Michael and Ashley Reif

Losing A Friend

2009-05-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

Today I went to a wedding for a girl that I work with. She started last year with me and she got engaged on New Year's, so this entire year she has been planning for the wedding. We would talk about how plans were going, colors, flowers, the whole works. We would come in on weekends and work on our portfolio's together, only to be distracted by looking at her dress on the internet, her honeymoon destination and how she was going to style her hair. Well, before we know it the final week arrives and her time at Montezuma is coming to an end. No more break room chats, eating lunch together or picking up our students from their classrooms. Everyday we would go to each others room just to see how the day was going, what funny things our kids had said or how they were driving us insane. We just instantly meshed together; we were opposites that attracted and now she's gone. It's going to be different from now on. I know next year I'm going to walk to her room expecting her to be there only to see someone else. I'm going to expect to see her at inserves and she won't show. I'm going to save a seat at lunch only to have it stay empty the entire time. It just won't be the same..............

Holy Cow - It's May!

2009-05-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

Well first I can't believe it's May - where has time gone?

UPDATES!

Michael and I are in the process of buying our house in Montezuma. I'll post pictures later but we're so excited. We've been married for almost 3 years now and have lived in 4 different places - it's finally time to call somewhere home. Its a 2 bedroom ranch but could easily be made into more and has the plumbing set up for a bathroom downstairs.

We also made a big domestic purchase (not that a house isn't) last week - we bought a mower. Seriously - a mower. Michael let me use it twice and I killed it both times, lol. The grass was way tall and wet, but let's just say I'll need to work on my arms in order to push that thing :-) Michael's made the garage his MANCAVE - pictures of Scarface on the walls and a jetski inside instead of a car. He sold his motorcycle a couple of weeks ago - he said it was time to grow up............. his words, not mine :-)

Family news - They found more cancer in my mom's lynph nodes and bones. Not good at all but she's still in high spirits. Not that Dixie doesn't know any other way and you all know that :-) My dad had surgery last week on his Choroted (totally spelled that wrong) artery since he was at a high risk for a stroke. He'd been getting dizzy for a while but didn't want to say anything because of my mom. Heath and his wife are getting a divorce and Joshua's little boy is finally off of his seizure medication from his bacterial menigitis that he suffered from this past fall. Michael's sister is getting married at the end of the month so she's been stressed about that.

Work - Michael is still on lay-off from Pella Corp. I know they've called some people back, but those are the people who said they would take any shift. He only wants to go back to nights because he wants to see me. No, that was seriously his answer. I was actually pretty surprised that he said that. We've been together for 8 year so to hear that he actually still likes me is nice, lol. Totally kidding :-) He's been helping my dad since he can't do anything for a while. I am the JH girls track coach so our season is winding down but only to have HS softball begin. Last month I gave up being the head coach becacuse of my mothers health situation. I was stressed out over my head with my job, coaching and home - something had to give. So I told them I would still assist if they let me step down for a year. I still coach JH Volleyball so 3 sports is enough - too much actually.

I miss everyone, fill me in on what you are up to. Or if you're ever cruisin' down I - 80 and need a pit stop, Montezuma is Exit 192 ( I think!)

Welcome 2009!

2009-01-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

When looking back over the past year; I realize just how blessed we are. At times there were struggles, but we clung to family and friends who helped us through. Some of the highlights of our year were:

1) The many trips we took - New York, Indiana and Wisconsin

2) Getting a house

3) Trenton's recovery and Mom's constant fighting attitude

4) Coaching - JH Volleyball & HS Softball

5) Helping mom & dad with their remodeling

At the top of the Rockefeller Center in NYC.

On our ferry boat at Liberty Island.

Hanging out at Times Square!

With Michael's family in Indiana.
Michael's Mom's side at his Aunt Brenda's house.

My husband & I - lookin good!

Pictures from Wisconsin are coming! We just want to thank everyone for their love and support during this past year. We look forward to what 2009 has in store for us. Hope you enjoyed your holiday season and stay safe!