Cruising!

So it's been so long since I last posted that I doubt if I have any followers anymore. On the 2nd of July we left to drive down to Florida. It was such a long and dreadful drive...especially in Northern Virginia. It took us 3 hours to move 31 miles. I wasn't happy and either was Matt or Abby. When we got to Florida it rained for days and days, keeping us indoors which wasn't too fun. Luckily the weather did a turn for the better right before we left for a cruise to Mexico. My parents took us on a cruise, with my brother and his girlfriend, for our 1 year anniversary. We had such a wonderful time and as soon as I get a chance I will upload some pictures onto the blog. We went on a 5 day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico out of Tampa. We spent most of the time on the boat eating, tanning, and then eating some more. Food is never a shortage when you are cruising the seas. Cruises are such a fun and easy vacation. Once you've booked the cruise you don't have to worry about anything else, I just love that. Thank you Mom and Dad for treating us to such a great vacation. Now I am in Florida for the summer and it's been so nice to catch up with family and my dear friends. Although we are apart now it never seems that way once we are back together. I am so lucky to have the greatest friends in the whole world! I don't have my computer, I left it back at home, and I am not too savvy with photo things on other computers, I really miss my editing software. But, I promise to update more once I get some energy to grab my camera and upload the pictures onto my dad's laptop. Right before Matt left I uploaded the pictures from his camera so this one is from Chakannab Park in Cozumel. It's such a beautiful and amazing place!

Sunday!

Today has been a very productive day. A few days ago I got an email to test out new software by Mypublisher. It is my favorite site for make albums from digital pictures. They are launching a new version and needed people to test out the beta software. I guess because I have ordered so many books from them I was chosen and those who participated received a $75 voucher to make a photobook. I thought that was totally worth it since I really enjoy making these books. The only catch is the voucher expires on Wednesday so I made the book today. I would have liked to save it and use it to make a book from our upcoming cruise by instead I made a book titled "Our First Year in Washington, DC". It looks great and I am looking forward to it coming in the mail soon. I was able to get overnight shipping so as soon as it is made it will be at my doorstep. Afterwards I spent time organizing the downstairs, cleaning bathrooms, and doing laundry. That's a typical Sunday for me! As I was walking Abby there are a few beautiful hydrangea bushes around the property so I picked one. I love hydrangeas...so much that they were in my wedding! I don't remember seeing hydrangea bushes much in Florida but they are beautiful!

Summer!

I decided that since it is summer and I am not working I  need to start using my camera more so I will be taking a picture a day again. I can't promise I will post everyday because I have a few road trips and vacations that will be happening soon. I will still make sure to take a picture a day and post when I have a computer and internet access. I had a great weekend. Friday night we went to my aunt and uncle's in DC to have homemade pizza made on the grill. It was absolutely delicious. That is something I should have taken pictures of...I regret not capturing the fun or the marvelous food but with my picture a day I will be more apt to take out my camera again, like I used to. When we woke up today I had planned on doing some summer cleaning, I leave on Thursday for Florida and like the leave the house spotless before I go. Before we started cleaning I thought it would be nice to get a good lunch so we headed to Chili's. Instead of coming home and cleaning Matt watched the World Cup and I went downstairs to nap and watch a movie. Quite relaxing but now I am frantic to get this place picked up. I guess the cleaning will begin after dinner! Tomorrow Kate and I will hang out, which I am looking forward to. Not sure what will be doing..maybe lunch, shopping, errands, or pool time. That's the beauty of summer...you don't have to plan ahead. My parents return from a 9 day trip from the primitive area of Costa Rica, I look forward to hearing their stories. Here is a picture of our chips and salsa from our lunch and also a beer truck that's been parked  outside our condo for a few days....too bad they aren't passing out samples for the summer ;)

