Learning to fly...

And He Sings!!

2010-04-18T17:03:00.003-05:00

Everett got to spend a day with his Pops a few weeks ago...they sang Old McDonald and now he sings it all the time!

Big Boy

2010-02-16T20:23:00.003-06:00

Everett has done some major growing in the last few weeks. It's amazing to watch him transition from a baby to a little boy practically overnight! Here are some of our latest life lessons...

We learned to climb the stairs

We experienced snow for the first time

His First Valentine's Day

First ride in our new car seat!

And, most recently we enjoyed sitting at the table with the big boys and girls when we went for a visit into the toddler classroom. They were having cookies for snack. Everett hasn't really taken to "real" food very well so I said "Sure, give him a cookie. He won't eat it." Two cookies later he had a big smile on his face! He enjoyed his cookies very much and even took bites instead of crumbling them up and throwing them on the floor.

We're two weeks from his first birthday... I cannot believe it!!

Baby + Doggy = Funny

2010-01-26T20:00:00.002-06:00

It always helps when Daddy holds down the doggy . . .
They are best friends!

Santa

2009-12-15T22:08:00.003-06:00

Santa came to school today and Everett got to meet him. He was relatively unimpressed and only tried to pull his beard (which was very real) twice. He sat with Santa and didn't even cry when mom and dad stepped away to take the picture! I guess we'll have to wait until next year to see if he really likes Santa or not!

Christmas Time is Here!

2009-12-10T20:09:00.005-06:00

2009 is quickly coming to a close.. hard to believe! We've had an eventful month in the Thorington house. Everett is now 9 months old and doing all that comes with it! He's got 3 teeth, the third of which just popped in tonight. He's refused to have anything to do with crawling but loves to walk around holding on to anything he can.. He's beginning to try "big people food" gradually and so far is a fan of green beans but hates sweet potatoes.. Every day we look at him and wonder what has happened to our little baby and when did he become a little boy?! Here's the month in pictures...

2009-11-08T08:05:00.002-06:00

Everett & Daddy playing with blocks!

Halloween and other Fall Fun

2009-11-07T22:00:00.005-06:00

It was a quiet Halloween for us! Everett had both sets of grandparents come to him for trick or treating.. he was the cutest little caterpillar and he LOVED his costume. He is now 8 months old, my how time is flying! He's able to pull up on things and has his first tooth! No crawling yet but we are SO close it's scary! Here's our little man..

After Dinner Conversations and Catching Up

2009-08-22T19:56:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since an update so I'll try to get everything in here! Everett will be 6 months old next week... we've hit MANY milestones in the last 2 months!
First, we're eating cereal/baby food now! Here are some pictures of our dinner time fun..

We've also had our first road trip to celebrate our Aunt Kimberly's graduation from Auburn. He did pretty well in the car, only 2 melt downs- both on the way home and both because he was fighting sleep. We are blessed that he loves his car seat and the car!

We also got around to getting him a high chair. He likes it ok most of the time.. he look like such a big boy!

My favorite milestone thus far has been learning to talk... not just baby 'coos' but really trying to say something! Here is a video I took tonight after he finished his squash...

It's amazing how fast the time has gone.. We're more and more blessed by our little boy everyday!

We've Come A Long Way...

2009-07-08T17:08:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, July 9th, is our 4th Anniversary. We don't have any spectacular plans, just a normal day of life as usual but every year we try to spend some time remembering our story. It's been quite a ride through the years of our marriage.. Here are just some of the highlights:

* We've lived in 2 states, Minnesota for 2 years and TN for 2 years. We moved to MN just 2 weeks after our wedding.
* We've vacationed to opposite ends of the US- Key West, FL and Grand Maris, MN (25 miles from the Canadian border).
* We've joined 2 churches as a married couple- one Methodist & one Baptist. Both places have given us friends that we are so blessed to have and the ones we don't get to see we still miss very much!
* We've moved 4 times in 4 years..our first apartment was on the 21st floor of a high rise in downtown Minneapolis- it was 500 square feet and we survived only because we were newlyweds. :)
* We survived Law School- I say "we" because Jacob did the hard studying and I did the working 3 jobs thing so we could eat..
* We lived apart for a month after law school so Jacob could take a course for the bar in TN and I could finish up the school year teaching in MN.
* We've driven a moving truck over 1000 miles cross country- twice.
* We've managed kill & bury at sea 6 beta fish.. Alvin, Simon, Theodore, Leopold, Fiesty, & Henry Fitzgerald.
* We kept one fish alive- Jazmine is still swimming after 2 years..
* We got a dog- Klondike was our trial for kids.. minus being allergic to everything possible we've done ok with him.
* We've experienced having our first child, Everett Thomas. This is by far our most amazing experience yet.

We've had our ups & downs but I can honestly say I married my soulmate, the man chosen by God to accompany me through this life on earth. After 4 years our lives have gotten busier but I look forward to all the busy, crazy, fun and priceless memories left to be made in our lives. Here's to at least 70 more years...

Fun in the Sun

2009-06-21T19:49:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we went to Everett's GrandDeb and PapaJim's to swim for the first time. He enjoyed it! He wasn't overly impressed with the water but didn't cry or seem frightened. He floated around (with me or dad holding tightly!) in an inflatable duck for a while and just relaxed... Here are some of his chillin' by the pool pictures..

A week of Milestones

2009-06-06T21:30:00.002-05:00

I always heard people say that babies grow right before your eyes but I never though it was literal! Everett is definitely growing and learning daily. This week he moved upstairs to his room and slept all night happy as he could be. I, on the other hand, didn't sleep at all worrying that he would wake up and be scared or would need me and I wouldn't hear him. Despite my fears, he did just fine. He also found his feet this week! He looks at them and thinks it is great fun to splash them in the bath tub. We also have the beginnings of a tooth showing through. It's not hurting him yet, but it's all white and shiny on his gums. It's been quite a week of firsts, all of which seem to push him further and further away from that tiny little baby we met 3 months ago. It's amazing how quickly the time is going by... Here's some recent pictures of our little man!

What A Week...

2009-05-18T20:02:00.008-05:00

Everett and I have had quite a last 10 days. Last Monday was my first day back to work after 10 weeks of being a full time mommy. This meant that it was also Everett's first day of school.. (our pediatrician laughed when I said that Everett would be going to school) Fortunately for me, my work and his school are in the same place! I have so much peace knowing he's in the next room and I can walk in to see him whenever I want to! Here we are on our first day of school together.

He's started to adjust. The first few days were kinda rough, but he's learning how to sleep through the noise and play well with others.
At the end of this week of adjustment, we were blessed by visits from all our family for his dedication at church. We are so blessed to be a part of a church family who will help us raise our little boy to be a strong man of God. It was such a special day to share with our church family and our families.
These are all of Everett's great-grandparents..

Here are his grandparents....

His aunts and uncle....

And finally, some of his great aunts and uncles..

Our cute little man ..

Rough Day...

2009-05-05T15:54:00.004-05:00

Today is one of the days I've been dreading since Everett was born... 2 month shots. As a person who despises needles, I pray Everett gets his Aunt Tara's strength when it comes to medical issues! He was such a trooper! I felt bad because he was in a fabulous mood this morning... laughing and smiling at the doctor, kicking his legs, flailing his arms.. it was adorable! Then in came the nurse... he was smiling when she put the first one in then that huge pouty lip popped out followed by the silent cry (you know, mouth open, face red, no sound) and then the screams began. I cringe even thinking about it! He definitely has his mom's temper (yikes, unbelievable I know) because he continues to not only cry but scream for 5 minutes until I sat down and fed him. It was a little traumatizing for all of us but we survived! Maybe the next rounds will be better...
When we got home Everett was a little fussy so he took a nap on the couch.. Klondike could sense something was not quite right with him because when I rounded the corner from the kitchen this is what I found...

Here are other moments we've captured of our little 11 pound 4 ounce boy!

Outdoor fun

2009-04-26T20:21:00.004-05:00

Today we spent the afternoon at the park with friends. It was lots of fun, Everett loves being outside and really loved his cool hat! We also had a first today- He was able to sit in his Bumbo chair by himself! He loved the freedom to sit up and see everything. He's growing up way too fast....

Today is Everett's Uncle Garret's birthday! Happy Birthday, Garret!!

2 months old

2009-04-24T22:15:00.004-05:00

I can't believe our little boy is 2 months old already! He battled his first little cold this week. Thankfully it was only a few days of congestion and went away after plenty of saline squirts and way too many uses of the "snot sucker". He weighs around 10 lbs. now and is 22 inches long. He literally grew over night!

