We made it

Just a little heads up......this post will be slap full of random tidbits. 

Well, Justin made it through his first season as a head coach.  Although their record wasn't the greatest I really think he wiped the slate clean and began moving that program in a different direction.  He is still figuring a lot of things out but I think he has done a great job so far.  I think the faculty and students at Raleigh echo that feeling because he was named faculty member of the year.......whoop whoop!  I'm still adjusting to wearing maroon.  I did buy three maroon shirts to wear to games so that's a start.  

 This is one of my favorite pictures.  A sweet co-worker/football mama took this.  Isn't it great!

In other news, Avery is doing quite well at daycare.  Her teacher informed us that she basically hangs out with her and the other adults all day.  She thinks she is a teacher assistant and has no trouble bossing those kids around even though she is the smallest one on their.  I can't believe this is Cooper's last year at daycare.  It pains me to even mutter the word kindergarten.   We have discussed having another child a lot lately.  We go back and forth with it each day.  I'm leaning more towards yes every day but the thought of us being outnumbered scares me a little too.  We will see.  Whatever the Lord has in store for us we are surely blessed enough already.

Back to football and coaching.  My cousin, Jason Simpson, was up for the Southern Miss job recently.  Oh how excited I got thinking of how awesome an opportunity this would be for him and his career AND it would mean he and his precious family would only be 30 minutes away.  BUT, unfortunately he didn't get it.  Oh well, we will see what is up next for him.  Jason is definitely an up and comer so it's pretty exciting for the whole Simpson clan.

Christmas.......Oh Christmas!  I know I'm not the only one that gets stressed out around this time!  Don't get me wrong I LOVE buying people gifts and I LOVE being off of work for 2 weeks.  I dread our hectic schedule of trying to make sure we see each and every family at least once.  I know we have at least 3 stops on Christmas day possibly 4 stops!  Of course we always pray those little family gathering go well too and no one gets their tinsel in a bunch......but it's bound to happen at least once.  

I always have little random projects going.  There is one at the top of my list that I am determined to complete before summer.  I love vintage prints/posters and I want to find a poster that represents each school that Justin has coached at.  So, on my list is a whippet, bulldog, hornet, mustang, and a lion.  If you just happen to come across any of the mentioned holler at me!

That is enough randomness for now.

Oh, one more thing!  Our house is STILL for sale so please spread the word!!!! 

New...

Well, this week will be chopped full of new. New school, new football, new position, new routine.  I've always been a person that has welcomed new with open arms but I fond myself feeling a little overwhelmed and a little uncomfortable.  My eyes well up with tears when I think about Justin's first game as a head coach. Happy tears of course. Tears of pride and joy.  I know how hard he and his staff has worked and continue to.  This year at Raleigh begins a whole new journey in Justin's coaching career.  New responsibilities, new pressures, new kids, new fans, new everything. I'm a bit emotional too about the change. I will miss him being at West with me.  We are a couple that are just fine working together. There is a sort of comfort in that.  I have also been emotional about my (Fran's.) I had a slight breakdown at one point this summer talking to Justin about football season. Me: "When the season starts I won't ever get to see them and we will drift apart!" " We are all at separate schools now and it's just different,". Yeah, I threw a little pity party for myself. I'm sure it's the same for certain other professions but sometimes coaches wives form a bond and become quite close. At times, they feel as if they are the only one who believes in their husband and supports them no matter what. I have two that I have become quite close to while being at West Jones. In a perfect world, we could be at the same school throughout their entire career BUT we know that isn't likely to happen. Anywho, I know we will be lifelong friends but it sure is nice to have them by your side on Friday nights.

On another note, my little Avery will begin daycare on Tuesday!!! I'm not sure if I'm more nervous for her or the teachers.  Justin's grandmother has kept Avery up until now so it will be a HUGE change for her. I even postponed putting her in dance just because I want her to adjust to "school" before throwing her in an hour long dance class also.  I know there will be several mornings of complete meltdowns but I pray she adjusts well and gets along with the other children.  We will see!! It also makes me a little sad because she is officially a big girl now that is going to "school".  I don't even want to discuss Cooper possibly start kindergarten next year!!!!  It may be time for another bambino soon...........or maybe not. :)

20 questions with Cooper

All of these answers are straight from Cooper....

