So it felt like we hit the ground running after getting home from vacation. We got in at dinner time Saturday and then Sunday was Father's Day and church both services. I was happy to be back there though and see friends and such. We had lifegroup. I got to catch up with Wendy which was nice. After church we went to eat Mexican with my family. It was sort of a long day, but I was happy to spend more time with my family and celebrate Father's Day. It was like a sort of extended vacation. That afternoon we mostly just relaxed and worked on getting life back to normal. Oh and we brought Colby to my parent's house that evening though to spend the night. Austin also had to go into work...it was nice having a little quiet time with Lindsay.
Monday it was nice to feel like we were starting our summer groove. Although we were up early! I had made plans to go to breakfast with Wendy. We were so anxious to get together and catch up. Even though we had been together every day during VBS... a week apart seems like we have a million things to tell each other. She got to my house at 8. Her daughter Emily who is 14 stayed here with Lindsay. Its been such a sweet friendship. Lindsay has developed such a love for Emily. And Emily truly is like a big sister to her. Wendy and I are also basically like sisters we say. Anyway its a completely natural friendship and its been so fun the last year! So we went to Another Broken Egg Cafe out in Lakeview. This has sort of become our "thing". We've been 4 times to get breakfast and mimosas. Even just the drive out there was hilarious and we had the best time. Breakfast was great. We had a pitcher this time of mimosas and we stayed about 2 hours. After our leisurely breakfast we decided to do a little bit of shopping. She and I had discussed going to Trader Joe's since before school got out to buy some wine. We did that and each got 4 bottles! It was so cheap though. Afterwards we went to Fleurty Girl and another little boutique type shop. It was fun just shopping and talking. We then drove back to the Westbank. We did a little driving around though before we came back to my house. We drove through her neighborhood and she showed me a house for sale that she really wants to buy. We got back here and the girls did great by themselves! That afternoon we rested up a bit before going to swim.
Tuesday we were supposed to have swim team. Well it was storming and raining that morning. We ended up driving there though to find out it was cancelled. It was ok though. We came home and re-grouped a bit then went on to the grocery. Afterwards we got back out to go to Petsmart and buy puppy supplies. We picked up lunch and had a low key afternoon around the house.
Wednesday we made plans to go see the movie "Aladdin". I hated Austin was going to miss it , but its hard to wait around to do things during the summer. Anyways we invited my friend Rebecca to go with us. The movie was great! We loved it! Afterwards we had to stop by the grocery and get some stuff because we were going to be keeping Buttercup the bunny for a week. We then dropped everything off at our house then went by the Schifflin's to pick him up. Wendy was in the midst of making a b-day cake for Andrew. We got to sneak a peak and she even sent us home with a smaller version. It was fun getting to visit for a bit. We packed up the bunny and gave them our puppy supplies and came home to rest before church time. This was our first Wednesday of the summer. I hate pretty much made up my mind during VBS that I wanted to help out with the youth some this summer. We went and ate dinner. Also my Aunt had come in town so this was our first opportunity to see her. That night I really enjoyed the youth. It brought back so many fond memories of my childhood experiences. I was hoping to get out of any type of "teaching role" well they had the kids get into small groups and next thing I knew I had 5-6 girls flocked to me though. It was sweet and I really enjoyed it. I had Ella and Emily in my group who are both like daughters and then I had Christa who I have been getting to know and a couple others. Anyway it was a fun night.
Thursday we were up early again for swim team. I kinda like the early start to our day honestly. We also made plans to get Ella from her house and bring her swimming at my parent's house. She has been going to the church with her parents a lot of the summer, so I figured this would be a good break for everyone! So after swim we picked her up and headed to my parent's house. We also got to visit with Aunt Ree. The kids had a blast and played together so well. I love that about Ella. She's able to balance my kids out! After swimming they decorated a cookie cake. I didn't want to barge in on my parents too much so I left with the kids and took them to Canes. I enjoyed hearing the 3 kids just talk about life and school! After I dropped Ella off and we came home to relax!
Friday we got out that morning to run some errands. My mom and Aunt wanted to stop by to see the house and visit. I hated we didn't get to spend more time with them, but with life and kids we have just been SO busy. We had a nice visit here. We stayed in the rest of the day.
Saturday the kids had their FIRST every swim meet. I was super excited on how they would do and that would go. They actually did really great! I mean neither won anything, but I was just proud of how brave they were. It was a long morning though. We had to be at the Y at 8 and the swim meet didn't end until around noon. We were all quite exhausted by the end of that. We rested and just did some projects around the house.
Sunday we had church. We went to both services and had lifegroup. My friend Wendy is out of town with her 2 younger children so we had offered to have her husband Phil and oldest son Philip over. They declined though due to Philip having tests that he needed to study for. I was a little sad, but also relieved b/c then I knew we could relax longer.
