Charleston continued...

The rest of the long weekend was devoted to hanging with my dear friends Anna and Blair. Our friend Jen rode down with me, so we enjoyed some much needed girl time while Blair was working. He was able to join us for evening festivities.

It's a Charleston Wedding!

Thursday evening I went down for Mandi and Ryan's beautiful wedding! After dating for 11 years, they finally decided to make it official. Since they were getting married on a Friday at 4:30 I was going to have to take the day off from work to make it in time. So, I offered to help if needed on Friday. Well, I became the wedding decorator! I met at 10 that morning to begin the transformation; then went back to meet the florist at 3:00. By the time I made it back, the flowers were all set and the cake was no where to be found! By this time it was 30 minutes late. After the bride arrived and had her pictures taken, I got a little worried. I got the number and my most direct voice ready and demanded the cake be delivered since it was now an hour late. I informed them I would be calling back in 15 minutes if it had not arrivied. Lucky for them, the cake arrived with 2 minutes to spare. Of course, the florist had to leave for another event so I became the cake decorator placing flowers on the cake as directed. For awhile there I felt like Martha Gribble, the wedding director. Maybe we should get together. We could be on to something here!

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Fall Is Here

flower

words to live by

saw this on someone's page today and thought it was worth sharing:

Brewgrass

Brewgrass is just that: brews and bluegrass all wrapped up into 7 hours of Saturday fun! Since we're older now, we only spent 5 hours in the sun but enjoyed every second. We sampled beers from breweries across NC, SC, and GA while enjoying some tasty food from local restaurants. Hanging out with friends was just what I needed.

Wedding Shower

Last weekend, we gathered for Mandi and Ryan's wedding shower. It's hard to believe that after 11 years of dating they will finally tie the knot on September 30th!!!

Labor Day

Spending time in the Cary/Apex area with friends was a great way to enjoy the weekend. The Hogg family drove down from Michigan and we were all able to visit. Our small group of 7 has now grown to 15! My visit was cut a little short when I learned Saturday that my Pattie girl decided to take a little tour of Rural Hall. The leash came loose and chased her through the streets until she was found wrapped around a tree. Thanks to mom, dad, and Uncle Dave who helped on the rescue. Especially dad who left the golf course just as he was teeing off on the 17th hole. So, now we know Pattie is spooked by trash bags, balloons, mirrors, and retractable leashes chasing her! Sorry to mom who practically had a heart attack. Hopefully they will still keep Pattie again one day! I left Sunday to come check on my girl. The good news is she got enough exercise to last for the upcoming week and I won't have to clip her toenails for a long time! It's all good!

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And so it begins...

As I begin my 11th year of teaching, there are a few things I am reminded of:
1. The first days of Kindergarten are much like herding cats. Have you ever tried herding cats? I don't think it's possible!
2. Days of long, relaxing summer lunches are quickly replaced with quick 10 minute stuff your face lunches while giving "the look" to avoid having to get up
3. 5:45 is just plain early
4. It's okay to be tired and ready for bed by 8:00 for the first few days
5. If you thought I talked a lot before, you should hear me talking during the school days
6. No matter how much they drive you crazy they are only five and just need some guidance
7. 23 "little ducklings" following you makes for a long line
8. Take 2 steps, stop, check line, repeat. No wonder it takes us five minutes to walk down one short hallway
9. You're guaranteed to laugh by what you learn from children. You just never know what is going to come out of those mouths.
10. Remember these days now because they will grow in so many ways by December and especially by June.

Here's to patience, patience, and more patience! Oh and being able to learn with the children.

Ohio

I headed up to Ohio to help celebrate Sawyer's 6th birthday. Seriously 6?! I remember heading back to school armed with a huge smile and stack of pictures showing my brand new nephew. Wasn't that just last year?!

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It's growing...

or at least it was! I swear each morning I walked outside there was some sort of change to the garden. It was such an enjoyable way to start the day. When I got back from my week long trip to Bryson City and then on to Ohio the garden wasn't looking so good. I believe a rabbit must have enjoyed some tasty greens and tomatoes while I was gone. At least the beans are growing, the lettuce is growing, the carrots are sprouting, and there are still a few tomatoes left.

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Saying Goodbye

My dear friends Anna and Blair are off to Charleston, SC for a 6-8 year adventure. Although it is heartbreaking to see them go, it is such a wonderful opportunity for Blair. He will be working at the National Weather Service down there going from measuring snow to measuring water levels from hurricanes I suppose. At least I know it's only a "until we see each other again". Charleston is only a quick trip down the road and what a great place to visit


!

Woo Hoo!!!

I am proud to be a Clear Creek Club and work with such amazing teachers!!!
http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20110804/WIRE/110809873/1151?p=1&tc=pg

Camp Gribble

Thursday afternoon the Ohio Gribbles made their way to "camp" at my house for the long weekend. After naps, I took them into the Pisgah where we hiked to a waterfall you can walk behind. Mom came late Thursday night to join us for the Friday festivities. Friday morning we headed over to Bryson City so everyone could meet Bradley and hear him play. We had a picnic at Deep Creek then went tubing down the river. Sawyer loved it! Friday evening, I exposed them to the drum circle downtown. We hung around the house Saturday and let the kids play in the water. We had a cook-out with some friends before calling it an evening to finish packing things up. They got away around 5:15 this morning and have made it safely home to Ohio. Hopefully they will make a reservation again at Camp Beauty!

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Growing a Garden

Last week, Bradley came over and helped plant the garden or "our garden" as he says. We planted 3 tomato plants, 2 different kinds of lettuce, greens, and we are trying carrots. This weekend I finished another bed and planted two types of green beans. We are hoping to add all this to the peppers, tomatoes, corn, beans, and squash he is already growing at his house. So far, the greens are poking through!

3 year old Princess

Thursday, July 14th Caroline turned 3. We celebrated her special day with everything pink, princess, and pretty! She will have her real princess party when she gets home.

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N. Topsail Week

Saturday morning, the Gribble family headed to N. Topsail for a week of sun, surf, and sand! We stopped in the Chapel Hill area for lunch at Armadillo Grill, a walk to the old well, and t-shirt shopping on Franklin Street. From there it was on to the beach for a week of relaxation!

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Dash

Friday before the beach, Dad, Phillip, Jammie, Sawyer, and I headed downtown to check out a Dash baseball game. Thanks to a friend from church, our tickets allowed us to the club area where food and drinks were a plenty! We stayed in our seats until the end of the 7th when we moved up to the covered area for the 8th inning. It was here rain poured along with thunder and lightening. We waited out the strong storm and finally made a run for it when the rain slacked off a bit. The opposing team was the entertainment creating their own slip n slide on the field!

Dinner with the Newlyweds

Before heading to the beach, Kathryn and Tom had the local family over for dinner. We checked out the fabulous new house! They are working on unpacking and getting things just right, but it has such great space and a beautiful view out back. What a comfortable way to spend the evening.

Recap

Here are some pictues from my few day stay in Bryson City: