. I hope their childhood summer memories are as fond as mine!!! Enjoy the pics!!!!

Micah, our daredevil child, climbing up the ramp to the slide!!!

Abby and Micah playing nice together.

Abby BEFORE she noticed the camera!!!

Abby AFTER she noticed the camera!!!

Micah with the infamous bubble gun....there have been some arguments!!!

Our New Friends!!!

Josh has been blessed beyond our wildest expectations at his job and due to those blessings from God, he has won many incentive trips. One of those trips is called "Round Table" and it is only for agents and their spouse. He also won the trip last year and we were able to travel to New York City and had a wonderful time. This year the trip was to...drum roll please...VIENNA, AUSTRIA!!!! Wow!!! All Kentucky agents generally travel together. However, the week that Kentucky was attending the trip was the week of CATS testing at school and I didn't feel it was in my best interest to ask off during testing. So we opted to go with a different group (agents from Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia). The trip was scheduled for April. Enter the Icelandic Volcano. About three days before we were scheduled to depart, Southern Farm Bureau had to postpone our trip due to the volcano erupting in Iceland. The trip was rescheduled for June 24-July 1. Ironically, our sixth anniversary and my 27th birthday were during the trip!!! Anyway, we arrived in Austria on the afternoon of June 25th (Austria is six hours ahead of us and we traveled for about 18 hours). The morning of day two (June 26), Josh and I were in the breakfast room awaiting some information on our rental car (each couple was given a rental car to share for two days with another couple.) At our table was another couple that was scheduled to attend with the first group, but their daughter was getting married and they had to reschedule for a different week as well. Although we were not their scheduled car partners, we chose to spend the day with them. I truly believe all things happen for a reason and when God closes a door, He always opens a window. Not only was rescheduling to June easier for me (I didn't have to make lesson plans), hopefully easier on my parents (because Mom wasn't having to work at school and then come home to a toddler and a preschooler), but I think He wanted the Wilson's to meet David and Angela Rea. David and Angela are from the coastal region of North Carolina. David is a Farm Bureau agent and has been with the company for close to 30 years. Angela is a school psychologist. Immediately, we had something to talk about...and did we ever talk. We spent the day driving along the Blue Danube, touring the Melk Abbey, and eating authentic, Austrian cuisine. For the remainder of the week, we spent as much time with David and Angela as we could. We rode on the train with them to Salzburg, we ate several meals with them, toured the catacombs of St. Stephen's Cathedral, went on an evening carriage ride through Vienna, and talked....a lot. In addition to meeting David and Angela, we also met two other couples from North Carolina that were also unable to attend with the rest of the state. Anthony and Amy Reese live in the mountain regions of North Carolina. Anthony is an agency manager and Amy is a full-time mom. We also met Clyde and Ruth Fulk. Clyde is the Vice-President of Sales for NC and Ruth is the quintessential Southern woman. She is refined, thoughtful, sincere, and loving. All three couples made our trip memorable. Clyde and Ruth even invited us to a nice dinner with Anthony and Amy and David and Angela...we aren't even from North Carolina,(but we do feel a little adopted:). I never dreamed that we would have the opportunity to travel to Austria and experience the wonder of the country. I feel blessed that we saw the culture and history of a mesmerizing country. But the best memories I will cherish are those of our new friends!!! Thank you God for bringing us together!!!

Clyde and Ruth Fulk

Anthony and Amy Reese

David and Angela Rea

Summer is Half Over!!!

I don't understand where the time goes!!! I remember when I was a child, summer seemed an unending time of lemonade drinking, fun in the sun, no school, softball games at the ballpark, working in tobacco :(, spending precious time with the family, season of pure, uninterrupted fun. Those three months of summer stand out in my childhood more than the nine months of school. Summer seemed so long!!! Now summer is just short!!! The misconception that teachers get the summer off is untrue for all teachers, but especially agriculture teachers. Since school dismissed on June 2, I have spent three weekdays at home. I am not trying to complain, because our family is blessed that I have a job. However, I look at the toll this lifestyle is taking on me and my family and wonder "Is this the ideal family life that God wants?" I am really struggling with this "career woman" vs. "full-time mom" internal battle and as of late, the "Full time Mom" is winning the battle. I realize that there are plenty of children that come from a double income family that are fabulous students in the classroom, respectable children to others and themselves, and who will be wonderful adults. I would also like to say that Abigail's preschool and Micah's daycare are wonderful, loving places for my children to go and would recommend them to any mom. However, I think the struggle is starting to become so prominent that I want to be at home instead of at work. I was so looking forward to summer and now it is half over. The remainder of summer consists of FFA camp, teacher's conference, professional developments, county fair, and school starts in one month:(. It is astonishing at how fast the summer goes and I don't feel like I have spent any quality time with the kids (granted, I was on vacation without the kids for one week....but sometimes that is needed.) Perhaps, Lord-willing, I will one day be able to stay at home with this children. I will continue to pray.

Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday!!!

Last week, Josh and I celebrated six years of marriage (June 25) and my 27th Birthday (June 26). We had the unexpected blessing of celebrating both events in Vienna, Austria. I can't believe that the first boy I dated in college almost eight years ago has been my husband and best friend for six years. Although marriages aren't perfect (and anyone that tells marriages are perfect are lying :) ), I have truly enjoyed these six years with Josh. We have been truly blessed. Two great careers, two great children, a nice home, and most importantly an understanding of one another (at least sometimes:) ). We have grown up together, learned from our mistakes...which we still make, learned to love, learned to enjoy the small things in life and realize the big things aren't always necessary. I love my husband, I love our children, and praise God for the blessings He has given our family.

I have also downloaded the pictures from our trip and have decided to share a few. Enjoy a few pictures from our trip!!!


View from the top of the North Tower of Stephensdom or St. Stephen's Cathedral. Of course to get this view, one must climb the stairs to reach the top....343 of them to be exact...arranged a narrow, spiraling fashion. We spent about half an hour at the top just to catch our breath...definitely out of shape:)

This it the view of the tower from the ground....did I mention 343 steps!!!

Josh and I on our way back from Salzburg...beautiful mountains!!!

Anthony and Amy Reese...eating lunch in Salzburg.

David and Angela Rea

I know this is a weird picture, but I though the place setting at the gala was so pretty...so I had to grab a picture:)

Josh and I at the gala at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna.

The Rea's and the Wilson's at the gala....we clean up pretty nice:)