Bekah is married!!

This weekend we traveled to Asheville to be part of Bekah's wedding extravaganza. Though it rained most of the time, the Lord held off the rain for the rehearsal and cleared it up in time for the wedding. Bekah was a beautiful bride and we had a wonderful time! Below is a slide show of the weekend's festivities.

Saturday (the wedding was on Friday night) we visited the Biltmore House for the first time. Because of the rain, we didn't get to see as much of the grounds as we wanted but we did get to see the inside of the estate and the winery. Enjoy the pictures below.

A Book Recommendation

At the beginning of the summer, I asked all of you out there for your book recommendations and I have been reading through some of them as I sit by the pool. My old college roommate Hannah and well as our pastor recommended Kite Runner by Afghanistani-American Khaled Hosseini. The story is narrated by Amir, who now as a grown adult in America, relives his childhood in Afghanistan. You can get a full description of the book here.

As I read the book, I had a hard time imagining Afghanistan the way he described it because of it's current events and the way the news as shaped my viewpoint. It's hard to believe a time when the land wasn't wore-torn and the people weren't being killed on the street daily. I believe it truly opened my hearts for this people group and the many victims of this war. Many times we only think of OUR soldiers who are over there but we forget about the average Afghan people. This book put a face to these people like I had never thought before. I literally cried as I read many of the scenes. I thoroughly recommend this book but warn that not all scenes are easy to read! I am excited to get Hosseneini's 2nd book..A Thousand Splendid Suns. Anyone have it?

We like to have fun...

Ok first of all, I just want to apologize because I've come to the realization lately that I write like an elementary schooler rather than a college graduate. When I first started teaching I would talk over the kids' heads and they would have to remind me that they couldn't understand me. Now I feel like my vocabulary as now conformed to them. So I apologize for the basic vocabulary and language that I use in this blog. :)

Now on to the fun stuff...last night we went to see Brad Paisley in concert with my parents. My mom is currently obsessed with him and has been excited about this concert way before the tickets went on sale. Jerm and I enjoy listening to him as well and find that he is a very skilled guitar player with humorous yet sincere lyrics.

Like many other firsts, I got to be with J when he experienced his first country concert. For those of you who have been to one, you know that there are many drunk people, barely-dressed women, and lots of people. Friday night was no different but yet again I was amazed at what some people wore out in public. After JD's sermon last week on lust, I couldn't help but feel bad for J because these girls were leaving nothing to the imagination... anyways, I digress. Here's a couple of pics:



Mom exhibiting the huge beers they were selling at the concert. It too could yours for $10! That was just crazy!

Mom and Dad looking like senior citizen tourists with their binoculars.

Dad being silly.

J and I enjoying the music.

Brad :)

The concert was great and he sung all our favorite songs and we finally arrived home around midnight. Early this morning (6:30) we woke up early and met up with our small group to work on our church's Habitat for Humanity house.

What I learned today:I cannot for the life of my hit a nail straight into a piece of wood and therefore the Lord did not call me into construction management. My husband though rocks at it and was today's all star! Here are some fun pics I took of the day.

Hairspray

The hype for this movie has been huge...tons of movie trailers and the cast has been on every talkshow known to man this week. I have to admit, that I was excited about it esp. since I'm fan of many of the actors/actresses in the movie. Kim and I went today and it was REALLY good! A definite MUST SEE! If nothing else, go to see it for John Travolta dressed as a woman. He was hilarious!!

Ok we're off to see Brad Paisley in concert! I'm stoked!

Torture Board

When the doctor says he wants you to use the torture board for 2 weeks...you know it can't be good. It has now been 5 weeks since my surgery and my knee is not back to its full position. When I went two weeks ago they noticed it so they sent me over to the physical therapist. So now I've been seeing the PT 2x a week for the last 2 weeks and been making progress. Well today I went back to the orthopedist and he seem puzzled as to why I still couldn't straighten my knee fully out and lock it into place. He said 5 weeks out it shouldn't be like this, so he said I needed to spend the next few weeks on the "torture board" and it should straighten right out. In my mind I'm thinking, "Isn't this why you sent me to PT?" and I repeatedly told him that the PT and I were working on it and it was getting better. I really don't think he listened to me but rather had in his mind what he was going to do. Frustrated I waited patiently for the nurse to come in and explain how to use the board. Once she put the board on she noticed that my knee was almost there and she couldn't see the need for the board...at least someone was on the same page as me. I thought the doctor would come back in but of course he had moved on to another patient.

