Almost a year

See the thing is, I had almost forgotten this blog exisited. Mostly because I felt like until I had children I didn't have anything else to say. And while I know that's not true, I think that's why I let this blog die a slow death. I see it's been almost an entire year since the last time I posted, so obviously a lot has changed and gone on.
Then I got an email from my Sister in Law (SIL) who asked why I don't update the blog. And I couldn't respond, because I didn't know.
But here I am. Updating the blog.
Hi.
So if you know me at all, these are things you probably know. But in case you don't, let me catch you up to speed.
My husband and I are both teachers. My husband is a Chemistry/Physics teacher at Di.amond Bar High School (and the dots that you'll find between words sometimes are just there so that if someone does a good search for Dia.mond Bar High School - without the dots - that my blog won't show up as a match. A good internet tip for ya!) and I teach at two different high schools. I am at Ron Hoc.kwalt Acadmies for peirods 0-4 and then at W.alnut High for periods 5 and 6. I teach history, and this year I am teaching US History, Economics, and Civics. It's a busy schedule, and teaching delinquent children can often be a pain, but I am very grateful to have a job in any place and the district has been very good to both Jose and I.
Also, we are expecting our first child on May 2nd this year. We tried for a long time to have kids and were finally blessed. It's not the timing we wanted, but it is God's perfect timing. So again we're thrilled.
And did I mention, it's a girl? It is. Again, we're very excited.

I think that's enough for one post, I've got to slowly stretch my blogging muscles and get myself back on the waggon. So if you're reading this, post a comment so I know if there's even an audience for this! Ha.

What to say?

Well hello out there! Perhaps I've been a little too busy to update lately, but it just feels like life is moving and I rarely have time to sit and catch up on all these fabulous blogs you guys have.
Things here for Jose and I are going well. I think we're both a little curious about how this whole budget thing in California is going to affect our jobs (we're both new to our district this year, so last one in, first one off, you know?). But worrying doesn't do one ounce of good, so until then we're just trying to enjoy our blessings.
I hope 2009 is treating all of you well, and for now, I'll keep this short and sweet.
Happy Tuesday!

Fuego! Fuego! Fuego es que Quiero!

So Diamond Bar is on fire! Jose and I are safe, our house seems to be safe, and the dogs are safe. God is good. But there are a number of people much closer to the fires than we are that we should be praying for.
Diamond Bar High and Walnut High are both evacuation centers, so work tomorrow should be interesting.
But all is well. Just checking in...
Jill

Bad Blogger, bad, bad blogger!

Hey all,

It's been a busy fall. I can't believe tomorrow is Jose's last football game of the season. While his boys have improved a ton, they don't exactly have a winning record, and it's been a real trying year for my husband. I know we'll be excited for a good game tomorrow and then to be finished with football for a few months!

We decided not to go to Europe after all (Sorry Mel!). I think the economic troubles kept a few parents wary about spending the extra cash and the prices were going to go up, so we decided to stick with the original plan and just take this year off. Anyone want to open their home for a free vacation for the Marquez's?

I am soooo excited about fall. Today is Veterans day (thank you Veterans) and I can taste Christmas break (any excuse to get up and immediately take a nap is fine with me). I'm thinking about Thanksgiving and shopping and all other kinds of good things. But the weather this week is supposed to get into the 90's. How fall like can that be if we're barbequeing Turkey! No thank you! Bring on the sweaters.

Not much else is new with us, Just trying to get some Christmas cards ordered and grade some essays...
Take care and keep us updated on how all of you guys are doing! I think my readership is down to one or two now (I've been a bad, bad blogger).

Three Friday Favorites

1. My new job. I'm really enjoying being at Walnut High. If I had anything to complain about it's that the teachers aren't super friendly, but compared to where I came from, this place is heaven!
2. Our Saturn Outlook. last Summer we decided to buy a bigger car (so we didn't have to keep calling my mom to help us take big things home from the store!). Now that gas prices are a little lower we're driving it more. On Star is awesome!
3. My dogs. Seriously. I don't think Gipper and Nancy could be much cuter. They are adorable.

Have a great weekend!

7 Fun Facts

Let's face it, we all love reading other people's blogs when they share fun and personal stuff because it's an insight into their lives that we may not otherwise learn (thank you anonymity of the internet!). So here are 7 fun facts about Jill (and Jose).

1. I've been meeting with the same group of women for 8 years once a week. They are as close as sisters and an important part of my life. Small Group Woo Whoo!
2. I've been to multple places in the US, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, England, France, Italy, Belgium, and The Netherlands, but I hate to fly.
3. I'm going to Germany, France, and the Alps over spring break. Come with us!
4. My favorite thing to teach in World History is World War I. I do a mean Rasputin.
5. My current favorite Starbucks drink is a non-fat green tea latte (thanks to Annie)
6. I play the guitar and the piano, and am slowly taking drum lessons.
7. My husband is the funniest guy I know.

Your turn!

So long!

It's been way too long since my last post. To update:

Walnut lost to Diamond Bar in the Branding Iron game... oh well. Good for Diamond Bar.

Jose has started classes at Cal Poly for his masters degree. He's so smart!

Jill is still playing off and on in the band at church, it's really fun.
Church is going awesome! God is doing big things at Vantagepoint (www.vantagepointchurch.org)

Jill is starting her 8th year of meeting with her small group. What a neat thing to be apart of. These ladies are stars!

Summer is all the way over and now we're already planning our next Europe trip! - Spring break
2009 - France, Germany, and the Alps. If you want to go, adults are 2800 and students are 2600 (that's the all inclusive cost - not counting your lunches and suveniers). Send Jose or I an email. We're taking signups now! (www.eftours.com)

Gipper and Nancy are still awesome. Gipper had an eye infection, but nothing an 80 dollar trip to the vet can't fix.

More to come, but please, don't give up on this blog! It's just been busy!