A Year's Progress

Writing Sample Sept. 2007

Writing Sample Jan. 2008

Writing Sample May 2008

Those are butterflies on both sides of her.

I don't know what this pose is, but she loves it.

Reesi had her last day of preschool last Wednesday and her class had a little outside program at the end of the day. The batteries in our camera died so I didn't get that many pictures, but I did get it recorded. Mrs. JaNet and Ms. Amanda passed out portfolios which are filled with pictures and artwork from the year. One of my favorites was looking at the drawings throughout the year and see how they have changed. I didn't really realize how much she had grown up until I looked back and where she was in August. I keep telling her we want her to stop growing, but it looks like it's not going to happen. She is turing into such a sweet little girl. We are so blessed to have her!

Truly Enjoy EVERY Minute

This year has been a year of change. Our lives have changed dramatically: the move, the job change, and the disconnection from many close friends. However, I know that there are many families out there that have changed more dramatically and in a more difficult way. I have, this year, known of more people that are trying to somehow live there life after a traumatic loss. I still cannot imagine it.


As I watched Oprah today about a grandmother backing over her grandson I cried. The timing of it all is too much. Although I do not know the family personally the Chapmans are connected to the community I am in. Their tragedy has reminded of how precious my time is with my family and my daughter. I think the only reason God has blessed me so much is not because I deserve it, but because he knows I could not handle it otherwise. As I watch the families around me dealing with loss I know that I must truly enjoy every minute because the next minute could be the last here on this earth.


Reesi is with the grandparents in Indiana. While I am enjoying the time alone I really can’t wait until I get to pick her up tomorrow. If you haven’t listened to Steven Curtis Chapman’s Cinderella song then you should, no you must. On his website above are links to his videos on youtube. One is for the Cinderella video and the story of his inspiration for the song. I know we can all relate to his inspiration. I know there are too many nights where I rush through bedtime to get to me time. I hope this will help me recognize that I cannot do that because the clock will strike midnight and it will all be gone. I am just thankful for the gifts God has given me thus far.

And Everyone Said That It Couldn't, Well Wouldn't, Be Done!!

Before

After

The most shocking news of the spring: The Nesbitt family swing set is out of the garage and not only sitting in their yard, but actually put together in their yard. However, as everyone knows this couldn't be because of Larry's handyman skills . . . that would be impossible. It is actually due to his coaching skills.

Larry's team gave us the best end of the season gift possible. They arrived this morning, tools in hand, ready to work. I had to leave for a wedding shower and by the time I returned the swing set was out of the garage and set up in the yard. Not only did they put the swing set together, but they mowed the lawn, planted flowers, put down new mulch, and pulled up the alien weeds.

We have been truly blessed by God through the people at ---. The parents and students are amazing. They are generous, encouraging, understanding, inspiring, and so much more! We never expected to be put in a place this good, but are thankful for every day that we are here.

Still Growing

The Nesbitt Family

One way I can really tell Reesi is growing up is by her pictures. As she is moving through the different stages of writing I know that this is one of my favorites. With every picture she draws she is adding more parts. I am also including the Mother's Day card because I am not very good at keeping up with papers and this way I will always have it. Isn't it amazing what a four year old can create!

Not Your Average Fairy Tale

The rapping bad fairy.

The eccentric good fairy.


Through the recommendation of my step father-in-law's doctor Reesi, Grace, Jenny, and I found ourselves at the Belcourt Theater on Saturday to see Sleeping Beauty. I knew it was not your average fairy tale when during the delivery of Sleeping Beauty the stork doctor pulled out a crown and announced, "She's crowning." Reesi and Grace loved it and it was also entertaining for the adults as long as you are open to laughing at goofy lines and silly humor. However, I was quite disappointed in the play when the Seven Dwarfs did not make an appearance. I was waiting the whole time for them. As I voiced my disappointment to my sister she informed me that I was an idiot and the Seven Dwarfs were from Snow White. All these fairy tales get meshed together in my head! This coming Saturday, May 17, is the last show. It is definitely worth the $5 admissions. Check it out!

Best of Friends

Grace and Reesi have always loved each other, but moving closer to my sister has made their bond even stronger. I think my sister and I are each asked everyday by them both if they can go over to each other's house. Sweet Cousins!

Not Funny!

I grabbed my camera and told them I was taking

pictures for the police. They look really scared don't they.

She wanted her picture taken 1st, not last.

Not Funny. Those were the words escaping from my mouth when I turned the corner to see a dirty surprise. The one patch of mud in our backyard was discovered by three mischievous girls. I thought I could just turn the water hose on them so I my bathtub could stay white, but it was so caked on that the hose did nothing. The damage to the tub was minimal and the girls were smiling and laughing the whole time. So I guess it is a little funny, but just a little.

Too Much Time on my Hands

Now that baseball is over it is so weird to have free time in the afternoons and evenings. We had dinner, a visit to the ice cream truck, picked weeds, played in the backyard, and took a walk around the neighborhood and it wasn't even 7:00 yet. It is kind of nice, but won't last long. I just found out Larry is starting football practice next week! Aggghhh!!

Reesi is a Mommy

Larry: How many kids do you have?

Reesi: 10 (she's had ten for quite awhile), no 28!

Joni: 28? Where did you get 18 more kids?

Reesi: People are giving them to me. They're driving them crazy and they don't want them anymore so they sale them to me.

Joni: How much do your kids cost?

Reesi: $28

Can You Tell I Am Married to a High School Teacher?

One of the benefits of having a small yard with few trees: not much fun to roll and easy to clean up.

Luca-hontas the Ladybug

Reesi found is dying for a pet. The cruel parents that we are, we are refusing. So tonight she found a pet, fell in love, and named it Luca-hontas (like Pocahontas). Reesi had about 15 minutes of bliss until Luca-hontas flew away to her real home. We will always remember you, Luca-hontas.

Shys Hill: We Don't Recommend It

On Sunday afternoon I wanted to get outside and enjoy the day. I suggested Percy Warner or hiking at Radnor Lake. The history teacher husband wanted to hike to Shy's Hill since he had never been. Shy's Hill is where the Battle of Nashville took place.

We were not impressed. It took us probably ten minutes or less to hike to the top and there was nothing up there . . . nothing, not even a spectactular view. We should have gone to Radnor Lake!

Sweet Dreams

Reesi and her constant companion, Andy.