I've MOVED!!!

Check out my new blog address:

www.jenswritingspace.blogspot.com

Be patient as updates are made in order to make it look even better! :)

Jen

So, I'm sitting here trying to figure out a new name for my personal blog. I think it might be time for a change. So, if you think of anything good, send me some ideas! I'm so not good with coming up with names for things!

The school year is in full force again. Hard to believe that the summer is gone already. I must admit though-the school year is going well. Busy, but good. Luke and I are really enjoying our new administration jobs. It's a nice change from teaching all day. It also allows us to use some of our other "gifts and strengths" that we feel we have been given. I have no idea as to what God is going to do in my life through this position, but I trust Him. I truly do enjoy being the curriculum person. I really get to work with teachers and professional development along with helping to set up standards/objectives for each of our courses. Only a book lover like me would enjoy this stuff. This year I will have the opportunity to observe and evaluate teachers. I love this stuff. I imagine that some people may wonder why being that I am younger than them, but it's not anything I'm not used to. I've always had to deal with things like this-especially when I was in youth ministry and was the the only female youth minster within a 100-mile radius! So, it should be an interesting year as I work with the teachers. Anyway, all in all, it's going really well.

I'm also really enjoying once again teaching AP Literature. I just love the freedom within this course. In July I found out that 3 of my 4 students from last year passed the exam-yea!! Of course, I was thrilled. I'm really hoping that come March of next year, my AP students and I can make a trip out to London!! We just need two more people to sign on and then the trip will be a go! It will be fabalous trip. We will get to see things like Shakespeare's house, the Globe Theatre, the home of the Bronte sisters, Bronte Museum, Canterbury, etc. Just so many wonderful things. I'm hoping it happens.

What's even more crazy is that Luke and I have our last course to take this fall in our doctorate program. WOW!! I can't believe it. One more class to go along with our dissertation. Oh, how happy we are. If you think about it, please continue to say a prayer for us and that we can get through the dissertation! We are almost home free!

So, once again, that's our life in a nutshell. Now that Luke and I are really working within close proximity of each other, our goal is to really be diligent about spending some time together, out and about. It's so easy to come home and talk about work stuff. Also, now that we see eachother like all the time, it's easy to just get caught up in not missing each other etc. So, we are going to be very diligent about spending that quality time together.

There you have it!

Stay tuned for more later!

Jen

It has been a crazy week for me. This past Saturday I received a phone call from my mother telling me that my grandfather had been admitted into the hospital and that the doctors were saying we needed to get there. Basically, they were going to try to keep him alive until our family arrived.

Needless to say, my weekend plans went out the door and I ended up heading down to South Florida with my brother and his new bride. Luke came on Sunday due to the fact that he had a TON of stuff to complete in our house with the whole remodeling project and he had church plans for that Saturday night that he could not back out of.

Anyway, by the time I got to the hospital, grandpa was on a breathing tube and was basically out of it. I held his hand until his body just gave out. It was very sad. I don't even think he knew I was there. Needless to say, lots of tears where shed and lots of thoughts centered in my mind about death.

Luke and I ended up spending the week helping the family out and attending the viewing and funeral. We got back into town last night and have been non-stop ever since. So, if you think about, please say a prayer for us!

Until next time!

Well, it's Thursday night and I figured it would be a good time to send an update. Luke is working hard on our master bedroom and bathroom. We decided a bit ago to "remodel" the two rooms being that they were in desperate need of remodeling. First off-the carpet had to go! It was driving me crazy! It's the same carpet we have had since we moved into the house 4 1/2 years ago. It's also the same carpet that our "children" AKA-dogs, "used" as puppies-if you know what I mean. Needless to say, it's time to upgrade. We also decided to get rid of the nice purple color on our walls. And lastly, we could not do these changes without upgrading the bathroom. So, we (actually Luke) will be installing new flooring, new shower doors, new mirror, new paint color, and we are getting one of those closet organzing systems. This will be great!

So, I say all this to help remind me of what the final product will look like instead of what a mess my house looks like right now. Our bedroom is in our living room, and Luke and I are camping out in the guest bedroom. If you know me, I tend to be one who does not like disorganization. So, I just keep thinking about the final product!

I figured I would blog also because the reality is, I don't want to think about my doctoral assignments that are due this weekend, along with the massive amount of reading I have to do for work. I must find time to accomplish everything!

