Road Trips Rock!!

December is a busy month for me. Our anniversary is the 16th. Christmas is the 25th. And Shawna's birthday is the 31st. This year, Shawna and I decided to leave the kids with her folks and get away for a few days. New England was the place of choice.

Now, we have two family traditions. Both Shawna and I would like to go to all 50 of the United States over the course of our marriage. Also, we like to go the Hard Rock Cafe. We seldom eat there. We just like to buy some souvenirs and leave. With that in mind here is how the trip went.

We left out of Kansas City on a delayed flight on Saturday. We went to Chicago and again got delayed. We flew to Pittsburgh. This was the first time we had been to Pennsylvania. We met some college friends and stayed two nights with them in West Virginia. During the course of our stay, we made to to Ohio for lunch. These were new states for us as well. After worshipping on Sunday, we took off early this morning for Washington, D.C. This required going through Maryland. Again, first time. We went to the Hard Rock Cafe in Washington, D.C. and then to the one in Baltimore. Then we headed to the Hard Rock Cafe in Philadelphia which required going through Delaware (first time there, too) and we took a tangent into New Jersey. Can you guess? Right. First time.

We are staying the night in the Philadelphia area and plan to return to Pittsburgh tomorrow and see the Hard Rock Cafe there. We fly out Wednesday morning.

All in all, we visited seven new states and hopefully will have visited four new Hard Rock Cafes. ROAD TRIPS ROCK!!!

Additional details and pictures will be coming soon...

-J

Early Christmas

This is what our tree looks like after the presents have been opened. JT. and Kaylee begged to open presents today so they could play with some of them before we left town. The two presents you see under the tree are for relatives with whom we plan to visit in the next few days. I (J.T.) got bluetooth headphones. I have been borrowing my dad's for a long time and using them to listen to music on my phone. Now, I have my own! Here is me rocking out. I also got a bakurack, clothes, and one bakugan, so far.

I (Kaylee) got these gumballs. I also got a Hannah Montanna guitar and a Jesse McCartney CD. I got some clothes and a Hannah Montanna game that comes with a DVD. Here is me with my gumballs.

After gifts, we relaxed all day and Shawna cooked our traditional Christmas meal. Since we usually get turkey and the fixin's two or three times after seeing family and friends, we make it our tradition to make chicken fried steak, mash potatoes and gravy, corn, biscuits, and other such things. J.T. took this picture right in the middle of our dinner.

Kaylee could not let J.T. take a picture without her getting to take one.

After the meal, Jeremy, J.T., and Kaylee blogged while Shawna cleaned up. But, we didn't want to leave her out of the blog so here she is.

And again.

We already had Christmas with some good friends of ours on Saturday. We plan to see both sets of grandparents over the next few days. Shawna and I plan to leave the kids with some grandparents and get away for our anniversary, Christmas, and her birthday.

Please keep reading the family of N.

-JJT&K

Those Embarrassing Moments

After consulting someone recently and being reminded of an embarrasing moment in my life, I was encouraged to put it on the blog. So, here it is.

Imagine this: I was officiating a funeral for a member of the church which we attend. The funeral service had started. The coffin was escorted to the front of the auditorium. The participants of the funeral made their way to the podium. The first song had been led. The prayer leader stood up behind the lectern and said, "Let us pray." It is silent. Heads are bowed. And then...my cell phone rings. OH, YES. It RINGS right LOUDLY! Not one of those normal rings either. I had the phone set for this caller to ring some bizarre funky ring. Talk about embarrassing!

Later on at the meal the congregation provided for the family, I approached the widower to apologize. The good hearted guy simply said, "People have been calling her all her life. It just makes sense someone would try to call her on her way out!"

-J

An Unusual Milestone

This past Tuesday, Shawna and I crossed 13 years of marriage. She gets agrevated when I say that 11 and a half of them have been happy! At any rate, I see this as an unusual milestone for a variety of reasons. First, most would not acknowlege 13 years as it is not divisable by five. Then, many do not make it to 13 years. Also, it has simply flown by so fast. Most that know me know that I calculate things in unusual ways. Here are some of the more unusual (and some obvious) things that have been accomplished over the last 13 years:

1. We have lived in 10 different houses/apartments, but only three cities. We have lived in this place for five years, meaning that there were nine different places (and two cities) over the first eight years of our marriage.
2. Between the two of us, there have been eight different jobs over 13 years.
3. Two children have been a fine addition to the family.
4. We started with eight grandparents and one great grandparent between the two of us. We are down to five grandparents.
5. When we started, cell phones and internet access were not common household items. Not to metion, we started with one black Mazda truck and shared it for a year before getting second vehicle.

