Happy Thanksgiving!

THANKSGIVING PRAYER

May God Bless you all as you reflect on the things that he has done this year.
We are so thankful for God's unconditional love and all of you who are so dear.
All around America today, Family and Friends are gathering today- to celebrate a time of thanks and joy for what God has done.
May the day be a memory for you all, filled with love, thankfulness and fun!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!
Blessings,
Mike, Jenn and Abbey

Debt Free Cars !

What an amazing year it has been for Mike and I since joining the "Dave Ramsey-Total Money Makeover!"
It all started 1 year ago when a good friend of ours from Church told us about Dave Ramsey! Mike finally heard Dave Ramsey on the Radio and decided to check him out! He called into the show, got his book (free...of course)- Mike has his ways) and read it in 2 days! Once he had the book read the road to "being out of debt" began for us!
We paid off Mike's car in the spring- 1 year early. And as of Saturday, Nov.18th, we paid off my car -3 years early! It is exciting to know that we know have no more car payments! We still have college debt and then the house mortgage to go, but drum roll please.....We have officially paid off $29,7000 of debt in 1 year! Having a marriage where we know where we are headed financially is key! So many marriages have fallen apart because of finances and we are looking forward to "living like no one else now-so we can live like no one else later!"
Saturday-was a good day for us too,because we got to go see Dave Ramsey LIVE! It was a great seminar and we highly recomend anyone to go to him.
Check out his site:Http://www.daveramsey.com
I am not sure if I am excited because it is Tuesday afternoon and I have a break for 3 days-or that fact that we are getting out of debt!?? One way or the other I am looking forward to relaxing and staying in GA with friends from Charlotte (Chris and Meghan Metzler!)
We hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday-We are very thankful to have that chunk of debt behind us!
Blessings,
Jenn and Mike

How to Brighten One's Day!

"Don't Worry-Be Happy!"

I can see that I am now becoming more accustomed to a "monthly blog entry" instead of a weekly blog!
We are busy with work and are doing good-however this is one of my busyiest school years ever!
I embarked upon a "first" and went to visit a student today at his house!
I have a student who is due to have surgery,Monday morning,on his arm due to a severe injury!
I have one of those students that makes everyone smile, and no matter what his circumstances are he always has a smile on his face. Ethan is prone to accidents and adventures!!!Here is the background of Ethan's reason for my visit today!

• My school year began with Ethan getting an ear plug stuck in his ear, in late Aug. and having to go to the Dr. and surgicially getting it removed.(Never a dull moment in 3rd grade litterally! I just go with the flow with my class!)
• In the beginning of October, He was on his "Wheelies"-and took a fall and broke his lower RIGHT arm and was in a cast for 4 weeks!
• So-here we are in November-Guess what he did this time?Last night,Ethan was helping his 5 year old brother cut a piece of plastic off of a toy truck with his "Swiss Army Knife" and accidentally sliced his LEFT arm! He sliced his arm, to the extent that he cut a vein and tendon in the arm. He nearly beld to death! The Dr. told his mom he was 5 mm. short of slicing the main artery and bleeding to death...God's angels were protecting him! Ethan has a follow up with the surgeon tomorrow morning to determine the extent of the surgery for Monday and what movement & sensation he may or may not have! Keep him in your prayers please!
• My class made him pop-up cards today! They were so sympathetic to his injury, that they wanted to go way out on their hand-made cards.
• We had a 1/2 day of school (for a teacher work day this afternoon) and I took the cards and a big singing balloon- "Don't Worry-Be Happy!" to him at his house.

He was ESTACTIC! I have seen him glow before-but not as much as I did today! He was so excited to see all the cards.. and then this big, gigantic balloon! It really reassured me: why I do-what I do! Papers,hours of hard work, lack of big salary, and all the effort pay off when you can make one of your students' days brighter by visiting them at their house! (I had a tough day yesterday...and felt like I wanted to quit my job with all the responsibilities this year ( I will save that for another entry!)...Then I got this phone call at 10:00 last night about my Ethan-and my whole perspective changed!)
Looks like God still has a mission for me to fulfill at NCCS!
May you be able to find someone this week to lift up too?!
Blessings,
Jennifer

A fun 29th and forever will be!

