Thinking about...

3 bdrms, 2.5 baths
Open your door and you are literally on this small park

Nice step up from where we are now,
Not my dream home,
But maybe a step in that direction?

My Mecca - Tar-jay!

Despite our lazy, summer days, P woke up yesterday morning clamoring to do her new 'workbook,' purchased at Target. If you are a teacher, or are interested in buying your child's new teacher a little gift for the beginning of school (or want to think ahead for holidays, teacher appreciation, etc.), drop what you are doing and run to Target. Unfortunately, my camera died, or I'd show you a picture of my loot. You know the $1 aisle in the front of the store...? It is chock-full of educational goodies, including $1 books, and cute teacher notepads, stickers, even small pocket charts!

I got 22 copies of a book called 'Elmo's Birthday' - I'm going to wrap them up and give on to each student on his/her birthday this year.

I'm almost excited to start working in my classroom now!

Progressive playdate

Still loving summer!

Yesterday we had a spontaneous 'progressive playdate.' Started at L's house, worked on a slide-show for our playgroup summer picnic, while kids lunched and played outside. When L had to leave, moved onto S's house where 'dramatic play' inside ensued, (while S and I chilled outside planning the activities for said summer picnic). Since we were on such a roll, I invited everyone back over to our house for dinner (with husbands), where the kids played dress-up and admired E's 'Star Wars' Lego display.

Playdate time - 11:30 a.m. - 9:15 p.m. (45 minute break to regroup around 5 p.m.)

Are early mornings, school and routine really just a few weeks away?? Am I making the summer tooo fun for Miss P??

Thank goodness for me that I love the energy, excitement, and rhythm of school, learning new things (kids and me) and Fall - which I've decided is my second favorite season.

P enjoys learning, but has always preferred 'home days with mom' as opposed to pre-school days (see above - do I make it too fun?) : ) Here's hoping the *magical* kindergarten environment will dazzle her enough to put aside summer fun for another year.

We're going to make the most of the next few weeks!

realtor.com obsession

Everything has been on back-burner lately, as I've been obsessing over realtor.com. Looks like we will probably start looking at homes as soon as this weekend! Tips, advice?? My dream is a family-oriented neighborhood that has a fourth of July parade down the street, decorates the neighborhood for holidays, etc. I would be willing to go for an attached home or townhome, if it was part of a community like that. Other than that, it just needs to be big enough to fit our little family, and not require too much work before move-in. (I'd also love a big yard for playing/entertaining!)

There is a neighborhood about 25 minutes away, where we could prob get all that, but I'm concerned about the commute, and don't like the idea of P being so far away from her school community.

E is stressing about details, and doesn't want a million people (family) asking us about it, so if you know us, ssshhh....(just couldn't resist posting what is on my mind and am hoping for advice!)

Send me your words of wisdom and good thoughts! : )

Hooray....it's here!

I'm an avid reader. Not a Oprah Book Club member, though. Sadly, you won't see me reading Edgar Sawtelle anytime soon. I'm of the Sophie Kinsella genre, the Nicholas Sparks style, a Kate Jacobs reader and a big fan of Jane Porter.

Jane Porter is an author who does two types of novels: bodice ripper Harlequin style romances, and 'women's literature,' - basically chick lit. I have read 3 out of four of her women's lit and have loved them! These books speak to you. (At least they did for me!) Some chick lit authors, like Jane Green or Madeline Wickham, tend to focus on ensemble pieces, where you experience different points of view and then all the characters come together. In Porter's novels, you live and breathe the protagonist. You get inside her mind and soul. She is a very emotional writer whose books really reverberated through me. Odd Mom Out and Mrs. Perfect particularly (don't let the light names fool you!)

Anyway, her newest book arrived in the mail today and I can't wait to dive into it!
Me + good book + cozy spot + yummy bev= BLISS!

Daily Uniform

Daily uniform from head to toe:
*no fuss hair
*shades
*minimal or no makeup; little sunscreen and lip balm
*a smile
*tank top
*shorts or yoga pants
*flip-flops

Loving my carefree summer!! What is your uniform?

Juggling!

Is it just me, or do you have ton on your plate right now? I'm loving my open-ended summer days, and at the same time, I am loving getting things done. However, right now, I feel like there might be one too many balls in the air. (Although, I'm not wearing a suit, like the fine lady above). Currently I'm working on:

*unpacking from our camping trip
*gearing up to re-organize the next area of our home
*working on the evite for P's birthday
*trying to commit to working out and training for an August race
* getting our finances in order and considering leaping into the housing market
*Looking for a part-time after school sitter for Miss P

All while trying to be a 'present' parent. Yikes!

What do you having going on? Leave a comment, whydontcha?