It seems like this wonderful Christmas season flew by. I feel like I just got our Christmas decorations up and now I have to take them down. This was the most relaxing and enjoyable break in a long time! It was so nice to spend so much time as a couple!
Christmas Eve we worshiped with our church family as we reflected on what Christmas is all about. We then enjoyed Long Horn with my family. That night we opened stockings and Noodle loved her new treats that she found in her stocking. Christmas morning we got up and did our gifts sitting by my favorite Christmas tree. We later went to my parents for the annual gifts, Christmas game (Let's Make a Deal was this years game), breakfast, lunch, and fun! The favorite gift of the day was the HUGE alarm clock we gave Adam so that he will wake up when his alarm goes off. Of course this was the favorite gift for everyone else b/c I am not so sure how much Adam actually liked it. Later that afternoon we drove to Rock Springs to spend a few days with Rando's parents. Rando enjoyed learning about his new rifle and going to the range to shoot it. I enjoyed relaxing and having little to no responsibilities!
Saturday our great friends Mark and Christi came to spend the night and go to church with us on Sunday. We got to see their 9 month old, Natalie, all grown up (last time we saw her she was 2 weeks old). She is a precious baby, but I must say it was very eye opening to us as we realized how big of a commitment children are. I think after the weekend we both agreed that as much as we love Natalie and the other babies in our lives we are still okay that it is just us in our family. Of course there is always Noodle too :o). Noodle wasn't too sure of the baby. She was very patient with Natalie and became more comfortable as the weekend went on.
This New Years was the first since 1999/2000 that we spent the evening just the 2 of us! We usually get together with all of our friends from Rome, but this year we have scheduled that for February. We enjoyed a wonderful evening of just spending time together playing GameCube and Rummicube.
As 2008 begins, we are ready for all that this year will bring. 2007 was such a wonderful year for us, but we are ready for what God has ahead of us! Along with the usual get fit resolutions, it is my goal to not work as much and find ways to spend more time with Rando.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and families! We pray that you are blessed this year!
4 Acres
Our 1 Year Olds!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Is it really December?
Oh my! I can't believe it has been over 2 months since I posted. Life has absolutely been crazy. We went straight from having softball about 2 nights a week to having Christmas parties and other seasonal activities several nights a week. Hopefully after New Years things will settle down. I have to run cook (I don't get to do that too often anymore), but I wanted to post our Christmas letter (one of the drafts anyways) for those of you we do not have addresses for. I usually do a letter b/c we have so many family members that we do not see and they are always asking what has been going on in our lives. We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!
Letter:
Dear family and friends,
It is hard to believe Christmas is already upon us! This year has flown by. God has been so good and has blessed us in so many ways this year – as always! This year started off as a hectic one. Rando was in the process of interviewing and waiting for background checks, and I was working diligently on my Masters. Last Christmas was so busy that we were unable to send out Christmas cards much less letters.
In mid-January we were thrilled that Rando had been offered a job at Hebron as Associate Pastor of Recreation. This brought a mixture of feelings. We love our students at Walker and miss seeing them weekly, but Hebron is family to us! I am blessed to be able to worship and sit with my grandparents, sister, and my best friend and her family every Sunday morning. Many lifelong friendships have been rekindled! This has truly been a blessing!
Rando loves his job! He enjoys working with a variety of people in the church and community. He also loves the friendships and working relationships he has with the pastors and staff. It is truly a fun and rewarding place to serve! Of course with Rando being a recreation pastor we have gotten ourselves involved in the leagues. Rando played in the men’s softball league while I played in the women’s. We will not discuss how those seasons went, but by the time we got to coed softball we were back in shape (well, kind of)! Rando also just wrapped up playing flag football. He stays busy organizing adult softball and basketball leagues while assisting with the youth leagues. It has been enjoyable for both of us as we get to serve our Lord through one of our passions – sports!