Best of Friends- Klondike loves his brother!

Do you think we look like daddy?!?

Bright Eyes!

The Suspense is Killing Me..

2009-04-19T19:38:00.004-05:00

Whoever decided to put seasons of TV shows on DVD was genius. We've found a few shows that we missed on the first round and have really enjoyed catching up with them on DVD. A few years ago we found ALIAS to be a mild obsession(we watched the entire 5 seasons in approximately 3 months...)thanks to some of our friends. We passed around the DVD's and compared notes on Sid and Vaughn weekly, it was a great time! Also while we were in MN I developed a love for the show 'REBA'. I think it had something to do with a bit of homesickness... hearing Reba talk made me feel like I was home in the south! I now enjoy anything from seasons 1-4 when I need to smile! Our current mild obsession is the first season of 24. My mom got the first season for us and was sure we'd like it.. boy was she right. We have watched almost the entire first season in 5 days. It's actually been nice to have something to watch when Everett won't sleep at night! Every episode ends in a way that keeps me wanting more.. I have to know what comes next! So, for the next few hours I will be joining Jack Bower as he investigates who is trying to kill Senator Palmer.. AND trying to find season 2 on Amazon. :)

In the meantime, here are some pictures of Everett.. he's growing SO fast!

Growing Boy..

2009-04-17T15:52:00.004-05:00

Our little man is almost 7 weeks old. I cannot believe how fast he's growing and how quickly the days go by. Everyday he looks more and more like his daddy!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T21:11:00.003-05:00

All Smiles

2009-04-08T11:37:00.004-05:00

Everyday I'm reminded how blessed we are to have such a sweet little boy in our lives. Yesterday I was especially blessed because I looked at my son and started talking to him and for the first time he looked right into my eyes and smiled. No, this isn't the first time I've seen him smile.. he's smiled quite a few times before.. but this is the first time I knew he was smiling because he knew me. He knew that my voice was the voice of someone who loves him and takes care of him. This one little gesture made me feel more like a mother than anything yet. As I thought more and more about that little precious smile and how it made me feel, I also began to think about the season that we are in right now leading up to Easter. This is the time when we remember the sacrifice our Heavenly Father made for us, what He gave for us... and how much He loves us. As I got teary over a simple smile from my son, I gained a new perspective on just how much the Lord loves me. How excited He gets when I (or any of us) just look to and smile at Him.. and how I understand so much deeper how much He loves me. If I love my son so much more than I can express, the Lord loves me even more than that. WOW. I'm so excited for Him to continue revealing to me His glory through my journey through parenthood. He is so good!

Ode to Klondike

2009-04-07T16:40:00.006-05:00

On Saturday we celebrated a special day in our family.. amid all the fuss over Everett the last few weeks, Klondike has been mostly overlooked. BUT- on Saturday, K-dog (as we affectionately call him) turned 2! Yes, we are "crazy dog people" and proud of it. He's a completely spoiled dog,very sweet and would only try to lick to death anyone who he can get to. Besides being really stubborn(a trait that runs in our family) he minds well and was easy to train. He's definitely a special member of our family... how many people do you know can be ignored, fussed at, stepped on, not fed for a day and still crawl in your lap at the end of the day looking at you with eyes full of love and forgiveness?? Dogs are special little creatures and even though we've been a bit crazy lately, Klondike is still as special and loved as he was the day we got him! Here's what he looked like that day...
He only weighed 3 pounds!

One Month

2009-03-29T17:56:00.002-05:00

Today is Everett's one month birthday... I cannot believe it! He's growing SO fast and changing everyday. He's slept through the night except for feedings for a week now! We're feeling very blessed, he's such a good baby!

Bath Time! and other fun

2009-03-22T20:13:00.005-05:00

Everett has started to focus on things around him, it's so much fun to see him exploring his world! Today he enjoyed time in the activity gym for the first time..

Everett has had a few baths in his 3 weeks but tonight was the first one he actually didn't scream through.. So of course we got out the camera and captured every cute moment we could!

Jacob's Post

2009-03-22T20:06:00.002-05:00

Here is the post from Jacob's blog, apparently his site is set to private so not many people can read it...enjoy!

Klondike has no idea what just happened. For all he knew, the three of us (Klondike, Jen, and me, in that order) were living our happy lives, albeit that Jen looked a little different. Then one fateful day in March everything changed. . .

Klondike says he remembers that as soon as March began - he is a dog, and knows things like exactly when the month begins - his puppy-mama started making some unusual sounds. It seemed that every hour or so, she would squirm, and the puppy-daddy would get all concerned for a few minutes.She did that from midnight until about the time the sun came up. Klondike says that after that, things got a little fuzzy. He remembers going out for his morning business, and coming back in to see the puppy-mama making those strange noises much more frequently. The puppy-daddy was much more excited, so Klondike says he got all excited, too. He saw bags being packed, but he got worried when the red puppy-bag didn't appear. He tried to hide by the door so he could go get in the car with the puppy-mama, but she was making those strange sounds every five minutes.

Klondike recalls that he made it into the car twice before the puppy-daddy took him back to the house, rather forcefully he says. And then the puppy-parents were gone. Klondike ran to the window to watch them drive away, and then he just went to the couch and went to sleep. Late that night, the puppy grandparents showed up, and boy did they smell different! Using his puppy sense, Klondike says that the new smell appeared at 5:08 p.m., weighed 7 lbs 7.5 oz, and was 19 inches long!

He said he searched diligently, but he could not find where the new smell, and before he knew it, the puppy grandparents had taken him away to their house. They brought him back the next morning, and Klondike said he spent another long day on the couch. The grandparents came back that night, and they were absolutely covered in the new smell! But still Klondike couldn't find the source of the smell. And then they took him back to their house again! Klondike said he enjoyed all the time with the Grandparents, but he was concerned because he hadn't seen his puppy-parents in two whole days!

Then on Tuesday, Grandma Melanie brought Klondike back to his house! Klondike says that the new smell was in the house now, and he didn't know what to think of that. He watched Grandma Melanie clean the house a little - she got out the infernal vacuum. And then, Klondike heard the sound of Neon pulling into the driveway. He was overjoyed and promptly ran to the door to go see them, but Grandma Melanie had him on a leash - can you believe it? How was he supposed to jump on the puppy-mama and puppy-daddy if he was on the leash?!? (He said he found a way). After a few happy minutes of greeting everyone, Klondike says the buzz in the back of his head (from the excitement, presumably) began to fade and he says he smelled that new smell again - this time all over his puppy-parents!

Klondike says he began to sniff everywhere to find that new smell-maker. Before he had a chance to fully investigate the Neon, however, puppy-daddy brought in a new contraption, which Klondike says he had seen but, dismissively, said he never paid it any attention. And there was the new smell! Klondike later said that if he had know that the new smell would come in that contraption, he would have marked it just to let the new smell know that he was around first. (I told him that was not necessary, but he just wandered off to chew on a stuffed penguin).

The next two weeks were filled with so many visitors that Klondike didn't know what to do with himself: Grandma Mel stayed for a week, and Grandma Deb stayed for a week, and he saw great grandmothers from all over, and aunts and uncles and neighbors, and church friends. And Klondike told me to thank everyone for all the food he got to eat. He ate so much people food, between the two grandmothers and the visitors, that his hair started falling out (Klondike has food allergies, you know). Things have finally started to settle down, and Klondike says its about time. The new smell, which his puppy parents have taken to calling "Everett", apparently isn't going to leave, but Klondike says he's ok with that. Everett tastes different but familiar, he says. Klondike also adds that he knows where to go when Everett makes that stinky smell - and he enjoys watching the little guy squirm when the puppy-parents throw away all the hard earned territory marking material Everett made.

Klondike also wanted to share some other pictures of the little guy. He says he'll post some more after he finally recovers from all the excitement and his hair grows back.

Jacob's Blog

2009-03-21T12:04:00.002-05:00

Seems as how my husband has decided to enter the world of blogging now that we have something interesting to blog about! You should check it out... his most recent post is
very amusing!
http://rssredemption.vox.com/library/post/everett-thomas.html

A visit with family & friends

2009-03-20T21:22:00.004-05:00

A visit from Megan, one of my college roomates, and her son Blake. Blake and Everett will have fun together one day!