Sorry for the hiatus

It's been forever since I updated, I apologize! Summertime is finally here and I am so excited! Last week was a super crazy week with the end of the year 5th grade activities and closing of the school  year. We had 5th grade promotion last Tuesday and it was a wonderful event. I didn't bring my camera since I wouldn't be able to keep an eye on it and I really wouldn't have had time to take pictures anyways. The kids all dressed up and we had a great turn out of parents, it was really nice. The PTA gave each of the 5th grade teachers a bouquet of flowers, which is what the picture above is from. Friday was my first day of summer,  I spent the day by the pool in DC with my aunt, uncle, and cousin. It was so relaxing and it felt so nice to be in the sunshine! Sunday I went out for a friends birthday, which is where the cake picture comes from. Abby (my puppy) is enjoying spending time with me too now that it is summer. I came down with a horrific cold/flu so I have been spending the last few days in bed. Abby isn't complaining one bit. Tomorrow I am going outlet shopping and am really looking forward to it. After that my plan is to clean my closet to make room for all of my new summer clothes. I'll be in FL in less than 2 weeks...I can't wait. I will try to update more now that it is summertime. This blog was a jumbled mess, but that's how my life has been the last week........

4 days until summer!

We had a great weekend...and it the last weekend that I have to spend Sunday night worrying about what the work week will bring. Summer vacation is just 4 days away! Friday we took it easy and ordered in pizza and watched a movie. It was just the type of night that I needed. Yesterday we ran errands and then went to a BBQ and Flip Cup party at our good friends' Rob and Linz's house...it was so much fun...thanks for having everyone over guys! Today we went to Costco and got a bunch of great items. I love that store but each time you go you spend a small fortune. The main reason we went is I told my students who completed their reading and spelling homework all quarter I will reward them with icee pops....well the Costco we went to didn't have then. I got Edy's Fruit Bars instead, I am sad because the kids won't enjoy them as much, but I hope they like them a little bit! Tomorrow we have a busy day at work getting ready for 5th grade promotion which is on Tuesday. Wednesday is the students last day and Thursday is my last day. I always dread packing and cleaning my classroom but I hope to have most of it done before Thursday. I can't wait for summer. I have so many things I want to catch up on and so many places and people I want to see! I chose this picture from our honeymoon in St. Lucia because it reminds me of summer!

Field Day

We celebrated Field Day today! It was such an incredible event and the kids just had a blast. I overheard a bunch of kids saying that this was the BEST DAY EVER! I love hearing that and I love seeing hundreds of kids with big smiles on their faces for hours. Our PE teacher did a great job planning this, I was just amazed. I was in charge of the Dry, Dry, Wet station which was similar to Duck, Duck, Goose but with a sponge. The kids loved the station and they really enjoyed getting wet. I tried to play photographer for the day too. It was one of the busiest days of the year...but I am noticing myself say that a lot of days this month. I really do love these end of the year activities because it is so fun seeing the kids just be kids. As I looked over all of the pictures there was one common thing in each picture..SMILES and LAUGHTER.....I just love it. Great job, Ms. Powell, huge pats on the back go to YOU!

Pool Party

Today was the annual 5th grade pool party. It was such a blast!!! The weather was a little cool in the morning but it ended up being a beautiful day. The kids had so much fun...not one of the 72 kids complained about anything and we had zero behavior problems...ahhhhhhhhhhh, if all days could be like this! This was an incredible pool, it reminded me of a water park. There were 5 slides, waterfalls, lily pads to jump across, water bucket dunk tanks, etc. I wish I was a kid with this pool in my backyard. Although I didn't get to swim, I got to tan all day in the lounge chair...I definitely could get to used to this life! Hahaha...I am so glad the kids had such a great time and I hope they cherish these wonderful fun times forever. Tomorrow is field day! I am loving these end of the year activities, even though they are making me completely exhausted on the weekends.

I don't have a picture today, just words...

Today was a very busy but good day! School is just insane....but it's a good insane. All of the end of the year activities are coming and each day is filled with something different. I can't believe I only have 2 weeks left with my students, I hope they come back and visit me next year. The last two years I have taught 4th grade so I was able to see my kids for another year. It was much easier to say goodbye that way...

My mom came into town and is going with my aunt to New York tomorrow. I was able to have dinner with them in Bethesda, and that was just wonderful. I love family dinners and really miss having them. I am going to force my husband to have family dinners often once summer comes. I think that will be really good for us. I guess that means I will be busting out the cookbooks and visiting the grocery store often. I also think that this will help me shed the pounds that I gained over the past year...10 pounds, ouch. I am at my heaviest and am not liking it all. I guess that is what cold, snowy winters do to you.

