Summer Vacation-Finally

I am in my first week of the Long awaited Summer "Teacher"Vacation!
I actually had to go back after (being off only 2 days) and re-do my report cards, along with 4 other teachers. We were all glad to be there together...but had agenda's already. Needless to say, we got the errors corrected in 2 hours.
Saturday, I was ambitious and used some money from my class (the Home Depot Card) and decorated the masterbathroom. It actually turned out fabulous. My good friend from work, Yvette came over to be 2 extra hands to help me paint the whole thing. Mike of course, was woking on the monthly bills, and budget. He even got her on a budget!!! Dave Ramsey is making a huge impact....!
As for the rest of the summer: I will be tutoring 2 students from my school,spending 10 days here with Mike's family (who comes in on the 26th of June),taking them to FL for 2 days, Celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary my favorite time of the summer is 3 weeks of vacation time with my precious, love of my life-Michael, waking up and both being here and thinking about what we will do for the day, and sitting at the pool...etc. We have been waiting for June 19th!!! He is off the 19th of June-July 10!!!!
We hope you are all well and for all of you in the North-Summer is coming soon!!!
Summer Blessings,
Jennifer

Farewell Class of 2015!

My class was very special this year! I am totally amazed at how much you get connected to a class after 2 years! I taught many of them for 2 years and really watched them grow. I will miss them and their parents. Here is a letter I wrote to them last Thursday...don't cry!!
Blessigs to all,
Jenn

Farewell Riese's Pieces

(Class of 20015)

My Dear Riese’s Pieces,
It has been my joy and pleasure to teach and mentor each one of you to be more Christ- like this year in 3rd grade at N.C.C. S!
I have been blessed beyond measure by: your smiles, hugs, ”ah-ha” moments (when you finally got those tough math lessons), treasured all the class parties with you, gifts from you, awesome grades you worked hard for, even the tough days you had- to see what God taught you, words of encouragement from you and your parents, seeing prayers answered, hearing about all the awards you received outside of school, seeing you get rewarded in many ways that you earned, and above all, teaching you to know the LOVE of GOD and what it means to be Jesus to others.
As you look back on this book one day and see the characteristic of the “Fruit of the Spirit” that the class chose for you, may you still be showing it and exemplifying all of the Fruit of the Spirit! Remember- “You might be the only Jesus some will ever see &meet!”
I feel blessed to have been your teacher,and now I must graduate you on to 4th grade and begin all over again with a new group of “Riese’s Pieces” in August. If I may, I must use your class # again next year for a “new Riese’s piece” student? Don’t be sad-you will always hold a special place in my heart! Rejoice in the good work you have done and pray for the future classes that follow.
When you have tough times- “Don’t give up-keep your chin up!” Remember that you are loved by your parents, friends at NCCS and Mrs. Riese! God has a special plan for you! I can not wait to hear about it as you grow in Him.
Blessings to you all “My Riese’s Pieces”~
(Class of 2015)
Love your 3rd grade teacher,
Mrs. Riese

Debt Free -Car!!!!

Hello all (who find time to read our blog~)
This is Mike,
I am very excited (yeah baby-yeah!)
Today, Jenn and I paid off our 2003 -Toyota Coralla!
It feels great to have paid it off 13 months early! Now onto the other things we must pay off (Jenn's Rav 4, 2 College loans and the house!) We will have a big party when all the others are paid off!
Just had to share some excitement-somehow-what better way then to tell you all!
Happy Mother's Day ,Mom, and all you other mommies out there~
Later,
Mike (and Jenn too!)

Life right now...May 10, 2006

Rainbow of Thoughts today because of HIM!



I Live: with my husband and love of my life (when he is in town) and our dog Abbey
I Work: at North Cobb Christian School
I Talk: a lot...part of my job-(unless I am on the computer thinking!)
I Wish: my husband were here

I Enjoy: Friday's at 2:30 and Mike coming home
I Look: tired right now~
I Find: ways to encourage my students
I Smell: Glade Plug In
I Listen: to my 3rd graders all day and listen to my friends hurting hearts! (*I love you Yvette!)