All in all, it has been a great 13 years. I look forwared to another 100 years together.

Some try to come up with meaningful statements at times like these. I recall one good friend, who happens to be significantly older than me, making this statement: "Growing old is not for sissies." To that I would only add that it sure is easier to do with someone you love!

These pics are from our six months of dating, thus were taken somewhere around late 1995.

-J

Another Dr. Visit

I got another wake up call in the middle of the night (third one in a month's time). JT came in saying his throat hurt and he didn't feel good. So I took his temperature and put him back to bed. The morning wake up call came about the same way so we made yet another trip to the doctor for yet another confirmed case of strep throat. This is the third time he has had it in about a month. He is getting over it but for some reason it keeps coming back. He is hoping this will be the last time. But he is truly growing up because this time instead of liquid medicine, the dr. gave him pills. They are capsules and pretty big but he takes them really well. Pray for him that it doesn't come back a fourth time. Until next time...

-S

My Doctors Appointment

I (Kaylee) went to the doctor on Thursday and I got a great report. This was the pediatric neurosurgeon to check on my shunt. I had an MRI done. It was fun because I got to listen to Disney music. It played Jingle Bells and a Hannah Montana song all through some special headphones. The machine that did the MRI was shaped like a donut. The doctor said that all the shunt activity was good and that my brain looks good. She gave us some things to keep track of so that we will know if it is not working right. She also gave me some yucky news -- I have to start watching my weight and what I eat.

Please keep reading the family of N.

-J&K

Christmas Decorations

Enjoy!
-JT

Oh, Poor Samson...

We have always named our vehicles. Well, I have always named them and Shawna and the kids joined in later. My first car was Pin, the Pinto (ugh!). My current vehicle is Samson (a Chevy S10), named by the kids.

This past Monday, on a trip to Memphis and back, the battery light was blinking at high speeds. As it did not come on close to home, I had forgotten to check it out later. I did not drive it at high speeds or out of town Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Consequently, the light did not come on so I did not think about it. Today, with a friend, Jeff, we went to another town in another state and we were in for a big surprise.

We took off and the light was blinking on and off at times but the truck was running fine. We went and ran some errands, saw some people, ate some food, and even stopped at the store on the way home. Everything was running fine and the light was only coming on and off from time to time. By the time we were about 15 miles from home, it was on constantly but still Samson was running fine.

As we turned into the last stretch for home, three of the dash warning lights were on, but everything was running fine. I was determined to get it checked out Monday but that was going to prove to be not quite soon enough. At about five miles, Samson began to act up but I was sure we would make it home. At three miles, he was going slower but still going. At two miles, he was going 30 miles an hour and not responding to the gas pedal. At two miles, Samson was drifting and came to a complete stop at 1.75 miles from home (the accuracy of the distance is thanks to the GPS Shawna got for me).

We took off walking and came to an elderly couple's home who are shut in but members of the church here. We asked for a tow chain and a ride back to the house. He gave us a chain and the keys to his old, old truck to get back to the house. We came back to the house and got Jeff's truck, took his truck back to him, and went back to my truck. We towed Samson to the house and returned the chain. Samson was still dead, completely unresponsive.

Right now, Samson is hooked up to a battery charger and we suspect the problem is the alternator. Right now, we are thankful that Samson gave out less than two miles from the house. It could have been 60 miles at the furthest point on this trip!!

Oh, poor Samson...

-J

A Great Nightly Ritual

Each night, I try to pray with Kaylee before she goes to bed. If I am out of town, she usually tries to call me so that we can pray on the phone. I will begin by asking her who she wants to pray for and this is usually how it goes:

Great aunt Diana
Aunt Lisa
Aunt Chelle
The X family (a family close to us that has been hurting due to a recent death)
Grampy and G. Jo
Tonight, she wanted to pray for Christian who was not feeling well at Bible class
and...











ALL the other people who are sick!

If she did not mention us by name, she got us in the end.

Just thought you all would want to know.

-J

Update and Good News

First things first, the results from the professional exam I posted about here came in while we have been out of town and I passed! Yea. Now, after the appropriate paperwork, I will have the credential of Board Eligible Nationally Certified Counselor.

We sincerely hope that everyone has had a safe and enjoyable holiday. Our's was packed and busy as usual. We left Wednesday after services and stayed with eight super friends in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Thursday, we made it to Shawna's folks in time for lunch. We went and spent about three hours with my folks Thursday evening.

Yesterday, we had an enjoyable day with Shawna's family and came home today. It was a good weekend and holiday.