Four generations of Tyler's

Jacob's grandmama and mom

2 weeks

2009-03-20T21:02:00.003-05:00

Everett went for his 2 week check up today. He's gained weight back up to 7 lbs. 6 oz., only one ounce short of his birth weight. That puts him in the 10th percentile for weight- he's quite a little guy! He's grown an inch though, so he's now 20 inches and in the 25th percentile for length. He checked out to be very healthy and the doctor even gave us hope that we might sleep again someday... Everett seems to have his days and nights mixed up the last few days. He's never upset or crying, just awake...all night. We're making it and still amazed by him everyday! 3 weeks has flown by for us...

Woohoo!!

2009-03-14T11:55:00.003-05:00

Everett is almost 2 weeks old! We are amazed at how fast the time is going and how much he is growing. Today we're celebrating because he slept through the night last night for the first time!! We both got 7 hours sleep for the first time in 2 weeks and it was glorious! Here's the latest of his cuteness and one of Klondike so he doesn't feel left out. :)

First Week

2009-03-09T21:05:00.003-05:00

Everett Thomas is a week old! It's been a week of blessings, firsts, and little sleep but the most wonderful week of our lives. We're learning more about our little boy everyday and finding out just how much of a miracle & blessing he is to us!

More Everett Pictures

2009-03-05T18:28:00.001-06:00

Everett Thomas Thorington

2009-03-04T17:57:00.003-06:00

We'd like you to meet Everett Thomas Thorington born Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 5:08pm. He weighed 7 lbs, 7.5 ounces and was 19 inches long. We're all home and doing well! Here's our little man...

It's been a while...

2009-01-11T15:33:00.004-06:00

I know I'll be much more apt to blog when the baby comes and we actually have something besides the dog to talk about!! It's been busy around here the last 2 months. Here are some reasons why:

1. I'm getting bigger everyday! Everett Thomas Thorington is now at 33 weeks and it's becoming harder and harder to move around and be comfortable.

2. Christmas time was quite busy for us. We didn't travel far for obvious reasons, but we did make it to Manchester, Mt. Pleasant and Birmingham. Here are some pictures of our families during the holidays.

And last, we both took off work the week after Christmas to get Everett's room started. Here's where we are so far!

It's a work in progress as we get more things that we'll need for him but it feels good to know that if he does come early like his dad (Jacob was 6 weeks early) that we'll be ready for him!
We're right now 33 weeks and I'm ready to meet our little boy. I have moments of "AH!" and moments of awe and excitement.. those are beginning to out number the "AH"'s. :) I keep reminding myself that my impatience and excitement will be met with this little boy soon enough and I'm trying to enjoy every little kick and turn I feel from him. I can't believe we'll be meeting him in just 7 weeks!

Halloween & Friends

2008-11-02T14:42:00.003-06:00

Klondike was a glow in the dark skeleton for Halloween! He would have loved all the trick or treaters, except for the fact that we only had 1. I was really sad that we didn't have more, but that's ok. More candy for me and the baby! :)

Yesterday I spent a wonderful girls day out with 2 very special girls. Megan, Nessa and I met at Starbucks (is there any other way to start a day), had lunch, and went to a paint your own pottery studio. I was nervous about painting due to my lack of artistic ability but it turned out great. I also got to meet Blake, Meg's son. It's amazing to think that we're at that stage in our lives where we're having kids of our own! It seems like just last week the three of us were in our apartment in Cookeville dreaming of the days we'd be married.. and now here we are. I thank God for great friends who no matter how far apart or how long it's been it feels like we never left each other..

I've been tagged..

2008-10-16T20:57:00.003-05:00

Here are the rules:
1.Post the rules on your blog
2.Write 6 random things about yourself
3.Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4.If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along!

1. I have recently felt my baby move for the first time and I cannot describe how amazing that feeling is!

2. I love to clean and I have the most energy for cleaning right after breakfast in the mornings.

3. Chores I hate doing the most include unloading the dishwasher or folding the laundry and putting it away. I have been sometimes known to leave the dishwasher full and just hand wash the dishes instead of unload it...

4. In high school I was part of the Athenaeum girls school and spent a week of each summer dressed in 1861 period costume (yes, hoop skirt and all..) giving tours of southern plantation homes and reliving/recreating the civil war era.

5. If I lost the pocket calendar that lives in my purse, I'd be lost. If something is not written in it, I will not do it or show up for it.

6. My senior year of high school I was captain of the volleyball team. It was really by default, I was one of 2 seniors and it didn't require athletic ability, thank goodness, or I wouldn't have made the team!

And now I tag Alison, Megan, John, Julie and Jacob...I think those are the only people I know who haven't done it yet!

It's a....

2008-10-16T20:48:00.002-05:00

Today was our 20 week ultrasound...and we will be having a healthy, very active baby boy in March! He was asleep for the first part of the ultrasound but once he woke up he was dancing, kicking and moving those little arms all over the place! It all feels so real after seeing him on the video screen. I knew this would feel like the most amazing thing I've ever been a part of but I never knew how much I could love someone I've never met! He's already got me wrapped around his finger! I absolutely cannot wait to meet my son, to see him grow and learn..to see him become the man God calls him to be and see him do what the Lord has planned for him. Words canot describe it!! 20 more weeks... :)

2008-10-06T20:31:00.004-05:00

Vacation!

2008-08-30T18:56:00.004-05:00

So it's only been a month since we went on our beach vacation.... but here's some pictures of our trip! We went to Orange Beach, AL for a full 7 days and it was fabulous!! It was our first real vacation getaway since our honeymoon 3 years ago. It was a great week of sleeping, reading on the beach, watching movies and eating. (well, Jacob enjoyed eating..the baby was a bit picky on what it actually wanted to stay down and what it sent back!)

My pregnancy is going well. We're at 13 weeks now and had my first month doctor's visit last Thursday. We got to hear the heartbeat and it was one of the weirdest, most fantastic things I've ever heard! Baby T is healthy and growing and I'm starting to get over the nausea and getting sick. It was a rough past 2 weeks but I've felt better the last 24 hours than I have in a while. I'm hopeing that's a good sign! We're starting to clean out the baby's room which has been used for storage since we moved in... we're going to wait until we find out what it is in October before we actually do any painting. It will be here before we know it!

It's true...

2008-08-04T20:23:00.002-05:00

In case you haven't heard, (or if you missed the all point bulletin our moms issued Friday night) we are having a baby! We're really excited and nervous and all those other emotions first time babies bring. We're due March 6, 2009. (That's 3-6-9 for all you brains that enjoy numbers like my husband does.) More to come as we figure out this fun new adventure!

Swimming

2008-07-13T17:36:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago (against Klondike's will) we decided to go down to Manchester and swim for a while at Jacob's parents house. Klondike loves to go there, but does not so much love it when we toss him in the pool and make him swim out! Here's some of the fun we had with the him...

Wesley Picnic

2008-07-13T17:22:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was the annual TN Tech Wesley Foundation Picnic. The Wesley Foundation is where Jacob & I met, also where I made some of my best friends who still remain my best friends. It's a very special place and will always remind me of how wonderful the Lord is. Last night was interesting because there were so many new faces! Wesley spans many, many years back and has continued on another 4 years since Jacob graduated and 3 years since I graduated. The group in the picture was the "old" group last night, all these people were there around the same time I was and I'm so glad we've all stayed in touch. I'm always a little sad to leave when we all get together.. the memories surrounding these people and that place are priceless!

A few surprises...

2008-06-09T20:57:00.003-05:00

Last week Jacob was mowing the yard when he noticed an unusually large hole in the ground by our back fence. Upon further investigation he found 6 newly birthed bunnies that hadn't even opened their eyes yet! We've kept an eye on them over the last week and a half and tonight they ventured out of the hole for the first time! Here are some pictures of our little furry friends...

Summertime is finally here!

2008-06-03T21:35:00.005-05:00

May was a very busy month for us. We graduated my sister from UT-Chattanooga with her nursing degree, worked on the house, worked in general, went to a good friend's wedding, visited family, and wrapped up May with a trip to Alabama where we spent a relaxing weekend with my cousins, aunt & uncle on the lake. Now it's June and I've suffering from the "summertime blues". I've never had a full time job that went through the summer before and this year I'm feeling it! I've worked during the summer, just always as a camp counselor or babysitting... jobs that let me be outside and enjoy it. This year, I'm in desperate need of a vacation! Don't get me wrong, I love my job, I just wish it ended in May and started up again in August. :) Oh well. We are slowly but surely getting work done on the house, I'll get pictures up here someday. We spent all last weekend painting the living room, foyer area and the upstairs hallway "nook". Last night we did the half bath downstairs and I must say, it all looks quite nice! Just painting has let me feel even more at home here. I really, really love our house! Klondike loves the house, he's finally adjusted to being here. We've even started leaving him out of his crate during the day and so far the only casualty is my pair of summer dress sandals... (fortunately for him they were from Target and starting to wear out anyway!) The pictures are from the weekend at the lake and also our most recent family picture.

