Hello to everyone! It is a BEAUTIFUL day today in Memphis, Tennessee!! I just came in from an afternoon walk outside--(yes, trying to earn a few WW points for dessert tonight!)--and it was a bit hard to come back inside. However, all we really have left this afternoon is diagramming predicate nominatives and reviewing for the big poetry exam tomorrow. Then it is time for carpool duty--OUTSIDE!! :)
These last couple of weeks have been challenging ones. I found myself in church last Sunday--listening to the Scripture being read--when it came upon the verse in Ephesians that made my heart stop. I was actually a bit behind in flipping to the passage, and the pastor began to read before I had arrived. "It just so happened" to be a precious verse that my St. Norbert kids had memorized and dramatized in their own funny third grade way. "Honor your father and your mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, that it may GO WELL WITH YOU, and that you may live a long life on the Earth. Ephesians 6 something. (sorry, kids, I forgot the address!!) Anyway, as if a dam had been allowed to open, tears poured. And poured. And poured. In fact, just could not pull myself together! We had to leave church a bit early due to my mini breakdown. Jonny was so sweet to leave immediately when I told him I thought we should go...he had even gone to get me a mess of Kleenex! (And, I need to add that by leaving early we were forfeiting our free hotdog/hamburger lunch provided by the Elders after the service! So, it was quite the sacrifice for Jonny to bail out on unlimited amounts of food and Diet Coke!)
Later that evening, Keri popped up to my room--eager to see if I was okay. I explained to her what had happened...with the verse and all. She had a very wise thing to say. She said, "You know, Julie, when you are in a far away and cold place like Chicago, you feel like it is okay to be sad and to miss your friends and the things that are so familiar to you. But when you move someplace you really want to be---like Memphis---with friends, family, and familiar Southern things all around...it is probably hard to feel like you should be able to miss the things you left behind." She was right! I had been feeling guilty about missing Chicago---(It is hard to cry and be sad while you are living in your best friend's house....It seems ungrateful!) PLUS , our lives have been a whirlwind since we have arrived here....hardly any time allowed to mourn such huge losses in friends, church, and things familiar!
Well, it is time to diagram! I will write more later.
Love you all.
Julie
Monday, September 25, 2006
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Hi-dee-doo!
Just wanted to check in with everyone! We new teachers have been down and out with colds! I guess we are building up our immune systems!! :)
We had a great weekend in Nashville over Labor Day! Jonny got to hang out with his brothers, and I got to do a lot of scrapbooking with my sisters-in-law! I have not scrapbooked my own stuff since Christmas!!
We got to play with our neices and nephews---Will, Alex, and Sophie are getting so big! Hannah is cute as a button! And Catherine is just so TINY and sweet!
The only thing we accomplished this weekend was performing our fantasy football drafts! Jonny and his brothers are in a league....and the girls have a league too! (The 6 of the 8 girls in the league are all of my sisters-in-law AND my sisters!) My team is the Misisipi Mudslingers---and yes, it is spelled wrong! (Not because I'm from Mississippi, but because my name had too many characters!!)
School is great! I have to admit, Jonny and I decided to stay after school every day this week because we feel we are so far behind!! (I'm actually supposed to be working on school stuff right now! Don't tell Jonny!!) I love my students--we have finished our first literature book and tomorrow we begin Call of the Wild. It is NOT an easy book--even thought it is short. I am daily fighting feelings of inadequacy when it comes to teaching these kids! Unfortunately, I do not yet have a "DIANE DOLAN-like encourager at Westminster like I did at St. Norbert....nor do I have a "Pat, Nancy, Penny, Chris, Celia, or Margaret" at church yet either!! But I sure do enjoy your emails and comment on the blog! Sometimes they are the brightest spots in my day!
God has been so sweet to us here! He has provided all we need----He continues to teach me everyday that HE is all I really need.
Love you all!
Julie
We had a great weekend in Nashville over Labor Day! Jonny got to hang out with his brothers, and I got to do a lot of scrapbooking with my sisters-in-law! I have not scrapbooked my own stuff since Christmas!!
We got to play with our neices and nephews---Will, Alex, and Sophie are getting so big! Hannah is cute as a button! And Catherine is just so TINY and sweet!
The only thing we accomplished this weekend was performing our fantasy football drafts! Jonny and his brothers are in a league....and the girls have a league too! (The 6 of the 8 girls in the league are all of my sisters-in-law AND my sisters!) My team is the Misisipi Mudslingers---and yes, it is spelled wrong! (Not because I'm from Mississippi, but because my name had too many characters!!)
School is great! I have to admit, Jonny and I decided to stay after school every day this week because we feel we are so far behind!! (I'm actually supposed to be working on school stuff right now! Don't tell Jonny!!) I love my students--we have finished our first literature book and tomorrow we begin Call of the Wild. It is NOT an easy book--even thought it is short. I am daily fighting feelings of inadequacy when it comes to teaching these kids! Unfortunately, I do not yet have a "DIANE DOLAN-like encourager at Westminster like I did at St. Norbert....nor do I have a "Pat, Nancy, Penny, Chris, Celia, or Margaret" at church yet either!! But I sure do enjoy your emails and comment on the blog! Sometimes they are the brightest spots in my day!