This whole process has been so frustrating b/c I feel like while the doctor is knowledgable, he rushes through your visit, not really taking the time to listen to you or really for that matter giving you an extensive look over. I really just want this process to be over so I can stop seeing him.

I now sit here wondering why would he originally prescribe the PT if he could have given me this device in the first place and saved me $40 per visit to the PT. Also I wonder does he not think the PT is doing anything productive so that he has to now prescribe this on top of PT? I wonder what the PT will think of this. Honestly I think I trust her more now than him. At least she takes the time to talk to me and have me do more motions to see what my knee is capable of.

Below is some pictures Jerm took of me in the torture device.





As you can see from the pictures, you strap your leg in and put the straps tight so that your leg lays flat. You are supposed to keep it in there for 5 mins. 10x a day no matter the pain. My leg is really not that far from being flat so it's not as painful as it could be but still its no walk in the park.

I'm sorry to ramble on but I really needed to vent! Thanks for listening!

BUNCO queen

Last night, Mary Mac called me and asked if I could come play BUNCO with her and her small group girls. One of the girls went into labor so nauturally she wasn't going to be there. Being the experienced BUNCO girl that I am, I gladly accepted, excited to be able to catch up with Mary Mac. Little did I know, not everyone plays by the same rules. Evidentally a little confusion never hurts anyone b/c I ended up winning the most games and great greeting card set! It's crazy b/c the last 3 times I've played BUNCO I've won. Now BUNCO doesn't take any real skill, it's all the luck of rolling 6s so it's nothing that I did on my own accord. Needless to say, I was happy though I don't think I made any new friends. :)

Hope for Durham

This past week our church, the Summit, loved on the city of Durham and gave back to the community. If you head to Hope for Durham website, you can get more information on all the events. Jeremy and I volunteered on Saturday at the Eastway Block Party. This block party was held of of N. Alston Ave in Durham at Eastway Elementary. At the block party, we did face painting, had a concert, played on inflatables, and as always ate. Below are some of the pictures Jeremy took while wandering around.


The choir provided some great music.


The HUGE soccer ball made playing even more fun!


Face Painting (He asked for motorcycle...not sure how great I did!)


Wow, that's a lot of dogs!!


Climbing the HUGE slide!

Firetrucks are cool!

Gladiator Style!


The inflatable slide is awesome!

Anna and Courtney getting ready for the kids.


The Climbing Wall!


After Hope for Durham, Hannah and I took Bekah out for one last girls' night before she gets married in 2 weeks. We enjoyed an amazing meal at the Cheesecake Factory!

Webmaster

This summer I have taken on a new role at school: webmaster! Being married to a graphic designer, I have come to learn a little bit about graphics and web design. Our school website was in need of a little TLC so I volunteered to take on the task since the current webmaster didn't know a whole alot. Finally after 4 weeks and almost losing the whole thing, I now present the new Forest Pines Drive Elementary website.

Happy Anniversary!

Yesterday Jeremy and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary! It is amazing how fast time as gone by! I'm excited to see how the Lord is going to use and grow as a couple in the years to come. The picture above was take right before we went out to dinner to our favorite Brazilian restaurant. It was amazing as usual and we left with a very full belly.

In other news, Tim Norton, our neighbor, is my hero. He figured out how to get the computer to power on long enough to get my files off my school laptop. I have a few minor adjustments then I'll post the new school webpage for your viewing.

Computer Woes

As much as I love the computer, sometimes I can really hate. Like yesterday for instance, I went to turn on my school computer and it would not turn on. I tried everything I could think of and nothing would work. Jerm came home and tried everything he could think of and nothing. The school website I have been working on for the last 3 weeks is all saved on that computer. Jerm attempted to take out the hard drive and find the data but it is some how hidden in the drive because of server settings. I'm so upset that I can't have my data! Once our tech person gets back from vacation we're going to attempt to take it to the county office and see what they can do. Please pray that I can retrieve my data and haven't lost everything! (Side note: back up your impt. files!)

