Christmas 2014

Patrick cutting down a HUGE Christmas tree at Uncle Mark's.  It was tough getting it on the truck, but we did it!

It looked so incredible in our new home!

Visiting Alison, Will, & the girls in late December at their home in Eaton Rapids, MI.

Patrick putting together one of my presents, a shelf unit!

Christmas Day lunch at the Ruhl's.

Our gift to Gail was painting and fixing up Patrick's old room.  It was fire engine red but now it is a nice neutral beige color.  Here is Payrick replacing the light switch. Will taught us how to replace the electrical outlets as well.

Parkway Townhouse to Thomas Jefferson Road

    On December 5th, 2014 we closed on our first house!!! My Mom was out Realtor and was so helpful and supportive as we looked for a house.  My Dad helped us inspect and decide what home was the best option for us.  We LOVE our new home and wanted to document what our old townhouse was like.  Here are some photos!

Parkway Townhouse:

View when you walk in the door at #9. 

Living room.

Kitchen/dining room and backdoor.

Kitchen/laundry room.

Awesome pantry!

Downstairs bathroom.

Upstairs - I always wanted to live in a home with an upstairs.  :)

Our bedroom.

Upstairs bathroom.

Spare room.

Our House on Thomas Jefferson Road:

More pics of the inside after we take down Christmas decorations!

Last Minute Buck

     Patrick went out yesterday not having seen a buck big enough to shoot all season long and was lucky enough to get a chance at this one with his bow.  It was his last hunt of the year.  More meat for the freezer!

Christmas 2014

    We did our family Christmas on Christmas Eve.  Ruby LOVED her stocking.  Inside were several new toys and a pig ear (most favorite).  Patrick and enjoyed giving our gifts to one another.  We worked on some projects around the house (leaky toilet in the guest bath) and even made our first trip to Home Depot as homeowners!  Andrew and Emily stopped by on their way to the airport to fly back to Charlotte and our parents also stopped by.  We joined my family at Battle Ground United Methodist Church for the Christmas Eve Service.  I love, love, love the "Passing of the Light."  Everyone has a candle, we sing Silent Night, light the candles one by one, and turn off the lights.  It is so beautiful to sing by candle light.  After we got home, we opened my new DVD "The Nativity" and watched it by the firelight.  It was a magical night!

     The next morning my family came over for waffles.  Patrick was the chef and made blueberry, strawberry, cinnamon roll, and regular waffles to order.  My Dad also brought bacon.  Yum!!  After that we exchanged gifts.  My family got Patrick his smoker!!! He is super excited to get that up and running, or smoking I guess you would say.  Another top gift was the coffee maker that my sister found for my mom.  It does a small pot of coffee or you can do Kcups- the best of both worlds!  My Uncle Bob and Aunt Gale came, as well as my cousin Jeff and his son, Jeffery, to enjoy a turkey dinner.  A lovely time indeed.

    After everyone left, Patrick and I worked on the bird puzzle that his mother, Gail, had gotten him for his birthday.  We worked on it together for about two hours, but then I cuddled Ruby while Patrick finished it.  A fun and relaxing evening to an exciting day.  :)

Defending!

Patrick defended his Master's Thesis today at Purdue University!

Patrick is ready to go!

Patrick and his major professor, Dr. Dunning.

Preparing for his presentation.

Patrick and his parents, Gail and Joe.

My Dad, Bill Jones, and Patrick wait while his committee confers.

The dedication page.

Jen's 25th Birthday

Today in my 25th birthday!  At school my team gave me a card and a (very large!) cupcake.  Mrs. Janice Skinner, who is a paraprofessional in my room, gave me some beautiful flowers and a sweet card.  After school we had a picnic cookout at The Battlefield in Battle Ground.  I had a perfect birthday!

My sweet gifts at school.

My Dad, Bill, and my dog, Ruby, hang out at the Battlefield in Battle Ground, IN.

My First Day of School... As a Teacher!!!

Today was my first day of school as a Kindergarten teacher at Mayflower Mill Elementary.  I was SO NERVOUS.  It was an exhausting day.  Even though I am now at home, I cannot stop smiling.  :)

First day of school photo!

My sweet friends and family sent me flowers!

Jen's Florida Trip - Day #3

     

      On Friday morning of our Florida vaca the girls and I took our time getting ready.  Around mid-morning we packed up and left for the beach!  I was super excited to drive out to Sanibel and Captiva Islands.  Unfortunately the bridge has a toll ($6!!), but it was so exciting to drive over the water!  I spotted many boats and little islands out in the water.  It was also really fun to look at all the beautiful beach houses.  

     We decided to visit Bowman's Beach on Sanibel. Once we arrived and set up our umbrellas I took a dip in the water because it was HOT!  The scenery was so beautiful and natural.  There were many different species of gulls, terns, and other birds flying around.  I was wishing that Patrick was there to help me identify them.  Next we enjoyed the sandwiches we had packed for lunch.  After that we just relaxed!       

 

 

 

 

 

     Back at the condo we showered, changed into comfy clothes, and settled down for a quiet afternoon movie.  We rented the comedy "That Awkward Moment."  At first I was not too impressed, although the movie did turn out to be funny and the ending was sweet.  For dinner we had our Il Pomodoro leftovers.  Thankfully, I remembered to take a photo of the dish because I forgot to take any at the restaurant!    

 

     After dinner we went out for ice cream at The Love Boat.  They have tons of flavors and all the ice cream is made in-house.  I chose oreo ice cream in a chocolate dipped sugar cone.  It was SO GOOD!!! A perfect end to a perfect day!