Friend of the Week - Kelley

As I was driving home yesterday, I had an idea. A corny idea, but hey, it's my blog. So, here it is. I'm going to do a tribute to one friend each week. I have some of the most amazing friends on Earth, so I thought it'd do me some good to remind myself how lucky I am. Let's start with the friend who showed me what a blog was - so this is all her fault, really.

Kelley and I both ended up in the middle of nowhere about 5 years ago. She with her husband, I with myself. It was my first year teaching, her 2nd year, and God knew we were gonna need each other. I won't go in to too many details about the less-than-par place we taught, because that doesn't really matter. What does matter is that I met one of my greatest friends because of this place. Do you know what I mean when I say "heart-friend"? Well, that's Kelley. Our lives are quite different - she lived in South Asia for 2 years while I fell in love with Jonathan here in Blacksburg. She has birthed the first 2 of her many babies, and I have yet to birth one. She owns a minivan. I'm quite far away from that stage (but hey, anything can happen!) But, she is somebody I can go to - no matter what. I laugh with her, cry with her, and she has prayed for me probably more than most people (except my mom of course, I was quite the problem child). She drove 3 hours with a screaming baby 3 weeks after birthing her to be my matron of honor and was happy to do it. She loves me for who I am - and isn't afraid to tell me when I'm being irrational, crazy, or just plain ridiculous. She's honest and compassionate in one. She is one of the first people I call when I have big news - whether it be happy or sad. Even though we don't talk as often as we did during the Happy Valley days, it doesn't seem to matter. We can pick right back up like we're just down the street. Here are some pictures of times I've spent with Kelley over the past several years....
Ok, so a few aren't of Kelley. But Kiran is just too cute to be included. And the only picture I have of Sienna is in the picture in a post below when she was 3 weeks old to the day. Oh, I just love those kids. Here's to many more years of friendship with their mama! I love you Kel!

Here Come the 7th Graders! Watch out DC!

Well, it's that time of the year again. When Mrs. Halsey turns into tour guide of the century for 75 seventh graders. But, wait, I teach 3rd grade. For the past 3 years I have planned this trip as part of my "internship" that was over 3 years ago. But, honestly, I don't mind. I actually kind of like planning it. I can deal with 7th graders for 3 days. But then, give me back my babies! Here is the lowdown on our trip:
Wednesday - Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, Capital Tour, Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington, Nationals vs. Braves game (wahoo!), Finally hotel at 11:00
Thursday - Tour of the Pentagon, Smithsonian, IMAX at NMNH, Washington Monument, National Zoo, Monuments (Lincoln, WWII, Korean, Vietnam), Dinner at Phillips Buffet
Friday - National Archives, White House (from the outside only, boo!), Iwo Jima memorial, Air & Space at Dulles, homeeeee!

Pray for patience, health, and great times for all going. I may just give you a picture update when I get back. I'll probably get in trouble if I post those pictures before wedding pictures. Sorry, Ashley.

Thanks!

Since I know that only about 5 people read this (haha, need to recruit!), I just wanted to tell all of you thanks for your prayers and thoughts this week. Jonathan and I are blessed to have such awesome family and friends who are always willing to support us when we need it.

And as if this week couldn't get worse, I got my first flat tire today. Luckily my coworkers hubby was at school and changed it for me. My sweet husband is now trying to patch it. Oh, when it rains it pours!

Have a happy weekend. Maybe I'll be back with some more exciting posts in a few days.

Worried...

