We're Expecting!!

Jeremy and I are going to be parents in July. We have known for 2 months that we are expecting. We feel so blessed that it only took us two months to make this miracle baby. We are so thrilled and happy to start this journey of our lives.

Over Christmas break we told many of our friends, Jeremy's family from Texas, and my family. It was a very exciting time for everyone. Since our families knew we felt we could go ahead and let the rest of the world (the rest of our friends and facebook friends) know our good news.

I am almost 10 weeks along and feeling a little better with each week. I have had nausea and vomitting from about 5 weeks on. I am on medication and a supplement to help me get through these rough times. Although I have not been feeling wonderful, I am so happy to be a mommy and know that I am providing for this precious little baby in my stomach.

Right now we are calling it Baby Elliott but we can't wait to find out what we are having so we can start calling it by name. We will have our next ultrasound around week 19 which is in less than 10 weeks.

Jeremy is going to make a great dad. He is very excited and is already kissing mommy's belly and talking to the baby.

My actual due date is July 30th. We are hoping maybe the baby will come a few days sooner and be on Uncle Penny's birthday. My sister is thrilled to be an aunt. We have already received a few gifts from my parents and my sister for the baby.

It is such an exciting time of our lives and we couldn't be happier. I am hoping to update this blog more often to fill you in on updates on how I am feeling and how big the baby is, pictures of me and the baby items we have received, etc. If you would keep me and Baby Elliott in your prayers I would appreciate it. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and you have a wonderful New Year.

2010 is going to be a great year for our family!!!

Thankful

Thanksgiving is a week from today and I am feeling very thankful right now. I have alot to be thankful for including my husband, family, puppy, friends, job, health, and many more. I am very excited to have a short week at school this coming week. I have two full days with kiddos and then a 1/2 day of professional development at school on Wednesday but no children. Thursday and Friday are mine to enjoy! I love this time of year and love both the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. I feel so blessed to have such a great life. God is good and I am so thankful for all of the blessings in my life. Hope all of my friends and family are doing well.

Sick Sick Sick

I have been working for two months now. Right after school started I got a bad cold that took about three weeks to get over. The first week of October I came down with a stomach virus. Luckily, it was not H1N1 symptoms so I just slept alot and got better on my own.

This past weekend (two weeks after my stomach virus) Jeremy and I went to St Louis for a friend's wedding. On Saturday my throat began to hurt. I woke up Sunday morning to head back home from St Louis and had body aches and a throbbing throat. I went to Urgent Care on Monday morning and was told I had strep throat. I have been out of work for three days now. I am on antibiotics and feeling much better. I will be returning to school tomorrow.

It seems that this first year of working is going to be a rough one. I have been told I will catch everything from the kids my first year of teaching but I didn't think it would really happen. Obviously, my immune system is not built up yet and these kiddos are as sick as ever with colds, strep, flu, and the dreaded H1N1. I am praying that I can get my shot soon and not come down with the nasty flu. I am looking forward to next month and praying that I will be illness-free.

I hope everyone is doing well and not sick like I have been. I am excited to get back to the kids at school.

A few weeks in and a paycheck

Well school has been in session now for a few weeks and I am finally settling into my role as the speech pathologist at Cowden and Holland. It is going alright; however, it is challenging to say the least. I have around 45 kids that I see twice a week at both of my schools. Half of those children either have autism or mental retardation. Paperwork is a whole other story. I haven't had too much of it yet because it is the beginning of the school year but I know it is going to get more overwhelming with time.

Today I got my first paycheck and boy does it feel good. I quit my graduate assistantship position back in October so I got my last check from MSU in November. I then took loans out to get by my last semester of school before I graduated and of course had help from Jeremy. I had two externships that I worked full-time at during my last semester and didn't get paid a penny for either so it has definitely been a while since I have made some money. I was lucky and blessed to not have to work this summer but rather live off my husband's salary. This is my first check as a professional. It sure feels good to be getting paid!!!

