Bad Bad Blogger

I am really terrible at this whole blogging thing. Unfotunately, with everything going on these last few months, my blog found itself at the very, very bottom of my priority list. In mid February Addy and I had to temporarily move back in with my mom in Jackson so that I could complete a 7 week research study as the final requirement for my Masters Degree. It was a great experience (by great I mean stressful and crazy) and I met some wonderful people, but I am happy that it is over. We moved back home right after Easter and the real insanity began. After I completed my research in the classroom I had to actually write the research paper, which ended up being 37 pages long. Yes, seriously! I then had to condense said 37 page paper into a power point for a panel of super smart people to review and then put me through hell an oral comprehensive exam about my study. I know I am cursing less, but it was truly a nightmare. I don't think I have ever worked so hard or worried so much in my entire life. I was popping tums like candy! Thankfully, I got it all done in time and I did pass my oral comps. Even with graduation 5 days away, I still have not received a grade on my paper. I am ASSUMING I get to graduate, but you know what they say about assuming..... I think if something were terribly wrong I would have heard by now. So I am planning on walking my happy self across that stage on Saturday and closing the door to this 5 year journey. I know that in reality being in school that long should make me like a doctor or lawyer or something, but alas, I am now just an elementary school teacher (an unemployed elementary school teacher). Sooooo if you know of any open K-6 positions in the Williamson County area, put in a good word for me :) I am extremely nervous about finding a job. I have heard it is incredibly competitetive around here and of course, being still relatively new to the area, I don't really have anyone on the inside to help a sister out. I am certainly praying for God to put me on the right path to finding a job. We are more than ready to be a 2 income household again. Daddy needs some new wheels!


So thats kinda where we are right now. I am excited about Saturday and getting to celebrate this big day with my family! Even more exciting is that the weekend after that we are going with my family to the BEACH! I CAN. NOT. WAIT!! I have not seen the ocean since August 2009 when I was pregnant. I need to feel sand between my toes and sun on my skin. A fruity cocktail wouldn't hurt things either! It has been way too long since out last vacation. Justin and I are both in desperate need of some relaxation. He has been working so hard lately and had a lot of stressful things going on at work. I plan on packing swim suits, flip flops, and sun block, that should be all I need to lay on the beach and do nothing for a week. I am also looking forward to seeing my sweet girl see the ocean for the first time. She has never been. I hope she loves it as much as I do. I also can't wait to see her sport the cutest stinkin baby bathing suit I have ever seen. It is a precious lady bug print with a matching little bucket hat...Ohmycuteness, I will have to post pictures!

Also since my last post, my princess had her 2nd birthday. Her Dora the Explorer themed party was a hit and we had a blast celebrating with many of our family and friends. I can't believe she is two. She just amazes me every day with how quickly she learns and how smart she is. She talks nonstop all the time and she's so funny. Her daddy and I just love her to pieces! There is never a dull moment around here with that little girl.

Just look at this face!

She loves cupcakes!!
It was a great day!

In other exciting news, this past weekend my sister-in-law Julie and one of my very best friends, Ashley ran their first half marathon here in Nashville at the St. Jude Country Music Marathon. 13.1 miles is a very long way. I am so very proud of both of them. Justin's whole family came for the weekend to cheer on Julie and Chuck, Ashley, and Maddy came to stay with us, so we really had a fun time! The family all wore matching Julie Holt Fan Club t-shirts. It was pretty cool!

All through their training process I have been soinspired by Ashley and Julie. They were so amazing, and it has really make me want to run a half too. I don't know if it is even possible for my body to do something like that, but I would like to try. Now that school is over and I have the summer free (with the number one exception of finding a job!!) I would like to focus on running. There is another St. Jude half in Memphis on December 1st of this year. I don't feel comfortable committign to it yet because I just started back on my Couch to 5K training program a week or two ago. So, the goal I have set for myself is that if by August I can run 5 miles I will register and begin training for the half. That would give me 4 months to add on another 8 miles. Sounds pretty crazy! I really want to do it, so we will see how it goes I guess. Wish me luck!