Ok, so I'm officially worried about SOL tests this year. These kids are SO unredictable... especially my 2nd afternoon math class. I really shouldn't have graded math tests on the first day of our (crappy 4 day) Easter break. But, I did. These kiddos can't bubble in answers on a bubble sheet - and we've been doing it for 4 months now! They'll just skip 2, 3, 5, 10 questions and not even try to bubble them in. DRIVE ME CRAZY!!!!! Not to mention the fact that they won't read questions OR work problems out. Oh, and did I mention that they can't rhyme or recognize beginning/middle/ending sounds of words. Oh, they can make inferences, draw conclusions, and pick out paragraph-specific answers for reading all day. But find a word with the same beginning sound as toast? Nope. We've practiced. I've bribed, begged, pleaded, and threatened. Oh, and taught. Yes, I've taught rhyming in 3rd grade. We've bingoed, drawn, sang, and rapped. We still can't rhyme. Oh please let the reading SOL test be heavy on comprehension and light on skills. Wow, never thought I'd say that! Oh, and did you know Columbus was our first president? This is going to be the longest, shortest month of my life.

In other news, my husband is finally home! He was in Raleigh all week - with the computer! I missed the computer, but I really missed him. Now, it's off to his parents' house for Easter. Let the yummy eating begin.

Pray

Please pray for my uncle. It turns out he has 9 partial blockages in his heart. They are going to do 5 bypasses on Monday, which is exactly what my dad had a few years before he died. I'm sure Glenn will take good care of his health after the surgery, but it's still scary! Pray for comfort for my family during this time. I'll update about how his surgery goes when I know more. I saw him today and he was in good spirits, feeling fine, but scared.

Is it Friday yet??

Shew, what a week! My kids have spring fever SOOOOO badly!! And SO DO I! Unfortunately my school system doesn't think Spring Break is important. So we get two days. Next Friday and the Monday after Easter. Oh well, I'll take what I can get. 4 weeks 'til SOL tests! UGH! I've made it before, I'll make it again....but I hate this time in the school year!

Okay, enough complaining! But, more bad news. My uncle Glenn had a heart attack yesterday. He lives in Concord, NC, but happened to be in Kingsport working on a store he was renovating. He is currently in Holston Valley in Kingsport waiting for a catherization and possible stint. Please pray for him and my family. Heart attacks seem to bring back some horrible memories for us.

Probably heading to Bristol this weekend to meet Miss Cara, check in on my uncle, and attend a baby shower for my cousin and his fiance. That baby has a name, but I can't remember it. I'll let ya know after this weekend if you care! And while we're on the topic - looks like Baby Mills will be joining us this weekend. Can't wait to see Mrs. Mills step into the role of Mommy Mills. She's gonna be great!

Oh, and Ashley G. - I'll post some professional wedding pictures for you soon! How's that sound? Oh, and I need the link to your blog! I've started a trend here, and I love it!!! The picture below is just one of my favorites. Don't you love how I'm holding a newborn at my wedding shower. Can't believe he still married me! :)

Honeymoon Pictures

I know I don't have any wedding pictures on here. But, it's my blog and I want to add Honeymoon pictures. So I'm going to. Enjoy! :)
We aren't much on repeating vacation spots. But, oh we will see you again Adventura Spa Palace!!!

Babies, babies everywhere!

Ok, so everyone is having babies! Which is fine by me. My BFF Christy from my King days had her sweet babygirl Cara Elizabeth last Tuesday. Here's a sweet picture of them:

My good friend Kim at work is 38 weeks with a baby boy. No names, pictures, yet.....but the doctor says that we'll have 'em before long! We spent the evening with her at the Birthing Center last night - bedrest sure doesn't look like fun. Oh, how blessed that baby boy is gonna be! I don't have any pictures of pregnant Kim, but pre-pregnant Kim is the scarecrow below.

Ok, so who else? My cousin and his wife just had a baby boy - Cameron Wade. My cousin and his fiance are expecting their little girl in just a couple of weeks. My good buddy Jessie at work is about 22 weeks along with her sweet girl. My BFF April is about 10 weeks along....and our plan all along was to have babies at the same time! Uh oh! That baby has been prayed for beyond belief....and I can't wait to meet him/her/them! Our good friends Nat and Cindy are expecting baby Gracie later this summer. She already has a fabulous big brother in Luke (who was our ring bearer). There are more I'm sure....woooohooo!