Kelly in NC

~So far I have read finished two books since I started my summer break. I am currently reading “Wicked” suggested by my little sis Jennifer. It has caught my attention (finally)- but it is not my most favorite read…as of yet. I am only half way through it. Anyone out there have any reading suggestions? My favortie authors are James Patterson and Nicholas Sparks. I enjoyed the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers. I prefer books that catch my attention quickly and make me “feel” something or see something from a new perspective.
~I am on the hunt for a new camcorder. I was considering getting a high def camera- but discoverd that I would have to get a new computer too in order to do all of my editing. Anyone out there own a High Def camcorder? I need some advice.
~Grayson has done very well without the paci. I mean- the paci is still in his crib- he just has no interest in it now that the tip has been removed. I am so thankful. I must say that I think he has done so well without because of preschool. He hasn’t had a paci there for almost a year. Thank you wonderful teachers!

I have said for the past two months that Grayson would be getting rid of the paci as soon as the arrival of my summer break. I have considered many ways of getting rid of the paci “cold turkey” (from giving it away to an infant to Grayson trading it in for a toy at a store). In the end- D-Day arrived and we had not found an oppotunity to officially say bye bye to his favortie night time vice. So last night, I decide to try a gentle weaning instead. This solution was actually from his pediatrician. The idea is to cut just the tip off the paci and then every few days cut another section off until eventually there is nothing left but the handle.
So last night we went through our normal routine- reading a story with Daddy, singing three songs in the rocking chair with mom, then placing him in his crib. As usually, Grayson grabbed all of his sleeping necessities- his blue tag blanket, his Thomas pillow, and his blue paci. He popped the paci (now with the tip removed) into his mouth, got a funny look on his face, pulled it back out, examined it and explained “paci broke, mama!” I examined it, tried it out for myself, said that I thought is was ok and handed it back. He tried it out one more time and again insisted that the paci was broke. I offered another paci, again with the tip removed. He gave that one a try, threw it out of the crib, and said “Y ucky paci, mama!” I simply told him I was sorry, put the two paci’s back in his crib, and left the room. He fell asleep within 15 mintues- so maybe this weaning will not be too bad.
He did much better than I thought last night. He didn’t get up once. The only change was that he woke up at 5:55 this morning. Yuck! When I went into his room- he held out both pacis and said- “Yucky paci mama. Broke!” So there you have the first night on getting rid of the paci. Send s0me prayers my way…I’m afraid that I may be in trouble tonight!

And with it comes Tim’s “To Do List”. He does this every summer- tells me 100 things that he would like for me to accomplish while I am off for 7 weeks. From repair men to vet appointments- Tim is sure to keep me busy enough to avoid naps and general laziness. But after being married for almost 7 years, I have learned how to accomplish his list and still have time for fun!
Speaking of fun, this past weekend we had a blast. My neighbor went out of town and I quickly volunteerd for pet sitting duty! There’s a perk to this little job…access to a swimming pool! We swam all weekend and got lots of sun. Most of our NC family also joined in the watery recreation- finding time to visit on Saturday or Sunday (or both). Here are some photos I took while splashing away!
I know it sounds strange, but I already feel as if my summer is passing too quickly. Yes, I know that it is only the 2nd day of my break. But my calendar is filling up fast. It doesn’t look as if I will get a trip down to Florida in this year. Between the vacation that Tim and I are going to in the Dominican Republic, swimming lessons for Grayson, a visit from my mom, and my friend Carri’s bachelorette pary and wedding- most weekends are already booked. Did tell you how excited I am to go on vacation with Tim? I cannot wait! Many thanks to my MIL- Mom B and my FIL- GB for agreeing to watch Grayson and Ozzy for us. And thanks to my mom for watching Grayson for us while we are at Carri’s wedding.
Summer is finally here and is flying by!

Well, I said that I would post the photos from the last few weeks- so here they are. Click HERE to view the slideshow.

Has it really been 3 weeks since I made a post? I have really been slacking when it comes to this blog. We have been really busy though- so here’s a run down of out latest activities!
~This past weekend, we went to the NC moutains. Tim was in charge of planning and packing for the trip. It is the first time he has taken on travel responsibilities since we have been married- and he did a GREAT job. The only thing he forgot was Grayson’s wet wipes (and actual outfits that matched- but we were roughing it, right?) He invited his brother Marc and his sister Jill and their families too! We hiked to a waterfall on Saturday and spent the rest of time relaxing by the creek.
~Last week at school was VERY busy for me. I had to plan for 80+ 4th graders to visit our middle school and shadow with a 5th grader. I also had a huge honor breakfast and field trip on Friday. I can’t tell you how happy I was to see Friday arrive. Now that all of those tasks are behind me, I am on “easy street”. ONly 4 more days of work!!!!
~Over Memorial Day weekend, Tim’s best friend Carter and his wife Wendy were in town. We spent most of the weekend visiting with them. We cooked out, drank, and just relaxed. I wish Tim had more 3 day weekend off. I really enjoyed having him around so much!
~Tim’s Grandparents were in town from OH on May 17-22. I wish that they lived closer and that we were able to see them more often. They ate dinner at our house on that Tuesday and I enjoyed hearing Grandpa’s stories about his war with the ground hog who keeps trying to eat the garden. He’s a fiesty one that Grandpa!
~May 17, Renee and I took Ella and Grayson to Leah’s 3rd birthday party. The kids had fun swimming in the pool (Grayson loved the little slide), digging for jewels in the sand box, and of course eating cake and ice cream. I am so glad that Angelle and Mike moved up to NC. I wish we saw each other more often- but am glad that we have the type of friendship that exisits even when visits can not happen often.

So there you have the short and sweet version! I’ll try to post photos of all the activites later this week!