God has been so sweet to us here! He has provided all we need----He continues to teach me everyday that HE is all I really need.
Love you all!
Julie
Friday, September 01, 2006
Comp Results are In!
Jonny received a letter regarding his comprehensive test results. At first, we didn't know what it said. The results didn't look positive, but it did seem to indicate that he had not been asked to leave the program......a response that Jonny feared. It did ask that he get in touch with Dr. D.A. Carson, so that is what he did.
The email we got back from Dr. Carson indicated that Jonny would have to retake part of the exam. "Don't have a heart attack! It is quite common for students to have to retake parts of the exam more than once." He ended by saying that he would write a longer email to explain better the next day.
When the next email arrived, it became clear that Jonny would only have to retake Day Three of the exam because they gave him a "pass" for Days One and Two. This news was very well received. I still believe Jonny is in a state of complete shock---he was prepared for bad news!
So--now the question is WHEN will he take the comp......We have no idea. You know Jonny....he will probably want to study for another year!! :)
Thanks for all of your prayers! The Lord was surely sweet and kind to us!
Love y'all!
Julie
The email we got back from Dr. Carson indicated that Jonny would have to retake part of the exam. "Don't have a heart attack! It is quite common for students to have to retake parts of the exam more than once." He ended by saying that he would write a longer email to explain better the next day.
When the next email arrived, it became clear that Jonny would only have to retake Day Three of the exam because they gave him a "pass" for Days One and Two. This news was very well received. I still believe Jonny is in a state of complete shock---he was prepared for bad news!
So--now the question is WHEN will he take the comp......We have no idea. You know Jonny....he will probably want to study for another year!! :)
Thanks for all of your prayers! The Lord was surely sweet and kind to us!
Love y'all!
Julie
Long Time No Blog!!
So sorry for the long gap in blog updates!! To say that things have been busy would be a criminal understatement! Jonny and I were both looking ahead and commenting that we can't wait for a weekend with no plans!!!
August was great! School started with a week of inservice beginning on August 7th. Westminster surely knows how to do inservice! We had great sessions, great conversations, and great food! (We also watched a very strange, yet thought-provoking little Woody Allen movie.) During that week, I finished up on my room and really began hitting the books!! The next Monday was "Meet-the-Teacher-Day." Jonny and I got to meet our students at during a "drop-by-for-a-few-minutes" afternoon. To our delight, we had surprise "drop-in" guests arrive before any students did---Christy (Davis, Daniel's wife), their daughter Hannah, and Christy's parents stopped by Westminster on their way to Nashville from Oklahoma! Hannah was adorable, and although she preferred her Uncle Jonny to her Aunt Ju Ju, I am POSITIVE she saw potential in me for a great relationship later on down the road. They only stayed a few minutes..... but it was certainly the highlight of the day!!
The students came for their official first (half) day of school that Wednesday the 16th. I was very nervous---even though I had already met the kids---because I always get nervous on the first day of school.....But within ten minutes, I felt at home and realized that 6th grade kids aren't that old---or scary!! (I kept thinking of Jacob Zinkula and Danny Martin--from St. Norbert--they don't seem to scary!!)
I really love all 12 of my students--they are very bright and very fun! (However, if one of my sweet kids from St. Norbert walked through the door right now I would just cry and squeal with joy!! I really, really miss them! Sara (my teaching partner in Chicago) and I have already talked several times---just because we miss each other so much!!!)
Jonathan, Andrew, Lizzie, and I ride in to school together every day. {Keri (and Anna) have been feeling a little left out!} Even though we are all in the same building, we usually don't see each other until it is time to get back in the car and go home! Then we go home to eat an incredible dinner prepared by Keri, play with the 3 cutest girls in Mississippi, study our lessons for the next day, eat dessert, and then go to bed--almost always too late!
Last weekend Jonny and I drove to Kentucky for his fantasy football draft with the boys on my side of the family and for the bridal shower for my cousin, Laura. We had a really fun time seeing my mom and dad, my grandmother, my aunt and cousins, all of my sisters, their husbands, and kids! Mom, as always made fabulous meals and desserts! We could not believer how SHORT three hours feels in the car when you are used to 7-8 hours!!
Tonight we are driving to Nashville for ANOTHER fantasy football draft with Jonny's brothers. We have not been to see Jonny's family in Mt. Juliet since Grandmother passed away in February! (That was the week we were filling out our applications for Westminster!! The beginning of all that excitement!!!) unfortunately, Adam and Melanie will not be there this time--however, when they were in Nashville a few weekends ago, they too stopped by to see our school, to see us, and to have lunch!
Well....I guess I better close! Recess will be over in a few minutes!
Love y'all!
