Jenkins Memories

Moving...

2010-07-30T15:31:00.002-04:00

We're not moving but my blog is moving I moved, check me out over here...(http://morethanthread.wordpress.com/)

Quilting

2010-03-01T20:30:00.004-05:00

I know it's been a while since I've written. But, I thought I'd start writing about the quilting and sewing I'm doing.

After a two and a half years of my sewing machine staying in it's box, Ross convinced me to pull it out. And somehow that lead to me quilting. I love doing it, so relaxing and fun. Here's some pictures of the first quilt I made after gettin my machine out. I made it for Lorren's 2nd little girl Hailey.

Since then I've made another and have enough to make 4 more, I can't wait!

Rugged Squares Quilt

One of The Squares

Back, I Love This Fabric!!!

Enjoy!

Our Money Makeover

2009-06-04T21:59:00.006-04:00

Like I said in my previous post I'm done with school and Ross and I were so excited about being able to spend more time together. Summer is our time to be with each other more because our schedules line up more. But, we've found we're not getting that this summer, sadly and gladly. Gladly because we are doing Dave Ramsey. Last summer I found from Melissa's blog the Grocery Game. Ross and I have loved it! We buy tons of groceries for $50 a week and eat whatever we want. The key is to use coupons and combine them with sales and get it when it's cheap and you don't need it. Best thing that ever happened to our grocery budget!!! But, back on track. They have a forum where every one talks about more ways to save. While on there I kept hearing about Dave Ramsey and his book Total Money Makeover. Everyone on there kept talking about how they were paying off all their debt and never borrowing again. They were talking about how they were living financially free and not living paycheck to paycheck. I wanted to know more, it seems like that was Ross and I's life, paycheck to paycheck. We just figured it was because we were young. But, there were people I was talking to that were our age, no debt, and living financially free. So, I told Ross about Dave Ramsey and told him I wanted to read the book. Needless to say here we are doing Dave Ramsey. Ross has devoured both his books in less than 48 hours. We are working our butts off to pay off all our debt. Which isn't that much and should be done by the time I start school, probably way earlier. The crazy thing is we finished reading Total Money Makeover and felt stupid because the advice is sooo easy!! So, Ross is working at Leith and working for Wake Forest Awards and Engraving (the business the couple I nanny for own). I'm working as a nanny for Liam still and picking up as many shifts as I can at the Twisted Fork. We're not doing anything we don't need that takes money because everything is going towards debt, yes we are crazy! But, we are doing it!!! One loan down and 2 to go. We can't wait to be debt free and be able to give like never before. We've decided that we'll be here in Youngsville until we pay off the house in seven years. At least that's that goal! Now that we've read Dave's book we've promised each other never to go into debt again because God says "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." (Prov 22:7)! It's freeing to think of not having half my income go to pay people. Here's his steps, and where we are. I'll post periodically to show where were at. But, our goal is to have step 2 done by Aug 20th, 2009!! Even though we don't see each other much, this is bringing us together more and strengthening us so much!!

Dave's Steps..
1) Save a $1000 emergency fund (or take savings down to $1000) -DONE-
2) Pay off all debt (from smallest to largest, except the house) -1 down, 2 to go-
3) Save 3-6 months of an emergency fund
4) Invest 15% of your gross income into Roth IRAs or 401ks
5) College Funding for kids
6) Pay off home early
7) Build wealth and GIVE GIVE GIVE!!

Hokie Pride In the House!

2009-06-04T21:33:00.006-04:00

Well I haven't said anything in a while and just want to say we are alive and well!! School has finished, we were excited that we would be able to do more work on the house. Yall remember that we started on the Hokie room after Christmas (here). Now the maroon and orange room is 99% done. I'm so excited because it's looking great! The only thing we have left is to put another coat or two on the main wall and put some white molding up between the maroon and orange. Our goal is to get it and the kitchen done by Father's day when mom, dad, Renee, and Christian come to visit. However, we are running into a problem with the kitchen...do we paint it the color we have (an orange) or change the color. If there is one thing we have learned in the house it is not to pick colors and buy paint until AFTER we move in. Here's some pictures of it.

Taped out for orange

Taped out

Orange 1st coat

First Coat Orange

My part done!

Done

Trim and Orange done!

My part done! (Trim and Orange)

The Overseers! They slept and I worked.

As for the list....

1. Finish wood in closets.
2. Killz kitchen
4. Paint hall, entry, and kitchen
5. Look for tile because it's the next major project
6. Finish front bedroom

One thing off the list...many to go.

Two Wonderful Years

2009-04-13T18:19:00.015-04:00

We're not dead, I promise. Just been really busy. We just celebrated our 2nd year of being married. Let me tell you it's been wonderful! I wouldn't trade being married to Ross for anything in the whole wide world!! We didn't get to celebrate the actual day (April 1st). Come to think of it I only saw Ross for 3-4 hours on our actual anniversary since it was a Wednesday. But, we went camping that weekend. We left for Uwharrie National Park at 9pm on Friday night. The Jeep was packed! I mean nothing else was going to fit. But, we had everything we needed, plus some!! Like last year we celebrated by going to Uwharrie and taking our Jeep around on all the 4WD trails out there. Last year we pure red clay mud. It was not fun!! Plus, we did have anyone to ride with. Well this year was totally different!!

After setting the tent up by headlight we got some sleep (This year we were warm!!). Saturday we got up cooking bacon, eggs, and toast for breakfast and then hit the trials. We met a guy and his fiance out there and they came with up. We did the easier trails (Wolf Den and Falls Dam) because his Jeep was stock, but it was fun. His fiance didn't like the drops that came with some of the trails and had to get out. But, I had a blast and so did Ross. Nothing got borken, bent, or hurt on Satuday. We didn't wheel all day so we didn't wear ourselves out. But, we did a food 3-4 hours of it. Then we got to hang out at the camp site and have hamburgers for dinner. Ross managed to get some fire wood together and we built a nice camp fire!

Camp

Our Jeep on 3 wheels.

Les and his fiance's Jeep on 2 wheels.

Camp at Night.

Sunday came and we meet up with some of the members of CORE (an offroad Jeep club). Ross is part of an Offroad Jeep Club called Durtyrok. One of the members of CORE happened to invite the durtyrok members. So off we went that day. We started on a intermediate trail (Rocky Mt Loop). There was a Rubicon (Bob's Jeep) in front of us that was lower then ours, and if he did something on the trial and made it so did we. It was a blast!! Halfway through we parked for lunch and watched some of the other guys play on Kodak Rock. While there we tried to fix one guys heat soak problem (gas kept gettin too hot and boiling) and another guys break problem. This was their first run of the year, and they were trying to get everything worked out. After that we headed off again. The guy with the heat soak ended up gettin pulled out and having to go home because the Jeep wouldn't stay on. But, the rest of of headed out the hardest trail in the park, Daniel. Last year, we got on this trail somehow and never made it up the first hill. We've done NOTHING to the Jeep since then and I never thought we would do it. We weren't going to but Bob (the Rubicon) was going to. So off we headed in our Jeep. Mind you we were running the trail backwards but it's still the hardest one. It started with a huge hill climb on solid rock and we made it fine. The view from the top was amazing!!! From there we had to go down. There was 3 ways we could go, and all included lots of big rocks and walls of dirt almost touching each side about as high as the Jeep. I wish I had a picture to do it justice. It was a blast going down!! More fun the coming up, when all was doen I swore we broke something, Ross told me we haded then a tire promptly slid off a rock and the front passanger side fender when into a pine tree. It was dented real good. But, our first damage and it was nothing. Ross looked at me and told me now he had an excuse to get the highline kit and flat fenders. We continued down the trail through more gullies, over a ton more rocks, until we get to this switch back. That's where we dented the gas tank skid. But, that's what a skid is for right? The first drop we came down with a hard BANG...and hit the skid and the hitch. There was one more obstle we went through fine and we were done. We had survived and finished Daniel!!!! I was in disbelief and wanted to do it again. But that was the end of wheeling on Sunday, we headed back for some ice cream and snacks, which I'm pretty sure ended up being dinner. That night we meet a husband and wife couple at the campground and ended up chatting with them, and the camp host for a number of hours! The couple was there to wheel too, so Monday morning we went out with them.

Airing Down

The Whole CORE/Durtyrok Crew

Fording a Stream (Beginning of Rocky Mtn Loop)

Rocks we went over

Us going over above rocks.

Kodak rock

Before Brian's Jeep broke down

Brian's jeep gettin hooked up to be pulled down the trail, his daughter came to wheel with him.

The first hill climb in Daniel (The hardest trail)

Stuck in a mud hole on Daniel

So we helped pull him out by being an anchor.

We weren't enough, so we hooked up Bob's Jeep

The top of Daniel

Going down, this doesn't do it justice!

Our damage

Sunday night it rained a little so we weren't too sure about how much mud was on the trails but we went out anyways. It wasn't too bad, we did the whole Rocky Mountain Loop and then Falls Dam backwards. Rocky Mountian we had no trouble with, the rocks were slick so there was no way they were going to make it up Kodak Rock, and we aren't tall enough yet. Once we got onto Falls Dam it go muddier and there was one spot we had to be helped up a rock ledge because the rocks were so slick. Funny thing is it was the same spot we had trouble with last year when it was wet and muddy!! We didn't stay out long it was gettin muddier and neither them, nor us are fans of mud. So we headed back and packed up and headed home. After showers and new clothes we ended our weekend with our Anniversary dinner at Outback Steakhouse. I loved our weekend and wouldn't have spent it any other way. I can't wait until June to go back out to Uwharrie!!!