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
GRAND CANYON 2019
So we just got back from a wonderful family vacation. We started out bright and early Monday morning. I had to set my alarm for 3am!! We were to the airport by about 5:15 and boarding the plane by about 5:45. We landed in Las Vegas around 7:45. We got our luggage and set out to get the rental van. We got in the van and loaded up and we were all excited about our adventure for the week. We found a nearby Walmart and stopped there first to load up on snacks for the week and an ice chest. Once we got that settled we drove from Nevada to Utah. It was a couple hour long ride. We finally got into this tiny Western looking town and found a place for lunch. It was this cute Saloon looking place. The burgers we got were quite yummy! Plus we were all starving! After this we traveled awhile longer to get to Zion National Park. I was excited to start seeing some sights, but also very tired from the day. It was also quite hot. We ended up riding this shuttle around the park mostly. We got out at a couple stops. I was happy we got to get out and hike. I think the kids liked moving about too. We saw this little waterfall thing and they got to splash around in a creek. I think that were some of the highlights! Afterwards we went on to our hotel. We stayed at a place called Thunderbird Lodge. It was like an old fashioned inn. It was honestly really cute. It felt like a scene out of cars. We unpacked and rested for awhile. The kids really wanted to swim, but we were all tired. We cooled off a bit then met the family for dinner. The place had a little restaurant on the grounds so we ate several of our meals there. It was always nice sitting around the table talking and laughing. We all had a light dinner and dessert since lunch had been late and pretty big. After we got back to our rooms and did baths and bed to gear up for another busy day!
Tuesday we got to sleep in a little which felt quite good. We met the family for breakfast. We all had a nice big breakfast and got packed up for the day and ready to head out. This day we spent in Bryce National Park. This was a neat park as well. I wished I was more rested for Zion, but I think Bryce was one of my favorites. Plus the weather was super nice this day as well. This park we were able to drive through and just make stops along the way. I preferred this over the shuttle option from the day before. We got out and saw a lot of sights. We took a few short walks which was nice. We finished the park around lunch time so we drove down to this little town not far away and had lunch at this place called Ruby's Inn. It was a buffet, but they also had other options. I think we all especially enjoyed the ice cream. We had about a 2 hour drive back to our hotel. My brother had offered to bring us to another park, but I think we all just wanted an early evening in. We ended up getting back to our hotel around 4 I think. This gave us time to unwind and the kids got to swim and play in the pool. I enjoyed the down time. I like seeing stuff on vacation, but I also enjoy just resting. We sat by the pool for about an hour. After that we got cleaned up and we met for dinner at the hotel restaurant again. Once again we weren't super hungry. We ate some big lunches on this trip. We split some appetizers. Lindsay and I browsed the gift shop and got a few souvenirs and then we were ready to head back to the room and turn in earlier than the night before.
Wednesday we had a busy day planned out. This day we were driving to the North Side of the Grand Canyon. We set out early and it was about a 2 hour drive. We enjoyed the sights. It was a beautiful drive in. The north side of the Grand Canyon is nothing like you would expect. We ended up seeing snow and deer and trees and all sorts of things. We parked at the Visitor's Center and walked a trail out to a peek of the Canyon. It was quite a walk, but we survived! We got to see some beautiful sights. We contemplated hanging out there and eating lunch, but we finished rather early, so we decided to go ahead and keep driving. We ended up finding this neat little cafe on up the road. I was so happy we stopped here instead. The lunch was fabulous! It was also nice to get out and stretch our legs and such. We had another 2 hour drive from there though. We saw a lot more sights on our way to the South Side of the Grand Canyon. We even pulled over and did this walk through over the Colorado River. That was cool...but boy was it hot!! We got to our hotel that evening. We had a nice hotel with a HUGE bathroom and tub. Austin was a little disappointed in the cleanliness though. We had a bit to hang out/get cleaned up before meeting everyone for dinner. We decided to just eat at the hotel buffet. My parents passed it up...we probably would have too except my brother and sister in law wanted to eat there so we went and visited with them. The ice cream ended up being my highlight. It was also just nice to laugh and enjoy their company. That night we enjoyed the spacious hotel room. Colby woke us up randomly though shouting in the middle of the night.
Thursday we were up early again. This day we were going to be touring the "South Rim" of the Grand Canyon. Once again we met for breakfast and then set out. We got there and we got to see a lot of the typical scenes you see on movies and such. We walked a lot along the edge and that was nice. It was pretty warm though. We then went to the iconic place where you see all the pictures. That was over crowded and felt very touristy and honestly I didn't like it much. After we finished at the south side we decided to drive a bit and find a place for lunch. We drove into Williams, AZ. This was located on Route 66. It was the cutest little town. It truly felt like the movie CARS. Colby loved being on Route 66. We ate at this cute little cafe. Lunch was delicious and they had awesome pies. We then decided to Zip Line. Well Lindsay, Lizzie, and I did. It was so much fun! We then drove into our next hotel we would be staying at. We got to the hotel and had time to relax and such. The kids were happy to swim in the pool and I was happy to stay in the room and get some much needed quiet time. That night we went to a little hole in the wall Mexican place.
