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!!!
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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:

Book Club

I missed the May book club so was anxious to see everyone for the June "wine club"! We met at Rachel's house and celebrated her 30th bday as well! After discussing Shanghai Girls, it was decided we would read The Hunger Games for July book club.

Father's Day

Thanks to my dad for helping me grow into the woman I have become. I will always be your little girl. Love, Priss Pot

Visiting Friends

Thursday morning I headed to the Cary/Apex area for a long weekend. Luckily the weather was warm, but not miserable. We enjoyed days filled with hours at the pool, hanging out listening to music, and relaxing while catching up. I was also able to welcome baby Appie Bryant to "the family".

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33??!!!

I think I said this last year, but I really think this year topped last year's celebration. I had all intentions of getting people together for dinner on my birthday out somewhere. Sunday morning, I woke and decided a cook-out here at my house would be the more intimate atmosphere I was looking for. So, Thursday evening we gathered here for dinner, cake, party glasses, and good laughs. It made my heart happy.

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Pretty

I walked out one evening to see these blooming in the yard. It just brings a smile to my face.

The Girlies!

Friday evening, Jessica and her girls arrived for a fun filled girls only weekend! Arriving after dark, we played in the yard for a bit with Pattie before calling it a night. Saturday morning, Jess and I enjoyed drinking our coffee outside while Pattie chased the girls who chased a white squirrel! The girls had never seen a white squirrel before and were quite impressed. We went on a picnic lunch in the woods before heading downtown to check out the splash pad. That evening, I made dinner here and we played outside with bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and Pattie. Sunday morning, we enjoyed our coffee outside while the girls played and Pattie tried to "bite" the bubbles! We had a picnic lunch in the Pisgah after checking out a waterfall. We took one last walk around the block before the girls headed down the mountain. What a wonderful weekend to have guests!

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Baptism

Sunday I was the stand-in auntie while Liam and Ellie were baptized. It was an honor to be asked by Maggie and Justin to attend the service. We never got pictures of ourselves afterwards, so enjoy these pictures that were taken with Maggie's camera!

Girls on the Run...

is so much fun! For the 3rd year in a row, I helped coach 3rd-5th graders at my school in the GOTR program. For 12 weeks, we met with the girls two afternoons per week incorporating running into lessons on self image, how to deal with bullies, eating healthy, and loving your body to name a few. Sometimes I think the lessons were written for adults to hear as well! Saturday the girls completed the 5K; some for the first time and others for their 2nd year in a row. I ran with Anna who I taught in Kindergarten and is now a 3rd grader. She gave me a run for my money!

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