PREPARE FOR A LONG ONE-Updates!

I feel so guilty that I have not written in sooo long. I thought I would do an entry to update you about life! I feel like so much is happening.

1. School is going well. Testing week is coming up and that is always a stressful time for teachers, administrators, and students. My reading test is Monday. I feel like the kids know as much as they are going to know, and now I have to hope none of them just blow it off. After testing we have about a month of school left. My goal is to do some projects to keep the children busy until May 27th. If it ever decides to stop raining in Ohio, the kids will start to get squirmy...maybe it can last a little bit longer. (Never thought I would like rain!) I have a research project on authors and some myths and folktales to teach.

2. Update on my sedative filling: the dentist told me that if it doesn't throb or wake me up in the middle of the night, then I should be ok until June 2nd. It hasn't been throbbing or waking me up, which is good news, but I chew only on the other side now because I am nervous about my filling. It makes the other side of my mouth kind of sore. I don't know, I am just weird. I guess June 2nd is coming and I am looking forward to see if they can put a permanent filling in there. I also think that I am going to get a Sonicare toothbrush. I have heard wonderful things about them. I think they are even dentist recommended. They are a little pricey, but I think I am willing to spend the money to have great teeth! I guess we will see. I'll keep you posted.



Sedative filling (temporary) :(

3. Jonathan's job search is going. I won't say it is going terrible or great. We still have about 2 weeks or so to hear from Strand. (The 6-8 weeks are creeping.) Good news is that in the past 2-3 weeks more and more jobs have opened up near the Wooster area. Places like Akron, Canton, and Cleveland are hiring entry level civils. He has applied and is starting the follow up process. We keep praying and we are trying so hard to stay positive and keep at it. It gets so discouraging when time and time again he gets rejected or just doesn't hear a word from a company. I keep waiting from a sign from up above that says everything will be ok and that God has a plan. My heart knows that, but my brain is doubting. I hate to admit that and logically I know it is not true, I am just trying to keep that faith. Any day now he can get a call from a company that wants him to interview and he will get a job! SOON PLEASE! I stay positive for him so he doesn't get too discouraged.

4. So my sister and her boyfriend Matt moved about to St. Louis so Sara could go to chiropractic school. If you watch TV at all you know about the tornado that hit there Easter weekend. Thank God that Sara and Matt were on there way home because they were gone before the storm hit and were safe. Matt brought up another problem though. The airport suffered a lot of damage. Matt had to fly out on Monday because he had to work. A few problems arise: 1. part of the airport was destroyed, and 2. his jeep was parked in one of the parking lots!!!!! Here is some of the damage.





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The good news is that Matt's flight was not canceled or delayed. Also, when he got to the airport, his jeep's back windshield blew out and he has to get a new paint job. Insurance is covering it all. We are so thankful that Sara and Matt are safe and that Matt's jeep wasn't like the van above, on top of the shuttle. Sara said that if he had parked 3 rows up, he would have had a pole on his car. Thank you God! :)

5. April has been an odd month for Ohio. We have now set a new record for amount of rainfall. Cleveland has set an all time record. Through Tuesday we have had 6.72" of rain. The next closest was in 1961 with 6.61". The thing is, it's not done! We have had rain since then, and our 10 day forecast predicts about 2 days of sunshine. But, as I have mentioned, it keeps the kids calm. It is a give and take relationship with me and the rain. :)

6. It's baseball season ya'll. HAHA! I am normally Cleveland all the way. Baseball season is different. I cheer on my Cincinnati Reds! They are doing ok. We are flirting with 1st place along with Milwaukee and St. Louis (of course). Last year was so great for Reds fans because they went to the playoffs for the first time since 1996. It was a short lived victory, however, because we were swept by the Phillies. The important part is that we were there!!!! GO REDS!

http://www.nationalsportsbeat.com/images/logos/mlb/Cincinnati_Reds.jpg




Follow my Cincinnati Reds here: Red's Website

7. I really did have a beautiful Easter. Praise God He has risen! My mom and dad are always the best hosts. Jonathan and I went to Springfield on Thursday night and stayed until Sunday night. Saturday we met up with Matt's parents and grandparents in Columbus for a wonderful dinner at Buca di Beppo. If you haven't been there, you have to try it out. It is Italian and instead of serving single dishes, you order either a small order (for 3) or a large order (for 6). It is an interesting concept and you always get a TON of food. We had a blast with family and friends. Sunday we went to church on Easter morning (which I always love) and I felt like the message was for me. It talked about not having excessive worry or fear. I feel like I have been an excessive worrier lately with Jonathan's job search and where we will be next year. I learned that I need to give it to God, and once I do, don't take it back! This is a work in progress for me. Then, we went over to my aunt Karen's house and enjoyed time with my dad's side of the family, and after that went home and spent the rest of the evening with my mom's side, Oma and Opa. It was a blast as well. Mom put together a little Easter backet hunt for us. I always love our Easter egg hunts because mom knows we don't like a ton of candy. For example, Elyse got adult gummy vitamins. We also got Vitamin C drink mix and fruit leather (my fav). I can deal with a little bit of candy...i.e. Reese's eggs and Starburst. The boys got all the leftover candy! I was sad to come home to Wooster. I miss being close to home sometimes! I love visiting my family. I chalk Easter up, once again, as a great weekend with my wonderful family!! The only thing that would have made the weekend absolutely perfect is if Jonathan and I could have spent some time with his parents! :) We missed them. Here is my favorite Easter video! It gives me the goosebumps. Watch and enjoy!

8. I AM AN AUNT!!!! (sorta) Lastly, I have a puppy update! You know how much I love my dogs! Sara has Annie, and she has gotten so big! She decided since she got Annie so early (6 weeks) that she struggles with separation anxiety. Sara got a new puppy named Molly to keep Annie company. Molly is a black and tan Dachshund. Here are updated pictures of Annie and a new picture of Molly! Enjoy. I LOVE THEM.

9. I have a job interview at Gap Outlet in Lodi for the summer. I know, I know. A teacher has the perks of being off in the summer, but I got really bored last year. So why not make some money and have something to do. It is just part time so it will be just enough. I am excited. I will let you know if I get the job. :)

Oh and last but not least (for real this time) I wanted to give a shoutout to all my graduates this May. Elyse (my sis) graduates from Mount Union with a degree in Communications. She is heading to New York for a modeling contract. So happy for her. She is nervous but she will do great! Here is a picture of her and her senior communications class. I went to her presentation!

Garrett, my cousin, graduates from high school! I am not sure where he is going to school yet but I do know he has been accepted everywhere that he applied to. He wants to go for music education! GO TEACHERS :)

And lastly, Jonathan graduates. You probably all know this one. :) He will be a civil engineer and we are deep into the job seach...don't get me started :)

So excited for this exciting time for all of my family! I will upload pictures in the cap and gown!!! Those are always the best.

Have a good night. Sorry this was so lengthy, but that is what I get for not updating my blog in forever!

Deep breath. I am exhausted. :)

To end, I must give you a new quote. "Be a good listener, your ears will never get you in trouble." Ain't that the truth!