FINALLY... COMPLETED MY FIRST COLLEGE COURSE

So, I know this may not seem like a huge milestone to some, but for me, it is extremely huge! In 2001, I had the bright idea to go back to school and registered for college classes. My life was in a horrible place and therefore, I never went and took the classes. The teachers never dropped me and I received 2 F's, so I need to work on fixing that! In 2002, I attempted the college route again, but again my life was not in a good place and I never finished the classes! Have you ever heard the saying 3 strikes you're out? Well, not for me! My third strike is when in 2006 I enrolled in classes yet again, and started the classes, but never finished them AGAIN!!!!

So now, in 2009, my life couldn't be more perfect! I have a great job, a perfect home and an AMAZING and supportive fiance! I decided that just in case I do get laid off with this economy, I need to be in college so that I am able to go to college and still collect my unemployment! It gets tricky because if you are already taking classes and were to get laid off, you would be able to get unemployment, but if you get laid off and then BEGIN taking classes, you are not eligible for unemployment! Weird.. but whatever! I really want to be able to have a degree when I have school aged children! I don't want to be one of the only mom's without one!

I have officially completed History 129 - the History of California! What a fun course that was... and I did it all online through the Junior College out here in Modesto! I would have gotten an A but midway through the class, I was having the same symptoms that I always have... not wanting to finish. But with the support of Joey and my co-workers, I completed the class with an 88%. I finally have college credits!!!! 3 down..... 57 to go! Wish me Luck!

Welcome Isabella Mariah ~ My New Neice!

Our Little Easter Blessing! 9 lbs 2 oz.

Born on April 12th, 2009

Joey's Sister Maryann's baby girl

The Family Goes to the Race Track

So the family spent the afternoon/evening at Madera Speedway on April 11th! I called Brooke on Friday (fyi.. Brooke hates the races... her kids love it.. she see's no point in cars going around in a circle following one another!) and told her that she should take the girls to the races.. .and when she told me she was planning on it.. I was shocked!!! And very excited! I love being at the races with the girls, I just dont love taking them because we like to hang out with our friends and do grown up stuff that you cant really do when you have the responsibilities of kids!

So.. Aunt Daphne came.. which was a suprise! She had in tow Stephanie, Ally and Eddie. It was very exciting to have them all there, especially because Matt WON his Street Stock race! He is a pro at that division! The late model division, thats another story! Aunt Daphne asked me.... so when does Matt start passing people. I told her.... um.. probably not in this division! Poor Matt!

Anyways, here we all are in the winner's circle! our favorite place to be on a Saturday Night!

for more photos go to: http://jmcanellyphotos.smugmug.com/

Working on the Wedding Plans

So it has been quite fun searching online to get ideas for our wedding. I have so many ideas in my head, I can't wait to actually get something set thats actually concrete! Like say the venue... once I have that figured out and booked, then I can really start planning.

We are going to have the cutest wedding! It is going to be sooooo much fun and so laid back! I can hardly wait. I am told that 18 months is going to go by before I know it! I find myself smiling all day... luckily for me... I have a job where I sit at a computer for 8 hours a day.. often at times with nothing to do.... so it works out great! If I had a high stress job, the wedding planning would be a lot more stressful I can imagine.

I want to elaborate on some of my ideas... but I rather have them be a suprise!

The tentative in my head is late September of 2010.... not this year!!!! I was thinking that since Joey and I already live together... that we can do a honeymoon registery rather than registering for material things! I think that would be so great and personal. And it will be the only way that we will be able to go on a honeymoon because after the wedding.. I am sure we will be broke!!!
Do you have an opinion on this??? Just an idea for now.. but I think it is a good one!

BABY FENTON

HE DOESN'T HAVE A NAME YET, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME MY NEW COUSIN TO THE WORLD! I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU!