Cruisin' with my "Bestie"

Thanks to an AMAZING HUBBY, I was able to finally do a cruise with my BFF of over 25 years! We had been trying to do this again since college and it has never worked out due to scheduling...UNTIL NOW! Carpe Diem I guess is our motto. So, just Lizzy and I ventured on a 5 day/4 night cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. We had ssoooooo much fun catching up, laying out, getting bad tan lines, sipping fruity drinks, dancing, gambling, watching karaoke, dressing up for nice dinners each night with Caroline and Susie (our dinner friends), pampering ourselves at the Spa, taking funny pics everywhere we went, and of course EATING. The highlight of our trip was the port day in Cozumel. We got off the ship, shopped a little, and then met up with our guide who took us to a powerboat adventure! Once we survived the interesting cab ride "off the beaten path", we arrived at a beautiful place. It had a private pool with swim up bar, crocodiles (which they fed raw chicken for us), a salsa bar so we could make our own salsa, and beach access where we got to drive our own speedboats in the ocean! I am not sure what to say about the boats....but they were AWESOME! We cruised super fast taking turns driving and attempting lots of sharp turns. At one point we even had to switch boats with the tour guide cause our boat started to slow down a bit. Pretty sure that boat will never be the same! Lizzy also decided to create a tidal wave and then drive through it...so when finally arrived back at the main beach, we were the only wet people. I guess we were they only crazy ones, but we were laughing pretty hard. Neither of us will ever forget our amazing adventures among the Carnival Triumph and Cozumel, Mexico! Cheers to the World's Best Friend, good times, and our lives as they continue to grow each year!

Movin' In

I was recently blessed with the oppurtunity to take over Ehrhardt Elementary as its newest Principal. I understood that there was a lot of work that would have to be done in my new role.

I knew it was important to make sure the staff knew that I appreciated them and looked forward to working with them for a long time to come. We came up with the great idea to give each of the staff members a sticky note pad that said "I'm sticking with you." They all loved it. Of course I got some much needed help with the project. Stacy did the labels and my parents helped watch the kids as Stacy and I went to every office to hand out the post-its the evening before my first day. It was a long night, but definately worth it.

One thing that I was not prepared for was outfitting and decorating an office. I am definately one of THOSE guys when it comes to decorating. I was perfectly happy with my desk, bookshelf, and table. I had some pictures of the family on the bookshelf and some framed prints on the wall. I was content. Thankfully my wonderful wife and loving mother decided to intervene and gave me some decorating help. I am sure that I frustrated them several times, but they stuck with me and helped me decorate. I am now the proud owner of several pieces of wall art, an entry table, and decorative lamps. In the end the office is looking great. The teachers continue to give compliments. Thank you Stacy and Mom for sticking with me and helping me!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

The kids were not excited about a Valentine Photo opt last night...so here is the best we could do! I also put some pictures of Cade's Vday cards for his MDO friends and the pencil vases he helped make for his teachers. While we were making the pencil vases (He was counting and handing pencils to me to glue) he told me we were making one for "Gamee too cause she teaches me a lot too". He has such a heart of gold. Hope everyone has a fun filled day reminding us to LOVE EVERYONE!