"A miracle waiting to be seen.."

Here is the photo from my first ultra sound 2 weeks ago! My digital had been uncoperative and I finally got it working! The frame is from one of my room mom's! So fitting for this miracle from God.
I will keep you all posted; and baby belly photos to come! (Not really noticeable yet!) Clothes are just getting tight. I am still dealing with m.sickness, and hopefully just 2 more weeks of it!
Mike is intensely busy with his current client. I can not wait for Feb. to arrive!
We have Joy and David in town this weekend! (They are actually keeping me company-since Mike is so consumed with his work.)
It is nice he is here, but will be nicer when the client is over!
Have a great week, Jenn & Mike

Baby Riese-Aug. 2007!

YUP-that is right....Mike and I are expecting our first baby on Aug.25th!
So this is my first blog of 2007 and the big adventure of the year is awaiting our little miracle to arrive!
We found out 2 weeks before Christmas ...and the news was shared with the family on Christmas!
On Friday,January 12, I had an internal ultrasound! (It is the first ultrasound they do now days to make sure there is a heartbeat.) It was unbelieveable- and so amzing how little a baby begins and the growth that develops each day! The minute my Dr. began the ultra sound there was an instant picture and there it was... a little tiny baby.. (which looks like a little gummy bear)!...The most important part we were awaiting was the beating heart! It was just a beating away. At my 12 week appointment I will get to hear the heart beat!
It was so cool and we are excited!
The biggest thing-we are not going to find out what the baby is!
That is very hard for me the planner! But this is something Mike has always wanted to do, so I will TRY to honor that.
As for the whole world of feeling pregnant-My body does! I have morning sickness....I find it now a morning routine to throw up a couple of times while I prepare for work.
Hopefully this whole morning sickness will only be a few more weeks!?
Keep us in your prayers as we prepare for Baby Riese.
Blessings to all -
Jenn, Mike and Aug. Baby!

Christmas Highlights-2006

We just got back from NY and had a great time with Mike's family~(despite the stomach flu that many of his family members got) we were glad to be home for a week.
Fortunately Mike and I did not get it...his brother's, him and I were obsessed with drinking Arbonne.
We stopped in DC on the way to NY and finally got the meet Courtney! Courtney is the girlfriend of Brian (Mike's older brother) and I must say that I am glad I took her a Christmas present ;(yes-it was our first time to meet her-and we totally approve too Brian!) but I know how Mike always is-so it was my way of saying "do not be scared away from the family!"
We stuck to the family tradition of appetizers for Christmas Eve Dinner. It was great-
I made a Frech Onion soup and Mom Riese made "yummy" Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Phil did a first for the meal this year-and made delicious Coconut Shrimp! (I just liked the coating on the shrimp-I have never been a lover of seafood!)
We had plenty more to eat...and this year we opted not to make a special dessert since we had nearly 5 dozen differernt kinds of Christmas cookies!
Christmas Eve we open up all our gifts and I loved all the gifts we got-but by far-we had a blast giving all our gifts this year.
I always treasure the time with the family...and this was a memorable Christmas. I missed my family-but will look forward to Christmas of '07 together.
Christmas Day was great to get together with all of Mom Riese's Family and catch up with everyone. It was then next day that many got sick...Mike was convinced that it was food poisoning...but we knew it wasn't!
It was good to see good ol' Syracuse and shop a little with the brothers-brought back alot of memories being in SYR. and our first home! Can't believe that we have been married 4 & 1/2 years. We are in the midst of deciding on a big celebration in June!
Can't believe that New Years Day is tomorrow-
Happy New Year~May God bless you all in 2007-
Jenn & Mike