Friday we woke up and drove to Hoover Dam. I wasn't super into this. I mean I guess it just seemed more like a "guy thing". I mean it was impressive, but by this day I was kinda over it and ready to go home. We stayed there a few hours. After leaving the Dam we drove into Vegas and towards our hotel. We found an IN-OUT burger right by our hotel. It was so good! It was crowded, but worth it. After we went to our hotel and rested for awhile. We let the kids watch Toy Story and just chill out. At 4 we met up with everyone to go down to the Vegas strip. I was excited at first to see the sights and such. We drove for about an hour seeing all the major things. That part was fun. We then searched for parking...we ended up at the Bellagio. We walked around on the inside for awhile and saw the pretty gardens. Lindsay had fallen asleep so she wasn't super impressed. We then went outside and as soon as we did I was over it. It just seemed dirty and crowded. We waited for the fountains, but even that didn't impress me. With all the places I've been I just didn't think it was that cool. Anyway we then crossed the street to eat dinner. We had a nice steak dinner then walked in a casino and walked back to that hotel. I hated that part. Its just so filthy there and full of bad stuff. I was quite ready to get back to the hotel. We got in and we were all ready to get cleaned up and turn in!
Saturday we were up early for our flight home! I was anxious to return home! We had breakfast at the hotel lobby. We got to the airport and had about 30-40 at the gate to wait. The flight was uneventful. I read and Lindsay drew and slept! We arrived in NOLA ahead of schedule and I was so excited...but then a HUGE thunderstorm blew in and we weren't allowed off the plan for an hour!!! Then we finally got out the plane and we had to wait another hour and a half for our luggage! It was quite an ordeal...although I think sometimes God just wants us to learn patience. It all worked out ok...we picked up Chickfila on the way home and just decided to call it a night. We did a little unpacking, but knew most of it could wait! It was a great trip though...I am thankful for all the memories and laughs with family!
Tuesday we got to sleep in a little which felt quite good. We met the family for breakfast. We all had a nice big breakfast and got packed up for the day and ready to head out. This day we spent in Bryce National Park. This was a neat park as well. I wished I was more rested for Zion, but I think Bryce was one of my favorites. Plus the weather was super nice this day as well. This park we were able to drive through and just make stops along the way. I preferred this over the shuttle option from the day before. We got out and saw a lot of sights. We took a few short walks which was nice. We finished the park around lunch time so we drove down to this little town not far away and had lunch at this place called Ruby's Inn. It was a buffet, but they also had other options. I think we all especially enjoyed the ice cream. We had about a 2 hour drive back to our hotel. My brother had offered to bring us to another park, but I think we all just wanted an early evening in. We ended up getting back to our hotel around 4 I think. This gave us time to unwind and the kids got to swim and play in the pool. I enjoyed the down time. I like seeing stuff on vacation, but I also enjoy just resting. We sat by the pool for about an hour. After that we got cleaned up and we met for dinner at the hotel restaurant again. Once again we weren't super hungry. We ate some big lunches on this trip. We split some appetizers. Lindsay and I browsed the gift shop and got a few souvenirs and then we were ready to head back to the room and turn in earlier than the night before.
Wednesday we had a busy day planned out. This day we were driving to the North Side of the Grand Canyon. We set out early and it was about a 2 hour drive. We enjoyed the sights. It was a beautiful drive in. The north side of the Grand Canyon is nothing like you would expect. We ended up seeing snow and deer and trees and all sorts of things. We parked at the Visitor's Center and walked a trail out to a peek of the Canyon. It was quite a walk, but we survived! We got to see some beautiful sights. We contemplated hanging out there and eating lunch, but we finished rather early, so we decided to go ahead and keep driving. We ended up finding this neat little cafe on up the road. I was so happy we stopped here instead. The lunch was fabulous! It was also nice to get out and stretch our legs and such. We had another 2 hour drive from there though. We saw a lot more sights on our way to the South Side of the Grand Canyon. We even pulled over and did this walk through over the Colorado River. That was cool...but boy was it hot!! We got to our hotel that evening. We had a nice hotel with a HUGE bathroom and tub. Austin was a little disappointed in the cleanliness though. We had a bit to hang out/get cleaned up before meeting everyone for dinner. We decided to just eat at the hotel buffet. My parents passed it up...we probably would have too except my brother and sister in law wanted to eat there so we went and visited with them. The ice cream ended up being my highlight. It was also just nice to laugh and enjoy their company. That night we enjoyed the spacious hotel room. Colby woke us up randomly though shouting in the middle of the night.
