Countdown to Penny ...

So, I was feeling nostalgic the other day and I searched for the picture Rollin took of me when we were headed to the hospital with Ellie. I was really surprised that I looked pretty similar to the way I look now since this pregnancy has been a little bit different. Really made me start to wonder what that might mean for Penny and Ellie. Then that got me thinking that I needed to blog about what was happening in our lives. I do it mostly for me, so that I can have those memories of what was going on and what I was thinking about, but I like sharing it with others, too. :)

Crazy how similar I look, huh? (Ellie is on the left and Penny is on the right.) We aren't sure when we'll get to meet Penny, as I'm hoping to avoid a c-section this time around, but her due date is quickly approaching. Rollin and I have begun to really let that reality sink in as we started our "Things To Do Before Penny" list today. I know, probably should have done that before now, but we've been a little busy and in full-on Christmas mode! One of the things that has kept us so busy is my work and coursework with the Leadership Academy. Our cohort clicked so quickly this summer and made it our unofficial mission to model choosing joy in a profession where it's been difficult lately. Training to be a school leader is a daunting privilege, but doing it alongside great people makes it easier. It's hard to believe that the year is halfway over! So much to do ...

I've been so lucky to be at Christenberry Elementary as an Assistant Principal while going through the Academy. For those who are unfamiliar with the Leadership Academy, it's like being a principal intern. (At least that's the best way I can think to describe it!) I'm getting to learn under the guidance of a fantastic mentor, Melissa Johnson, while attending classes through a partnership with Knox County Schools and the University of Tennessee. Talk about learning A LOT!! At the end of the year, I'll have my Education Specialist degree and a wealth of knowledge. I love my job and I love working with these fabulous ladies.

We are all meant to do something great with our lives, and that begins with having a passion for what you do every day. Rollin and I are firm believers in this, which is why he is still working with The WordPlayers and is currently rehearsing for a "homecoming show" with Oak Ridge Playhouse. (Yes, he made sure I was okay with this as rehearsals and performances will overlap with Penny's arrival!) Those who have seen Rollin perform know why the sacrifices of a "theatre widow" are more than worth it to me. Here's a picture from his last performance with Oak Ridge Playhouse, "1776".

God has blessed him with an amazing talent and I love to see him using it. He recently did an incredibly powerful play based on a true story with Yellow Rose Productions about sex trafficking in Knoxville. Yes, Knoxville, Tennessee. Please check out this upcoming group and the amazing work they did to spread awareness. Here's their website: Yellow Rose Productions

Alongside all of that has been the joys and frustrations of raising a 3 year-old! (Parents of toddlers, I know you feel us on this one!) It is so fun seeing Ellie's personality shine, and she is really starting to form some friendships. But wow, the mood swings and random acts of independence can make your head spin! So please, if you see her pitching a fit, offer up encouragement to us to keep "fighting the good fight," not judgmental looks. :) Here's our angel with one of her best buddies, Abigail.

That is a good quick update about the Prince family. I'm on maternity leave from now until about Valentine's Day and am hoping to write a little about the changes that come with our family of four. (We'll see, huh?) Until then, we hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas as we celebrate the coming of our King!