I guess I am over due for an entry and have to say that I am now 29 and will be forever! It was fun to see my Mom and Dad and my in-laws (for Joy and David's wedding)...just before the big 29!
Thank you, to so many of you for all the cards and gifts.
My sisters all surprised me and sent me a Lily plant to School on the 13th ,the day before my birthday it was a fun surprise! Following work that day, I got to see Molly, my childhood best friend !We met for dinner and shopped a little bit. It was a sweet way to say "Hello-29!"We have stayed in touch for 29 years...that is something to be proud of! (Very rarely can one say that have been friends with someone for 29 years!!)
My class had some great gifts for me and it was a fun day. (A necklace from one of my students...very nice too!)
My good friend from work took me to Cheesecake Factory on Saturday and then ....The best gift of all was Mike's surprise to me...He took me to Emrils!
I have been wanting to go to Emrils restaurant for 2 years now! It was a huge surprise!http://www.emerils.com/restaurants/atlanta_emerils/index.html
We had a wonderful dinner and of course the food was out of this world.
The best Banana Cream Pie too!
There is much to look forward too; I am told ...life begins at 30? Looking forward to another year of adventures.
Mike is into Busy season and begins Michelin on Monday. I am already looking forward to Christmas...becuase I will have some time to see him! (We will be going to NY to spend the holiday with his family...we spend ALOT of time in the car!)
I just got done with my first quarter! (Only 3 more quarters to go!) We did report cards all day yesterday for teacher workday and then my team and I went to The Teacup Cottage for Lunch! We have conferences on the 27th, and I am thankful that I have a really good class! (Nothing to worry about on the 27th, thankfully.) Some years-there is that "one conference" you dread doing! I do unfortunately have a very "CHATTY" class -so chatty that they have not gone to the prize drawer in over 2 weeks! I am still loving the job of teaching and making an impact in the lives of 8 and 9 year olds. I was just thinking the other day about my first class of 3rd graders... they are now Sophmores in H.S! We will see if I make it to their H.S. graduation! It would be fun to attend. It is truely amazing how fast time flies. Before I know it...they will be turning 29!
Have a good weekend to all who have had time to read this~
Blessings,
Jenn (and Mike)

David & Joy's Wedding~9-30-06!

New Bedroom Set has arrived!

Fall is in the Air!

As I was taking Abbey out on a walk tonight, I started to notice a slight change of leaves. We have a longer summer here in GA. BUT, the trees know when Fall is approaching.!It is absolutely my favorite season of all! (It has nothing to do with the fact that my birthday is in October ~but it makes it more fun!)
I love the changes of the leaves. I am anticipating a beauty of scenery when I go home (to NY ) next week!
Joy and David are getting married next Saturday and I am standing up in their wedding. It is so amazing to see where they were 1 year ago at this time! I remember sitting down with Joy and David,after they got engaged, and helping them try to plan the best weekend for a fall wedding! We are praying that September 30th is a beautiful day and no rain!
I still have much to do before I fly out next Wed. night for the big weekend. Mike is headed to Austin,Texas for the annual PWC softball tournament and so that means he will not be there to be my date! :( I am saddend!But, at least I will have the next 2 men in my life to be my dates: My dad and my father-in-law!)
(I am so excited that Dad Riese is going! Not common for Dad Riese to just jump the wagon and go to any wedding!) (Do most men usually plan ahead to attend a wedding?) Joy is special to me and I know he is going for me because of how special she is to me! I am sure he will get the audience into some laughter too, as I come strolling down the aisle! You never know what a Riese guy will be up to...especially at weddings and graduations. It means alot to me that you are going-Dad Riese.
I am praying that my time is multiplied as I get all my work ready for my sub. I love to go away...but it is SO much work to prepare for a sub! (Not to mention all the work when I return-easy to write "TEST" in my plans...but much more work for me in the end!) It is all worth it though, for you Joy!
I can't wait to see all of you in NY when I come home! It has been a while since we have been there!
Make sure the leaves are pretty !
Blessings,
Jennifer (and Mike)

Finally! A Bedroom Set for our House!

I got an email yesterday from the Development Office (here at school-) telling me that if I bought 1 item from our Christian Collection Catalog sale, from my class consumption-I would win $100! (My class had to sell 210 items...total! They sold 209!) I hardly had to hesitate to spend $8-10.00 on an item that would in return allow me to gain $100.00! (Actually I would really get ...($82.00 to make out for the money I am already spending!) To fill you in-we have been selling Christian Collection! (It is a Catalog fundraiser to help out our school!) I do not contribute to the class orders...but once in a while, I will order from a student outside of my class room! So in the world of a husband who is an accountant ...he was all into helping me choose something last night! Anything with a goal-numbers- and Money back-HE is all for!) Michael told me it was a smooth move! We looked through the catalog to see what was the cheapest, to get the "1" item!
I actually found a great Stocking gift for Mom Riese!!! It was not so cheap...don't worry Mom Riese!
Speaking of blessings and money....Mike is due to get his Bonus for work, next week! So, we went out and bought a whole NEW bedroom set on Labor day! In 29 Years- (almost 29 :) I have never gone out and picked out a brand new bedroom set! I always remember, being so excited when Dad would get me a new bed that he got a garage sale! I was so happy whenever something was passed on to me...it "felt" new in my room! (My life of a purple bedroom and crisp white furniture-such the memories!)
So, I was like a kid at the Rooms-to-Go store-to pick out a new set! I wanted it delivered as soon as possible!! The "Soon as Possible" is actually not going to be delivered until,Saturday, Sept. 22! Oh the days will not come soon enough! But then when it comes...I will be so excited!
I am proud of all your hard work,Mike! I love you!Thanks for getting the Bedroom set for "US!" As Mike and I have been taught...decorate 1 room at a time (when you buy a house!)
We are loving the house and taking it slowly to decorate as we pay upfront! Patience is a big lesson through all this! Don't go into debt to decorate!!!
So my overall moral today: Be wise with the Money God has given you!
Blessings to you all,
Jenn & Mike

The Blue Tailed Skink (AKA) Abbey's Friend!

Hello ( I am writing on behalf of Abbey!)
Abbey was in her glory on Friday afternoon!
Everyday, when I arrive home she anxiously awaits for her friend "Blue" *A bluetailed skink to come out of his little home and she wants to go chase him!Abbey annoys me like (7-8 times), some days, to go out-and chase "Blue" ! She got out Friday and she actually caught him! She caught him with her paw...HE DIED from wounds in his side! (*Poor little guy!)She was happy and I told her he died...but she just wagged her tail! I must say that there are plenty more still living in the back yard, for her to chase! It is amazing what kinds of creatures will excite your dog-squirrles, other dogs, rabbits...but this little critter is her all time favorite!
We just got back from TN! We went up and spent the weekend with Joy and David! It was an adventurous weekend with Joy-getting ready for the upcoming wedding! I love you Joy,and I know all the plans will come together-perfectly!
Next weekend we will be in Charlotte,NC (for the nice long weekend!)Mike is headed to the Syracuse/WakeForest Football game-with his NY buddies (who live done here too!) We are meeting up with Chris (Mike's roommate from SU) & Meghan (his wife)- who live in Charlotte. I will be hanging out with Meghan, while Mike and Chris go on to the game! Looking forward to a fun weekend...again! (We will be staying put for a few weekends after Labor-day!
Can't believe that September is almost here!
Blessings to all,
Jennifer,Mike and "Happy"-Abbey!

Long overdue-summer update!

Hello -Hello!
As you can see summer is still going on-but for Me, it is over!
I went back to work on Aug. 8. I returned home from Calgary on Aug. 1~ and was still pretty tired when I went back to work. I would not have traded the time in Calgary. I was so glad that I got to go and see Sam!
I am now into my second week of 3rd graders.....but this is my 3rd week back! Hard to believe that I have been doing this now for 7 years. I am starting to feel older too,especially when they have new fresh out of college grads. I am getting tired quicker these days...then when I first began!
I have a whole new team of teachers! We all get along GREAT! We each have a different personality!
This year most of our Teacher In-services will be on personality assessment! You may have heard of the DISC personality testing! I am an "I" if you are familiar with it! (Meaning -Outgoing!) You would have never guessed that would you? LOL-
I am loving it-because I am starting to learn the personalities of all my kids~and how to better meet their learning style! I do have one challeging one in my room! I am learning so much already from this student and it is only the second week of school! Never a dull moment in 3rd grade!
If you have all this time to spare...our school website is changed daily! From time to time this year, there will be photos of my class and I on the website! My class schedule and all about 3rd grade at North Cobb is on there! http://www.ncchristian.org
So many things have gone on outside of work for Mike and I!
Last night we had dinner with Megan (Mike's college roommate's wife!) So nice to get together and have friends close by...only 4 hours away. We are headed to TN next weekend to see Joy and David. Only 6 weeks to go till the wedding!! I am excited to be in their wedding & I just got my plane ticket for the big event!
We are no longer working with the 2 year olds at our church and now we are working with 7th graders. Big jump...diapers to hormones!!! So far we are enjoying it! I am on a little bit of overload with work -and I am thankful that I have 2 other ladies that teach the girls with me! (We totate week to week on teaching! So appreciated!)
Mike has now moved into his 5th year at PWC...so I am excited for all the hard work he has done! (BUT the traveling is what is still hard!) He was taken off a client in TN and the start to "early Fall" season has been so relaxing for him! (He is home before 8:00 and playing X-BOX!) Once Jan. comes it will be busy for him...so I am use to that routine!
Mike's 2 "almost as good looking as him" brothers have fallen in deep "LIKE" with 2 lovely ladies! We have heard so much about them this summer and we are hoping to meet them soon! We might meet Brian's 'significant other' around Thanksgiving time! (Fingers crossed!) Phil, Mike's younger brother, departs for Egypt on Wed. and will be doing a study abroad program for SU. So we are praying for safety for him!

My family is doing good and the babies (all my neices and nephews are growing!) Grace was 2 on May 9 ! She loves to wear her Sundresses!

Josh is now 5 Months old!
Sam is now 2 months old

I will do my best to keep all more up to date ...
Blessings to all,
Jenn (and) Mike

Calgary,Alberta

SAM smiles for Aunt Jenny!

I am having a wonderful time here in Calgary, while I am visiting my sister Jolyn, my brother-in-law, Eric and my newest nephew, Samuel! He is precious and such a "mom dream" for a first born baby!
I miss Mike dearly, and he misses too. I think he has really come to appreciate my normal work hours, (since I am around and there to take care of Abbey!) He has had to make special arrangements for Abbey to be checked on, for all the LONG hours he worked this past week. (And Abbey is just a dog!!!)
There is so much to say about the week...But some of the highlights have been:

1. I would make the top of my list, meeting Sam, and of course finally getting to see Jolyn & Eric's condo. Since Sam's arrival, they feel that they have already outgrown their house.
2. And I would also say the mountainous sights are a plus too. We went up to see the famous "Banff, Alberta"- it looks alike like Breckenridge, CO or Vail,CO. It is a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains. We even got to see a couple of Moose along the side of the road on our way up to Lake Louise to see some Hot Springs. It was a fun,long, fulfilled day for Jolyn, Sam and I.
3. My not so exciting moment- my visit to the Walk-In center for a horrible rash I picked up while traveling here! I got on a good, strong steroid and it is almost gone now!
   
   
   Can't believe that tomorrow is Aug. 1. Where did the summer time go? I know that summer time is usually through Labor day, but for me it is nearly over.
   In the meantime this has been a great way to end the summer-seeing Jolyn, Eric and Sam.
   Blessings to all,
   Jenn

Congrats- John & Nicole!

I am down to my last 3 weeks until I return. :(

I will actually go back to work on Thursday, Aug. 3 (once I return from Calgary!) and start getting things done in my room, before orientation begins on Monday,Aug.7! My kids do not start class until Tuesday, Aug. 15th! Anyway-it is gerorgeous ,sunny and too HOT to go to the pool! I could use a little more sun..but I think I am still "pooled" out from all the family and friends.
Speaking of Friends...Mike's good friend from H.S.,John Shepard and his girlfriend Nicole got engaged, Saturday, July. 15th~! (So the photos are of John in our wedding and then he and Nicole are on the right at the Cheesecake Factory with us back in April!) We are SO happy for them and I am sure we will make every attempt to attend the wedding! They have not set a date yet for the wedding...but Mike has tried to clue them in on a great weekend in June to get married! (LOL)
Mike had a business meeting today at the GA aquarium~ so I am sure it is more then a meeting!

Off to get some school items for a great deal at Walgreens!
Summer Blessings to all,
Jenn

Here are some of the latest summer advenures with family and friends!

Happy July 4th !

We are back from Fl. and we had a great time with Mom Riese, Aunt Jackie & Brian! The resort we stayed at was georgeous! (THANK YOU MIKE for staying at Marriott all those nights in the winter so we could have a great time in FL.!
Here are some photos from our stay....!
1. the house I tutor at- (That is their pool and Hot tub attached to it!)
2. Resort we stayed at in FL
3. Dinner at "30 Degree Blue" Restaurant for our 4th anniversary.
4. Mike and Mom Riese are loading up Brian with Sunblock for beach!
We had Mike's cousins here too, to visit for the weekend-so we had a great time being entertained by them (to say the least!)
Today we are recovering from all our late nights being out ! We are headed to a Braves game tonight-(I got the tickets from a student for an end of the year gift....so we are looking forward to it tonight!)
Happy 4th of July to all,
Jenn & Mike

Summer Drought!

