Christmas Concert!

Last Saturday evening, The Journey had a Christmas gathering. We watched The Nativity Story. After the movie, the children performed 2 songs. Abby was asked to sing the beginning of Rudolph. It was her first solo. She did exceptionally well. I'm so proud of her. Here's a few pics from the concert.

It has been quite some time since I have blogged. Since the end of the July, I hit the ground running. I started a new job, Abby began Kindergarten at CFE, Jack started WEE Care, and Jeff is busy at Beacon. In October, Abby turned six years old. My baby is getting big! Jack is finally potty trained (thank goodness). My job is going extremely well. It is a very physical job. I have a total of 10 students with 2 educational assistants, Julie and Angela. The students can be very loving and very demanding. This is my first experience teaching a Comprehensive Development class. I have grown quite fond of the students. I've had to realize that most of the parents are doing the best that they can. It's sometimes easy to judge others without knowing the hardships that he or she faces from day to day. I have learned to be open-minded.
My family and I continue to have a strong connection at The Journey. If anyone is looking for a church family, we meet at West Elementary School in Mt. Juliet. The service begins at 9:30. The lead pastor is Eric Reed. He is a graduate of Lebanon High School. Jeff continues to be actively involved in church by participating in small group, bible study, host team on Sunday morning, men's events, skits, etc.... As a family, we host a small group in our home on Thursday evening. On every other Wednesday, I attend a women's bible study with some of my best friends, Kelly and Kasey. I am so fortunate to have so many special people in my life especially my church family.
Since Thanksgiving has come and gone, I want to take a moment to reflect on what I'm thankful for. First all, I'm thankful to have God in my life as well as my families' life. I'm thankful for my husband, Jeff. Although most of the time, he drives me crazy. He is a good person with a love for Christ. I'm truly blessed to have wonderful children, Abby & Jack. They are my heart! I'm thankful for my career which provides money to have a roof over my head and a vehicle. I'm thankful for wonderful parents that gave me life. I'm thankful for the relationships that I have with others. I could go on and on. So, you get the picture right?

Busy Busy Busy!!!

Hello everyone! I have been extremely busy! As many of you know, I started a new job on July 21st at Coles Ferry Elementary School. I was so nervous about the change from Resource to CDC. I even had an emotional breakdown. Thanks to God and Todd Bates for helping me through the 1st week of work. I prayed and prayed for God to give me the strength to have a positive impact on my students. I have grown to love each of them. Hopefully, they have grown to love me as well. I look forward to going to work everyday. Although it is extremely challenging, it is also never dull!!!! Abby & Jack are doing well at their new schools. Abby loves her Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Stephens. She is truly amazing!!! Jack is also enjoying the WEE Care at Castle Heights Upper Elementary. Jeff is doing well with his job at Beacon. WE are still attending church at The Journey. Jeff has grown as a christian far more than I ever dreamed. He is quite involved with attending small groups, serving on a small group committee, and volunteering at church on Sunday mornings. It is wonderful! Praise God! The past couple of months have been amazing at The Journey. I have seen so many new and old faces get baptized. I'm so glad that I was able to be there to witness it. I hope, each of you are doing well. I hope to see you soon.

Bless each of you,

Kristi

Finally!

