Packing Sucks

The title pretty much says it all. Packing is for the birds. I'm pretty much doing it all by myself because Brandon is working, then putting a new roof on our house in the evenings. Trying to chase a two year old while packing isn't the easiest thing. That's why I frequently drive by our future house to remind myself why I'm putting myself through this torture. That and driving puts Griffin to sleep. Ha!

So I took my National Board test last week. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I wish I could find out if I passed earlier than six months. The money would be so very nice to have! Our new home needs a few updates. 

My class reunion was interesting. Only a few people came. I almost backed out, but I'm glad I went and could mark that off my to do list. 

Today we had some summer fun with some teacher friends. It's so nice to have so many friends in the same stage of life. We took the kiddos for a swim, and Griffin has turned into a little fish! He loves the pool!

This weekend we took G to Silver Dollar City did the first time. He got to ride the train, shoot the targets at The Lost Mine, and rode his first roller coaster. He had a blast! Then we had ice cream and strawberries for lunch. Delicious! 

This kid....

He is a mess!!

May Happenings

Hanging out in the tub due to some scary weather! 

Play dates with sweet Riley Kate! 

G loves to line up his cars. 

This note from this kid means more than you'll ever know! 

Saturday night ice cream dates. 

Another 5k in the books! Sadly I haven't had much time to run since then, but after school is over, my running shoes and I have some hot dates lined up. 

G spent an entire weekend at my parent's house so I could finish my national board portfolio. I am SO glad it is finally submitted!!! 

G rocking his bed head one morning. 

Finally finished my master bedroom make over that I started last year. 

Amber's wedding! So pretty! 

Exactly one week after submitting my portfolio, we talked to a loan officer about pre approval on a home loan. After cleaning our house like maniacs, we listed it exactly one week later on a Wednesday, and we accepted an offer two days later! That same day, we made an offer on this house...

It is a short sale, so we are hoping to hear something soon! The owners have accepted our offer, so we are just waiting on their bank. We close on our house June 23, so we are looking for interim housing. Not fun!! However, God has worked everything out so we know it's all going to be ok! 

Then THIS happened!! Oh my word!!! I was so shocked when they named me Teacher of the Year for my district. I remember last year watching the TOY being named and right then and there I made that a goal for myself. I had no idea it would happen so soon!! God is so faithful and I walk in His blessings and favor!! I went to Little Rock on Friday to turn in my application for the regional and state TOY. I do not think I have a chance, but feel so honored to have the opportunity to even have my name in the hat! 

And then yesterday my best friend and I celebrated six years of marriage. I don't know what I would do without his love, support, and encouragement. He drives me crazy, in both good and bad ways. Haha! I love him with my whole heart and can't wait to see what our future holds!

I'm excited to report that the only things on my to do list now is to study for my national board tests, get my class reunion in order, pack my house, find a place to live, help host a baby shower, and go on vacation!!! 

Lately

My spring break consisted of working at school every day on National Boards. 

My friends and I got caught in a thunder storm on a 10 mile run which resulted in our first cop car ride. 

Griffin wore my super comfy scarf all afternoon. Daddy was not pleased! 

Bran and I went to Ft. Smith with our young adult group from church to hear Warren Barfield and Kirk Cameron at the Love Worth Fighting For event. 

We are sponsoring this sweet child. 

Griffin is still paci free. Taking it away cold turkey was a horrible idea. The gradual release model was perfect! 

I was super excited and surprised to find out I was nominated as Center Valley's Teacher of the Year! 

My new principal is pretty great! 

G still loves to read. 

I painted this at my church's Ladies Night Out event. So fun! 

Bath time! 

Another successful year if the Passion Play. Brandon always amazes me with his performances! 

Such a big boy now! 

Saying bye to his nursery friends. 

Excited to watch Thomas the Train. 

Coloring Easter eggs for the first time. 

Easter!!

First time skating at Madison's birthday party with Nannie. 

Brandon taught my kiddos about spiders and insects. He is a natural teacher. 

Third grade teachers after the district wide third grade kickball game. My B team won their division!!

My intern'a last day is Tuesday. I'm going to miss her! 

He loves to "play dirt."

My second half marathon and Brandon's first was yesterday. Russvegas was awesome! I had a bad run, but you win some and lose some. I'm going to back off running long distances for a while and focus on sprints and weight lifting. 

Griffin opening his Easter basket from Nana this morning. 

I am SO glad this busy season is winding down. My to do list now consists of: 

1. Write entry 1 and complete entry 4. 

2. Gather documentation and begin the submission process. NB entries due on May 16!

3. Wedding shower, Volleyball Night, and baby shower this weekend. 

4. WCR 5k in Conway next weekend. 

5. Wedding in the 17th. 

6. Plan Germany unit. 

7. Study for NB assessments on June 12. 

8. Get ready for VACATION!! Woot woot! Brandon and I are both getting end of the year bonuses through the school so we are going to Gulf Shores. We need a break!