Sweet Summertime: The LAST Week-Week 11

I've had 11 weeks of freedom!
It was relaxing, exciting, refreshing, invigorating and much much much needed!
I love my job and work hard to do everything I can to meet my students' needs, but it's great to get a break, especially when it's 11 weeks long.
Tomorrow is the first day back for teachers, so this is my last time for my Sweet Summertime Recap until next June!!

Thursday, August 3

This was our first day that we were allowed back in our classrooms.
I was up early and went to school.
I really wish you could see this picture better, but it's another capture of our local Amish heading out to work.
It was 6:30 when I took this picture, which means they probably left their farm around 4-4:30 that morning to make it this far into town.
I love their work ethic!

I started organizing, hanging posters and scanning books in my new classroom library book scanner.



We are fortunate enough that our school allows each teacher to spend $75 at Walmart for school supplies, so some of us teachers got the Walmart card and headed to get our supplies.

Us girls had lunch at Bob Evans before heading back into our classrooms to work.

Friday, August 4

On Friday I had a meeting at school. so I headed there early to work some more in my classroom. 

I worked for a couple hours before the meeting. 

Our meeting lasted about two hours, and then I worked for a few more hours. 

I headed home to bake some cookies. 

My mom asked me to bake 3 dozen cookies for a church function. 

I completely forgot, but thankfully she reminded me, and I had enough time to whip them up in the afternoon. 

That day it rained on and off. 

We went to my parents to drop off the cookies and got to spot the fawns enjoying our apples up at the apple trees. 

For some reason they love to come out when it's rainy.

Saturday, August 5

Saturday Alex had to work, so I got up with him and headed to the grocery store right when it opened.
How I love going right when the doors open.
I had a list and was in and out in 12 minutes!!

I came home, finished cleaning the bathroom and our bedroom and went for a run.

After my run I decided I would head back to my classroom to do some printing and finish setting up some things.
I've really never had to go to school during non-working hours.
The alarm was on and thank goodness for my awesome co-workers who saved me from setting it off!
I forgot my code, but they remembered there's, so the cops weren't called!!

Sunday, August 6

Sunday Alex was back at work, so I headed to church by myself. 

I planned to go to my grandma's later but the plans fell through, so I cleaned our whole house.

Spare room, living room, dining room, kitchen floors and basement. 

I love love love a clean house!

That afternoon I did some reading and enjoyed mother nature.

I cut some blooms for a vase in the kitchen.

Monday, August 7

For a couple of years I have told myself that I would spend all day inside. 

Usually I can't sit still and find myself outside numerous times throughout the day. 

I might deadhead flowers, pick up sticks, water plants or something that let's me move. 

Numerous times before I've tried it, but it hasn't worked. 

Monday was the perfect day to stay indoors because it was raining. 

Now, my original plan was to not workout and to watch tv all day, but guys that's just not me. 

I did a 30 minute workout, but the rest of the day I worked on the computer, read and watched a little tv. 

I finished another great suggestion by A Gal Named Al. 

Iqbal was a great book about a boy who inspires other children to believe in life outside of their carpet factory. 

Now I have to admit that around 7 that night I did head outside.

Then, I came back inside and started reading I Am Malala. 

Aw what a great start to what I believe will be another great book!

Tuesday, August 8

Today was my last real weekday of summer.
I've been trying to be asleep by 10 or 11, so I was up early with Alex, did some work around the house, and then headed out for an early morning run.

I was back after 4 miles, watered some flowers, showered, blogged, watched Live with Kelly without Kelly, did my nails and headed for a bike ride.

Alex's hours have been so unpredictable, so I have done a lot without him.
I finished another book and simply enjoyed my afternoon or evening.
It's been so much cooler lately that the pool hasn't been an option.

Wednesday, August 9-Friday, August 11

On Wednesday I was up early to get ready to head to my travel agent classes. 

I'm starting my own little travel agency. 

More on that later, but the host company is amazing, and the three days I spent there was well worth the time and money!