Wheeling in the rain

Getting help over the slippery rock ledge

Over the ledge, but tires full of mud!!

Ned's Jeep and Our Jeep

The mud hole we will NEVER go in!!!

If you want to see all the pictures we took go here.

Snow Day

2009-01-21T23:41:00.006-05:00

If finally snowed in NC!!! It was only 3.5 to 4 inches, but Ross got off of work and so did I. So it was a nice day spent together. Something that seems rare lately. Ross went out with the Jeep looking for people to pull out of the ditch or just put back on the road. But it seemed every time someone went off the road they abandoned their car right then. So he had no luck pulling people out, but he did have fun driving around. And found lots and lots of ice. When he got back we went out to the store. I had some good deals that were ending and I needed to get. So Ross brought me to Teeter and we went on our short shop. When we got home we played the Wii and just hung out. It was nice just to be with Ross all day long. He did beat me at Wii bowling twice, I got him once, and tennis a few times. But that's ok I'll get him next time! :-D The wind was blowing so some spots in the yard had a foot and some spots had 4 inches. Here are some picture of when we were out and our house.

Our House

Our House 2

One of the main roads.

Main road

The main road was iced over.

So that was the major snow storm of 2009. Yes I know it's nothing big to you northerners but to us it's a lot. But I don't think the ice is something I would like to play with or drive on.

GingerBread House

2009-01-08T21:11:00.007-05:00

Last year Ross and I's small group had a gingerbread house contest and we loved making one. I spent all day on the one last year and here's how it turned out.

Us and our house.

The beach and front.

The side.

The side.

The back.

Well this year they didn't have that contest but I wanted to make one anyways. So Renee, Christian, Ross, mom, and I sent out to make one. It didn't work out to well. It ended up caving in on us because we didn't make the gingerbread thin enough or bake it long enough. Next year we know to make it thinner and bake it longer. But here are some picture of us making it.

Cutting everything out

Baking everything.

Putting the house together. It was 1ft 4 inches long, 1 ft deep and 1 ft tall.

Roof construction

Putting the porch on.

Ross and Christian making windows, notice the torch Ross uses!

Window installation crew.

Freezing the windows.

Windows in and half the porch on.

All parts of the roofs are on and chimneys.

Putting the shingles on.

The chimneys and gable done.

What the house looked like right before the cave in.

Then this happened, complete cave out I should say, not even near done and well no amount of icing was gonna fix this, the gingerbread wasn't hard enough. We'll know for next year.

New Years

2009-01-08T20:49:00.002-05:00

New Years Ross mom, dad, sister, and Justin (our nephew) came down to visit. We loved spending time with them and having our second Christmas. They got here right before Ross got home and we had Christmas all over again. Thank yall so much for everything you gave us, it was such a blessing!!! That night Ross got to try out his chocolate milk mixer and we played the Wii we got from mom and dad Jenkins until the ball dropped. Then we watched the ball drop and apparently Raleigh has a acorn that drops at midnight too. So we watched both of them drop gave New Years kisses and went back to playing the Wii. New Years day was spent playing games and talking. We had waffles for breakfast and French Dip sandwiches for dinner. The cats again enjoyed sleeping all day, who knew when people come they would sleep and when people left they would be going crazy again!!!
That night was spent playing the Wii to see who was the best at bowling and tennis. Ross went to bed with a sore arm he said. But, I have to say he picked out some really good Mii's to put on our Wii. You'll have to come over and see, we even have Jesus as a Mii....not sure how good that is but, he's there.
They left after breakfast the next day, right before Ross headed off to work. Then it was time to clean up and for me to go to work that night. We had a wondeful time visiting with yall and thank you so much for come to see us!!! Sadly we didn't take any picture while they were down.

Christmas

2009-01-08T20:24:00.007-05:00

This year was our first Christmas at our house. So we had everyone come visit us and it was great!!! Mom, dad, Renee, and Grandma all came down for Christmas day and then Christian showed up the next day. Everyone showed up late on the 23rd and they had two cars worth of stuff!!! I guess that's what happen when you have to move tons of presents. So in the matter of a few minutes out tree went from one present under it to overflowing with presents and our stocking went from empty to full!!! We had a blast, we went out on Christmas eve to pick up a few things, plus it's my dad's tradition that's when you do your shopping. I have to say though I am glad I don't shop on Christmas Eve, it was crazy out there!!!! Then we came home and hung put until Ross got home from work. Dad made homemade bread while I did homemade cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. We were so excited he got off early (4pm), but he did have to go in early that day too (8am). Then we headed to NorthWake for Christmas Service. It was very different but the children basically put on our whole service, telling the story of Christ's birth through songs and reading parts of the Bible. Ross and I agreed we never knew that NorthWake had so many talented kids!! Everyone loved it and they got to meet some of our friends!! That night we came home and made chicken marsala for dinner. O it was delicious!!! And had goodies for dessert, there were tons in the house at that time!!! And just hung out the rest of the night. O and can't forget playing with the cats.

Christmas morning we all woke up and ate homemade cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting, they were really sweet but really good. And then opened presents. The cats were going crazy with all the paper and bows to play with. They had their tuna for Christmas and enjoyed every last bite of it! Both licked the bowl clean!!! Ross and I had a great Christmas, everyone blessed us so much!! (Thank you very very much for everything). Ross started the turkey in the rotisserie and mom started the fixings. It turned out fantastic!!! Christmas dinner was delicious and couldn't have gone better with the Ukrop's fudge pie mom and dad brought. This was about the time the cats feel asleep and they didn't get up for at least 24-48 hours...I think we tired them out!!! That night we started on the gingerbread house since Christian was gonna be there the next day to help us with it.

the next couple of days were spent just working on the gingerbread house and hanging out, both days everyone was still here we got to eat lunch with Ross which was great to get to hang out with him that extra time. But all in all it was a great Christmas and we loved seeing everyone. Thanks for coming down and spending it was us!!

Mom and dad got us a bookshelf while we were shopping (Thanks again). Ollie was helping Ross put it together on Christmas Eve.

Our Christmas Tree

All the stocking (l to r - Mine, Renee's, Christian's, and Ross').

Ozzy Christmas day playing with the ribbon.

Ollie didn't like us putting a bow on his head.

Dad opening his gift from mom.

Grandma got a picture frame with picture in it from Meme.

Renee's sweater from Aunt Lynda.

Ollie with his ribbons.

Ollie got to tired to play with his ribbons.

That was our Christmas and we loved it!!! Can't wait for next year.

House progress

2009-01-08T19:51:00.006-05:00

December's goal was to get the front bedroom painted. Well it's half painted and the extra bathroom only had trim left on it (I know I haven't done my job). With all my family and then Ross' family coming down for Christmas and New Years we needed to get the front bedroom at least livable. It was the only room in the house that still smelled disgusting!!!! So off to work we went...well more like Ross went cause I was baking. But, he did amazing!!! He started by putting a second coat on the extra bathroom. All I have left is the trim in there. Then he killzed and put 3 or 4 coats on the bedroom. It amazes me that a dark paint takes 3 or 4 coats to cover the wall and make it look like the actual color. When a light coat of paint only takes 1 or 2 coats. You'd think it be opposite. But, now the pink bedroom only has the trim and orange to go. You guessed it that room in the majority maroon with the top six inches being orange (GO HOKIES!!!). We offically have half of our Virginia Tech room done. I only have a few pictures, I thought I took more but must not have so here's the few I have.

The walls getting as smooth as we can get them.

Killzing the pink away!!!!

Killzing the pink

Killzing

Killzing

The Maroon

See the top orange isn't done yet.

Still needs another coat of maroon.

Notice the blue tape is still not gone, I really have to get on this project.

The bright teal-blueish color...not sure how to explain it.

Mom got us bright yellow bath mats (Thank you again mom)

The shower curtian Ross's mom gave us went perfect (Thank you so much)

As for the list....

1. Finish wood in closets.
2. Killz kitchen
4. Paint hall, entry, and kitchen
5. Look for tile because it's the next major project
6. Finish front bedroom and trim in bathroom

So that's 3 things crossed off and 1 thing added. Not bad.

Christmas Baking

2009-01-08T19:41:00.004-05:00

Yall know how I love to bake well, here's what I got made this year....

What I have left to bake is...
*Three batches of chocolate chip meringue cookies
*7-layer brownies
*Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
*Chocolate Chip cookies
*Whoopie Pies
*Butterscotch brownies
*Peanut butter balls
*Two batch of fudge

I think that's everything, basically I've been doing lots of baking and enjoying every minute of it. Evey year I love doing this, it a stress relief from exams. Plus, all of our friends get to enjoy some baked goods. I baked and Ross painted the week before my parents, sister, and grandma arrived. Here's some of what I baked...

Chocolate chip cookies

Peanut butter balls

Marshmallow swirl fudge.