Last but not least-I must confess! Do any of you struggle with trying to plan everything out? I know I do! I'm one of those people who like to have my ducks in a row and you know what, God doesn't always work that way. Case in point-Luke and I do plan on having children one day, if the Lord will allow it. But silly me, wants to have all my ducks in a row before that child comes along. And as we all know, that never happens!

I've had some great women friends of mine encourage me to not even think about the following:

* Finances
* Time
* Child Care

Every woman I have talked to has said, if it happens, God will take care of you and in some mighty way, God will provide for your every need. So, that's where I'm at. I've got to learn to let go and let God. I can't think about whether or not we will have the money, how child care will be provided, etc. If God brings it about, we will be provided for.

So, as I lay my heart out here, all I ask is that you pray for me as I work through this! I must stop planning! And no, Luke and I don't know yet when we will begin trying! Maybe God just needs to impregnate me! Our school staff has already forwarned us that they are praying for twins or triplets! GREAT!!! Won't that be fun!

Ok, I'm off to check on Luke!!

PS-Enjoy the pictures from my brother's wedding along with the "before" pictures of our room and bathroom remodel!
And oh yeah, I just can't resist posting this picture-I must admit-I have a HOT husband!

I really can't even begin to believe that July is upon us! This summer has flown by. June was a very busy month for both Luke and I. We were literally gone for part of every week in the month of June. We had family visits, went to Nashville for a conference, and were a part of my brother's wedding. Oh yeah, we have also been working at the school all summer.

It's hard for me to believe that my little brother is a married man right now. His wedding was beautiful and as he was taking his wedding vows, I have to admit, my eyes watered a bit. The girl he married is wonderful and my prayer is that they will have many happy years together. I pray that the Lord would keep them safe in everything they do and that they would have many blessings poured out upon them. I also pray that they would be an example of Christ in all they do and say.

In addition to everything that has been going on, Luke and I are also busy with three of our doctorate courses this summer. The good news is, we have only one more course to take in the fall. One course and dissertation and we will be officially done! Can you tell that I am counting down the days?

Other than that, we just continue to thank God for the many blessings He's poured out upon us and the fact that he has given us another day of life together. As I think about everything in my life, I can't help but be thankful for what God has done. He has truly blessed me with so much more than I could have ever of imagined. A wonderful husband who loves me despite my shortcomings, a beautiful house, a great job despite an economic crisis, the pursuing of a degree that I always wondered whether I could do it or not, two amazing dogs, an amazing family, and so much more. We are truly blessed. God you are so good!

I hope each of you are doing wonderful and when you get a free moment, remember to thank God for the many blessings in your life!

Jen

Yes, it's been some time since I last posted. So, I figured it was time for an update!

Things are well-school is out!! YEA!!! It's always such a great feeling to know that school is over and that you have a nice little 2-month break from the kids. I love the kids-but it's always nice to regroup and refresh.

On Tuesday, Luke and I will find out if indeed our administration jobs will be approved and go into effect. The good news is that we will be working this summer at the school as administrators. If the board approves the budget, then come Tuesday we will be good for the school year also as administrators-Luke as the dean of students and me as the curriculum coordinator. We are keeping our fingers crossed and trusting God.

Another area that I am having to trust God in is the fact that come Monday, I have to have a root canal and then at the end of next week, have surgery in my mouth. Basically, I have an extra tooth (not visible) that I've had since I was a little girl, that is harboring a cyst. Both the cyst and tooth need to come out. As one being who does not like pain and unfortunately, tends to think the worst when it comes to medical things (something I'm still trying to work on), I'm really having to trust God. Basically, I just want to get it over with! I'll keep you updated as the process moves on!

About two weeks ago, Luke and I came back from Tennessee with the seniors from our school. We had the opportunity to chaperone them while on their senior trip. It was quite a trip. Let me share with you some of the highlights:

* Bus broke down on our way to Tennessee. We were stuck at a Steak-n-Shake truck stop for like 6 hours.

* When we finally were on the road again, the bus was pulled over by a cop because the tail lights were not on.

* About 2 hours from the hotel in Georgia that we were supposed to stay at, traffic came to a complete stop due to an accident.

* We ended up having to make new reservations at a hotel that let's just say, would not be my first choice.

