Books

So, what with it being summer and all, I'm trying to read. I try to read all year, but I end up being slightly more successful with it during the summer. So far I've finished "The Secret Life of Bees" and "The Mermaid Chair," both by Sue Monk Kid. While I liked Bees better, I felt that I could relate a little bit better to Mermaid. Her language seems like its trying a bit too hard in places, but its still quite nice. Both of the books are about these women and their journeys to loving themselves and their lives. Part of those journeys is taking moments and cherishing them for their simple beauty.

I try to take snapshots of occurances (both literally and figuratively) so that I can remember how full of life I feel during those times. It's good for me to draw on that bank when I want to strangle my young-in for any number of reasons...it seems as if the "terrible twos" have hit our house a bit early. It's okay, though, because I've learned (amongst other things) that this, too, shall pass. And, it will most likely pass entirely too quickly. So, I'm taking a lot of "snapshots" while my little boy still wants to snuggle with mama and read about trucks.

Now for those pictures...

We busted out the Chevelle...what do you know, the car seat fits?Joseph got a haircut. Well, he got most of them cut.18 months with Mona (May 27).Max and Jackie got married.Joseph danced the night away--which was hysterical.Max and Jackie went back to OK with this big yellow truck that Joseph got to drive.We went to Chicago to visit Matt's family. There were sheep.And cousins.And ponies. Oh my goodness...he LOVED the minnies (because horses say minnie minnie). "Minnie please. Minnie please. Minnie please."Keagan and Keith got married.So pretty.We had fun.And we had to check out the tractor.

2 months in a nutshell

So, the last two months have been comprised of:

• Max and Jackie's wedding on May 30. It was a lovely day and we're happy to welcome Miss Jackie to the family. They honeymooned in Ft. Lauderdale, came home for a little while, and then packed up and headed back to Oklahoma. Not sure when we'll see them next...
• School wrapped up Monday June 22 after weeks of exams, cleaning, graduation, and general end-of-the-year stress (which managed to be worse this year than in years past).
• I took a three day workshop Wed June 24-Fri June 26 at school...learning about reluctant learners.
• We left for Chicago and a visit with Matt's family on Saturday the 27th. We were there for a week or so and left Sunday July 5. It was great to see everyone again, and we had fun shopping, aquarium-ing, zoo-ing, and hanging out.
  
• The next week was kind of frantic as it was basically my first week off of school. So, we were running around like crazy...but we did manage to make it to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for one day.
• That Friday (the 10th) we left for another lovely wedding weekend in Connecticut. We were happy to share the day with Keagan and Keith and wish them all the best. They honeymooned in Cancun and just got home.
• We were home for two days before I had to leave for San Antonio and the AP Annual Conference. San Antonio was really nice, although really hot. I could've spent more time there, but I came home late Saturday night.
• Sunday Joseph had a fever of anywhere between 100.6 and 103.8. Monday morning he woke up with a cough and a lower fever (99.6-ish). Considering that these are the symptoms of H1N1, we went to the doctor. Turns out he only has hand, foot, and mouth disease (again), which is a relief. But, he's got a vicious sore throat and goes on these 20-minute screaming jags. Considering that I'm exhausted and haven't slept for more than 2 consecutive hours for the last week, this is all kind of piling up on me...we'll be fine, though.

I've got a whole pile of pictures from life and the past events that I'm looking forward to posting as soon as I can get them loaded and sorted. So, stay tuned! I'm getting there...

Try Again

I was doing pretty well there for a while...then things got busy (which would kind of be an understatement). So, I clearly abandoned this blog, and am renewing my commitment. So, expect more pictures and the general updates soon. I've got to go ride bikes with a little boy now, though.