Julie
August was great! School started with a week of inservice beginning on August 7th. Westminster surely knows how to do inservice! We had great sessions, great conversations, and great food! (We also watched a very strange, yet thought-provoking little Woody Allen movie.) During that week, I finished up on my room and really began hitting the books!! The next Monday was "Meet-the-Teacher-Day." Jonny and I got to meet our students at during a "drop-by-for-a-few-minutes" afternoon. To our delight, we had surprise "drop-in" guests arrive before any students did---Christy (Davis, Daniel's wife), their daughter Hannah, and Christy's parents stopped by Westminster on their way to Nashville from Oklahoma! Hannah was adorable, and although she preferred her Uncle Jonny to her Aunt Ju Ju, I am POSITIVE she saw potential in me for a great relationship later on down the road. They only stayed a few minutes..... but it was certainly the highlight of the day!!
The students came for their official first (half) day of school that Wednesday the 16th. I was very nervous---even though I had already met the kids---because I always get nervous on the first day of school.....But within ten minutes, I felt at home and realized that 6th grade kids aren't that old---or scary!! (I kept thinking of Jacob Zinkula and Danny Martin--from St. Norbert--they don't seem to scary!!)
I really love all 12 of my students--they are very bright and very fun! (However, if one of my sweet kids from St. Norbert walked through the door right now I would just cry and squeal with joy!! I really, really miss them! Sara (my teaching partner in Chicago) and I have already talked several times---just because we miss each other so much!!!)
Jonathan, Andrew, Lizzie, and I ride in to school together every day. {Keri (and Anna) have been feeling a little left out!} Even though we are all in the same building, we usually don't see each other until it is time to get back in the car and go home! Then we go home to eat an incredible dinner prepared by Keri, play with the 3 cutest girls in Mississippi, study our lessons for the next day, eat dessert, and then go to bed--almost always too late!
Last weekend Jonny and I drove to Kentucky for his fantasy football draft with the boys on my side of the family and for the bridal shower for my cousin, Laura. We had a really fun time seeing my mom and dad, my grandmother, my aunt and cousins, all of my sisters, their husbands, and kids! Mom, as always made fabulous meals and desserts! We could not believer how SHORT three hours feels in the car when you are used to 7-8 hours!!
Tonight we are driving to Nashville for ANOTHER fantasy football draft with Jonny's brothers. We have not been to see Jonny's family in Mt. Juliet since Grandmother passed away in February! (That was the week we were filling out our applications for Westminster!! The beginning of all that excitement!!!) unfortunately, Adam and Melanie will not be there this time--however, when they were in Nashville a few weekends ago, they too stopped by to see our school, to see us, and to have lunch!
Well....I guess I better close! Recess will be over in a few minutes!
Love y'all!
Julie
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Hello from Mississippi
I am writing to you from the Smith home (our home) in Slayden, Mississippi. Today was declared, "The Day Aunt Ju Ju will Finally Play With Us" day! So, I have been in the floor the majority of the day playing Strawberry Shortcake jigsaw puzzles, Polly Pockets, Care Bears, Doll House, Sand Box, Art Center, and mask making. We even had peanut butter and honey sandwiches for lunch! Lizzie and Anna have been very determined to get Aunt Ju Ju to play with them since we got back home earlier in the week. The problem is, I have been leaving the house at 6:45 a.m. to go and work in my classroom. Most days I have not gotten back in time or have just not had the energy to play. But today, I have enjoyed being a playmate captive.
My classroom is coming along nicely....I think. This week I am sure Teri Holland (my very competent and kind boss) will be coming by my room to make sure it is taking shape. I am concerned that it looks to "kiddish" for 6th grade, so I have been to school everyday we have been back trying to make it is"mature." I am already enjoying Westminster very much. I have met SO MANY people this week at school....I am sure I won't remember half of their names! I have been presented with a few challenges, but God is teaching me to surrender early!
While working in my classroom, I have been listening to the new Caedmon's Call Worship CD (which I HIGHLY recommend). It has an updated version of "I Surrender All" on it. It has been my inspiration this week-----Surrender Early! I can spend lots of time these days being overwhelmed by all the changes! I made the comment earlier this week to Jonathan that the only things that seem normal are our clothes and our car! (And our clothes will be changing very soon since we both have to wear dress clothes to work. Yes--Jonny will be in a tie everyday and I will be in dresses and skirts!) Anyway--Surrendering it all to God has been the key to my sanity this week. (Thanks to Connie Zinkula for encouraging me to Surrender Early!) A new home, two new jobs, a new town, two new states, new churches, new friends, new co-workers, new expenses, new insurance, new grocery stores, new roads, new state troopers, new clothes, new responsibilities, new challenges, new humidity (which causes new hair), new oppressive heat, new everything........But fortunately, we are going through it all with our sweet OLD friends!!
Speaking of dress clothes, I have been having a crash course in "which-tie-matches-which-shirt" from Andrew and Keri. This is an entirely new dimension in fashion for us. We will be going out later today to purchase a few pants and shoes for Jonny's wardrobe, so pray for us as we make some difficult color decisions. :)
Well, I better get back to being Aunt Ju Ju! This is our first weekend since we moved here on July 3 that we have all been home on the weekend together! We are having a great time! It has been great to be here with Andrew and Keri and the girls.
I will write again next week! Love y'all!
Julie
P.S. Jonny and Al had a great time on Monday at the Titans training camp! They were mere feet from some of their favorite athletes! Also, we have not heard back from the comps yet...Keep praying for our nervous tummies!