Sad Day..

2008-05-28T21:12:00.002-05:00

For the last 2.5 years we've had a Beta fish named Leopold (aka Leo). He joined us shortly after we got married and lived through 3 apartments and a move across country in his aquarium in a moving truck. He loved to eat and also enjoyed visiting friends when we were out of town. This morning, we woke up and found Leo had passed away in the night. Yes, it's a fish... but it's been a very sad day here in Nashville. :(

Klondike's Big Adventure

2008-03-22T20:40:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was a big day for little Klondike! We began the day like any other- waking up at 7, going out to potty, eating yummy beef flavored food for breakfast followed by some relax time people watching on the patio. At 10:30 we went to the vet to check out an itchy, red rash on his ears. It turns out that our little white dog most likely has developed a food allergy to either beef or milk. Both ingredients are found in his food as well as his treats and bones. So the vet gives us an antibiotic to clear up the rash, some ointment to be applied daily, an anticeptic wash to use once a week and some hypo-allergenic food. No more bones or treats until we figure out exactly what is causing the skin break out... :(
So we go home and spend the rest of the day cleaning out closets and getting the house ready for Easter company. Before dinner we took Klondike up on the grassy hill to chase the ball, little did we know that someone had thrown a bottle out in the grass and the mowers had mowed right over it earlier in the day. Little Klondike found the bottle first, unfortunatly for his right front foot. He jumped and landed right in the glass. We picked him up quickly to find blood dripping down his leg. We brought him home, cleaned him up and then decided that it definitely needed to be checked out. We found a "pet emergency room" that is opened at night and on weekends so we headed there. When we got there, Dr. Jeremiah told us that he needed a staple put over the cut to help it heal and prevent infection in the tendon. So they gave little Klondike a shot of morphine, shaved his leg and inserted a staple over the wound. When they brought him out to us, he had this goofy smile on his face and was completely unable to do anything but sleep due to the morphine. Our little puppy was totally out of it until about 7 this morning! The best part of the evening came when they told us he had to wear an e-collar, better known as a doggie lamp shade, over his neck for a week. He really does not enjoy the collar, but it getting used to it. It's been a very rough 24 hours for the puppy and Jacob & I are starting to wonder.. if a dog is this stressful, will we ever be really ready for kids??? :)
Here is a picture of Klondike high on his morphine and wearing the "lamp shade".
Poor puppy...

We're real people now...

2008-03-17T18:44:00.002-05:00

Last week as scared, excited, & nervous individuals, Jacob and I signed a contract on a house! We're SO SO SO excited! We close on April 15th if all goes well. We'll be moving to Franklin, about 20 minutes away from where we are now. It's still the same commute (25 minutes) for me to work but much shorter for Jacob once they move to the Franklin office. It's beautiful and really close to exactly what we were looking for. It's got a big yard, Klondike won't know what to do with himself. We're now in the waiting for everything to go through and go well stage..which I'm finding to be a bit overwhelming but well worth it! We'll post pictures as we go along and hopefully be moving in a month! :)

Tennessee Snow...

2008-02-27T20:46:00.002-06:00

Finally! It was beautiful and, in typical southern snow fashion, gone as quickly as it came. I do miss Minnesota snow.. Believe it or not this amount of snow closed every school in Middle Tennessee! (Except mine, of course. We did go 2 hours late, though) In the defense of TN snow, there was a nice layer of ice under it. Klondike had some fun with the snow, he'd never seen it before. The first picture up there is us with Chad, Becca and Ginger. We visited them a few weekends ago in Maryville. Klondike and Ginger got along, but I think Klondike kinda bugged her. She's 4 years old so her energy level isn't quite what his is!

In the Stillness...

2008-01-20T19:54:00.000-06:00

This has been the most relaxing weekend I've had in months. I have done nothing, literally. (Thanks to the help of a sinus infection..UGH) That aside, I have not had anything pressing to do. I'm not very good at doing nothing. In fact, if you ask Jacob he will tell you that most of the time he has to force me to sit still long enough to watch a TV show. I get used to constant motion and when the motion stops, I don't know what to do with myself! I was thinking about that this afternoon after church. Our pastor did a sermon today on Psalm 46:10- "Be Still and Know that I am God." He was asking us to reflect on the last time we spent being still and listening to God, the last time we truly stopped to experience God. I thought about my aversion to being still. When is the last time I sat still and listened to God? Sure, I pray constantly and then continue on knowing that the Lord has heard me. But when was the last time i really sat down, sat still and listened to Him? So many things distract me, get in my way.. so many things on my daily mental to-do list. Will it really hurt me to leave those dishes in the sink? To let the dog toys be scattered across the house for a little longer? To get up a few minutes earlier before work? I realized this morning that I have a lot of work to do in clearing out my "oh so important to-do list' and making time to listen to my Creator. In the end, it won't matter how clean my house is or whether the shirts are all washed and ironed on the same day. What matters is Him, the time I spend just me and Him, and what He has planned for me. tAnd he only way to know His plan is.... to listen.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2007-12-17T17:07:00.000-06:00

FINALLY! In talking with Jacob this weekend, we've decided there are a few things we very much miss about Minnesota. First, our friends. We just haven't quite made local friends yet. We have all our friends from college that are near Nashville, and we see them lots more than we did while we were up north, but we miss that weekly fellowship a lot. Second, snow and cold. Yes, I know..this is coming from the precise one who whined about it being SO COLD for SO LONG the last 2 winters! However, it's been a ridiculous weather pattern in the south this year. Only this week did it get below freezing for the first time! We long for heavy jackets and boots... It only now feels like it should be Christmas time. I can't believe it's next week! This brings me to our Christmas picture.... here are some blooper pictures of us trying to bribe Klondike into looking at the camera!

And now, finally, success! He hated the ears, too. :)

THE BAR

2007-10-24T17:52:00.000-05:00

There were definitely shouts of joy here in Nashville Friday afternoon....Jacob passed the bar!! He will be sworn in as an attorney by a judge soon and then begin work for a firm practicing family law. What a relief to have this waiting behind us! :) Praise the Lord!

The time is drawing near...

2007-10-17T21:27:00.000-05:00

Bar results come in a little over 24 hours! Jacob is anxious, but at peace. I wish he would get on here once and a while, but he's not that into blogs. :) Maybe someday... So for that reason, you get to hear from me(Jen) about the matter. I think I speak for both of us when I say that the bar results will bring more than just a right of passage into a career. For 3 years he has worked so hard towards this goal that has finally come! Getting to this point the Lord has taken us places we never thought we'd go, apart or together. Getting the results of this test will bring for us a sense of settled. To this point, our entire married life has been centered around a "what's next" theme. My jobs have been uncertain and varied, we've moved 3 times out of the 2.5 years we've been married, we've wondered and prayed and dreamed of a time when we had an idea of what was to come. We've watched our friends get married and buy houses, able to put down some roots with secure jobs and incomes. It seemed that day for us would be SO far away...
All this has been harder for me than for Jacob because I'm a very "planned" person or "control freak", if you will. (I'm not proud of this and I'm working on it... slowly but surely) I like to know what's next, I like to look forward to things and plan for them (I'm also a little OCD...) and I haven't been able to find anything surrounding our lives to be concrete. It's been full of questions to which we've prayed and prayed and prayed our way through. God has been faithful to us despite my desire for control and longing to be settled. No matter how upset I have been with Him for the questions, He still provided the answers in His time. And as always, it's worked out perfectly according to His plan. We've made it... we're here at the end of this particular journey in our lives and it is filled with hope. Hope and excitement for what is to come in the next year as Jacob gets his career started and we finally settle for a while at least. I am constantly amazed at the way God directs us through things and then at the end, when we look back it all makes sense.
So- beware Friday morning if you hear yells and shouts of joy- don't worry. It's us celebrating this new chapter in our lives that's been a long time coming!

2007-10-01T20:04:00.000-05:00

It's been a while....

2007-10-01T19:44:00.000-05:00

I don't think I realized it had been so long since my last post! I can't believe it's October, the time is flying by. Currently, life is going well for us. I love my job and have just started there full time as opposed to half days. I like it for a lot of reasons:

1. Little kids are inspiring, even though they drive me crazy. Everything is new to them and fun for them. I had forgotten how exciting learning that the grass is green or the sky blue could be..