I haven't written in about a month. I have been so busy!!! The kids and I went on vacation to PC Beach with my family. We had a great time but I was ready to return home. Jeff wasn't able to go on the trip. He has this big project going on at work for Metro Schools. He is extremely stressed out! Anyway, we return from vacation on July 6th. The following week, I was getting ready for one of my closest friends' wedding. On Thursday night, Jeff and Todd started a new small group at our house. I really do not know how it was b/c the kids were being horrible!!! So, I had to take care of them. Friday night, we had the rehearsal for Christy's wedding. It was a disaster! As you know, Jack is a little on the hyper side. The rehearsal lasted 2 hours. Unfortunately, Jeff was unable to be there b/c of work. Abby did very well. She has experience being a flower girl. Jack wanted to perform all of his power ranger moves while turning cartwheels down the aisle. It was quite entertaining. Although, I do not think the minister appreciated his behavior. Saturday morning, I ran all over town getting items for the wedding. So, we get to the wedding. Everything is going great. Then, Jack arrives at the wedding. He would not wear his tuxedo. His shoes were too big. At the last minute, Jeff and I pulled Jack from his duty as ringbearer. Jack ended up going to Papa's house. Jeff, Abby, and I had a great time at the reception. Abby was the center of attention with her dance moves to "Baby Got Back." Thankfully, Jeff had already left the reception to go pick up Jack. Miriam, Lacey, and I enjoyed dancing to songs from high school. Abby says, "Momma this music is awesome!" I would have to agree. We did have them play "Brass Monkey." Today, the family went to church at The Journey. I worked in the pre-school classroom with Miriam and Katrina. I do have to say that Katrina can definitely keep those kids in line. Where was she last month when Miriam and I were about to have a nervous breakdown over 3 children????It went very well but I hated missing Erik's sermon. Jeff said it was very moving. He enjoyed it so much that he decided to stay to hear it a second time. Tomorrow evening, I'm having a Premier Jewelry Party at my house at 6:30. If any of you are interested, please stop by. I hope, each of you have a wonderful week. I hope to see you soon!

Kristi

It's been a while!

I haven't written a blog in quite some time. I have been extremely busy! The kids and I have been going to the pool just about every other day. Today, we went to see a movie with Miriam and Caleb. Abby enjoyed the movie. Jack would not sit still. This was his first and last movie until he is older. I probably climbed up and down the stairs at least 5o times. I'm not exaggerating.

Then, we decided to go visit with my parents and grandfather. We are going to stay for dinner. Jeff has an intense bible study with Todd Bates tonight at 7:00. The kids and I are going home to relax. We are planning on meeting several Journey women and children at Pump It Up tomorrow at 10.

Then, we are going to Pine Creek to check it out. The kids and I are in a wedding on July 12th. My friend, Christy, is wanting suggestions on how to set up the reception for her wedding. I'm not exactly the best person on this but Miriam is going as well. We call Miriam, "Martha Stewart." She is very talented!

I hope, you are all doing well. I will talk to you soon.

Kristi

Busy Week!

Monday began with an interview for me at Walter Hill in Rutherford County. I interviewed for a Pre-K Special Education teacher position. The interview went extremely well. I'm not sure if I want to take on the challenge of teaching Pre-K students. After the interview, I rushed back to Lebanon to pick up Jack at my sister's house. Then, Jack and I were ready for a much needed nap. On Tuesday morning, Abby went to summer camp while Miriam kept Jack so I could go see Dr. Knapp at Centennial Medical Center. I received great news from Dr. Knapp. He is not convinced that I have Rheumatory Arthritis. He is leaning more towards Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Fibromyalgia. I am so relieved to find out the RA is not in my future. After seeing Dr. Knapp, I did a little shopping before picking up Jack. Later that evening, we hosted an intervention with a few friends from church to try to help another friend that is battling a pill addiction. Jeff lead the group. He actually said his first prayer aloud for the group. We spent about 2 hours talking. It seemed to help our friend. On Wednesday, Jack & I spent the day hanging out here. It was so nice! Abby was at summer camp. We met Abby at summer camp to take a dip in the pool for about 2 hours. Wednesday evening, I had my women's group. We are starting a new video series. It was very interesting and I'm looking forward to our next meeting. Abby was spending the night with Miriam b/c we had to be at UMC by 7:00 AM for Jack's surgery. We were at UMC until around noon. Jack's surgery went extremely well until he decided to stop drinking anything for about 24 hours. Dr. Tate had warned us that he was more than likely going into the hospital for 1-2 days to prevent him from becoming dehydrated. When Dr. Tate called to check on Jack. He had just started eating and drinking. Praise God! On Friday, I had another interview at Lascassas School in Rutherford County. I have to say that I rocked the interview. The position is for a 7th/8th grade Resource Teacher. The school is only a year old. It was awesome! The classroom was very technology friendly. I should know within a week if they are going to offer the position to me. Jeff and I are going to have to sit down and discuss if it's even going to be worth the drive. It's 30 miles from our home. Friday evening, Jack and Abby joined some of our best friends at the movies to watch KungFu Panda. They loved it! Jack and I visited with my sister. Today, Jack & I went to Sports Village to swim while Jeff went fishing. Tonight, my mom and I had a shopping night. We went to dinner. Then, we hit the mall. My family and I are leaving to go to Panama City Beach on June 28-July 5. My family and I go on a vacation every summer together. We are so excited to get a much needed break from our hectic schedule. Jeff will not be going on the trip. He has to work. So, you may want to check on him while we are away. I'm sure that I will come home to a house in the same condition as I left it. I think, I've summed up our week. I will see you tomorrow at The Journey.