Of course, if we were to count all for which we are thankful, it would take a long time. We would count you all twice (corny? I know.).

-J

Game Night

This past Friday, four families came together for a night for food and fun. Chili, stew, meatballs, sandwiches, and lost of desserts ... what else could be more fun. Here is a picture of the four men playing Tiger Woods golf on the Wii (J.T. would like to insert here that the kids were not allowed to play the Wii). Here is Jeremy with Hannah Montana hair. It made everyone laugh SO HARD!!Kaylee and her friend, Bryson, played air hockey. Oh, they enjoyed it so.

Finally, here is what happens when you leave six kids to play in the bedrooms while the adults play the Wii. J.T. had a rubber stamp and they stamped themselves over and over. (We don't even want to blog about the horrid messes left in J.T. and Kaylee's rooms!).

Hope you enjoyed. Please keep reading the family of N.

My Soccer Comes to an End (Sadly)

Well, as you recall, I have been posting about soccer a lot. This is the final post ... until next year. My final game happened. I am sure that if you read this blog a lot, then you know that my dad already posted about that. This time we are looking at it from the player's eyes. My soccer game was tough but we won four to one. In the picture below, you'll see me holding my trophy. We got first place in the division. Afterwards, my coach gave us each a bag. He said it was not much so not to expect much. In it was some candy and a toboggan. That's all I got. Please keep reading the family of N.

-JT

Oh, the Mind of a Child

Tonight, J.T. had his championship soccer game and they won. More on that later as he would like to be involved in that particular blog post.

After the game, I agreed to take the kids out to eat. On the way to the restaurant, I asked J.T. to say the prayer. It went something like this:

"Dear Lord in Heaven, thank you for this great day. If you had anything to do with us winning our soccer game tonight, thank you very, very much!..."

Don't you just love the mind of a child?

-J

Late Halloween

This past Saturday, We had a Halloween hayride with the congregation. Sissy was a singer, complete with make-up (a lot of make-up), curled hair, and a microphone.

J.T. was a ninja lord. He had swords, daggers, and a mask. He is definitely nine and all boy.

Shawna was Peyton Manning. Jeremy was a surgeon. Thanks to Dr. Scott (my cousin), I was able to have real scrubs from the Med in Memphis. Thanks, man! You can see me in the background complete with a stethoscope around my neck.

There was also a haunted trail at a real cemetary. J.T. says he was never scared.

Please keep reading the family of N.

-J&JT

Championship Bound

Over the past few posts, I have been posting about my soccer games. This is about the final game until the championship. Even if we lost this game (which we did not), we still would have made it into the championship becasue of the all the wins we already had. This is a picture of me trying to kick the ball. Click on it and you will see number 10. That's me!

My sister gets incredibly bored with watching soccer. So, this time, she played with our friend, Emma. Dad took some pictures of them as well.

Finally, this is Emma smiling at the camera. Her mom was my first and third grade teacher.

Once we compete in our final game, we will post about it. Please keep the family of N.

-J&JT

In Light of the Upcoming Election...

[The following article was written for the last Presidential Election, but is relevant to the upcoming election as well. It was taken from The Chapman Challenger, October 27, 2008 -J]

Do Christians Really Have a Choice in Casting Their Vote?
Todd Clippard

On November 4, the citizens of our great nation will elect a president, U.S. senators, congressmen, and other officials. Tragically, some professed Christians try to separate their “politics” from their responsibility to do what is morally right. I find it unconscionable how many “Christians” openly align themselves with candidates who support homosexuality, abortion, and other positions opposed to Bible doctrine. Despite claims that these are “political issues,” they were moral issues first. When politicians turn moral issues into political issues, the faithful Christian must support that which is biblically right. Christians have the responsibility to support candidates whose views are most closely in accord with God’s word.

Christians are to be good stewards (1Corinthians 4:2). To whom much is entrusted, much will be required (Luke 12:48). How then can a Christian support a candidate who openly supports an ideology destructive to righteousness and holiness? Sadly, I am convinced that no matter the amount of warning or scriptural pleas, many Christians will vote for candidates who will use their office to promote a godless agenda.

God ordained civil government (Romans 13:1-7). Christians are to obey the laws of the land and conduct themselves in an orderly and godly fashion (1Peter 2:13-17). We are expected to pay taxes and to pray for the leaders of the land (Matthew 22:17-21; 1Timothy 2:1-3). But no citizen is forced to vote; it is a right and privilege. However, our rights as U.S. citizens are superseded by our moral stances as compared to the law of Christ (Philippians 1:20; Hebrews 11:16). Support should be given to men and women of high integrity and moral fiber who will make decisions to help steer our country back toward God’s word. Too often, Christians vote based upon their family history or supporting a particular party or the perceived economic advantages of supporting a particular party. Such reasoning is faulty and shallow for one who claims to be a child of God.

