School's Out!

Thursday, May 22 was my last day. Although I was summoned at the last minute to a training session on Friday, my wonderful principal said that the notification was too late. Thus, I was able to pick Mosey (Maureen to her family) up at the airport as planned, and enjoy our weekend! Although the forecast called for scattered showers, we went to the ASO (Alabama Symphony) and Temptations concert at the park with my friend Gail. It hadn't rained all day. As you can see, it poured on us for about 45 minutes. It was like the cartoons where the rain cloud follows one person. It didn't rain one drop at home that night. We still had a good time with our picnic (and wine).

Saturday we made the trip to Meridian to visit the Tom Cronley family. Boog successfully managed his first shrimp boil. It was incredible! I am confident it will not be the last. We predict Mom will love it also! It was the hottest weekend so far, so Mosey got to experience some southern summer weather.

On Sunday, we stopped at Home Depot to purchase tomatoes. I've wanted to try to grow them for years, so Mosey helped me pick some out. Of course, I knew I had to prepare a garden for them. Ouch! We relaxed and enjoyed some great barbeque for dinner at a restaurant called Jim n Nicks.

Monday was a work out! Gail took us on a challenging 5 mile hike at Ruffner Mountain (yes, in Birmingham). It was like Utah with different trees! Luckily, it was a little overcast and we had a breeze. It's my goal this summer to experience more of outdoor Alabama. We were ready for picnic after. (without the wine)

Mosey returned to a chilly Chicago Tuesday morning. From summer to spring in an hour flight!

I'm back! Busy weekends to end the school year!

(I'm having rotation issues with the pictures; I'll figure it out next.)

We met Boog, Tracey, and Marin at Choctaw, Mississippi for the first weekend of May. Uncle Greg and Aunt Sara got to babysit while the parents danced the night away. The golf course and hotel were beautiful. We enjoyed many "walkabouts" as Marin likes to say. She's sporting her new shiny pink Keds. The weather was beautiful, so we also spent time at the casino pool. Tracey, Marin, and I headed back to Meridian while the boys played golf. Marin provided the entertainment during the short drive.

Greg's brother Brad and his family visited us the weekend of May 9. Kim is expecting their third child in July, so they wanted to travel while it's still possible. Zach and Carter are growing quickly, and loads of fun! Again we had beautiful weather. They enjoyed Friday at the zoo while Greg and I worked. On Saturday Kim and I celebrated Mother's Day with a girls' day at the Summit, a shopping center on the mountain with incredible views. We had a great lunch and did a little shopping. Greg and Brad took the boys to Vulcan Park, our god of steel landmark that over looks the city. The boys ran through the sprinkler in the afternoon, and then we went to Dreamland for ribs. (another "landmark") Needless to say, good sleep was had by all that night!

Now, getting closer to the present... Last weekend, May 16, we met our friends Matt, Felicia, and Lillian in Montgomery. We stayed at the brand new Renaissance hotel downtown. The adults went to a concert Friday night while Felicia's sister babysat Lillian. On Saturday Felicia and I had to make a morning trip to Target "to get sunscreen." Lillian has the girl's natural love of shoes, so we had a good time. We enjoyed the pool on the 11th floor overlooking the city. Again, another beautiful day in Alabama! I actually have a little tan going before summer!

I'll end this blog with two words - SCHOOL'S OUT!

We're in the loop!

Hello, all! Don't expect much excitement from our blog, but at least we can communicate on a grand scale. For those that didn't know, our school system blocked everything, and our home computer was awful. We've just upgraded our home media; we still have our phone landline, but finally have dsl and dvr. Even better, we're saving a bunch each month! I've bought a new camera as well, so pictures will be forthcoming.
We're enjoying the beautiful spring weather, and even some rain! We're still in drought status, but I'm not sure what level. We're tackling this yard that is a jungle.
The school year is winding down quickly - 3 1/2 weeks left! We're very busy with wild kids, field trips, etc. It's tiring, but I love it. I'm also applying for 1 of St. Clair County's 5 grants to pay for the National Board Certification process ($2600). It involves writing, video, and recommendations. Please pray! I'll have the 2nd year of the two week summer training for AMSTI (Alabama Math/Science/Technology Initiative). It may be the beginning of June, or the beginning of July. Hope to find out soon! In June, I am officially the president of my teacher sorority, the Delta Eta chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Yikes! I'm not sure what I've gotten myself into, but hopefully I'll do ok. Summer is looking VERY busy.
We're looking forward to meeting the Boog Cronley family at the Pearl River Resort this weekend for some Marin time, casino, pool, and golf. Can't wait! Greg's family will also be coming from Florida and Texas in the upcoming weeks. Lots of picture opportunities!
My voice is pretty good. It's tightening a bit. I'm going to push it until the end of June. That will be 5 months between shots. We'll see what happens. Hopefully I'll be able to talk when Mom, John, and Ann come south! Can't wait to see them!