I Hide: some receipts (till budget time)
I pray: each morning with my students
I Walk: with God daily!
I See: people who deserve my compassion
I Sing: in Chapel and Church
I Laugh: often at my 3rd graders
I Watch: 24
I Learn: to love in all my students

I dream: about our future children
I Want: to Glorify God
I Cry: when I hear about another business trip
I Read: Bible and Children's books
I Love: my God, my husband, my job, my friends
I Sometimes: wish I lived closer to our families~
I Touch: 8 & 9 year old lives every day!
I Hurt: when Mike is away, friends are going through a divorce or loose a loved one

I Fear: about the PWC workload for Mike
I Hope: I am a good, wife, teacher, sister, aunt and Friend
I Break: you can't break whats already broken
I Eat: not much-on a great diet...going very well...lost 6 pounds
I Quit: being sad
I Drink: Water~Water~Water!
I Save: to many emails
I Hug: my dog every day (some students too)
I Play: jokes on my Vice Principal- Debbie-she is a blast!
I miss : my husband, sisters, Joy and my childhood friend (& friendship) Molly!
I Forgive: because I have no right not to and God forgives us all!
I rejoice in: MY SALVATION and the peace that passes all understanding!

There would be no I sentences tonight, were it not for God and all he has done!
I smile at all of these, some are sad...but help me reflect the road God has me on!

Blessings to you all,
Jennifer

Happy Birthday Princess -Grace!

Dear Grace E.,
Happy 2nd Birthday!
We are so glad that you got the opportunity to come to Atlanta and see Aunt Jenny and Uncle Mike. I know you had so much fun playing "Basettball" with Uncle Mike too! Yes-my favorites were the party, playing with the squirt gun in the big tub each night and of course the "Wyons" at the Circus too!!
May you enjoy the next 365 days! I know you will learn so much over the course of the year! We can't wait to see how much you grow over the year and what God has in store for you-you are special to us all!
We love you-
Aunt JENNY & Uncle MIKE (and Abbey too!)

Priceless Memories!

Monday night we (4 sisters) & Grace and Josh celebrated Grace's 2nd birthday!
We had a big party (we think for the 4 of us more so,to enjoy) but Grace was loving every minute! She dug her face into the cake and loved the frosting!
We got her in the tub before we took off at 6:30 and decided to be crazy and go to the circus from 7:00-9:30!!When we arrived at the circus she was totally in awe of it all! Her eyes were twice as big as she saw the big Tigers, clowns/(she was totally enamored with them) but I think she really loved the "Elphants" (as she calls them) the Pony and Big Goat! The best way to end the night was at 9:00 (late for her...but she slept from 1:30-4:00) was when we walked out of the Circus (there was a fair and they had Pony Rides- Grace saw the ponies and she said-"Me ride Pony!"
Jodi gave in and paid $9.00 for a ride and a picture...
(Just like the Discover commercial says-The whole day was well spent but it ended the best way with a great pricelesss look! )/
Birthday cake- $30.00
Gas to get to the Circus-$45.00 (to fill up van)
Parking for the circus-$2.00
Price of the admission for the 4 adults -$20.00
Water bottles, BBQ CK Sandwiches and Corn on Cob-$20.00
Look on Grace's face as she rode the Pony- PRICELESS!!!
Anyway as I was riding around the pin with her- she saw some brown goats off to the side in the next stall over and said "What that?" I said those are goats - they say "BAA" she repeated it! and About 5 minutes later we were walking down the side and there were 2 camels -giving rides! She saw them and said "Me ride BIG GOATS!") Hilarious!
They left last night and I was sad to see them go!
But truely loved every minute together!
Blessings to all,
Jenn
I will post photos once I locate my camera in the house~

Finally here!

My sisters, Niece and Nephew are all here-safe and sound!
What a huge suprise it was when Julie saw Jolyn!
She just sighed and said-"AHH-JOLYN IS HERE?!?!" Then she just sobbed!!!
We really got her good! It was fun to pull it off! Then we all stood there and admired baby Josh and then moved to admire Jolyn's pregnant belly- Little Sam!~
Mike just stood back in complete awe of 4 sisters and the connection going on!
(In the meantime Gracie was enamored with "Aunt Juey's" Chapstick!!)
Had a simple night of eating PaPa John's Pizza- they messed up the order so we got it for 1/2 off!! Grace was in her glory swimming tonight in Aunt Nenny's Garden tub and we all took turns cuddling baby Josh! He is on his 5th diaper since being here! Poor little guy has a sore bottom!! He is an absolutely precious baby!
I am very thankful to my coworker June who traded cars with me for the next 4 days...she loaned me their 7 passenger mini van and we all fit perfectly!!
Looking forward to much more adventure...Mike is on his way home from a softball game and I am headed to bed.
Long day today, but priceless being with my sisters!
Blessings to all~
Jenn

Sisters' Weekend!

