Heading North

I can't believe it's already July! The 4th was a pretty low key day around here. We did some yard work in the morning, then Barry had to go in to work to send some guys out on a job, so I went with him. We were only there about an hour. On our way home, we made plans for dinner and a movie with friends that evening. I am not a big Johnny Depp fan, but Public Enemies was a good film. We all enjoyed it.

The next two weeks I'll spend visiting my family and friends in Michigan. It will be great to see everyone! Cooper has gotten so big since Christmas. We have talked a couple times on the phone lately...he doesn't say much...just "helllllooooo." He is also counting to five. I think that's pretty good for a guy who is not yet two. Speaking of two, we will celebrate our birthdays while I am there. I can't believe he'll be two. We are planning to do a little photo shoot on the beach for his 2 yr pictures. Probably somewhere like this...



I can't wait to see how they turn out! He's on the move constantly so it won't be easy, but I like those action shots better anyway. Unfortunately for Barry, he is staying here and working. He gets to take care of the pets. Lucky guy!

Does anyone else have any vacation plans for the summer?

Happiness

Things that make me happy...

1. Summer vacation
2. My amazingly wonderful husband
3. God's love
4. Family I love and who loves me no matter what happens
5. Friends that support me
6. Clean sheets
7. Candles burning
8. Children laughing
9. An clean and organized house
10. Fresh flowers
11. Sunshine
12. Grilling out
13. Dinner on the patio
14. Thunderstorms

What makes you happy?

Calling All Readers

Summer vacation is just around the corner and this teacher is ready!! 6.5 days left!!! I'm ready to sit by the pool and do some reading. I love to read just about anything from autobiographies to psychological thrillers. NPR has some good suggestions and I'm going to check those out. I'm also hoping some of you can suggest some good books or an author I haven't read before. Leave me a comment with your suggestions!
Thanks!

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY

I woke up this morning and went to let Sam outsie and the first thing that popped into my head was, "Not another rainy day!" It seems like it's been raining forever! OK...maybe only for just about three weeks. We've had a day or two of sunshine, but not many.

As a kindergarten teacher, this makes my job tough. My kids really enjoy their time outside for recess. They not only enjoy it, they NEED it!! Who am I kidding??? I NEED it!! It looks like we are going to have some sun and clouds tomorrow and then more storms through the end of the week. I have 19 days of school left and I'm hoping that I might have a couple days of outdoor recess and of course some time to work in my yard. Otherwise I might look something like this:

MIA

I haven't had much to blog about and at the same time I've had LOTS to blog about. I guess I just haven't felt much like blogging. Everything is good here, but haven't felt the need to blog. I've been busy with friends, church activities, teaching and even a visit from my mom and my best friend both from Michigan (at separate times). It's amazing what can happen in just under three months.

A friend at work got me hooked on the Twi1ight books. I was absolutely NOT going to read them! I am not a big fan of v@mpire books so I had no desire to read these. Tricia kept telling me I needed to try them so I brought the first one home and read it in a weekend. I am on book 3 right now and have totally LOVED them! What is it about these books that has a 37 year old hooked?

Barry has a new job that he really enjoys, except when it's driving him crazy. ha! I guess most jobs are like that at times. It keeps him busy and he gets to help others so that is a bonus! He has been spending his evenings with his seedlings and getting his garden ready to plant.

I am going to try and get back in the swing of blogging. I'll leave you with some pictures for today. These are in no particular order....just pics of what's been going on in my life lately.

I took some pictures for friends of their kids in the Bluebonnets. If you aren't from around here you won't get it. I know I had never heard of Bluebonnet pictures before moving to TX.

Here I am with my friend Nikki at our church ladies retreat. This is right before we did the zip line! Soooo fun!

These next several ones are from my Christmas Vacation trip to Michigan. I have soooo many pics from that time, but I just love these of Cooper in the snow. It was his first big experience with his snowsuit on. He had a hard time getting around so my sister cleared a path for him.

Not sure what these two goofs are looking at....Sam had to get in on the action though...he is sooooo nosey!

I found this picture again today. I absolutely love it. It is Barry's grandpa at the nephews football game. He had no idea I was taking his picture.

That's all for now!

I Am In LOVE!!!!

Yes, it's true...I am in love...and I'm not talking about my husband here. Of course I am in love with him also, but that's not what this post is about. I am in love with these. I made them tonight and had to stop myself at four....FOUR....I scarfed down four of these babies before I even took a breath. They have some of my very favorite ingredients...bacon, cream cheese and jalapenos.

I found the recipe at The Pioneer Woman. I'm sure most of you have been to her site many times...unless you've been hiding under a rock. I adore her website. One of the main reasons I like her site is because she is just so funny. She also has some great photography she posts on a regular basis. The other main attraction is her cooking. She posts pictures to go with all of her recipes. She walks you through the recipe with not only directions, but pictures. My cooking wouldn't win any contests, although I'm a pretty good cook. However, you can't go wrong with her step by step, picture directions.

Ok...I need to go...I think I need one more of those babies while I watch some American Idol! I made a small batch of these Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Thingies tonight, but might make a big batch to take to our small group Super Bowl party on Sunday.

If you can, please go say hi to my friend Shellie. She is 24 weeks pregnant and was admitted to the hospital this week. Shellie is an amazing person who has really inspired me. Her faith in God during some of the most terrible times is what has inspired me the most. We can all trust God when times are good, but Shellie trusts him even in the dark times. Go read her story and say a prayer for her and her baby boy. You won't regret it! Thanks!

Horse Story

I've been a terrible blogger lately. Someday soon I plan to catch up on our wonderful Christmas in Michigan with my family and fantastic New Year in Oklahoma with Barry's family. Until then...I leave you with a picture that has been sent to me by a couple different friends. As a teacher, I find it soooo funny and actually laughed out loud when I read it. Enjoy!