On The First Day of Summer Vacation my Day went like this...

Today was my First Official Day of Summer Vacation...

Did I sleep in? No, up at 5:30 a school habit.
Did I exercise or run my 3 miles? No, instead I got C and T up and ready and loaded for girls camp.
Did I make them breakfast you ask? No, I helped them pour their cereal. I did help T get her sack lunch packed and ready.
At 6:45 we loaded the neighbor girl, and my girls in the Excursion, and I drove them to Wal-mart to get batteries for their flashlights, and then to the Stake Center to catch the bus and meet the group. They quickly jumped out of the truck, waving, blowing kisses, and ran to meet their friends and leaders. That left M and I sad and glad. I walked over to get a real hug and kiss good-bye. But my girls were so excited and laughing, with the other girls. I stepped back and realized they were growing up. (I hope on Wednesday, when they return, they are excited to see me)

Then...M and I rejoiced in being together and having Mommy and Me time. She asked after the girls were dropped off, if I would swim with her this afternoon and play in the pool with her. I thought that was so sweet that she would ask me. We then treated ourselves to breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts. (I tried to choose healthy, knowing I will have to exercise)

After M and I went to a benefit Garage Sale for a girl that goes to Middle School with C. (Natalie has recently been diagnosed with Cancer.)
M and I found some great steals and deals at this garage sale.We bought a couple of puzzles and we are currently frustrated with a 1,000 piece puzzle. (Who knows if all of the pieces are even in the box.) I bought some Halloween decorations... (that I plan to tweek. Thanks to my sister-in-law, Chanelle, who always finds great deals and can change them into something fantastic!)
I almost bought a lady bug Halloween costume, so I could tweek it. Every year at school, we have a book parade, during Reading Week. I am always scrambling for a costume. I thought maybe I could be the "Grouchy Lady Bug" or a friend from "Miss Spider's Tea Party"

We then returned our library books, started that puzzle, went swimming together, and that night her daddy and I watched her pirouette at her dance recital.

In memory of...

M asked this morning what Memorial Day is all about. Mike explained to her that Memorial Day is a holiday set aside for remembrance of our fallen soldiers from all of the wars that our country has ever been involved in from the Revolutionary War to the Irag War. At the moment he was telling her, I so badly wanted to transport our SUV into a space craft or a time traveling machine, so she could see things that would help her remember what this day is really about.

This is the Marysville Washington Cementary. I have never seen a cemetary so decked out in flags. It always made my heart proud to drive by it.

The USS Carl Vinson, returning to port in Bremeton, Washington in 2003. I wasn't there, at the port, but I will never forget the unity of community as it pulled into port. I loved how the sailors were all standing so proud in their whites, waving to family and friends awaiting for them.

My grandpa fought under General Patton in World War II. He returned safely home to my grandma, mom, and uncle. But there were many who didn't. My heart goes out to their family and friends this day.

...And for the men who fought very early in our country to make it what it is today, I thank you. Thank you for fighting in what you believed in, to make our country free. Every morning as my children in my class raise their hands and place it on their hearts, to Pledge to our flag, I think of you.

No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks...a quote by Alice Cooper

Okay so, it has been a while since I posted. We are alive, healthy, and finishing out the school year. (The countdown is 3 days...of absolutely, positively...NOTHING!!)

I wish we had gotton out before Memorial Day this year, but the district calandar people didn't plan it that way! I guess that is okay, because now I can just sit, laugh, and play with my 1st graders, and probably cry for joy that some of them are leaving, and sadness for some others.

As the school year ends, summer plans begin. With Arizona summer vacations being short, due to year round school, summer seems busy already...I hope there is time for rest!

Things that are on the family list to do:
1. Dance Recital for M
2. Master's classes (I have 2 this summer, 2 nights a week for 8 weeks)
3. Girl's Camp for C and T (they leave 2 days after school gets out)
4. Painting the foyer (hopefully before family comes to visit in June)
5. A trip to Lake Powell (God's secret if you have never seen or heard of Lake Powell, check this link out.http://www.lakepowell.com/)
4. Yeah!! Family comes to visit in June
5. Camping for the 4th of July
6. C and Mike have birthdays
7. Boot Camp (Yes, I am signing up for Boot Camp..or have good intentions of it. If Helen on the Biggest Loser can do it, I can too!)
8. reading a good book (not Twilight)
9. organizing some unorganized things (mainly M's bedroom, and a couple of cupboards)
10. some scrapbooking caught up.
11. the upstairs started for expansion of a family room
12. fishing for Mike

stay tuned...."A goal not written is merely a wish!"