Thursday we were up early again. This day we were going to be touring the "South Rim" of the Grand Canyon. Once again we met for breakfast and then set out. We got there and we got to see a lot of the typical scenes you see on movies and such. We walked a lot along the edge and that was nice. It was pretty warm though. We then went to the iconic place where you see all the pictures. That was over crowded and felt very touristy and honestly I didn't like it much. After we finished at the south side we decided to drive a bit and find a place for lunch. We drove into Williams, AZ. This was located on Route 66. It was the cutest little town. It truly felt like the movie CARS. Colby loved being on Route 66. We ate at this cute little cafe. Lunch was delicious and they had awesome pies. We then decided to Zip Line. Well Lindsay, Lizzie, and I did. It was so much fun! We then drove into our next hotel we would be staying at. We got to the hotel and had time to relax and such. The kids were happy to swim in the pool and I was happy to stay in the room and get some much needed quiet time. That night we went to a little hole in the wall Mexican place.
Friday we woke up and drove to Hoover Dam. I wasn't super into this. I mean I guess it just seemed more like a "guy thing". I mean it was impressive, but by this day I was kinda over it and ready to go home. We stayed there a few hours. After leaving the Dam we drove into Vegas and towards our hotel. We found an IN-OUT burger right by our hotel. It was so good! It was crowded, but worth it. After we went to our hotel and rested for awhile. We let the kids watch Toy Story and just chill out. At 4 we met up with everyone to go down to the Vegas strip. I was excited at first to see the sights and such. We drove for about an hour seeing all the major things. That part was fun. We then searched for parking...we ended up at the Bellagio. We walked around on the inside for awhile and saw the pretty gardens. Lindsay had fallen asleep so she wasn't super impressed. We then went outside and as soon as we did I was over it. It just seemed dirty and crowded. We waited for the fountains, but even that didn't impress me. With all the places I've been I just didn't think it was that cool. Anyway we then crossed the street to eat dinner. We had a nice steak dinner then walked in a casino and walked back to that hotel. I hated that part. Its just so filthy there and full of bad stuff. I was quite ready to get back to the hotel. We got in and we were all ready to get cleaned up and turn in!
Saturday we were up early for our flight home! I was anxious to return home! We had breakfast at the hotel lobby. We got to the airport and had about 30-40 at the gate to wait. The flight was uneventful. I read and Lindsay drew and slept! We arrived in NOLA ahead of schedule and I was so excited...but then a HUGE thunderstorm blew in and we weren't allowed off the plan for an hour!!! Then we finally got out the plane and we had to wait another hour and a half for our luggage! It was quite an ordeal...although I think sometimes God just wants us to learn patience. It all worked out ok...we picked up Chickfila on the way home and just decided to call it a night. We did a little unpacking, but knew most of it could wait! It was a great trip though...I am thankful for all the memories and laughs with family!
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Weekend Fun
So the weekend after VBS was nice to slow down ever so slightly and have time to catch our breath. Well that Friday we did our typical Friday night movie. Saturday we decided to take the kids to the movies. I went to Target that morning then I picked up the family and we went and had lunch at Panera then we went to go see Secret Life of Pets 2. It was a cute and funny movie. We spent the afternoon relaxing.
Sunday we went to both services at church. We were back to lifegroup. It was nice being back and being able to visit with friends. That afternoon we went for a quick lunch then came home to work on being packed. Wendy and Emily stopped by that afternoon for a quick tour. They were going to be taking care of things around our house while we were away.
The rest of the day we spent preparing for the trip and our early morning wake up call!!!
Sunday we went to both services at church. We were back to lifegroup. It was nice being back and being able to visit with friends. That afternoon we went for a quick lunch then came home to work on being packed. Wendy and Emily stopped by that afternoon for a quick tour. They were going to be taking care of things around our house while we were away.
The rest of the day we spent preparing for the trip and our early morning wake up call!!!
Sunday, June 16, 2019
VBS POWER UP
Its hard to believe that another year of VBS has come and gone! It was truly a wonderful week though. Its bittersweet to think its Colby's last year as a "kid" in VBS. This was my second year to take part in big kid VBS. I taught 2nd grade again. I am so happy to be out of the preschool world. I mean I loved that during that season, but I really enjoy being in the big kid one so much more. Its also SO much easier! Lindsay enjoyed her 2nd year of big kid VBS as well.
