I'm terrible at this...

So it was brought to my attention by a kind-hearted friend that I needed to update the blog! So needless to say its been since March since I last made an entry. So here I am updating...

This year I have decided not to write a Christmas letter...partly because I feel like we live boring lives and not much has changed this past year. But on the other hand we did celebrate a milestone, a family reunion and a baptism!

So let's get started...

This past August my family the Ireland's all got together for a family reunion. We rented a large cabin in the Smokie Mountains of Pigeon Forge, TN. All together there were 18 of us: 10 adults 8 grandchilren...and there was never a dull or quiet moment. Each family had their own bedroom and bathroom, a large eating area with kitchen, 2 living rooms, pool table, jaquzzi, 2 decks, and a beautiful view of the smokie mountains. Right over the hill from the house was the neighborhood pool. We all spent a lot of time relaxing by the pool and getting our tans on. Mom and Dad helped with babysitting, reading, and taking naps. Each family all took turns making a meal or 2 and there was always plenty of leftovers! Part of the time there we all went our separate ways and did our own thing. One night Long and I went to the Black Bear Jamboree for dinner and a show. We had a nice dinner and the show was excellent. We did a little shopping at the outlets, tried some southern cooking, went to a museum, and enjoyed a comedy show with the family the night before we all left. It was great having the family all together under one roof. And hope we can make this an annual event!!

Another event of the year was the christening of Long's nephew Gabriel Robert, born to Justin and Amy in Aug. Unfortunately Long was unable to go, so I represented our family. I came up and stayed with my in-laws for the weekend and came home after the baptism. It was a very short trip with lots of driving. The ceremony itself was short and sweet and then headed back to Amy's parents house for food and visiting. It was great seeing my niece and nephew as well as my brother and sister-in-law, wished there was more time to catch up. Gabe is getting so big and his big sister Jasmine just celebrated her 2nd birthday! They are growing like weeds ;-D

A milestone that Long and I reached this year was our 5th wedding anniversary (our anniversary pic is above)! God has been good to us this past year, though at times we were undeserving. We have both been stretched and challenged and at times it has been uncomfortable to go through it. But through it all it has brought us closer together and reminded us that God is Big Enough! We are excited to see what the New Year will bring...and know we will be together doing it.

Long is still working for Costco (6 years) and commuting an hour and a half back and forth. The drive is starting to wear on him, but we are grateful he has a job in this economy. I am still working for the same dental office, I celebrated 3 years in September. Looking forward to getting my 2 weeks of vacation starting in January. You know its the little things in life that make you happy. I have been asked to teach the dental assisting class again in January. I am grateful and looking forward to another year of teaching...hope this class is a good one!

On Dec. 28th Long and I will have been in Martinsburg for 3.5 years. At times we have felt homesick for PA, but God has blessed us with amazing friends who have become like family. If it weren't for them it would make living away unbearable. We have been getting involved with our church, making new friends, and are anxiously awaiting for new littles to be born in our circle of friends!

Sandwiched between 2 pregant ladies! lol

We hope you and your family have a Wonderful and Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We love you all!

Just some thoughts...

I realized that after reading my sister-in-laws blog that it has been awhile since I lasted posted anything! Time just seems to fly by and we are staying pretty busy with work that I forget to update on what is going on in our life...who knows if anyone is reading it, but at least I'll have something to look back on as my memory fades!! LOL

Well this will be my last week of teaching my dental assisting class! I can't believe where the last 9 weeks have gone (4-2-09) but they have. I started off with 9 students but after a few classes one of them decided to drop out. All I can say is that I had a really great group of girls this year!!! They all want to make a career in dentistry whether as an assistant or as a hygienist. They have blown my mind at how willing they are to learn, ask questions, do their homework, etc. As it turns out 2 of my students are patients in my office so even when the class ends I will still get to see them when they come in for their appointments. After Thursday I am really going to miss them and wish them well in all their endeavors! I just hope that if they decide to have me again for next year, that I will have as good of a class as this year!

Long is still commuting an hour and a half to work everyday but is really getting tired the drive. To make matters worse work has been really stressful which hasn't helped. Long still likes working for Costco as a whole but is disheartened with the store in which he is at. We continue to seek the Lord in prayer and wisdom for what our next move will be...whether to stick it out for the duration or see about trying to transfer to a different store all together and hopefully cut down on the commute in the process. So many unanswered questions and uneasy feelings of uncertainity especially in todays economy. But we have to continue to trust in the Lord and not man and know His ways are far greater and more secure than of this world!

I am still struggling with my full-time job...since the new ownership has taken effect things have not gotten any better...more like worse! Without going into too much detail b/c I could write a book...I am deciding whether or not to stay or move on. Part of the reason I have stayed on as long as I have is b/c of the economy and there not being jobs available. And I don't want to leave something that for now is secure to something that might not be since we need my income! I have been applying to new jobs, but so far no bites. S0 we will see if anything comes through, but in the meantime I am going to keep my eyes out.

Well my family has finally made a decision regarding our family reunion this summer. We have decided to go to Pigeon Forge, TN in August. We are going to rent a large house that has a hot tub, pool table, pool, etc. and will be within a 5 mile radius to the tourist trap of activites. I am looking forward to being under one roof with my parents and siblings...not to mention spouses, nieces and nephews! There will be a total of 18 people living together for 7 days...break out the anti-crazy pills! Long and I hope to take some short mini-trips/getaways this year...to the beach, to the mountains at a B&B, possibly to an island. Warm weather here we come!!

Since I starting writing this almost a month and a half ago and then forgot to finish it...my brother and his wife had their 2nd child!! Her name is Anisley Elisabeth and she was born on April 27th. I am totally in love with her and can't wait to meet her in August! I wish I had a pic to post but will have to get my brother on that.