Mike and I finally got some flowers and rose bushes planted. Joy sent us some rose bushes to plant, so we planted one in the ground and one in a large pot. We will see which one does better. (No color to them-so pretty aren't they?) Now that we got flowers planted by the mailbox (and 1/2 are growing/the other 1/2 died) and the rose bushes planted-we have a drought! We can only water our lawns on odd days (we are an odd #) so Sunday/Tuesday's and Thursdays are the only days we can water!! LOL Planting is not our "cup of tea!"

I talked to my dad and Mom on Father's Day...and they were babysitting little Sam. He is a pacificer baby. He had sucked his hand most of Saturday night and had a little blister! So now he has sock mittens (to protect his hands) and a pacifier to keep him content till it is time to eat! Can't wait to see him!

Mike is on vacation with me till July 9th! It is crazy...it is like the summer we got married! ( He didn't start with the firm until Sept. in 2002) Hard to believe that it has been 4 years of marriage...but we go back to 7 years of being together! WOW! It is so awesome to see how far God has brought us and can't wait to see where we will be in another 4 years from now. June 29th will be our 4th anniversary...at this point we plan to celebrate this weekend. We will be with his family on the 29th!

Tomorrow I am headed to The Women of Faith conference with a mom from my class-her sister mailed her 4 tickets (front row) and she decided to invite me. I was honored and can not wait to go! The theme this year is "Contagious Joy!" She is waiting to hear from a friend if she can go or not-if her friend from church can't go then I get to take Joy!! I'm praying that Joy gets to go, but I do not want to get my hopes up!
Next week we will have with Mike's family here and then heading to Panama City, FL. We can not wait for the break!...My good friend, Yvette and her daughter are going to watch Abbey for us!! Thanks Yvette-

I am off to clean kitchen- it is a mess.

Blessings to all,
Jenn

Baby Sam-Finally arrived!

It was a long day and a half for my sister Jolyn, and my brother-in-law,Eric! After 18 hours of Labor- Sam finally decided to arrive! My parents are both there and got to see him right after he was born. We are all so happy that he is finally here!
Our second nephew (3rd Clark grandchild)was born at 2:11 AM -this morning!
All 3 of his aunts got a phone call and I think the only aunt that actually awakened to talk to Jolyn was biggest Aunt, Jodi!


Samuel John Robert
June 16th -12:11 AM (C.S.T)
8 lbs. 14oz
21 inches long
Lots of light hair ...keeping the Clark grandkids tradition going..."full head of hair!" Biggest Clark grandbaby yet!! Way to go Jolyn-we are so proud of you!

Blessings to Eric, Jolyn and Sam!!
Aunt "Nenny" and Uncle Mike (for the 3rd time!!!)

Happy Birthday-David and Sam!

Happy Birthday David Ashworth (my best friend, Joy's fiance')!
The last few days-we have had Joy and David in town visiting from TN and they went to Six Flags! Today, we went out to lunch for David's birthday at the famous-Sweet Tomatoes (the place they ate at on their first date-LOL!) I am so glad that Joy is finally 2 hours away. She is waiting for all of her furnirture and belongings to arrive from Phoenix (to her apt. in TN) and she just got called that they will be coming tonight! She is excited to get back and finally get moved in!
I am on the phone with My mom in Canada and my sister, Jolyn. Jolyn is in labor today and looks like little Sam will arrive soon. Eric and Mom are taking turns getting little breaks and making calls! My dad is in the air and due to arrive tonight! So amazing how we have an agenda, but the babies have an agenda of their own!!! I am excited to meet little Sam the end of the summer before my return to work in August. It has been a great vacation thus far and tutoring is an awesome summer job!
I will post more once Mike and I are Aunt Nenny and Uncle Mike for the 3rd time. I am sure that he is not the last Clark grandchild!
Photos are of lunch today with David and Joy.
Happy 30th Birthday,David
(I know you are older...but so young at heart, and look like 30-thanks to Joy!)
Blessings to all,
Jenn

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!)