I went to my old roommate Katie's wedding this past weekend. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception. The food was awesome and the live band was a blast! My good friend Lyndsay who I also went to grad school with is getting married in a month in St. Louis. It is truly the season for weddings!!! First me, now all of my friends and then my sister is going to be marrying Brandon in April or May. I sure can't wait till their special day.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the cooler weather. I know I sure am. I love this time of year when the leaves starting changing color, the air is cooler, it becomes hoodie season, and football begins. We are going to a Chiefs game in October and I can't wait!!! Take care and God Bless!!

Big Girl Job

Well I officially started my first big girl job on August 13th. I have been attending meetings, orientations, and trainings up to now for Springfield Public Schools. I have set up my classroom at Cowden which is my home school. I will be at Cowden everyday and at Holland, my second school, only two afternoons. As of right now, I have about 37 kids on my caseload at both schools. I am sure the number will continue to fluctuate for some time. There are three district programs at Cowden this year. I will be seeing all of the kids in these programs for speech and language therapy. The three district programs include two autism programs and one mental retardation program. This year is going to be a challenging one but one I will never forget because it is my FIRST YEAR!! I am excited and feel blessed to have a job and to have one that I think I am going to truly love. I hope to make a difference in all of my kids' lives. Tomorrow is the first day of school for Springfield but I get a week to schedule my therapy groups so I actually will not begin seeing children until around next Wednesday. I am nervous but oh so excited!!!

Our Reception

We had our reception on Saturday, June 27th. Most of our family and friends were able to make it. We enjoyed seeing everyone and spending time with you all. Everyone who came was able to come got to watch our dvd of our wedding on the beach before we were introduced. We then ate, drank, got the cake, danced, and enjoyed our evening. It was a magical time for us as was our beautiful wedding. We are still loving married life. We have officially been married around a month and a half. We are so blessed!!!

I Do

Jeremy and I were married on the beach in Antigua at the Sandals Resort on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 5:00pm. It was everything we had hoped it would be. We could not be more excited to be starting our lives together as husband and wife.

We are looking forward to celebrating with our family and friends on Saturday, June 27th at our reception.

Getting close

Well in 8 days we will be getting on a plane headed for Antigua and in 11 days I will be standing on a beautiful beach saying my vows to Mr. Elliott. I am so very excited to be marrying the love of my life.

I have spent the past five years getting to know him better, making memories with him, and falling more in love with him each day. I am excited to start my life with Jeremy and grow old with him. He is all I could ever hope for in a husband. He is going to make a wonderful husband and an even better father to our children.

I couldn't be more excited for this time in our lives and for all of the wonderful people that love us and support us, thank you all so very much.

I have included two of my favorite engagement pictures so far. I still have not received the disc with all of our pictures but thought I would post a few so you could see our photographer Katie Gillespie's work. I will get engagement and wedding pictures up as soon as possible when we get back.

God bless each of you!

The Soon-To-Be..... Mrs. Andrea Elliott

Finished with school FOREVER!!!

I graduated on Friday May 15th at 1:30pm with my Masters in Speech Pathology. It was a great day filled with family and friends. I will begin my job for the Springfield Public Schools on August 13th.

I just found out that I will be at Cowden and Holland Elementaries. I will have around 35 or so children at Cowden. Most of these children will either be in one of the district programs for the district meaning that the kids will either have autism or mental retardation. I will be working with a few children that are nonverbal and some that are very high functioning. I will have around 6-8 children at Holland which is where I did my externship. These children will more than likely be kindergarten students either with a speech or language problem.

I am very anxious but excited to start my career working with children. I am hoping to be a nanny over the summer to make some extra money and to start helping pay for the bills again. I have had a semester doing my externships with no pay so I am ready to make some money. I hope everyone enjoys the summer as much as I will. I am planning to spend lots of time with my family, going to the lake, going to Chiefs/Cardinals/Royals games, and getting married. Thanks to everyone for all of the support and encouragement over the past two years of grad school. I am sure glad the ride is over!!

And let the ceremony begin.....

I am graduating on Friday, May 15th at 1:30pm with my Master of Science in Speech Pathology. I could not be more excited to be done with school for GOOD!!! This is my second college graduation and the last! Both of my externships are completed and paperwork turned in so it really is going to happen. It is a very exciting time in my life and I am ready for the real world. Now the only worry I have left is praying that I don't trip in my heels while walking up to accept my diploma. ha! Have a great weekend!