My classroom is coming along nicely....I think. This week I am sure Teri Holland (my very competent and kind boss) will be coming by my room to make sure it is taking shape. I am concerned that it looks to "kiddish" for 6th grade, so I have been to school everyday we have been back trying to make it is"mature." I am already enjoying Westminster very much. I have met SO MANY people this week at school....I am sure I won't remember half of their names! I have been presented with a few challenges, but God is teaching me to surrender early!
While working in my classroom, I have been listening to the new Caedmon's Call Worship CD (which I HIGHLY recommend). It has an updated version of "I Surrender All" on it. It has been my inspiration this week-----Surrender Early! I can spend lots of time these days being overwhelmed by all the changes! I made the comment earlier this week to Jonathan that the only things that seem normal are our clothes and our car! (And our clothes will be changing very soon since we both have to wear dress clothes to work. Yes--Jonny will be in a tie everyday and I will be in dresses and skirts!) Anyway--Surrendering it all to God has been the key to my sanity this week. (Thanks to Connie Zinkula for encouraging me to Surrender Early!) A new home, two new jobs, a new town, two new states, new churches, new friends, new co-workers, new expenses, new insurance, new grocery stores, new roads, new state troopers, new clothes, new responsibilities, new challenges, new humidity (which causes new hair), new oppressive heat, new everything........But fortunately, we are going through it all with our sweet OLD friends!!
Speaking of dress clothes, I have been having a crash course in "which-tie-matches-which-shirt" from Andrew and Keri. This is an entirely new dimension in fashion for us. We will be going out later today to purchase a few pants and shoes for Jonny's wardrobe, so pray for us as we make some difficult color decisions. :)
Well, I better get back to being Aunt Ju Ju! This is our first weekend since we moved here on July 3 that we have all been home on the weekend together! We are having a great time! It has been great to be here with Andrew and Keri and the girls.
I will write again next week! Love y'all!
Julie
P.S. Jonny and Al had a great time on Monday at the Titans training camp! They were mere feet from some of their favorite athletes! Also, we have not heard back from the comps yet...Keep praying for our nervous tummies!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Still in Kentucky!
We decided to stay another day in Kentucky! Al and Jonathan are leaving in a few minutes to drive to Clarksville, Tennessee (Austin Peay University) to watch the Titans practice at their training camp. I am trying to get a few things done here for school.....but I am distracted with my family and my sweet nephews, Luke and John David!
We should be back in the Memphis/Mississippi area tomorrow!
Love y'all!
Julie
We should be back in the Memphis/Mississippi area tomorrow!
Love y'all!
Julie
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Finished!
Yes! Today was the first day in three years that Jonathan has woken up and not had to start studying for comps! Yipeee!! (However, he did get up and go to the library at Trinity first thing this morning to do some research work for Dr. Carson.)
Jonathan's test yesterday was, again, difficult....but it is FINISHED!! Now it is just a waiting game because they have up to a month to grade the exams and notify us of the results.
While Jonny was busy taking his exam, I was busy having a wonderful lunch with my dear friends, Connie Zinkula and Karen Caraher (I taught their sons at St. Norbert)! Connie took a few of us on a tour of her beautiful new home in Northbrook, and I decided I would love for her to come and work on decorating my home when we build! After lunch, I met Lindsay White (my sweet fellow-Southern teacher friend) and little Larry Panozzo for ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Larry and I then went to Trinity to pick up Jonny!
That evening, Larry and Larry (Carol was out of town taking care of her mother) took us out for an AMAZING dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse! What a TREAT!! With appetizers, salads, steaks, mashed potatoes, and crazy-delicious desserts--Jonathan and I indulged! It was probably one of the best meals of my life! Then, to top it off, they gave me a fabulous TELESCOPE as a going away gift!! After dinner we went out into their yard and saw Jupiter and four of its moons! You could even barely make out the stripes on Jupiter!!! Needless to say, I cried like a child! It was such a very, very fun night!! I will miss them so much!
Today Penny and I went shopping and went out to lunch (while Jonathan worked hard at the library!). Tonight we are having a big dinner with Penny's family. (We are having an apple "salad" with Snickers Bars as a key ingredient! Is there any question as to why God picked Penny to be my "Chicago Mama!?")
We will be heading back for Mississippi in the morning. We will be making a stop at the Kentucky farm on the way down, of course!
Love to you all! It is almost time to eat that salad!! MMMMMM!
Love,
Julie
Jonathan's test yesterday was, again, difficult....but it is FINISHED!! Now it is just a waiting game because they have up to a month to grade the exams and notify us of the results.
While Jonny was busy taking his exam, I was busy having a wonderful lunch with my dear friends, Connie Zinkula and Karen Caraher (I taught their sons at St. Norbert)! Connie took a few of us on a tour of her beautiful new home in Northbrook, and I decided I would love for her to come and work on decorating my home when we build! After lunch, I met Lindsay White (my sweet fellow-Southern teacher friend) and little Larry Panozzo for ice cream at Baskin Robbins. Larry and I then went to Trinity to pick up Jonny!