I am so excited..
My sisters are coming to spend a long weekend with me!
(Friday-Tuesday) I took my last personal day for Monday, May 1st. I had hopes of spending the day with Mike, but he unfortunately was not able to get the day off.
So, I emailed my sisters and asked (jokingly) if they wanted to come and bond for the weekend. They are coming!!! They got great flights~(considering that it was only a 10 day in advance booking) and the best part yet....I get to meet my new nephew, Joshua (J.J) Jodi is bringing both kids-Thanks to some help from Julie- AKA- "Aunt Dewy"
I think most of the weekend will revolve around the life of my precious niece Grace and what she thinks seems appealing at the moment. We might just ger in to take her 2 year old pictures and visit the Atlanta Zoo! I know we will celebrate her 2 year old birthday, thanks to a special bakery that I won a gift certificate too, along with some other restaurants! (I won a basket of gift certificates at our Spring Fling!) There is a neighborhood Garage sale this weekend here in Chandler Ridge...We might find a few things to sell! But might have more fun shopping for Baby Josh. Lots of little kids in this neighborhood. We will see how it all unfolds. I do hope to get in a pedicure with my sisters, maybe Uncle Mike will enjoy Nap time (with the kids) on Sunday and let us all get away!! Mike babysit alone~??!! I had to take 5 extra hours off of work (to get all back to airport) but it is all worth it to be with my my sisters! Family First...over work!
Off to go get baby diapers for this weekend and go work out at gym.
Blessings to all,
I will post pictures when they arrive here from MI.
Jennifer

Time is ticking away!

As of today- there are only 26 days left till school is over! I must say that it has been a wonderful year...a few bumps in the road, but they were good growing pains! I will be going into my 7th year of teaching come August!
WOW time has flown! I remember the first day I started teaching 3rd grade...I was totally in awe of that control that I had.
Speaking of time flying, Joy and David are counting down the days till their Sept. 30th wedding. It will be an exciting weekend!
So, we plan to forfeit the NewYork Vacation in July, beacause I will be there in September, to stand up for Joy and David's wedding. I wish I could say "WE" will be in NY, in Sept. BUT somebody has a very important engagement to attend...."A Softball Tournament!" Mike is heading up the ATL -PWC. office League; he will do what he can to attend the ceremony...but at this point...( I can not plan on him being there!) It is a weekend for me to bond with Joy before she is MRS. David Ashworth and spend time with the lovely in-laws! (They really are too!) So we will both be off doing what we love!!!
Time has so many meanings to it...right now when I say time in 3rd grade, my class thinks I am talking about their "times tables" that they need to know, or the "time-minutes" they owe for disobeying. As we all know, God is the ultimate controller of time- how much time have you given him today? I hope that you can set aside time for him each day, because he has given us so much time in our day. (I am speaking to myself too!)
May you continue to praise God for the many things he done for you. Don't waste the time God has given you!!
Blessings,
Jenn :)

Congratulations, JOY & DAVID!!!

This is a very exciting weekend for my best friend,Joy! I found out 2 weeks ago that David, Joy's boyfriend was going to propose on Good Friday-and I could not say a word! It was killing me!! She said,YES! I am so happy for their upcoming wedding this September! (Put that Bridesmaid dress in the budget, MIKE!!)Anyway, We are here in Knoxville,TN visiting with David and his family and will be spending Easter tomorrow with them! We even had time to fit in dress shopping (Joy, David's mom, and me!) She found a dress!
Mike is still getting through this client....and it is still not DONE!!! But he was sweet enough to come for the weekend!!
I hope all is well s with you and that you rejoice in the celebration of our Savior's resurrection tomorrow!!!
So happy for you both, Joy and David!
Love ya-
Jenn & Mike

Back from D.C.

We had a wonderful time in DC with the family and even saw some good friends.
We are back to work tomorrow and then back on the road Easter Weekend~to Knoxville,TN to see Joy ,her boyfriend,David, and his family.
Enjoy all the photos.
(Photos are as follows:

• Mom and Dad Riese in the Bahamas,
  
• Washington Monument (looking through the Cherry Blossoms),
  
• Dinner at the Cheesecake Factory with John and Nicole (Mike's Friend from H.S)
  
• Mike and I at the F.D.Rosevelt Monument (posing by his dog ...that looks like our Abbey!!!)
  

Blessings to all,
Jenn

We WON!

