Like they say...

...patience is a virtue. We have just had our 4th night without power, and shockingly all I have not reached the end of my patience as many people have. Even though it is aggervating not having power, I keep looking to the bright side (beautiful weather, no rain, no damage, no school, and extra time to spend with Ellie).

Let me start by giving the background information for the lack of power (I am turing this blog into a book for Ellie). On Sunday September 14 the remnants of Hurrican Ike swept through Northern Kentucky and Southern Indiana. I had warned my students on Friday that this could be bad. Ike would be mixing with a cold front, and I told them that it was likely there could be a lot of damage. When I told them that I had no idea what we were in for on Sunday.

Sunday started like other typical Sunday afternoon, Bob was working in the garage, and I was washing clothes and cleaning up the hurricane that comes through our house each week. I could tell each time I walked outside that the wind was picking up, but it was actually kinda nice around 11:30. So I decided that Ellie and I needed some fresh air. We saddled up the lawnmower (Ellie loves to ride while I am cutting grass) and began cutting the much needed lawn. Needless to say we only got about half way done before the wind was so unbearable. Ellie had fallen asleep so I passed her to Bob while I quickly tried to finish up. I was not successful. Grass clipping traveling at 25-30 mph hurt when they hit any part of your skin (clothed or unclothed). Bob was still working in the garage when I decided it would be best to take Ellie inside the house (she was asleep in the garage). I laid her down and decided to take a nap with her while I waited for the Colts game to come on (YAH GO Colts!!--we have taught Ellie how to throw her hands in the air when we say "Go Colts" it is too cute).

After only a few minutes we lost power. Then Bob left to respond to one of the many fire runs that were coming in. After listening to run after run, I knew that the situation was bad. I tried to keep busy but ever time I looked outside and saw the corn stalk across the street touching the ground I felt more uneasy. Chloe was very anxious as well, she paced the house and would lay on the floor curled up in a tight ball. Then around 2:30 I began to fell the house move occiasonally, this prompted me to call Bob to come get us out.

He arrived shortly to take us to his mom and dad's in town. They were without power also, but have a gas stove where his mother was cooking dinner. Bob had to cut four trees to get to our house, he was at the house maybe 20 minutes to resupply. When we left he had to cut two more trees to get back out. We finally made it to town, only to see so much destructiobn along the way. I knew that it would be a long time before we got power back.

Bob was out responding to runs all night, and I think he finally came in around midnight Sunday night. We just decided to stay at Bob's parents instead of driving back to the house.

Bob clearing tree number 2 to get out

Trees completely uprooted

Ellie showing off her new trick of doing forward rolls using pillows

Monday-Thursday

Monday- Still no power. We go back home to check on our property and we, thanks to God, have absolutely no damage. Bob's work had no power as well, so he had the day off. We used the day to clean up around his parents house. I think they lost four trees, and there was a lot of brush.

I had taken a break to check on Ellie and sat down on the front porch to talk to Janet, when a FOX 41 news crew drove into the driveway and asked if we would be interested in being interviewed. So we did and made the news that night. We were all crowded into Bob and Janet's little living room watching ourselves on a small battery power TV in the dark.
We went home and spent the night there in the dark.



Tuesday- No power.

Wednesday- Still no power. Today I went down and helped my dad get my Nanny's house cleaned up. She had a lot of trees down. Tonight we went to Sam's to celebrate Johnny's 18th Birthday. This was nice to get away and spend time doing something normal.

Thursday- Yet again no power. Today I was beginning to get a little more irritable, mostly because it was getting warmer outside as well as inside my house. Ellie is not happy either.

A Saturday in September

Today was a really great day. First it starting with a nice refreshing drive to Edinburg to outlet mall. Ellie and I went up with my friend Meghan who is about 24 weeks pregnant. We wanted to vistit the Carter's store. Ellie is in some bad need of fall clothes (well clothes period) and Meg wanted to pick up some things for her new baby---she just found out she was having a girl. After we first had a wonderful lunch, we headed straight for Carter's. The weather was gorgeous. The wind was blowing and the humidy had not arrived, yet.

