Wright State University's Senior Art Show 2011

My sister Stephanie is graduating in a few weeks from Wright State University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts with a concentration in Painting.  She has worked so hard to earn this degree.  I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of her and her hard work.

The Wright State University Senior Class currently has an art exhibit running at the Robert and Elaine Stein Gallery at the Creative Arts Center on campus.  It showcases everything from painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, and everything else in between.  Evan and I went to visit the exhibit this past Saturday.  And, can I just tell you, I was in complete awe. The level of talent shown in that exhibit is absolutely mind-blowing.  Every time I turned my head or walked around a corner I was amazed.

I know Steph has worked countless hours on all of her art.  I've heard stories about her working long into the night.  Coming out of her studio with cuts, blisters, and bruises on her hands.  It was so wonderful to see her paintings framed and on display for everyone to appreciate.  I've always been so proud of both my sisters.  They have an amazing way of not only achieving their goals, but, going above and beyond.  Seeing Steph's art hanging on a wall in a art gallery makes me so happy for her and even more proud.  I am such a lucky big sister!
 

I told Steph I wanted the above painting....fingers crossed :)

These are pictures of Steph and her painting and prints on display.  For some reason my pictures didn't turn out very good and I wasn't able to get as many as I liked.  The battery was very low on my camera (again, my love/hate relationship with cameras carries on!).  But, I will get some more soon.  The show is running until June 12 and I definitely want to go back again! 

If you are in the Dayton area, you really should go check out the WSU Senior Art Show.  It is free and open to anyone who wants to come visit.  You definitely will not be disappointed!

Look Out World...

We have a crawler!

I am so happy for him.  He is already such an explorer.  Everything that has been just out of reach all these months is now within his grasp.  I can't imagine how excited he must be. I imagine it is probably on the same level of how scared I am now!  It seems as if everything is just one big baby-death-trap!  He just started crawling and he is already into EVERYTHING!  All of a sudden his toys seem uninteresting.  He now has a fascination with power cords and shoes.  I hand him his musical aquarium and he just looks at me as if he is saying, "Pssst...You can keep that thing.  I'm going to go play with that computer cord over there.  Be back later."  My parent's house has officially been baby-proofed and I've already made myself a list of everything I'll have to do to our house when I get back!

We're Not In Kansas Anymore...

Last night was an interesting evening in the McEnery/Bowers household here in Ohio!  It all started around 7:00 yesterday evening.  My mom, dad, Evan and I were having a nice time outside.  You see, my parents live in a neighborhood where people still walk outside and talk with their next door neighbors and wave hi to those walking their dogs or driving by.  We knew thunderstorms were on the way.  But, the sky was still nice and clear and the sun was shining. It was just about Evan's bedtime so I came in to the house first.  I started Evan's nighttime ritual of bath/dress/story-time/feeding.  Right in the middle, all of a sudden, I heard a high-pitch whining sound coming from outside.  I thought, certainly that isn't the weather warning sirens.  I was just outside!  I picked up Evan and walked out onto my parent's back porch.  Yep, it was the sirens!

This is where chaos in sued...

Trying to get three adults, a baby, three dogs (one of which is a bit neurotic and does not like to go down stairs), and two cats down to a basement isn't an easy task!  I feel for Noah...

We all got downstairs just in time for the sky to open up.  Mother Nature was angry!  The winds were incredible.  And, the hail!  The hail was nothing like I had seen or heard before!  I have to say, I have been through some pretty nasty weather.  Everything from Baltimore and Ohio blizzards to Alabama hurricanes and tornadoes.  But, last night was probably the most scared I have been when it comes to the weather.  It was down right scary.  Everything lasted for about 15 minutes.  Thank goodness we only had high speed winds and large-sized hail.  We found out today a tornado touched down less than 10 miles away from my parent's house.  It could have been a lot worse!

My parent's house and brand new shed have to have the aluminum siding replaced due to hail damage.  I have to call our car insurance company and report hail damage to the Element.  There are 'dimples' all over it.  And a bench my parents own looks as if someone punched holes all through it.  But, siding and benches can be replaced.  Cars can be fixed.  We are all safe...that is all that matters!

Afterwards, it looked as if it had snowed.

With the recent horrific weather and destruction it has caused across the country, I have to stress how thankful I am that our storm wasn't very strong and that my family and I are safe.  It breaks my heart to hear about families such as the Hamils from Piedmont, Oklahoma.  The mom has had to have two major surgeries (all while being 4 months pregnant with their fourth child), their 9 year old daughter is in critical condition, and sadly, their two little boys have lost their life.  All because of a tornado.  This family has consumed my thoughts since the moment I heard about them on the evening news.  I cannot imagine their pain. 