Take care,

Kristi

Wow!

Today has been incredible! First off, my best friend Miriam was baptized at church. She kept it from me. At first, I was a little upset about it but realized how special it made it by not knowing. I am so proud of Miriam. I had been trying to get her to come to church for about 6 months. Finally, she decided to come to church with Jeff & I. Many of you do not know how Miriam has struggled all of her life. Now, she is so successful. She has her Masters degree in Education. As a single mom, she is raising her son, working full-time as an AP Biology Teacher at MJHS, and is constantly helping others. In my book, she is an incredible mom, sister, friend, and teacher. I love her. Miriam and I have been friends since the 2nd grade. After high school, we lost touch. About 4 years ago, we started hanging out again. We have been inseparable ever since. Abby, Jack, and Caleb are very close as well. We kid around saying that one day we wouldn't be surprised if Abby & Caleb ended up together. It's funny!!! They have a love/hate relationship. When I had an emergency C-section with Jack, Miriam was sitting in the waiting room for hours. She had no idea what was going on with my delivery but had a feeling that she needed to be there for me. I am truly blessed with the people that God has put in my life.

I want to praise God for what he has done for Miriam and my family. Just when I think that it cannot get any better, God blesses me in so many ways. I want to also say thank you to Eric, Lead Pastor at The Journey. He is always there when you need him. He is a wonderful person that I have so much respect and admiration for.

I love you all,

Kristi

Kindergarten Graduation!

Today was an exciting evening for not only Abby but Jeff and I as well. Abby graduated from Kindergarten at McClain Christian Academy. She started Kindergarten early. She will not be able to go on to the 1st grade b/c she will not turn 6 years old by the end of September. She was ready academically for Kindergarten. So, we felt that she needed to go on and start Kindergarten. The 2008 Kindergarten class at MCA did an excellent job with the songs, The Twelve Disciples and Our God is An Awesome God. Each child came to the microphone and told what he or she wanted to be when they grow up. Of course, Abby said that she wanted to be a teacher. I'm so proud of my baby! She is so outgoing like her daddy. Abby will not be returning to MCA next school year. She will repeat Kindergarten at Tuckers Crossroads, where I teach Special Education K-5. I am so thankful for the Christian values that MCA has instilled in Abby. I'm amazed at how much she has learned over the year at MCA. We will miss our MCA family but feel confident that Abby will return to MCA eventually along with Jack. Ms. Tonya, Abby's Kindergarten teacher, has been wonderful! She has exemplified how important it is to be a follower of Christ. In closing, I would like to say thank you to Ms. Tonya and we will miss you!

Kristi

Busy Week!

This morning, I attended Jamison Wood's funeral. He died unexpectedly from an ulcer that ruptured. Abby & Jack attend school with Isaac and Eva, Jamison and Betsy's children. Betsy works at the AT Lab for Wilson County Schools. My heart aches for Betsy and her children. I cannot begin to understand why but I know God has a plan. Please continue to pray for Betsy, Isaac, and Eva.

After the funeral, Jeff and I had lunch without 2 children yelling at each other. It was nice!!! I rushed to pick up Jack to go to Abby's bridging ceremony at MCA. After the bridging ceremony, we spent the evening celebrating Kelly's b-day. By the way, Edward's b-day present to Kelly was a WII. We enjoyed spending time with Kelly, Edward, Dayna, and the kids. Also, We met Abby and Derrick. They are good friends of Kelly and Edward's. I was told that they used to attend church at The Journey. I wish, they were still part of The Journey.

