July was a busy month

Yes, it is true, July is now over. During this month, I have traveled here, there, and everywhere. I will start with the beginning...the first week of July I thought was the beginning of my summer...well, my tutoring kids and workshops took over. I went to a workshop I was really excited about on the first Tuesday. I learned how to "Teach Like a Rockstar"! I was so impressed with this workshop. Hal Bowman did such a fantastic job of getting us motivated. I walked away from that workshop being fired up for the school year. My whole fifth grade team was there, so it was fun to get pumped up together. Guess what?!? I am totally going off of the rockstar theme and using it as my classroom theme this year. Before I took on this theme, I thought it was going to be a breeze finding rockstar decor...wrong! I have looked everywhere for anything rockstar-related. I have found a pretty good collection of things by now. More on that later. Later in the week, my fifth grade team and I met to talk about plans for the year. Seeing that 3 out of 4 of us are new this year, we had a lot to discuss. It was an overwhelming time as lots of new policies, procedures, and ideas were thrown at me. I am really excited about this year, yet nervous all at the same time. I will be teaching Math and Science only, which is awesome...well Math makes me happy, but Science, well that is a different story. The fifth grade Science curriculum is loaded. It is a lot of information for these young adults to learn. I look forward to finding new strategies and uses of technology for this group. By the way, I should have some of my kids from 2 years ago, which makes me smile. I loved that group of kids, so let's just hope that they are just as much fun as fifth graders.

The next week, I had the opportunity to go to Houston to attend Debbie Diller's workshop. For those of you not in the education world, she is basically an elementary education guru. She is fantastic. I learned lots of new tricks of the trade, especially ways to utilize every square inch of my classroom. I actually got to have lunch with her son. He was nice, but we are very different. It was a nice time, though. Debbie is just phenomenal. I got to chat with her a couple of times, as I have been to several workshops of hers and made a connection...since I am a single gal and she has a single son. I do appreciate the connection, though, since she is a rockstar, but not only that, she has such a passion for helping others and pushing them to achieve their full potential. My friend, Lisa, went as well. We had so much fun!! We have now let our brains start meshing in order to create some ideas of our own. Maybe there will be a book one day...that would be awesome...one of our goals. :)The day after I got back from the workshop, which was in Houston, I drove to Alabama. I for sure was glad I went. I got to spend some much needed time with my grandmother, Nana. She is struggling so badly right now. She not only has lung cancer and emphysema, but also COPD. Basically, she has an awful time trying to breathe. She is in so much pain. It is so hard watching her like this. I love her so much and have a hard time being away from her when I know she is hurting like this. A fun story, though...while I was there keeping her Friday night, I asked her what she needed from the store. She told me that she was good, but I told her I should add a couple of things to the list, so I did. Later, when my mom called, she asked what was on her list and I told her...strawberry daiquiri mix and rum. My mom was like, okay, I will get it. My grandmother and I were laughing so hard, since it was all a joke. After many laughs and a happy moment on the phone with my mom, I thought I should continue it. I asked my grandmother if she was still having big parties once her "babysitter" went to sleep for the night. She told me to be quiet and not say anything. I was just rolling by this point. It was a very happy night, despite the pain I watched her experience.
The night I kept my grandmother was the same night as my 10-year high school reunion. Due to the circumstances with my grandmother, I was not able to attend. It was a really hard thing to miss, but I knew I would never get my time with my grandmother back. I had to make the decision to be with her. I really missed seeing everyone, though! I was able to go through all my old pictures from high school and college. I tell you what, I had some of the best memories. It was some sweet, yet sad moments when looking through those pictures. It was hard to see all of the friends I have lost touch with along the way or drifted from, yet sweet to see the many that I have reconnected with in the meantime. I am so thankful for second chances with so many!

While at home, I hung out with my family and friends. I drove over to Columbus on Monday night to have dinner at my favorite place in Columbus, Mi Toro. I was joined by 2 of my favorite people in all the world, Amanda and Lea Ann. I love it when I catch up with old friends and feel like no time has passed. We just picked up where we left off. My dad's national guard brigade had a family picnic. This was the first time all 5 of us were around to attend. It was such a sweet day, although incredibly hot outside!!

After that, I just chilled with my grandmother, brothers, parents, and friends. The weirdest part of the time at home was that Daniella and Kristy were both in Texas. I did, however, get to meet up with Joy, Courtney, and Mollie while at home. It was so wonderful catching up with all of these ladies!!

After I was at home for almost a week, I went to Shocco Springs, Alabama to help Mary Martha with her 2 kiddos, Rani and Andrew, at Camp Happy Days. We had so much fun spending time together. I am such a quality time kind of person, so to have that much time with Mary Martha was a blast. Andrew and Rani were so precious!! We laughed a lot!! Andrew just smiled the whole time and Rani just giggled. I cannot believe how much they have both grown since the last visit. I enjoyed having so much time with both of them! I tell you what, I know that God knows what He is doing. I am so not ready to be a mom of 2 yet. Keeping both on their schedules, entertaining them, and providing all needs is tricky. I have always admired moms of more than one kid, especially when they are close in age. I had so much fun taking care of the kids, though!! Check out these pictures...what cuties!!

You can't get much sweeter than this...one of my favorite things in all the world...swaying or rocking a baby to sleep...priceless!!

I also got the blessed opportunity of hanging out with Haven and Lea Ann. They sacrificed so much to come to Shocco and go hang out for a few hours. I so appreciate all the effort you went to in order to spend time together. We went to a shady Mexican restaurant with a broken air conditioner. The things we will do for white cheese dip and quality time, right girls?!? Anyway, we also got the chance to reminisce and laugh. I miss being on the same campus of these girls!!
I can't say thank you enough to each person who sacrificed time to spend with me. I am blessed beyond measure!! God has truly taken care of me in the friend category!! I miss you all and hope that we don't wait so long to see each other next time! I am honored to be in the company of so many amazing people!!
I hope to catch up with even more people next time!! I missed seeing y'all this trip, but look forward to the visits ahead!!