First Week of School

Well I survived the back-to-school week! I am really loving my job. Its still a little surreal that I am in the position that I am--mostly because I am finding that for the most part, my job comes pretty naturally for me. I suppose thats a sign that God really has placed me where he wants me. This is a pic of me on the first day of school...(too bad you can't see my cute hotpink shoes in this pic!)

The staff is full of steller teachers who are good at their craft. They seem to respect me in my position, which is a relief (plus, they are fun to visit with)I have a wonderful principal/mentor to learn from--she is great at her job! Plus, I really enjoy getting to know her on a personal level. I look forward to working at Donald for many years to come :)
I was a little tired by Friday, so thankfully I was able to sleep in this morning.

Brandon made coffee this morning using the beans from our favorite coffee shop in college: Common Grounds. (Thanks to Ashley) I wish we had a cute coffee shop like it here in Flower Mound. I love Starbucks coffee and all, but they are pretty much the only coffee shop in the metroplex.

New Job!!!!

As of Monday, July 26th, I am back at work full-time as the new Assistant Principal at Donald Elementary--which happens to be 2 miles from our house! I will have the opportunity to work with a fabulous principal--I can already tell I will learn so much from her. I will admit that I am a bit nervous, but only because of the "unknown" involved in a new job. I know I was successful as a teacher, and I feel confident that I will do a good job as an AP, but I also know there will be a learning curve my first few years.....however, I definitely feel that God's perfect timing brought me to this specific job, so I am excited to see what is in store this next year!
Here are a few pics of my new office:

4th of July

Went to Lone Star Park with my siblings to celebrate 4th of July! Watched the races, brought a picnic, and watched some great fireworks.

The only downside....it took FOREVER to get out of the parking lot after the fireworks. Seriously, it was as if the crowd had never been to preschool, where you learn to take turns. Instead, nearly every driver was inching forward as soon as any movement occured with traffic, so much so that it was a gridlock nighmare. Very annoying! Oh well--next year we will rethink our parking lot choice....

Caden :)

We had a great time getting to visit with Jeremy, Jess and Caden over 4th of July weekend! Caden turned 1 year old--can't believe how fast he is growing up! He is one of the happiest, smiling, cute babies that I have ever met! Hes got a cute little personality that is sure to develop into a fun-loving, sweet little boy. Yes-I am bragging- but I have the best little nephew! (and another niece or nephew due in March!)

Brandon got Caden a Green Bay Packers football...of course!

I always enjoy spending time with Jess-shes a wonderful sister-in-law!

I love the fact that even if we weren't now in the same family, I would still want to be friends with her! I feel very blessed :)

Caden wanted me to have some of his bday cake icing....on my face apparently.....

The family (just need Ashley, David, and Josh here!)

Summer Vacation

We were able to go to Playa del Carmen for a very relaxing, week-long vacation with some great friends!! Although Tropical Storm Alex blew in Thurs. night of the trip, we still had a great time hanging out on the beach, laying by the pool, eating, and chillin! The normal routine while at the resort: eat, drink, visit, lay on beach, sleep, repeat.

It was REALLY windy the night we tried to take pictures down at the beach...and raining the other nights....

Brandon, Stacey, John & Chrishtan before a nice, 7 course meal at "Chef's Plate"

side note: I did learn while on this vacation that I do NOT enjoy snorkling.....especially in choppy, open water without a boat nearby!

other side note: While on vacation, I got a call from HR with MY NEW JOB OFFER!!!!!!

Summer Projects...

Well, as you may know this about me...its hard for me to just sit around and not be doing something productive! I decided this weekend that I wanted to redo my "craft room" (which has been HOT PINK since we moved into the house. Why I hadn't painted it in the past 3 1/2 years....no clue).
Sunday I started with the first 3 walls in the room. Monday I painted the rest, and touched up some spots.
So it is officially a pretty grayish blue color, with the white beadboard below. I love the color! (thanks, Ashley, for leaving the paint in our garage when you moved!).
I also wanted to update the furniture in the room. We have Brandon's grandmother's 4 poster bed, dresser, and nightstand. I love the style-but I wasn't crazy about the woodtone.

So....I painted them! Now, the room looks 10000 times better then before, and so far I have only spent about $20 on black spray paint. Not bad!

I am planning to make some components of the bedding, or if I can find something I like on a sale...I may just do that!
Its a fun project. Next goal: reorganize all of my crafting supplies in that room's closet!
Goal for project completion: Friday.

Nook

I must say....I absolutely LOVE reading on my new NOOK ebook. (Thanks, Mom & Dad) Its so great! For anyone thinking, "oh, but I love to turn the page of a book...." I find that once you start reading, the NOOK is just like any other reading medium. And if you buy books on a consistant basis, its much cheaper to buy them as ebooks--priced between $.99 and about $14.99

I am really excited about the fact that I can take my NOOK to the beach, and instead of having to load up 5-6 books, I can download them all to the one, lightweight device! Yes-you may say, "Nerd Alert" when you see the amount of books I read in a summer....but its definitely one of my favorite hobbies!