When the subject of voting and morality arises, some turn defensive and say, “How I vote is nobody’s business but my own!” (In the 13 years I’ve been preaching, every person who chastised me for “preaching politics” supported candidates who promoted abortion, homosexuality, the lottery, etcetera). However, when one enters the voting booth, the only parties truly involved are not the voter and his political party, but the voter and God. We will stand before God one day and give an account for our actions (2Corinthians 5:10); this includes how we vote. Christians who vote for candidates who promote ungodliness are part of the problem and not part of the solution of getting our country back on the right track. How can one pray for the good of our country when he supports candidates whose agenda undermines the very foundation of our nation?

In this year’s national elections, two issues at the forefront of the political debate are homosexuality and abortion. One presidential candidate opposes abortion and expanded rights for homosexuals, the other supports all forms of abortion and favors homosexual marriage. In light of this, do Christians really have a choice in how to vote? May we elect our leaders in such a way as to invoke God’s blessing. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Countdown to the Championship

Today at my soccer game it was a TIE. Not a win, not a lose, but a tie. Speaking of soccer we have TWO games till the championship , furthermore I'll be counting down the games till the championship . . .COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-JT

Decision 08

Since we have been at our current living location, we have been active with the youth group at the congregation we attend. About every other year or so, we take a group of teens to a youth rally in another state. This year, a state representative and preacher was the keynote speaker. He spoke on the decisions that young people have to make and gave many biblical principles to help any and all to make godly decisions. It was a great weekend.

This was the first time father and son from the family of N got to go and another father-and-son duo from the congregation got to go as well.

Great memories, great times.

-J&JT

Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Today at school, my teacher handed out these pink ribbons to everyone who wanted them. They were for breast cancer awareness. They show that you care about people who struggle with breast cancer. While Dad and I were at the gas station, I said that I also care about people who have to take chemotherapy. My great aunt Diana is taking it right now.

-JT

Trip to the Folks

This past Monday, I made one of those whirlwind trips to the folks. After my Mom's sister being diagnosed with leukemia and me not being able to spend time with them in September like I usually do, I thought a quick trip might provide a little comfort. I hope so anyway.

I took off Monday morning, stopped in Memphis along the way to make a visit and got up there about 3:00 PM just in time to help my Dad finish some yard work. Mom had to work Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and they planned a trip to see my aunt on Thursday (when I was planning to come home, so I did not get to go).

All in all, it was a whirlwind trip. I got to spend some time in my Dad's classes and some time each evening with my Mom.

Please continue to remember my aunt in your prayers.

-J

Another Long Exam and Prayer Request

Today, I took another exam for which I have been preparing. This was the National Counselor Examination (NCE). I feel pretty good about it but most of my fellow students do not. So, either I am delusionally over confident or just plain oblivious. I should know the results in six to eight weeks.

Also, we received word that my aunt Diana is going to have to have another round of chemotherapy. If you do not remember the previous blog in reference to her, click here. The first one did not do well at all. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.

-J

Gospel Meeting Begins

Each year in October, the congregation here has a gospel meeting with the South Ashland congregation. It is a great combined effort. Today began our fourth one together. Click here for the lessons on our website. It has been a really encouraging day.

-J

What Goes Around Comes Around

On most days, the routine works like this: Shawna and the kids go to school and I go to the office. When Shawna and the kids come home, they stop by the office and see me for a minute. Usually, the kids will go and play and Shawna and I will end up talking for a while. Today was no different. The kids went into the auditorium and Shawna and I stayed in my office. When she went to leave, we went to find the kids. They were playing 'church.' J.T. was leading "As the Dear Panteth for the Water." He even had the tune down pretty well. I did not get to the camera in time to get a picture so I asked them to pose for this one. Kaylee is on the front pew on the right side. JT has only the podium lights on which is why it is so dark.

The next thing we knew, J.T. was telling us that he wants to be a preacher. I encouraged him to be an elder too.

Being a preacher's kid, I vividly remember doing the same thing with my sisters while growing up. Of course, at the time, I never imagined watching my kids do the same thing. I guess what goes around comes around.

-J&S

A Good Game

Today was my third soccer game. It was our first time against the teal team. I played defense the whole time that I played. It was a good game and we won six to one. That's all I got!

-JT

Soccer (Finally!)