That evening, Larry and Larry (Carol was out of town taking care of her mother) took us out for an AMAZING dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse! What a TREAT!! With appetizers, salads, steaks, mashed potatoes, and crazy-delicious desserts--Jonathan and I indulged! It was probably one of the best meals of my life! Then, to top it off, they gave me a fabulous TELESCOPE as a going away gift!! After dinner we went out into their yard and saw Jupiter and four of its moons! You could even barely make out the stripes on Jupiter!!! Needless to say, I cried like a child! It was such a very, very fun night!! I will miss them so much!
Today Penny and I went shopping and went out to lunch (while Jonathan worked hard at the library!). Tonight we are having a big dinner with Penny's family. (We are having an apple "salad" with Snickers Bars as a key ingredient! Is there any question as to why God picked Penny to be my "Chicago Mama!?")
We will be heading back for Mississippi in the morning. We will be making a stop at the Kentucky farm on the way down, of course!
Love to you all! It is almost time to eat that salad!! MMMMMM!
Love,
Julie
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Two Down....One to Go!
Well, hello from the Windy City! Jonathan had his second comprehensive exam today at 1 p.m. Again, when asked how it went, he said, "I have no idea!" Jonathan knew that any test Dr. Carson created would be challenging...and he was correct! When he describes the tests to me, I can see why he felt he could use even more time to study! The tests cover such a broad range of topics. Jonathan has one more test tomorrow! We appreciate your prayers for Jonathan to be able to articulate well on paper what he knows in his head, for good time management, and a continued peace regarding the whole process. I cannot adequately tell you how grateful to God I am for the level of peace we have felt this week. I was anticipating feelings of anxiousness, panic, and helplessness (on my part!), and I was not sure what to expect of Jonathan! However, God has been so very sweet to us to allow us to actually enjoy our week here. (Even though MANY things have not gone as planned!)
My "Chicago Mama," Penny Weidman, is still in Michigan with her father who will surely be with Jesus very soon. She hopes to come home before we leave, but she is certainly where she needs to be! On a similar note, Carol Panozzo's 93-year-old mother broke her hip and had surgery earlier in the week, so she will be flying to Minneapolis tomorrow to be with her(missing our good-bye dinner with Larry and Larry!). They are taking us to Ruth's Chris Steak House to celebrate Jonathan's completion of comprehensive exams! (And to send us off to the South.) I'm sure both of these precious women would be thankful for prayers for them and for their families!
Today I met two new friends! Two-month-old Victoria Alice Whiteside welcomed me to her home in Addison this morning! (Her proud parents are Shannon and Mark Whiteside. I taught with Shannon at Oak Mountain Classical School in Birmingham, and I was also in their Christmas wedding a few years ago....) Shannon and I had a great visit and a great lunch (made by her mom!). It was fun to catch up with my sweet friend! Then this evening, Pat and Nancy (friends from Calvary Church) and I went to meet two-day-old Jackson Thomas Greer at the hospital in Elmhurst. (His proud parents are Patti and Steve Greer....sweet friends from Calvary.) So, I have been in Baby Heaven today!!
Well, just wanted to catch you up on everything here. Thank you so much for your prayers for us! We love y'all!
Love,
Julie
My "Chicago Mama," Penny Weidman, is still in Michigan with her father who will surely be with Jesus very soon. She hopes to come home before we leave, but she is certainly where she needs to be! On a similar note, Carol Panozzo's 93-year-old mother broke her hip and had surgery earlier in the week, so she will be flying to Minneapolis tomorrow to be with her(missing our good-bye dinner with Larry and Larry!). They are taking us to Ruth's Chris Steak House to celebrate Jonathan's completion of comprehensive exams! (And to send us off to the South.) I'm sure both of these precious women would be thankful for prayers for them and for their families!
Today I met two new friends! Two-month-old Victoria Alice Whiteside welcomed me to her home in Addison this morning! (Her proud parents are Shannon and Mark Whiteside. I taught with Shannon at Oak Mountain Classical School in Birmingham, and I was also in their Christmas wedding a few years ago....) Shannon and I had a great visit and a great lunch (made by her mom!). It was fun to catch up with my sweet friend! Then this evening, Pat and Nancy (friends from Calvary Church) and I went to meet two-day-old Jackson Thomas Greer at the hospital in Elmhurst. (His proud parents are Patti and Steve Greer....sweet friends from Calvary.) So, I have been in Baby Heaven today!!
Well, just wanted to catch you up on everything here. Thank you so much for your prayers for us! We love y'all!
Love,
Julie
Monday, July 24, 2006
One Down.....Two to Go!
Just a quick note to let you know that we are in the Chicagoland area this week! We arrived late on Saturday night and are staying with my "Chicago Mama," Penny Weidman and her sweet husband, Darold. Unfortunately, Penny and Darold are not here with us right now because they had to rush to Michigan to say goodbye to Penny's dying father (who is a believer). Do keep them in your prayers.
Today was Jonny's first comp (Comprehensive Exam for his Ph. D). When he got home after the test, he said he didn't know how it went. He felt really good about the first question (from 1 John), but he felt his answer on the second question (from John chapter 5) was not as strong as he would have liked for it to have been. He could've used more time! :) BUT--you are only allowed a strict 3 hours. (He typed 7+ pages today!)
