Long Week

As soon as I got back from Indy on Sunday, I only had enough time to love on my girls and take a quick nap before I headed off to Bowling Green. I was told at the end of the school year to find a place to go get Advanced Placement certified to teach AP Government. Let me say there were a lot of tempting places like Orlando, Vegas, Texas, etc. But I choose Bowling Green, mostly because it was close and I would not lose two days of travel.

I had to spend five nights in a hotel and five days in class from 8:30-4. Let me just say that I am very tired and will not be doing much of anything in July.

I did learn at lot and feel a little more ready for the school year. But I sure did miss Bob and my babies.

Catching Up

We stayed up pretty late Friday night visiting (the 3 of us). We had to get up pretty early Saturday morning to make some appointments that Amy had scheduled for us.

 We think that this is the color (or something close)

Not fans of the dress

 I love the one I have on, and Karol loves the one she has on

But I love the purple color

 Waiting while Amy is trying on dressed

So much fun.

 Out to lunch

We visited a really nice place that Amy would like to have her wedding at. Two thumbs up. We went shopping for a bit at the mall that is near Amy's house. Then we met Amy's finance Joe for dinner. We finished the night with some glasses of wine on the back porch, while fireworks were going off in the background. So relaxing.

This morning we got up and headed to Broadripple for brunch. It was yummy. The place was Three Sisters and Amy says that it has been featured on the Food Network. I can see why. 

I was so sad to have to leave them (especially when Karol does not leave until Monday), but I have to drive to Bowling Green for AP training for the entire week.

Leaving was not so bad this time, because I know that Karol will be back in a few short months for Amy's wedding. 

One last picture before we leave

She's Here, She's Here

I have not seen my dear friend Karol since May 2008 when she moved to Portland, OR. We talk regularly, but I have missed her so much. She flew in today. Because of the crazy bridge traffic, Bob offered to pick her up from the airport on his way home from work. The girls and I met him and Karol at Kansai, mmmm.

Karol meets Maddie, Maddie just loves her

Love it

After dinner Bob took the girls, and Karol and I headed to Indy to spend the weekend with Amy. We are gonna go dress shopping for Amy's upcoming wedding.

10 Years

Today we celebrated 10 Years of the IUS Writing Project. This group has been very instrumental in my success as a teachers. Also I have met some of my dearest friends. 

Here is our gang of teachers :)

Ellie

On My Porch

There is what I saw this evening from my porch.

Love it and my life.

DDP

Mom had bought us tickets in the winter to see Rapunzel at Derby Dinner Playhouse. This was Ellie's first time. She ate pretty well (which is not something that she does often). She loved the show. Thanks Memaw.

Some Cute Pictures

Yes that is Maddie driving--I don't know why Ellie thought this was a good idea.

Love Instagram

Picture from Facebook from the recital balloon drop--Ellie is in the front

Today we met Meghan and Eme for some lunch at Adriennes

First Recital

Ellie had her first recital tonight with Weber's. I have been so pleased with her progress. Also her love of dance amazes me. Even though the recital was very LONG, it was quite enjoyable. Thanks to those who came out to celebrate with E--Mom, Dad, Nick, Janet, Maranda, and Scott. 

Yesterday they had the dress rehearsal. I was allowed to take pictures here. So here are a few of my snap shots.

All ready for the recital. After the recital her favorite part was the balloon drop for the finale.

 E and her teddy bear "Beary"

She was so excited she got to wear lipstick

Below are a few of her friends that she made this year.

 Kayleigh

 Mary Beth

 Kamden

 Lillian

She absolutely adores Ms. Paula

Busy Summer

I can not wait until I have a summer break. This summer has been the busiest one I have ever had. First I am taking two classes (Mon-Thur evenings). Thankfully I only have two more weeks of classes--then I am two classes away from my Master's--can't wait. Plus today started a class that I help faciliate at IUS. This class goes until the 22nd June. I will be at IUS the next two weeks from 8-8/9:00. I miss my girls, but know that the end is in sight.

Congrats Ryan

I have a hard time saying no. I ended up being the senior class sponsor at CHS this year. I really had my work cut out for me at the end of the year. I am very thankful for Heather Curtis for stepped up and help out a lot. It was nice getting to be part of Ryan's graduation events at the end of the year.

Today was the last student day. I can not believe how fast this year has flown. What a great start to my journey at CHS.

 One of Ry's Senior Pictures

Honors Day

Giving his graduation speech as VP

18 months

Today my Maddie turns 18 months. 

* She finally broke 20lbs (20.4 lbs). 

* We have started potty training and are hit or miss.

* She loves her big sissy and like to mimic what she is doing.

* She is always eating, her favorite foods are macaroni, chicken nuggets, green beans, and any finger   

   foods.

* She has a very large vocabulary, and it grows every day. 

* She has only been walking for about a month and half, so is still a little wobbly. 

* She has the best brightest smile.

* Her laughter is so contagious (and she laughs often).

* Her sleeping patterns has changed (not for the good) she loves falling asleep in our bed--we often do  

   not mind that.  

First Ride

After we brought the horses home in the winter, we really have not done much with them. But Ellie was ready to ride for the first time of the season. She could not wait to saddle her Daisy up and ride. She even had to wear her hat.

Maddie also had her first ride ever. She was unsure at first, but soon loved riding on Daisy.

Dress-up

Ellie loves to dress up, but today Maddie wanted to get in on the fun. This afternoon she wanted to be Cinderella. Of course she has food in her mouth (she always has food in her mouth).

Loves being silly

Johnny is home from college for a few weeks and stopped by for a visit. 

My girls sure do love their cousin Johnny.

Uh 30, how did that happen?

I can not believe that I am 30. It feels like the last ten years of my life has been in fast forward (Bob and I celebrate our 10 year anniversary this year as well). But 30 does not hit me that hard, in fact it is just another year. I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful girls (please pretty amazing family), I can't wait to see what God blesses me with in my 30s.

This afternoon Bob "surprised" me with a party with my closest friends and family. By surprise I mean he planned it and it remained a surprise until he told Ellie. My parents and Meghan played a huge role in the success. It was nice to get to catch up with my family. It was a little warm though (as it has been the past month or so), but over all I think everyone had a great time.

Day of Celebration and Sadness

Bob and I had a good time at the wedding, but we did not get in until late, so the girls spent the night with Mom and Dad. After church we met them at O'Charley's (Ellie's choice) for brunch to celebrate Mother's Day. Maddie is our little eater. Here she is chowing down on breakfast.

And her cheese face :)

Today also brought sadness. My Malmal who has been walking toward the Lord for over a week, took her last breathe. She lived a very long and full life. She was 97 years old. She will be greatly missed but leaves behind an amazing legacy.