Again this year we enjoyed many sporting events. We ended last year by splurging at the last second (40 min. before game time) on Chick-fil-A Bowl tickets! What a night! We had fun cheering on the Gym Dawgs for Valentine’s Day. We enjoyed learning more about hockey at Thrashers’ games, and of course we spent many spring and summer nights at Turner Field. This fall we have enjoyed Bulldog Football. Rando got to go to Vanderbilt and THE Georgia/FLORIDA GAME! Yes, I am a little jealous, but he deserves it. Not to mention one of us has to stay home and work. Chip (Rando’s boss and good friend) was so nice to take us both to the UGA/W. Carolina Game. We had a great time and even got to visit Adam’s dorm. For Thanksgiving, Rando took his parents and Aunt Debbie to the Falcons/Colts game – or should we just say the Colts game! They had a great time!
This summer was exciting for many reasons! Rando spoke at the college/career retreat in Ft. Walton, and we were able to spend time with some incredible young adults. While we were there we visited with our great friend from college, Josh Vess. A few weeks later I finished my Masters! What a relief! We then spent a relaxing week in the mountains at a beautiful cabin known as The Blessing! The name says it all! We are so grateful for our friends who opened this home to us for much needed refreshment!
Our family is doing great! Noodle, our 4 legged baby, is as sweet as ever. She even loves sporting her UGA jersey and her flashy red toe nails (thanks to our new groomer)! Rando’s parents are serving on staff at Oakwood, Rando’s home church, and they continue to see lives changed. They stay busy leading ministries at the main campus and several satellite campuses! My parents are busy serving at Hebron as God continues to amaze us! Just the other week we saw over 10,000 people come onto the HBC campus over a 3 night period for a wonderful family event – Christmas on the Corner (the live nativity and marshmallow roasting were our favorites)! This year dad rode his bicycle to Jacksonville, Fl for the UGA game, and mom has been busy as an Assistant Principal at Riverside Elementary. Dana graduated college in May and is spending this Christmas season helping make sure boys and girls across Gwinnett County have a wonderful Christmas. God is using her mightily! Adam is a sophomore at UGA and is serving on the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries) leadership team. He also loves cheering on the DAWGS! Our grandparents are also doing well. I was blessed to get to see my grandmother in Florida for Thanksgiving and her birthday. We are so grateful for such godly families who love and encourage us daily!
This coming year promises to be a busy one! Please be in prayer for Rando as he prepares to travel to China in April! We love you all and are so grateful for your friendship and prayers! You have all touched our lives in a special way! We hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
Rando and Amanda
Letter:
Dear family and friends,
It is hard to believe Christmas is already upon us! This year has flown by. God has been so good and has blessed us in so many ways this year – as always! This year started off as a hectic one. Rando was in the process of interviewing and waiting for background checks, and I was working diligently on my Masters. Last Christmas was so busy that we were unable to send out Christmas cards much less letters.
In mid-January we were thrilled that Rando had been offered a job at Hebron as Associate Pastor of Recreation. This brought a mixture of feelings. We love our students at Walker and miss seeing them weekly, but Hebron is family to us! I am blessed to be able to worship and sit with my grandparents, sister, and my best friend and her family every Sunday morning. Many lifelong friendships have been rekindled! This has truly been a blessing!
Rando loves his job! He enjoys working with a variety of people in the church and community. He also loves the friendships and working relationships he has with the pastors and staff. It is truly a fun and rewarding place to serve! Of course with Rando being a recreation pastor we have gotten ourselves involved in the leagues. Rando played in the men’s softball league while I played in the women’s. We will not discuss how those seasons went, but by the time we got to coed softball we were back in shape (well, kind of)! Rando also just wrapped up playing flag football. He stays busy organizing adult softball and basketball leagues while assisting with the youth leagues. It has been enjoyable for both of us as we get to serve our Lord through one of our passions – sports!
Again this year we enjoyed many sporting events. We ended last year by splurging at the last second (40 min. before game time) on Chick-fil-A Bowl tickets! What a night! We had fun cheering on the Gym Dawgs for Valentine’s Day. We enjoyed learning more about hockey at Thrashers’ games, and of course we spent many spring and summer nights at Turner Field. This fall we have enjoyed Bulldog Football. Rando got to go to Vanderbilt and THE Georgia/FLORIDA GAME! Yes, I am a little jealous, but he deserves it. Not to mention one of us has to stay home and work. Chip (Rando’s boss and good friend) was so nice to take us both to the UGA/W. Carolina Game. We had a great time and even got to visit Adam’s dorm. For Thanksgiving, Rando took his parents and Aunt Debbie to the Falcons/Colts game – or should we just say the Colts game! They had a great time!