2. I get to move around the building a lot and no 2 days hold the same things. I spent all day last Friday with the babies (up to a year old). It's the most time I've ever spent with babies and I was thrown in with 8 of them! I honestly feel more prepared for my own babies now (someday..) so that's a plus.

3. I enjoy the people I work with.

I look back to when we left MN and I see SO many ways God has blessed us, my job being one of them.
Jacob is still waiting- 18 more days! October 19th is the big bar result posting. They will post them online somewhere that morning and it can't come soon enough! The blessings have been coming the last few weeks just as he was getting frustrated with this process. He's got an interview for a clerkship at the end of October and has had the opportunity to meet with some Christian lawyers who were very encouraging and helpful. He's also found numerous job postings in the past week that he has applied for and not heard from yet. The doors are opening slowly, finally!!
Another little blessing is Klondike- he's 6 months old this week. He is a challenge and a great pre-child experience for building patience. He's spoiled but well behaved. :) Here's some pictures of him now at 15 pounds.

A new adventure

2007-08-16T21:08:00.000-05:00

My new adventure comes in the form of a job!! I start Monday teaching music, computer and doing odds and ends at a preschool here in Nashville. I'll teach music one day a week, the computer program one day a week and hopefully will be the "floater" the other 3 days. A little different than what I'd hoped to be doing this year, but an answered prayer none the less! It's part time, about 5 hours a day, but I'm ok with that since hopefully Jacob will have a full time job here soon. He's working hard on all sorts of applications and has gotten some positive feedback. Things are starting to fall into place and that "lost" feeling is subsiding. We still haven't found a church and we still miss our friends in MN, especially on Thursday nights. This weekend we're going down to Auburn to visit Jacob's family there. We're taking Klondike so it should be an interesting trip... 4.5 hours in a car.. maybe we'll all survive!!

2007-08-13T14:43:00.000-05:00

Weddings and Forever Friends

2007-08-13T14:22:00.001-05:00

"Some people come into your life and quietly leave. Others come in, leave footprints on your heart, and you are never, ever the same".
The girls in the above pictures are what I like to call my "forever friends". More like sisters, really. The top picture is from yesterday. Alison married her soulmate, Richard, in a beautiful outdoor mountain ceremony. It was perfect for them and a wonderful afternoon. Alison's wedding is the last of the three of us (Becca married Chad last October). It was an exciting day but brought up more emotion than I thought it would. As we waved goodbye to them yesterday, my heart was smiling but my tears surprised me. Alison's wedding closed an era and opened up a new chapter of our friendship. We've all been through the college years, the dating years, the ups and downs of relationships, watched each other meet our now husbands, and stayed up late nights talking about the future and wondering what life would be like "when we're all married and have to be adults". Now, here we are. The years have gone by and we're living those dreams that seemed so far away. We're all married friends and fortunately our husbands do enjoy each other's company! I'm a little mournful of those days gone by, but I am excited to have babies and share the next years of our lives together. There are just some people you know that no matter what happens or where you go you'll always be friends, I'm grateful the Lord gave me friends like these.

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

2007-08-06T16:38:00.000-05:00

That's right Jacob is 26! Here's a picture of Klondike helping him open some presents last night. We had our parents and some friends join us for dinner to celebrate. In other news, the BAR is over! Jacob feels like it went well and is relieved that he can have a life again. We will find out October 19 how he did. He's spending this week filling out applications and sending out resumes, so hopefully we'll hear something soon. Schools here officially started today so it looks like I'll be finding a non-teaching job. I thought about subbing again, we'll see how that goes. I'd like a consistent job, but beggar's can't be choosers. :) I'm sending my resume to some preschools and some music lesson places, also. I really can't believe it's August already. The summer came and went incredibly fast! Except for the heat, it tends to linger longer than anyone would like and it's hotter this week in Tennessee than any time on record since 1990! When they said that on the news, and then followed it with "that was 17 years ago, folks" (yes, they say folks on the news in TN!) I felt a little aged. It doesn't seem like 1990 should be that long ago. Here are some pictures of our time at Center Hill Lake with my parents last week. It was nice to get away for a few days.

Time flies..

2007-07-24T09:47:00.000-05:00

I can't believe July is almost over. This summer feels like it's been a whirlwind and we haven't quite touched ground yet. We are ready for some routine and some steady activity. Tomorrow will be a first step towards that goal.. the BAR is here! Jacob takes it tomorrow and Thursday for 6.5 hours each day. He's ready, but nervous. Pray for him if you think of it in the next 2 days. Other than that, we're still searching for a church. It's a lot harder than we thought. We both forgot how many churches there are down here to choose from. We know what we're looking for, but it's just taking a lot longer to find it than we thought. We both feel a little "homesick" for Minnesota this week as we continue to settle here. It's different than we expected to be back home. A big reason is that we're back here, but we're not where we were or doing what we were doing when we were here last. I never imagined it would be such a huge feeling of starting over in a familiar place. This weekend we are going to the Wesley picnic. It will be the first time we've been back to Cookeville or Tech as married people! It will be exciting to go back to the place we met, surrounded by the people we knew then. We're still waiting on jobs, but the Lord is bigger than our worries and fears. Next week Jacob digs into the job search full blast. Schools start in 2 weeks so there's still some time for me to hear something. We shall see!

Happy Anniversary!

2007-07-09T14:04:00.000-05:00

That's right, today is our 2 year anniversary! It's gone by fast but we both agree they have been the best 2 years of our lives. We're going to celebrate at P.F. Changs tonight- one of our favorite restaurants. Other than that, Jacob is studying all day... we're on the countdown! Bar Exam = 16 days! Our puppy is growing so fast. Klondike weighs almost 8 pounds, he's 3.5 months old and already learned to sit, stay, come, and go outside to do his business. He's precious. :)

Settling In

2007-06-20T09:19:00.000-05:00

I feel like I sat down in front of the computer intending to post about a million times in the last 2 weeks and something always comes up to distract me away...
We made it safely to Tennessee! Our only adventures included hitting a bird (it was quite amusing) and avoiding a bike tire that came flying off the van in front of us and bouncing down the road. If anyone tries to tell you that driving through Illinois is boring they are completely correct. AHH We arrived to the smiles and elated faces of family and a few friends who live close by here in Nashville. It was so good to see our little Klondike, too. He's been a blessing this week as we've unpacked and started to work through the emotions of starting over in a new place. It's settling in that we're here now and not jumping on a plane in a week. While we're excited to be "home", it still feels strange. We miss our MN friends a lot and the fellowship we had with them. Thursday night was a rough evening... I can't remember a Thursday night we've actually been home in the last 2 years! We've begun the search for a church down here. It will be a long process I think. We both want FBC to move down here! I'm not sure we're far enough removed or that we've been able to find the closure yet from leaving FBC so it's making our church visits tough. God has a place, we just have to be open to finding it. Jacob is studying hard, only 5 weeks till the bar! The summer is dissappearing quickly. Time to clean up a bit, our parents are visiting this evening. :)
"There's nothing like returning to a place familiar and unchanged to discover how you, yourself has changed."

Our New Puppy!

2007-05-27T15:11:00.000-05:00

Klondike is a part rat terrior, part spitz. He weighs 3.2 pounds and loves to play! We brought him home yesterday morning and he is already very comfortable with us and loves riding in the car. He rode from Nashville to my parents house (about an hour and fifteen minutes) without whining or even getting squirmy! We wore him out yesterday.. he slept 13 hours last night and then took an hour nap after being awake for 30 minutes this morning! He SO much fun!

He did it!!

2007-05-13T14:45:00.000-05:00

Jacob Thomas Thorington
Juris Doctorate Degree
University of St. Thomas School of Law
May 12, 2007

The day we've been waiting for...

2007-05-09T22:00:00.000-05:00

This was taken December 13, 2003, the day Jacob graduated from TN Tech and decided that Chemical Engineering wasn't his call after all. We had been dating just 6 months and there was a LOT of fun twists and turns ahead for us. And now, here we are...4 years later getting ready for his graduation from St. Thomas School of Law! What a crazy 4 years it has been, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. While it's been fun, it's definitely time for him to be out of school. So on Saturday around 2pm you will hear a large "WOOOHOOO" coming from downtown Minneapolis as Jacob recieves his degree and we face the next chapter of our lives. God is so faithful!