Monday- Austin was off and we had to bring my van in to be serviced. He dropped us off and picked us up that day. I felt like things went really smoothly and I loved my class of kids. It was also fun this year that my friend Wendy worked. She taught kindergarten. Even though we weren't together a lot during the actual day it was fun just having her around. After VBS Austin got us and we had lunch at Subway. The kids had swim lessons that afternoon. He was sweet to bring them both and let me stay home and rest. We also got a call that day for the kids to try out for Swim Team. That made for a VERY busy day!! We basically traded off...Austin brought them home from lessons and they had time to grab a snack and I headed out the door with them. They both made the swim team and did amazing. Wendy's son Philip is their coach and I think they both really liked it. We got them all registered before leaving. We ran into the Schifflin's leaving b/c Emily swims in the advanced team and her parents work out in the evenings. That night we had pizza and all went to bed early.
Tuesday- I still had the rental car this day, but we got called early that it was ready so Austin picked it up while we were at VBS which was super helpful. We had another good day at VBS. I averaged about 10 kids in my class. I honestly felt like it was a walk in the park compared to a full day of teaching. Plus most of my kids were church kids and I had many of them when they were in preschool so that was fun! Its amazing how quickly they grow up. After VBS we went to Chickfila with Wendy and Emily. It was nice to finally catch up with them! Emily sat at a table with the kids and they talked while Wendy and I caught up about life and all that's going on with her and her family. We ended up dropping Emily off at the movies with some friends and then we brought Wendy home. The kids made a quick pit stop at the house to change and get ready for swim lessons. We had a low key evening after that.
Wednesday- This day went well...after VBS we just went home to eat and get ready for swim lessons. I was glad to have a little extra time. They kids had swim lessons and swim team though which made for a super long afternoon! We picked up Popeye's and ate and walked.
Thursday - Another day of VBS...this day felt a little busy b/c we had to load up some garden plants from school. Thankfully Wendy's son Andrew helped get all that squared away. It was also crazy b/c there was a tornado warning right as VBS was over and we were all about to leave. We ended up having to hunker in the church for about 30 min. After that was finally over we had lunch with them at Firehouse. Once again it was fun to visit with them and catch up. That afternoon was pretty much the same. Swim lessons, dinner, and walk...
Friday- The final day of VBS. This is always bittersweet to me. You kinda get attached to the kids and seeing the same people every day. It was also nice though knowing we would get our summer back. After VBS we helped clean up and take down decorations then we went to Chickfila with Wendy and her kids again. Yes we had lunch with them 3 times! I swear though they are like family. We ended up bringing her home too. Its been nice to just catch up and visit. Even though it seems like we see each other a lot...nothing compares to the daily visits at school each day. That afternoon was the same routine.
VBS was great this year...bittersweet to see my kids growing up though. Seems like yesterday I was working in the preschool with them both. This was Colby's last official year. I think he enjoyed being the "big dog" and having a class full of boys though. Lindsay had fun and enjoyed being with 2 school friends all week. I enjoyed my class of 2nd graders. It was neat b/c I had a few of them as preschoolers a few years back!
Monday- Austin was off and we had to bring my van in to be serviced. He dropped us off and picked us up that day. I felt like things went really smoothly and I loved my class of kids. It was also fun this year that my friend Wendy worked. She taught kindergarten. Even though we weren't together a lot during the actual day it was fun just having her around. After VBS Austin got us and we had lunch at Subway. The kids had swim lessons that afternoon. He was sweet to bring them both and let me stay home and rest. We also got a call that day for the kids to try out for Swim Team. That made for a VERY busy day!! We basically traded off...Austin brought them home from lessons and they had time to grab a snack and I headed out the door with them. They both made the swim team and did amazing. Wendy's son Philip is their coach and I think they both really liked it. We got them all registered before leaving. We ran into the Schifflin's leaving b/c Emily swims in the advanced team and her parents work out in the evenings. That night we had pizza and all went to bed early.
Tuesday- I still had the rental car this day, but we got called early that it was ready so Austin picked it up while we were at VBS which was super helpful. We had another good day at VBS. I averaged about 10 kids in my class. I honestly felt like it was a walk in the park compared to a full day of teaching. Plus most of my kids were church kids and I had many of them when they were in preschool so that was fun! Its amazing how quickly they grow up. After VBS we went to Chickfila with Wendy and Emily. It was nice to finally catch up with them! Emily sat at a table with the kids and they talked while Wendy and I caught up about life and all that's going on with her and her family. We ended up dropping Emily off at the movies with some friends and then we brought Wendy home. The kids made a quick pit stop at the house to change and get ready for swim lessons. We had a low key evening after that.
Wednesday- This day went well...after VBS we just went home to eat and get ready for swim lessons. I was glad to have a little extra time. They kids had swim lessons and swim team though which made for a super long afternoon! We picked up Popeye's and ate and walked.
