The Suitcase

Jonathan has a habit of spending time in Winston's crate. We have tried to curb this behavior in many ways to no avail. Finally, we came up with a plan. Jonathan likes to be inside of things, so we brainstormed what we had that he could get inside of, but would be a little more sanitary. Here is what we came up with...


He was excited because he actually got Winston in the suitcase with him. This only happened once! Winston much prefers his crate- alone!

Here is another example of Jon and his love for being inside of things. This is in Grandma Ashley's room while she was temporarily staying at a nursing home.

It is Official!

I have finally earned my Master of Library Science, but more importantly, I have received my license from the State of North Carolina. It arrived in the mail today! This piece of paper actually means more than my diploma because everything is completely finished!

I am so relieved to have this behind me. There are so many times where I look at Nathan and say, "I never thought I would really finish. I cannot believe I am all the way done." He just smiles and says, "I knew you could do it, Babe."

I started the program at NCCU in the Fall of 2003, taking one class. It was difficult teaching full time and trying to take classes. I didn't take a class in 2006 at all and decided I would not go back. Then, I got pregnant and a library position opened at the school I was working at. I knew that being a classroom teacher and a mom would be very difficult. Then, God worked everything out and I got the job at my school. From the time I got pregnant until December of 2008, I completed 24 credits. The program was 36 credits total. Apparently, I needed to have a baby to motivate me to complete the program!

Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way! I know there are friends who helped by reviewing assignments or allowing me to bounce ideas off of them. Thanks to my mom and sister for helping with childcare and proof reading. Thanks to my dad for encouraging me to go back to school and realizing that the library was a great fit for me! Thank you to all of the friends and family who maintained relationships with us when we could not do something because of "grad school." (I know the excuse got old!!!) Finally, and most importantly, thank you to Nathan for patience, encouragement, support and taking care of Jonathan when I had to go to class, or do work. You are amazing and I could NEVER had done it without you. I love you!!!

Western New York Trip

Dad Ashley retired after a successful career with the United States Postal Service. He finished in December. In January, Aunt Linda threw him a surprise party to celebrate. We headed up to be with the family.
We stayed at Bill & Kathie's the first night, so that Dad wouldn't know we were in town. We always loving seeing Bill & Kathie when we are home. It was a great time.
Here are Cole and Jonathan playing with bubbles.
Jonathan's first experience with play-doh.
Grandma Ashley had been in a nursing home temporarily for rehab. We are visiting her here.
There was snow in NC while we were gone, but not like the snow in NY! Everyone had time off from work and school, so we played in the snow!
Mackenzie!
JPA in a hand-me-down snow suit...this is what happens when all of your cousins are girls!
Hannah!
Ashley!
Jonathan got worn out, so he found an old car seat and watched the fun from there.
Nathan and Aric building a tunnel.
After playing in the snow, Uncle Nathan played with his nieces. Here they are dancing and singing to a Barney song.
Jonathan eating on the way back to North Carolina
We forgot to take pictures at the party!
Happy retirement, Dad Ashley! We love you and cannot wait to spend more time with you now that you are retired!

New Swing Set!

Some of our friends have two boys that are middle school aged, so they out grew their swingset. They called us and asked if we would want it for Jonathan. It is AMAZING! Jonathan loves it and will get so much use out of it! We are so grateful. Thank you, Martin Family!!
Here is Jonathan trying it out for the first time!!

Jonathan Cleaning

Although he is not very productive, he enjoys cleaning right now. We hope the practice will keep up as he gets older.

Celebrating with Hayden

Jonathan and Hayden are exactly a month apart, so we had a small get together to exchange presents.
Jonathan is enjoying the phone from Hayden. It is one of his favorite toys!
Hayden taking a break from the excitement. You can see the toy from Jonathan behind him.

Nathan and I are so happy to have Chris, Ava and Hayden in our lives. We have really enjoyed watching the boys grow up together! We look forward to the fun we have ahead of us!

The Christmas of Parades and Lights

We are catching up on some posts...
In November we were fortunate enough to attend the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. When we came back to NC, we were in the mood for more!
First, we went to the Apex parade. We had a great meal at a pizza shop before. The evening start time gave the parade a unique and fun feel.
Adam and Ashley
Robyn, Eric, Alex & Lauren
Mom and Dad
Santa Claus and two reindeer

Our friend, Kris, told us about a family event going on at Pullen Park. So, we loaded up in the mini-van and headed out one Friday evening.

On the train around the park, getting ready to see the lights
The engine of the train
Mom and Dad on the carousel
Ashley with her date (poor Adam has to work late hours)
The only way to get a picture of Jonathan with Santa Claus
It was chilly that night!!

Next was the Cary Parade.
One of my old students and a former colleague of mine were in the parade. They were part of the Networks Ball Handlers.
Cara, Kevin, Jonathan and me
Santa Claus in Cary

Christmas lights on the way home from Bill and Sarah's house on Christmas night.

After Christmas, we drove to Benson with the all of Nathan's family.

Here is Jonathan enjoying a train ride.
The lights we saw on the ride