Done

Ahhhh.


Here I sit at 8:03 a.m. sipping my first cup of coffee.


Summer break is oh-so-wonderful.


I wrapped up my 12th year of teaching last week. Thanks to several snow days, we had a couple days after Memorial Day. Those were such a waste, but it's over now and that's all that matters!


We have big, exciting plans for this first week of summer vacation.


The kids have NO idea we are going anywhere. We hope to wait until we are at the airport to tell them...and hopefully get their reactions on video! And can I just tell you how glad I am that we decided on this vacation for this first week of summer break...I wouldn't want to have to stress about it all summer!


Other plans for the summer include:


*A weekly kid-free Mommy Day (for shopping, lunch, pedicures, cleaning, peace, quiet, etc.)
*Newport Aquarium (we bought annual passes when we went over spring break, so we need to get our money's worth!)
*Cincinnati Zoo and Indianapolis Zoo
*Children's Museum
*New carpet in the family room
*Play time and picnics at the park
*Lots of swimming at Grandma and Grandpa's
*A couple of classes for license renewal points
*Baby niece time

Let the fun begin!

Countdown

The countdown is on.


I have twelve days of school left.

One dozen days.

By the end of this week, I'll be in single digits.

Human growth unit? Done.

End of year field trip? Check.

Big state testing? Over.

Middle school tour? Complete.

Interest in teaching these kids? Gone.

I will attempt to plan and execute a normal week this week.

With grades due next Tuesday, it's going to be hard to continue to fake it next week.

The following Tuesday and Wednesday? Expensive baby-sitting is what that is.

But then, it's over. My 12th year of teaching will come to a close.

Not a moment too soon.

Book Reviews

Until the BFF and I decide on the book review blog, I shall share with you the books I've recently finished.

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

I have to admit, I would never have picked this book up on my own. It just isn't my usual type of reading. However, one of my students read it and was SO excited to have me read it. So I did. I didn't love it. I found a couple parts of it interesting and inspiring. But most of it felt a little...fictionalized to me. Sorry. Would I recommend it? Not really.

The Escape Artist by Diane Chamberlain

Loved this. I love almost everything Chamberlain has written and this was no exception. It had a great story line with twists along the way. I had easily figured it out by the ending, but it was still enjoyable to read. Definitely recommend adding it to your to-read list.

Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand

Eh. I had read another book by this author that I really liked. I saw this on sale at Joseph Beth while waiting to meet PW, so I bought it. But this one was so slow. I can honestly say I don't even remember much about it and now that I think about it...am not even sure I finished it which is rare for me. Once I start a book, I feel compelled to finish it. But this one just didn't do it for me.

Two Kisses for Maddy by Matt Logelin

*sigh* I have been reading Matt's blog since the summer after Liz passed away. I knew I would have to read this book when it came out and despite the major tears and difficulty sleeping, it was amazing. It was so well-written. It came off very similar to his writing style on his blog, but reading through his pain, loss, and suffering while raising his beautiful daughter was inspiring and emotionally draining. Whether you have read Matt's blog or not, I definitely recommend this book. Just keep the Kleenex handy.

Right now, I am reading The Midwife's Confession, as recommended to me by the BFF. And I have to say? I am loving it. I stayed up way too late last night (okay, it was like 10:15 but that's really late for me!) reading it. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Read anything interesting lately? I need to add to my to-read list so I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Cowboy Hats, Boots, and a Red Barn

2 kids

+ cowboy hats

+ boots

+ a red barn

+ cows

+ sunshine

+ lazy afternoon

+ big smiles

= a whole lot of cuteness.

Happy Monday!

Newest John Deere Kid Products

I was browsing Runreen's website the other day. They have so many new John Deere products, I just had to share some of them with you! You can click on each picture to go directly to Rungreen to learn more.

I know a lot of little boys want a John Deere themed bedroom. It's pretty easy to do, but this John Deere upholstered headboard would take that room over the top! And the price is right, too!

They have many new John Deere newborn outfits like this cute baby girl layette set.

So many riding toys are designed for boys, but check out this John Deere little rider for girls. Perfect for your toddler to zoom around on this summer!

My outdoor loving boy is always pushing, scooping, and digging in whatever he can find. These John Deere sandbox sets are perfect for sand, rocks, dirt, mulch, and other dirty things boys seem attracted to!

The Little Miss has the yellow John Deere bicycle, but she wishes she had this pink one! It is adorable and perfect for your John Deere loving girl.

Rungreen has a great selection of John Deere books, stickers, and puzzles. This John Deere sticker book is definitely on a certain little boy's wish list!

I love this John Deere napmat! I wish it had been available when my kids were younger. It would be perfect to take along on day trips for naps at Grandma's house, or just to use to snuggle up with while watching a movie.

This John Deere blanket is so cute, and only one of many John Deere baby products available on Rungreen's website. They have 6 pages of baby items!

If you are looking for anything John Deere, I bet Rungreen has it. Just click here to find what you are looking for! And don't forget to tell them John Deere Mom sent you!

Happy shopping!

Pretty Please

Alright, y'all. I have a favor to ask of you! My dad has a photo in a local contest and he needs your vote.

Beautiful, right?

If you have an extra 30 seconds in your day, just click here and vote for picture #2. You would make his day. And mine. Thanks! You guys rock!

Thirty-One Giveaway Winner

Without further ado, the winner of the Thirty-One all-in-one organizer and thermal tote in the new circle spirals print is....

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 103

Result: 36

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Comment number 36 is Connie from The Occasional Diary!

Congrats, Connie! Let me know where to send it and I will get it out right away!

Thanks for playing, everyone. If you ever want to order any Thirty-One products, I'd love to help. You can find my Thirty-One website with catalog and ordering information by clicking here.