The company is so sweet and helpful; I can't wait to get my business up and running. 

I've been so busy since coming home from the training that I'm just now getting this post together. 

And a couple cute little picture of my hummer friends on my flowers.

Tomorrow starts my Back 2 School Series. 

If you're a teacher, you should definitely linkup!

Sweet Summertime Recap: Week 10

10 whole weeks of summertime fun have gone by!
I remember my first week of summer.
I wasn't even sure I would have enough things to keep me busy throughout the summer, but I've found my way to week 10.

Thursday, July 27

Alex drove to Tennessee Wednesday night.
He had a few extra vacation days, so he came down early.

Thursday we enjoyed some pool time in the morning and then headed to the Smokey Mountains.
I finished Balancing in Heels before I jumped in to cool off.

We always enjoy a trip to the mountains.
This time we were interested in seeing the destruction that unfortunately was done during the fires last fall.

All of those hill sides were burnt.

A view from the top-luckily untouched!

 The other side.

More destruction on our way down.
We saw the trail head where the fire started-Chimney Top Trail.
It is now closed.
You can't pull off at that area or anything.
It's so eerie to see how mother nature works.
There would be spots of green vegetation and then boom burnt, then grass and trees then burnt.

It was hard to capture all of the destruction.
We saw one cabin area that was intact but the trees and everything right in front of it were burnt.
I cannot image the terror those people endured!

For dinner we stopped at the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge.
It's a neat little campus with a restaurant, shops, candy store, ice cream store, Christmas store and wine tasting.

I'll share more about our trip to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge in the coming weeks.

Friday, July 28

Friday was a rainy one.
Alex and I got in a morning walk, which was so pleasant and enjoyable.
They were calling for rain all day, so I love it when I get to sneak in a little exercise.

We then headed downtown Knoxville for lunch.
We ate at Stock and Barrel for burgers and fries and then indulged in a delicious milkshake.

Hello s'mores!!

This milkshake was delicious!! 

Yum yum yum!

They have S'mores, Nutella and PB&J!

Saturday, July 29

Saturday was a great day to enjoy a morning run/walk and some pool time.
We really just enjoyed this day, and then in the afternoon we hit up Gander Mountain for some deals!
They're going out of business, and we both snagged a few bargains!

Sunday, July 30

Sunday was our travel day, but first we got in a morning walk.

I could walk the trails in and out of allotments every single morning. 

I don't care if there was 10 inches of snow; I'd still walk.

I planned to head back home by 12, and we left at 10 till, but then we stopped at the mall. 

We don't have a ton of stores back home, so it's always fun to shop while we are out of town. 

Alex found some great tool deals at Sears!!

I used a gift card at Victoria's Secret, and we indulged on some sandwich cookies at the Great American Cookie. 

8 hours later we made it home.

Monday, July 31

Monday was full of errands. 

I ran here and there to get groceries and pick up other things. 

One of our local radio stations does a half off deal on Friday's. 

They feature local restaurants/stores and you can buy a $25 gift card at half off. 

Alex does the buying, and I do the picking up!

Those people nearly know us by name now. 

I also grabbed some recipes of my grandma that I got framed. 

I will show you the finished product once I get them hung.

In the afternoon I drove Alex's cousin to the airport to head back to Florida. 

I grabbed some Olive Garden and used half of a gift card we had since they were running a buy one take one deal. 

2 meals for $12.99!!

Tuesday, August 1

 It's so foggy in the mornings now that it doesn't even feel like summer.
I got in a morning run among the fog.
Then, I enjoyed some sunshine at the pool.

In the afternoon I headed out to my parents.
I followed this on my way...

Fresh pickings.

Wednesday, August 2

I feel like this was my last day at the pool.
It was a super enjoyable one at that.
Only one other person was there.
I enjoyed some conversation and this book.
I was set to finish this book before leaving, but the rain had other plans.
I had to head out a bit early, but I finished it as soon as I got home.
Thank you Allie for suggesting it.
I can't wait to use it in my literature circles this fall.