This summer was exciting for many reasons! Rando spoke at the college/career retreat in Ft. Walton, and we were able to spend time with some incredible young adults. While we were there we visited with our great friend from college, Josh Vess. A few weeks later I finished my Masters! What a relief! We then spent a relaxing week in the mountains at a beautiful cabin known as The Blessing! The name says it all! We are so grateful for our friends who opened this home to us for much needed refreshment!
Our family is doing great! Noodle, our 4 legged baby, is as sweet as ever. She even loves sporting her UGA jersey and her flashy red toe nails (thanks to our new groomer)! Rando’s parents are serving on staff at Oakwood, Rando’s home church, and they continue to see lives changed. They stay busy leading ministries at the main campus and several satellite campuses! My parents are busy serving at Hebron as God continues to amaze us! Just the other week we saw over 10,000 people come onto the HBC campus over a 3 night period for a wonderful family event – Christmas on the Corner (the live nativity and marshmallow roasting were our favorites)! This year dad rode his bicycle to Jacksonville, Fl for the UGA game, and mom has been busy as an Assistant Principal at Riverside Elementary. Dana graduated college in May and is spending this Christmas season helping make sure boys and girls across Gwinnett County have a wonderful Christmas. God is using her mightily! Adam is a sophomore at UGA and is serving on the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries) leadership team. He also loves cheering on the DAWGS! Our grandparents are also doing well. I was blessed to get to see my grandmother in Florida for Thanksgiving and her birthday. We are so grateful for such godly families who love and encourage us daily!
This coming year promises to be a busy one! Please be in prayer for Rando as he prepares to travel to China in April! We love you all and are so grateful for your friendship and prayers! You have all touched our lives in a special way! We hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
Rando and Amanda
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Busy!
Well, as you can see we have been very busy! Rando has been busy working and playing ball. I have been busy with school work, my ESOL endorsement class, and playing ball. We are enjoying playing coed softball together! At least we are together at the ball fields instead of having games on different nights and only passing each other.
Our weekends are full with watching or attending GA games, cleaning house, family things, or date nights! In September we went to the UGA / Western Carolina game. Chip (Rando's boss and friend) gave us the tickets! We had a great time hanging out with Chip and then getting to go to Adam's dorm afterwards! Last weekend, Rando and Chip made the drive to Nashville to see UGA take on Vanderbilt.
Update on things at school:
Things are finally settling down. My new students have adjusted well and are in the swing of things. After a scare that she was going to be teaching at another school, my friend Chrissy got a job in 3rd grade at our school (replacing a teacher that left). I know the teachers that have been displaced and in transition appreciate the prayers and support of the county. Most everyone is finally getting settled into the new jobs and making the best of things for the remainder of the year.
Well, hopefully it will not be as long between posts. It took a friend reminding me how long it had been since the last post.
Have a wonderful week!
Our weekends are full with watching or attending GA games, cleaning house, family things, or date nights! In September we went to the UGA / Western Carolina game. Chip (Rando's boss and friend) gave us the tickets! We had a great time hanging out with Chip and then getting to go to Adam's dorm afterwards! Last weekend, Rando and Chip made the drive to Nashville to see UGA take on Vanderbilt.
Update on things at school:
Things are finally settling down. My new students have adjusted well and are in the swing of things. After a scare that she was going to be teaching at another school, my friend Chrissy got a job in 3rd grade at our school (replacing a teacher that left). I know the teachers that have been displaced and in transition appreciate the prayers and support of the county. Most everyone is finally getting settled into the new jobs and making the best of things for the remainder of the year.
Well, hopefully it will not be as long between posts. It took a friend reminding me how long it had been since the last post.
Have a wonderful week!
Friday, September 14, 2007
School has gotten the best of me and I have neglected our blog!
WOW! It is hard to believe that it has been 3 weeks since I last posted. So much has gone on since then.