I just ordered 4 new books for summer read off of Amazon.com, I can't wait to read them. One of the books I ordered was the prequel to Sex and the City. I had no idea the book even existed until my brother's girlfriend, Dani, told me. I am super excited about that. I also ordered Emilie Barnes' book More Hours in My Day. My friend Carolyn raved about it so I am looking forward to reading it and am open to any advice that she gives. I will keep you all updated on what I learn!

Two more weeks until I am off for the summer....it's been a trying year.....but I have learned so much about myself, being a wife, a northerner, shoveling snow....and I have grown so much as a teacher. I am looking forward to next year and think that things will be so much easier for me. I would have to say the last two years have been filled with so many new and exciting things....I am looking forward to even more new things happening over the next two years.

5th grade visits Philadelphia

Yesterday we took our 5th grade field trip to Philadelphia. It was a busy day but the kids had a great time. We toured Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell, Christ Church, and the Constitution Center. The kids arrived at the school around 6:15, had breakfast and we were on our way by 7:00 am. It took us about 3 hours to get there and as soon as we got there we were greeted by our tour guide. I wasn't too sure about him at first but he ended up being great. I felt rushed the entire trip but isn't that how it always is with 72 kids in a tourist area? On the way home we stopped at a rest stop, which is what the kids seemed to enjoy the most. They ate mounds of junk food....I am sure they went home sick. I am hoping to do a pluses/deltas chart with them tomorrow ... I will be surprised if food isn't the top item on the plus side. The kids made great memories, which is really all that matters in my opinion. Kids don't have a chance to be kids in school anymore and I find that kind of sad...my best memories of school were all of those fun activities, trips, movie days, holiday and birthday celebrations, crafts, etc. Our next trip is the pool party on Wednesday and then promotion a week later! Hooray for the end of school year activities.

Time to say goodbye

Well today is the day that we leave Florida. As sad as I am to leave I am also looking forward to getting back to Maryland and wrapping up the school year. We have so many fun things planned for the kids that I am excited about. It's been a good year and I feel like I have grown as a person and as a teacher because of it. Before I left Florida I had to get a picture of my beautiful matron of honor bouquet. Jaime's bouquet was white Calla lilies, the bridesmaids bouquets were purple Calla lilies, and mine was a mix of both..it was stunningly beautiful!

Paradise

The exhaustion from the fun filled wedding weekend finally wore off around 3:00 so we went for a boat ride. I miss boating, beaching it, and swimming and so much now that I am away for it. As we were on the boat on this beautiful day we saw a whole family of dolphins, seeing them never gets old. I had so much fun with my family on the boat. It's times like these that I miss the most.....I miss being surrounded by wonderful family and amazing friends..maybe one day I can have that again. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

Here comes the bride

Today is a very special day. A day that one of my best friend's marries the love of her life. I am so honored to be standing by her side as her matron of honor. A few excerpts from my speech...

Separately, you are two special, remarkable people, but together you are complete. As you sit side by side through this roller coaster of life, remember to scream from the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loop the loops, and enjoy every twist and turn. My greatest wish for the two of you is that through the years, your love for each other will deepen and grow.

Please raise your glasses while I toast my best friend and her spectacular husband:
Take each day and cherish your time together. Love one another and stand together. Take time to talk to one another. Put your love and your family first; your job and your hobbies second. May your love be like the wind, strong enough to move the clouds, soft enough to never hurt, but always never ending. So here's to love, laughter, and happily ever after. Cheers!


Although I didn't take a single picture at the wedding...I wanted to so badly but I just knew the day would be too crazy to worry about babysitting my camera all day so I wasn't able to....my husband got a few and I will be posting those once I get his camera and upload them.

It was an amazingly beautiful and perfect day.

I couldn't be happier for both Jaime and Matt. This picture was taken by me at her first dress fitting. I am in the background in my teal bridesmaid dress and her mom was in the corner..two of Jaime's biggest fans!

Toes!

