It's a rough life, but someone has to do it.

I’m loving my summer of recharging and getting reconnected with some good books. Some of the authors I’ve been reading include Karen Kingsbury, Beverly Lewis, and Francine Rivers.  I don’t know why I’m so drawn to the inspirational books, but I just am.  I think the stories inspire me, and teach me lessons about faith.  So far to date, this summer I’ve been to the library 3 times and have read 7 books, I think.  I’m trying to keep track of all the books I read this summer so that when I go back to school I can share with my students.  I hope that it may foster a few of them into a love of reading.  That’s my plan anyway.  If you have any good books that you’d like to suggest, feel free to leave a comment and let me know.  

We’re still here house sitting on Lake Conroe, and have been enjoying our time immensely.  Last night when we got home from a dinner out at Chili’s we went and sat in the lounge chairs that overlook the lake.  Mister, the cat we are watching, joined us as well.  Across the lake we noticed a big white tent, and with the help of binoculars we discovered that there was a wedding going on.  We had nothing to do, so we watched the ceremony.  I felt like we were spying, but then we thought since they were getting married outdoors, and on a public lake, we weren’t doing something anything anyone else wouldn’t do in our position.  John and I were married at the CC Botanical Gardens, so there were tourist in the background of our wedding!  

Lazy days at Lake Conroe

We arrived in Conroe on Monday afternoon.  We thought we’d get more time with Karin to learn the ropes of the house, but she had a change of plans, and left only four or five ours after we arrived.  Later on Monday evening we dropped Karin off at the airport, and now it’s just us and the cat.  

So far Corrie has finished one book, and has cooked two dinners.  We are quite proud.  

Kubo's, Hank's ice cream and a BMW convertible

This evening we had the joy of sharing dinner with Abby and Will.  We met them for dinner over in Rice Village at a little Japanese restaurant called Kubo’s.  It was delicious.  We like going out for sushi when we are with them because most of our friends aren’t into sushi.  I guess it’s something about the raw fish?  I just like the sushi rolls, the edamame and the miso soup.  I try and stay away from the raw items, but there are a few that I find rather tasty.  Also, sushi is one of those foods that you can go out to eat and not feel as guilty as if we had something really unhealthy.  

After our sushi dinner we went to Hanks Ice cream which was just down the road.  I’ve heard of this place before, but never had I actually been close enough to actually go.  All I can say is this place has amazing ice cream!  I had banana pudding ice cream and I will definitely be going back for more soon.  

From Hanks, we left the parking lot as passengers in Will and Abby’s BMW convertible.  Before leaving I had to go and grab my hat from the car so I wouldn’t have my hair flying all over the place. Will was brave enough to let John drive for a little bit.  When he offered to let me drive after John, I declined.  I could just picture me driving that fast car, and then hitting something and ruining a perfectly good friendship!  No thanks, I’m content being a passenger.  We enjoyed riding along the finer spots in Houston with them. Thanks guys!

visit to Corpus Christi and Victoria

After spending most of the weekend with my grandparents, John and I made our way down to Corpus Christi to spend some time with my family.   We headed down after a big family dinner/lunch on Sunday afternoon.  I drove our car, and John drove my moms because she wasn’t feeling so well, having gotten sick to her stomach the night before.  

We didn’t do a lot while at my parents house.  I guess that is what summer is about. We slept in, laid out by the pool, and watched movies.  Lazy days of summer.  =) 

On Tuesday night we had dinner with our friends Jon and Joy Mottsinger.  Joy is a fabulous cook, and we always enjoy eating dinner at their home.  I must say that friends are so fun to hang out with, especially once you realize that sometimes they are hard to come by.   Since we have moved to the Houston area, it has become much harder to make new friends.    It’s just going to take some time I guess.  =) 

Wednesday morning we headed off to Victoria, leaving our little dog Selah with my parents for a few weeks.  =(  

I cried a little bit having to leave her.  Is that bad?  I know she’s in good hands, my mom takes her on lots of walks and lets her swim in the pool, but I sure do miss that little dog when she’s not around.  

My grandparents live in Victoria, which is along the way back to Houston.  We stopped for a few days visit, enjoying my grandparents company.  While visiting, I got my haircut.  It’s my new summer cut, take a look.  I like having my haircut shorter in the summer because it’s easier to take care of, and when its blistering hot outside, my hair doesn’t feel like as heavy and hot.

Hanging out by the pool

I love the simple joys of summertime.   Being a teacher makes my summers so sweet.  And since John and I are both teachers, it is even sweeter because we get to spend our summer days doing a lot of nothing.  Today we spent our morning entertaining our dog by throwing tennis balls into the pool so she could dive after them.  

In between rounds of throwing tennis balls, and diving rings for the dog, I read a few chapters in my book, and I laid in the floating boat that we bought from Walmart.  Fun times!  

Only down side to todays fun times by 

the pool, John didn’t remember to put on 

sunscreen before going out, so he’s a little 

burned.  Ouch.  

Random family photo booth fun

In between celebrating my cousin Megan’s birthday and Father’s Day this weekend we had a little bit of fun taking photos on the Macbook, photobooth application.  I promise Apple does not pay me to advertise for them, but the more I use my Macbook, the more I love it.  

I think my cousin Kelsey was the most fascinated with photobooth.  My mom is really cute about doing her vogue poses too. 

Happy Father's Day

For Father’s Day I actually thought about it ahead of time and created a card for the dads and grandpa’s in my life.  I created it on the Macbook, and then ordered them to be sent to the house.  I actually really like creating cards with the iphoto software.  It’s so easy and the projects turn out so well.  This summer I’m going to try to create a handful of cards for upcoming holidays so that I have them on hand, and can actually be punctual with my greeting cards.  

Here’s what the father’s day card looked like.  

Last Day of School!!

For the last day of school we had an award ceremony for the students to honor them for their accomplishments this year.  

I guess I had never seen most of my students all dressed up, so when they all showed up all spiffy and dressed sharp I was pleasantly surprised.  Here are a few of my favorite outfits from my students.

Field Day 2008

So once a year the kids get to spend a day outside playing games and running relays.  It’s loads of fun for them, at least I’d hope it is, and somewhat fun for the teachers, at least most teachers.  I love being outside with them, so I really enjoy field day.  I am going to have to try and find a way to incorporate more time outdoors into my lessons next year.  

With summer time approaching soon I am cherishing these last days with my students, but also can’t wait to be out for the summer.