My Greatest childhood memory of Christmas

As Christmas Day is approaching in less then 2 weeks, I am reminded of so many memories.
I have to say one of my all time favorite Christmas memories was the year that my mom and dad made a huge sacrifice to go above and beyond the call of duty and get me "the doll!" Mind you I was the one daughter who had to have "the doll" every year for Christmas. My parents were in the ministry and money was tight! Ever since I can remember,I was always fasinated with "dolls!"
The one doll that always brings me back to Christmas morning memories was the year I was in second grade. I had just been introduced to "Real Baby" at school by a friend. I played with this doll all day! My heart fell in love with her...I just knew that was what I wanted for Christmas!) Little did I know that she was the most expensive doll that year. As the school day came to an end, I was wondering how to ask for a doll that I figured was probobly too much money! I remember getting off the bus and seeing my mom shoveling the snow! I slowly walked up the walkway to our house and said Mom- my friend brought this doll "Real Baby to school! Can I get one?" My mom then went on to say"Yes, I know what doll she is-(I could not believe she knew what I was talking about) and she then went on to say the words that broke my heart,"she is to expensive!" I remember crying a little bit-but I decided to put her at the top of my list!
I certainly did not get my hopes up and really knew there was NO way I would get her! We knew Jesus was the real meaning of Christmas-but Santa brought presents to our house and that morning was one of my all time treasured moments of Christmas....
..There was a big box that had Jennifer on it! I just knew it was Real Baby-but "she was to expensive"As I opened the box and my eyes focused on the figure inside the box and the name on the outside of the box, it became very clear to me and I burst out with joy-"Real Baby-Real Baby!!! I got Real Baby!"
(And I even got the one that came in the Bunny Rabbit outfit-I must have really wanted that one!)
That morning all I wanted to do was play with her! I named her that morning with my sister Jodi, and we agreed on "Katie and Lynn (after my sister Jodi's middle name.)
To this day, I still have no idea how Mom and Dad got the money for her. I still do not even know how much she cost! ( I doubt that they still have the receipt....) but she was priceless to me!
As you reflect on Christmas- my prayer is that you will find more joy in giving and the real reason we celebrate Christmas;Jesus and the meaning of his birth!
It is always a real blessing to give to others; sometimes a sacrifice on our part will make a world of difference in the life of a child or loved one!
Thanks Mom and Dad for fulfilling one of my greatest Christmas wishes for me! (It meant the world to me!)
( I still have my "Real Baby-Katie!")
Remember to focus on giving this year-and most of all forget not the greatest gift ..."Baby Jesus the Savior of the World!"
Blessings of the Christmas Season to all,
Jennifer

BUNKO "Queen!"

Great story to share~
Tuesday night I had the best night playing with 11 of my neighborhood girl-friends(whom I am still getting accquainted with!)
In the south it is a tradition for many of the neighborhoods to have a Bunko Club! There are 12 members for 1 year and you meet 1 time each month at the neighborhood clubhouse or (in our case) at one of the member's homes. (Each lady hosts bunko 1 time a year!)
Top ten reasons to play BUNKO

1. Fellowship-someone is cooking you dinner
2. Play the BUNKO GAME -aiming to WIN
   
3. Laugh often,eat great foods, see each other's home
   
4. Get prizes for winning the most rounds
5. Get a prize for losing the most rounds
6. Get a prize if your name is drawn out of the Door prize bowl
7. Get a prize for having the most Bunkos
   
8. It only costs $5.00 (and you could walk away with 50-$100.00 in gifts)
9. get to know more about each other's family
10. Have some company while DH is away -or great excuse to get out of the house (after a long stressful day!)
    

I was asked to become a sub member in Aug. and I willingly said "yes" since BUNKO is on Tuesday's nights and my lovely Mike-is away most Tuesdays.
I went last night and had the time of my life-no clue that I would walk away with 2 gifts and be so tired...but relaxed when I got home!
Here is the object of the game-(not sure this makes sense)....

• In the game of Bunko you have 3 sets of dice(3 in each set) you split up into groups of 4....go to 3 different rooms and play the game (at the same time).
  