Here are a couple of the cute outfits I bought

After the damage had been done (which really was not that bad b/c everything was 50% off) we walked around the outlet and just browsed.

Before we left we stopped into the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. YUM. We both had a chocolate covered strawberry that was too yummy.

The drive back was great too. Although the humidy had returned by the time we left and it was horribly hot.

Later this evening (after we all took a much needed nap) we went to Meg and Josh's house and headed to Laneville for their Heritage festival. This is becoming on of my favorite fall festivals. We got Ellie a couple of cute John Deere shirts and a cool new toy that she loves.

And of course on our way back to Clark County we had to stop by Polly Freeze. This is a tradition. I had a very good pumpkin cheesecake flurry.

This has been one of the busiest Saturdays we have had in a long time.

Happy Birthday Grandma Jenkins

We spent the weekend celebrating Bob's mom's 60th birthday. We started the weekend off with a cruise on the Bell of Louisville. The weather was perfect and Ellie really enjoyed herself. We went on a lunch cruise with both of Bob's sisters, Shelby, Bob's cousin, and Janet's sister.

My beautiful baby

Shelby and Sue

Sue and me

Grandma and Ellie

Then on Sunday we celebrated again with cake and ice cream.

Ellie and Grandma's cake

Ellie practicing for her birthday in a few months

Gun Powder and Lead

Bob and I took a trip to Bass Pro Shop yesterday to kill some time before we went to dinner after church. I had not been there for a long time, and this was the first time Ellie was awake to look around. She loved the fish and animals. We were looking around in the hunting section when we went past the material for shooting clay pigeons (skeet). I told Bob that I would like to try it. The next thing I know, the cart is full of clay pigeons, ammo, and the other necessities to play.

We came home and took a much needed nap. Then Bob could not handle it any longer. He woke Ellie and me up and we took Ellie to town to spend time with Grandma and Papa. After she was safely taken care of we headed to the farm to shoot.

I did not do so bad when the target was stationary. It was when it went flying into the air that I wasted a lot of "gun powder and lead." But after about ten-tweleve shots I finally hit once on my last try. YAH me. Bob was so excited--not that I hit the target, but that I went shooting with him. It actually was a whole lot of fun, except for the fact that my shoulder is very bruised and sore. But all of it was worth Bob's reaction.

My form was a little off I am told

A few random pictures

Check out the sun glasses. She wants to be just like Maranda

Right before I took this picture Chloe was outside and Ellie was taunting her.

Waving Bye-bye to passing cars

9 Month Pictures

The tongue

Here is Ellie realizing that it is in her mouth. Thanks Nette! :)

She was even sticking her tongue out in her sleep

Blah

Everyone keeps asking how the school year has been going--and all I can say is "ok." I have the most well behaved, brightest students that I have ever had, but I am teaching mostly History classes (the last few years I taught mostly English--the way I prefer). I am the type of person that does not like to do the same thing over again, and this year I have three of the same class in a roll. So I feel bored with my schedule. On the flip side though I really enjoy all of the students in my classes, they are great.

But I guess the real reason why this year is just ok and so blah is because I miss Karol. Karol instantly became one of my best friends when I started at SHS. We went on several out of town trips together, and got along so well. I believe that God put her in my life for a purpose. Then last spring Karol pack her house and her family and moved to Portland, OR when her husband got transferred there. She has been gone for three months, and I miss her terribly. School is not the same without her. I have started to walk to her room several times before I realized she is not there.

A few pictures of Karol

So I have been sulking in my sadness. When I got home today and signed on to check my email and facebook account, I found a message from one of my students who graduated last year. She left such an encouraging message of gratitude, explaining how I made a difference in her life. I was quickly reminded why I started teaching, and that I need to stop taking the energy to be sad and turn it around and focus on encouraging my students. Because I am absolutely sure this is what God called me to do, and I want to use his gift fully.