R.I.P. Henry Fitzgerald

2007-04-27T11:34:00.000-05:00

Yes, he passed on this morning. Despite Jacob's best efforts to keep him healthy and happy, Henry just wasn't strong enough to fight whatever fungus he had. Leopold is still strong and happy, however! Henry joins Alvin, Theodore, Simon, Scarlett, Clarance, Thomas and Fiesty in fish heaven... maybe we should consider getting a dog, they're probably a little more hearty!

New additions....

2007-04-21T19:55:00.000-05:00

These are pictures of our fish- Henry Fitzgerald is the dark blue one and Leopold (aka Leo) is the lighter one. We've had Leo for about a year and Henry has only been here for 2 weeks. Henry won't eat, we don't know why but it won't. Jacob even bought little beta tanks for them and he still won't eat. My husband is crazy about these fish... if his fish care is any sign of his future parenting skills, we're gonna have some lucky kids. :)

"When you can't see His hand, trust in His faithfulness."

2007-04-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

I've learned over the last few years that there is one constant in life: change. We grow, we mature and we are constantly evolving into who we are meant to be in the Lord, even when we don't understand anything that's going on around us. Jacob and I have been doing a lot of growing in the last week and a half. Lots of things have happened that have given us important pieces to the puzzle that is the next chapter in our lives. For a long time we've struggled and felt pulled between returning to the place where we started or remaining here in the place were we've grown together and established ourselves as a married couple. Both contain huge amounts of blessings. We've prayed, we've worried (more me than Jacob) and we've talked and struggled for the right answer. Not until last week was the message God gave us clear. Through a string of events (my job cut, his class in TN, etc.) we've found a peace from God that He is calling us to return to Tennessee this summer. It's going a hard transition and it's filled with so many emotions than I cannot even begin to process them right now. We're excited to be closer to our families, all of our siblings are getting close to college graduations and have important events in their lives that we will now be able to attend. Our grandparents are getting older and being closer to them we'll be able to see them often in these next few precious years.
Yet, we're also very sad to leave. God has blessed us with AMAZING friends and an AMAZING church family who have indeed been our family for 2 years. I know we will keep in touch, see pictures on blogs of the new babies and the big things happening in their lives and ours. But I cannot tell you how much God has blessed us by placing all of them in our lives and how hard it will be to say goodbye. (I'm going to stop that now, I have a feeling there will be lots of tissue used in the next few months and I currently am at the bottom of a box!)
So there's our big announcement, our answer to months of prayer. In mid-June we will be executing this move to TN. To where exactly- well, we're not sure. Will we have jobs? Well, not really certain about that yet either. Will Jacob pass the bar? Um, we certainly hope so! What we are sure of is that God has provided for us SO abundantly thus far and we know that will not stop. He knows what going on and by taking this step we feel we're being faithful to Him, no matter how much it hurts or causes crazy emotional rollercoasters. So, as the old saying goes, "We don't know what the future holds exactly, but we have hope for we know Who holds the future."

Finally..

2007-04-01T14:52:00.000-05:00

SPRING BREAK IS HERE! I've been waiting for weeks and it's finally arrived. This week is going to provide some MUCH needed relaxation, reading time, cleaning time, prayer time and husband time.(not necessarily in that order) Then I can go back next week (Tuesday, not Monday :) ) refreshed and ready for the last 2 concerts of the year and to finish out on a good note. Last week was pretty icky and I started to hit major burn-out teaching. It was all I could do to get up and get there in the morning, the whole time praying for a good attitude and motivation to do my job well. The week I get back I have my 5th grade choir concert. I pray they will not forget it all over break! It's been a challenge teaching choir this year, but one I feel like I've risen to meet. Honestly, i don't like teaching choir, I'd much rather teach band. I started out feeling inadequate, went to apathetic, and then after much prayer decided to meet the challenge head on and beat it. We will see if the my efforts have paid off on Thursday, April 12. The good news about teaching choir is I won't be doing it next year. First of all, they cut choir (to save money..ha) and second of all, I got cut- Friday morning no less. That's what I get for being the low man on the totem pole! While it totally sucks, I know it's just an open door for something else God is doing. It would definitely be nice to know what that might be, but in time it will come. I feel ok about it because my principal is very supportive and said she would like to have me stay- she's said that all along. It's been a good year.. but it ain't over yet. So rest and relaxation here I come and then... who knows. :)

Fun with Friends

2007-03-25T11:05:00.000-05:00

We have spent the past 4 days with some wonderful friends from TN. We went to college with Chad and Becca. Becca and I were always meant to be friends- we went to High school about 5 miles from each other, our bands did a joint concert when we were freshman in high school (and we think we sat next to each other), when we got to Tech we stood beside each other (never talking, mind you) in Women's Glee, she and my roomate were partners on a project.... and it goes on and on. Yet, we always just said "hi" and went on with life until our junior year at Tech when she came to the Wesley Foundation one Wednesday... and ever since we've been truly best friends! It's really a funny God-thing story. They came up to visit this weekend and we got to hang out for the first time as married people. They got married last October, so we haven't had a chance to hang out until now. We had SO much fun! Jacob and Chad played the PS2 and really enjoyed each other's company so it gave Becca and I lots of much needed catch up time. We, of course, visited the Mall of America.. I had forgotten how much fun it is to shop at NY & Co with her! I really, really miss them and hope we're closer someday so we can spend more time together.

Ready for Spring

2007-03-25T10:51:00.000-05:00

What a great few weeks it has been! I know, I've got to do better than one post a month! Where to begin... the first part of March started with my 1st/2nd grade program at school. It was "Bugz: A Picnic Adventure" and by far the cutest musical I've done this year. As you can see, they are all dressed as bugs and they sang SO well! I praise God for the patience to work with and organize 160 kids in 7 different classes. This musical was the most fun... but the most stress-filled.
After that, my parents came for a visit. It was great to see them.. and they got to see our 2 feet of snow! I do miss being close to them. Jacob has been working away at his applications. He will be taking the bar in TN on July 25 AND 26th. (Crazy 2 day test) He's going to be taking a bar review class in TN starting May 21st so if anyone is bored for a month, come on up and visit. I could use the company! I'm getting nervous as the summer approaches and crunch time comes for job finding and moving decisions. April 15 is our "decision deadline" and his bar final application (yep, there's 2) due date. Spring is upon us... hallelujah for 70 degree weather!!

A wonderful break...

2007-02-19T13:24:00.000-06:00

Today is the final day of my 4 day weekend. I'm quite greatful for the celebration of our presidents.. :) Jacob also had the time off, of course, he has every Monday and Friday free from classes. It's been SO relaxing and so great to finally be able to leave school stuff completely at school. I have a bad habit (I hear this is a problem for 1st year teachers) of not being able to stop my brain from thinking of ways to make programs come together, or ways to teach music using new fun ideas. Even when the school day is done, it stays with me. It is completely mentally draining to not let it go. I seriously dream that I'm teaching some nights, and then use the ideas in my dream in class the next day because they were really good ideas! However, this weekend has allowed me to unwind enough to not even think about school. I'm LOVING it. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and enjoy what I do very much. I just needed a break... and it's been great! I've worked on my quilt(it's almost complete), read my book, plan to actually paint my nails and gotten the house cleaned up, not to mention had some "Sidney time" with season 4 of ALIAS. Originally my parents were coming up this weekend but my mom ended up getting a stomach bug on Thursday night. I was really bummed at first, but I think it worked out for the best. They had time to get well and I had some much needed "me" time. They're still coming, just postponed for 2 weeks. I've also had some wonderful time with God this weekend, it was much needed. I feel revived and energized again by His word, prayer and some time to journal (a hobby that has unfortunately gone by the wayside in the last few months). I had forgotten how much just writing my thoughts down really helps me clear my head. So, tomorrow our routine starts back up and I'm actually looking forward to it. Bring it on...

Punxsutawney Phil Predicts...

2007-02-02T08:31:00.000-06:00

Happy Groundhog's Day! For some strange reason I cannot explain I have always loved Groundhog's Day.. and the word Punxsutawney. Here's old Phil's official forcast, taken from his official website: www.punxsutawneyphil.com
"On Gobbler's Knob I see no shadow today.
I predict that early spring is on the way."

YAY Phil, we'll see you next year!

I sure hope he's right.. it's DARN COLD out there!

Your mission is....

2007-01-27T15:53:00.000-06:00

We have recently aquired a somewhat unhealthy addicition: ALIAS. The life of Sidney Bristow has both Jacob and I quite intrigued. If you haven't seen it, well, be warned that if you start, you can't stop. I had a roomate in college that would disappear when it came on every Wednesday night.. and now, I know why! Agent Bristow is a double agent for the CIA and for SD-6 (a company who's alias is an undercover branch of the CIA, but really they're evil). Her missions are incredible and the people who surround her make it just enough drama to keep you hanging. Anyhow, we're on season 2 and counting, DVD's of TV shows were a really good idea!