7-layer brownies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Small Group Christmas Party

2009-01-08T18:52:00.004-05:00

As we do every year our small group had their Christmas party, complete with games and white elephant. It was lots of fun, though this year we didn't do the gingerbread house contest. We all made something and got together with at the Coombs and hung out. The first game we played was with dice...not it wasn't a gambling game. Brandon and Jess had wrapped up a present in duck tape, clear tape, and everything you could think of. Then everyone had their turn at rolling dice, if you got doubles then you had to put on winter gloves and a scarf and open the present. Everyone kept rolling dice till someone got the the middle. Stephnie ended up gettin the prize, it was a Reindeer Pooper. Then we had white elephant gifts. Ross and I came home with a welcome sign and a huge coffee mug. But there were things from tomato shower caps to games to sweets. Ross and I brought an FBI Crime solving kit and a tin of my baked goodies.

Jenn & Kate opening the baked goodies.

Cole got a turkey decoy, good for a hat.

Jason and his tomato shower cap

Jessica got Ross's FBI kit

Lorren got a picture of Josh Carroll and then it was stolen by Allen (he wanted the frame...right)

Wreath Making

2008-12-13T14:05:00.005-05:00

One of the girls in our small group invited us over to making wreaths for Christmas. She got everything for us and her mom taught us how to do everything. I didn't do things the typical way, we were suppose to use 2 of the same color ribbon, well oops!!! I had two ribbons that matched good but were not the same patterns. But I loved it!!! It took forever to get everything in the right place and secure it down. But, I think mom was doing a wreath class the same time I was working on my wreath so that was cool. Plus, it was nice just to hang out with the girls and talk!! All the wreaths turned out amazing!! And what's nice is they'll last for a few years (hopefully more), because they are the fake ones. I think next year I want to make a real one for the front door, but one year at a time right? Ross and I still aren't sure where the one I made it going, Possibly above the fireplace, maybe not. We'll figure it out tonight. For now here's pictures of it hanging on the door stopper in our room.

Thanks so much Jessica for helping us do this and opening your home!!!

Christmas Decorating

2008-12-13T13:42:00.007-05:00

We have decorated our tree for Christmas. Ross and I agree that this is the first time in many years we are both excited about Christmas coming. Last year was fun but it just didn't feel like Christmas. Maybe it's because we were in the apartment and we had to travel. but, this year everyone is coming to see us and we're really excited. Our house is almost all decorated. And I'm baking tons of goodies!! The day we did our tree Ross got most of the lights on, and again we had just enough. And I put the ornaments on. I had to run to the store a few days later and get some candy canes because out tree was missing some. Sadly there was no tinsel on our tree but we don't want our kitty's to get sick. We can't wait to get some presents under the tree but for now it looks really pretty all lite up and decorated!!!

Gettin the lights on

First ornaments on

All light up and halfway done

Side all done, minus candy canes

All done, except the candy canes

Complete with candy canes and all!!!

The beginning of decorating our mantel.

Finished product!

What the cats did while we decorated!

Mom, Renee and I have already made up what we are having for Christmas dinner!! Rotisserie turkey, mashed spuds, sweet potato casserole, and so much more!!! I can't wait. Plus I'm making homemade cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning. It's a tradition you have to have cinnamon rolls Christmas morning. I'm so excited!! Christmas Eve service we're going to be going to North Wake....I've wanted to go since we moved (I know it's only been one year in NC) so I can't wait to see the kids play and everything. It'll be really nice to see all our friends at service on Christmas Eve and for my parents to meet them again.

Here's what I've baked so far, and what I have to go....

Choclate fudge

Beginning of peanut butter balls

Pumpkin bread (Lorren and I made for our neighbors)

Chocolate chip meringue cookies

What I have left to bake is...
*A second batch of chocolate chip meringue cookies
*7-layer brownies
*Haystacks
*Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
*Chocolate Chip cookies
*Whoopie Pies
*Gingerbread Cookie

Possibly list..
*No Bake Cookies
*Easy fudge Brownies
*Chocolate Pretzel rods
*Caramel Apple Cookies

I also have to bake and huge gingerbread house before Christmas Eve because my sisiter and I are putting one together!!! I'm so excited, and I will take lots and lots of pictures. Small group is not having a contest but they got me hooked on huge elaborate gingerbread houses...this year being no different. So keep checking for pictures of that after Christmas!!!

Last I am happy to say the cats have yet to climb the tree! They hate the smell of orange so we put something that smells like orange at the bottom of the tree, worked so far. I hope it works till we take it down. And they are showing no intrest in the hanging stockings, which I am greatful for!

School's OUT!!!

2008-12-13T13:33:00.002-05:00

Well like the title says I'm done with my fall semester. The final two weeks were killer and I know it's only God that got me through exams!!! I am happy that one half of my Old Testament is done!!! I learned a lot though that I wouldn't have known before about how the Ole and New Testaments connect so well. I'm taking a small break and then I have to start writing 2 papers that are due the first past of January. This January I'll be taking 1 2 week class. I'm excited about it because it's Counseling Theory, it's about everything I learn at Tech except from the perspective of the Bible. Other then that I'm just really excited God got me through another semester and I only have until May of 2011 until I graduate!! God has truly blessed Ross and I so far though many people who are helping us pay for school. Thank you so much! We pray He continues to bless us in this way!!!

Family Thanksgiving, Part 1

2008-12-13T12:51:00.002-05:00

For Thanksgiving this year Ross and I got to go up to Pennsylvania to see my dad's side of the family. It's a blast, tons of people in my Meme and Pepe's house and tons of really good food to eat. We left on Tuesday night after Ross got off work to drive to my parents house and stay the night. It was nice to break up the trip. so we pulled in to their house around 1am. Ross had his pizza dinner and to bed we went. We got up at 6am and got out of Richmond by 8am. On our way we picked up Renee and Christian and got them in the Jeep (still not sure how Christian fit but he did). We pulled into Meme and Pepe's around 4ish I think. About the time mom and dad pulled in. That night was lazagana. And I made a cheesecake for Thanksgiving day.

Cheesecake into the fridge.

Thanksgiving day we were up at 8ish, because the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade comes on and you have to watch the whole thing...it's a Thanksgiving tradition!!! So all the cousins and grandma and others piled into the tv room for 3 hours to watch the parade. It's just not Thanksgiving if you don't watch the parade and plus Christmas music can't play until Santa crosses Macy's square! We also did some house warming and apartment warming gifts. Meghan got her first apartment while she is in grand school and the Ross and I's house.

Watching the parade.

Opening house warming gifts. (Thank you Aunt Darlene and Gerard and Thank you Uncle Ron, Aunt Anita, Meghan, & Ryan!!)

Apartment warming gifts.

After the parade we worked on a Gingerbread house, well Meghan, Mel, Renee, and Christian. It turned out great!!! Renee finished it that night I think...

Starting...

Finished!

Go to the nest post for the rest, blogger didn't like all my pictures.

Family Thanksgiving Part 2

2008-12-13T12:48:00.008-05:00

The next day Ross, Dad, Renee, and Christian went out to shoot skeet. They each got to shoot about 4 time Ross said, sadly I had to work on a paper...that's what I did over break. I heard Dad hit one, Ross was really close to one, and never got a report about Christian and Renee. Here's some picture of them shooting....

Renee Shooting

Dad shooting.

Ross Shooting

Ross Shooting

Christian Shooting

I think the best part was meeting Mel (Meghan's boyfriend) and Gerard (Aunt Darlene's boyfriend). Ross and I've heard so much about them but never meet them. It was great!! Aunt Darlene brought her homemade chocolates, which were fantastic!!! Meghan and Mel even brought a fruit basket...(I have to say the pineapple flowers were the best).

Aunt Darlene and Gerard

Meghan and Mel

Us (Ross would like to say he got dressed first and I copied him)

And the family pictures....

Sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner

The whole family minus 14 who couldn't make it (We Missed Yall). We kept teasing Pepe he was gonna have to add on the house soon to fit everyone.

Ross and I stayed until Monday, on Saturday he went out in his Jeep around Meme and Pepe's property and took some pictures but again I had to write a paper. Sunday we just watched HGTV all day with Meme and Pepe, it was nice to do nothing for a change, o and I worked on my paper!!!

On Monday we got in the car and took the trip home, 11 hours later we got out and arrived at our house. On the way we saw two accidents that completely closed 2 major highways (81 & 95). Ross managed to get pictures out the window of the Jeep.

What we came upon on 81 in West Virginia.

Two 18 wheelers down an over pass onto another road.

It looked like one pushed the other down and they both went in, but we don't know

95 completely empty on the north bound side south of Petersburg in Virginia

Sorry it's fuzzy it was gettin dark, but a 18 wheeler ran into the back of a few cars that were stopping because of a previous accident. Not sure if anyone lived. The cab of the truck was completely burned.

So that was our Thanksgiving, we can't wait to do it again!!!

Small Group Thanksgiving

2008-12-13T10:51:00.022-05:00

Our small group put on a Thanksgiving meal the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It was awesome to get together with everyone and just hang out and eat good foo everyone cooked. We had 2 turkeys, one that was smoked and Ross and I did one in the rotisserie. There was gravy, gravy, and more gray, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, mac and cheese, stuffing and so much more. In the dessert area we had cupcakes, carrot cake, hot fudge pudding cake(what I made), and so much more. It was so good!!! There was so much to be thankful for, but, Ross and I agree this group we got into is something we really have to be thankful for!! We love being with them and having them challenge us in our walk with God. It was nice just to hang out with them and laugh . Everyone went home full and there were plenty of left overs to freeze!!! Thank yall so much for pushing us in our walk with God and thanks Allie & Ethan for opening your home to us!