His next two tests will be on Thursday 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Do continue to pray for Jonathan during this week. God has been so good to us! He has truly calmed us and helped us to understand that He is in control. Jonathan told me about a week ago that he had decided not to let himself panic! (A wonderful idea--but hard to live out!) However, Jonathan truly knows that God brought him to Trinity and that he has benefited greatly from his studies here. It is completely in God's hands now. We are sure that if Jonny passes, it will certainly be by the Grace of God---There are SO MANY things that could be asked on that test!! We are praying that God guided Jonathan's studying.....
Either way.......................come Friday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. I am going to talk as much as I want to....as loud as I want to....as often as I want to....... I have been restrained for too long! (Of course, soon I will have to be quiet so he can prepare for his classes at Westminster!) :)
Love you all! Thanks for your prayers!
Love,
Julie (Jonathan went to bed mighty early tonight.....but I'm still up!)
Today was Jonny's first comp (Comprehensive Exam for his Ph. D). When he got home after the test, he said he didn't know how it went. He felt really good about the first question (from 1 John), but he felt his answer on the second question (from John chapter 5) was not as strong as he would have liked for it to have been. He could've used more time! :) BUT--you are only allowed a strict 3 hours. (He typed 7+ pages today!)
His next two tests will be on Thursday 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Do continue to pray for Jonathan during this week. God has been so good to us! He has truly calmed us and helped us to understand that He is in control. Jonathan told me about a week ago that he had decided not to let himself panic! (A wonderful idea--but hard to live out!) However, Jonathan truly knows that God brought him to Trinity and that he has benefited greatly from his studies here. It is completely in God's hands now. We are sure that if Jonny passes, it will certainly be by the Grace of God---There are SO MANY things that could be asked on that test!! We are praying that God guided Jonathan's studying.....
Either way.......................come Friday afternoon at 4:05 p.m. I am going to talk as much as I want to....as loud as I want to....as often as I want to....... I have been restrained for too long! (Of course, soon I will have to be quiet so he can prepare for his classes at Westminster!) :)
Love you all! Thanks for your prayers!
Love,
Julie (Jonathan went to bed mighty early tonight.....but I'm still up!)
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Whew! What a Week!
Hello to all of you! (I know some of you have wondered what has happened to us since our last blog!! Sorry about that!) We did leave Northbrook on Monday morning on the 3rd. We arrived in Kentucky and got to visit lots of family! Of course, Mom fixed her yummy "company" meal for us! MMMMMMM! We got to spend lots of time with Luke and John David! (Always a highlight!!)
We left early enough on Tuesday so that we could hit Jackson, Tennessee before Chick-fil-A stopped serving breakfast! But, to our dismay, Chick-fil-A was closed for remodeling!! So, we went to Starbuck's instead. Crazily, at Starbuck's we ran into Johnna's (my youngest sister) college roommates: Ashley and Valerie! Jonathan recognized them first! We had a fun little conversation. I have to admit, the providential meeting was better than a chicken biscuit!
We got to Mississippi and within minutes, Aunt Ju Ju was playing Polly Pockets with Lizzie and Anna! We grabbed all of our stuff from the storage unit and moved into our upstairs bedroom at the Smiths' house! (And yes--Keri did repaint her nursery a nice neutral color! She felt guilty putting Jonathan in a pink room!)
On Wednesday evening, we got the call that Johnna was in labor! So, since we were already packed......we jumped in the car and drove to the hospital in Huntsville, Alabama! (For those of you that don't know....my sister Johnna married Jonathan's brother, Aaron. They were, at this point, one week overdue!)
As we were leaving, Lizzie was quite alarmed that we were already leaving so soon! But I assured her we would be back to play more dress-up and Polly Pockets later in the week!
We left early enough on Tuesday so that we could hit Jackson, Tennessee before Chick-fil-A stopped serving breakfast! But, to our dismay, Chick-fil-A was closed for remodeling!! So, we went to Starbuck's instead. Crazily, at Starbuck's we ran into Johnna's (my youngest sister) college roommates: Ashley and Valerie! Jonathan recognized them first! We had a fun little conversation. I have to admit, the providential meeting was better than a chicken biscuit!
We got to Mississippi and within minutes, Aunt Ju Ju was playing Polly Pockets with Lizzie and Anna! We grabbed all of our stuff from the storage unit and moved into our upstairs bedroom at the Smiths' house! (And yes--Keri did repaint her nursery a nice neutral color! She felt guilty putting Jonathan in a pink room!)
On Wednesday evening, we got the call that Johnna was in labor! So, since we were already packed......we jumped in the car and drove to the hospital in Huntsville, Alabama! (For those of you that don't know....my sister Johnna married Jonathan's brother, Aaron. They were, at this point, one week overdue!)
As we were leaving, Lizzie was quite alarmed that we were already leaving so soon! But I assured her we would be back to play more dress-up and Polly Pockets later in the week!
On our 3-hour trip to Huntsville, we had a flat tire (my first flat tire with Jonathan)! God was so sweet to us---It happened just before we reached a gas station, right before dark, and right between rain storms! We arrived at the hospital around 10 p.m.