Two weeks left...

Well I have only two more weeks left at the nursing home. It has been a great experience but I am ready for it to be over. I graduate on May 15th at 1:30pm for the second time. I AM THRILLED to be almost finished with my education. I have now been in school for 19 years straight including elementary, middle, high school, four years of Bachelors work, and now two years for my Masters.

We are also getting super excited for our upcoming wedding. June 13th will be here before we know it. I am ready for school to be over, start my life with the love of my life, and begin a new job that I know I will love!

Hope everyone is doing great.

P.S. I love the warm weather......come on Summer!!!

Soooo happy!

Well just wanted to write a quick update. I know it has been a while since I have written on my blog. Yesterday and today have been good days and I am very happy.

Yesterday I met with my research advisor, who is also one of my favorite teachers from graduate school, and we put the finishing touches on my research project. As of yesterday at 4:45pm, my project is on the department head's desk and complete. I no longer have to make edits, design a chart, or read that paper anymore. My paper ended up being around 33 pages in length, and I am proud of the finished product.

Today I got off work from the nursing home and had six missed calls and a text message from my sister saying to call her asap. She has been checking up on my praxis scores to see if they are available yet. Today, I received my scores and as far as I can tell I passed. For the test I took for speech pathology in the state of Missouri, you need a 600 to pass and I got a 620. I am very surprised I passed because it was one of the hardest test I have taken in a long time.

Well I have had two great days to the start of this week. I have three days left to work this week and then it is going to be a fun weekend with family and friends. My sister, Brandon, Jeremy, and I will all be going out on Friday night for a good friend's 22nd birthday bash and Saturday we will be walking to Rock N Ribs from my sister and Brandon's house. They live just a few blocks from Bass Pro so it should be fun! I hope everyone is doing well.

Nursing Home Experience

Well I have been in the nursing home a little over a week now for my medical externship. I have a great supervisor and a bunch of sweet old people to work with, but I can tell you that it is definitely not my thing. I am trying to stay positive and remind myself daily that I just have to get through these next 8 weeks and it will all be over. I cannot see myself ever working in the nursing home. It takes a special person to work with that population. I am very excited that I have already gotten a job in the school system. Please pray for me and these new experiences that I face daily in my medical placement. Thanks and have a good week.

Last day at my school externship

Well Thursday is my last day at my school externship. For the past six weeks, I have been working with 55 amazing students at Holland and Sequiota Elementary Schools in Springfield. My supervisor and the kids have taught me so much. My supervisor Kim has been amazing and is such a great Speech Pathologist. I have learned so many good strategies and techniques from her. She has been kind enough to share her students, resources, and strategies with me the past six weeks. I know that she will be a dear friend of mine throughout my career. She is a big reason that I got my job working for Springfield Schools. Thanks again Kim for all you have done for me! It really means alot!!!! It has been such a pleasant and wonderful experience that I am sad to close the door and move on to the next one. I start my medical externship on Monday and boy am I nervous. The next eight weeks I will be at Springfield Rehab and Health working with elderly patients who have suffered from strokes and dysphagia (swallowing disorders). I will update you in a few days and let you know how it is going. I hope that you are all doing well. I sure am ready for Spring!

New Background

I changed my background tonight and really liked many of their FREE templates. I uploaded a new background from Simply Chic Blog Backgrounds. If you are interested in their backgrounds visit their blog at simplychicblogs.blogspot.com.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Well today is my Mom's 49th Birthday. It is crazy for me to think that my mom is one year away from 50. She sure doesn't look it or act it. These days my parents stay up later than Jeremy and I do.

I wanted to write a post dedicated just to this incredible woman on her birthday. So here it goes!