• When the head table rings the bell-the game begins.
• The Goal of the game is to aim for the digit on your paper (to roll that) on the dice. We have 6 digits on the dice-so you begin with 1 -
• Each play takes a turn rolling the dice...any time that I roll that dice on Round 1 -and it has a 1 dot on it-you get a tally mark....you continue this each time...till you can not roll that number.
  
• You also gain the points of your partner!
  
• If at any time on your roll that you accomplish to roll 3 of that digit...it is called a BUNKO and you automatically win that round with your partner (no matter wich team -at the table was ahead!)
• Once you hear BUNKO- or JUST the Head table (who rings the bell) gets to 21 then the round ends
  
• Then you move on to the next room and begin playing the next row...which would be 2's!

All of that to say.... I am known for 1 month know as the BUNKO queen -until Jan. 9th- because I successfully had 3 BUNKOS last night!(It is totally on a luck of the throw of dice!) I was thrilled and more shocked at how many Bunkos I had. Then to make matters funnier I also gained the door prize of the night-they drew my name and I got a beautiful serving casserole platter and Iron rod stand for it. My Bunko prize was a crystal dish!
I can not wait till I host it...and have no clue what my theme or meal will be! Good thing is-I can sit and ponder it for 4 months!( I do not host BUNKO until April 9th!)
In the meantime I have many more things that will preoccupy my mind: Work-Christmas presents-Christmas cards, Mike( and I am excited to see him...he is on his way home)!
I am so glad I could bore you with my life of BUNKO World!
Until next time-
Blessing to you all,
Jennifer (aka: "BUNKO QUEEN!")

December has arrived!

Happy December! (Hard to believe the year has just about come to an end!)
Here is the latest of my nephews:
Josh (on the left is 8 1/2 months)
Aunt Julie (pregnant here with her first baby in April-Jack) and she's holding Sam who is 5 1/2 months.
Sam on the right with his big grin

Hopefully all of you had a great Thanksgiving? My whole family (in MI) got ill with the BAD stomach Flu! Mike and I almost went to MI, when I found out my sister was flying in with Sam ,and my aunt was coming from CO. with my cousin Brittany! However, it would have been 11 hours of travel and considering we'd only be there for 2 1/2 days, it would not be a relaxing holiday that we so needed! I do miss my little nephews and Grace!The boys have grown so much since I saw them last!
We had a great time with Chris & Meghan and way to much food-but isn't that what the holidays are all about?
We got most of our shopping done this year-on line! I only have to finish a few more gifts. Christmas cards are nearly done-just have to take the photo (I think we are wearing PINK!) Mike is into the fad of guys wearing pink. He actually looks really good in it too!( LOL)
Last night began the Holiday Season kickoff for us: We went to Christmas Party #1 for Mike's work. (It was just the department he works in! There was a catered meal and a great band playing Christmas music!)
Next Friday is the Annual Atlanta PWC Christmas Ball-it is Formal-and I have been told that I have enough Formals outfits, and I do not need to go buy another new one! (He's right-we'll see what kind of mood I am in and which outfit I go for next Friday!) I always look forward to the adult conversations and great food! (I have so many conversations with 8 & 9 year olds (and talk so much to Abbey), that I look forward to spending time with Mike and few friends of ours from the firm!)
Work is very stressful for me this year and I am getting ancy for this Curriculum review to be done with! We are up for renewal on our certification this year~ and the headquarters are coming in March. I have a wonderful team-but this is their first year in 3rd grade at the school. So I am the only one who has taught all the material and knows what to write/ update! Within our team, one is great at typing and the other is really good with Biblical Integrations! We are in the midst of finishing language and are stalling some with all the Biblical integrations-so many people do not have a clear concept of how deep it really has to be. My Bible degree is helpful-but I am still being stretched here! Any idea about teaching adverbs and theBible-I will gladly accept any thoughts.
I am off to go catch up on laundry? Mike is back to Busy season and working on Saturday Mornings.
Blessings to all of you as you prepare for the Chrismas season,
Jenn and Mike

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