Our New Pets

Saturday, Josh decided that three dogs and two kids just wasn't enough excitement for our house.  So to liven things up a bit, we have four new pets....two lop-eared rabbits and two Nigerian Dwarf goats.  The excitement began right off the bat when one of the goats jumped from the back of the truck and preceded to lead Josh on a chase through the woods, back yard, and eventually the front yard.  While Josh was working up a sweat, the dogs were barking and Micah was laughing.  I am sure it was comical to witness.  We named the rabbits Thumper and Flower and goats are named Smokey and Bandit.

 Abby and Micah with Thumper (Flower was too feisty for the picture!)

 Smoky and the Bandit

Josh and Rachel Plus....Three

That's right!!!  We are expecting baby #3 in early March 2012!!  We are very excited to become a family of five and I am feeling great right now.  I just started my second trimester and fortunately, the sickness has subsided.  July is a little blurry for me between the heat and the nausea.  Thankfully, I started feeling really well right before school started.  Josh is probably glad as well, since he has been flying solo in the parenting department for a few weeks.

Abby is very excited about the baby.  In fact, it will probably be a very long six months for her.  She has already named the baby if it is a girl....Queen Angel Princess Pretty Pink Flower Flip Flops....I'm not sure how that is going to work out!!  Creativity is definitely a strength for Abby.  I asked her what the baby's name would be if it was a boy.  She said Micah would have to name it!  Micah on the other hand doesn't really know what is going on.  He was with us during a preliminary ultrasound, but he was more impressed with the "exam glove balloon animal" than he was with the baby.  I am sure that will change once the little bundle arrives.

I am looking forward to enjoying pregnancy #3 and will post baby and kindergarten updates soon!!

Independence Day

I love the Fourth of July!!!  I don't really know why...I am not overly patriotic, I have no connection to the military, and I am definitely not into politics, but I still love Independence Day!!  It is probably a combination of both the history of the day with the carefree attitude of the day.  I love fireworks!! I love watermelon!! I love red,white, and blue.  I am also quite smitten with Americana and vintage themed decor.  When I was in college, my first apartment living room was decorated with Americana items.  Fortunately, Josh enjoyed the look as well, so when we were married, we had Americana/Civil War rooms in both houses we have lived in.  Unfortunately, our extra rooms have now transitioned into kids' rooms and no longer sport the red, white, and blue.  So the Fourth of July offers me a reason to dig out a little of my Americana items and decorate the house.


Although we didn't go all out for the Fourth, we still celebrated in our own way.  On Friday night, the kids and I went to White Mills to watch the firework show.  (Unfortunately, Josh was helping a neighbor harvest wheat, so he was unable to go with us.)  The kids really enjoyed the show.  Abby was concerned that the fireworks were going to fall down on her and during the finale, she actually stood up and ran back a few steps because of the loud noises.  So I had to explain that the fireworks would not get to her.  Sometimes it is easy to forget how a child perceives certain situations.  On the other hand, Micah loved the fireworks!!!  He had a smile on his face the whole time.

On Saturday night, we had to opportunity to go the drive-in with our neighbors, the Hockman's.  We watched Kung Fu Panda 2 and Tranformers.  We could have stayed to watch Green Lantern, but it was already 2:30am when we left.  The kids had a great time during the first movie.  By the middle of the second movie, both of the our kids (and their daddy) where asleep on the air mattress.  Blake and Evan were also asleep on the ground, but Clayton and Grant were troopers and stayed awake the whole time.

Today was our lazy day.  Slept late and spent the day at home just hanging out with the family.  It was a great weekend!!!

 The Whole Gang!!!

 Clayton, Evan, Abby, and Micah

 Best Friends!!

 These two just look like trouble!!!

Abby's Black Eye

Last night, Abby got a black eye in the dugout.  A constant battle with these young girls is to leave the bats alone.  Although Abby hit another girl in the eye with a bat a couple of months ago and gave that little girl a black eye, Abby really didn't understand how dangerous bats can be until last night.  On the bright side, Abby did get a base hit last night and was able to score!!  With Abby's dramatic personality, I am sure that this black eye will be reason to tell a very detailed story and to be the center of attention!!!

Josh and the 5K

In January, Josh decided that he was going to lose weight.  And generally, when Josh decides he is going to do something, he does it!!  So in January, he started a workout regiment and a diet and has lost 40 pounds.  However, in addition to the new weight loss (and new wardrobe:) ), he also has more energy and feels the best since we have been married.  He is also the same size, if not smaller, than he was when we got married.  (The same cannot be said for me:) )

Another goal that Josh had when he started his weight-loss adventure was to complete a 5K.  He has been working to increase his stamina and cardio to accomplish such a feat.  So this morning, he ran in his first 5K at the Heartland Festival.  He completed the 3.1 miles in 30 minutes.  Although he fell a little short of his time goal, he has conquered two other major goals..losing 40 pounds and running a 5K!!!  I am very proud of you.

Let Summer Begin

Although school is not officially out, Memorial Day is still the official start of summer in my opinion.  And the weather agreed!!  This long weekend, we had some great family time.  We were going to camp out, but thought it would be pretty miserable due to the heat.  So we did some other small activities that were a little cooler but still loads of fun. Saturday was a lazy day...sleep late and watch cartoons.  On Sunday evening, we went to the drive-in in Green County and had a great time.  On Monday, we let the kids play in the water hose before we went swimming at the neighbors, Patrick and Renita Preston.  I remember playing in the water hose when I was little and loving it.  Our kids are the exact same way!!!  It is amazing that such simple things can bring the biggest smiles to their faces!!!

 Micah "helping" Daddy wash the four-wheeler.

 Micah and his gun.

 Testing the waters!!

 Micah and Daddy

Prom Night

One advantage (or disadvantage depending on your perspective) of being a high school teacher is chaperoning prom.  I went to my high school prom and, if I'm being honest, it really wasn't that fun.  I went with a nice young man, but it's not like going with your husband, which is your best friend.  Also, when you are in high school, the entire day is scheduled...hair, nails, pictures, eating, etc.  Well, when you are an adult going to prom (that does sound a little weird:) ) you're not really worrying about all of those superficial things.  I mean, you are going with your spouse, whose has seen you in the MORNING.  Plus, you already attracted him, so who do you have to impress!!!  However, Josh did look very nice!  On May 14th, Josh and I went out to eat with two other couples, Crad and Tessa Jaggers (both teach at North and Crad coaches football) and Rondale and Alison Langley (Alison teaches at school and Rondale is an assistant coach of the baseball team.)  We met at Ginza and had a great meal.  Sometimes it is nice to have an adult only meal that does not require any ketchup or food to be cut up!!!

When we arrived at prom, we spent time finding and taking pictures of our students.  The kids love to show off their dresses and tuxes.  They do look so nice...such a contrast to everyday in class.  After a couple of hours of socializing with the students and other teachers, we headed on home.  It was fun to spend the evening socializing with friends and reminiscing about our own high school days.  Prom 2011 was a fun night for all, even the teachers!

 Alison and Tessa

 Crad and Tessa

 Rondale and Alison

 Wilson and the FFA girls!!!

Rachel, Tessa, and Alison