Thursday - Another day of VBS...this day felt a little busy b/c we had to load up some garden plants from school. Thankfully Wendy's son Andrew helped get all that squared away. It was also crazy b/c there was a tornado warning right as VBS was over and we were all about to leave. We ended up having to hunker in the church for about 30 min. After that was finally over we had lunch with them at Firehouse. Once again it was fun to visit with them and catch up. That afternoon was pretty much the same. Swim lessons, dinner, and walk...
Friday- The final day of VBS. This is always bittersweet to me. You kinda get attached to the kids and seeing the same people every day. It was also nice though knowing we would get our summer back. After VBS we helped clean up and take down decorations then we went to Chickfila with Wendy and her kids again. Yes we had lunch with them 3 times! I swear though they are like family. We ended up bringing her home too. Its been nice to just catch up and visit. Even though it seems like we see each other a lot...nothing compares to the daily visits at school each day. That afternoon was the same routine.
VBS was great this year...bittersweet to see my kids growing up though. Seems like yesterday I was working in the preschool with them both. This was Colby's last official year. I think he enjoyed being the "big dog" and having a class full of boys though. Lindsay had fun and enjoyed being with 2 school friends all week. I enjoyed my class of 2nd graders. It was neat b/c I had a few of them as preschoolers a few years back!
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Week 1 of Summer
So Tuesday was our first day to truly feel like summer...although we were still up early. We had to attend Mrs. Doris' funeral. I knew this was a funeral that we all needed to be at. Growing up she was like a grandmother to me. She also became quite close to the kids. We used to live right around the corner from her and would see her daily on our walks. Anyway we got up early and drove to Slidell. My mom rode in with us. After the funeral the kids and I came right home. I hated we missed the burial, but it was 1) a really long morning for the kids (we arrived at the funeral home shortly after 9 and the service wasn't until 11 and 2) they had swim lessons at 3. We basically came home and I made sandwiches and we ate and got ready for swim lessons. The kids haven't been super excited about swim lessons, but they have done great so far! That evening we have a pretty good routine...I picked up dinner and we ate and took a walk.
Wednesday was the first day it really really felt like summer. This was the first day we all got to sleep in and I felt like a "mom" again. It was really nice. I was able to even get up and read my Bible before the kids woke up and I got some cleaning done. We left the house and went to water the garden at the school. Afterwards I needed to go to Target for a few things. Well we ended up running into Wendy and her kids which was hilarious. Even though we had been out less then a week and I had seen her briefly at church I missed her so much! We ended up shopping and talking for about an hour! It was great fun! We even followed them over to Academy. By the time we finished the errands we picked up lunch and scarfed it down and got ready for swim. That night was pretty much the same. I cooked dinner and then we walked.
Thursday was another day we were able to take it slow. Colby especially slept in! We got ready though and headed out to the library and Sam's. The kids were anxious to check out some books. The kids were great in both. We stocked up on produce at SAM's. Afterwards we ran home to get some blueberries to bring to the Schifflins. We dropped them off at their house. I visited with Wendy for just a few minutes. It was nice seeing a friend again. After that I brought the kids to Subway for lunch. We ate then came home and relaxed for a bit before Swim lessons. That night I picked up dinner and we had our walk and evening routine.
Friday was a super fun day! We had to get going a little early because we were meeting friends at the movies. We got dressed and ready and picked up Mrs. Dufrene (Rebecca). We were meeting Wendy and her kids at the movies and we invited Rebecca to ride with us. It was fun catching up with her on the ride over. We went to see the Dog Movie. It was fun catching up with all my friends and I think the kids had fun as well. Wendy brought Andrew along so Colby wouldn't be the only boy. The movie was good...a little sad, but good. After the movie we all went to lunch at Chipotle. We brought Rebecca home then came back and got ready for swim lessons. That afternoon was our usual movie and such.
Saturday felt really good to sleep in! Austin had to work so the kids and I really took our time getting ready. Colby slept in and I worked on stuff around the house. We first stopped and watered the garden at the church then we went by my parent's house. I dropped the kids off to swim and play while I went to the grocery store. It was a win/win for all parties. My parents wanted to hang out with the kids, I wanted to be alone for awhile, and the kids hate grocery shopping! It was nice all around. After I shopped I came home and made myself lunch and just enjoyed the quiet. I went to pick them up and we visited a bit. Apparently it had been a rough morning though b/c Colby got in trouble with my mom. I think he was just tired and hungry. That afternoon we came home and just chilled. Austin grilled burgers for us and that was yummy.
Sunday we had church. We went to first service. Its been nice to have a little break from lifegroup. I mean I miss it, but going to first and being finished before 11 is also nice. We had decided that we would make Sunday a fun family day. We drove over to Superior Grill and had lunch. That was nice. Then we went to the Insectarium. It had been forever since we had been so it was a nice change of pace for the kids. After we came home and rested and then Austin grilled pork chops.
