wow. has it been that long??

November 17, 2012 seems so far in the past... in case you haven't read the date it is now July 9th, 2013. Oops! Can you say that life had become complicated?? Admittedly, I have struggled a great deal these last 3, 4, 5ish months with many things.  Mostly deeply personal stuff that I chose not to share (burden) ya'll with on a public blog page. However, I have found solace from old habits and old and trusted friends.  So! Let's just do some quick bullet points to update you on me and my family.

• First, As of July 1st, 2013 I have started my countdown to CoHort January 2014 (aka Demonstration Teaching, Student Teaching, 16 weeks of anxiety/stress wrapped up and sugar coated with fun and excitement!) I have several classes to complete, state exams to pass before November 1st in order to continue onto CoHort Jan2014, but I am in a really good position as long as I stay strong and focused. 
• My state exams are Saturday (13 July 2013) am I stressed? YES! Am I freaked out? YES! Will I pass? I have no idea! But my results/scores will not be released until mid August so that is just a pain in my side. 
• I have recently stepped away from all forms of religion. Not that there was anything wrong with religion, just getting some new perspective and clearing things out so I can set myself right again. 
• I have found solace in an old habit. Something that I used to love to do.. running. It has been the greatest comfort to be. I can not explain why, but every time I run (albeit, slow) I feel some much better about myself and in so many ways. Honestly, I haven't felt like that in... well a long time. That being said I have completed a couple 5Ks, a mud run, signed up for another mud run (Sept 2013) and a few more 5Ks.
• A GREAT BIG SHOUT OUT to my bestest, best friend, Charlene! We met years ago when we both lived in Hinesville, and she has been the only one that I have stayed tight with despite being separated just a year or so after we clicked! I think I call her almost as much as I call my Dad (who is my other bestest, best friend.) She continues to be my venting and sounding board, my reality checker, and one of my few key support persons for any and all "crisis'" in my life. I love this woman!! We always say stuff to the effect of "some sisters are born in the same family others have to go out and find each other!"  And we totally did!! Can I just say I love that girl!! 
• I signed up and joined a powder puff football team! Crazy right?? We started practice last week, it seems like it is going to be fun.  Cheers to a great season! 
• Monty, lost his job in April. Don't get me started on this. Just know that it happened. He has decided to stay retired for a bit (he retired from the army in 2010 and went straight into police work) and go back to college to earn a bachelor's degree.  Hopefully all his financial aid, VA stuff, and Hope Grant will fall into place for the start of the fall term. 
• The kids are doing great!! Peter-Leo will continue on in the SEEK program (gifted kids) for middle school, yes, I have a son entering the 6th grade! How did I get so old?!? He still loves Legos and soccer. We are hoping to get him on a team for fall soccer this season. Kody passed kindergarten with flying colors and will move up to 1st grade! She finished her first year of ballet/tap/jazz lessons, and has decided to do karate this fall instead. haha! 

Let's see... anything else... hmm. Not that I can think of. I think you are pretty much caught up. In case you don't follow me on facebook here are a few photos from the last month or so.

Kody at her Spring Ballet Recital.

Peter-Leo enjoying the pool in our backyard. 

Me after the April Mud Run! SUCH FUN!!
Already signed up for the September Run!! 

The April Mud Run with my bestest niece, Erin.
She was such a trooper! She did not let me down!!

yes, that person is me, attempting to cross the finish line of my first 5k!

Peter-Leo at Camp Black Creek (boy scouts) the water was so high he could touch the under belly of the bridge that spans the lake!!

Her wonderful Kindergarten teachers, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Dasher!

My second 5K, Girls On The Run Savannah, Ga. 

On the deck of the USS Yorktown near Charleston, SC.

Peter-Leo and Daddy playing at one of the park near Charleston, SC

The kids at Fort Sumter (South Carolina) 

That small blue whirly bird behind us took us on a aerial tour of the harbor.
 Peter-Leo and I went first and then Monty and Kody. It was about 10 minutes, but it was cool. 

 Thanks for catching up with me! Hopefully I will be better at posting more often!!

The little girl turns 6!

It is hard to believe that six years ago.. she made her debut into the world! She has been a constant blessing in my life! Kody Marie, is an explosive bundle of joy and sassy-girl power!  We kept things simple, really simple this year for her birthday.  Here are some photos from her birthday dinner with her best friends, Zoe and Marissa. 



The Pirate Treasure Chest and the birthday girl!

Kody and her best friends playing the piano.


 

She was thrilled with every gift she was given!

 

Her biggest thrill was recieving...

