July already?

I cannot believe that it is July already.  So much is going on in our lives.  I just want it all to slow down.  For those of you who we don't talk to regularly, here is the BIG update....

I'll start with Mack.  Mack turned in his resignation to Amazon.com and started the MBA Graduate Program at the University of Kentucky on July 6th!  We are excited that it is only a 12 month program and that the Post 911 GI Bill is covering most of the expenses.  We felt that it was a perfect opportunity knowing that we would not be relocating, promoting, or doing anything too drastic over the next 12 months (so we thought).  I'm a little bit jealous, but keep reminding myself that I'll get my turn soon enough. 

JMS...well, he is 3 1/2 years old and is completely potty trained.  We are officially out of the pull-ups even when he sleeps through the night.  His favorite toys of late are Mighty Beans (silly little jumping beans); they remind me of Garbage Pail Kids....as far as their names and cartoonish descriptions.  He also is ready to start preschool on Aug 24th.  He is going to go to a half day, two day program to start...sad to say, it was the best fit for my work schedule.  As far as activities this summer...he is trying to get us to read enough books to fill up his library poster so he can earn a free book.  He loves going to the swimming pool. And, despite the weather, still likes to burn energy at Monkey Joe's.  Lastly, he is a great gardener...he let's us know when the tomatoes have turned orange enough to bring in to set on the counter.  And, when there are worms on the tomato plants. 

As far as me....I have been the store manager for 5 months now....can you believe?  The building, despite how old it is...is still standing.  I've had a few quit on me...and I'm on a few corporate "focus" lists...that are not good...but for the turn-around that I've been asked to do...I'm okay with it.  On a personal note...I am now...15 weeks pregnant with #2.  We are very excited, but so busy that it is going very quickly.  We should find out the sex around week 20...and of course, we will let everyone know.  At this point we are just praying for a healthy and happy baby...no talk of names, registries, nursery decor....nothing.  I'm starting to grow out of my regular pants...but the silly bands that JMS collects are holding them together for now.  I bet the designers of those stupid things never would have thought....prego lady uses these to hold her pants together.  Ha ha. 

And for those of you who follow me for recipes...let me not disappoint:

Minestrone Crock Pot Soup...
1/4 cup Italian Dressing (do not over do this...it will make the soup broth greasy)
1 Onion, chopped
1 stalk Celery, chopped
1 Carrot, peeled, chopped
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, do not drain
1 can (19 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed
2 cans (14 oz. each) vegetable broth
2 cups Water
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1-1/2 cups small shell macaroni, uncooked
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

HEAT dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add onions, celery and carrots; cook 2 min. or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Spoon into slow cooker. Add tomatoes, beans, broth, water and seasoning; stir. Cover with lid. COOK on LOW 6 hours
STIR in macaroni; cook 10 to 15 min. or until macaroni is tender. Sprinkle with cheese just before serving.