Christmas...

2007-01-14T14:59:00.000-06:00

YAY for Christmas. It's my favorite time of year, not necessarily for the trees and decor (though i do love that stuff) but mostly because it's the one time of year we get to go home and spend quality time with EVERYONE in our family. (and the Jesus' birth thing is pretty important, too..) The bottom picture is Jacob's family a few days before Christmas and above is my family a few days after Christmas. This year was very "untraditional" for both Jacob and I. We alternate spending Christmas Eve/Day in Manchester and Columbia. Last year we were with my family, so this year we were with his. This pattern caused many past traditions to be shifted around. My family has always gone to my Gran's on Christmas Eve.. for as long as i can remember we all gather there, have dinner, open presents, take a million and one pictures by the tree and then we head home for the 11pm church service. This year- well- there was Christmas at Gran's, but on the 26th. And the church service was quite similiar at Jacob's church, just at 6pm instead of 11.
Now on the flip side- Jacob's extended family lives in Alabama so they always venture down there the day after Christmas. Not so this year- We ventured before Christmas and managed to see everyone in just over 24 hours! It was an adventure and fun to see and meet everyone in his family. We also squeezed in an Auburn basketball game to see his brother Garret look snazzy in his suit as the manager.
Above all, this Christmas tradition switcheroo made me realize that it doesn't matter when you see everyone, but that you get to see them. It made the reality that we're adults sink in even more! Jacob's mom made the comment Christmas morning that in a few years it'll be really different- lots of little people running around. That makes me REALLY excited, but also sad to let go of that last little bit of "childhood". Soon, going to grandma's will be going to my parents house or his parents house.. which is crazy to think about! Overall, I'm glad we've shaken things up with traditions. It makes it easier to move on and realize that it's ok to allow new traditions to come through. So, bring it on 2007, it will be quite a year!

Just another day in paradise...

2006-12-07T22:50:00.000-06:00

Musical #2 was a great success! My fourth graders were "Feelin' Good" today... they were fabulous. I'm so proud of them, and so is my principal. Her words were "Jennifer, they were great. You're fantastic with those kids! We should have this program for the district wellness kickoff in January." As my teeth hit the floor I felt a whole lot of pressure rise off my shoulders. This has been a very stress-filled month with 2 grade programs and a DARE graduation musical for the 5th graders. I feel like I've weathered it, but I've been really run down concerning my ability to actually do my job and do it well. Today, God showed me that I'm totally in the right place. The ways He constantly confirms this to me are amazing. When I want to quit, He simply pushes me back into it. (I truely believe Jacob can be God's hands... God uses him so much to get me back out there when I'm ready to give up!) He, once again, hasn't let me fall even though I feel like I don't have a lot to stand on or much to catch me when I hit bottom. I'm actually excited to go to work tomorrow... for the first time in a while. This is not to say that I'm not entirely ready for Christmas and some much needed time in TN with family, however.
That brings me to another topic on my heart... stupid people. I honestly will never understand how one can have a child and then not care for him/her properly. Some of my students just break my heart. They are crying out for someone to just hug them, just smile at them, just let them know that where they are is a safe place. Unfortunantly, many of my students do not get this at home. As a staff we discussed the need to be understanding this time of year because kids don't want to go home for break.. they don't want to be home because home is not safe or a place of rest. I cannot comprehend this! How can you have a child and not desire to care, love and nurture the child properly???? What is happening in our world when small children don't want to be around those people responsible for them??
My heart aches for these kids, it breaks to think of what they go home to and how they are living. Beautiful little beings that deserve all the love we can give them... scared to death. My prayer is that no matter how frustrated I get with them, I can remain kind and a safe place. If you get a chance, throw up a prayer for these kids. I know I take my life for granted so many times.. how could a kid not be excited about a break from school? Those were my favorite times growing up! You get the picture now, I'm sure. May the Lord bless these little lives... they sure do bless mine. (most days... :) )

"A World of Music"

2006-11-10T22:54:00.000-06:00

Success! My first music program as a music teacher is over! I'm totally glad to have it over and done with. I was tired of the songs and tired of worrying about it. It's been a doozy of a week, that's for sure. The third grade did a good job overall on Thursday. They were nervous and totally excited which caused a bit of a challenge in the "standing still on the risers and keeping your eyes on the director" area. A few students were chatty, yes chatty, up there in front of everyone in between songs. I even had one gentleman decide he was done during the second to last song and just sit down on the risers. I could hardly believe my eyes! Luckily we had 2 performances so the second one was MUCH better. Something about parents in the audience makes kids shape up a bit. :) I did have 2 students in tears of stagefright before the second one, that was interesting to deal with. In the end, they sang well and did a great job. I consider the musical a success and a fabulous learning experience. One down- 4 to go! The next one, "Feelin' Good: A Celebration of Health", is a short 3.5 weeks away and the fourth grade is already doing a great job. I feel much more prepared already so hopefully that's a good sign!

Life, as i know it..

2006-11-04T18:40:00.000-06:00

So it's been 2 months since the last update. That in itself could explain how crazy busy life has been over the last few weeks!
A lot has happened in the life of the Thoringtons. First, we're still plugging along in our respective schools. I love my job. I love teaching and inspiring these little people. (most days :) My first class program is Thursday, the third grade will be singing "A World of Music". As every new teacher, I've learned a lot about the process as I felt my way through it the last few weeks. The next one will be arranged, organized and taught differently. I'm reminded of a quote made up late at night on a band trip back in high school, "We all learn as we go, but always wish we could've known before we went." Jacob has successfully (he hopes) finished his second to last round of midterms. The fact that he graduates in 6 months is settling in for both of us in a very exciting, scary, unnerving way. God has a plan.. we just wish we could know a smidge of it at the moment!
We've been to two weddings in the last month- the first in Wisconsin for some of Jacob's law school friends. It was a beautiful wedding with very yummy cake. :) The second was a little closer to my heart. It's a funny thing when you reach a point in life that you've dreamed of forever. Rebecca Cathey and Chad Watson are now Mr. & Mrs. Chad Watson as of last weekend. It was a beautiful wedding and even more beautiful was watching those two souls FINALLY join in a blessed union. As I stood there beside them Saturday night, I realized for the first time (yes, the first time... even though I've thought about it many times before) that we are all grown up. We're not going back to Cookeville to ride around at midnight looking for open gas stations that had cherry-lemon sun-drop, I'm not going to spend another night on the floor of Apt. D discussing life over an entire cake made by Meg and Ness for my birthday, I'm not going make banners to decorate random yards at 3am in the freezing cold... these things are memories of the past. My heart breaks that these days are done, it aches to return to those times and appreciate them just a little bit more so I don't lose them from my bank of memories. My tears during their wedding were in mourning for all those days, yet also filled with happiness for the memories yet to be made and the fun to be had in this stage of our lives. So much will happen in the next few years- more weddings, more yearly "girl trips" or even married friend trips, some babies and sharing all those times no matter how far apart we are. God has blessed me with the most amazing friends that I know no matter where life takes us we will always take a piece of each soul and heart with us. These friends won't be the ones that 20 years from now we wonder where they are... these are relationships that will stay, soul friends, forever.
It's amazing how God uses certain occasions to show me how blessed I am even when the chapters of life end and new ones begin.

And the beat goes on...

2006-09-09T12:46:00.000-05:00

"2 weeks in and I'm still standing." That was the comment a teacher made to me as he passed in the hallway today. I was amused.. it's totally amazing how much energy children possess in those small bodies! I've come to the conclusion over the course of the last week that I completely LOVE my job. I am excited to go to work, I'm excited about the things I teach and the activities I plan and I'm excited to see those kids come in and out of my classroom all day. They challenge me, some more than others, in ways that make me stronger. God is so good... He has blessed me completely!
In other news, Jacob should find out about his clerkship applications this week. If he's called for an interview it will be next week. I'm nervous, he's a bit nervous and we're both just praying that God will direct us. If he doesn't get a clerkship we're back at square one deciding where to live and settle down. We've found that this year we're both a lot more content here in Minnesota. Our lives seem to be more consistent, our friendships are growing and we cannot imagine leaving our church. It's been the highlight of our life here! We do miss our families though and that's a very strong pull back a little farther south. We're just still waiting for God to direct our path. We know He will, but it seems like we're constantly up in the air about the future.
Other blessings include my sister coming to visit in a few weeks!! I'm very excited that she's finally making the trip. We've grown a lot closer in the last few weeks and I'm very excited to watch our relationship grow now that we're both adults. We have two weddings to attend in October also. Becca and Chad are finally gettin' hitched in TN and Jacob's law school friends are getting married in Wisconsin. Also upcoming is my weekend of Women's Retreat with FBC. I'm excited to go this year and spend some time with some of the wonderful women from church.
Our lives are full and busy but incredibly blessed. Weekends are beautiful things!!