The Only Thing I Want To Do Today...

Is give my husband a hug.

That's it.

I Love you Jimmy!

Dear Teeth,

If at all possible, I would like you to hurry up and BE DONE ALREADY!

I would like my happy, easy going, sleeps through the night, baby boy back.

I thank you in advance.

Sincerely,
Evan's desperate, sleep deprived Mommy,
Jenny

Someone Has Found His Voice....

Evan has always been a jibber-jabber.  Always making sounds.  Talking to his feet, toys, the dogs.  If it is there, he will talk to it.  Of course there are no words.  Just sounds.  (I will admit, however, I do get a little excited when one of his "sounds" comes out resembling 'mama' or 'dada'!)   However, in the past few days, he has become more determined and much lounder with his speech.  It's almost like he's saying, "I have something very important to say, so you better listen."  I was able to capture a little bit of it this morning.  It cracks me up! 

xoxo

Evan Goes to College

Evan and I made a trip to Auburn with Katie and Lathan this past weekend.  It had been a long time since I had been back, so it was a lot of fun.  We walked around campus taking in all the sights.  It was a great day.  Sunny and cool.  The University is currently on break, so it was also nice and calm.  A wonderful day to walk around with a baby!  The only thing that would have made it perfect would have been having Jimmy there with us.  I know he would have loved it! 

Evan at the entry to campus.  He was excited!

Evan and I with the trees at Toomer's Corner.  They didn't look too good.  But, hopefully the university can find a way to save them.  They are such beautiful trees and an amazing symbol of Auburn University.  It would be a shame if they didn't make it.

Evan in front of Samford Hall.  He LOVED getting out of his stroller and playing in the grass!

In front of the stadium.  He was sound asleep and there was no way I was waking him up!

WAR EAGLE

Next Stop...

North Carolina State University with Jimmy!  That is going to be fun.  Evan can't wait to tour Daddy's college and have him point out all the neat stuff about NC State. 

GO WOLFPACK!

xoxo

Sweet Home Alabama...

Oh, how I've missed you.  You are well-worth the 14 hour drive with two dogs and a teething 6 month old :)

In all seriousness, Evan and I made it safely to Alabama.  It was a very long drive with many, many stops...but, we made it!  We've only been here for 3 days, but we've already done so much.  We went and visited Aunt Katie's class room (and my old high school), visited Auburn University, hung out with Grammie and Grandpa, and Evan met Jimmy's best friend, Emilio.  Today we had a nice, well-needed, relaxing day.  

Evan shortly after arriving at Aunt Katie and Lathan's house Thursday night.  Grandpa bought him his Auburn had and Aunt Katie bought him his cow. 

Can you tell he was happy to be out of the car!

Visiting Robert E. Lee High School and Aunt Katie's class room.

Evan infront of Aunt Katie's SMART Board. 

The SMART Board is a very neat teaching tool.  I was thoroughly impressed!

Evan brushing up on his biology.

Evan and his Godfather, Uncle Emilio.

Many more photos to come!!

xoxo

4 Down and Many More Amazing Years Left!!

Four years ago today I married my best friend.  Jimmy is the most amazing husband and I consider myself very honored to be his wife.  We make the most unbelievable team (at least I think so!).  I cannot image my life without him.  For our wedding, Jimmy and I wrote our own vows.  It meant a lot to us to be able to say what was in our hearts.  So much as changed in the last four years.  Educations, relocations, careers, the addition of an amazing, beautiful baby boy!  But, through it all, one thing that has not changed is my love and devotion to him and our marriage.  I still mean every single word I vowed on that beautiful day.
 

Jimmy,

Today I stand with you on the threshold of a new life, for we will

be united as one.  From this day forward, your burdens are my

burdens, your joys are my joys and your happiness is my

greatest dream.  I will walk with you, hand in hand, over every

obstacle that life places before us.  The challenges of life get

easier today, and the joys of life get sweeter because I no longer

face them alone.  I promise to be the smile you seek after a hard

day, the comforting shoulder you need in a time of sorrow, and

the dream that helps you sleep peacefully each night. 

With a heart full of joy, I look forward to a life filled with laughter,

love, and beauty.  Yours is the hand I will hold as we rejoice with

every accomplishment.  Everything I have and all that I am, I

share with you.  I know our lives will blessed and our dreams be

twice as sweet because I am yours and you are mine - today,

tomorrow, and always.

xoxo

I cry then I smile...

I cried watching him pack his things yesterday.

I cried while falling asleep in his arms last night.

I cried while driving to the airport this morning.

