Pollywog in a bog.

We have had a wonderful weekend.


Seriously, wonderful.


Friday night we played in the sand & water and had dinner by the beach. Eddie didn't know what to think of the water, (the waves were pretty big) but it was better than his first experience.


Saturday we went...well, actually I don't know where we were. But I do know we were up in Boy Scout land. One of Mark's students attained his Eagle and we were invited to his Eagle Court. I don't know much about the Boy Scouts, but I do know that this is a big deal. A really big deal.

The court was inside instead of out because of rain. It worked out well for us because once Eddie could no longer sit still, he and I were able to go outside where the rain had let up.

Eddie had a heyday exploring. He collected little rocks and brought them to a big rock. Even though we were getting dirty, I had to remind myself that he is a boy. Dirt happens and I have a big bottle of Shout at home.

All was well, until a dog came along. Eddie has no fear of animals and was frustrated with me when I was holding him back. I tried to distract him pointing out moths, spiders and an outdoor thermometer, but it didn't work. I was quite excited when I heard lots of clapping signaling the end of the ceremony. (I had no idea that the ceremony would be an hour and a half!) Even though I missed a lot of the ceremony, I know Mark was happy to be there for Josh.

Mark filled me in on the details I missed on the ride home while we listened to Eddie's new music. While Mark and I were singing and laughing along to Snack Time, Eddie was zonked out. (I can't help but laugh at Pollywog In A Bog)


Today is our 7th wedding anniversary.


To celebrate, Eddie stayed with Grandpa and Grammum while Mark and I went for a looong boat ride.


We had hoped for a nice cruise along the big lake, but it was a bit choppy. We had hoped for a smooth ride.


We went back through the channel to calmer waters.



I tried to read, but it was just choppy enough to make that impossible. So I relaxed in the sun. :)


We had a perfect landing and were congratulating ourselves on a smooth outing, until Mark went to get the jeep and saw the bumper hanging down.


Thankfully the guy left his card and he was actually taking his boat out at the same time. He was very apologetic and said he would pay to get it fixed. Good thing we know someone who can fix that!

We picked up the Little Man and went to get ice cream and play at the park.


We thought that he would stay close because of the ice cream, but once he had his fill he ran to explore.



He didn't get far.


We've had a wonderful day! Once Eddie was in bed we tried to watch a movie, but I fell asleep. Apparently I started to snore.

Who knew after 7 years, I would be such a romantic!

Seven

In 7 years...

{ We did this }


{ rented a cottage on the lake }


{ bought and sold this }


{ you trusted me and we bought this }


{ which we've worked hard to turn into this }


{ you surprised me with a trip here }


{ we have been blessed with him }


{ and have had lots of joy }


In 7 years.


Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

I look forward to many more!

The results are in...

...and they are GREAT!!!

Back in May I mentioned that Mark taught AP English for the 1st time. When his students took the test, we knew the results would come in July and it seemed so far away. Once July hit Mark began to mention the test again and wonder how his students did. He got a bit anxious again. Never before has he gotten test results like this that basically tell him how well he taught.

He was hoping that the numbers would come back about the same as last year...but instead...they came back better!! Apparently Mark not only taught some of the right topics, but they also listened and remembered what he said! :)

While Mark is giving lots of the credit to the students and he is so proud of them...Eddie and I are quite proud of the teacher!!!

Prayers for the teacher.

Back when I was in high school, I thought that teaching was the easiest job. You are done by 3 pm, get lots of holiday breaks and if you didn't want to have to do any work...don't give any homework.

I knew that Mark wanted to become a teacher while we were dating, but I really didn't give it any thought. I had stars in my eyes for him and was busy dreaming of our wedding day. While in college, our lives were not that different. Toward the end of college Mark was stressed about finding a job and I was busy planning our (well, my) dream wedding.

After a few mad dashes between school and a hopeful job position, which included Mark changing his clothing while speeding down the highway, I was with him when he got the offer we had been praying for. Again, other than celebrating, I didn't give it a lot of thought.

It wasn't until after our big, beautiful wedding and the school year began that I realized I married a teacher. My eyes were opened. I had no idea what it took to actually be a teacher. Especially the teacher that Mark wants to be.

He does not have yellow notes that he has been using year after year, he is constantly tweaking and changing things that didn't go as well as he had thought they would. He always has a bag full of papers that he wants to get graded slung over his shoulder when he gets home. He coaches two sports because he likes tennis and enjoys getting to know students on a different level. He helps with a quiz show team because he knows not everyone plays sports and you need to encourage niches for those students too. He drives a morning bus route and keeps the buses full of fuel. And many small things that he will mention at dinner when I ask about his day.

My husband is a teacher, and I couldn't be prouder.


It has been a great school year. I know school is still in session for a few more weeks, but today is the day Mark and most of his students have been working toward all year. Mark has had a new course to teach this year. AP English. Today is the test to see if the students are able to get college credit for all their work this year.

Today is the day that Mark gets graded.

And he is a tad anxious.

The results won't be in until July, but he is praying that some of what he has taught them has stuck, that he has gone over the right things...and not let his students down.

So today, please pray not only for the students taking the test, but send up a few for the teacher. And all of the other teachers who work a whole lot harder than I ever imagined back in high school. We are truly blessed with Mark's position and his wonderful colleagues.


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We stopped at Mark's classroom last week after a softball game and while Mark made copies, Eddie explored his classroom...

My 1st Valentines.

I had my very first Valentine's Day. We started the fun when we went to Great-Grandma's for lunch on Friday.


It continued when I got to sleep over at Grandpa & Grandmum's house that night. I had SO much fun!! Mommy pulled off the biggest surprise ever when she was actually able to keep a secret from Daddy! He thought that they were just going out to dinner. He had no idea that they were going to stay at the new Hyatt Place (which Mommy said is hands down the best hotel she's ever stayed at...and highly recommends).


After Mommy & Daddy came to pick me up, we stopped at the mailbox. I received some cards in the mail...they were very tasty!


Mommy and I baked a cake. It was heart shaped. By the time it came to eating it, I wasn't feeling very well. I did mush my hand in the cake...but my heart wasn't in it. And after Mommy & Daddy tried the cake, I don't think I missed anything. Mommy found a new recipe for frosting...and they didn't like it. My cards were better.



Overall it was a pretty fun Valentines. The fever hasn't been fun...but Daddy is pretty sure it's broken. I've been getting lots of hugs and cuddles (I'm not sure if that is a fever thing or a Valentines thing...this is my first time for both.) Last night I got up and watched the end of Fireproof with Mommy & Daddy. I actually got up a lot last night. We are all hoping for a better nights sleep tonight.

Hope you had a fun Valentines too!