Happy Retirement!

I am not sure if you say Happy Retirement or what but I know my Mom is thrilled to be retiring and I am happy for her. She has worked in the school system as long as I can remember and volunteered in many areas. I am sure she will continue to volunteer often. Her retirement party was yesterday at her school and it was really well done. They recognized three other individuals who were retiring, as well. I know she will definitely be missed by her co-workers but especially the kids. I will certainly enjoy having my friend available to do things with! I took some pictures but sadly, I never got one of my mom. I think that is pretty pathetic. I also didn't get any pictures of my aunt and uncle or my sis and her hubby Scott....geez.
Next week is the last week of school! YEEHAW!!!
Memorial Day we are having our annual ballgame and swim party here at our house. We will play softball with family and friends and then swim and relax for the rest of the day. Well, we usual have a couple of mean games of volleyball throughout the day but basically, it's just a chill day. I love summertime!!!!!
Above:My bro Jeff and his wife Lori Jean
Below: My Grandmom, who's birthday was on Wednesday, Kayla, and my Dad.

Above: Grandmom, Hayli, and Dad.
Below: My gorgeous kiddies!

Karson, Kierstyn, and Taylor.

My Distinguished Honor's Gal.

This week Hayli was given the Distinguished Honors Award for academic excellence. They award was for those students who have achieved a 4.0 or greater this year. She has a 4.15 and we are just so proud of her. She works so hard and is very focused. She juggles school with being an athlete and a having a job. I know all of her hard work will pay off when her dream of going to BYU is realized... at least that is what she has wanted since she was like 7. Good job, babe!

Life is good.

Has it really been a month since I have posted? It has been pretty crazy around here. Last week Chandler turned 9 years old! I can't believe my baby is that old already!! He had a swim party here at our house on Saturday. The weather was nice and hot. He had about 15 or so kids come and he had a great time.
This time of year is so beautiful in Georgia. Everything is blooming and I love being outside (although, my allergies are saying otherwise). My Hostas are so amazing because in the winter they totally disappear. As soon as Spring comes however, they slowly emerge from the ground. And now just a month later they are huge!! You can not tell from the picture just how big they are. They are about three feet wide. My "Stella's" are all full of big yellow blooms. I love it!!!





This week is going to be sooo busy. Actually, the rest of the month will be as well because it is the last few weeks of school and they fit every celebration, awards, concert, etc. into the next few weeks! UGGHH! I am ready for school to be out! Tonight is Meg's last band concert and Hayli has Honor's night where she will be getting a special award. They both start at the same time and are 30 miles apart. Kenny and I will divide and conquer as usual.
Last week, I THINK I found my next house plan. I have been searching for a year or so and have found several maybe's but this one could be the one...we'll see. We won't be moving for another year so I guess I have some time...
Yesterday was Mother's Day and it was a nice day (besides the fact that I hadn't slept in two days). Our sacrament meeting was outstanding. I cried, as usual, the majority of the meeting. It was so touching and I felt so much gratitude for my own mother and the fabulous relationship I have with her but as I watched my husband sitting up on the stand and my sweet sister-in-law sitting in the pew next to mine, I felt a great saddnes for them. They had a wonderful mother who raised eight wonderful (for the most part) children. She passed away almost 12 years ago and I know they miss her greatly. I know my children would be blessed to have really known her. Thank goodenss for the blessings of the temple.
On a lighter note, this is how small the world is...
My brother, Jody, went to Utah for college and met his wife, Kelly, who is from California. Kelly is the one that got me into blogging and through that I have read many of her family and friends' blogs. One friend of Kelly's, Sarah, who lives in Utah, but is from California, (are you following me here) I read her blog regularly. Well, her brother, Gideon..aka Elder Medley, was called to the Atlanta Georgia Mission. (I have a point here) So, we get this missionary in our ward a while back, Elder Lyman, who was in the MTC and came out with Elder Medley. Unfortunately, Elder Medley ended up in the area of Auburn University as his first area instead of somewhere in our stake. Fast forward a few months and this past week I get a call from a missionary introducing himself as a new missionary just called to our area (we now have six missionaries in our ward, which is beside the point) No, it wasn't Elder Medley BUT, I asked him (his name is Elder Michaelis) what area had he come from and he said...Auburn University!!!! I said, Do you know Elder Medley? He says, No way, shut up, you know Elder Medley?? I say No, not actually..long story. He was his companion before Elder Medley was sent to serve in the Atlanta area. Okay, this may not seem fascinating to anyone but it is just crazy how small the world is. I am sure you are thinking, you haven't blogged in a month and this is all you have to write about? Yep, pretty much. At least for today.