Alabama football!

We took Lou Ellen to her first football game last weekend! Ok, so they moved kickoff to 6:45 which is almost Lou's bedtime and it was cold so we didn't actually make it to the game. But we participated in the pregame festivities. Lou got to see the parade and the band and the cheerleaders. She had a blast!

Training

So today I found out that our next phase of training will be in Atlanta. So that's great because I don't have to leave my family for three weeks. However, training is pretty intense and I'm a little concerned about juggling those responsibilities with the ones that I already have at home. As everyone knows motherhood is a FULL time job so while being away during our first phase of training was hard, I'm concerned that staying home might be harder. Guess I'll handle it!

Man, I'm getting old...

We packed up and headed to Decatur last weekend for my 10 year high school reunion. Has it really been 10 years? I was able to take off work on Friday so we left on Thursday night. Friday I had lunch with my old coworkers who I love and miss. Then I bought Lou Ellen a whole new outfit for Friday night. We attended a tailgate party and then our high school football game. It was so GREAT to see old friends and for them to meet Lou Ellen. Jake's parents helped us out a ton and took care of Lou at the game and then took her home and put her to bed so that Jake and I could go to the Brick (a local bar) with everyone. We then did the Waffle House at midnight (used to do that at 2am but we're getting old). Saturday I attended a baby shower for one of the girls who is expecting a little boy in November. It was a great chance for the girls to catch up. Saturday night we had a dinner and band at the country club. Reminded me of a high school formal but there was much less dancing. All in all I had wonderful weekend! Though it did not help with the homesickness.

I'm so sorry...

that it's been so long since I posted! I've been training in Memphis for 5 weeks. I am not allowed to do ANYTHING personal on my government issued laptop so.... no blogging. I'm finally back in Atlanta for 2 months anyway until we have another 3 weeks of training. So since I've been "home" I've realized this is not home. I miss home (that is Alabama). I miss my family, friends, church, job, and social life. Since I've been away we haven't had much of a chance to find a church home and with no babysitter we don't get to do anything. So yep I'm feeling a little homesick these days. I'm sure it will pass.

Travel

So I'm leaving for Nashville for orientation for work on Monday. I'll be there for one week. This will be the first time I have been away from Lou Ellen for more than one night. Jacob insists that he can take care of her and his dad is coming to help but, you know, no one can do it like I can. I'm excited about the new job and about getting away for a week (no cooking or cleaning or waking up to a crying baby) but I'm worried about how it will effect Lou Ellen also. She is settling in to a new daycare and she'll be there mostly during the days. I know she's going to be fine but I can't help but worry. Also, after Nashville I'll be back in ATL for a week and then I go to Memphis for 5 weeks! I get to come home on the weekends at my own expense (well the government will pay what they would have paid for me to stay towards my trip home). But that should be the end of travel for this job. After that my office is only about 2 miles from our apartment. The next 2 months will be challenging but I know we'll make it work!

Quick trip home

So we loaded up and headed to Decatur, AL on Friday afternoon to see our new niece!! She was born Thursday morning and she is beautiful. Right now I think she looks like her dad. Here are a few pics:

Lou Ellen just kissed Reagan's head the whole time we were there. How sweet!

I love holding new babies!!

I got the job!

Finally, the IRS called today, 6 weeks after my interview, and offered me a job!!! It's a conditional offer. I have to be finger printed and they will do a background and tax check but I'm not anticipating any problems. Praise God!! I had sort of given up on it and applied for some other jobs though none of those really appealed to me. I was really interested in this job because it's tax related, it's close to where we live, and it's a 40 hour/wk job. I'm excited! I've got to go shopping for some suits... or lose 10 lbs before August... I'll be shopping! :)