Jersey Baby

Living it up in fabulous....New Jersey! Out east visiting family for the holidays. Today we hit up the Franklin Museum to see the Bodies Exhibit. It was very neat. Nothing like I had imagined. We also ate at the Melting Pot in Philly. It was nice getting to spend time together and laugh over a couple of drinks. However, theres nothing sweeter than coming home to a new baby girl. Our cousin's new baby is so precious. Tomorrow, Scott and I will be hitting up IKEA while our cousin's are at work and the Dr. Can't wait!

Home with the Hives

Yesterday morning I woke up with this weird looking rash around my neck. I proceeded to hop in the shower and get ready for work. I didn't really think much of it other than it itched and so I tried my best to not itch it. By the time I had gotten to school it had made it to my scalp. I went down to the school nurse for advice, but she was absent. In her place was a grouchy LPN. I asked her what she thought it was and of course she said it was from my necklace. I didn't believe her, however, I still had no clue what was causing it. So, I went on with my day and made it to the after school data meeting. By the time the meeting was over it had spread to my face and chest. I called my mom to see what she had to say and she ended up coming with me to urgent care. By this time, it had spread to my arms, stomach, and tops of my legs. He said it could be any series of things I have come into contact with over the past week. I'm not allergic to anything, I've never broken out in hives from anything, and I haven't really done anything out of the ordinary this week. It's so crazy! So, he gave me a steroid shot, some antibiotics, and told me to take some benadryl before bedtime. I did all of those things last night and woke up this morning swollen with hives now on my knee caps and elbows. I got up long enough to go to school to make plans, prepare my co-teachers for questions from my students, and filled out an absense form. I made it to CVS to pick up yet another prescription where the pharmacist told me that it's very likely I'm having a reaction from something in the fields since they are harvestikg in our area now. I can't imagine that! Especially since my house is surrounded by cornfields :) So, I'm home, in bed, catching up on some Grey's Anatomy.

In other news:
Yesterday I had a student working on a phonics puzzle. He was to look at a picture and fill in the spaces below it with letter tiles that spelled out the word of the picture. His picture was of two guys. Below it he filled in the spaces with m-e-n. He sounded it out /m/ /e/ /n/ then looked up at me with a puzzled look and said "dude?" It was the cutest thing I've seen so far this year. Oh, first graders. Never a dull moment!

A Much Needed Fall Break

Today is the first day of Fall Break. We only have today and tomorrow off, but I've been looking forward to it for weeks now. Not to mention I felt a cold coming on this week. Here is a checklist of what I'll be doing:
1. Sleep In......CHECK
2. Catch up on some DVR.....CHECK CHECK
3. Laundry......(not started yet)
4. Shopping
5. Much needed girlfriend time with long lost friends
6. A sleepover with my 2 and 4 year old cousins (can't wait!)

Countdown to Vegas....

30 DAYS!!

Back to School...Back to School

Everytime I think about back to school time it reminds me of Billy Madison where Adam Sandler sings that little tune. It's official! I found out yesterday that I will be the newest member of the Greensburg Elementary staff. They had an opening as a Title 1 teacher. I'll be working with first grade. I'm so excited, yet I must admit a little nervous. I've been out of the loop for a little more than a year now if you think in terms of teaching and almost five years if you think in terms of elementary. I'm up for the challenge! So, if you're looking for me around 7:50 come Monday morning, you won't have to look too hard. Just call GES and ask for Mrs. Schoettmer.

A few pics from Florida

Here are a few pics from the weddings we atended in Florida. The first set is of my best friend from college. The second set is of my cousin Josh's wedding.

Ft. Meyer's Beach Abby and her dad walking down the aisle
The Mr. and Mrs.
After we left Ft. Meyers, we headed to a little town called Inverness about an hour from Orlando.

Me & my cousin Josh

Me & Scott

After we left the reception we headed to a condo in Orlando and spent some time at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. We had a blast hanging out by the pool and just enjoying the company of my parents. Pics of the condo coming soon....

Having a great time....

in sunny Florida!! Can't wait to share all the great things we've gotten to do while we've been here. Also, lots of pictures :) But, it'll have to wait...it's time to swim.

What we've been up to

Wow! I guess it's been a little crazier around here than I thought. Below are a few pictures of what I've been able to take in the midst of everything. The first set is of our godson, Caden's first birthday party. He was born May 9 and his older brother Landon's birthday is April 23. So, this year they had a combined party. It was so much fun watching Landon and his cousin Macy stick their fingers in the icing and giggle at each other. The first picture is of Caden sitting in his new cow lawn chair that we got him. He loved getting in and out of it. He thought he was big stuff being able to push it around and crawl up and down.

The following set of pictures is of our new dog, Ginger and her puppies. Funny story...we took Ginger in the last week of March. She showed up on the farm and Scott's dad was going to "get rid" of her if her owners didn't come back to pick her up. Two weeks of no call, no show Scott decided he liked her too much to "get rid" of her. So, he brought her home :) We already have a half german shepherd/half australian shepherd dog out back, but it didn't take much to convince me that we needed another dog. We assume she is some type of red heeler mix. She is a very good watch dog and very lovable. Anyways, a few weeks after we had her we started to notice some signs that she may be pregnant. We realized we were right one morning when Scott went out to feed her. He shouted from the yard, "we have 7 puppies!" I just about died..."what are we going to do with 7 puppies??" He then replied, "Wait, scratch that. There's TEN!!"

