My Favorite Things: 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip-Brownie Cake

My Favorite Things: 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Chocolate Chip-Brownie Cake

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