First, we celebrated Rando's birthday. Somehow he always manages to get a whole weekends worth of celebrations (but he deserves it)! On Thursday, the 30th, the two of us enjoyed a quiet dinner at Texas Roadhouse. On Friday night, we enjoyed a Braves game with his parents. We had a lot of fun. It was his parents first trip to Turner Field! His parents were able to spend the night. Mrs. Acres spoiled us with a cake and all!
Tito and the Gunshow - Live (The guys who wrote the Mark Texiera tribute)
Enjoying the game
Rando's parents after their first (and hopefully not their last) game at Turner Field
I returned the favor and ordered fireworks for Rando's birthday. Wasn't that nice of me?
Rando's birthday cake - Those of you who know me well, know I didn't make it. I never even think to buy birthday cakes.
Saturday, Rando went to lunch with his parents and then we watched the first UGA game at the house and relaxed. Sunday, we went to Fogo de Choi with my family to celebrate Dana, Adam, and Rando's birthdays. We ate enough for a week. We also saw Yunel Escobar and Brayan Pena (pictured below). The valet parking guys said that Edgar Renteria was also in the restaurant. We have learned the Braves love to eat meat because three years ago when we went we saw Julio Franco.
Brayan Pena at Fogo de Choi - Notice our dinner in the window!
Labor Day, I enjoyed one last hot day in the pool and then we cooked out with my family.
The last week and a half have been a roller coaster ride. First, I was honored as a finalist for teacher of the year which was a BIG surprise (our wonderful Media Specialist won). Then, we learned we were losing 4 kindergarten teachers and 4 kindergarten parapros (along with 6 other staff members). First, it looked like it wouldn't be me. Then, it looked like it was possibly going to be me. Finally, I learned that I was safe by only 13 - 15 days. My interview date was May 14th and one of the other teachers interviewed the end of May. It is so hard to see our friends have to pack up and leave. Two of my closest friends, Leila and Chrissy both had to leave kindergarten at Magill. Leila has to go to a new school. Chrissy will be able to stay at our school in another position, but it is said to be temporary. I am praying that Chrissy will be able to stay. She is my biggest encourager at school, and we do so much together! I know watching the news it does not seem like it is a big deal, but when you watch your friends hurt and have to wonder what is going to happen next it is a big deal.
This coming week will be hard as we transition. I will get new students on Thursday. Please be praying for all of the Gwinnett County teachers affected by the under projection. Even though all were promised jobs many are not working in positions they feel comfortable in. Some teachers will now be working in schools across the county and away from their own children. There are also a lot of students who are having to move to new classes. This can be scary for many of them - especially our young kindergarten students.
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
First, we celebrated Rando's birthday. Somehow he always manages to get a whole weekends worth of celebrations (but he deserves it)! On Thursday, the 30th, the two of us enjoyed a quiet dinner at Texas Roadhouse. On Friday night, we enjoyed a Braves game with his parents. We had a lot of fun. It was his parents first trip to Turner Field! His parents were able to spend the night. Mrs. Acres spoiled us with a cake and all!
Tito and the Gunshow - Live (The guys who wrote the Mark Texiera tribute)
Enjoying the game
Rando's parents after their first (and hopefully not their last) game at Turner Field
I returned the favor and ordered fireworks for Rando's birthday. Wasn't that nice of me?
Rando's birthday cake - Those of you who know me well, know I didn't make it. I never even think to buy birthday cakes.
Saturday, Rando went to lunch with his parents and then we watched the first UGA game at the house and relaxed. Sunday, we went to Fogo de Choi with my family to celebrate Dana, Adam, and Rando's birthdays. We ate enough for a week. We also saw Yunel Escobar and Brayan Pena (pictured below). The valet parking guys said that Edgar Renteria was also in the restaurant. We have learned the Braves love to eat meat because three years ago when we went we saw Julio Franco.
Brayan Pena at Fogo de Choi - Notice our dinner in the window!
Labor Day, I enjoyed one last hot day in the pool and then we cooked out with my family.
The last week and a half have been a roller coaster ride. First, I was honored as a finalist for teacher of the year which was a BIG surprise (our wonderful Media Specialist won). Then, we learned we were losing 4 kindergarten teachers and 4 kindergarten parapros (along with 6 other staff members). First, it looked like it wouldn't be me. Then, it looked like it was possibly going to be me. Finally, I learned that I was safe by only 13 - 15 days. My interview date was May 14th and one of the other teachers interviewed the end of May. It is so hard to see our friends have to pack up and leave. Two of my closest friends, Leila and Chrissy both had to leave kindergarten at Magill. Leila has to go to a new school. Chrissy will be able to stay at our school in another position, but it is said to be temporary. I am praying that Chrissy will be able to stay. She is my biggest encourager at school, and we do so much together! I know watching the news it does not seem like it is a big deal, but when you watch your friends hurt and have to wonder what is going to happen next it is a big deal.
This coming week will be hard as we transition. I will get new students on Thursday. Please be praying for all of the Gwinnett County teachers affected by the under projection. Even though all were promised jobs many are not working in positions they feel comfortable in. Some teachers will now be working in schools across the county and away from their own children. There are also a lot of students who are having to move to new classes. This can be scary for many of them - especially our young kindergarten students.
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
2 Crazy Weeks
Well, I am now 2 weeks into the school year, and I am exhausted! I have enjoyed getting to know my students and their families. I only have 14 at this point so it has been nice to be able to give more attention to each child. My prayer for this year is that I will allow Jesus to show Himself through my life to my students, their parents, and my coworkers.
This year I am in several leadership positions at work. God has blessed me with these opportunities as it is my longterm goal to be in administration. I have faced some very stressful situations, but God has been there with me guiding me and molding me to be more like Him through it all! I have learned so much in the last 3 weeks. I have learned more about totally depending on God and seeking His word. I have also learned a lot about leadership - including the downsides!
This coming week will be an exciting one for us. Rando turns 28 this week! The end of the week will be full of birthday celebrations. We will go to dinner just the two of us. Go to the Braves game on Friday night. Of course on Saturday we will be watching the GA game. Sunday we will be celebrating Rando, Dana, and Adam's birthdays with my family. As you can see, this will not be a good week for dieting!
We are so grateful for wonderful friends and family. We pray that you are able to get rest and refreshment this weekend!
This year I am in several leadership positions at work. God has blessed me with these opportunities as it is my longterm goal to be in administration. I have faced some very stressful situations, but God has been there with me guiding me and molding me to be more like Him through it all! I have learned so much in the last 3 weeks. I have learned more about totally depending on God and seeking His word. I have also learned a lot about leadership - including the downsides!
This coming week will be an exciting one for us. Rando turns 28 this week! The end of the week will be full of birthday celebrations. We will go to dinner just the two of us. Go to the Braves game on Friday night. Of course on Saturday we will be watching the GA game. Sunday we will be celebrating Rando, Dana, and Adam's birthdays with my family. As you can see, this will not be a good week for dieting!
We are so grateful for wonderful friends and family. We pray that you are able to get rest and refreshment this weekend!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Back to School
Well, as I type I am realizing that I cannot stop what tomorrow will bring! First thing in the morning I will have crying 4, 5, and 30 year olds at my classroom door. It is always an exciting and exhausting day! For those of you who know how bad my first day was last year I know that it can only be better this year! I am excited about this group of students! God has entrusted me with these students. I pray that I will have an impact on their lives!
This last week was extremely busy. Rando and I barely saw each other in passing many nights. Between softball games and me working late it was crazy. We were blessed to be able to enjoy Thursday evening together at the Hebron community movie. Friday night we relaxed and then Saturday we enjoyed some time with my friends from work Leila and Chrissy (and Leila's husband Andy). I was excited that I actually branched out and tried some new foods. Here is a picture of me and my friend Chrissy! I am extremely excited about teaching next door to her this year. We have a lot in common and whenever I need to escape the pressures and get a good laugh I know I can go to her room.
I hope that all of you have a good week! It seems like this is a busy time of year for everyone (especially those of you with kids).
In HIM,
Amanda
This last week was extremely busy. Rando and I barely saw each other in passing many nights. Between softball games and me working late it was crazy. We were blessed to be able to enjoy Thursday evening together at the Hebron community movie. Friday night we relaxed and then Saturday we enjoyed some time with my friends from work Leila and Chrissy (and Leila's husband Andy). I was excited that I actually branched out and tried some new foods. Here is a picture of me and my friend Chrissy! I am extremely excited about teaching next door to her this year. We have a lot in common and whenever I need to escape the pressures and get a good laugh I know I can go to her room.