Needless to say we are currently looking for ten (or five however you want to look at it) good homes. So, if you know of anyone in the market for a really cute, really friendly, part red heeler puppy....I know where you can find one :)

The last picture is of our most recent purchase. We got a R.E.A.L.L.Y good deal on this 2009 Dodge Journey. It was finally time to trade in my little red sports car for an SUV. We decided we needed more space for vacationing and for when we go out with friends. It was becomming more and more of a hassle to take people anywhere, that alone ourselves. We love our new car, just don't love the new gas mileage.

What we've been up to

What we've been up to

Busy Weekend

Of course, this is usual for May. Friday was Scott's birthday. Some of his cousin's took us out for dinner at St. Elmo's Steakhouse in Indy. It was really good. We had reservations for 8:00, but it was so packed due to the Indy 500 that we actually had to wait until about 8:40 before they took us to our seat. We started out with their famous shrimp cocktail. They have a special recipe sauce that has horseradish in it. It gives it a little "kick" going down. We both ordered huge steak dinners and joined the clean plate club. Needless to say, there wasn't any room for dessert.
On Saturday, we ventured to Napoleon for our godson's first birthday party (yes there are pics, but as usual, I have to wait to download them). It was a blast. I can't believe he's one already! His older brother's birthday was April 23 so we had a celebration for both of them. Kyle and Lindsay also just moved into their new house, so it was sort of a housewarming celebration as well. Landon just turned three so he's at a really fun age. He (along with a few of his cousins) couldn't keep their hands out of the icing on the dumptrucks in the cake. It was actually quite hilarious. (you'll see this in the pics as well, very silly).
Today, of course, is mother's day. We invited Scott's parents and my parents over for a cookout. We enjoyed a "make your own" salad bar followed by barbecue chicken, pork chops, hash brown casserole, fruit salad, cake, and pie. I am so lucky to have such a great mom and mother-in-law. Happy Mother's Day to you both!

Awesome Recipe

So, I've been trying to find recipes that are healthy, yet taste good. I think that's the almighty purpose of all recipes...right? I finally came across this great chicken dish that I must admit I've been avoiding because I wasn't sure how the combination would taste. It's very simple. You make up some whole wheat spaghetti. Cook a skinless, boneless chicken breast in the skillet with a little olive oil. Sautee some chopped green peppers and onions in your skillet with the chicken. Mix all of that with your spaghetti. Pour a half a cup of salsa over top of the chicken mixture. It is delish!! I love all of these ingredients individually, but have never thought to put them together...until now :)

Happy Anniversary Baby!

Today Scott and I are celebrating our 4th anniversary. This day four years ago I married my best friend...my soul mate. Tonight we went to Ertel's Winery in Batesville. It was very yummy and we got to sample some wonderful wine! We had a really nice time just being with each other and reminicing about our life together. Here's to looking forward to the rest of our lives together...Cheers!!

We're Back

We made it back from New Jersey late Sunday night. We got in on an awesome deal! I was so excited! When we got to the Phili airport and was trying to check into the kiosk, a message came up that asked if we were interested in switching flights. Scott asked the guy what it was all about and he said that our flight had been overbooked. If we were interested in switching, then we would receive complimentary flight tickets for our next trip. When Scott asked when the flight would be, the guy told us it normally was in 24 hours. However, today was our lucky day because the next available flight left out at 8:55. We were supposed to be leaving at 7:55 with a layover in Washington D.C. This flight was straight through to Indy! What??? A better flight and free tickets? This kind of thing NEVER happens to us. Of course we took the deal...and the free plane tickets :)

Leavin' on a jet plane

Packing....so much fun! I hate all the new regulations they've put on flying. It really is tricky trying to pack without going over the weight limit. Then you can't have more than one bag (already paying 15.00) or you'll have to pay more. Isn't the price of tickets already enough? When will the madness end??

Okay, without further ranting, heading to New Jersey...T-Minus 16 hours and counting....can't wait!!

Harry and David

Have you heard of the Harry and David store? I just got back from there and let me tell you, it's my favorite place on Earth!! I have some friends who always have dips made up from some of Harry and David's mixes, but I've never actually been to the store myself. So, today I ventured out to the mall and landed at this awesome little place. They have got everything from jelly, relishes, pretzels, chips, cookie mixes, teas, frozen foods, dried fruits, candy, you name it they have it. They even customize gift baskets for you if you are in need of a great gift idea. This place will be my new best friend in times of entertaining. I kept thinking about all the summer get togethers we have and kept getting more and more excited about all the fun things I'm going to be able to make to serve up at them. If you have one in your area, I suggest stopping in ASAP! Or, you can visit them at harryanddavid.com

Happy Good Friday!