The next days are going to be busy as well. I will try to blog soon. I'm still ecstatic over Jeff's commitment to follow Christ. It's an answered prayer.

God bless you,

Kristi

God is great!

Today has been a wonderful Mother's Day! Jeff was unexpectedly baptized today at church. We are so excited and very proud of him. Jeff has had a wonderful support group. He started coming to The Journey in late November. He did not hide the fact that he did not believe in God. Everyone welcomed him with their arms wide open. I cannot say how grateful I am for our Journey family. God has been tugging at his heart for the past few months. Today, he realized what it means to be a christian. He is a new person! Praise God! I want to say thank you to everyone whom has prayed for Jeff and has been encouraging through his journey to find Christ. He is excited and hopes to witness to others. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Thank you!!!

Kristi

It's almost Friday!

It's Thursday evening, I'm just having an opportunity to sit down and blog. It has been a great week! I'm beginning to feel more like myself. I'm looking forward to the weekend. Last night, I spent the evening with women from The Journey. We are involved in a 20-20-20 group. It was my first time to attend the bible study. I gained much insight into the story of John the Baptist. It was quite interesting! Tomorrow evening, we are having our monthly small group meeting at our house with friends from The Journey. I have spent the evening cleaning the house. I'm looking forward to our small group meeting. It's nice to get together with friends and gain knowledge. I hope, you have a great weekend! I'm sure I will see you soon.

Take care,

Kristi

Today, I'm feeling great! I feel like I can do anything. Tomorrow, Abby has 2 soccer games. If the weather does not improve, we will have to make-up both of those games along with the 3 other games that have been cancelled already due to bad weather.

I'm so excited about the Girl's Night Out on Saturday with friends from The Journey. We're off to dinner at Chili's and to see the movie, Mad of Honor with my favorite actor "McDreamy".

Jeff is thrilled that he will have the kids all to himself.

I may have some news of a change in my current teaching assignment. I do not want to say too much b/c it's not definite. I should know one way or the other in the next couple of weeks. I will keep you posted.

Have a great weekend!

Kristi

News at last!

Today, I saw Dr. Zhou. He confirmed what I had already thought the Rheumatory Arthritis is positive. I'm scheduled to see a Rheumatologist on May 21st. The RA does not explain the frequent loss of balance, black outs, and falling that I have been experiencing. I'm having to wear a heart monitor for 24 hours. On May 12th, I will have an EEG. I'm very confident that Dr. Zhou will determine what's going on. I'm relieved to finally have an explanation for my aches and pain. I am so appreciate of my family and friends. Everyone has been so encouraging and supportive through this difficult time. I want to say thank you to my family at The Journey for the many thoughts and prayers.

Praise God!!!!

Kristi

Happy B-day Jack!

Today, we celebrated Jack's 3rd b-day at Pump It Up. I cannot believe my baby is turning 3. We all had a great time and enjoyed seeing all of his friends. Jack looked adorable in the t-shirt that Courtney Perry made for him. Jeff's bright idea for Jack's b-day present was a 4 wheeler. He had told me that the ATV was for ages 3-8. Yesterday, it arrived and to my surprise it's tiny! I thought, "Jack can handle this." Jack rides the gator better than most of the other children in the neighborhood that are older than him. Well, Abby decides to jump on the 4 wheeler and take off down the ditch going about 30 mph. She ended up flipping the 4 wheeler. It landed on her. After making sure that Abby was fine, Jeff said, "I bet our neighbors think we're a bunch of rednecks." Now, we can laugh about Abby's first experience on Jack's 4 wheeler. Jack is not ready to ride it just yet. We're going to give it a couple of years...... By the way, the recommended age for the 4-wheeler is 14-16.

Today, I'm feeling much better. Although I was completed exhausted after Jack's party, my aches and pain were not as strong. However, I did take a 3 hour nap to recover from the busy morning.

I hope each of you have a wonderful Sunday. I will see you soon. I appreciate everyone celebrating Jack's B-day with us.

By the way, scroll to the bottom to see pics of Jack.