After doing many practices, soccer has finally started. This is actually my second game, but the first time, no one brought their camera. Anyway, in the picture below, you will see a red team and a black team. I am on the black team. Number 10 if you can see a '10.' Today, we won eight to zero. Hopefully, you will enjoy the pictures posted here.

Here, I am on defense with my friend, Cody. The person in the blue shirt is Maddy, short for Madeline.

In this photo, you can't really see me. But, you do see the referee and others. It is the last one. I hope you enjoy it.Please keep reading the family of N.

-J&JT

My Computerized Parents

Over the past week, my mom has been working on her new pink computer. My Dad has been working on his blue computer. Both of my parents were working on them late tonight. So I took a picture of the computer geeks.

-JT

I Did It!

I passed the exam I had blogged about earlier. Yea! I am so excited! I have to admit that once I took the exam, I did not feel too good about it. But, I did it! Yea!

-J

Prayer Request

My aunt Diana was diagnosed with leukemia last week and begins chemotherapy today. She has incredible family support (we are a close bunch of folks) and is a unique person. I am always impressed with her compassion for others. Here is a picture of aunt Diana cuddling with Kaylee. They are both cuddle bugs. Please pray for her as she deals with (and conquers) this challenge.

Thanks,

-J

What an Encouraging Week!

This past Monday, I flew to Kansas City for the 26th Annual Mid-West Lectures in Independence, Missouri. It was an encouraging week! Click here to view the lectures online. You will have a greater appreciation of Jesus Christ for taking the time!

-J

Tests, Tests, and more Tests or Just Tests

Tomorrow morning, bright and early at 8:00 AM on a Saturday, I get to take my comprehensive exams. Now, we get to see if all this schooling was really worth it. I have been cramming with a very interesting book entitled Encyclopedia of Counseling: Master Review and Tutorial for the National Counselor Examination, State Counseling Exams, and the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination. Yea, doesn't that sound like interesting reading! I plan to take the National Counselor Examination on the 18th of October so hopefully I am killing two birds with one stone. At any rate, I decided to take a break from all this intersting reading and blog about it. Aren't you excited now?

-J

A Walk for a Cure

On September 27th, my mother and two younger sisters will be walking in an Alzheimer's Association Memory walk. Both sisters are trying to raise funds for alzheimer's research. Our maternal grandfather deals with this illness. Shawna's grandmother struggled with it the last 15 or so years of her life (she passed in March 2006). Obviously, this illness is close to us. Shawna and I are preparing our kids for the idea that both their parents may struggle with it one day. With donations, there is hope of a cure by then or even sooner.

Please visit one of my sister's blogs and donate if you can. They can be reached at:

Michelle: http://www.thelifeofchelle.blogspot.com/

Lisa: http://preachmanswife.blogspot.com/

Both have headers with a link to donate to the organization.

Thanks.

-J

Recent Updates

I know it has been a while since I (Shawna) have blogged about anything. So, I am going to give a brief update on life. I am back teaching Kindergarten and am enjoying it. I have 16 students and a very smart class. I only have 4 students who cannot write their name and these can write part of it. However, we had a bad bug in my class last week. On Thursday, I had 6 students out and 5 out on Friday. One of the students had strep throat and the others were stomach viruses. By the way, I am convinced that is what Kaylee had last weekend, just a super bad case. So, I am going to be playing catch up this week. I did not teach anything new Thursday or Friday so I am behind.

I am taking two more classes this semester. They are very interesting because they deal with administrative legal issues. I have homework to do but am the worst procrastinator so of course I haven't even started it.

Kaylee started water therapy this week. She was so excited and did so well. She has gained so much strength after being down for 12 weeks. We have therapy twice a week and I have class once a week and Jeremy has class once a week so we see each other in passing (ha ha). Actually things have calmed down a little bit but we never have a dull moment. Until next time...

- S

Interesting Change of Events

Yesterday, I went to work at the mental health center and had an interesting day. I was instructed to call my immediate boss. I did and had to leave a message for her to call me back. She did and informed me that they no longer had a position for me. I was instructed to finish the day. I have seen this coming for some time now. Being an intern and part-time (thus at the bottom of the todem pole), when it came time to cut cost, it stands to reason that I was the first to go.

You would think that I would be more disspointed about this than I am. I genuinely think this will turn out to be a blessing in the end. Right now, I am still in shock.

-J

Back Home, But Still Don't Know

Kaylee came home from the hospital today. Shawna stayed with her last night and they got home around 6:00 PM today. The last hypothesis concerning her illness was that she had a urinary tract infection that had spread to the kidneys. However, she was not showing all the signs of a kidney infection and they never did recognize the bacteria culture from the urinanalysis. They treated the infection with some strong antobiotics through the IV while she was in the hospital and then sent her home with a prescription for other oral antibiotics. She is feeling much better and back to her usual self.

