Ball, Fish and Easter Sunrise Services

One of the reasons I went ahead and blogged about retiring was due to the fact that I have been spending so much time with my grandbabies.  I have also seen lots of people around town during school hours, and I didn't want anyone to think I was just loafing!!  I am actually taking some accrued days and only working on testing days until the 23rd.  Let me tell you, this retirement stuff is pretty awesome so far!!  Maddie had games last Thursday and Friday nights, so I headed down to watch her play. I also kept the little ones at home on Friday.  These silly laws about children having to attend school really get in mine and Maddie's way!

Thursday night game

This one just smiles and goes with the flow!



I love watching her play!  She turned six this week, which is very hard to believe.

Lillian, Reed and I made a trip to the park on our day at home together.  I had taken Maddie's picture in this same spot when she was Lillian's age!  She is just a doll!

I didn't think she was going to be quite as adventurous as her sister at first, but I think I'm changing my mind on that!

 Hello handsome!!

Game 2

And on another note-Reed and I made a trip to try out the boat.  I am very sad to say that the trip was not successful!  However, it did make me eager to head back as soon as possible!

Papa, Reed and Caleb enjoyed an afternoon of fishing.  They had a great time and caught lots of fish.

We attended Easter Sunrise Services with Hebron United Methodist again this year.  It was held at Jeff and Lori Edwards and was simply breathtaking!!  

The beautiful cross!!  Even though we had to be across the river by 6:15, it was well worth it!!  

Next up, Easter with the family!

Happy Birthday Big Girl!!

Little did I know just how much my life would change after Miss Maddie was born 6 years ago.  You just look at everything a little bit differently as a grandparent!!  She is a ball playing, gymnastics loving, chick petting, art loving little angel!  Happy, Happy Birthday!  Pop and I can't wait until the birthday party this weekend.


A few of  my favorite pictures from the past 6 years~

 

 

And from tonight-her birthday supper at her favorite Mexican restaurant with her mom, dad, brother and sister

 

 



We love you very, very much!  Happy Birthday!!

Two Boxes

Thirty one years ago, I entered the doors of Aliceville Elementary School as a bright eyed, scared to death 22 year old.  The twenty-third of April, I will leave older, wiser and a much better person for my time there.  I can honestly say that I love everyone of my wonderful staff and students.  I have made many, many friendships that flourish beyond the walls of the school.  I am going to miss the bright eyes and warm smiles of the students.  I think I might even miss early morning duty.  I will be entering into an entirely different and new phase of life-semi-retirement!!  My days will become much more flexible, hopefully allowing even more time to spend with my sweet grandchildren!!  I will always treasure the time I have spent at AES.  I have to be honest and say that I have not shed near the amount of tears I thought I would when this day came (at least I haven't yet)!  I have always felt that I would know when it was time to leave-and that time has come!  I feel that I didn't overstay my welcome, and am leaving still somewhat at the top of my game! I am thankful for the smiles, hugs, tears, laughter and even the occasional disagreement!  While I am leaving with only 2 boxes, I am actually taking away more memories than I could have ever imagined. Thirty one years ago seems like yesterday.  When I started here, I was a newlywed with no children.  Now, both of my children are married and I am a grandmother!  Wow!!

 I am not going home to prop up my feet, although I do plan on trying to sleep past 5:30. Another opportunity has come along that will allow me to work part-time, while remaining in education.  This position also offers lots of flexibility that has made Josh quite nervous.  He told me that he told his co-workers that he expected his mother-in-law to be at his house all the time now.  He just might be right!! I am super excited for this new opportunity.  More on that later!

Thanks for a lifetime of memories (literally) AES!!  Right now, it's hard to imagine my life without you!!

Just a few pictures of my awesome co-workers and friends!


C






















I'm not going to mention any individual names, because I know I would leave someone out.  I have worked with 5 principals, many teachers and assistants, and taught even more students.  I have learned something from each of them.  I will forever be thankful for my time at AES and the many awesome memories I have made.  Now, I am going to happily finish up these next few days and journey on to my next adventure! ( Lauri told me I could at least act a little sad and stop glowing!!)  I just hope the next 31 years are just as terrific!

Play Ball

Pop and I left town in time to arrive at the park in Alex City right before game time.  As soon as the game was over, we hopped in the car and headed back home.  Six hours for a game that lasted about an hour and a half-and it was worth every mile traveled!!  Not only do we love watching Maddie play, we also love hanging out with the little ones.  I think we may be needed just a little too!  Lindsey is the dug out mom, and Josh has his hands full!  I will be headed back for Thursday and Friday's games, and I just can't wait!!  It's so much different now!!  Ball, especially baseball/softball, was such a big part of our lives for so many years!!  It's just as fun now, but I look at it through different eyes now!!  I don't care if she wins or loses.  I truly just want her to enjoy herself, and she is!  Maddie's team is composed of 1/2 boys and 1/2 girls, and tonight they played an all boys team.


 Little Bit seemed to enjoy the park.  Boy, I hope so!  She's got lots more games to attend!

Let me say that Pop's coaching worked!  He had her adjust her stance, so the ball wouldn't go up the middle. Worked everytime!

Love this little stinker!

Sister's got second base locked down!!  

I'm not sure what these two are going to do when the others start playing!  

This angel was a doll!  He did give it up at the end and go to sleep, but he was just about perfect!

Bed time!!

Win or lose, there's no time quite like snack time at the end of the game!

I am pretty sure  this blog will be filled with lots of t ball stories and pictures over the next month!