I hope you are enjoying your spring so far despite the rain! And look forward to warmer weather since I am not a cold person. I am looking forward to my sister coming next weekend for some girl time and a movie marathon!

Til next time!!

New Year

Well we are already into our second month of the new year and time is already flying by! Life for us has been busy...ok just me with my '5' jobs as some of my friends would say. So haven't had much time to update the blog and too felt like I haven't had much to share.

Long and I has a wonderful Christmas with my parents. They came in from VA and spent a few days with us before heading out to Ohio to visit my brother and his family. My friend Jenny, her husband Steve, and their son Luke were to join us for the weekend of my birthday, but called Christmas day to cancel. They were all sick with the flu/stomach bug and didn't want to share it with us!! They joined us a couple of weeks later and we had a wonderful time. Jenny and I got some girl time without any husbands or kids! It was nice to be able to have a cup of coffee and sit and talk and not have any distractions to interrupt us. While they were here I took Jenny to get her haircut since she said she wanted and needed a makeover. So before the coffee I took here to see my friend Rebecca and she gave her a really great cut. Didn't think of getting a before and after pic...trust me she looks great!!

I had the opportunity to attend a good friends baby shower at the end of January. I stayed with a friend in Lancaster, PA and then drove into Doylestown, PA for the shower. Natalie was really surprised about the shower and couldn't believe that everyone was able to pull one over on her. I was so glad I went since I had not seen her since last May and got to see some old friends from the Single Endeavor days. Here are just a few pics from the shower...

Surprised Mom-to-be

Parents-to-be

The cake

The girls formerly of Single Endeavor

Kristen, Natalie. myself

I am so excited for Dave and Natalie and for the new life they are bringing into the world! I can't wait to meet Baby Jordan!!

I am staying busy with work! I am still at the dental office 4 days a week, which is more than I care to handle. I am still working at Bath and Body Works part time and love it, though it is cutting into my social time with friends! My schedule there is scaled way back since I have started to teach again. My first day of class was Jan. 29th and went very well. There are 9 students to my class and they seem very interested in learning. So far they are heads above my class from last year and hope they continue to surprise me...in a good way. The only stress I have had is dealing with the techno portion of the class. Can't seem to make the computers stay logged on for me, that I have had to ask the security guys help me log back in. And not to mention getting the power point slide to work properly. This year they have me into two different rooms. So one night I am in one room starting at one time and in another room another night starting at a different time. The school is having a spacing issue and are trying to make due with what they have. They are hoping to purchase a larger space to accomodate the schools growing size, but that remains to be worked out.

Well that's it for now...will add more craziness later...we hope this new year is finding you well!

Childhood Memories

Well a couple of weeks ago Long and I got a call from his mom that they were selling their house and moving into a house that they were having built. After a bit of shock we decided to make a trip up to get the last of Long's things and see the house one last time. His parents are planning to move in by Christmas and since we can't make it home for the holiday, it was now or never! Here are some photos of the house, Long's mom, brother Justin, niece Jasmine, and I. I will post pictures of the new house the next time we go for a visit.

Family and Friends in the Fall...

Its amazing to me and who would of thought that it would be true that when you hit that perverbial age time goes downhill and fast!!! Well I hate to admit it but its true...time does go by faster as you get older. Which leads me to forgetting to update the blog...I guess forgetfulness is another side effect too!

Long has been now working in Harrisonburg, VA for 4 months now. Though the drive is getting to him, he has decided to stick it out and see what will happen with coming closer to home. He is enjoying his new position, though with the ecomony things have been very slow! Despite the slowness he and his former warehouse have been in a bit of friendly competition. It's to see who can gain the most Executive upgrades in a week. So far Long is ahead and if they get their 4% goal by the end of Jan, they will get a new employee breakroom. Right now they are at 3% so 800 more to go to hit their goal! I have been enjoying the fall and wish it could last longer than 3 months. But I have been able to pass the time with visiting family and friends! Here are a few photos of all the people I have been able to see...and for some its has been a very long time!

Johnsons Farm: Medford, NJ

The Love of my life...after Long! Hope my kids are this adorable!!

Riding along on the hayride

Picking sweet potatoes...

Picking Pop-Corn

Don't forget the cotton...

Dena and I have known each other since the 2nd grade and this is her little girl Kayla, who will be 3 in January!

April and Casper the Friendly Ghost: someone needs to contact their Avon Rep and have their makeup matched to their skin tone better! ;-D

Bev and I have known each other since highschool! And she just had her 2nd baby 4 weeks ago!!

The Car Needed Protection!

This entry should have come before the last one, but better late than never. As you can see from the photo Long's car got a little love wrap from his former friends/co-workers. Part of his "going away" present for getting promoted was having his car shrinked wrapped! It took 2 full rolls and a small EL Salvadorian woman rolling completely under the car to get that tight fit. They presented him with a card that said 'So' Long on the cover and everyone wrote nice words of encouragement! They also gave him a watch and a gas card for all those extra miles that will be added on to his drive. Long and the gang went to T.G.I. Friday's for drinks and appetizers. He was the designated driver for those who needed it when it was time to say goodbye! Well that about does it for now...until next time...happy reading!

Would you like some pie with that?

Well Long has been keeping busy with his new warehouse, as you can see! Since starting he has been trying to help increase the number of membership upgrades. So he and his department manager Keith decided to rally the troops, a.k.a the cashiers to a piece of the pie. If they were able to increase membership upgrades from Goldstar to Executive by the end of friday at 5 pm then Long and Keith would each get a pie in the face! Well Long recieved at text from Keith on Thursday that the troops accomplished that goal by 4 pm that day! So Friday the pie throwing began and fun was had by all! I sure hope it tasted good! Way to go Long and keep up the good work!