Auntie G

My family is huge on nicknames.  Jana is J-Dawg, I am G-Dawg, MaKenzie is The Kid, and more recently (insert word) Barbie.  For example, soon she will be College Barbie.  So it is no surprise to me that when Cade came along, I became "Auntie G". 

Auntie G just returned home from putting her polished nanny skills to the test once again after spending the week at Jana and Matt's to watch Cade.  Spending the days with little Cader-Tot (nicknames, see?) and getting to hang out with Jana & Matt in the evenings was such a perfect ending to the summer travels. 

Jana and I always talk about how fun it would be to live in the same town and teach at the same school.  Heck, maybe even be next door neighbors!  While staying with them this week, they did offer to rent me their extra bedroom in the basement, so I must have done an ok job at the whole nanny thing :)

Here are some pictures from my fun week with Cade!  We'd start the mornings with toast.  There was a day in there where I opted against toast after he thought it was so funny to throw every piece on the floor. 

Then we'd move to the living room to watch Sesame Street in our jammies.  Nothing captivates his attention quite like the gang from the street.

We filled our days playing in his new tent, riding around in the car, jumping on the furniture, shootin' hoops, and dancing to the Elmo Slide.  What?! You haven't heard of the slide?  I'm sure it's received millions of hits on youtube. Check it out!



Of course, I had to try the tent.





Playing with Auntie G's headband his sweatband.



What a fun week!  Now I'm trying to get into "school mode" by reading teacher  books and getting my classroom ready.  Goodbye summer. I'll miss you.

A Big Announcement

This post relates to the previous "family game time" one, but definitely deserved its very own spot on the blog. 

Meet my mom's dad, my Papa, Mr. John Thompson Roberts

Some (his wife) would describe him as feisty....the rest of us would just agree that he's pretty unpredictable with his words.  So we were all at the edge of our seats when he entered the room with, "I have an announcement to make."  (dramatic pause) 

"Any grandchildren over the age of 10 are no longer allowed to call me Papa.  That makes me sound too old.  I'll go by Thompson."  Now of course this comment filled the air with gasps and questions, as he's been known as Papa for the last 28 years....but he simply stated his request and calmly went outside for a smoke.

Undoubtedly, this created laughs for the rest of the evening (and probably longer) as we joked about what else he'd prefer...J.T., T.R., and Thompson were all acceptable....however, Tommy was not. 

I hate to break it to him, but he will forever be the best PAPA around. 

The Travels Continue

As the summer rolls on, so do the travels.  The family gathered together in Tulsa for the weekend for a little
 R & R (yes, I've had plenty of that lately).  My aunt and uncle's mini resort backyard is now complete with a pool, deck, and fancy lighting which made for a good time catching rays. 

When you get my family together there is definitely not a shortage of game playing!  We played a few rousing hands of cards and then the faithful, 'Apples to Apples'.  I knew I was in for a treat when my Papa leaned over, showed me his card and asked, "Who is this?" ....try explaining Bart Simpson to someone.  Hilarious.

I think we could have set a world record for largest table used to play games....

Notice the yard stick used to get cards across the table





Some satisfied game players!

Another inventive idea...an easy to pass "Draw & Discard" bowl

Even Bobby  got in on some games

 Hope you all enjoy your last week of July!  (Saying that leaves a terribly, nasty taste in my mouth)

About Me

Well, I feel that a second official post as a new blogger should be to enlighten my readers about myself.  My blogging coach sister has reminded me several times that this is still the internet and no personal information should be given....so here goes a very brief "About Me" section.

I'm two years out from being a purple wildcat and still mastering the skill of managing life. Although grocery shopping is no longer a sense of anxiety for me, I'm still not a fan.  Cooking something with those newly bought groceries, however, does cause anxiety....and usually several calls to my mom or sister.
 I love my profession as a 7th grade Language Arts teacher (ask me that during the middle of a school year...) and have lately been filling my time with reading good books while laying pool side.
 I currently reside at the self-proclaimed "Bachelorette Pad" (BP), and no, not like the TV show...at all. Just a fun place with fun girls that help me learn how to live life.  And if you know me at all, you know I don't deal well with change, which makes me very thankful to serve a God who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)   

Here's a glimpse of things I've been up to this summer:   
(Have I mentioned as a teacher I haven't had to work since May 26th?)

I had the wonderful privilege of being "The Nanny" for girls of some good friends of mine!  This took me down to Gulf Shores, AL for five weeks.  I've come back with a greater appreciation for all the moms out there. 



My buddy, Ellie

Since then, I've had some great time with family on vacation in Wisconsin. We spent our days in typical Sauder vaca mode with mini-golf, waterparks, shopping, and lots of good food!

Yes, we still take pics by the signs

The Kid and I

I've also had some good time with this handsome, little guy!

If any of you read Just Jana then you recognize this cutie!

  Reality lurks around the corner with less than a month left of summer...I better go hit the pool!


Show Time!

Yep, that's right.  I've decided it's time to step out from behind the curtain of merely reading blogs and hit center stage with my own!  It must be the English teacher in me that really desires to narrate my life for the internet to (hopefully) enjoy.  My thoughts are, if it can't be a book, might as well be a blog. 

 I've been mulling over this idea of a blog for awhile now and I think my excuses of not having a husband or kids to share about is just silly! (right??) Between breaking up fights in my classroom and traveling around as "The Nanny" (more to come on that), surely I've got enough material here.  Not a lot to say now, but sit back and relax....it's show time!