1.How old is mommy? 4. Daddy? 5

2. What are our jobs? Mommy: important stuff on computers. Daddy: teach football players

3. What is your favorite food? Mac-n-cheese

4. What is your favorite thing to do? Work outside

5. What to you want to be/do when you grow up? Chop down trees

6. What makes mommy happy? New stuff. Daddy? Winning a meat contest

7. What makes you happy? Working and playing the iPad

8. What is your favorite thing to do with Avery? Play games outside

9. Is Avery sweet? No......well sometimes

10. If mommy had a baby what would you name it? Boy: Crocodile. Girl: Calley

11. What is your favorite song? Boys that sing about girls

12. Why don't you like sleeping in your bed? I just need dad in there to keep me safe....ok?!

13. What makes mommy mad? When I break glass. Daddy? When we eat too much candy

Cooper: "Do we have to do this for a long time?"

Almost done

14. Who is your best friend? Hunter

15. Do you have a girlfriend? No!!!!

16. Do you want to get married when you grow up? Yes. What does "being married" mean? Kissing some girls

17. What is your favorite animal? Meat eaters

18. What is your favorite book? T-Rex book

19. What is your favorite show? Swamp People

20. Where do we live? West Jones, Mississippi County? United Stated of America & Republic

Cha Cha Cha Changes

Hello, my name is Jana Cooley and I am a horrible blogger. There, I feel better.

We have some pretty big changes since I last blogged. Justin was hired as Raleigh High School's new head coach! It's so excited and completely scary all at the same time. Of course I was extremely happy for him when he was offered the job but the way my mind works started to think about all of the logistics that come with the new position. I knew Justin would eventually get a HC position, it was just a matter of when it would happen.

So now here we are.....TRYING to sell our home, waiting to find out if I will have a job, and searching for a daycare for the kids. No worries.....right?

It's very bittersweet to move on to a new school. It's been in the back of my mind since we've been at West and I knew when the day came it would be tough. We have LOVED our time at West Jones. We work for three amazing administrators. I'm not just throwing that in here to brown nose because none of them will read this. They all have been truly wonderful to work for. Very supportive and easy going.....a teacher's dream to say the least. The staff at West is also outstanding and both of us have made lifelong friends with some. We will really miss the support from all of the parents and fans. It's always a fantastic feeling when you have a supportive program like West is blessed with. Then there is the coaching staff. A family that always knows what it's like in the "coaching" world......what it's REALLY like! I have formed bonds with several of them and have even emerged with a best friend Sarah Welch. When a coach leaves they always want to bring at least one coach with them. Unfortunatly, Justin won't be bringing any of those fantastic coaches with him. That brings me to another issue....new coaches wives. It's pretty important or helpful to have a connection with the coaches wives. I've heard it being referred to as a "club". I don't care for that term. We just know what it's like to be married to a coach....the same way I'm sure a doctor's wife or oilfield worker's wife knows the ups and downs of that business. Anywho, like I said I've been slightly stressing over all of the factors with this big move. Of course I hope my kids adjust well. New town, new house, and new school. I pray all of the time they will be the type of children that make friends easily and adapt well to change because that is what their life will/could be like depending on Justin's career. Then their is the issue of selling our home. I like living in the same community as the school we are at. It helps us make that connection with everyone especially the kids. I also don't want to commute back and forth. During football season I would like Justin to be able to get home before the kids go to sleep. Living in Raleigh would help!! Justin can NEVER say that I'm not a supportive wife. As a born and raised Ole Miss fan, it's basically against God's will for me to wear any shade of maroon. :)

Ok, I'll wrap up because I'm sure you are tired of reading this. Our little family is about to start an exciting and uncertain journey. I guess it's the fear of the unknown and the excitement of something new that is honestly overwhelming at times. I have complete faith that Justin will do an amazing job and I can't wait to see what the future holds!!

Go Lions!!!

Ohhhh, That's My JAM!

I LOVE MUSIC!!  Really, I love it!  My taste is very broad as you will see as you read this post.  You know that feeling when a song that you love comes on the radio?  You turn it up, start dancing and singing, and all of your worries suddenly for that moment seem to cease.  I wanted to list some of my favorite songs in no particular order.  Most will probably surprise you....some may not.  This could be a very long post!

