The Next Chapter

Chapter One:

Leaving Home

After graduating from ISU, Ben & I decided to pack up, leave Mackinaw, and head out on our own. It was scary at times, being 2,000 miles away from everyone we knew, but oh how good it was to do something new and exciting! 

Chapter Two:

Las Vegas

I got my first teaching job. My colleagues and friends at Rose Warren Empowerment Elementary School became my second family. I learned sooooo much those first two years of teaching. 

Ben learned a lot, too. After two short years, he graduated from UNLV with his Master's degree. 

It seemed like we were hosting guests at least once a month! My best friend Jamie (far right) came to visit us 3 times in a year! 

Cocktails with the RW crew... I miss these girls so much!! Pretty sure we spent just as much time at Happy Hour as we did writing lesson plans! 

Chapter Three:

Wedded Bliss

Really, this chapter was wedged in the pages of Chapter Two: Las Vegas. We drove home to IL to get married and celebrate with all of our friends and family. 

Chapter Four:

Kentucky

I was fortunate enough to get a job in Lexington while Ben went to UK to get his Doctorate. I made great friends, worked with amazing kids, and hopefully changed some lives. 

finding a loophole to the "no costumes" policy 

Another batch of wonderful friends

Dinner with my first team (minus Erin)

With Dr. Ben Stiers on his graduation day

Chapter Five:

Charlotte

Born August 7, 2011

June 7, 2011

Charlotte Grace came to us on a hot, Sunday afternoon. We loved her instantly and continue falling deeper and deeper in love with this precious little girl each day. She's full of giggles, wonder, and life. 

Chapter Six:

Illinois

Ben and I are headed back to our alma mater. Ben has accepted a position at Illinois State University as the Technical Director for the School of Music. He'll also be instructing the BRMM drum line and teaching lessons in the percussion studio. It's an exciting, yet bittersweet move for our family. We're both thrilled by the opportunity for Ben at ISU, and are so happy to be able to move much closer to home. Charlotte will get to see her grandparents, uncles, and cousins much more often! I'll also be able to stay home with Charlotte & begin working on my Master's. But Ben has really enjoyed the time he was able to spend at home with Charlotte this spring. It's also difficult for me to leave Millcreek after 4 years of working with wonderful teachers and kids. We will definitely miss all of the friends we've made here in Lexington. A huge THANK YOU to all of you who have helped us along the way - personally and professionally. 

And to all of our friends & family - thank you for your continued support and Ben and I continue on this journey called LIFE. We are blessed to have each and every one of you in our lives. 

To be continued...