I cried watching him kiss Evan goodbye.

I cried while I watched him disappear through the gate door I could no longer see him. 

I cried while driving home, knowing he wasn't by my side.

I cried when I realized he wouldn't be coming home from work this evening.

I cried when I put Evan to bed by myself tonight.

I'm crying now, knowing I will not kiss him good night.

Right before boarding the plane.

(Evan had just fallen asleep)

But,

I smile thinking of his return.

I smile knowing he will do an amazing job.

I smile when I see his hand writing on my Mother's Day Card.

I smile when I walk into our bathroom and I can still smell his soap from his shower this morning.

I smile when I look at Evan.

I smile when I think about his first phone call home.

I smile because I am married to an amazing man who happens to also be my best friend.

I smile because my husband is a true hero and I am so proud of him.

I think we dream so that we do not have to be apart so long.  If we are in each other's dreams, we can play together all night.

~ Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobes

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

This post is to honor all Military Spouses.

Past, present, and future.

To me, there is nothing more honorable, proud, and scary than being a military spouse.  I just hope I am doing the job well :) 

I am going to take moment to honor a very special military spouse.  My Mom.  In my eyes, she is the most amazing military spouse the world has seen.  She was by my Dad's side, holding his hand,  through his whole military career.  Moving overseas, not once, but twice.  Watching her husband board a plane every Monday and then picking him up at the same airstrip every Thursday for four years.  The whole time not knowing where he was going or what he was doing.  Just trusting he was safe because she had too.  Holding the house together while my dad depolyed to Saudi Arabia for countless months.  Packing up a whole house, husband, three girls, and two cats a total of 12 times (it could me more...that's all I can remember!).  She was, and is, so brave.  Everything I have learned about being military spouse and living the military way, I owe to her.     

I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens.

But, I am in the military.  In the ranks that are rarely seen.

I have no rank upon my shoulders.

Salutes, I do not give.

But, the military world is the place where I live.

I am not in the chain of command.  Orders I do not get.

But, my husband does.  This I can not forget.

I am not the one who fires the weapon,

who puts my life on the line.

But, my job is just as tough.  I am the one that is left behind.

My husband is a patriot, a brave, and pride filled man.

And the call to serve his country not all understands.

Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.

My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.

I love the man I married.  Soldiering is his life.

But, I stand among the silent ranks known as the

Military Wife. 

~ Author Unknown

The Things We Learn to Do....

Evan started doing this about two weeks ago.

Yay!

He is so happy that he can sit up all on his own.  And, I didn't realize how much easier MY life would be now that he can sit up!  He can sit in a shopping cart seat and I no longer have to carry him around either in his infant seat or in our carrier.  My back is very grateful for this.  He likes it much better as well....there is so much more to see while sitting up! 

But, it looks like sitting wont be the only thing he will be doing for very much longer....

Better start baby-proofing soon!

xoxo

This...

So, I'm obsessed with Darius Rucker's album, Darius Rucker Charleston, SC, right now.  I think it's because everytime I hear his voice it reminds me of high school and the days of Hootie and the Blowfish.  (Yes, I was a Hootie fan!)  And, that in turn, makes me feel young...who doesn't like that?!?  The song This is my favorite, and I love the video.  I'm sure everyone can relate to the song in some way.  All I know, is that it puts a big smile on my face!!

xoxo

A Visit from PawPaw and Grandmother

Evan had so much fun hanging out with his PawPaw and Grandmother during their visit.  It was great to be able to spend so much time with them.  I'm so happy that they were able to make it out to visit us and spend time with Evan to see Jimmy before he leaves.  Since they stayed with us for week we were able to fit in a lot of fun activites...We had a blast together!  We went to the San Antonio Zoo, attended a San Antonio Missions baseball game, and celebrated Easter together.  Here are some pictures from their visit!

San Antonio Zoo Visit
It was SO hot and humid this day.  It was 92 degrees by the time we left!

At the Zoo together

Pictures with the Komodo Dragon statue.  This was Jimmy's favorite part of the whole zoo.  We were actually able to see the keepers feed the Komodo Dragon this visit.  Jimmy was thrilled!

Trying to get a picture of Evan with he baby Lion cub!

San Antonio Missions Baseball Game

 Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Evan and Me with Henry the Taco...One of the Missions mascots!

Evan and Me with Ballapeno...the official San Antonio Mission Mascot :)

 Ronnie as a Missions player!

Evan was EXHAUSTED by the end of the night! 

This is one of my favorite pictures I've ever taken of Jimmy and Evan together.

Hanging out with PawPaw and Grandmother



We love you PawPaw and Grandmother and cannot wait to see you again!!

xoxo