 

Evergreen Forest from Grandpa Leo!

"..because I am 6!"
 



Blowing out her candle.."the number 6 duh?!"

Me and Kody (and Evergreen Forest too!)
 

Can't forget Sarah, (our pet rat, YES I SAID RAT!)
 

 

It was a nice day.  She was able to bring cupcakes into her classroom to share.  And, happily, her birthday was the last day of school before Thanksgiving Break... which I guess the school district planned it that way to make her special day even MORE AWESOME!!  lol.

Tag! You're It!
Michelle

Camp Prostrollo Weekends!

I am very happy to report that for the last two weekends I have been blessed to spend it up at our family friends home about an hour north.  They live on a boy scout camp..and while we don't get to ride around on any of the golf carts or use the equipment.. it sure is peaceful out there! Plus we get to see our "peeps!" 

The weekend before Halloween we were pleased to be able to watch our friend's son in law be transformed into Frankenstien. Yes, He is that tall. He stands a "short" 6 ft 11 inches. He is a monster. haha!

Frankenstein

Kody, Erin, and J.

 While we were waiting for night to fall and the Haunted Trail to be prepared... we hung out at Camp Prostrollo.  Another family friend came down, the Stock Family.  It was so fun to see them!

Peter-Leo and Jonny. Best Bug Buddies!!

Peter-Leo was extremely excited to see his best bud, Jonny.  This two were best friends when we all lived in Hinesville, but our families had more away from there.  We are now happy to say Camp Prostrollo is the mid-way point between us!

The following weekend, The Prostrollo's daughter Erin was being honored at their football game.  All the graduating seniors who took part in sports were escorted by their parents and announced to the crowd. It was a nice honor for them.  The next morning we all got up early (ok, so Erin and I didn't get up early) to celebrate the day with Tia and Roger as they were sealed in temple for all time and eternity! They are a forever family! Yay!

Prostrollos! GO Erin!!

Kody dancing in the stands as Erin plays!

Erin performing with her HS marching band!
 

First family photo in.....ummm.. FOREVER!!

Two of the best girlfriends a girl could have! LOVE THOSE LADIES!

The happy little family.

All in all the last two weekends were such stress relievers! I love CAMP PROSTROLLO!!  Someday I will create a camp theme song about Camp Prostrollo!  Someday...

Tag! You're It!
Michelle

Great Seafood Festival aka carnival

I, generally, avoid fairs and carnivals (with the exception of the Puyallup Fair, because everyone "Do the Puyallup!") But, Monty asked if we would come out in the morning before he had to work...so I did.  The kids had a good time, rode the rides and won a couple goofy/cheesy fair toys.  Oh, and I rode the Atmos-fear. Nine stories high people!

Kody loves a good merry-go-around!

Daddy, Peter-Leo and Kody on a ride together.

Giant Slide. best. ride. ever.

Peter-Leo completely agreed. BEST. RIDE. EVER!

Monty and I on our way up to the top of the atmos-fear!

At the top!! ALL 9 STORIES!



Kody and I on the ferris wheel.

Blow up blue dolphin and pink guitar. She was happy.

Peter-Leo, the warrior, with the 101 Dalmations Hammer! haha!

Peter-Leo and Daddy.

Tag! You're It!
Michelle

Fort McAllister Lantern Tour

Last week we were able to visit Fort McAllister and attend their lantern tour (at night of course) to learn about civil war soldiers and their lives at night.  It was very interesting and we had a blast! Plus, I ran into an old church friend and her kids and Russ Powell our other good friend from Hinesville. All in all it was a good evening!

Kody pulling up the anchor chain to the USS Nashville

Peter-Leo easily lifts the anchor chain.

Two of the three anchors that survived the sinking/bombing from the USS Nashville.

These next two photos are from the one of the submarines; the US Nahant. I think. It amazing!!

NEAT STUFF!!

This is what it would have looked like from the top deck!

Some of the reenactors on our tour.

Russ Powell, Monty got him interested in blacksmithing; he is a dear friend!  He has always done the Civil War Reenactments, but so now he is the blacksmith!

One of the canons.  They fired two canon shots that night. It was loud but cool.

yummy stuff! Warm apple cider and ginger cookies.

At the end of the tour, they had warm apple cider and cookies available.  The kids sat down around a fire and enjoyed. It was a wonderful evening!  Thank you to all the great folks at Fort McAllister!!

Tag! You're It!
Michelle


Oh wait! One last photo! This is for my Dad! Some type of surveying tool! I thought it looked neat.