Catherine Ashley Davis was born at 10:20 p.m. on July 5th! She was 7 pounds 8 ounces (not totally sure) and the perfect length (again, not sure!). She has Johnna's lips (so that's just like my lips!) and she has Aaron's nose (possibly like Jonny's?) She was just tiny and BEAUTIFUL!!!! We fell in love with her instantly! Jonny made the comment, "So this is what a Davis-Green baby looks like.....I wonder if this will ever be us...." That was the only heart-wrenching moment for me....Other wise it was pure bliss! We are so very excited about our new niece! This makes us Uncle Jonny and Aunt JuJu for the 9th time! Can you believe it? We can't!!
We had great visits with Jonny's parents (Gilbert and Jane); Matthew (Jonny's oldest brother) and his wife Melanie and their three children (Will, Alex(andra), and Sophie); and Andrew (Aaron's twin) and his girlfriend, Katie. We also had great visits with my mom (Joyce) and my sister Jennifer, her husband Al, and their two precious children Luke, and John David; and my sister Joann and her husband Scott and their precious child, Austin. We all did a great job of sharing Catherine Ashley! We even let Johnna and Aaron hold her some!
We got our tire fixed (actually two tires!), and we left early Friday morning so we could get back to Memphis to close on our land! We bought our two acres without a hitch----It is mind-blowing how fast we spent $30,000! Afterwards, I wanted to go and grab a blanket and sit on our land, but Jonny was not too in to that......(!) So, we just drove by it really slowly! :)
On Friday, Keri and Andrew headed with their family to Florida! They are spending the week at a camp called RYM--and you have NEVER seen so much stuff packed into a van in your life! It was quite comical to watch Andrew stuff every nook and cranny of that van! Alone for the weekend, Jonny and I did our own thing. Jonny studied and studied. I painted window sills and cabinets (this will make Keri happy!). On Sunday, we visited South Woods Baptist Church on Germantown Road in Memphis. We had a great visit, and we were VERY impressed with the theology and the pastor. We met a couple who knew both Johnna and Daniel (Jonny's brother) from Union! We will be visiting several churches in the Memphis area.....HOWEVER.....we are pretty certain we will be joining St. Patrick's Church in Collierville. We have visited this church MANY times with Keri and Andrew.......and it will be EXTREMELY hard to beat. (And yes, St. Patrick is a Presbyterian church. We can discuss all of that later...... :))
After church, Jonny decided we should go and eat at Corky's BBQ on Poplar! MMMMMM! Great decision! Pulled Pork BBQ and rolls will now be our new replacement for the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza! (However, it cannot ever really replace it!!!)
Tonight I am typing this at St. Columba Retreat Center in Bartlett, Tennessee....just outside of Memphis. Jonathan and I are at a GREAT conference to train us in the Classical Christian model of education! Several Westminster teachers are here, and the leader this week is James Daniels. He is the Upper School Administrator at Westminster (so he is Jonny's boss). FYI--James and his wife, Larissa, have bought Keri's parents' house! They will be our neighbors on South Slayden Road in Mississippi! (We are starting a Westminster compound!!)
Well, I must close. This entry has become way too long! Thanks for reading all the way to the end! Love to you all!
Love in Christ,
Julie (and Jonathan)
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Tomorrow is the Big Day!
Tomorrow morning (Monday) at 5 a.m. we plan to leave Northbrook and drive out of Chicagoland! We will hopefully arrive at my Mom and Dad's house in Kentucky by lunch time. Jonny and I will stay in Kentucky overnight--visiting mom, dad, my sister Jennifer, her husband Al, and their two children--Luke (2 yrs) and John David (1 month), my grandmother, and her husband Billy.
It is very strange that we will be leaving Chicago only to return in 3 weeks for Jonathan's comps. However, when we return, we will be Mississippi residents. There are so many mixed feelings resulting from this move! We were so excited, but then our hearts became very heavy as we have spent the last month saying goodbye to so many people that we dearly love.
Today we said goodbyes to our sweet Calvary family. We got cards and flowers from the sweet children at church, a generous check from the congregation, and an embroidered blanket that says "Sweet Calvary" on it ! We had a very wet picnic after church--but it didn't even hinder any fun! We had a great day together.
We surely will miss our church family--they have been an instrument that God has greatly used in our lives over and over and over! I love what Rick (our pastor) said this morning---He said that we have worked hard for the kingdom together, side by side, and that is what true fellowship really is.....not just picnics!
Well....we are scrambling to pack all of our things. (Darn the History Channel!!--While here at the Panozzos we have discovered and have fallen in love with the history channel. I am now an expert on all kinds of things: tanks, Roman architecture, the Revolutionary War, Benjamin Franklin, DaVinci.........) We are both moving slowly tonight due to George Washington crossing the Potomac!
Pray for our journey! May God use our trip for His glory!
Love,
Julie (for both of us!)
It is very strange that we will be leaving Chicago only to return in 3 weeks for Jonathan's comps. However, when we return, we will be Mississippi residents. There are so many mixed feelings resulting from this move! We were so excited, but then our hearts became very heavy as we have spent the last month saying goodbye to so many people that we dearly love.
