Its a...

....shall I keep you in suspense for a just a little while longer?  Michael and I went to the doctor on Monday morning to find out what gender our little baby would be.  I have heard of people going in to the doctor for this momentous occasion only to be disappointed when the little one didn't cooperate.  I did not think we would have such a problem considering the last time we went in for an ultrasound the baby's legs were wide open.  Well our baby decided to play games on Monday.  First, its legs were closed tight.  Second, the baby had it's hand covering itself!  Thankfully our ultrasound tech was a persistant woman and was eventually able to see that we are having a little boy!  I can honestly say that I would have been happy either way....although I keep seeing these cute little girl shoes on Pinterest (like these and these)...but we all know I have an issue with too many shoes.  So maybe this is a blessing.  However, boy's stuff can be just as cute...like this and this.  Now to think of names...

Trulia

If you are looking for another website or app to waste your time on, then I've got just thing for you.  Check out www.trulia.com.  It's the best real estate website/app I have ever seen in my entire 29 years of existance.  Now don't get confused, I am certainly not looking for a house to buy or even rent at this point.  I'm content with where we are.  However, sometimes its fun to window shop...and dream....and hope...and wish that teaching & coaching were lucrative careers.  Alas, they are not, but they are rewardig careers.  So I'll just continue to dream.  Check out these beauties...

2250 Winthrop Ave

914 Anderson St

324 E Kingston Ave A

3025 Park Rd

825 E 35th St

1015 Charles Ave

POP!

I'm about 4 months pregnant at this point, and suddenly my belly has popped out.  I actually kind of like it.  I now look pregnant & not like I ate too many donuts over the last few months. We find out on Monday if its a boy or a girl.  I cannot wait to put all the speculation to rest & finally know what we are having! 

Happy Birthday Kendra!

I am so blessed to have you in my life, as is everyone else who is fortunate enough to call you a friend.  I hope the Lord brings you much joy in the next year! Love you!

Look What You Did

Of course every one remembers Steve Urkel from "Family Matters." On of my favorite moments is when Steve says to Carl "Look what you did"


Well.... look what Michael did

We are so excited! This picture was taken at about 8 weeks. I am 12 weeks now and in about 6 more weeks we will know the gender of the baby. I am feeling OK now. I was feeling pretty yucky at first. Thankfully the worst of it is over although some nights I still don't feel too hot. Here's hoping in the next week or so I'll be feeling even better!

B. Jack

Certain students touch your heart, no matter how much they may drive you crazy.  So let me introduce you to one of the most amazing kids I had the pleasure of teaching at Ashbrook High School: Bryan Jackson.  Bryan has had a lot of obstacles to overcome, which makes it all the more sweeter that he is attending Bridgewater College & playing football.  B. Jack is one of the smartest kids I have ever taught and I can't wait to see him do great things.  Here's to you Bryan.

It's Official

There have been a lot of changes in my life in the last year: getting married, moving two times, Jared getting married, and so on.  However, one of the biggest decisions Michael and I made recently was that I would not be teaching next year.  This was not any easy decision for me because I still love teaching.  I love my students, I love my co-workers, and I love Ashbrook High School.  It has been the only school I have worked at (outside of student teaching) and even though it has had its ups and downs, I have learned so much and developed amazing relationships in the six years I have taught there.  However, it was time for change.  In addition to teaching full time, I have been coaching full time also... and after six years of working 13 hour days something had to give.  I know that the Lord has been working in my heart for the past year, changing my priorities and my desires.  When I was single, it wasn't so hard to work a 13 hour day and be gone for a full weekend at a swim meet.  My time was my own and I could use it as I pleased.  But as a married woman, my desires have changed, and I think it would be nice to spend time with my husband without being completely exhausted by 9:00pm.  So as of a week ago, I officially resigned at Ashbrook and I am now turning my attention to coaching at ATOM and eventually transitioning in as the head coach of the program.  I am excited about this change.  We may be poor for the next few years, but at least we'll be sane!

And I will never forget the people at Ashbrook that changed my life forever...



Happy Wedding Day Jared + Marissa

My baby brother got married last weekend in Malvern, PA.  It was one of the most fantastic 4 day extravaganzas of my life.  From dinner at the Nilon family restaraunt, driving through horse country, drinks & hanging out with old friends at the hotel, cracker barrel breakfast, seeing great Aunts & Uncles I haven't seen in 8 years, dancing, eating, partying, and most importantly celebrating the union of Jared + Marissa... This was a perfect celebration of two people I love so dearly.  Congrats to you both! I couldn't be happier for you - I'm a big fan of marriage.

Now for a few pictures...

I took a ton of video that I haven't had a chance to load yet, but this one video sums it all up:

Let's Hear it for New York!

….Concrete jungle where dreams are made of….





Well this post is way too late but life gets crazy. For our 1 year anniversary Michael surprised me with a trip to New York City. We got to the city by 10am and spent most of our first day in the Museum of Natural History. I love that place! So many cool exhibits and it reminds me of my childhood so much. One of my fondest memories is taking the subway from Jersey into the city to go to the MNH. Later on that day we hid from the rain in some wine shops & Dylan's Candy Bar, and had some real New York Pizza.  We eventually checked into our very mod hotel in the middle of Manhattan. The next day we spent exploring the city (Rockefeller center, eating delicious food– I recommend Crumbs over Magnolia bakery any day, ground zero, Staten Island Ferry, Statue of Liberty, going to times square at night, etc).    We also tried to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, but we couldn't find our way onto the bridge walk.  However, this was not a lost cause because we stumbled upon this little dock area that was beautiful.  It reminded me of Charleston in NYC.  The last day was a bit more relaxing. In the morning we went to the top of Rockefeller Center and then walked around and hung out in Central Park. It was a whirlwind of a weekend but it was so much fun! And I think Michael has turned into a city boy!