Here We Go!

So, I've finally done it-After brainstorming the idea of creating a blog, what I would even talk about, and of course what blog name I would use, I put my anxieties aside and finally created a blog. So here it goes. I have read many blogs and I have had mixed emotions about writing my own. However, after thinking about all of the journals I used to keep, I decided I would discover many things I could write about. When I asked my mom's opinion the response I got was, "Betsy, you always have something to say." So, here we go!

I am beginning my blog by catching you guys up on my summer. After finishing my first year of teaching first grade at Legacy Charter School in Greenville, South Carolina, I have never been more excited and ready for summer. I have valued each and every day-whether it's been a day of being lazy, following my mom around, or working in my classroom, I have found joy in each day.

After being in a wonderful wedding- cheers to the Seaburgs, during the month of June I found myself working diligently in my new classroom at Monarch Elementary School in Union. I am thrilled beyond belief to be back in Union, and even more thrilled to be at Monarch. Thank goodness for my mom who has been with me the whole summer. I do not know a more hard working, pleasing person. Anything I ask of her, she is more than willing to do. Upon entering my classroom, I found it a totally different experience than last year. Last year I entered a classroom with only bare necessities. This year, I walked into a classroom filled with anything and everything. After days of cleaning out, going through, and questioning why some things were included in my room we were able to start decorating. I LOVE DECORATING- I may not be good at this, but I am very content with my classroom. I decided to use a beach theme in my classroom. Why not incorporate something I love into somewhere I will be spending a lot of time. After many days decorating and exporing thousands of ideas, I am very happy with the final product- for now!!

I will post more pictures soon...After I get the feel for this!

So the month of June was spent at Monarch in my new classroom! Moving on to July. July has been a very busy but fun month. July began with a trip to the beach with my family and another family who we are very close to. Our families have been vacationing together for almost twenty years now. So off to Isle of Palms we go..4 cars, 9 people, and fun to be had! We spent the week on the beach catching rays, shopping (let's be honest, I'm a sucker for a good deal), eating, boating, and celebrating freedom. Within this week I was able to see a college friend randomly walking through the Market- my day was made complete. But it doens't stop there- I was also able to catch up with my big sister in my sorority and her fiance. I was ecstatic to see them both! While at the beach, we rediscovered the games of Uno and Monopoly- we had so much fun playing these games. I am addicted to Uno. Here's a picture from the beach!

Moving right along...for my sweet boyfriend's birthday, we ventured to Atlanta for a Brave's game. We began the trip early Friday afternoon, hoping to have some time in Atlanta before the game; however, we determined that GPS isn't all that smart. So after an extra hour or so of driving around in who knows where we made it to our hotel to find two of our special friends that took this adventure with us for the second year in a row. One of the things we love the most about Atlanta are the taxi drivers, so we pick our taxi and head to Turner Field. We were hoping to be there for the Bravo's 10,000th win, and we were! We were able to go the Friday night game for the 10,000th win and the Saturday night game. Luck was not with the Bravo's on Saturday, but hey, we got to see the 10,000th win. Saturday before the game, we ventured downtown to find some very interesting places to eat. After having an awkward experience at one restaraunt, The Juke Joint, we left before the server had a chance to take our order-We ended up at Hooters- nothing like Hooters. After lunch, we then moved on to the Sweet Water Brewing Company. We had such a fun time tasting Sweet Water's brews. Soon after Sweet Water, it was time for Turner Field. Another fun night of hotdogs, baseball, over priced t shirts, and the B52's. I have rarley felt more American.

After a weekend in Atlanta, and some rest, it was time for another beach trip. This time Stew and I went on family vacation with Stew's family. We headed to the Isle of Palms for the second time this summer. There is no better place on Earth, well maybe, but we love the IOP. We had such a fun time on the beach with his family and their friends. We brought Uno to this family beach trip, too. Intensity level=Increased. But so much fun none the less- because I was constantly looking for someone to play Uno with, Stew loaded an Uno app to his iPad..best buy of the year. Our time at the beach began with lots of sunshine and ended with a trip home in the rain. Thumbs up for another trip to the beach!

The month of July ended with a bridal shower for a dear friend, Staci. My mom and I hosted the shower at our house. After lots of cleaning and baking and making we pulled off a successful shower! Cheers to Staci and Nick!

Well, it's August now. I am anxiously awaiting a new school year. This week I have found myself doing what I want in honor of the last week before school!

My blessings for today:
1. a family
2. a house
3. good health