During that time we even got to pray for the small group we just birthed, it's a blessing to birth new groups because that means our chruch is growing so much. But at the same time I'm gonna miss those friends when we meet on Sunday's!! Brandon, Jessica, Josh and Cora I pray God blesses your group and mulitiply it!

Ollie and Ozzy

2008-12-13T10:51:00.014-05:00

So our cats are growing. We were in PA for Thanksgiving and showing my Meme and Pepe pictures of the cats from when they first entered the house until now and we realized just how much they have grown!!! Ollie has become the really skinny cat but still eats a ton!!! He's exactly like his mom who was really skinny. And Ozzy has become the bigger (but not fat) cat, guess we need to get him to run more. This month we decided to let them in our room when we're home because we're going to be moving the couch we were protecting to the living room soon. We'll they have done great!!! Neither are scratching the cough and neither are interested in it really. No instead Ozzy's favorite spot is on our window still. He'll come in and if the blinds aren't open he'll stand there meowing at them until they are. It's so funny. Then he's content there for a number of hours!!! Ollie on the other hand, he's in the room and on our bed laying down watching whatever we are doing. Or if the tub is still wet he's in there playing with the water and drinking it.

Both on our window still

Ozzy's favortie spot at night, on the rug in our bathroom.

Ollie's spot on our bed.

Ollie has become the social playful cat and Ozzy is always sleeping (as I type he's asleep on the bed) or starring out windows , I guess he's entered cat mode faster. They are both a hoot and completely tore our house up over Thanksgiving, taught us not to leave them alone for so long!!! So far they have yet to climb the Christmas tree or take down the stockings.....and we know they won't climb the tree. Ross found out that cats naturally hate the sent of orange so on the bottom branches is a cloth with Pledge Orange glow sprayed all over it. They won't go under the tree, they'll just walk the outside where we put a bell ornament for them to play with. Plus, they have plenty of bags and things to play with on the ground!!! Ross and I are so excited for Christmas to see what they do with all the paper and bows for them to play with!

His new perch on our extra computer screen.

We gave them a well needed bath before Thanksgiving, they were not happy with us. Ozzy hated all of it and cried through it all. Ollie on the other hand didn't mind the wather but hanted the soaping up part. Our attempt to make them hate the kitchen sink didn't work...but they were clean!!!

Ozzy gettin clean

The evil eye after his bath.

Them heating each other the dry.

Apparently Ross' hoodie was nice and warm.

One of their favorite place to be is in the garage, but one can't be out there without the other (we think if they are separated they wouldn't know what to do). Well if the Jeep is warm Ollie loves to get on the hood of it and lay there. Ozzy never knows where he goes and is trying to go in and out the house to find him. One night this lasted 2 hours!!! So we thought it would be funny to honk the horn and see what happened....

Ollie on the Jeep

First Snow

2008-12-13T10:51:00.013-05:00

We got our first snow that stuck in Wake Forest on Nov 21. We had a day where it flurried for about 5 minutes a week before that. But now it is back to the 60s. I really want a white Christmas but I guess we moved the wrong direction, further south. Should have moved to the mountains, they've got lots of snow!!! Right now the forecast for this week is mid to upper 60s. Two days ago we had the heat off and windows open because it was the 70s!!! Then again you never know if it'll snow....I'm prying for a white Christmas at least!!! The day we got snow I woke up about 6:15am (had a 7:30 class) and it was still falling, the cats were at the sliding glass door looking out like what the heck is that. If you picked them up and put them down they would go right back to the back door. I took some pictures, but by the time Ross got up at 9-9:30ish it was all gone!!! That day I wish we had a screened in porch to put them on so they could touch it. Here's some pictures of the snow.

Out the front door.

Out the back door.

School

2008-11-08T13:42:00.003-05:00

What can I say about school, it's busy. October seems like I never got a rest, hence all these posts coming at once!! I still have a lot to do before the semester ends, but it's slowed down. I'm so excited though because Southeastern finally approved all the classes I need to graduate and be licensed by the state. I just found out a few days ago. Plus, they are all going to be offered before I need to graduate!! God is good and provides for us! That's about all that's been going on with school., just a lot of papers that were due all at once. I'm still loving it and learning a ton! Continue to pray that God will give me the drive and strength to get through this time in my life. Ross and I are finding it harder to get through this semester then before, probably because I now carry 2 jobs and school. We both really want me to be done right now, but I have 2.5 years left. Pray God would give us patience's during this time.

Our Kids Ollie & Ozzy

2008-11-08T13:41:00.005-05:00

Our kids....our kids are being crazy. They are wrestling any time they can and for hours on end!!! They've grown more and can now get on the kitchen counter, much to our dismay. :-( But they are doing great!! They are finally starting to find it interesting to chase after live bugs, they just won't kill them (We get lots of tree roaches in the house). So apparently killing bugs is still my job. And the garage is getting more interesting by the day, last night they spent a good 2 hours in there running around. Ozzy's favorite thing to do and walk around or sleep with his tongue sticking out. Here are some new pictures of them....

Ozzy has figured out how to get on top of the foldable laundry drying rack. So now I have to put it on a counter or he's up there chewing on it.

Ollie on the other hand can't get up on it.

If we are out on the deck, this is where they are sitting waiting for us to come in.

So here's what I'm talking about, Ozzy keeping his tongue out.

Them sleeping, and Ozzy with his tongue out.

We had to take the mirror out of the extra bedroom to paint and the cats were entertained by it for days. they spends hours trying to figure out where the other cat was. they would look at it and the look behind the mirror to see if they would find the "other" cat. They would even attack the mirror when they saw themselves. Here's a video of them trying to find the "other" cat.

Halloween

2008-11-08T13:40:00.012-05:00

Ross and I had a Halloween party for our small group, this was the 2nd Annual one...and it was great!! O course we had a bonfire and the guys jumped it. We had tons of food and just fun. It wasn't too cold out which was nice so we didn't freeze outside. The kids all loved the cats and the cats seemed to love chasing the kids. Everyone dressed up and had a great time. We just hang around and talked. No real games or plans. Though the guys decided to make a game of throwing acorns at anyone who walked out the backdoor. Boys will be boys! With a fire you always have to have marshmallows. So S'mores were going around. John McCain and Sarah Palin even showed up!!

Everyone had a great time, and Ross and I loved having all our friends over!!!! We love having a house to have everyone over. We'd have more people over if our schedules would allow it. Sadly at the moment they don't. Here's what most everyone was....

The best picture we have of McCain and Palin.

Kate the monkey.

Everyone arriving.

"Hi I'm a Mac" -Ross "And I'm a PC" -Kc

Laura (Bun in the oven-Only 8 or 9 weeks along) and Allen (Baker) and Claire (Lady Bug)

Kevin & Jenn (Tarzan and Jane) and Kate (Monkey)

Lorren (Pedro), Cole (Napolean) and Savannah (Liger)

Jessica (Bun in the oven-Due 3-14-09) and Brandon (Baker)

Those are all the pictures I got, :-(

A Break

2008-11-08T13:40:00.007-05:00

this past weekend we got to go to Richmond for the weekend and visit family. It was nice to get out of Raleigh for a weekend, we haven't done that in a while. Sadly I had to bring a paper to write, but it was still fun. We stayed at Mom and Dad Jenkins' house and played their Wii. I forgot how much fun and addictive that is!! Justin and Stefanie came over and we played bowling. Ross is convinced that the Wii knows when a kid is playing because it didn't matter how Justin moved to throw the ball he usually got a strike! Needless to say we all got beat by Justin and Mom Jenkins (who has prefected throwing strike on the Wii)!! Now Ross and I both want a Wii...but then again I don't know how much work would be done around here. It was so nice just to hang out and relax, well for Ross to relax. We also got to visit with Mom and Dad Singlemann. They made us breakfast Sunday morning. The fuuny thing is. I sent my phone to go off at 8am so we could get there at 9am. Well when the phone turned the time back an hour, it also turned all my alarms back at hour. So Ross and I were up and going at 7am and at my parents house at 8am. It was nice though to spend the extra time with them. Breakfast was delicious!! That afternoon Ross and I got to go to Famous Dave's....the GOOD BBQ!!!! We haven't had that in a long time, so we were in heaven. Now only to get NC to realize what good BBQ is. :-D We very much enjoyed being home, even if it was short...it'll be great when we go up to PA for Thanksgiving!!! Not to mention we are bringing the Jeep again.

Camping

2008-11-08T13:40:00.004-05:00

Ross and I want to do more camping, last time we camped was for our 1st anniversary, we took the Jeep out and went on trails with it. We had to borrow my parents tent and everything. Well in Mom and Dad's church yard sale they found a tent for us! We just decided to put it up and it's huge, well at least for us it's huge! Here are some pictures of it in our back yard. We almost slept in it one night but decided our bed was much more comfortable. Camping anyone???

The finishing touches.

Our tent!

Angle 2.

Airing it out because it didn't smell too good.

Angle 3.