Kristi

Thursday

It's been a few days since my last blog. Yesterday, I had an appointment with Dr. Zhou. I still do not know anything at this point. He did narrow it down to (4) possible diagnosis: 1. Inflammation-Rheumatory Arthritis 2. MS 3. Infection in the blood 4. Fibromyalgia
Dr. Zhou decided on a course of action: 1. blood work 2. nerve study 3. full body scan 4. spinal tap

I am very confident that I will have an answer soon. My body aches have become increasingly worse. I will see Dr. Zhou today at 11:00 for a nerve study. Within 2-3 days, I will have the full body scan. I have to wait for my wonderful insurance, Cigna, to approve the scan.

I want to say thank you to my family at The Journey and my truest friend, Stephanie Godwin. You have been with me every step of the way with your phone calls, e-mails, prayers, etc... I know that the Lord is with me as well. He has done amazing things for my family and I. I have faith that whatever God sends my way, I can handle it.

I love you all!

Kristi

Difficult Days Ahead!

Many of you do not know but I have been having some health issues. It started about 2 months ago. What I thought was me being clumsy has now lead me to see a Dr. Zhou, Neurologist. The past two weeks, I have been having episodes of extreme muscle aches and loss of balance along with several other symptoms. Tomorrow, I have an appointment with Dr. Zhou at 12:30. I'm being worked in to see him. With my episodes becoming more frequent, I did not want to wait until April 28th. I made it a half-day at work. Then, I just could not tolerate the pain in my body. Without even recalling, I had entered to take a half-day off from work today. I truly believe that God was saying, "You do not need to work today." So, I went home and tried to rest but my nerves kept me from doing so. Please keep my family and I in your thoughts and prayers.

God Bless,

Kristi

Wonderful Day at The Journey

My family and I had a wonderful morning at church with friends. Jeff & I have been praying about him finding Christ. With each passing day, he is getting closer to the lord. We decided to go down front and have Eric pray for us. It's so nice to be comfortable enough to let everyone know that we are dealing with personal problems and need Christ in our lives.



Yesterday, I fell once again. Many of you do not know but I have been having some health issues. Last week, I fell three times. I look as if someone has beaten me. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning at 8:40. Then, I hope to get an appointment to see a neurologist. To some, I may appear to be paranoid but something has to give with the way I feel. I'm completely exhausted!



I will keep you updated on my progress. I have to go prepare dinner for some of our friends from church. I hope each of you have a wonderful week!


Kristi

Saturday!

Today has just begun and I'm already exhausted. I did not go to bed until about 1:30 AM. Jack decided to wake me up at 5:45 AM. Abby has a soccer game at 9:00 AM. This is Abby's 3rd season of playing soccer. She is doing very well. I have decided to take her to soccer camp at UT Knoxville from June 2-6. I think, Abby will have a blast. Jeff will hold down the fort here in Lebanon. Hopefully, he will be able to handle Jack.

As I sit here listening to Jack watching Alvin and The Chipmunks, I cannot help but to reflect on what God is doing in our lives. It seems as if as one door closes several open up. I have been struggling with the idea of leaving my profession to begin a new career. Most people realize that a teacher's salary is not what it should be. Each day, the children that I work with have some how made it apparent to me that I make a difference in their lives. I believe that God is sending me a message to let me know that being a teacher is my calling.

Also, I have been worried about next school year. Jack is attending the learning center at Southside Elementary. Abby is in Kindergarten at McClain Christian Academy. My mornings are hectic! I have to leave the house an hour before I have to arrive at work. I make two stops before I drive 17 miles to TXR. Last week, I was notified that Abby had been approved to attend school at TXR for the 2008-2009 school year. Also, Lebanon High School is going to open a learning center. So, Jack is going to be able to attend the learning center at TXR. Initially, they did not have an opening for Jack. I'm going to have both children with me at TXR next school year. I will be able to check on them throughout the day, eat lunch with them, go on field trips, etc... I'm so excited!!!

In closing, I would like to say that I'm so excited for what God is doing in Jeff's life. Most people do not realize that about four months ago was the first time ever that Jeff had been to church. Now, he is participating in small group, helping with host duty on Sunday morning, attending a conference today with The Journey, and informing others about The Journey. Praise God!

Kristi