I hope that all of you have a good week! It seems like this is a busy time of year for everyone (especially those of you with kids).
In HIM,
Amanda
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Last weeks of summer
Well, Rando has already started his annual song of "summer is over". Needless to say this always makes me ill! I love my job, but I love the time at home and extra time with him. He has also enjoyed reminding me that starting this coming Friday he will be the one kicking me out of the bed as he gets to sleep late!
I have tried to make the most out of these last 2 weeks of summer. I have had several softball games (we finally won a game - woo hoo). I have also worked a lot in my classroom. It is coming along, but there is so much still to do. I am in a new classroom which I am very happy about, but it takes extra work to move and reset everything up.
Below are some pictures from the highlights of my last 2 weeks!
I enjoyed lunch last Saturday with a dear high school friend Kelly. When we get together it is like we have never skipped a beat. I loved hearing about her little boy and how great her family is doing.
Last Wednesday I went to the Braves game with some friends from work. We had a great time laughing and watching some baseball. Of course the funniest part of the night was our shirtless Indian friend (he was drunk and creepy)! We also almost witnessed a fight right in front of us. It was a little scary. I did finally see the Braves win a game after going to 5 or so games where they lost.
Thursday night it was back to the Braves game for me. Dana, the Cohoon girls, and I rode down to Atlanta to make sure we got the free Brian McCann shirts. Rando and Byron joined us later! We had a great time! It is so fun to hang out with my husband, sister, and great friends. Brittany and Byron have become our double date partners! I have known Brittany since she moved to Georgia about 13 years ago, and we are good friends with Byron from our time in Monroe. Enjoy these fun pictures from our LONG night at the Braves game (it went 14 innings)!
Finally, yesterday I spent the day laying in the pool trying to get some sun (oops - I got a little too much). Mom, Dana, and I swam and laughed for hours. Somehow we convinced dad to go get some meat to grill so we could swim more and not have to get dried and dressed to go out to eat. Rando came over and all 6 of us enjoyed hamburgers and all the fixings (well, Rando and dad were hoping for Campton, but we girls and Adam enjoyed the burgers).
I cannot delay the inevitable anymore. It is so hard to believe that it is time to go back. Where did the summer go?
Have a great week!
I have tried to make the most out of these last 2 weeks of summer. I have had several softball games (we finally won a game - woo hoo). I have also worked a lot in my classroom. It is coming along, but there is so much still to do. I am in a new classroom which I am very happy about, but it takes extra work to move and reset everything up.
Below are some pictures from the highlights of my last 2 weeks!
I enjoyed lunch last Saturday with a dear high school friend Kelly. When we get together it is like we have never skipped a beat. I loved hearing about her little boy and how great her family is doing.
Last Wednesday I went to the Braves game with some friends from work. We had a great time laughing and watching some baseball. Of course the funniest part of the night was our shirtless Indian friend (he was drunk and creepy)! We also almost witnessed a fight right in front of us. It was a little scary. I did finally see the Braves win a game after going to 5 or so games where they lost.
Thursday night it was back to the Braves game for me. Dana, the Cohoon girls, and I rode down to Atlanta to make sure we got the free Brian McCann shirts. Rando and Byron joined us later! We had a great time! It is so fun to hang out with my husband, sister, and great friends. Brittany and Byron have become our double date partners! I have known Brittany since she moved to Georgia about 13 years ago, and we are good friends with Byron from our time in Monroe. Enjoy these fun pictures from our LONG night at the Braves game (it went 14 innings)!
Finally, yesterday I spent the day laying in the pool trying to get some sun (oops - I got a little too much). Mom, Dana, and I swam and laughed for hours. Somehow we convinced dad to go get some meat to grill so we could swim more and not have to get dried and dressed to go out to eat. Rando came over and all 6 of us enjoyed hamburgers and all the fixings (well, Rando and dad were hoping for Campton, but we girls and Adam enjoyed the burgers).
I cannot delay the inevitable anymore. It is so hard to believe that it is time to go back. Where did the summer go?
Have a great week!
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