Wednesday was the first day it really really felt like summer. This was the first day we all got to sleep in and I felt like a "mom" again. It was really nice. I was able to even get up and read my Bible before the kids woke up and I got some cleaning done. We left the house and went to water the garden at the school. Afterwards I needed to go to Target for a few things. Well we ended up running into Wendy and her kids which was hilarious. Even though we had been out less then a week and I had seen her briefly at church I missed her so much! We ended up shopping and talking for about an hour! It was great fun! We even followed them over to Academy. By the time we finished the errands we picked up lunch and scarfed it down and got ready for swim. That night was pretty much the same. I cooked dinner and then we walked.
Thursday was another day we were able to take it slow. Colby especially slept in! We got ready though and headed out to the library and Sam's. The kids were anxious to check out some books. The kids were great in both. We stocked up on produce at SAM's. Afterwards we ran home to get some blueberries to bring to the Schifflins. We dropped them off at their house. I visited with Wendy for just a few minutes. It was nice seeing a friend again. After that I brought the kids to Subway for lunch. We ate then came home and relaxed for a bit before Swim lessons. That night I picked up dinner and we had our walk and evening routine.
Friday was a super fun day! We had to get going a little early because we were meeting friends at the movies. We got dressed and ready and picked up Mrs. Dufrene (Rebecca). We were meeting Wendy and her kids at the movies and we invited Rebecca to ride with us. It was fun catching up with her on the ride over. We went to see the Dog Movie. It was fun catching up with all my friends and I think the kids had fun as well. Wendy brought Andrew along so Colby wouldn't be the only boy. The movie was good...a little sad, but good. After the movie we all went to lunch at Chipotle. We brought Rebecca home then came back and got ready for swim lessons. That afternoon was our usual movie and such.
Saturday felt really good to sleep in! Austin had to work so the kids and I really took our time getting ready. Colby slept in and I worked on stuff around the house. We first stopped and watered the garden at the church then we went by my parent's house. I dropped the kids off to swim and play while I went to the grocery store. It was a win/win for all parties. My parents wanted to hang out with the kids, I wanted to be alone for awhile, and the kids hate grocery shopping! It was nice all around. After I shopped I came home and made myself lunch and just enjoyed the quiet. I went to pick them up and we visited a bit. Apparently it had been a rough morning though b/c Colby got in trouble with my mom. I think he was just tired and hungry. That afternoon we came home and just chilled. Austin grilled burgers for us and that was yummy.
Sunday we had church. We went to first service. Its been nice to have a little break from lifegroup. I mean I miss it, but going to first and being finished before 11 is also nice. We had decided that we would make Sunday a fun family day. We drove over to Superior Grill and had lunch. That was nice. Then we went to the Insectarium. It had been forever since we had been so it was a nice change of pace for the kids. After we came home and rested and then Austin grilled pork chops.
Friday, May 31, 2019
Start To Summer
Well here I am--finally posting again! This past year was quite an adjustment, but I wouldn't trade it for anything! There were many hard moments, but the good far outweighed the bad. I am happy to be back in the classroom. This summer I feel such a weight lifted off compared to last year. This time last year I was unsure if I would for sure have a job and had interviews and all that!
Anyway we started summer break on Friday! The kids had Awards Day. I am so proud of them both. They both racked up on the Awards. Lindsay got Alpha Honor Roll for 4th Quarter and all year. She also got Perfect Attendance for 4th Quarter along with a reading award. Colby got 4th Quarter Beta Honor Roll and Beta Honor Roll for the year. He also received the President's Award! After Awards they went home with my parents b/c I had a Teacher's Brunch to attend. I was happy to get to hang with my teacher friends and just relax a bit after quite a busy week. After Brunch Wendy and I left to go to TJ Max. It was spur of the moment and very quick, but I am happy we had that time. We laughed and giggled like school girls. She was supposed to spend that night with me and we were going to drink wine and watch movies, but she had a doc appointment and went home with really high BP. I was super disappointed. We have so much fun together. In fact this year has been so fun b/c of having each other. Well I finally decided not to sit around and mope all night. Instead I went over to Kristen's Going Away party. This was a little out of my comfort zone b/c I haven't been around these people in years. I was happy I went though and I think it meant a lot to them that I was there. I got in that evening and just tried to soak up the alone time. Oh yea...Austin brought the kids to Hattiesburg. I felt like this was sort of my Mother's Day gift. Now with teaching..and especially teaching Lindsay...I went months without ever being alone. That's what I miss most about the stay at home life. I miss just having time to myself. Anyway I ended up not getting bored and I think it was honestly good for me to just slow down!