1.  Kiss - Prince.....Dance every single time it comes one
2. Sara Smile - Hall & Oates....You know you like them too
3. Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
4. At Last - Etta James....First Dance  Enough Said
5. My Girl - Temptations.....Father-daughter dance at our wedding....wonderful
6. Notion - Kings of Leon...new favorite
7. Do Ya' - K.T. Oslin
8. Jungle Love - The Time
9.  Golddigger - Kanye West
10. One More Try - George Micheal
11. Father Figure - George Micheal
12. Billie Jean - Micheal Jackson
13. Way you make me feel - Micheal Jackson
14. Multiply - Jamie Lidell
15. In the air tonight - Phil Collins.....gets me fired up for football
16. Don't Stop Believin - Journey....this is pretty much on everyone's list right?
17. Hypnotize - Notorious B.I.G.
18. Word Up - Cameo
19. Into the mystic - Van Morrison....VERY close 2nd first dance song for our wedding....LOVE IT!!!
20. Single Ladies - Beyonce.....uh oh uh oh uh oh uh oh
21. Use Somebody - Kings of Leon
22. Not Ready to Make Nice - Dixie Chicks
23. If I were a Boy - Beyonce
24. Keep on Smilin - Wet Willie.....feel good song
25. Money Can't buy It - Annie Lennox
26. Cold - Annie Lennox
27. Stormy Weather - Etta James
28. Chain Chain Chain - Areatha Frankiln
29. Strip My Mind - Red Hot Chili Peppers
30. Strut - Shenna Easton....oldie but goodie
31. Empire State of Mind - Jay Z & Alicia Keys
32. Hallelujah - Rufus Wainwright

I could go on and on and on but I will stop there.  So, what are some of your favorite JAMS???

Jana: A to Z

Age: 30.....oh that hurt

Bedsize: Queen but we desperately need a King!!

Chores that you hate: Mopping

Dogs: 0  :(

Essential start to your day: Spark and breakfast

Favorite color: Green

Gold or Silver:  Silver

Height: 5'9"

Instruments you play: None

Job title: Teacher

Kids: Cooper Jaxon Cooley : almost 4 :( , Avery Lawson Cooley : 2

Live: Laurel

Mother’s Maiden Name: Lawson

Nicknames: Some people called me Jana Banana in high school which was pretty lame...

Overnight hospital stays: Just with the birth of my two babies

Pet peeves: Snobs, Bad (dangerous) drivers,  Women who refuse to bump it up a size in clothing (I KNOW it's hard!), people who blare loud vulgar music from their car....GROSS!

Quote from a movie or tv show: "Why don't you go get something to eat, I know you hungry.  Naw see I done ate three times before I came"  Friday.

Right or Lefty: Lefty

Siblings: 2 brothers. One sister

Time you wake up: 5:15

Underwear: Just good, comfortable ones that promises no panty lines....I hate that

Vegetable you hate: Broccoli

What makes you run late: Toddlers

X-Rays You’ve Had: My teeth

Yummy food you make: Spaghetti

Zoo Animal: Monkeys

The Next Step...

Tonight will mark the next step in Justin's career as a football coach.  He is now the Defensive Coordinator at West Jones.  To most people this is not a big deal but I am pretty dang proud of him. Yes, I brag on my husband because I believe he is good at what he does and I am excited for him!  Truth be known, I will probably tear up when I see him tonight on the sidelines.  Silly, yes.....but I can't help it.  I am just so darn happy for him!!  We talk about the future all of the time.  He has been blessed to work with some amazing coaches over the years.  He is beginning his 6th year at West Jones and we have one of the best coaching staffs in the state but I guess I am a bit partial  ;).  We've made some wonderful friends along the way who have now gone on to other schools (miss you guys!!) I am formed lifelong friendships with some of the other wives that I will cherish long after we leave West Jones. Although it's a tough and aggravating job that Justin chose I am proud to be a coach's wife.    I can't wait to see what the future holds! 

GO MUSTANGS!!!  BEAT THE TIGERS!!!

Justin and Coach Graves