Home Sweet Home

2008-11-08T13:09:00.008-05:00

Well we finally did more work on the house, it's only been ummm...well we won't go there. I got a week of in October for fall break and so Ross and I decided to do some work. Plus we had a Halloween party that we wanted certain things done for. We started with putting wood down in the entry. This was a task that took us most of the break. Who would have though that tearing up linoleum would be so hard and tedious! Ross and I decided that we would tear up carpet any day over tearing up linoleum!!! The actually linoleum came up really easy, Ross just pulled on it and it was done, out the door and in the trailer. However, the fiber board underneith, o my!!! We think the people that put it down were confinced that it they didn't put a staple every centimeter that it was going to come up! It tok a good day to get the fiber board up and then came the long long job of either taking the staples out our pounding them in! Before you could do anythign with the staples you had to get the fiber board from under it and then you could start pounding, that's the option we took, much easier. After 2 or 3 nights of me pounding we were FINALLY ready to begin the wood. That went really quick!! We got the whole entry done in a day or so, mind you there one piece left to do in the closet but other then that it's done. So our goal of gettin the entry wooded and the extra bathroom painted over break didn't happen. We still say give us carpet anyday over linoleum!!! Here are some pictures of the whole process. Plus some pictures of the cats "helping" us.

Starting to pull up the linoleum.

Ollie helping, more life checking things out and gettin in trouble.

Pulling out the molding.

The last of the stinky carpet is GONE!!!!!

Stinky carpet in the trailer ready to go to the dump.

My awesome hubby pulling up fiber board, this is about where he got fed up with it because a pry bar was needed to get it up!

Fiber board it comes up in pieces, mostly little but some big ones.

Pulling up the last of the fiber board, and beginning to pound the staples.

Laying down tar paper.

Finally starting the wood.

More wood.

Half way there.

Made it through the easy part.

Ollie helping again.

Prepping the closet.

Starting the closet.

Closet and Ozzy helping.

Done!

As the closet stands today.

Finished!!!

Killzing the bathroom

Killsing the ceiling, we've learned that all the gross smells are in the ceiling too.

Oure now teal bathroom, 1st coat of paint and how it stands today. I still have yet to do the trim.

The other wall.

What happens when you have wet paint and cats, there were paw prints all over the sink when Ollie decided to get in the paint. Luckly it was latex paint and not the killz so it came right off.

That's the house update, here's the list of what's left....

1. Finish wood in closets.
2. Killz front room, and finish kitchen
4. Paint front bedroom, finish extra bath, hall, entry, and kitchen
5. Look for tile because it's the next major project

Two more things off the list this time, 2 and a half if you could the extra bath being half painted.

I was Tagged...

2008-10-15T15:15:00.003-04:00

Well I was tagged and I tag, Allie, Rachel, and Melissa

1. What time did you get up this morning?
8:30

2. Diamonds or pearls?
I love the diamond I have and don't need anything more.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
I have no clue, Ross and I haven't been in forever even though we have 2 free tickets. Waiting for just the right movie I guess.

4. What is your favorite TV show?
The Unit, CSI, NCIS, Number, CSI: Miami (that one's on the edge though!)

5. What do you usually have for breakfast?
Cereal and Milk because you can't have any meal with out a tall glass of Milk!!!

6. What is your middle name?
Erin

7. What food do you dislike?
Brussel Sprouts and Mushy veggies

8. What is your favorite CD at moment?
Whatever is on KLOVE

9. What kind of car do you drive?
Accord, CR-V, and a Jeep (Depends on the day and what Ross wants to drive.)

10. Favorite Sandwich?
Macado's Dietrick's Delight

11. What characteristic do you despise?
insincerity (I have to go with Steph on this one)

12. Favorite item of clothing?
VT Shirts!!

13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
The beach...OBX...or a beach where no one else is there

14. Favorite brand of clothing?
Whatever is inexpensive, fits, and lasts

15. Where would you retire to?
Who knows...Ross and I have talked about the Mountains or the beach

16. What was your most recent memorable birthday?
23 - first birthday married!

17. Favorite sport to watch?
Beamer Ball (GO HOKIES!)

18. When is your birthday?
Feb 18

19. Are you a morning person or night?
night...ask Ross

20. What is your shoe size?
small, 6.5

21. Pets?
2 cats, Ollie & Ozzy....we would love a dog at some point, not now though!

22. Any new and exciting news you would like to share with us???
God's changed my heart on what roles women have in the family and I want to be a stay at home mom when we decide to adopt.

23. What did you want to be when you were little?
a computer geek (instead I just married one)

24. How are you today?
a bit stressed about school, other than that peachy!

25. What is your favorite candy?
Chocolate and Skittles

26. What is your favorite flower?
Sunflowers and Orange roses with red tips (Ross always gets them for me I don't know what they are called)

27. What is a day on your calendar you are looking forward to?
Right this instant Sunday because I get to spend time with Ross, long term Graduation day in 2011

28. What is your full name?
Kacie Erin Jenkins

29. What are you listening to right now?
Nothing, the humm of a computer and click of me typing. Which reminds me it's too quiet.

30. What was the last thing you ate?
Chewy bar, peanut butter and chocolate chip to be exact.

31. Do you wish on stars?
nope

32. If you were a crayon what color would you be?
Burnt Orange or Chicago Maroon

33. How is the weather right now?
perfect.. but wish it would be more like October weather.

34. The first person you spoke to on the phone today?
Ross at like 9:45ish

35. Favorite soft drink?
I don't like soda, but milk I can drink that all day long!

36. Favorite Restaurant?
Macado's & Jimmy Johns

37. Real Hair Color?
brown (same color it is now, I've never died my hair)

38. What was your favorite toy as a child?
don't know, Barbies maybe

39. Summer or winter?
Fall & Spring

40. Hugs or kisses?
Kisses from Ross, Hugs from others.

41. Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate unless it's a milk shake then vanilla

42. Coffee or tea?
Neither, Milk

43. When was the last time you cried?
Sometime in Aug

44. What is under your bed?
Dust bunnies.

45. What did you do last night?
Sent out invites for a party and talked to Ross when he got home, and grocery shopped.

46. What are you afraid of?
hurricanes, tornado

47. Salty or sweet?
sweet

48. How many keys on your key ring?
4 + a remote and lots of shoppers cards.

49. How many years at your current job?
6 months as a nanny, 1.5 years as a Twisted Fork server (on a off with school of course)

50. Favorite day of the week?

Sunday and Monday (the days I see Ross the most)

51. How many places have you lived in?
3 - Richmond (2 places there so 4 I guess), Blacksburg (for college), and Wake Forest

52. Do you make friends easy?
Sure...I think.

Prayer Requests

2008-10-07T14:40:00.003-04:00

Ross and I would love for you to pray for...

*Kacie would continue to get her school work done and would learn everything God would have her to.
*We would be able to spend quality time together letting God grow us as individuals and a couple.
*We would listen to God's calling as to what to do in Youngsville and Wake Forest.
*God would give us a boldness to be a witness to our neighborhood and people we come in contact with.
*God would continue to provide and we would trust in Him to do that.

Thank you so much!

Locks of Love

2008-10-07T14:37:00.005-04:00

I should have wrote about this in August since that's when I did it. But, I cut my hair really short. I hadn't cut it since before the wedding and it was finally long enough to give to lock of love. So, 10 inches got cut off. I love it now! Ross is glad he doesn't wake up with my hair in his mouth anymore, that's when you know it was just too long!!! The first few weeks it felt really weird because it was so short but I'd much rather have it this was then long. Now the debate starts about whether to keep it short or grow it out again.....hummm.

I know it's blury, but before I cut it.

How much I cut off.

The final look.

New Tool Box

2008-10-07T14:31:00.003-04:00

This month Ross had to trade in his tool box for a new one. He finally out grew his big bird yellow tool box, it's sorta sad that his new one is not as bright (it's red) but he needed a huge one. This one is just a long but much much deeper so everything fits and he's got EXTRA space, probably not for long though! We're hoping this one last a long long time!! Here are some pictures of the old one and the new.

The old one, well the best picture we have of it anyways.

The new one!!

Other then that he's enjoying work, still can't wait to get into school and learn what he truly wants to do for a living. But, now that he's switched shifts he's being challenged more and figure out what's wrong with cars. He's still trying to switch to day shift, but we both know God's going to switch him when he needs to be. So, we try to stay content and spend as much time as we can together.

For a while he was thinking about switching to BMW but decided to stay with Honda since that's what he knows and is excellent at!!

School Update

2008-10-06T10:08:00.003-04:00

Well, it is offically half-way through the semester and I'm in awe. I feel like I just started yesterday. But, it's been great. This semester I have been challenged greatly by my Thology class. We have been learning that it is Christ alone that saves you and that you can't come to a saving grace through only revelation of God in creation. I have believed other wise for any years but talking about it in class makes me realize that if people could be saved that way then what's the point of the Great Commission and missionaries. My teacher has challenged me to think about everything I believe and test it aganist the Bible.

I'll be writing a paper soon about women's role in the church. And since the church is set up the same way as the family, it'll also deal with that. Just in the last week or so my view on this has changed. I'm excited to learn more while I write this paper.

So, in essence school is going great and I'm loving all my classes and how they are challenging me to actually think beyond just shoving things in my brain for a test. Moreover, I actually made it through mid-terms alive!!! But, as usually an abundence of desserts were baked at my house. So if you know it's mid-terms and want something sweet just stop by I'm probably baking.

I'm already trying to put together my schedule for next semester and it looks like I'll be taking a lot of counseling classes to fulfill requirements for state licensing.