The next morning I got up at my leisure...I ended up running errands before Austin and the kids got home. I dropped a happy off at Wendy's house. After being together nearly every day and then going to not seeing her at all...I missed her so much! Anyway Austin and the kids got home shortly after I did. I was so happy to see them!! I really just needed that time away from them. We went and ate a quick lunch at Firehouse then went to water the garden at the church. The rest of the day we spent around the house. It was quite nice to just have that time as a family. Weekends during the school year always feel so full of stuff and rushed! That evening the kids played in the pool and we just enjoyed some quality time together. We even grilled burgers and sat around the table and ate!
Sunday was church...this was a short day for us. It was nice to just go to first service once again. I missed catching up with friends at Lifegroup though. I got to see Wendy briefly, but we really didn't get to chat much at all. We left church and went across the river to eat at McAlister's. That was a nice change of pace. Afterwards we went to Dick's to get Lindsay a new bike. I hated we didn't do this at Christmas, but honestly I didn't realize how much she needed a bike until after! Now that its summer and we are outside more I knew it just needed to be done. After the bike buying I was hot and ready to come home. I came home and took a short nap, then left again to go visit my friend Melissa who is about to move to Texas. I stayed at her house about an hour. Once I got home the kids spent some time outside and we cooked again and just enjoyed a family night together.
Monday was Memorial Day. It was nice to wake up and have everyone home and not have to rush out the house. Austin worked in the yard. We got ready and went to my parent's house about 11. We were all able to take a quick swim before lunch. It felt a little rushed b/c the kids had swim lessons in the afternoon. We had a yummy lunch then came home. It was nice just getting to visit with everyone though. The kids did great for their first day of swim lessons! They have been dreading it, but I think they were both pleasantly surprised. I think deep down they enjoy it! That night we just picked up dinner and had a low key night!
Anyway we started summer break on Friday! The kids had Awards Day. I am so proud of them both. They both racked up on the Awards. Lindsay got Alpha Honor Roll for 4th Quarter and all year. She also got Perfect Attendance for 4th Quarter along with a reading award. Colby got 4th Quarter Beta Honor Roll and Beta Honor Roll for the year. He also received the President's Award! After Awards they went home with my parents b/c I had a Teacher's Brunch to attend. I was happy to get to hang with my teacher friends and just relax a bit after quite a busy week. After Brunch Wendy and I left to go to TJ Max. It was spur of the moment and very quick, but I am happy we had that time. We laughed and giggled like school girls. She was supposed to spend that night with me and we were going to drink wine and watch movies, but she had a doc appointment and went home with really high BP. I was super disappointed. We have so much fun together. In fact this year has been so fun b/c of having each other. Well I finally decided not to sit around and mope all night. Instead I went over to Kristen's Going Away party. This was a little out of my comfort zone b/c I haven't been around these people in years. I was happy I went though and I think it meant a lot to them that I was there. I got in that evening and just tried to soak up the alone time. Oh yea...Austin brought the kids to Hattiesburg. I felt like this was sort of my Mother's Day gift. Now with teaching..and especially teaching Lindsay...I went months without ever being alone. That's what I miss most about the stay at home life. I miss just having time to myself. Anyway I ended up not getting bored and I think it was honestly good for me to just slow down!
The next morning I got up at my leisure...I ended up running errands before Austin and the kids got home. I dropped a happy off at Wendy's house. After being together nearly every day and then going to not seeing her at all...I missed her so much! Anyway Austin and the kids got home shortly after I did. I was so happy to see them!! I really just needed that time away from them. We went and ate a quick lunch at Firehouse then went to water the garden at the church. The rest of the day we spent around the house. It was quite nice to just have that time as a family. Weekends during the school year always feel so full of stuff and rushed! That evening the kids played in the pool and we just enjoyed some quality time together. We even grilled burgers and sat around the table and ate!
Sunday was church...this was a short day for us. It was nice to just go to first service once again. I missed catching up with friends at Lifegroup though. I got to see Wendy briefly, but we really didn't get to chat much at all. We left church and went across the river to eat at McAlister's. That was a nice change of pace. Afterwards we went to Dick's to get Lindsay a new bike. I hated we didn't do this at Christmas, but honestly I didn't realize how much she needed a bike until after! Now that its summer and we are outside more I knew it just needed to be done. After the bike buying I was hot and ready to come home. I came home and took a short nap, then left again to go visit my friend Melissa who is about to move to Texas. I stayed at her house about an hour. Once I got home the kids spent some time outside and we cooked again and just enjoyed a family night together.
Monday was Memorial Day. It was nice to wake up and have everyone home and not have to rush out the house. Austin worked in the yard. We got ready and went to my parent's house about 11. We were all able to take a quick swim before lunch. It felt a little rushed b/c the kids had swim lessons in the afternoon. We had a yummy lunch then came home. It was nice just getting to visit with everyone though. The kids did great for their first day of swim lessons! They have been dreading it, but I think they were both pleasantly surprised. I think deep down they enjoy it! That night we just picked up dinner and had a low key night!
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