Home?

The day before Thanksgiving we packed up the car and headed north to Cincinnati to explore areas, neighborhoods and schools where we might move to this coming July. Rich will start his neuro radiology fellowship on July 1, 2010. While the new school and hospital is 100 miles apart from our current home, I think it would be in everyone's best interest to move for one year. Rich would be spared the long drive to Lexington to visit us and we could be together on a daily basis instead of only a few days a week.

Besides the issue of being separated from Rich, our other huge concern was finding a great school for the boys. It would seem impossible to find a school better than the one they currently attend. Plus, with the boys being in accelerated programs, I didn't want to change schools and simply loose everything they had worked so hard to achieve. It will be hard to be 'the new kids' two years in a row, but I know they can still flourish in these new environments.

We know relatively little about Ohio, but after living in Kentucky for nearly a decade, we know quite a bit about our state's educational system. We started searching areas in Northern Kentucky and found two amazing schools that are six miles south from the hospital and across the Ohio River on the Kentucky side. Ruth Moyer Elementary school is in the top 5 of Kentucky and Johnson Elementary School is #21. I think either would be great for our kids.

Our next test will be when we attend church up there this coming Sunday. It will be great to get an LDS perspective and opinion and get a few contacts that could help answer questions, like finding a good preschool for the girls. I've got my fingers crossed that they will speak highly of the areas we looked at.

The next hurdle will be to sell our house. I think I will put our home up for sale in mid April. I would not close sooner than July 1 because the boys would still be in baseball and swim team.

Our next issue will be finding a rental home. I think we would be able to find one, but I might just be naive. Here's what a realtor sites said about the Fort Thomas area we are looking at.

Fort Thomas, Kentucky, known as "The City of Beautiful Homes," is over 120 years old. In 1877 the United States Army selected Fort Thomas as a site for a military post because of its lovely rolling highlands and location overlooking the Ohio River.

You won't find industry here, but you will find a closely-knit community. Virtually all prices and styles of homes are offered. They share the common trait of being well-kept.

Most Fort Thomas streets are tree-lined and many have houses which offer highly sought after river views or city views. There are few through streets; most are cul-de-sacs providing safe places for children to play.

Fort Thomas has prided itself over the years on its clean government, low crime rate and high degree of community involvement in various projects. It's no wonder that a sizable proportion of its youth remains in town. Highlands High School has a strong tradition of both academic and athletic excellence.

Ruth Moyer Elementary School. Top 5 school in Kentucky. Veterans Park Elementary School is also in the top 5.
Johnson Elementary SchoolHighlands High School. They have the #1 football team in the state.
View of the city. Rich would cross the yellow bridge everyday to get to work.

We'll just have to wait and see what our future holds!

Cincy

Cincinnati, OhioThe Ohio RiverPaul Brown Stadium- NFL Cincinnati BengalsThe Great American Ballpark- MLB Cincinnati RedsVA HospitalGetting a zoo pass would be a mustThe University of Cincinnati Their football stadium is dug into the ground and in the middle of their sports complex. It was very unique and cool. Their football team was practicing. They are currently ranked #5 in the country. A huge mural was painted on the side of this building.
A building facade was eerie. It was in a scarier part of town.

Newport

After we toured Fort Thomas and drove around Cincinnati we headed to more familiar grounds- Newport on the Levee. I love this place. It is just across the river on the Kentucky side. We have visited the Newport Aquarium numerous times and recently brought Brad and Jana here when they came out to visit us this past summer. Time to head home!!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Rich had the entire week off (hence the break in blogging) and we simply enjoyed being together.

Of course when Thanksgiving rolls around one often considers the many things they are grateful for. My list is long. I have been blessed beyond measure. Though I have much to be thankful for, my top things are simple and yet, they are my keys to a meaningful life.

My religion.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ gives my life purpose and meaning. Jesus Christ's sacrifice made it possible that I can be forgiven of my sins and return to live with Heavenly Father one day. My temple marriage gives me the opportunity to be sealed to my sweet husband and our family can still be united after death. Gospel principles help me to know what I need to do while here on earth so I can be with my family forever.

My family.

Not a day goes by that I don't take a few seconds and say a silent prayer of thanks to my Heavenly Father for my dear family. I found a husband that is unselfish. That trait alone makes my life a joyous one. He puts me and the family first. He shares his love and time freely and I know he truly enjoys being together. I only hope I can be as good as he is. He is my best friend. He helps me to dream and see a future of endless possibilities. I love you Rich.

With risk of sounding bias, I have the best kids. Sure we have our up and down moments -that's called life-, but my children have good hearts. They love each other. They love me and Rich and they are building powerful testimonies. They are my treasures of life.

So much of who I am is directly linked to my parents. They helped shape and mold me. They instilled values and goals and helped me to succeed. They were the ultimate cheerleaders always encouraging and helping see me through to the finish line. I also am grateful for Rich's wonderful parents who raised their boy to become an incredible man and who love us dearly. What a blessing to have such outstanding examples for my children to love, admire and emulate.

My freedom.

After reading various books and learning more about our founding fathers, I am so grateful to live in a country where I have the freedom to think, learn and speak. Even in 2009, there are countries that do not value women. I am grateful for my education. I am grateful I was able to chart my own path of life and that I am only limited to what I choose to achieve. Freedom is not something I take for granted.

On Thanksgiving day, we got together with the Millars and Drew's cousin and wife who drove down from Cleveland, Ohio. The food was delicious and the company was even better. That morning the girls helped me make sweet potato souffle and green bean casserole while we watched the parade.The boys assisted with the stuffing.Ashlee's table looked amazing.
Katie, Ashlee and meZach's first Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for our sweet baby boy.Trey was so excited Ashlee let him have a turkey leg.We browsed the ads and the girls played with Mac and Gray.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Big sister

"I YUB baby Zachary!"

He 'yubs' you too Brynnie.

Tender moments

Kaitlyn cuddled up with Zach on Thanksgiving morning.