The most exciting part of her stay in the hosptital for her was that she won a stuffed animal playing an inter-hospital game on the television. The most difficult part for her was that the doctors told her she needed to eat more fruits and vegetables. She doesn't like any of them so the adjustment will be difficult.

Thanks to all for their prayers and concerns. Beth, thank you for coming by and checking on us. We are so blessed to have a good family.

-J

Miss Kay in the Hospital

Yesterday, my sister's tummy was hurting her very badly. My Mom decided to take her to the doctor but they had no idea what was wrong with her. So, at the doctor's referral, they when to the emergency room. Later on, they admitted her to the hospital. She has had a series of tests done and they think it might be a urinary tract infection. They are treating it. Please pray for her to get better. Please keep reading the family of N.

-J&JT

Picture and Soccer

This is the picture of Miss Kay promised in the previous post:This is me. I registered for soccer on Tuesday this week and started practicing at home. At first I practiced offense (kicking the ball towards the goal). Then, I practiced defense (getting the ball away from the goal). But then, I had to practice running. I ran around the church building four times. Then I practiced target kicking (if I made it go right, I would have hit my sister. Don't want that to happen).

Please keep reading the family of N.

-JT

The Light is Getting Brighter

Miss Kay had an appointment with the doctor this past Monday and we received some good news. She walked into the office with her crutches and her feet were straight as ever. He was thrilled to see the progress. He was 100% happy with the right leg and about 85% happy with the left leg. The left leg seems to bow out a little and we are not sure how this will be handled. However, he was happy to see her walking and removed all restrictions. So, she is able to bear weight on her legs and resume to normal life.

Also, he said that he did not think physical therapy three times a week woudl be necessary. So he has dropped it down to twice a week (one physical therapy and the other hydro (water) therapy. This means less trips to Germantown than we had expected and less copays in one week. Yea! Right now, we have them scheduled through the 2nd of October. She has an appontment with the doctor again on the 29th of September at which time we will determine if more therapy will be needed.

Thank you all so much for the concern and prayers. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and we are so blessed that all is working well. I'll try to get a picture or two posted later on. Please, keep reading the family of N.

-J

New Coins from Pappy and Granny T

Recently, my sister and I have been collecting dollar coins and quarters. Pappy and Granny T (great grandparents) send us the coins as they are produced. Yesterday, we received the newest dollar coin: Andrew Jackson, seventh president. In this picture, we are holding the dollar coins.

They also bought us some special books to display the quarters and dollar coins. We only have two quarters left to fill the book. The dollars? Not so much.

That's all we have to tell you. And, Pappy and Granny T, thank you so much for doing this for us. We hope you enjoyed and please keep reading the family of N.

-J&JT

What I Like About Me

1. I like my Hannah Montana Room.
2. I like my key chain collection.
3. I like my family that loves me very, very much.
4. I like my aunt who is coming to my house tonight. She is starting college tomorrow at the same school my parents attended.
5. I like my two Hannah Montana posters hanging by my Hannah Montana bed.
6. I like my brother but only when he is nice to me and helps me.

Tag, your it.

-J&K

The Blogging Game

Now, I am a part of the blogging game. Here are six things random things about me:

1. I've recently been writting a book.
2. I live in a house in the middle of nowhere.
3. I have messy penmenship.
4. I play with my Nintendo almost every day. I can't get by a whole week without playing it.
5. At this exact moment, Mom is talking on the phone.
6. I am eight and I already have my own phone.

Since I am just a kid and I do not have the time to go through all the blogs to see if they are tagged yet, I am just going to leave it to be.

-JT

Randomness

I have been tagged by Jeremy at http://freddyandthegang.blogspot.com/. So...here are the rules:

Link to the person who tagged you.
Post the rules to your blog.
Write 6 random things about myself.
Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog.
Let the tagger know when your entry is posted.

Here are six random things about me:

1. I have wanted to teach all my life.
2. I eat chicken probably more than anything else.
3. My pet peeve is incorrect grammar, especially written and when the document is going to the public. As a teacher, this is very important.
4. I have never broken a bone in my life. In fact, until I had Kaylee, I had never really had surgery.
5. I am addicted to school. Obviously, since I am still attending.
6. I bruise very easily.

I am supposed to tag six people but they have already been tagged so this will have to end here. Hope you enjoy.

-S

I've Been Tagged! Ba! Humbug!

I am not a real fan of this kind of thing, so I will do the best I can.

