School

School's out for summer! Wait a minute, I think I got it backwards. I can't believe school has already started again. It has been two weeks and I am still standing. My kids seem really great this year, so far. I had some rough ones last year, so if I can make it through that, I can make it through anything.
I'm really happy that it's already September. Jared has been working on our back yard with building a patio. It has taken longer than expected because of all the rain we have been getting, but it's going to be awesome when it is finished. We are supposed to go today to get a little outside furniture set, and after he finishes the patio, he is going to install a fan outside to move the breeze around. I can't wait, especially with cooler air on the way...well, hopefully.
I hope everyone is doing well. I don't know how often I'll be able to write now that school has started, but I will definitely do my best.

Catching Up!

I know, I know, I know....where have I been? I've actually just been really busy. July was here and gone before I knew it. I felt really bad for leaving Jared for two weeks. He had to work and could not come to Pennsylvania with us. I really missed him and was glad to get home.

Student Council camp went really well. The five kiddos that we took were an absolute joy to be around all week. I can't say the same for some of the other kids there, but the week went by smoothly and the kids got a lot out of the week.

The day after I got back from camp, I flew to see my mom's family in Pennsylvania. I hadn't seen them since my wedding two years ago. It is so beautiful up there. The townships are so quaint and peaceful. All of my family is doing really good. Eating out, shopping, and playing cards--what could be better! My sister and I love to eat out since we didn't do that much growing up. We always had home cooked meals. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that, but there is something about eating out that just makes the two of us so happy. We ate at a really great German restaurant. We had wienerschnitzel and spatzle. It was absolutely delicious!

I'm glad to be home, but I definitely look forward to visiting again soon.

Guitar City Baby!

Jared and I got each other guitars for our anniversary presents. We have both been wanting to learn how to play for the longest time. We got an electric guitar and an acoustic-electric guitar. It's definitely harder than I thought to play. We are just working on like three strings at a time right now. Jared is better than me so far because he has larger hands and it's easier for him to reach the chords. I will catch up though. Maybe by Christmas I'll actually be able to play something good.

Where does the time go?

I'm sitting here staring at the calendar thinking that July is already over. I am preparing to head to Student Council camp on Sunday. We take five kids with us and spend the whole week waiting for it to be over. It's not that bad, but it takes a whole week away from my vacation. I will be super tired. When I get back from that, I fly out the next day to visit family in Pennsylvania. I love going to visit my family. Pennsylvania is just beautiful. There is definitely something very cozy about it, maybe it's just being with my family. I didn't grow up being able to see them much because they were so far away, so it's great being all together when we can. It's going to be a girl's only trip. I'm flying up with my mom, sister, and niece. I'm stoked! I guess that's why I'm dreading camp; I wish I were already in Penn. I will post pictures after camp and Penn. Outtie!!

Music

P.S.-If the music with the pics bothers you, you can turn it off by clicking the little icon in the bottom left corner of the picture box. :)

Alaska!

We sailed on Holland America's ship, the Noordam, to Alaska from Seattle. Seattle was vacation enough, but Alaska made the trip remarkably memorable. We did so much on our seven day cruise.

Our first stop was in Juneau. We gawked at the Mendenhall Glacier and then devoured some salmon at the Alaskan Salmon Bake. Our next stop was Sitka, Alaska. Jared and I didn't do any excursions, but we traipsed through the town and had the best fish and chips at a quaint restaurant, Victoria's.

Then we moved on to Ketchikan, Alaska. There Jared and I were absolutely amazed with the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show. Those men are real athletes. It was quite impressive. After the show we toured Totem Bight State Park, home of numerous totem poles. Totem poles are such a work of art. It's amazing how stories are told through those poles.

Our last stop was in Victoria, British Columbia. A small winery supplied our entertainment while in Victoria. We tasted four wines and then took a quick tour around Victoria. We were able to see the famous Empress Hotel and the beautiful parliament building. The harbor area was buzzing with entertainment and boats coming in and out. I have compiled a slide show of some of our pictures from our cruise. It's not all of the pictures I took, but it will give you a good idea of each place. Enjoy!

We're Back!

Seattle and Alaska were amazing. The rolling mountains topped with snow and the crisp, cool air was so refreshing. Stepping off of the plane in Houston when we got back was excruciating because of the hot, muggy weather.

We spent three days in Seattle at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. It was beautiful. It was located downtown, so we could walk to everything which saved us some money. The first day we got there, we went to visit the Space Needle. We took the monorail from downtown. The view from the top of the Space Needle was breath-taking. It was really peaceful being up there and a little chilly.

The next day we spent our time at Pike's Place. The produce and fresh fish were so enticing. Jared and I could live in Seattle for that reason and that reason only. The size of the dungeness crabs and crab legs were unbelievable. The fresh flower bouquets were only ten dollars. Those same bouquets here would cost at least fifty-sixty dollars. We even saw the little restaurant where a scene was filmed in Sleepless in Seattle. The aisle in Pike's Place is not that wide, so it did get a little crowded, even on a Thursday. If you go really early in the morning, about 7:30 am, there is a little breathing room.

Restaurant from Sleepless in Seattle

I have way too many pictures to even think about loading on this page. I figured I would share just a few. If you ever get a chance to visit Seattle, venture to Pike's Place, ride the monorail to the Space Needle, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, and eat at Boka.

Missing You!

Jared and I are leaving for Seattle/Alaska tomorrow. Today we dropped off our two "sons", Bailey and Simon. This afternoon it was so quiet around the house that we felt lost. It's amazing how much life two dogs can bring to two people. Bailey has such personality; I have never known a dog like him before. He is such a cuddler and loves sleeping with me and Jared. Simon is such a big baby. He would sit in our laps if we let him. We never realized how much we would miss them. I always thought people were crazy when they went on and on about their animals, but now being an avid dog lover, I finally understand. Our dogs are our sons, and we would not be the same without them. We are looking forward to getting home and having our boys back!

Freedom!

Today was the last day of school, for teachers anyway. I am so excited to be done for a few months. I am looking forward to the many different things that Jared and I have planned for the summer. Our first adventure will be heading to Alaska by ship. We are really excited. I have never been on a cruise before. I will post blogs with pictures when we get back. We leave next Thursday for Seattle to board our cruise. I'll let you know how it is. Salmon anyone? :)

Three Days Left!

I am so ready for school to be out. This week can't end fast enough. I vaguely remember being in eight grade, but I never remember being this rambunctious. It's crazy how much energy these kids have. At the end of the day I just come home and unwind from the insanity. Right now I'm vegging watching American Idol. Changing topics for a moment, what is up with Paula Abdul? I recently read that she broke her nose this past weekend trying not to trip over her chihuahua. What a nut!! Anyway, countdown to sanity is on!

This is what all the buzz is about...

Thought I'd give this whole blog thing a try. So many people are doing it these days, it's hard not to give in. I'll try to keep up with this as much as possible. Forgive me if I seem distant at times. With summer almost here, I should be able to add more frequently. Enjoy!