Studying!

So, I am "off" today! I guess I'm not really "off" as I am studying all day, but at least I get to stay in my PJ's all day if I want to! The kids are so hyper and ready to head to the beach. We leave Saturday for Myrtle Beach (my favorite beach on earth). My mom and nephew and Dave and his kids are going. He-he...my mom will be "chaperoning." It should be interesting to share a room with mom. Love you MOMMY! We are staying in a 2-bedroom condo with 2 full baths and a pull-out couch so there should be plenty of room for all of us. But, with 5 kids and three adults, I am sure I will need to escape somewhere for peace and quiet to study. I am excited to study on the beach at least. I took my third exam this past Saturday and it DID NOT go well. I still have not found anything out on my second exam (a month ago today) and am now studying for my fourth part. I love this part. All math and formulas and calculations. That is what I love about accounting :-)! My best grade in school (97%) was in Financial Accounting and the professor made me come stand in front of the room (prego and all) to congratulate me! It wasn't hard for me but rather - FUN FUN FUN!

The kids are having a blast right now playing WII. I am really excited to say that I have found a sitter for the kids while I work full-time this fall. I was really upset and nervous about putting the kids in daycare. I tried talking to them about it and they both started crying. They are used to Mommy getting them off the bus everyday. Well, now they will ride the bus to Nana's house in the afternoons. I am going to pay her to watch them. So, she can have some extra spending money :-)! In the summers, I will still be part-time and am really looking forward to spending a summer not studying next year. I am going to play with them and garden the whole summer. Needless to say, we are all burned out from my studying here in this household. I only have 2 1/2 more weeks to go until the last one is taken. Then, I may have to take a part or two but I am crossing my fingers that I don't.

I also, am running a marathon again next year -April 24, 2010- the tenth anniversary of Nathan's death. I want to do the Marathon here in Roanoke. It is comprised of miles and miles of MOUNTAIN. And, when I say mountains, I mean you ascend to 6,000 feet. When you are running 26.2 miles, a little hill hurts. I can't imagine what going up the mountain here in Roanoke is going to feel like. But, the view will be breathtaking. The marathon is run mostly on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check it out: www.blueridgeparkwaymarathon.com The kids are excited to come and cheer me on and my family can actually come to this one.

Well, I had better get back to studying. I am sure the kids are getting hungry as well!

Steph (Em and Andrew)