Do Not Fear

2006-08-31T12:28:00.000-05:00

I'm taking a break from the craziness of the teacher workshop week. I feel like this week has been about a month crammed into 5 silly days... and it's only Thursday. It's going well, though. My classroom is set up and my plans are made for next week's lessons. I just wish I felt as prepared as I appear to be. My head is spinning from all the information I've taken in over the last few days. Policies, procedures, tons of new names and faces, school maps.. the list goes on. I feel like I'm totally on my own figuring it all out and it's tough. My brain has been on overload and my emotional/mental state has been definitely on edge. My poor husband can attest to that, unfortunately. (He's so wonderful, sometimes I think I really don't deserve him..) I let all this get to me and begin to feel quite inadequate and unprepared for the year ahead of me. I think this is called first year teacheritis. (Or maybe I'm on my own experiencing these emotions.. but I really don't think so.)
As I read my Bible this afternoon, I decided to go through the little devo page handed out by our church over the sermon topic for these past few weeks. We've been doing the 23rd Psalm in depth and the page I picked up was thoughts and verses that correspond to verse 4 and going through the valley of the shadow of death. I know my first year of teaching, though it may feel like the valley of the shadow of death, will not be nearly as bad as somethings that could happen in my life. These anxieties will be replaced by confidence once I get going in the year but right now I have a lot of negative feelings about my ability to handle this. As I read in Joshua 1, I found comfort. Joshua has just been assigned to lead the people to the promised land and he's totally afraid and uncertain. The Lord just keeps telling him to "be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord is with you wherever you go." I think I'm going to post that somewhere so I can read that everyday the next few weeks. I often feel alone and like I'm fighting the battle on my own- then I am usually forced to step back, look around and realize that it's not all on me and I'm not on my own. Abba is with me and holding me and no matter what happens with this job, He still loves me and will still be beside me. I might need help remembering this from time to time during the next few weeks... :)

The Joys of Chocolate

2006-08-26T13:34:00.000-05:00

As I sit here on a Saturday afternoon swamped in thoughts and research about what makes a music classroom fun, I find comfort in small, candy coated kisses. "Kissables" are the official name of these little wonderful bite size treats. You should try them sometime, they're especially yummy on ice cream. Today I'm a little overwhelmed. I actually went and explored my classroom yesterday. It was very exciting to find that all the materials I need to actually teach (i.e. books, instruments, curriculum map, etc.) are all there and waiting for me to tackle them during workshop next week. What I don't have, however, are all the cute board ideas and classroom decor. If only I remembered what it was like to see the world through the eyes of a child....
I'm still totally excited amid the anxieties. After all, the Lord brought me this far, why would be leave me now?

God is SO good

2006-08-23T21:26:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I forget how amazing God is and that He is more powerful than anything we can begin to imagine. After a year and a half of applications, interviews and prayer, He has blessed me with my first teaching job!! Monday afternoon I sat down at the computer for my weekly job search and just happened upon the webpage for the district I sub in. I noticed a music teacher opening at an elementary school and noticed that the deadline was 4pm Monday. I then realized it was 4:45...but applied anyway. Tuesday morning at 7:45 I was called for the interview at 1pm that afternoon and at 3:00 the principal called to offer me the job. God is faithful! I will be teaching elementary general music for grades K-4 and 5th grade choir at Neill Elementary school. The school is about 10 minutes from our new apartment and right across from the middle school I subbed in all last year. I'm familiar with the district and with other music teachers in it. God is so good!! I'm excited, nervous, scared, happy... so many emotions all at once. I am totally blessed and in awe of God's faithfulness and His timing. It occurs to me that sometimes He brings us to a place where we think we are meant to be before He shows us His plan.... Each time this happens I have a feeling of surprise and shock, like i didn't think it possible. If only I constantly had that 'faith to move mountains'.... something my human-self will be working on all my life I'm afraid.
As far as my job goes, I start with orientation Friday, inservice all next week and the kiddos start up the Tuesday after Labor Day. So much to do between now and then! I have a million ideas spinning in my head about classroom set up, lesson plans, hello songs, program themes.. it's going to be a crazy, fun year!

The Familiar

2006-08-17T14:03:00.001-05:00

I read a quote once that said "It is not until you return to the familiar, the unchanged, that you realize how much you yourself have grown." I don't remember who said it..someone more famous than I, that's for sure. I think of this a lot when I return home. I'm amazed how much changes and yet, it all stays this familiar, safe place that I remember growing up in. People have grown up, places have received a new look, and it seems that I see things through the eyes of an adult, no longer a child trying to understand the world but it is still that safe place for me.
I'm had the priviledge of getting together with almost everyone of my friends that I've kept up with over the past year. I make it sound like that's so many people.. but really just a few girls including my sister. I realize now more than ever the importance of 'soul friends'. Those people that will be forever connected to your heart and will always be there for you. I'm incredibly blessed by these friends and also because I have a husband who allows me to maintain these friendships and understands how special they are. We'll be heading back to Minnesota in 2 days and as much as I love being with family and old friends it's time to get back to our life and routine.

Sand, Sun and a Graduation

2006-08-08T12:25:00.000-05:00

I'm finally back near a computer long enough to update this thing! It's been a great week, kinda crazy but fun. I spent last week (well, Tuesday to Friday) with my old college roomates. It's a unique relationship I have with those girls. Megan and I lived together all 4 years and we added Nessa 2 years into it when we finally moved out of the dorms. We had out ups and downs, there were fights, disagreements and the usual petty girl stuff, but in the end I think we weathered the storm well and now it seems we're almost closer than we were before. Don't get me wrong, amid the girl stuff, we had some hysterical times that have become some of my favorite college memories! In the last year we've all married and moved to seperate parts of the country which presents us with the challenge of staying in touch despite the miles. I realized after my four days with them that I do indeed miss college life and all the adventures with it, but I do not wish to return. That season of my life finally got some closure and it feels good to be in the next phase.
Now- onto our trip. We spent 2 days bumming around Charleston, SC. I realize that when I complain about MN heat, I forgot how pleasant it is without 100% constant humidity. Boy howdy is it hot down here. In staying with beach trip tradition, I got sunburned despite my best efforts. Besides the beach we visited the battery, looked out at Fort Sumter, ate seafood (shrimp, YUM) and just enjoyed walking around the 'old south'. I miss the south. People are constantly friendly. For example, we were walking along the battery (that's the waterfront with a different name in this historic civil war town) and a older couple just stopped to chat. Not only did we find that they are from parts of TN that we all know well, but they were also Christians with a lot of friends and relatives who are missionaries. They were great and it was so fun to talk with them. We had lots of encounters like that. Everyone we saw offered to take our picture, smiled on the street and met us with a friendly "hello". Have I mentioned, I miss the south!
Now we're back settled in TN with Jacob's family. His brother, Garret, has a degree from Auburn University as of yesterday. It was fun to go see Auburn since I'd heard so much about it! We also got to see everyone on his mom's side of the family Sunday night for a pre-graduation party. That was great because we usually only see them at Christmas.
So far, our TN adventure has been wonderful... and we still have 11 days left!

Feels like home

2006-07-29T15:17:00.000-05:00

So, when we moved to Minnesota, I was under the impression that our lives would be cooler, without humidity and only in the rarest of occasion would the heat index rise over 90. I think somewhere along the line I underestimated the power of mother nature and her ability to heat up any place in the world. Jacob and I went to the outlets in Albertville today and it was unbearable walking from store to store... more than once the comment "I feel like I'm in Tennessee" was made. It truly feels like summer in the south. I suppose this could be Minnesota's way of making us feel "right at home". It's a little insane that we're looking forward to our trip to Tennessee for cooler weather... is that irony or what?

Here goes...

2006-07-28T10:59:00.000-05:00

After discovering that I'm one of like, 2 people left in the world without a blog, I've decided to become a blogger. It's something I've thought about, but haven't really felt inspired to do until now. We'll see how it goes.