One more week, and then it's back to work for me!
Summer was great, but I'm getting anxious to get back in a routine!
I'm trying to think of every last minute thing that I'd like to do before my free days are up.
Can you think of anything I should do before its back to work?

Sweet Summertime Recap: Week 9

Hey Hey Hey!
Week 9 of Summer Vacation is here and gone.
Check out my week away below...

Thursday, July 20

I started my morning out strong with a super hot and sweaty 4 mile run.
I came home and immediately hopped in the shower.

I spent my morning watching some Hallmark Christmas

and making another freezer meal- baked ziti.

Friday, July 21

On Friday it was another humid one.
I did a workout video in the basement and then showered and biked to my parents to do some work in the garden.
I was drenched in sweat. Just so humid out!
I came home and ate a salad and spent an hour at the pool trying to read a new book suggested by one of my co-workers.

I'm not a fantasy person and have been struggling getting through the pages.
The pool helps me to focus.
I get to enjoy some sunshine or on this day just humid weather and clouds.



I came home and did some blogging and planning for the new school year. 

Saturday, July 22

On Saturday I traveled.
Since I was very young I've visited my aunt and uncle nearly every year.
The only year I missed was last year because it was so busy with the wedding, honeymoon and other vacations.

We first stopped at the outlet mall, which was so fun!
 1. It was raining so bad that we were going 30 on the highway and could barely see the road.
Getting out of crazy summer weather was nice.

2. The bargains were great!!

I love a Pottery Barn outlet!

JCrew had awesome deals!
I even found dress pants that fit!
#Hallelujah
Dress pants and I typically don't mix!

We arrived in time to head to a family cookout and enjoyed the night catching up with our relatives.

Sunday, July 23

My aunt is one special lady. 

She knows what you like and don't like and has it waiting for you when you arrive.

Here are the "good" peaches awaiting me in the basement. 

She wanted to keep them separated from the others that weren't so great.

It was off and on raining in the morning, but I found a dry time to get in a morning walk before we headed back to Tennessee.

We don't have trails where I live and I love trails/wide sidewalks for walking/running!

As soon as I was back we hit the read and I traveled back to Tennessee with my relatives.

Monday, July 24

Sunday night we got a terrible storm. 

I woke up to tons of fog.

Monday we enjoyed some grocery shopping, lunch at Einstein's and the pool.

I looked for some bulletin board ideas.

I know I've been asking for a lot of help with the classroom lately, but which of the following ideas do you like for the beginning of the year?

I have a HUGE in the hallway to makeover.

Option 1

Kids take a selfie of themselves and their favorite book.

Option 2

Book Suggestion Outline

It was so big I had to take 2 screenshots.

Option 3

All about Growth Mindsets!

I did a pool with my co-workers, so I know which one they chose, but I'm interested to see what you all think.

Remember, I teach 8th grade language arts.

It's really hard to find intriguing bulletin board ideas for them!

Tuesday, July 25

Tuesday started off with a kick butt workout.
It was only 2 miles, but it was mostly hills.
I was sweating like I've never sweated before. I ended the run running up this huge incline of a hill.
Then, I got to enjoy the ride down the other side.
My legs, chest, head, arms, etc. were dripping wet!
I'm not sure I ever sweated so much!

It was another great day to enjoy swimming and laying out.
Here's my latest read.
It's a super easy and interesting read!
Thanks Emily for suggesting it!

Wednesday, July 26

We went to the Knoxville Zoo!

First, I started my day with a cinnamon and sugar bagel from Einstein's!
This is what I nearly ate every morning in college.
I haven't had one since those days 6 years ago!
Yummy!

It was a fun way to break up the day and get out before it got too hot.

Here I am with my sweet little cousins!
Can you see the beads I'm wearing?!
They handed them out when they picked me up.
They're from Mardi Gras, but I sported them all day at the zoo!

So, there's a quick little recap for you!
I'm sure we will be enjoying some walks, sunshine and the pool again today!