First time in 7 years

We both hate landscaping. But we acknowledge that the front of our house was starting to look awful. We have let seven years go by without doing something around house. We have had enough. Bob did so figuring and came up with a great design. It looked great. My husband did such an awesome job

daddy's little helpershe loves the tools tooso MUCH betterlove the mums beautiful fall decorwow the grass is really green for Sept

he even decorated around the flag pole

Ellie and I could not handle the work any longer. So we decided to take a trip to Kohl's to find her something to wear to an upcoming wedding.

self pic before we head out

We did not find much at Kohl's, but we did find these super cute boots.

Almost Two

I can not believe that in less than two months our little baby will be two. She is growing in mentality and shoe size. She knows most of her colors and can count to about six. She can only say the "l" sound when she says her name. It it so cute to hear her say little--"yittle." And she "yoves" and "miss yous" everyone. She gives a hug with such sincerity. She will melt your heart with a hug. She is now in a size 7 tennis shoe, but still going to get wear out of her 18 months clothes from last winter (is that odd--I think so).

Off to a Great Start

I decided that it was about time I really started to pay off my student loans. I know several people who make quite a bit of money on direct sales. So I started researching what options were available and came up with the conclusion that I love Pampered Chef and that is what I wanted to sale. Today was my first show and it turned out great. Mom was my host and all of my aunts and grandmas came to support Mom and me. It was so much fun.

I am so excited to see where this opportunity takes me.

If anybody is ever interested in Pampered Chef please let me know. They are such great products, and they have awesome incentives to host a show.

www.pamperedchef.biz/dawnjenkins

Thanks to everyone who make this an awesome first show

Labor Day

Today was not a labor free day for Bob, he is digging out the backyard. But Ellie and I went to my Nanny's house for dinner and to catch up with the fam.

My cousin Kasey's boyfriend Garrett had just celebrated a birthday. Kasey made him a cake and turned it into a mini-surprise birthday for him.

she can't wait for yunch

surprise Garrett

Happy Birthday Grandma

Today we celebrated Janet's birthday. Also Johnny came home from Purdue for a Labor Day visit. I am looking forward to a day off (it will be the last one until Fall Break in late October).

blowing out the candles

Happy Birthday Dad and Updates

Well I think I have finally got everything updated since mid-July. There has been a lot going on as you can tell. Just a couple of things to update since my posts: Baby Jackson was born to Jessica and Darrin happy and health. Baby and Mom are both doing great. Ellie named her horse Daisy. Yes she picked it out. And Ellie keeps talking about going to the beach. It is so cute, she will wake up from sleeping asking about the beach (awww it is in her dreams). Just today we went out to dinner for Dad's birthday at Buckhead's and she saw the Ohio River and said beach. Too cute.

I will need to update about Ellie and all the cute and some not so cute things she does. But I have been on this thing for two hours now, and I need to see Ellie before we both crash. So hopefully I will fully catch up some time this week.

Happy reading. Hope my daddy has a great birthday and everyone has a super week.

First Day of School

Day One down, how many more to go????

The day actually went well. But this trimester may be a little long. I teach three of the same classes, and I tend to get bored easily. But the students are good, and I love what I do. So I am sure that we will have fun no matter what (as long as they are doing what I tell them).

Ellie's first day back at Memaw's was good too. She loved spending time with Tyler. He will be there all week because they do not start back until next Wednesday. Check out Mom's blog to see what is going on there.

Well here's to a great year.

Zollman Reunion

Every year Bob's family has their reunion on the hottest day of the entire year. We not by planning but by shear coincidence. But this year, it was 90 (on of the only 90 degrees this summer) but not too bad. There was a nice breeze blowing and we were able to stay outside and enjoy ourselves.

Ellie had fun playing on the playground with her Grandma and Great Uncles.

Ellie and Uncle MelShe loved to swingSwinging with GrandmaGetting sick with Uncle Herman :0>

Blue's Clues

So Ellie has this new fascination with Blue's Clues. She loves watching the show, and even does the hand motions (those who have watched know what I mean). She can sing both songs completely and does so quite often.

Here she is in her "thinking chair" watching the show
She even has her "handy-dandy note-book"

Good luck Johnny

Tonight we had a good bye and good luck party for Johnny. He is going to Purdue for aviation and leave Saturday. It is hard to believe that it is already time for him to go to college. I have a little jealousy for all those college kids who are leaving. I loved college and really enjoyed it while I was there.
Please keep Johnny in your prayers as he starts a complete lifestyle change.

VB Day 3

Today, Bob had to go to work inland for a few hours. Melissa and I got up early and walked to a donuts shop for breakfast. Then after we lounged around for a bit, and got caught up on the news of the flash flood of 09 at home, we went down to the beach.

I love this picture

Early afternoon Bob got back from his job. We went into town to go shopping at the local mall. Ellie walked out with a ton of stuff (books, Build-a-bear Sugar, golf clubs, suitcase, and a horsey). Maranda got her ear pierced at the top, and she was so brave :) Then after our shopping trip we had a nice meal at TGIFridays. Yum Yum.

After we all rested when we got back, Bob and I took Ellie back down to play before we got packed up to leave in the morning.

Playing in the sand with DaddyShe was so happyDaddy and Ellie took a swim to rinse off, she loved the bubbles

After they got cleaned up we went for a walk down the boardwalk to the Dairy Queen for dessert. A nice storm rolled in. It was the perfect ending to our trip. I love lightning storms over the ocean.

It was such a great trip, we were sad to go. I could definitely live here. This is one of the best vacation sites I have ever been too. Ellie loved the beach, and I am sure she is going to be talking about it for a long time--even if she does not remember it when she is ten.

Virginia Beach Day 2

Today was a day dedicated to the beach. Since it was so cool last night, we decided to let it warm up a bit before we went down. We started our morning out by taking a nice walk. We walked to breakfast and then we split up. Bob and Melissa got groceries, and Maranda, Ellie, and I checked out the less essential items (AKA Shopping). We found some cute sunglasses. Then we all met back up, changed, and went to the beach. This first afternoon trip did not last long for Bob and I, because Ellie needed a nap. It was perfect timing for Bob; however, he needed to come inside for a bit.

My cutie in her piggiesShe is a little coldIt's nap time

Time for more fun

After we were all sunned out, we showered and got ready for some more tourism stuff and dinner. We went shopping at the local shops for souvenirs and gifts. Then after a lot of searching we found a little outside Cafe where the food was yummy.

"Were going to the beach, beach, beach"

That is the song Ellie and I have been singing for the last week. Bob had a job to do in Virginia this week and it just happens to be pretty close to Virginia Beach. So we decided last week to tag along. We are pretty much spur of the moment (and love it that way). Taking vacations in August is so great, and we frequent this month.

We went out to eat last night with Scott and Melissa for Maranda's 20th birthday. As we were eating we asked Maranda to go with us (we had extra space and she could use a vacation too). Then we kept talking and tempted Melissa to go with us. Finally about 10:00 last night (4 hours before we left) we had two travelers to join us. We could not have been happier.

We finally made it to Virginia (having a picnic lunch)

We started off to a rough start. Maranda woke up with tons of sinus drainage and was sick most of the first 6 hours. Poor thing I felt so sorry for her, but she was determined to get to the beach. Then about 1:00 we made it to Virginia. It was so good to get out and stretch.

Then the longest of our travels would come in Virginia. After a minor car issue, we finally made it to the beach around 6:00. There was plenty of time to walk to the beach before we went out to dinner.

Ellie is pointing to the beach (I hope she was not disappointed)Walking down for the first timeEllie is not quite sure about the sand (at first)She warms up really quick (this would be her favorite part)The water was sooo coldBut she liked it anywayMelissa and MarandaShe loved tearing down Daddy's sandcastles Happy 20th Birthday Maranda

Congrats Jay and Jamie

Tonight Ellie and I went to Jay and Jamie Bodkin's wedding. It was a really pretty wedding. I can't find my pictures from it, but this one cute one of Ellie and me.