Michigan Madness

Birth Control

Never again will I give a poor crying, screaming baby's parent a dirty look while in a public place.

I just returned from a week long trip to visit my friend Heidi in Michigan. She has the most adorable 14 month old, Ava. One of my other friends, Melissa, and her 4 month old, Addison, were my travel companions for the week. Even though both children are beyond adorable and absolutely fabulous, I realized once again how I am so not ready to be responsible for another life. I just don't know how they do it and make it look so easy!
I couldn't believe what amazing weather we had to enjoy the entire week! I was almost tempted to move to Michigan for a while, but then I remembered the long winter and decided to stay in Texas. . . Here are a few pics of our fun-filled week.

We ate the most amazing food this week! Wow, Heidi can cook! This was a quick pic from our night out in downtown Grand Rapids.

I really missed Bogart, but having Sheriff around made it a bit easier.

Mark was so sweet and spent a few nights fishing with me in their amazing backyard. We caught some HUGE carp with De magic Korne.

Heidi's sister let us visit her beautiful lakehouse on our day trip to Sagatuck. What a neat town!

One of our last outings was to the Farmer's Market. Just another thing to love about Michigan! The only trick was figuring out how to pack my jelly and many bread products. :0)

Relaxation, Sun & Sand

Well, Greg and I just returned tonight from a much needed vacation! We spent the last 6 days in Cabo San Lucas at Riu Palace, an all inclusive hotel, eating a TON of food, swimming, and mostly relaxing. I actually read two books that weren't about teaching reading and Greg and I got to spend quality time with each other. Even though this was the tamest vacation ever for us we did have a few fun highlights. . .eating at every restaurant at Riu Palace, riding zip lines over canyons, repelling down a 180 foot cliff, boarding a water taxi from the ocean shore, shopping in town, and attending a friend's wedding. We did sweat from the minute we stepped off the plane in Mexico and experienced several varieties of motion sickness, but overall the trip was a nice getaway!

One Week Down!

I spent the last week teaching summer camp at the Woodlands Prep. The picture is of my writing camp. I did the Writing Camp in the morning and Drama in the afternoon. I was a little bit worried that I had forgotten how to teach since I have been out of the classroom for a year now. Well, first day my instincts kicked in and I realized it is like riding a bike! In writing we published our own classbook from scratch and in drama the kids performed in a great showcase on the last day. This week made me realize how much I miss having my own classroom and having my own kids. . . Wish me luck because next week I have Reading and Writing with 1-4th graders. Should be fun. . .

I Love Lucy & WE LOVE WINE!

Greg and I really enjoy going on tours of wineries. Canada, Napa, and of course Texas! Here are a few pics from our latest Texas Wine Trail trip. And yes. . grapes do stain. :0)

Stress, Termites, and a Touch of Insanity

Well. . .I know I have been just about the worst friend in the world this month. I just finished my last day of Camp TAKS and I am having a very hard time remembering where June went. Here's a quick update of what I actually can recall from the past month.

Stress. . .
My calendar has never been as full! Between Camp TAKS, my other 4 summer camps, my 5 upcoming staff developments, home projects, going to the gym, and two upcoming trips I have so much to look forward to, but at the same time so much to plan for.

Termites. . .
Yes, a five year old house has termites. . .seriously! In addition to repainting, removing border, reorganizing my scrapbooking room, and laying a new patio in the backyard the last thing Greg and I expected we would be doing was killing termites. After Greg's thumb went through the backdoor frame this weekend we had a new project at the top of our list. Who knew you were supposed to get a termite inspection every year?

A Touch of Insanity. . .
I have just completed my first class in the quest to obtain my Doctorate in Reading from SHSU. I know you are asking yourself why in the world I would commit to 3 more years of school after just finishing 2. . . only one answer. . .insanity.

What exactly is a bearkat?

Well. . .I swore the day would never come, but I am officially a bearkat (not to be confused with a tiger). I graduated with my Master of Education in Instructional Leadership Minoring in Reading from SHSU. Whew! I had a great time at the graduation and will truly miss my cohort of friends.