House Projects

I have decided that as much as I do, admittedly, love all of those home design shows-they truly are a farce that have given me false hope that whenever Justin and I start a project we too can be done in 24 hours or less. YEAH right! We are currently re-doing our downstairs bath-as much as a LOVED the blue wallpaper and oak colored cabinets it was time for them to go- and between unexpected layers of wallpaper (we didn't know about the pink floral number below)and work and an almost 8 month old we are on week 2.5 and in the home stretch. FINALLY! Those shows must have a ton of people we don't see working like Santa's Elves! Hopefully we will be done soon, and when we are I will, with thanksgiving in my hear, post some new photos.

Busy Busy!

I really can't believe that it is the end of July and I have 4 short weeks before I have to go back to work part time! It is amazing how fast time flies when you are loving every second of what you are doing. Blake and I have had quite the summer from his first vacation to starting swimming lessons we are a busy pair! Last night he was such a fun boy, laughing and giggling for about 1 hour with mom and dad. This activity was not only fun because for those of you who haven't seen a 7 month old laugh uncontrollably, you are missing out-it is hilarious! But also because this is an activity he really only does for mom and dad. What an amazing set up, some how in the midst of everything he is learning he is able to differentiate Justin and me from the rest of the big people that smile and talk to him. I am truly blessed!

On a side note, I broke my toe about 3 weeks ago and was able to go running the first time last night and I almost ran into a deer-I am not kidding I was daydreaming and all of sudden a deer was like 1 foot away from me-luckily he moved without attacking!

Honking and Yelling at Runners....

Here is a thought I had...I am currently going to try to train for the Leavenworth half-marathon, October 4th, I have run one before (pre-baby, Fall of 2006) and I did enjoy it so I think that is what I need to give me the kick in the butt to get back out there. With pregnancy complications (placenta previa) and then working full time 10 weeks after he came, running consistently has been more of a dream rather than reality. But it is summer, gorgeous, I am home, and only go back part-time in the fall so pavement here I come. But as I am contemplating running one memory always comes to mind (as my route is partly on a main road) why in the world to people (mainly men) honk and women running? Do they think that as I am huffing and puffing up that hill I am going to hear their horn and think "Oh my goodness the man I was always looking for...turn around and run after their car." Or is it more that they are just wanting to affirm that I am running? Because I am often very aware of that fact...or maybe it very simply is they are cheering us on? none-the-less I am excited to get back in the swing of things.

Summer Lovin!

I am done and am so excited for my time home. The year culminated for me at my student's promotion ceremony, I had 4 8th graders who will move on to high school next year YEAH! they did awesome and it was so great to see their families beaming with joy and accomplishment. Many of these students haven't had the same experiences that we all took for granted growing up, and for most of them this is the first time their parents have gotten to go to an assembly where their student was being awarded and talked about in a positive way. Watching my students and their families last night, is the reason that I would call my job, much more than a job but rather a calling and a privilege. I have been home for 2 short days and am already loving the relief of stress from both Justin and I working full time. Here are some more recent pictures...more to come of things like Blake's first Hike:)

Flying with Baby

Well my first flight with Blake is over! I got to go to Colorado and throw my best friend a baby shower for her little girl-due in August. So fun to throw a shower for my future daughter-in-law (ha ha a mother can dream right!) Blake was great, crabby but nothing that couldn't be helped. What a joy it was to get 4 full days with my son-and it was an even bigger joy to know that when the long and fun trip was over I had loving and supportive husband to come home to, who was excited to play with his boy and let mom rest. I am blessed! Summer is a few short weeks away and I can hardly wait for the many more firsts to be had with my son!

5 months already!

As I sit here writing this blog I can hardly believe that my son, Blake, is 5 months old! He is amazing, rolled a couple of days ago ! But more than that I am in awe of how each day he shows me how to love, laugh, and live in a new way. It is a beautiful thing to become a mom, I loved the job instantly, realizing that I had been missing a piece of who I was and Blake helped me find it. He truly is a gift I am a in awe of the blessing bestowed and the responsibility given to me.