PS I added the picture from this weekend in the last post! It is super cute!

A Weekend of Fun and Friends

What a fun but busy weekend! Friday before heading out of town I ran over to WakeMed to check on Stef and had hoped to see McKenna but sadly she was in the ICU. You can keep up with her on her on the Derby's blog. Then Friday night Claire, Robin and I hung out in Rocky Mount and caught up on the going-ons in our lives. I can not tell you how much I love and adore these two ladies! They bring such joy to me and I praise God for their friendship.


Saturday we headed to camp and were greeted by my brother and little Tudor. BP was kind enough to take us for a 2 hour boat ride around the lake. I love being on the water and I miss the childhood days of riding the boat all summer. Saturday night we enjoyed dinner by Mr. Harris before traveling back to RM. This morning we shared one last meal at Cracker Barrell before parting ways.

So I'm home for the week because the kids are at camp so if you're around Wake Forest this weekend and want to hang out...let me know! :)

McKenna is coming!

(Picture borrowed from their blog b/c it is so stinkin' cute!)

Our dear dear friends Kevin and Stefanie just called us and told us that they were at the hospital. Stef is 4 cm dialated and they were about to break her water!! I'm super excited for them but a little surprised b/c she wasn't expected to make an appearance until Aug. 3rd. Please be in prayer for them as they go through the delivery. I'll update more when we hear from them next!

4th festivities and more knee drama

Again another 4th of July has come and gone and we celebrated our freedom by eating hamburgers and hot dogs while watching fireworks. The festivities started on Tuesday when we celebrated with our small group; we had a cookout at our house and then watched the Wake Forest fireworks. Sorry the picture is blurry...the camera didn't like that we were trying to take a picture in the dark.


Then on the 4th we went furniture shopping! When J and I got married we were blessed to be given furniture to help fill our new apartment, but now we are ready to buy new living furniture that fits our style and comfort. After many stores, we finally found the perfect couch, loveseat, and chair. J was excited because he finally got a leather recliner. Sadly we have to wait like 4 weeks before our couch and loveseat arrive, but Jerm was thrilled to be able to bring the chair home immediately. Below is a picture of the sofa ex. for ours is a camel color. The other picture is of Jerm's chair and another of him enjoying his chair.






After furniture shopping we went over to celebrate with my family. My aunt Jennifer and uncle Mark are members of Northridge Country Club so we went over to the pool and had dinner there at the club. We skipped out on the fireworks because we were so tired so we just came home and watched a movie. (Sorry there are no pictures because they wouldn't let me take pictures of them in their suits) :)

So today I went back to the orthopedists for a 2nd post-op appointment. I'm sad to report that I have to be on the crutches for yet another week. I also am going to have to go to physical therapy because my knee with not straighten out fully yet. It also won't bend past 90 degrees, but it really isn't supposed to until I'm putting full weight on it and walking on it again. I'm frustrated because I really don't feel like I need the crutches and also b/c they are a huge hassle.

In other fun news, tomorrow I get to hang out with 2 of my favorite people. For the last 2 summers, my dear friends Robin and Claire and I have gotten together for our own little camp reunion. The 3 of us met the summer of 2002 when we worked on staff together at Camp Willow Run. (I actually met Claire when we were campers but we never really hung out until we were on staff.) This weekend we are spending the weekend together catching up and playing at camp. I really excited about seeing them! Here is a pic of our reunion last year (with the addition of Alicia!)


Hope you had a wonderful 4th (and for making it all the way to the bottom of the page. :) )

Bridesmaid duties

On July 27th, I get the honor and privilege to stand beside Miss Rebekah Taylor (the lovely lady in the middle) as she marries the man of her dreams. This weekend we celebrated the occassion with a shower. Bekah and I have been friends since college where we were roommates for 2 years. Since I've known her, Bekah has never been known for her cooking skills. Her usual dinners consisted of hot pockets, lean cuisines, or pasta. This weekend I was reminded just how little she knows about cooking when she would opened up a present and would have to read the tag to figure out what the product was used for. Lucky for Bekah, her fiance Tommy is a great cook and will take care of her. :)