Dog Owners!

We've been wanting to get a dog for a while now. So, last Saturday Jason and I went with my brother-in-law and nephews to the shelter to pick one out. We played with a lot of dogs, and on the way out, I saw this dog just begging us to take him. We decided to "foster" him for one week to make sure it could work out. After about 2 days, it was decided we just had to keep him. He has the sweetest countenance and licks us a LOT! So, the name game began on Wednesday. Jason and I had totally different ideas (go figure--ha). So, I asked my third graders the next day to write down their choices on a post-it. They were cute, but none fit. We'll after a few instances of showing just how timid and scared he gets, we decided on Radley. Yes, it does come from "Boo Radley" from To Kill a Mockingbird. We are hoping he will grow out of being so timid. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with us, it usually loud noises and cars. For example, he ran into a table and a vase fell and broke causing a loud crash. Radley ran and jumped behind the couch and would not come out for some time. He really has begun to show his full personality with being somewhat playful, but mostly a sweet, lap-dog. So, here he is:

Christmas Family Time and New Year's Reunion

Jason and I are blessed to have had 2 full weeks off of work for Christmas vacation. We spent the first weekend in Knoxville where I laid in bed for 2 days with flu-like symptoms and had to visit a local clinic for medicine. Once I was better, my mother-in-law had our nieces over to make their annual Gingerbread houses and we added the feat of making gingerbread boys and girls. She is so creative and it was a lot of fun. After four days, we left and went down to Florida to be with my family and extended family. We spent a full 10 days there with family and friends. My dad's whole side of the family came. So, it was a very special time for my Grandmommy to have ALL of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren there for the season.
Then, for the fourth year in a row, we had our Chattanooga friends reunion during New Year's (though not everyone has come every year). We all met in Florida and went to my uncle's lakehouse. It was so warm, we were able to spend time in the water and on the boat. I even kneeboarded! During the day, our extended family would come out with their children to play in the water and ride on the boat. Jason was able to enjoy getting some fishing in as well. Here are a few pictures of the reunion:
Me and my cousin:

Jason & Jason fishing:

Smores on New Year's Eve:

Kneeboarding:

The whole group:

Boston in November

Jason and I were able to find a really good deal for a flight to Boston to visit our dear friends there. We mostly just enjoyed hanging out for the weekend like old times: eating, watching football, eating, laughing, eating :). However, we did make our way downtown to celebrate a friend's birthday at a Sushi/Karaoke bar. Hilarious! I was also able to visit my old school on Monday and see old friends and students there. We weren't able to see everyone we had hoped to, but we were able to really appreciate the blessings the Lord has given us through our time there in seminary. Transitions can be so tough sometimes and it is so sweet to get to visit these familiar and warm friends and places in the midst of our adjustments. Here are a few pictures to recap the weekend.

Settling In

Well, we moved to Montgomery at the end of June and lived with my parents for 10 weeks. They were very gracious hosts since we were only supposed to live there for 5 weeks. The house we're renting had a flea problem from the last tenants that took some waiting out while pest control services did their best to rid us of the itchy problem! Here is a picture of our home:


So, now we're trying to settle in and plug into our church, meet new friends, find new favorite restaurants. It has been an interesting move for both of us. We're both very busy with our jobs, but trying to spend a lot of time with family. I'm teaching third grade while Jason is teaching eleventh and twelfth graders. Jason has been dealing with a lot of neck pain as he has had to angle his neck to write on the board to teach. Now, his school has ordered a special gadget for him to be able to write on in his lap while it appears on the smartboard. So, we're grateful for that huge help! We've been able to spend a lot of time with my sister and her family. The boys are active and wonderful and Jason has been able to help out the ministry by tutoring many afternoons a week. We're still trying to figure out life in Montgomery and would love your prayers for our transition here still. We're also praying through what to do for housing after this year.
Here are a few pictures of our time here in Montgomery:
We were able to be a part of my cousin's wedding--this is a cousin reunion!

After that wedding, we went with my cousins to Maggie Valley, NC on a beautiful vacation with many kids and many fun memories!


A dear college friend was married in August, and I finally was able to be reunited with these friends~ Congrats Heather!

A Beach Trip

On Saturday, Jason and I left for Panama City Beach to have a vacation with his parents, aunts and uncles. It was a great chance to get to know his aunts and uncles and reconnect with his parents after so many miles have been between us. I'm so grateful for the summer time--allowing us this time before the crazy school year begins. I spent the mornings on the beach with the ladies. Jason fished from the dock into the inlet. We also caught crabs back there!
Jason's aunts bought Jan and me matching nighties that said "Beach Babe".

Sweet Home Alabama

Jason and I have been back in Montgomery a little over 3 weeks. We've been able to spend a lot of time with my family. This includes playing our Aunt Boo and Uncle Jason roles quite a bit. Here are some pictures of our nephews:
Levi's Playtime

Our 4th of July cake we made together. My favorite quote: Bryce said, "Aunt Boo, how come you have to make your own birthday cake?"

Summertime in the pool


I turned 27 this month and to celebrate, my sweet friend Jessica and my BFF sister, Delta went out to dinner together while the boys stayed at home with the little boys.

Happy Anniversary!

Jason and I have been in Montgomery for about 2 weeks now. We're enjoying being with my family and helping out my sister as needed. We're still waiting to move into our home on August 1 and are blessed to have parents willing to take us in.

Just recently, on the 10th, Jason and I celebrated our four years of marriage. One year was spent in our beloved city of Chattanooga. The other three were spent in Massachusetts at seminary. All four years have been a true blessing from the Lord as we're learning daily how to bring the Lord glory in our marriage. I have loved this gift of marriage, love my wonderful husband, and look forward to starting our newest chapter: Post-Seminary...