So I am going to stop being blah as of today and work on having the best year yet.

Nine Months

It is so hard to believe that you are already nine months old. Ellie you are growing into a beautifully, strong little person. You are already very opinionated, and if you do not agree or like something you quickly voice your opinion. You are our child with the many faces. Mommy has been known to have "the look." Mommy's facial expressions give away her thoughts without words. You have acquired this trait times two. You have so many looks, and even though you can not vocally express yourself now, we know exactly what you are trying to say through your facial expressions. Amazing.

You love to torture Chloe, and of course get her into trouble. It is neat seeing the relationship that you are forming with "ee." (Even though "ee" is still undecided on how she feels about you)

Mommy loves your eyes, they are so unique. Every morning I look forward to seeing what color your eyes will be that day. They always have a hint of blue in them but some days are more green than others.

We are still undecided on whether you will get the left-handed gene or not. You definitely favor your left hand, but you also use the right one as well.

Teeth, teeth, and more teeth. You have two more front teeth coming in as well as two of your molars (which are about two months to early). You have been a little more fussy these past few months because of this--but you want to get it over with so you can enjoy being ONE.

You change everyday--here are some of the new things you have learned over the last few months: clicking your tongue, sticking your tongue out and trying to roll it, high five, waving bye-bye, saying a few words (dada, ee, mama,byebye), sleeping in your own bed all night, eating mostly table foods (macaroni is your favorite), peek-a-boo, among other things.

You are truely a blessing from God, and we thank him everyday for our sweet baby girl.

1 pound

That is how much Ellie has gained in the last three months. We took her for the 9 month check-up last week. She is 16lbs, 27 inches long. She is in the 3rd percentile in the weight category--Seriously. The doctor was not too concerned as long as she gets the recommended intact of formula each day. She eats all the time. Mom said she is constantly eating at her house too. But she doesn't stop going. She is constantly moving. When I get the time (ok when I take the time to scan her 9 month pictures I will post them).

Babies first words

I really don't know what is considered a first word. Is it when the first sounds are put together, or when the sounds/words are repeated, or when there is recognition with those words? Ellie is jabbering away, she has never been a silent baby, but now is really is not silent (even when she has her pacifier in her mouth).

Here are a few of her "first" words in the order she said them

dada- of couse this was her first word, and the one she says it the most often. This is a word that she says a lot when she is very happy

ee- this is definately her response when she sees or is near Chloe. She loves Chloe very much and likes it when she is near her (even though Chloe does not feel the same way).

yiyi- I really do not know what she is trying to say here, but for about a week she said it a lot. She does not say it much but when she does it goes on for a while.

mama- I couldn't wait until she said mama, but now I am not so such I like it. She only says mama when she is mad or wants something. Most of the time she is throwing a fit when she says mama.

bye-bye- she does not say this often, but it is starting to become more often.

Nashville-Day Three

I knew that my buying a zoo membership would come in handy. Today helped my conscience. We were able to get into the Nashville Zoo for free with my Louisville membership. The zoo here is wonderful. Very clean and well done. The animals are not as good as in Louisville, put the scenery is much better here.

Her first time on a carosel and she loved in

The closest I have ever been to a giraffe (i could have touched it)

My happy family

After the zoo we came back to the hotel to rest a bit before our big evening out. We ate dinner at a neat version of our Texas Roadhouse called Santa Fe--it was excellent.

After dinner we went to the Grand Ole Opry. Carrie Underwood was the headling performer and the reason we got tickets. This was the first time that either of us have been the the Opry and it was gorgeous. I could not believe how big it was. We had a great evening. Ellie slept the first hour and woke up in time to sing along to Carrie's songs. It was so cute, it was like she knew the words because she hears them all the time ;)

Ellie ready to go in her country girl outfit

This trip was a much needed time away. We had such an awesome time. Even though Ellie will not remember any of this--we will have lots of good memories to share with her as she gets older. I can't wait to bring her back.