March Madness is over and the results from the PWC Bracket tournament are in!
We won 2nd place out of 144 entries!! YEAH- I say "WE" because the entry that won had my name on it! However Mike chose them all so he really won...but he is being generous and allowing me to use a portion of money from the winnings to go to Canada this summer to see Jolyn! YEAH, Again!
Today is the 1 year anniversary of Uncle Moose's homegoing. We are praying today for all of you Parkers and want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers especially today. Precious memories we will allways treasure of him!!
We saw some sites today of D.C. we will upload photos soon. We are waiting for Phil to return from class so we can download the photos.
Off to go make Turkey dinner for the guys. Mom and Dad Riese return tonight!! Can't wait to hear all about their cruise'n adventure!!
Blessings to all,
Jenn

Off to D.C.

We have been cleaning out cars, and cleaning up the house(OK- Mike was...while I was at the Salon!!)
We are leaving for our vacation , finally!
We will be in Washington,D.C. to bond with the brothers and Mom & Dad Riese- Never a dull moment when we are all together.
Blessings to all,
Jenn :)

Spring has sprung and Summer is coming!

Gorgeous day despite the fact that it took us longer to get up this morning!
Why was it so hard to get up and go to church?....We lost an hour! Did the time change get to any of you? Gotta love the Spring Forward time change!!?(Makes me sad, Joy,..that we are now 3 hours apart!) Mike is amazing...he never lets the time change afect his mood. It was a rough morning for me...but he helped me perk up! The message today was all on "The Plank." (Matthew Ch.7 )We can be more of a blessing and minister to others, once we take care of the plank in our own eyes!! *Judge not...because we need to know that we too are being judged. Focus on what matters-serving the Lord! Have you had the recent "I" Exam to look for that plank in your eye! Very powerful!!We often judge others and have no idea that we are doing it!

As we were driving home from Church the flowers and trees were all breathtaking today and an excitement for me that school is soon to end! Mike was smiling, because it was a beautiful afternoon to play soccer! They lost the game, but he still enjoyed playing today and I enjoyed it(despite the loss) but I got some good sun in! (Remembered why the time change!!)

We leave Tuesday night for D.C.-We are headed to see Brian and Phil. Mike's 2 favorite brothers. This week is Spring Break for my job! It's the first time in 4 years that Mike has taken the week off with me. He deserves the break- It has been a long winter with the ever famous Greenville client. Now I am just working on him taking a week in July to go to the beautiful land of Alberta,CA and see my sister Jolyn, her husband Eric, and their soon to be little boy! I didn't get a No today...I got a..."When are you planning to go? Hmm!" We will see how persuasive I can be. "Help me Lynn! He might actually persue it!"
Have a great evening~
Enjoy the extra sunshine today!

Life is but a breath ...

Today was a relaxing Saturday, catching up on time with my hubby Mike.
We spent the morning walking Abbey( 0ur westie)..have not done that in about 6 months! (CPA's are consumed at work in the winter months!)
So I really enjoyed the special company today on my daily walk with Abbey. (She felt really spoiled and was a bit confused when Daddy asked her if she wanted to go for a walk!)
He never asks her that!!!
The afternoon was spent with Mom and Dad Riese at the Atl. airport.
We are sending them on a 4 day Cruise to the Bahama's for their 30th Anniversary.
That is somethingTHEY DESERVE! IT IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING to celebrate these days in society!I am so proud of the godly heritage Mike and I both have! Our parents have been great role models of what a godly marriage is all about! We hope to be at 30 years too, someday and will celebrate! They had a 4 hour layover here in Atlanta and it was fun to see them!
I was reminded today of how precious our life is...but this life here on earth is just temporary. My home is being prepared.
Today, my mom informed me via email of a college friend's spouse, passing away. He is now with the Lord. Mark Palmer- What an amazing testimony for the Lord. I am grateful for the time I had my freshmen year at BBC in Vibbard Dorm (with Jen-his First wife!) I know that one day their Son Micah will be in awe of the godly parents he had! My heart goes out to Amy (Mark's wife of 16 months) and all that she has in raising this little boy of Mark and Jen! What an honor and journey she has ahead.
In Psalms I was reminded of how precious our life is and we need to treasure the time we have here...but Live each day for the Lord.
Psalm 39:4-5
4 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath."
Never take for granted the time with Family and friends. You never know how much you miss a loved one, till the Lord calls them home!
I treasure each day that I have with you Michael and I can not wait till your work schedule winds down...to see more of you!!!