Okay, this is my second attempt at blogging. I started my first blog when I found out I was pregnant with JJ. I was successful at updating it until JJ was born. Now, almost 8 months later, I think I've only updated it once or twice. Time for a fresh start!
A quick re-introduction to me...My name is Jessica Lyles Straley. I was born in South Carolina and spent most of my childhood/adulthood there. The YMCA will always hold a special place in my heart. Through working for the organization I grew as a Christian and most importantly was blessed to have the opportunity to share Christ with hundreds of children. It is there that I met some of my best life long friends...Leslie, Alida, Kelley (all at the Pickens County YMCA) and Kendra (at the Reuter Family YMCA in Asheville, NC). While working at the YMCA in Clemson, I met my husband, Jeremy Straley.
I'm crazy about my family and hate being so far away from them (I live in Dallas, TX and most of them live in South Carolina). Being married to Jeremy has been the best 6 1/2 year adventure. We've lived in Asheville, North Carolina...Knoxville, Tennessee...on cruise ships, where we sold art and are currently living in Dallas, TX. My baby JJ is my life and I am blessed to be able to stay home with him. (Yay,for 4 years of college I may never use again!)
I serve as the secretary for Richardson AnimaLuv, a non-profit foundation started by my friend Peggy Thorburn. I'm a friend to all cats and dogs. Jeremy and I are temporarily (and by temporarily, I mean for the last 2 years) fostering two cats from the shelter named Puma and Duncan. Plus, we still have our husky dogs, Cheyenne and Nika. I'm also the finder of homes for all animals in need. If you are currently without a pet, I'll be happy to hook you up!
These are some of the things I love...
God
Jeremy and JJ
Being a stay at home mom
Sunday Church followed by lunch with friends and an occasional Sunday nap
The Whitson/Lyles/Straley/Bohanna annual cabin trip
My B.O.B. jog stroller who I actually named Bob.
Cutting out coupons (which I honestly forget to use or lose half of the time!)
Still quoting lines from the tv show "Friends" with my sister after all these years
Going to baseball games with Jeremy and now JJ
Trips to SC to see the family
Getting my daily news from Facebook
JJ saying "hey" and "Dada" and everything else about him!
A good Sonic "happy hour" drink with my Mom
Skype
And so much more...
Enough blogging for today. I think I hear JJ waking up. More about Jeremy and JJ in the near future.
Loving Life,
Jessica