Baptisms

2008-10-04T13:10:00.005-04:00

The beginning of September our church did Baptisms at Falls Lake, this time we had 8 people baptized!! It's always amazing to hear everyone's story and see them get baptized. It reminds me of why Christ died for us and just how thankful I should be for His death and resurrection! Everyone goes down to the lake and has a great time just hanging out and encouraging though who just got baptized. It an amazing time to witness. Ross and make a point not to miss baptism services because it reminds us of how much God loves us. Here are some pictures from the service. This time the lake was flooded so there are some "flood" pictures too.

Singing praises to the Lord.

Larry (our pastor) talking about how Christ saves us.

Ethan (a guy in our small group) giving his testimony

Ethan getting baptized.

A husband and wife getting baptized.

One of the little girls in my class last serve getting baptized.

The flooding

More flooding.

Kitten Pictures

2008-10-04T12:39:00.006-04:00

Well my sister has been begging me to put up pictures of our kittens, and since you could consider them our kids right now I should update you.

They are growing a ton! But we don't think they'll be very big because the momma cat was pretty small. They are running around the house like crazy and will wrestle for hours on end. Guess that's what we get with 2 boys!!

Ozzy is taking a liking to bouncy balls, however when he gets them in him mouth he growls at them and hisses at them. And it's no little growl, we wonder if he's half dog when he does this. Ozzy also like to get himself stuck. This morning was hilarious because he saw a little hole between a box, the wall, and the humidifier and thought he could get himself in it. Getting in the hole ended with his butt in the air legs flailing and him stuck. I wish I had gotten a picture of it but sadly I didn't have the camera near by. I got him out though. Here's some Ozzy pictures.

Ollie, it mister curious, he won't leave anything alone till he knows what it is. Yesterday Rachel and Justin came over and he was trying to bury under Justin's hoodie to see what was there. He's also the one that does everything first, right now he's trying to jump up on all the kitchen counters. Thank goodness they aren't big enough yet!! I have to say Ollie is getting really good at the stelth attack, he's constantly suprising Ozzy when jumping on his back, especially in the kitchen. Now if only we could get pouncing down, he gets everything but hit what he actually want to pounce on, he's usually about a foot off. Here's some Ollie pictures.

There's new favorite thing to do is sit on the window still in the sun, or just star out the windows at what's going on. Their other afavorite thing is to sit in front of the computer screen while your working and chase the pointer. It's so funny but, can get anoying when you can only see the top two inches of the screen. Ross and I both agree watching them is sooo much better than cable or any TV show! Here's some pictures of both of them.

Last, here's a video of them playing with an empty Mt. Dew box, this box and a Pepsi one stayed on our floor for a number of weeks while they played with it.

Birthday Visits

2008-10-03T22:38:00.006-04:00

A few weekends back Mom and Dad Jenkins came to visit for Ross' birthday. They came down for the day and we had a grand time just hanging out. We went of to a REAL BBQ place (not the vinegar stuff) for his birthday dinner. And it was fantastic!!! Ross and I will definatly be traveling to Cary again to go to Hawg Wild! We also got to go for a walk around the neighborhood and just talk with them about the house, seminary, and what they are doing. And you can't forget the chocolate eclair birthday cake we had, yummy!!! Now it my turn to make one. :-D Needless to say by the end of the day we were stuffed and had tons of fun. The kittens, of course, were acting crazy and keeping us all laughing.

The next weekend Mom and Dad Singlemann, and Grandma came down for Ross' Birthday. This time we went out to Old Chicago, Ross was really craving a good deep dish pizza. There's hit the spot. We got to hang out and celebrate, and with another one of Ross' favorites, chocolate Ukrop's pie, it was all gone in a day or two. Now he's on a quest to find one down here. Because one just can't seem to make Ukrop's choclate pie like they do. Again the kittens were acting crazy and Grandma was loving on them so much. We just talked a hung out at the house, and looked at pictures from Renee's camping trip she had just taken.

It was sad they each could only stay a few hours, but we just look foward to next time God gives us a chance to see everyone! But, we both agree that it was nice to have everyone down and not do any work to the house. A Happy VERY Late Birthday post to Ross!

John Piper Quote

2008-09-10T20:38:00.003-04:00

On Sunday the sermon at NorthWake was on the prosperity gospel. Ross and I loved listening to Larry talk. He did a great job and then left us with this quote by John Piper. That got me to really think about what he said.

"I don't know what you feel about the prosperity gospel. The health, wealth, and prosperity gospel. Bit I tell you what I fell about it...HATRED! It is NOT the gospel! It's being exported from this country to Africa and Asia. Selling a bill of goods to the poorest or the poor. Believe this message, and your pigs won't die and your wife won't have miscarriages and you'll have rings on your fingers and coats on your back. That's coming out of America! The people that ought to be giving our money and our time and our lives! Instead, selling a bunch of CRAP called gospel. Here's the reason it is so horrible, when was the last time that any American, African, Asian ever said 'Jesus is all satisfying because you drove a BMW?' NEVER!! They'll say, 'Did Jesus give you that? Well, I'll take Jesus!' That's IDOLATRY! That's NOT the Gospel! That elevating gifts ABOVE the giver! I'll tell you what makes Jesus look beautiful. It's when you smash your can and your little girl goes flying through the windshield and lands dead on the street and you say, through the deepest possible pain... "God is enough! God is enough! He is good! He will take care of us! He will satisfy us! He will get us through this! He is our treasure! Whom have I in heaven but you? And on earth there is nothing that I desire besides you! My flesh, and my heart, and my little girl mail fail! But YOU are the strength of my heart and my portion FOREVER!" That makes God look glorious!! As GOD!! Not as giver of cars or safety or health!! Of how I pray that America would be purged of the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel. And that the Christian church would be marked by suffering for CHRIST!! God is MOST glorified in you when you are most satisfied in Him in the MIDST of loss, NOT prosperity!" -John Piper

Here's the video we saw..

Kitten Names...

2008-08-27T16:39:00.008-04:00

Life here at our house just got a little crazier. We flea treated, washed, litter box trained, and brought in all three kittens. It make for a crazy and very entertaining time in our house. I actually have two of them on my lap playing now. We are keeping two of them, the all black one who's taken a liking to Ross. And the gray and white one who's taken a liking to me. We don't have names though! What do you think we should name them??

It's fun for me to have someone to come home to and keep me company while I read and what for Ross to come home. And they are VERY entertaining...running around playing, scaring, and all around being cute. Ross and I are excited to watch them grow up and play. Last night I think we sat on the couch for an hour or two watching them play with each other. I have to say it's much better then any TV entertainment!!! Here are pictures of the two we are keeping. We think we have the third one adopted out to one of Ross' co-workers.

Outside before we brought them in.

Practicing bush climbing.

A very cute one for a few weeks ago.

Not sure about the bike.

Ross has also started kitty boot camp, yes I help too. It started yesterday when they were climbing on the furniture. He's armed with a spray bottle of water and following them around. Every time they try to climb the furniture with their claws they get sprayed. And they HATE it!!! When they get sprayed we don't see them for a while because they hide under the couch. We decided we we would let them on the furniture when they didn't need their claws to climb it.

Nothing new has really happened with the house, we are in the process of spackling the front (pink) bedroom, but since school started house work slowed down. We are School is goin well for Kacie. I have been blessed to be able to get my reading done each week so far, and enjoy the reading!! We are excited about goin home this weekend to see everyone and then going to a HOKIE football game next weekend. We haven't been to a football game since I graduated in 2006 and I've missed that experience greatly. God blessed us with free tickets through a friend at seminary. We are both so thankful that we can go. Ross is excited because we'll be in the West Stands which means we'll be sitting the whole time instead of standing in the student section. I guess we'll see if we get the true HOKIE football experience over there. Either way we'll be at a game screaming with all the other fans and seeing the HOKIES kick some butt!! It'll be the second time we've gone since April 16, 07 and I really can't wait to go back. Hopefully this time it won't be so emotional, guess we'll see. Here are some pictures of the campus and memorial.

The back of the scoreboard of Lane Stadium.

Burruss Hall

The stadium in the background, and the VT bush in the front, one of 2 VT bushes.

Burruss Hall and the memorial of the 32 we lost.

Where I lived for 3 and half years of my life. 2nd floor of West Ambler Johnston.

The awesome road we get to take there!!!! If you get car sick or don't like to drive crazy not a good idea to be in the car with Ross on this road. But we have a blast!!

School Has Begun

2008-08-19T19:03:00.015-04:00

School has begun for Kacie, and house progress has seemed to slow. We still have much to do but now a smaller amount of time to do it in. We know God will provide the time for us to get it all done though! Like I said school has begun for Kacie, I'm taking Counseling people with Problematic Emotions, Old Testament 1, and Theology 1. I'm very excited about all of them, especially since I have so many friends in each class to study with. My reading load is crazy this semester but God will provide the time for me to do it!!!

Ross is still working on getting his schedule at work changed. So please pray for that. Right now we don't see each other much because of our schedule and we are becoming frustrated with it. We are so thankful for our weekends when we get to spend all our time together!!

We are both excited because our church, North Wake, is about to switch study-serve. What it is is for 6 months during one of the services we serve in the church somewhere (sound crew, sunday school teacher, prayer team, etc). And for the other 6 months we study (go to lifechange aka sunday school) during one service. Ross and I are very excited, Ross more so then me, because we are doing sound together. He hasn't been behind a sound board much since we switched to study 6 months ago and he's been itching to do it again. So we're really excited to be able to serve God in this way for the next 6 months! I love the way North Wake does this and really emphasizes serving God in our church and more over to take our service outside our church and to the community.