I have been tagged by Li over at http://preachmanswife.blogspot.com/. So...here are the rules:

• Link to the person who tagged you.
• Post the rules to your blog.
• Write 6 random things about myself.
• Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
• Let each person you have tagged know by leaving a comment on their blog.
• Let the tagger know when your entry is posted.

Here are six random things about me:

1. I have no splean.
2. I am married to a woman who has no gall bladder.
3. I am the son of a man who has no tonsils.
4. I work with someone who has no legs.
5. I am the only student in the world who has been given tenure by the educational instution I attend. Okay, not really, but I may as well have been.
6. I bought a new toilet seat today.

Now then, I am supposed to tag six people but I only read five blogs so you can do the math. The bad part is three of the five have already been tagged so this will have to do:

I tag Shawna, J.T., and Kaylee (all of which will appear on this blog). I tag Russ because Shawna noticed that Li left him out. Four will have to do.

Please keep reading the family of N.

-J

Baby Steps ... With a Light at the End

We went today for another check up with the doctor and he was very pleased with Kaylee's progress. However, baby steps is what we are looking at for the next little while. She can start bearing weight on her legs, but her therapy for the next couple of weeks will be just working on standing as her muscles have become so weak. She will also only go two times each week. They will eventually work up to three times a week and include hydrotherapy (swimming in the pool).

She got her new shoes today which will hopefully make the braces stay on better. They will also aid in helping her to stand and start the walking process.

She was a little disapponited because he will not allow her to do hydrotherapy at this piont. She is, however, excited that she no longer has to sleep in her braces.

-J&S

Canoeing

Over the weekend, we have not been blogging. There is a reason: we been camping and canoeing. Friday evening, we went to Greer, Misouri and set up camp, cooked dinner, and relaxed. It was very late when Grampy and Uncle Chris showed up to spend the night with us. We sat around the fire and told stories about our lives. We went to bed late and then got up early. Grampy cooked breakfast and we broke camp in less than 10 minutes! That's right, less than 10 minutes. We were to meet a group from Springfield at the canoe rental place and they called and said they were ten minutes away. So off we went.

On the canoe trip, we went through rapids, got our canoes flipped (Grampy and Jeremy on accident, Uncle Chris and J.T. not so much), cooked and ate hot dogs, and swam.

We came to a water spring. The water was COLD! The middle was so deep, my Dad could not stand up in it and he is tall. My Dad, my uncle, a kid named Clayton, and I traved another way out of the spring. It was tough. There were slippery rocks, deep sand (Uncle Chris's shoe got stuck in it), and we had to swim accross a giant hole. It was cold, but fun.

The trip back home was long because we were so tired.

Sorry we do not have any pictures. We hope to get some from some people who took cameras. We almost bought a waterproof disposable camera for the trip but didn't. We should have.

It is great to be a part of the family of N.

-J&JT

The Thanksgiving Holiday is in the Bible, After All

Kaylee is trying to memorize a memory verse that her brother, G. Jo, and her have been working on together. They are working slowly on Psalm 100. They have come to verse 4 which reads: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." Kaylee was having trouble remembering a couple of words in the verse. As she was reciting it to me, it came out like this:

"Enter into his gates with ... um ... its not Christmas ... and it not Holloween ... its that other holiday ... um ...."

Whatever it takes to memorize it, I guess.

-S

School has Started for Everyone

It is hard to beleive it is that time of year ... again! Shawna had to start back to work last Friday and today the kids had to go off to school. So we put them to bed early, we all got up early, and off they went.

J.T. started the fourth grade today. His teacher is new to the school district but from another county in Mississippi (remember, the kids attend school in Tennessee) and a member of one of the congregations in our county.

Kaylee started the second grade today. She was excited and scared all in one little package. Unfortunately, we did not make the goal of having her back on her feet by the time school started. Due to the lengthening of the time in her cast and the fact that her doctor does not want her to begin therapy for another week or two, we sent her off to school in her wheelchair. The fellow students and teachers are always good to work with her.

Shawna, as mentioned in a previous post, is back in kindergarten (teaching, that is). She has been working some long days trying to get set up but we hope to be back in the routine of things before long. She will do a good job.

As the school uniform policy is still in place, picking out clothes this morning was easy to do.

Please keep reading the family of N.

-J

School has started, at least for one!

Friday was the first day of school for teachers. It is hard to believe that summer break is already over. I am still a little iffy about teaching Kindergarten again. It is really more that I feel sorry for my students because I will probably be mean and expect a lot because I have gotten used to older students. My room is almost ready. Now I just have to do the little things like finish hanging up stuff on the wall and getting beginning packets ready. My prinicpal and assistant principal will both be gone Monday to meetings which leaves me in charge. Fun day!! But probably not much will be done in my room because I have to help our new secretary get in the groove of things. Have a good weekend.

