one week from today...

I will be arriving in Florida- just me, my husband, and I! I am so excited! As I was arranging for my boys to spend some time at my dad and Dorothy's house this summer, I thought, "maybe they could go over our anniversary weekend, and then Gary and I could do something fun." My idea of something fun consisted on a night in a hotel somewhere not too far away. I even thought about a spa-type resort. As we discussed the possibilities, he brought up Allegiant Air and the cheap flights they offer. $69 one way could take us to Las Vegas, California, or Florida! This was better than I'd even considered! We thought about Las Vegas briefly. I don't have an interest in the gambling, but I would like to see all of the hotels and the fountains, the strip, etc. But as we mulled that, it sounded like a very active trip- not exactly what we were thinking. So I began investigating Florida. I spent many hours checking flight prices, times, and schedules. Although we didn't book an Allegient Air flight due to the days/time availability, we did get a good deal on a Delta flight at just the perfect times to maximize our long weekend. Gary could only take 2 days off so I had to work within those boundaries. I will meet my dad and Dorothy in Williamsburg on Thursday morning to exchange the kids, and then Gary and I fly out from Des Moines at 4:20 PM. Our flight arrives in Ft. Lauterdale at 11 something. So that gives us all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to relax. We still have most of Monday as well as we don't fly out until 5 ish. We got our tickets for about $200 a piece round trip which is still a great deal! Ft. Lauterdale was the cheapest of any location, so that's why we're headed there. Last summer we did the Gulf side, so now we'll experience the ocean side! Then I began the hotel search which was quite exhausting. We are not planning on having a rental car so I wanted something close to restaurants, etc. as well as being right on the beach. We really wanted that. I also didn't want some skanky place, since this is a party location. I read lots and lots and LOTS of reviews and came across a motel with nothing but positive comments. We have an oceanfront view and are literally steps from the hotel's private beach. Ahh.... We have absolutely NO plans... and that's why I'm so excited. Get up when I want, lay on the beach for as long as I want, listen to my ipod and read my books, play in the ocean, shower up and walk to dinner. The restaurants are about a mile away, but the walk will be good for us after laying around all day. I'm looking forward to watching the sun set (I won't be up early enough to see it rise!), and listening to the ocean waves. I think about the beauty of that sound since we were in Hawaii. I loved falling asleep to that. I love the sunshine. I love the warmth. I love the palm trees. Now I just wish I loved the way I looked in a swimming suit. Ugh- I've been on the hunt for one for days with no luck. It's depressing. Obviously there's no question what's on my mind these days!!
I'm uploading pictures to Shutterfly as I write. I'm trying to get all of my photos backed up on-line before I delete them from my camera stick. I have over 1000 on there now, and I need to clean it off. I also downloaded a few new songs off of I tunes and am trying to organize my playlists. For some reason all of the CD's we burned to I tunes are gone- poof- disappeared. That's going to be a big job to redo all of that, and I believe I'll leave that task to Bradley.

Let's see- what else is happening? I finally got all of my classes taken to renew my teaching license. I had one the last two Monday and Tuesdays. It takes up the whole day, so I'm glad they're done. I usually come away with some good ideas, so that's always nice. This last one was on building fluency in readers, and it gave me a lot to think about and try. I have a few students who come to mind as I think about the things I learned.

The boys did a week of summer rec golfing. Bradley has done it before but this was the first year Brennan was old enough. Brennan won a putting contest one day so he was happy.

Bradley has been doing quite a bit of golfing. I've taken him out to Countryside a few times, and he goes with Dad to Grandview every Thursday eve. It's become a great bonding time for the boys. I take Brad and Bren to the golf course to meet dad. Gary and Brad golf and Brennan caddies for Dad. If he does a good job he gets paid $1 per hole. This is a great way for him to earn some money of his own. And if he doesn't keep up, etc. he gets a little pay docked! We do this for Bradley when he mows the lawn. He is paid $7 for mowing, $2 if he uses the weedwacker, and $1 for sweeping the grass off of the sidewalks. Any complaining/bad attitude gets money docked as well. So far this system has been pretty effective. Now, to find them jobs where We aren't the ones who are paying them! Anyway, after the boys golf they stop at McDonalds for supper. I think they all enjoy their Thursday evenings.

Bradley and I took a ten mile bike ride the other night on our bike trail. It was such a beautiful night, but my thighs paid for it the next day! They were burning! I wish I would get out on my bike more often. I really enjoy the riding- much better than jogging. Yeah, I've pretty much given that up. I am not a jogger. My body doesn't like it, and neither do I! Consistent exercise is still a struggle- unfortunately I haven't found a system that works (or a willing self-controlled body that works?)