In preparation for Jaime's wedding Jaime, Lauren, Joann, and myself went to get our nails done. I chose hot-alicious OPI pink for my piggies :) We had so much fun...love my girly days!

Sunday Funday?? Not today! :)

Today was a crazy day but we got so much done. We are leaving Thursday night for Jaime's wedding so we needed to run a bunch of errands and clean the house. I have such a hard time keeping the house cleaned...I am always so mad at myself for letting it get so messy and then I am always kicking myself on Sunday for it. I have so much respect for my mom who kept the house spotless, even with two kids running around. I keep telling Matt that if I keep working when I have kids we are going to have to consider getting a housekeeper because I can't even keep up with cleaning up after the two of us..let alone any additions to our family. Today we went to Jos. A. Bank to get Matt some suits (he really cleans up well) and then went to PetCo to get Abby some special treats. They have this great cookie bar/bakery where you can choose which treats you want and you can make your own baggie filled with them. Matt picked out the letter shaped treats and spelled out, Abby! She is so spoiled and loved :). Then we headed to Trader Joe's..it was crazy there, as usual. I am finally done cleaning the downstairs..now I have to tackle the upstairs but I figured I deserved a break. I think the break is now over...tata for now :)

Friday Night Fun

My rough Friday turned into a great night thanks to some amazing friends. I wasn't exactly in the mood to go out and be social but that ended up being exactly what I needed. I forgot my camera as I was running out the door which I am really bummed about because I could have gotten a few shots of the gang and our wonderful Swirlie Drinks *frozen margarita swirled with frozen sangria*. 8 of us went to Uncle Julio's and had great mexican food and even greater drinks! I had to borrow a picture off of Google images for this blog! Then we went to this weird bar where the band was just terrible...nonetheless, it ended up being a really fun night with great friends and my wonderful husband. Laughter really is the best medicine!!!

End of the year craziness

I wish I had a picture to capture my day...but I don't. The end of the school year is approaching and the 5th graders are starting to get a bit crazy, they are ready to move on to middle school...for sure.

On that note my picture today will be something that has nothing to do with work... but all to do with family...one of my most favorite things in life!

Although I didn't take this picture...and I am too exhausted to pick up my camera...I just love this shot. This is a shot of my family plus my cousin Derek and my Uncle Keith. It was so nice to catch up with everyone and enjoy ice cold margaritas on the Potomac River. I look forward to doing something like this again in the near future...maybe next year..you guys game???

Kids at Work

Missing you...

I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long. If we're in each other's dreams, we can play together all night. ~Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes

Why can't we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn't work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos. ~Charles M. Schulz


 
Two great quotes from two great comics! I miss my friends and family SOOOO much I could cry....what I do have is the many great memories that we have in my heart and some great photos to prove it. Love and miss you all.
 

Dog Lover!

Treat a dog like a dog and that's exactly what you'll get. Treat a dog as part of the family and you'll get a friend for life!

Carnival Fun!

Great day at the Carnival today. When I got done working my booth, the Moon Bounce, I had a chance to get a few pictures of the kids running around. You couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for this wonderful event. The kids all seemed to have such a blast. It's so much fun seeing them in their element..running around and being children...we don't get to see that enough in the classroom with everything we have to get done!

Hustle and Bustle

I really enjoy this picture because I really think it captures the hustle and bustle of living in "the big city" of DC! If you look at each person closely you can see a million different things going on. You have to stop and wonder, what is it that they are thinking about? When I walk on M Street my thoughts are always the same...shopping, cupcakes, and "watch out!"....people and cars are everywhere!!!!!!!

Fire!

I thought this picture was appropriate today for a variety of reasons. First of all, it is a really cool firetruck...the biggest one I've ever seen. I also think it's perfect because I worked out with a trainer today at Washington Sports Club and he literally killed me....I can't move at all...so I might be calling 911 later ;) and maybe this cool firetruck will show up to save me? HAHA..

M Street

Georgetown is just beautiful. I love walking around M Street and catching pictures of the many beautiful buildings!

cupcakes!

As I have said before....cupcakes are very trendy here in DC. While all of the visitors were in town we had to hit up Baked and Wired....it was absolutely delicious, as always!