In honor of good Friday I thought I would share my devotion for today:

PSALM 31:2-9
Prayer in Distress and Thanksgiving for Escape
In you, Lord, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice deliver me;
incline your ear to me;
make haste to rescue me!
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to save me.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name's sake lead and guide me.
Free me from the net they have set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, Lord, faithful God.
You hate those who serve worthless idols,
but I trust in the Lord.
I will rejoice and be glad in your love,
once you have seem my misery,
observed my distress.
You will not abandon me into enemy hands,
but will set my feet in a free and open space.

T-Minus One Week

Since we are only one week from heading out east to New Jersey for a little R&R, I thought I would finally post some pics of when Jenn and Dennis were in Indiana for a visit. They had never been to a covered bridge before, so we spent all day Sunday visiting covered bridges. It was such a blast :)

Today...

It finally feels a little more like spring :)

My new love

I used to be addicted to Starbucks. However, since Starbucks went out everywhere around here within a 20 mile radius, I've pretty much given up on it. Lately I've been trying new things. While we were in Jersey, Dennis introduced me to Dunkin Donuts coffee. I actually liked it more than my usual from Starbucks. Scott and I have been making frequent trips to Indy lately (A LOT LATELY) and so I've been on the hunt for Dunkin Donuts to get my new first choice. BUT, on all these trips to Indy, Dunkin Donuts hasn't been on the path of where we go. So, I the other day I saw a sign for McAlister's Deli and thought it would be nice for a change. I LOVE IT!! Their coffee is amazing. If you are a coffee drinker like me, then I recommend trying it out if you get the chance.

Busy March

Where does the time go? It seems I say that a lot lately. This month flew by so fast. I was in my best friend's wedding last weekend and so it seems I've been busy with the festivities that go along with it for the past two weeks. Friday and Saturday was career conference for Mary Kay in Indianapolis. While in Indy, we got to see a TON a fans for the NCAA tournament. In fact, I think most of them were staying at our hotel. Especially those who were cheering on Michigan State and Louisville. Then of course yesterday was the state finals for all of the high schools downtown as well. I have to give a shout out to JAC-CEN-DEL who won the Class A game. Congrats! My cousin Kayla cheers for their team and so we had a lot of exciting phone calls over the past few days.

Now that March is over I'm already looking ahead to April. It looks like April will be just as busy as March. All of my weekends are already booked up with lots of different things. I have six other friends getting married this year and so a lot of them have showers coming up this month. Not to mention the trip to New Jersey we'll be taking the third week. We're heading out there for Jenn's spring break. I can't wait. I think that's what I'm looking forward to the most. With the way the trucking business is in the spring, it's always good to take a much needed break.

Jenn and Dennis in Indiana

A few weekends ago, our cousins from New Jersey came to Indiana for a short visit. We had SO much FUN!! We went and looked at covered bridges since neither of them had seen them before. We also spent a lot of time just relaxing and visiting relatives. We all have an interest in the food network. So, on Saturday afternoon we laid around watching it and chatting about all the things we would love to make. I can't explain to you how well we all get along and how much we have in common. We've only been in Jenn's company twice (once when we went out there last August to New York), but I feel like we've been friends for years. Even the lady at the grocery store asked if we were sisters the way we were joking around with each other in line. We're heading out there for a visit next weekend and I can't wait for it to get here! I did take some pictures, but I've misplaced my camera cord. So, once I find it, I'll be sure and post some.

To the Happiest 7 years of my life!

Today marks a day in the history of us. On this day seven years ago Scott and I went to the Farm and Machinary show in KY with a group of friends. It was there that he stole my heart :) We started out the days as "just friends," but by midnight we were together. It's amazing what a John Deere tractor will do for ya. Happy Anniversary Baby.

I'm over the snow

That's all I really have to say about it. I'm over it. Last night we got almost a foot of snow and about 4-6 inches of ice. It's been a mad house around here. I'm bored and I'm ready to get out and find something to do and someone to talk to. It all started yesterday and so I stayed in and did pretty much nothing around the house. Today, I convinced Scott to let me come with him down to the farm. I worked on everything from around 8 this morning until about noon. We took a lunch break and ever since then I've been bored again. Nothing to do. Waiting on Scott to get done so we can go home.

Greetings from Utah!

After only being home from Gatlinburg for one week, I decided to head back out on the road with Scott. He took a load that headed out to Utah. We left on Saturday morning and are planning to return early Thursday morning. It's been a long trip, but so worth it. I've always wanted to travel out west (not including the trip to California when I was 8), so I jumped on the opportunity. It is so beautiful out here, especially this time of year. Of course it's been very cold. Last night it got down to around 30 below 0. We stopped at a hotel tonight to take a break and it was so cold that the water pipes burst. So, we had to wait a couple of hours before we could use the water. Being on the road is always fun at first. I get to catch up on a lot of reading, movie watching, and site seeing of course. But, at this point in the trip, I'm always ready to head home. It'll especially be nice to get back to where it's warm (if you call 30 degrees warm :).

This is one of the shots I got from the truck. There are trains e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e.