And We're Off!

The Jackson's have had a wonderful start to the summer! I am hoping the energy I expended the past three days will continue to revive throughout the summer. 

Julia did NOT want to go near Clifford

Wednesday we joined the library's summer reading program. I'm excited to track the books we read both for my own reflection and for the kids to see all of their progress. Cole is really interested in the read- aloud books. We're currently working on Beverly Cleary's The Mouse and the Motorcycle. He actually prefers reading together to watching Beyblades!

Julia, Cole, and Kailee at Rocky Ridge

This year the summer reading program is paired with Get Outdoors (GO) York. So we packed a picnic lunch and headed to Rocky Ridge. We hiked through the woods for a good hour looking for one of the check points, and after some wrong turns were finally able to do one of our "rubbings." The nature playground at the park was also "pretty cool" according to Cole. Saturday we will head to Gifford Pinchot for the Travel Fest.

On the home front, we have also made progress. I checked off two of my items on the to-do list I created for myself. I conquered both my dresser drawers, the basement playroom, and kitchen cabinets this week. Julia no longer needs Pull Ups for nap time. Cole has learned to count to ten in Japanese and his front snap kick is awesome. (Thank you, York Shotokan.) All in all, we are off to a great start!

The Summer Draws Nigh

This school year has been extremely difficult for me. Teaching is often stressful, and over the past seven years I have come to accept this. But this year brought new challenges. Previously, two things have always helped me cope: my connections to the students and the enthusiasm and encouragement from my coworkers. Yet I started from scratch in both areas, and I was surprisingly unprepared for the toll it would take on me emotionally and physically. But, God is consistently showing me my connection to HIM is the most important and with it comes enthusiasm for life and encouragement to overcome.

I feel truly grateful to have a job. And I feel even more hope as I finish the last sixteen research papers over Memorial Day weekend when I remember that very soon I will experience freedom from some of the chaos. 

Every summer I look forward to being able to embark on day trips with the kids.  This year young Cole is bursting with ideas and our list is becoming quite lengthy. Talking with his Mom Mom about the possibilities brought a sparkle to his eyes, and his excitement was contagious.

On our list this year:

• Dutch Wonderland (hoping K. K. will be able to help us with a discount for season passes)
• The Maryland Zoo
• The Whitaker Center
• Lake Tobias
• Mt. Gretna
• Codorus 
• Bounce Party n Play in Cockeysville
• Thousand Islands, NY
• and perhaps an overnight beach trip

Noticeably absent this year are 2-3 hour trips and places with pricey admission fees. The Jacksons are going to have a blast on a budget and one tank of gas! 

Cole--VA Beach '09

Pop and Jules--TIP '09