* Thursday, we finally make it to Tennessee. As we climbed the mountain in this charter bus, the bus gets stuck and ends up having to be towed down the mountain. Kids and chaperones had to "climb" the mountain with luggage and groceries in hand. Thankfully, cops arrived and the Chief of police helped us lug our luggage up the mountain in the his car.

* Because the bus could not make it up the mountain and because it ended up costing the bus company $1200 to tow the bus back down, needless to say, we had to figure out how we could get kids up and down the mountain each day since we would have no transportation. Luke and I ended up renting a car because that was our only option.

* Our first night there, one of our chaperons gets lost and calls 911 as she is frantically looking for our cabin. A couple of our boys ended up "rescuing" her.

It was quite an eventful trip. Let's just say this-I was happy to get home.

Tomorrow, Luke and I leave for our "in-town" vacation. We can't wait! Since we are working this summer, we had to choose to have in-town vacation. So, because we have free week of timeshare to use, we are staying at a resort that is close to Disney for the week! We can't wait! It's a 2-bedroom room and like 5 minutes from Disney and 15 minutes from work. The good thing about working during the summer is we only work from 8-1:30 Monday through Thursday. So, not only will we have our Friday's off, but we will also have our afternoons off.

OK, so there you have it! The latest and greatest! Hope each of you are doing great! Luke and I have a busy month(s) ahead of us. We leave for Nashville for training in June, my brother is getting married this month, and in July, we have our graduate studies conference to attend at Disney (we get to stay at the Contemporary, something I've wanted to do for a very long time), and we are currently taking 3 classes. Come August, we have one class and our dissertation to complete! So close to being done with this crazy doctorate! All I know is that we can't wait to have a HUGE party to celebrate!!

OK, keep in touch! I'll try to be better about this personal blog deal!

Jen

Well, spring break is over with. I'm so sad! Luke and I went to Charleston, SC with his parents and just had an absolutely wonderful time! It was so hard to come home! We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn near this harbor that was only like 2 minutes from downtown Charleston. This hotel was fabulous! We had a two bedroom suite and let me tell you, they know how to treat you right. Free breakfast everyday, free Internet, and many nights, they had free dinner. It was just wonderful! It was very hard to come home.

Along with that, the prices of houses in that area is absolutely disgusting! You can get a brand new 2500 square foot house for $210,000. Luke and I just couldn't believe it! Anyway, we really like the area and who knows, maybe one day we will move there! We really like the Carolinas. Additionally, I really felt like the light bulb finally went off in my head-I finally have a name to what I want to ultimately do-be an educational consultant! I really felt as though I finally realized how my past experiences, gifts, skills, and talents can be used along with combining my LOVE for coaching! So, I am really excited and believe it or not, my website will be changing shortly in order to focus on this new focus! I already have two students that I am working with!

We are now back into the swing of things-work and doctorate. This upcoming Friday I get to take my Seniors and AP students to see Macbeth on stage! So exciting! Also, in about a week, Luke and I get to take a group of students to a student leadership conference here in Orlando. I am very excited about that being that I LOVE this area of student ministry and work!

In May, Luke and I are also going to Gatlinberg, TN with the seniors for their senior trip. The seniors voted on who they wanted to go with them as chaperones and Luke and I were chosen! So, we are excited! Although, today I received a notice that I have to report for Jury duty on May 5th and basically, I have to be on call all month! YUCK!! So, I'm really hoping that that will not intrude with the senior trip!

Crazy as it may be, Luke and I already have a busy summer. In addition to now working being that we have been promoted, we at the end of May are staying at the Orange Lake resort near Disney for a week because my parents have a time-share and we have a free week to use! Additionally, our school may be sending Luke and I to TN for Kingdom School training. Also, June 28th my brother is getting married in Ft. Meyers. And then in July, Luke and I are staying at the Contemporary resort at Disney for the Nova Conference where we will be attending workshops that deal with our doctorate.

So, we are still going strong! And I don't even think that's all of it! I know I'm forgetting something about the summer that we will be taking part in!!

Lastly, I'm going to really try to do something about this writing I started while I was in seminary. As many of you know, I started writing a small book for high school girls/college girls about what my college years taught me. Well, I am finally going to meet up with someone who will help make corrections (grammar, punctuation, etc.) and will help guide me regarding my strengths and weaknesses. If anything, I may just provide it as an ebook (which has recently become very popular). Who knows, we will see!


Anyway, that's the latest! Keep us in your prayers!! We need it!!

Jen