- S

In Memory

This past Monday, I received a phone call that no one likes to receive. One of my elders and a good friend called me from his son's house to tell me that he went over only to find him dead. He had died a little earlier from a massive heart attact.

Jon has been a good friend and, in many ways, a challenge in the local work here in Ashland. He was 38 years old, married and had a daughter (8) and a son (3). The family (especailly his mother and four sisters) is not doing well. Most of us are still in shock.

In about 45 minutes, it will be my responsibility to present a message at the memorial service. I have been working on this since Monday and am still unsure of what to say and know that I will have trouble getting through this. Shawna and the kids are having a hard time as well.

Cognitively, I know what Romans 8:28 says. I am having a hard time with it right now. Please pray for us and for this family that is hurting.

-J

The Casts are Off

I went to the doctor yesterday and got my casts off. I also got these new braces. The doctor was very pleased with the way my bones healed and my feet are straight.

He told me that I cannot walk for two weeks. Then, in three weeks, I get to start theapy. We had to cancel some that we had scheduled because he does not want me to start quite yet. The doctor does not want me to put any weight on my legs. So, I am still the in the wheelchair but it sure is nice to be able to take a bath or shower.

One other thing: My brother took the picture. Didnt' he do a good job? My Dad did the typing. I told Dad what to type.

-JJT&K

Guys Trip to Chattanooga

Over the last 48 hours (acutally, less), we (Jeremy and J.T.) went on a guy's trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee. There are four major attractions in the area that Shawna told us about from a previous trip she had made. We got to visit them all

We continue to be amazed at how God can make things so beautiful from such simple things. Things like rocks, water, and high views.

The first thing we got to see was Rock City. The major attraction at Rock City is Lover's Leap. It was a cloudy day (and plenty wet) but J.T. is out at the edge of Lover's Leap on the far left. The Enchanted Gardens is a rock garden that you walk through over about an hour. It was gorgeous.
Then, we got to go to the Incline Railway. It is the steapest one in the world with a 72.7% grade at its steapest point. J.T. got a magic trick at the shop there and is ready to show everyone the trick. You see some great views of Chattanooga from here.

Next, we headed underground (260 foot underground, to be exact) in a cave. The highlight of the trip underground was Ruby Falls. There were some great fomations in the cave and the falls is truly one of God's handiworks.

Finally, the Tennessee Aquarium is in Chattanooga. We took the River Journey which highlights the freshwater life and the Ocean Journey highlighting saltwater life. This picture was taken in the Ocean Journey.

Finally, we had to buy souvenirs. J.T., like his Dad, collecs pathces. He got some good additions to his collection.

Jeremy got some for his collection as well.

Shawna collects souvenir spoons. J.T.is all heart and bought some for his mother's collection.

J.T. could definitely buy something for his mother and leave his sister out. His Dad, however, reminds him to love his sister from time to time. He decided to get his sister the same type of thing (in this case, keychains) from every place we went. She is excited about this as it started a good collection for her. And, oh, yea, she now wants me (Jeremy) and Grampy to make her something on which to hang her keychains.

If J.T. had his way about it, he woudl buy something for his grandparents, other family,and all of his friends everywhere he went (remember, he is all heart). Dad's pocketbook, however, cannot afford such. Thus, we chose a group of people to buy for at each attraction we visited (except Rock City where we only bought stuff for immediate family). While we were at the Incline Railway we bought this cool coffee mug and bell for Grampy and G. Jo. It will add to their current collections.

While were were at Ruby Falls, I (J.T.) chose this plaque for my maternal grandpa (Papaw) and this collector's thimball for Mamaw (it adds to her collection). Grampy, this is not to say that you are not the greatest Grandpa. I have the world's greatest Grandpas. Papaw, however, does not have a collection that I know of.

We went to the Tennessee Aquarium and bought these for my cousins. Adam, the stuffed penguin is for you. And Nick, the pen for you projects pictures of the waterlife and a bird we saw.

Also, we bought these dot magnets for aunts and uncles. They will be delivered first seen, first choice.

And I (J.T.) cannot go past a penny press without attempting to use it. Here are some pennies I pressed on this trip. Three are for my sister since she did not get to go to Chatanooga and the other two are for me.

It was a great weekend. Fast times. Great memories. It is great to be a part of the family of N. We hope you all enoy your gifts.

-J&JT