Today we said goodbyes to our sweet Calvary family. We got cards and flowers from the sweet children at church, a generous check from the congregation, and an embroidered blanket that says "Sweet Calvary" on it ! We had a very wet picnic after church--but it didn't even hinder any fun! We had a great day together.
We surely will miss our church family--they have been an instrument that God has greatly used in our lives over and over and over! I love what Rick (our pastor) said this morning---He said that we have worked hard for the kingdom together, side by side, and that is what true fellowship really is.....not just picnics!
Well....we are scrambling to pack all of our things. (Darn the History Channel!!--While here at the Panozzos we have discovered and have fallen in love with the history channel. I am now an expert on all kinds of things: tanks, Roman architecture, the Revolutionary War, Benjamin Franklin, DaVinci.........) We are both moving slowly tonight due to George Washington crossing the Potomac!
Pray for our journey! May God use our trip for His glory!
Love,
Julie (for both of us!)
Sunday, June 25, 2006
What a Party!!
Jonathan and I just got back home from our completely fabulous party at the Dolans' home in Northfield! (FYI--In case you don't know, Diane Dolan is our repceptionist at St. Norbert School! AND she is one of my very favorite people ever!! She also helped me decorate my kitchen!)
Diane's party was complete with water balloon throwing, egg tossing, sack racing, basketball playing, zip-line zipping, trampoline jumping, and moonwalk walking (and crashing!). It rained all morning---and we were all a little concerned about the weather, but it ended up being BEAUTIFUL!
Lots of hugging and talking and laughing--and a little bit of crying.....(okay, sometimes there were lots of crying!)....Plenty of food and drinks. It was such a great day of visiting with everyone! Jonny met a LOT of people--He really enjoyed himself!
At the end of the party, we watched a precious video of St. Nobert folks, the kids quoted memory verses and sang songs......and THEN Diane had the song Auld Lang Syne play---and the kids filled a basket with cards and contributions to the Davis "Adoption Fund!" (Just like It's a Wonderful Life!) It was quite an overwhelming moment!
I have certainly had the time of my life with my family at St. Norbert! So many of you said to me today that God had used me in the lives of your children and family--Words which blessed my heart to hear. But please know that God has truly poured out His grace to us today through you and your great love for us! We are truly humbled at your generosity and kindness to us!
We love you dearly!
Love,
Julie
p.s. If you ever do pop on this site--be sure to leave us a comment, so we know who is keeping us with the Great Adventure of Mr. and Mrs. Davis! We would love to chat!
Diane's party was complete with water balloon throwing, egg tossing, sack racing, basketball playing, zip-line zipping, trampoline jumping, and moonwalk walking (and crashing!). It rained all morning---and we were all a little concerned about the weather, but it ended up being BEAUTIFUL!
Lots of hugging and talking and laughing--and a little bit of crying.....(okay, sometimes there were lots of crying!)....Plenty of food and drinks. It was such a great day of visiting with everyone! Jonny met a LOT of people--He really enjoyed himself!
At the end of the party, we watched a precious video of St. Nobert folks, the kids quoted memory verses and sang songs......and THEN Diane had the song Auld Lang Syne play---and the kids filled a basket with cards and contributions to the Davis "Adoption Fund!" (Just like It's a Wonderful Life!) It was quite an overwhelming moment!
I have certainly had the time of my life with my family at St. Norbert! So many of you said to me today that God had used me in the lives of your children and family--Words which blessed my heart to hear. But please know that God has truly poured out His grace to us today through you and your great love for us! We are truly humbled at your generosity and kindness to us!
We love you dearly!
Love,
Julie
p.s. If you ever do pop on this site--be sure to leave us a comment, so we know who is keeping us with the Great Adventure of Mr. and Mrs. Davis! We would love to chat!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
My First Blog!
Hi y'all! I'm blogging!! I am hoping this will prove to be a great way to keep in touch with all of our dear friends and family from Chicago to Birmingham to Nashville to Dallas to Kentucky!
As of today, we have a little over a week left in the Chicago area. We are currently living with our dear friends, the Panozzos, and will soon be heading to our new home in Mississippi. We will be living with our friends, Keri and Andrew Smith and their 3 precious daughters, for probably a year. In the spring of 2007, we plan to build a home on a 2-acre lot just a "stone's throw" from their home in Mississippi.
Email us to get our address! We would love to hear from you!
662-252-6009 (Home number)
901-734-5996 (Cell number)
Our email addresses will stay the same:
jonathanadavis@juno.com
juliedavis@juno.com
Please keep in touch!
As of today, we have a little over a week left in the Chicago area. We are currently living with our dear friends, the Panozzos, and will soon be heading to our new home in Mississippi. We will be living with our friends, Keri and Andrew Smith and their 3 precious daughters, for probably a year. In the spring of 2007, we plan to build a home on a 2-acre lot just a "stone's throw" from their home in Mississippi.
Email us to get our address! We would love to hear from you!
662-252-6009 (Home number)
901-734-5996 (Cell number)
Our email addresses will stay the same:
jonathanadavis@juno.com
juliedavis@juno.com
Please keep in touch!
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