Summer Happenings

Memorial Day was so nice.  It was my perfect kind of day - a day full of ticking things off my list.  We had gotten back to town late the night before so it was nice to have a day to recover and catch up from being gone the week before - unpacking, sorting mail, laundry.  I can tell you that in my short time as a "homemaker" I have learned that it is always worth it to clean your house before you leave for a bit trip.  It's so nice to come home to a house with your bed made, no dirty dishes, no stinky trash, and no clutter to be found.  Definitely worth it.  I also like to unplug everything in our apartment before leaving for a trip.  I don't know exactly how much money this saves us, but I know it sure doesn't hurt.  We also turn the AC up to 80 or the heat down to 65.  Having lower electric and water bills is just an added benefit of traveling.

Anyway, with our extra day off we returned an item at Pet Smart, sold a table and lamps, made a deposit at the bank, and did some spring cleaning.  It was so wonderful that Robert had the day off as well!  We ended the day with a barbecue with our dear friends Forrest and Anna.  We brought the potato salad and homemade ice cream.  They furnished the veggies and meat.  And let me tell you, they went all out with the meat: pork chops, burgers, hot dogs, ham, and spam.  Wowie wow wow!

I don't know about you, but starting the work week on a Tuesday pretty much makes the whole week feel out of sorts.  You would think it would make it faster having a four day work week, but I just spend the whole week confused on what day it is and feeling behind.

We wrapped up the week with a weekend trip to the Outer Banks to meet up with Robert's mom and her husband.  The weather was a little cool, but it was actually nicer than originally predicted.  We got to hang at the beach, swim at the pool, hike up a sand dune, eat lots of tasty food, and enjoy cable tv (which we don't have at home).

This week is pretty nuts.  Robert is in an intensive summer school class which means he is in the same class Monday-Friday, 8:00-5:00 for one week, but then it's over and he has three more credit hours under his belt.  He's taking Biblical Manhood and Womanhood - a class which he wasn't interested in, I suggested he take, and he is now enjoying.  Score!  After this class he will have four days to recover before he goes to the Southern Baptist Convention's annual conference.  That's another summer school class.  He'll be gone for three days and will get another three credit hours.  He's really looking forward to this one.  It should be a great experience with lots of time for networking for his future career.  Another benefit?  It's FREE with not tuition cost.  After mid June he will be finished with classes for the summer, and he'll be finished with his assignments by the end of June which will leave all of July and most of August for him to enjoy just working and not having to study so he can get ready for his FINAL semester.  It's going to be so strange when he's finished with school.  We've never known each other outside of school.  I'm excited to see what it will be like.  I know everybody talks about how being in school is sooooo much easier than being a full-time employee, but with two years of full-time experience (I know it still isn't a ton) I can say that I love the fact that I leave work at 5:00 and am free as a bird until 8:00.

Also, I've been inspired by Ann VosKamp's 1000 gifts and wanted to respond to her Joy Dare for June 3.  Today's dare is is to find 3 gifts from today's conversations:

1. Talking with Robert on our nightly walk - Robert and I have found that we both chat more and listen better while we're walking.  I highly recommend it to anyone who feels like they're in a slump in their conversations with their spouse.
2. A surprise call from my Dad after I got home from work - Isn't it great to have parents who think about you throughout the day?
3. Hearing about a job interview that my friend's husband has - It's awesome to hear how God is providing for His people who are seeking His heart.  It also gives me hope and inspires me as we start to think about our future after Robert graduates.

What gifts of conversation did you hear today?

Also, an update on Mittens: She loves my parents, and they love her.  We couldn't have better caregivers for her.  I think they like her almost as much as Robert and I do.  They have been great to give us daily updates and pictures of her.  Her second birthday was on Sunday, and they made sure to treat her like the princess that she is.

Birthday party complete with a banner, kitty cat Pate, and "It's Your Special Day" plate