I have to tell yall about the best website to save $$ when it comes to groceries!! From another friends blog (Thanks Melissa!) I found out about the grocery game (www.grocerygame.com). I looked at it and signed up for it. What it does is take the coupons from the Sunday paper and matches them up with the sales at your selected stores. Telling you when to buy things for the cheapest amount. They tell you to buy things you will use EVEN if you don't need them at that moment because it will be cheaper to buy them now, then when you need them. Basically stock piling them until you need it. Sometimes there are even things for free on there after store sale and coupon!!! I was amazed when I walked out of Harris Teeter yesterday with $25 worth of groceries and only paid $6 for it!!! I called Ross to tell him what this site had done. You do have a monthly fee with the site but it's only $5 a month, however a 4 week trial is only $1. I figure if I can save $19 in just one trip I've paid for the site!!! You pick your store and just clip coupons. The best part is I saved money on things we'll use on a regular basis (Mr. Clean supplies, Hamburger Helper, etc)!! If you're gonna sign up let me know so I can give you my e-mail for who recommended you!!

So we do have an little bit of an update on the house. Our house came with no screens in the windows, yes there was a screen in the door from our room to the deck, and the back sliding door, but none in the window!! And if any of you know Ross and I for a good 2-3 months out of the year our windows are wide open and the AC is off. We really wanted screens before the end of the summer because we knew it was gonna get nice and save us money. We had heard from many people that getting someone to make screens cost a TON of money. So yesterday night we ventured into the wonderful world of window screen making. I mean from cutting the frame and putting it together to putting in the screen material itself. It isn't that hard!!! Surprisingly! I think the hardest part was getting the measurement right, but after a few trimming cuts we had it right. Here are a few pictures of us making them, Ross wanted me to help (a good thing) and not take picts so there aren't many. We got 5 of the 11 done last night. The rest will be done soon as the weather is gettin really nice at night here, upper 60s!

The beginnings of a frame.

Spline to hold the screen in.

Our first screen done!

Kitchen window screens.

Close up, a little bowed but it'll stretch.

My sister came down on the 9th and we got some time together talking and baking, o course! We made a stuffed crust pizza, that was so good. When Ross came home we watched Olympics and finished flooring the hallways. So for all purposes the house is floored. The only place you can see tar paper on sub-floor is 3 closets and small trim pieces. When Renee was here we tried to get here to use the huge saw ans she wouldn't be we did talk her into using the tack gun!! Once she used it once we weren't allowed to touch it again. It was much fun!! Here are some pictures of the finished hall.

Beginning the hall, we had to make the two rooms meet it was fun to say the least.

Taking a break to watch the Olympics.

What Renee did when she wasn't using the tack gun, play Battlefield 2. I have such a girly sister!! LOL

Almost done!

Hall way done!

The living room is getting into better shape!!!

We have started the front pink bedroom by marking all the divits in the walls. Both Ross and I thought this would be the easiest bedroom when it came to spackling but I guess we were wrong. There are no major holes but there are TONS of marks on the walls. The marking happened a week ago and well it's still marked out with nothing done to it, can't you tell school started??

Divits...

A calm wall. And I haven't moved the stack of wood yet!

The worst of it!

The calm wall.

More spackling!

We were also able to get our ceiling fan hung in the living room. After a little trial and error with the down rod it's up there safely. Apparently we needed a 24" down rod and not a 36" (BIG difference!!). So now we have a bigger fan in our crazy big living/dining room! It's only took us putting it up and taking it down 5 or 6 times to get it right.

Old fan down, and new plate in place.

The VERY small old fan.

Our bigger Hunter fan.

Finally up and going!

I almost forgot, here are pictures of our newly hung wood blinds (thanks again mom and dad!).

Our master bedroom windows.

Master bedroom door to the deck.

Our blinds again.

Kitchen blinds, we still have to paint in here hence the tape.

That's everything except for the list...

1. Finish wood in closets.
2. Use rest of wood to do entry
3. Killz extra bath, front room, and kitchen
4. Paint front bedroom, extra bath, hall, entry, and kitchen
5. Start putting holes in our lovely walls.... :-( to hang pictures.... :-) (It's good and evil thing!)
6. Look for tile because it's the next major project

So only 1 thing off the list....slowly but surly right?

Tagged by Terra

2008-08-11T14:27:00.003-04:00

1. Answer the questions using only one word.
2. Tag four others. (Ross, Sher, Jenn, & Emily)

Where is your cell phone? pocket
Your significant other? amazing
Your hair? short
Your mother? crazy
Your father? nerd
Your favorite thing? rain
Your dream last night? none
Your favorite drink? milk
Your dream/goal? counselor
The room you’re in? cold
Your hobby? house
Your fear? break-in
Where do you want to be in 6 years? closer
What you’re not? perfect
Muffins? blueberry
One of your wish list items? beadboard
Where you grew up? Varina
Last thing you did? read
Favorite gadget? computer
Your pets? cats
Your computer? fast
Your mood? calm
Missing someone? yes
Your car? many
Favorite store? kroger
Like someone? YES
Your favorite color? HOKIES!!
Last time you laughed? today
Last time you cried? month

Visits full of blessings.

2008-08-07T21:58:00.011-04:00

The past two weekends our parents have come to visit and help with the house. It was so nice to get so much accomplished in a weekend and to see them!

Kacie's parents and grandma came down late on July 26th. We were able to hang out and talk. Plus move all of our stuff out of the bedrooms into the living room (again) so we could start work in the morning. We got up on Sunday and killzed the front bedroom floor and hall floor. Then we decided to go out to breakfast so we don't get over come by killz. Going out to breakfast on a Sunday morning proved to be difficult. But we found Bruegger's Bagels open and very good I have to add. Funny side note is this is one of the few places the kid I nanny for can eat, so I was happy to finally find out what he had been talking about. After a tasty breakfast we came home. Ross and dad started to lay down tar paper and then started the wood floor. Mom decided she wanted to mow the yard (it needed it). It would have been done already but our 2 ride mowers were out of commision, so we only had a push mower to do an acre and a quarter!!! Grandma spent her day between playing and loving the kittens on the front porch and on the couch watching dad and Ross. All in all it was a great weekend and we got a TON done. After they left Ross and I decided to put up our bedroom fan and take down the noise, small, dust filled one. Then we called it a night and went to bed!

Our really messy living room, it was clean! But I guess this is what happens when you take everything out of the bedrooms.

Dad and Ross finishing up killzing the floor.

Mom mowing the grass.

Part way through the flooring.

Grandma loving on the kittens.

Lunch break.

Dad and Ross figuing out how to finish the flooring.

It's done! The closets will be done last.

Ross taking down our old bedroom fan.

Our Hunter fan where it should be....it's quiet now and moves sooo much more air!

We were able to move everything in and give Ross his garage back!

We found this on our front porch after mom and dad left.

The sunset Sunday from our front porch.

The following weekend Ross' parents came on August 1. Kacie was at work and Ross was home when they arrived and was able to talk to them. Plus they hung all the wood blinds in our room. God blessed our socks off when they told us they were gettin wood blinds for our whole house. (Thank you so much!) Saturday we all got up early. Ross went to work and we hung around talking until 10ish. Ross called about then asking what we had gotten done and well we were just starting. We patched all the holes in the walls, I don't know which was worse the back bedroom or the living room. But after that mom started trimming the killz and I went off to cook Cinnabon clones for Lifechange (our verison of Sunday school at Church). Mom and dad finished killzing and then decided to take a break. The killz had overcome them, so we sat on the back deck for a while and played with the kittens. After a break for heads to stop spinning it was back in to paint pastel lime green. They were able to finish the room for us by the time they left. Such a blessing. After they left Ross and I put up the rest of our wood blinds and called it a night.

Patching!

Dad working on patching and mom trimming the killz.

Dad and mom finishing killzing the whole room.

The start of the pastel lime green. Ross was at work but calling to check up on us every once in a while so we drew a picture for him.

Trimming the green

Finishing up the green.

Ross home from work to a finished bedroom.

The look of don't take my picture, and Ross putting up our wood blinds in the kitchen.

Monday Ross and I got up early and started the wood floor, we wanted to get it done that day. We started the tap paper figured out our pattern (by far the hardest part) and went at it. I cut and helped place and he nailed and knocked it into the exact place. We had our system, that was until I had to go to work. Ross took a break and went for a dump run, I can't wait until we are back to our normal trash consumption! He got back took a nap and started back at the floor. I came home to the room half done and jumped right back into cutting and helping put in place. We worked until we got to the door where it became tricky. Plus it was 1am and we figured it be a good time to go to sleep. All this week we've been wanting to finish but it's been busy at work for Ross (I'm so glad it has too!) that it just hasn't worked out. But, soon all the sufloor will be covered!

Starting the wood floor.

What I came home to, I was so excited!

Almost to the door, this is about 12/12:30 at night.

Where we called it a night.

I hope you have enjoyed this addition of Jenkins house update. This weekend my sister comes down so there will be more painting and hopefully the floor will be done soon. God blessed our socks off through my parents who provided for all this flooring (Thank you!!). And God is awesome is making it last so much that we have tons of extra! So our next major flooring project is to rip up the linoleum floor and put down wood in our entry.

