This way or that way?

After a lot of thought, prayer and discussions, Michael decided to not go back to school this fall and has decided not to pursue a teaching career. A lot like the Wights (congrats Shar & Lars), after making the decision and letting his bosses at Veridian know, he was blessed with a full time position with them. He had to move to part time while he was in school so when he decided not to return, he was going to have to wait until a full time position opened up at VCU and then apply. However, VCU has a branch with a lot of Spanish-speaking members and so they created a full time, Spanish-speaking Loan Officer position for him at that branch! This is nearly unheard of within VCU. He had decided on Tuesday, told his bosses on Wednesday, had Thursday off and walked into the offer on Friday!

We feel really blessed!

Toot, toot!

So at some time in my life, someone said, "Sometimes you just have to toot your own horn." So, I'm going to. I started running a few weeks ago (yes, Marci, I'm running!), doing the www.coolrunning.com "Couch to 5K" program. I'm actually doing it and for the most part enjoying it. I've completed 2 weeks worth and been running outside in an Iowa summer. It's been humid, ready to storm and even cold. But I did it. I'm really proud of myself. I don't really want to run a 5K but I just wanted to do something for myself.

Also in my life, I have long hair. If you've seen me lately, you know that it's decent length. If you've known me for a long time, you know that it is really long for me! It's curly, not too frizzy and I'm loving it. My second goal is to grow out my hair to donate for Locks of Love. We'll see how long it takes!

As you can see, I'm just feeling pretty good being me. I've got 4 beautiful kids, a husband who worships me and my body, regardless of it's fluctuating shape and hairiness, wonderful friends who help keep me sane and a beautiful family that encourages, listens and laughs with me. We may not be exactly where we thought we'd be in our lives at this point, but I'm really liking where I'm at!

WANTED:

Boy dress-up clothes.

Contact Christian or Luke Jolley

Yummy breakfast

Ryan's blessing

Ry's baby blessing was this last Sunday. It was a very nice blessing performed by his daddy, with my brother Patrick (finally!) in the circle as well as his Iowa Jolley uncles & Poppa Royal and Timmy O., his honorary uncle. Poppa Michael was also here for the celebrations as well as RahRah and Poppa Hollywood, Uncle Tony, Aunt Julie & Sofia. After sacrament meeting, almost all the Jolleys and my fam came to our home for lunch. It was a busy place, but I think it went pretty well! It was a really nice weekend! Thanks for coming everyone!

Pink Tar Heels!

Getting ready to catch!

Audrey hitting the ball...


Gracie hitting the ball...


The girls fielding... (Audrey runs in, Grace stays on the line)

A world of pictures

My two bed buddies (Ry & Audrey)

When he saw this picture, Luke said "Rinin", "No," I said, "Luke!"

With his wonderful new cows at RahRah's.

(The older, iron ones had to be replaced by plastic ones. Luke doesn't know his own strength.)

Ry with Grandma & Grandpa Great

Cousins Sofia & Luke having lunch at RahRah's.

Grace and her best friend Percy.

I can't tell if she's squshing him to keep him there or petting him.