Brennan's lastest addiction is the video game Need for Speed. Actually I should say the boys' latest addiction. They spend way too much time in front of that TV. That's one reason I'm always ready for school to start up again.

Brennan had his first friend spend the night last night. Preston has been in his class the last two years. They've also been enjoying playing together at the pool.

Bradley had an awesome time at camp. He was a little bummed the first few days after being back home. I'm so thankful he made some new friends and had a wonderful time, but I'm glad to have him home.

Bren finished swimming lessons. He was learning the sidestroke and the breaststroke by the end of his two weeks. It's amazing how much progress they make in just a couple of weeks.

Well enough rambling for now. It's almost 1 AM and I'm tired. Hopefully the pics are almost uploaded so I can go to bed! Night night!

GREAT QUOTE

I just came across this great quote- it seems perfect for me and my house lately (or most of the time???)

"Keep several get well cards on the mantle at all times.
That way if unexpected guests drop by, they'll think
you've been ill and unable to clean your house."

sumo wrestler perhaps??

If you can't tell, this is a WWE wrestling ring that Brennan got for his birthday. Maizy decided it would make a perfect, albeit cozy place for her to nap. So we had fun placing wrestling dudes in the ring with her...she was not amused.

blog hopping this evening

Keeping up with all of the pictures I take is a big task. Right now I have over 1000 pictures on my camera. I refuse to delete them until they have been downloaded on my computer AND backed up on a online site. Well that is what is going on right now. I am downloading over 800 pictures to Snapfish as we speak, and while I patiently wait for that task to complete, I have been visiting some blogs, one of my favorite activities. I have Google Reader, which is totally awesome. Anyone who has many sites bookmarked should look into Google Reader. I have my favorites that I read regularly, but there are several that I look at only once in awhile. Well tonight is that night. As I came across one, she had a prompt that I thought was neat, so here goes...



Outside my window: I have all of the blinds closed since it's almost 10 PM

I am thinking: a lot about Sunday school curriculum. I had a conversation with someone this morning that sparked some thoughts about what we're teaching, what we should be teaching, etc. I am also thinking about Bradley while he's at camp. I am constantly looking at their camp schedule wondering what he's doing.

I am thankful for: the fact that Gary and I both have jobs. Whenever I think of the deteriorating economy and so many without work, I am just grateful for our jobs.

From the kitchen: I smell nothing yummy since I don't bake nearly as much as I'd like to. I read my cooking magazine and slobber all over wonderful recipes that I rarely get around to trying.

I am wearing: a white tank top and navy blue shorts

I am creating: let's see... nothing at the moment. Not because I am at a lack for pictures or ideas, but more about the lack of time and energy. Almost every day I plan to scrapbook that evening, but when evening actually rolls around, I'm too tired.

I am going: to Florida 3 weeks from tomorrow!! I can't wait!

I am reading: the 4th Twilight book. I am about 1/2 way through.

I am hearing: Brennan and my niece Abby laughing while watching Garfield, the Movie. I must admit, it's quite funny!

Around the house: things are messy. Bathrooms need to be cleaned, laundry folded, dishes washed- the usual.

One of my favorite things: sunshine in the summer!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: several hours of tutoring, a trip to Build a Bear for my niece, making brownies and cleaning up for the arrival of my family on Sat., driving to Hidden Acres to pick up Bradley

A picture to share:

taken 4th of July weekend

Well I'm off to see how many of my 800 photos are uploaded by now.

missing him...

Yesterday we dropped Bradley off at Hidden Acres Christian camp for the week. He is there with his friend Trevor. I know he's probably having an awesome time and not really missing us at all. But I miss him. I think of him and wonder what games he's playing...what they're learning at chapel...if he's brushed his teeth at all...if it's hot in his cabin...if he's getting any bug bites and hoping he won't swell up...if he's spied any cute girls...if he's making new friends...if the weather has been cooperative...how many outfits are ruined by now...if he's not wanting Friday to come as much as I'm ready for it to come so I can pick him up and bring him home.

Don't get me wrong. I'm so glad that he can have this opportunity. I truly believe magical things happen at camp. Gary and I can both attest that some of our happiest memories were made at camp. But it was much better when I was on the other end having the fun instead of just missing the one who's gone. And I'm thankful he's not one to get homesick. That would make this even harder. I just can't wait to hear about it all on Friday.

In other news I had a GREAT 4th of July weekend. Pictures will be coming soon, hopefully. I feel like I've been so lax about posting. I plan on doing it every night, and by the time I get Brennan tucked in, my energy is pretty zapped. We brought cousin Abby home with us for Brennan to have a playmate while Bradley is gone. They are watching "Hotel for Dogs" as we speak. We went to the pool today and to the video store tonight to pick out some movies. A bigger pool and the zoo are on the agenda for the week as well.