I almost forgot!! Here's what's left....
1. Finish wood the extra bedroom closets and hall
2. Use rest of wood to do entry
3. Killz front bedroom, extra bath, and kitchen
4. Paint front bedroom, extra bath, hall, entry, and kitchen
5. Start putting holes in our lovely walls.... :-( to hang pictures.... :-) (It's good and evil thing!)
6. Look for tile because it's the next major project

3 things crossed off our list!

Cleansing hurts.

2008-08-06T15:20:00.005-04:00

"Laziness casts one into a deep sleep,
And an idle person will suffer hunger." -Proverbs 19:15

"Blows that hurt cleanse away evil,
As do the stripes the inner depths of the heart." -Proverbs 20:30

"Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
But the LORD weighs the hearts." -Proverbs 21:2

Over the past month I have found it harder and harder to come home and start cleaning or working on the house. The enemy so easily tempts me to watch TV or get on the computer and surf facebook for hours. In the past few days God has constantly convicted me that what I am doing is sin and I need to repent of it. He has been showing me that even though I think I deserve this 'down time' after work and that it is a 'right' I am entitled to; it is not a right but blatant laziness!!

I am not saying that we should never rest or that we should always work because there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 tells us there is a time work and rest).

However, what I am saying is that my going home and vegging in front of the computer or TV is a very selfish act that from the outside didn't look like sin, but from my selfish heart it was. In reading Proverbs there are many passages about laziness and I read over them thinking that's not me, Ross and I are getting a lot done on the house over the weekend and I'm not being lazy at all. I thought that until I read Proverbs 21:2, which is about how man thinks his ways are right but the LORD looks at the heart. OUCH!! That one hurt Father, but then I remembered right before that I had read, Proverbs 20:30, talking about how cleansing evil out hurts. So here I sit in full reality of my sin and desiring a change. Going from thinking God wanted me to rest and called me to waste this time after work, to realizing that God has really called me to be a good steward of the time and things He has given me. God gave Ross and I this house, there is no denying that! There is much work to be done to get it clean, painted, and in order. We know God is going to use our house for many good things or we wouldn't have gotten it, but we know it needs to be out of the state it is in now. Right now no one can really stay the night, much less really move around in it because of all the boxes and painting/flooring supplies.

I am not saying it has to be perfect for God to use it, or for people to come over. I know God can use anything, even our crazy, messed up, full of boxes house. What I am saying right now it is not the most inviting atmosphere and that when finished it can be used for so much more! God gave this to us for us to finish it not to do a half job.

I am a woman, called by my amazing God to watch over the affairs of my house (paraphrased Proverbs 31:27a) and I am failing miserably!! But God is patient with me and refining me to be more like Him, to follow His ways. I stand here amazed at His love, forgiveness, and patience with me as I try to listen and follow His lead. God is a God of forgiveness and I praise Him for that!!

We are parents!!!

2008-07-31T22:23:00.004-04:00

No I am not pregnant, that won't be for a while, years! But we do have three kittens living on our front porch. Here's the story....we bought a house and the house came with a cat. The cat was from the previous owner. We didn't feed the cat at first cause we didn't want the cat. However, the cat brought 3 kittens to us. So we started feeding the cat so we could keep the kittens alive and adopt them out. Then the cat went off and didn't return. We're not sure what happened to her but we became parents to three little kittens. They're about 4 weeks old, or that's what we are guessing. They are playing with each other, running around and hitting each other with their paws, and being all around very cute. We now take care of feedings and loving for these kittens. Everything they need is on us...it's crazy how we didn't care about a cat but can't stand the thought of letting these kittens suffer?? They are too cute and lovable I guess, and we know they can't fend for themselves like a grown cat can. Here's some pictures of our kids, can you see the resemblance??

The gray and white one. This one looks exactly like the mom cat.

The black with gray stripes one...

The all black one

All three playing, they are becoming very efficient at climbing the bike wheels.

That's what has been going on at our house this week. Worrying about kittens...and getting no work done on the house.

AHHHH...The first mortgage payment came!!!!!!

2008-07-26T14:38:00.012-04:00

The first payment came a few days ago, I think it's setting in we own a house, especially now! I knew what it was going to be but I still cringed when I opened the envelope and saw it! Guess it just became reality that Ross and I own something (I can't get my mind completely around that reality yet) and we aren't throwing money down the black hole of renting anymore.

Anyways, we have been working hard and.....*drum roll*.....the living room is done! It feels really nice to have our bedroom and the living room done. Ross and I finished it up this past Monday! We have moved furniture that night and just sat there a while making sure we really finished it. We can't believe it's been going so fast! But it's nice. :-D Here are some pictures of the process...

Taking off our cardboard molding.

Four rows in, this was by far the hardest part because of the fire place and two vents we had to deal with.

Moving along, fast at this point because there was one cut per row. GOD is good!

We put in a time capsule, well more like the news from that day. Maybe one day someone will find it.

Almost there!

This was about 11pm/midnight on Monday, we were so close we just finished it off.

Done! And GOD is awesome, we didn't have to rip any boards in a half for the kitchen or entry.

Finished!

We moved our stuff in, this isn't the places they are going but it was in and Ross could put the Jeep in the garage!

This weekend is more working on the house! My parents are coming in town this weekend to help up finish flooring the bedrooms, so by the end of this weekend you won't be able to see sub-floor at all!! *Does Kc dance* I'm uber excited and so is Ross. It'll be nice to walk around and not have to put your shoes on anywhere. The other good news is we over bought in bamboo so we maybe able to wood some areas we wanted to do wood but sacrificed for money 's sake, like the entry and hall outside our room! Which would be amazing!!! :-D

Ross and I haven't been doing much but working our jobs and working on the house. Although this past Thursday our small group had a Girls Night. So everyone came to our "house in progress" and we did a cookie exchange. They were all forewarned about how messy our house was and it's state. But they loved seeing it and being here anyway! It was fun just to hang out with all of them. All of our schedules are sooooo busy it's hard to get us all together. But, who can resist eating cookies and home made junk food?? That was a very nice break for me to not to have to come home from work to work on the house. Soon the major work on the house will be done and I think I'm going to miss it. GOD has really used this time of working to bring Ross and I together. He's used it as time to learn to work together better then we've done before (we did great before but improvement is alway a plus). And GOD's used it to slow us down from our crazy lives. Wood only goes down so fast and paint takes a while to dry!! I can look back on the month and see where GOD has truly blessed us; but at the same time taught us to trust Him more.

Here's what's left....
1. Wood the two extra bedrooms and hall
2. Use rest of wood to do entry and possibly other hall
3. Killz extra bedrooms and kitchen
4. Paint entra bedrooms, extra bath, hall, entry, and kitchen
5. Clean out garage so Ross can claim it as his.
6. Start putting holes in our lovely walls.... :-( to hang pictures.... :-) (It's good and evil thing!)
7. Look for tile because it's the next major project

One last picture for you, I forgot to put up pictures of the finished master bath so here they are...

Here's the double vanity and the master bedroom closet is on the right.

Here's the toilet and shower of our bathroom.

I took the plunge

2008-07-16T19:57:00.009-04:00

Ross and I decided to start a blog, I resisted for the longest time but I was worn down. We did monthly updates for while but I always missed something so here's to not missing anything we do!! Hopefully I can keep up with this, pray that I do.

So here's a update on what we've been doing....

We've been married a little over a year and we're still loving every minute of it! I have finished my first year at Southeastern seminary. We have bought a house and moved. I have started working at the Twisted Fork again as well as a nanny for a 3 year old. Ross is still at Leith Honda and trying to change shifts. Right now he works 12-9pm, but he would love to work 8-5p. Pray that that happens soon. And I have taken and successfully finished my first 4 day summer class.

My first year at seminary was full of ups and downs. It was much harder than I thought it would be. But God taught me a lot about trusting Him. I learned so much about counseling, it definitely increased my passion for it. I got to take a marital and premarital counseling class, that made me want to go into that type of counseling. This year I also changed my major, (I know I got all the way through college without doing it why start now?) well I went from a Master of Divinity to a Master of Arts. I am still in the counseling program, I just found out I have to take a lot of classes that are not required by the seminary to be licensed by the state. All these extra classes mean I'll be here until 2011. God is teaching me patience along with a lot of other things in this journey.

The house we bought is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1330 sq ft house. It was foreclosed on and needed work, lots of work. We are in the process of making it ours. Each room is getting painted and new flooring. Slowly new lights will go up and we will figure out our weird electrical system (some lights randomly turn off after a few minutes of being on without you touching the switch). While we were in the process of closing we bug bombed, actually flea bombed, the house for four weeks straight because there was a MAJOR flea problem. The day we moved in it smelled like cat pee and we are just now gettin rid of it 3 weeks later. Most of the house is sub-floor right now, some if killzed to get rid of the cat pee and some isn't. Right now the master bedroom is floored and painted. The master bath is painted (Tile will come later). And the living room is in the process of being painted. So hopefully this weekend we will be flooring the living room!!! Here are a few pictures...

The entry to our master bedroom. Yellow brick road walls and bamboo floors.

Our bedroom all finished and my very tired husband.

Our master bathroom which is a light blue and is done just forgot to take a picture.

Our living room, it's wet coral, goes on peach dries a orange-red.

So that's what we've been up to. If you want to see more pictures.... What it looked like when we started, Move-in/Bedroom progress, Living Room/Hall progress. So that's a little bit of an update, we'll keep you updated on our lives.