Nashville-Day Two

After a sleepless night (Ellie was sleeping with us) I surprisingly got up ready to go. We started the day at The Hermitage or the Home of Andrew Jackson (our 7th President). I have to get some history in, and I have such an awesome husband that he does not mind.

The view of the manison

After the Hermitage we came back and rested for a bit, then we suited up and headed for the pool. I was a little shocked when I stepped in to realize that it was cold...in August. Actually, the weather here is gorgeous. We sure have picked an awesome weekend.

After swimming we went back to the hotel and cleaned up a bit. We headed out for the evening without a plan. After much discussion we decided that we would take a cruise on the General Jackson (they built this boat at Jeffboat in Jeffersonville-and Bob really wanted to ride it).

I think you can tell from the pictures that Ellie had a great time. (So did Mommy and Daddy).

Nashville-Day One

Wednesday: Bob had decided last week that he was going to take Thursday and Friday off. The plan was to find somewhere to take a short vacation before I had to go back to school. There was no destination that really stood out to us. Wednesday afternoon we thought we had decided on going to Gulf Shores. I spent about three hours trying to find a desent and reasonable place to stay, but the ten hour drive did not excite me. So at about 8:00 Wed night we decided on Nashville.

We did not leave Indiana until after noon, but that was ok because Nashville is not that far. The drive was great. Ellie slept the entire time, and we made it (thanks to Bob's new GPS that he calls Carrie--I would be a little jealous but she is confined to a small grey box) in about 2 1/2 hours.

We got to the hotel, got settled, and then headed to THE MALL. If anyone has every been here you know why it is in all caps.

Ellie checking everything out

Ellie telling daddy how to work Carrie

We ate dinner at a cool restaurant in the mall called the aquarium.

The first of August

There has been so much going on the first few days of August. July seemed like it would never end as most July's do. I finished reading enough books to meet my goal (I have read two more since reaching my goal). I love to read, and Ellie loves to listen to me read--so it works out for the both of us.

I have not really been in my classroom since the end of school, so I knew that when I finally did go in it would take hours to get everything ready. I was right--I spent three days there (at least four hours each day). I wanted to get everything done before we started back on Monday. I have to say I am pleased for a while with the way my room looks. I have new desks in my room plus a new bookshelf "filled" with new books for my classroom library. YAH.

Last weekend was pretty busy too. Laura Hammond got married and she looked great. I did not go to the wedding because Ellie does not like to sit still--and I don't get to see anything in the cry room anyway. We went to the reception and had a great time.

Laura and Michael (a little fuzzy)

After the wedding we went to church. George gave an awesome message. He is getting ready to start preaching about the entire New Testament. This has sparked my new goal--to read the new testament again along with his messages.

Sunday was very laid back because we had went to church on Saturday (I really love this sometimes). I read my new book Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer almost all day. If you are looking for an awesome book/series to read then you should definately pick up the Twilight books. They are without question the best books I have EVER read.

Then Sunday evening we went to Tumbleweed to celebrate Maranda's birthday.

Johnny and Ellie

Ellie being silly with MarandaTwo of Ellie's favorite cousins (she has several more favorites).

Whew! What a weekend, and to think another one is starting. The last one before school starts :(

I DID IT!!!!!!!

At the beginning of the summer I set a goal to read 15 books before school started. I very seldom set goals that I can not accomplish, but I was pretty unsure that I would meet the goal once Ellie started crawling full-time. But last night I finish the last book of my goal. Every book I read was amazing, so if any of you are looking for a good book here is my list.
1. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
2. Sold by Patricia McCormick
3. Blue Bloods by De La Cruz
4. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher------ very good for teenagers
5. Crank by Ellen Hopkins
6. Rash by Pete Hauntman
7. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb
8. The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
9. Inexcusable by Chris Lynch
10. Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr
11. Sweethearts by Sara Zarr------the best book I read
12. When It Happens by Susane Colasanti
13. Cut by Patricia McCormick
14. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
15. Invisible by Pete Hautman

If you want to know about any of these books just ask.