Mom, Happy Birthday! I sure am excited to spend some good quality time together tomorrow night. Your birthday is definitely something special to celebrate. I hope you know how blessed I am to have you as my mom. I am lucky to have a mother that I am so close with, someone I can call a friend. I have learned from others that many people do not have the same relationship that Jessie and I have with you. You are a wonderful source of love, strength, and support. You have shown me the way and been a great role model for me all of my life. I have told you so many times that I will be happy if I can one day be just half of the mother that you are to Jessie and I. You are such a loving and giving person. I admire your faith in the Lord and your relationship with dad. I truly can say that I have the best parents in the whole world. I hope that you realize how much I cherish and respect you. You mean everything to me. I hope you enjoyed your birthday week at the lake, time with your parents on your special day, and the time that we will all share tomorrow night! Happy 49th Birthday Momma! I love you with all my heart. xoxo

Landed my first big girl job

Well today was the big day. I got a phone call from Springfield Public Schools offering me the Speech-Language Pathologist position that I had interviewed for this past Thursday. I only had to wait a few days to hear the good news, what a blessing!

I don't know the specifics as to what schools I will be in, but I do know that I will more than likely be in a couple elementary schools. This is the age I really want to work with so I couldn't be more excited. Right now, I am just so happy to have found my dream job working with children in the school system that I went through as a child.

I am excited knowing that I will get to stay in Springfield where my family all is located. I want to thank all of my family and friends who have been praying for me the past week during my two interviews. I truly am blessed for each and every one of you in my life.

So glad the job search is over!!!!

Interviews are so scary....

Well I have two interviews set up for this next week. On Tuesday, I will be interviewing for a Speech-Language Pathologist job for Willard School District and on Thursday, I will be interviewing with Springfield Schools. I am very nervous but also very excited to interview with both of these districts.

I have heard wonderful things about Willard Schools, and I know first hand that Springfield has great schools, because I grew up going to Springfield schools and am also currently doing my school externship in Springfield at Holland and Sequiota Elementary schools.

I am hoping and praying that I get offers from one or both of the schools. It will be nice to know that I have a job before I graduate in May and to not have to worry anymore about interviewing, resumes, cover letters, and transcripts.

I will keep you all updated after my interviews next week. If you could say a quick prayer for me on Tuesday and Thursday of next week I would greatly appreciate it. I have very high anxiety in these type of situations and am hoping that I can get some sleep the nights before my interviews. Thanks again in advance for the prayers!!!

My school externship has begun

I am now doing my school externship at Holland and Sequiota Elementaries here in Springfield. It has only been two days, but I love it and know that the schools are where I really want to be. I have a wonderful supervisor who I know I am going to become very close to over the next six weeks. She is caring, patient, and a wonderful SLP. I know I am going to learn alot from her in the upcoming weeks. The kids are just so cute, and each one has their own unique personality. After my school externship, I will begin my medical one at Springfield Rehab and Health in March.

I found the ONE

Yes! I found the perfect wedding dress today at Norman's Bridal Shoppe in Lebanon. I had a wonderful person to work with today. Her name was Kathy, and I will be getting her a thank you card in the mail shortly. My dress cost about double what I wanted to pay but was what I had invisioned myself in on my wedding day on the beach. I think Jeremy will love it!

Dress Shopping

Well today my mom, sister, and I all went to David's Bridal to look for my wedding dress. I am looking for something flowly and light that will be perfect for a beach wedding. I found a few I liked today but they were not my size, so it was hard to get the whole picture. Tomorrow we will be traveling to Lebanon to go to Norman's. I have had three friends recently purchase their wedding gowns from here, so I am holding my head high. I will keep you posted on my adventures to find the perfect dress.

Final Semester

Well not much new here. School started back up yesterday. I have one class this semester called Professional Issues. It helps to get us ready for our externships and working out in the field. The class is three weeks in the classroom (M, W, and Th) from 330-620 and then once our externships start, everything can be done online. I am already overwhelmed. I am still working on my research project on twins and language development. I have comprehensive exams on January 30th....which I have not studied much for yet. My first externship starts February 2 at Holland Elementary, and I am quite nervous but excited. I have to present my research project at a conference towards the end of February and I am just hoping that I will be almost finished with it. I have to take the Praxis in March or April, and then pray that I have enough clinical hours to graduate in May. I am burnt out on school and hope that this semester goes by quickly. I am excited to graduate and get a real job working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the schools in Springfield or the surrounding areas. I hope everyone has a great week!