Done!

I woke up bright and early this morning to take the computer-based part of the National Board certification process....the final piece of the puzzle!!! I don't feel as relieved as I did after mailing in my portfolio because this was not as big of an undertaking, but I am proud that it's over! I didn't realize how much security was behind taking a test like this. They scanned my hand to copy the veins in order to identify me each time I went into and out of the computer room...weird! I couldn't wear a watch or a hair-band on my wrists, and they had to check all of my pockets. What an ordeal! I must say that I feel pretty confident about my responses and can't wait to hear my scores. I must be patient and wait until November/December to find out the final results, so I must remember that patience is a virtue!

On a lighter note, Mike and I have community group tonight! We haven't met in a month so I can't wait to catch up with everyone! I hope everyone has a great week :-) On my official calendar countdown - 15 days until school is out!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weekend Celebrations

What a weekend! First, I turned 27 Saturday...I keep getting closer and closer to 30 which is weird. Anyways, I was able to spend my morning with my beloved co-workers. We ate lunch at Beef O' Brady's then headed to the Scholastic Book Warehouse here in Maumelle. While there, we were able to fill a box with as many books as possible and only pay $25 for the whole box!!! Needless to say, I got 2 plus some. After shopping, I went home to be greeted by Mike's parents who came down for about an hour. It was good to see them since I hadn't in a while. Then, Mike and I went out to eat to celebrate by birthday and I got to open my gifts from my wonderful hubby! He surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of red roses...

the Eclipse DVD!!!!!!!!!! Now I just need to have a Twilight marathon :-).....

and the Black Swan DVD....I highly recommend this movie! Thanks Mike for my gifts!

My mom and dad got me 4 place settings of some colorful outdoor dining pieces that I love! I can't wait to use them!!!

Now on to Mother's Day. This year, we took my mom to Mt. Magazine for their Mother's Day brunch/lunch. My parents have been there before and always talk about how pretty and relaxing it is, so we decided to try it out. These pictures don't even do the view justice - it was beautiful! Mike and I are planning on booking a cabin one weekend soon!

Mike enjoying the view right in front of the dining room of the lodge. Did I mention that the food was DELICIOUS!!! This is when we met a man who actually lives down in the valley Mike is looking at...pretty cool!

I love Mike! Can't wait to go back!

Happy Mother's Day to a wonderful momma! I love you and truly appreciate all that you have done and will do for me.

I love my family!

This is the take-off location for hang-gliders. I don't plan on doing that any time soon. You can see some buzzards flying around in the distance - we were definitely high up!

And finally - my baby, Bella. I did have a few friends wish me a Happy Mother's Day since I'm a mom to my puppy...haha! I took this picture Saturday and think it's hilarious. Bella's favorite toy is her soccer ball and she can't stand it when it goes under our bed. Here she is waiting, with tail wagging, for Mike to get it. This happens on a regular basis in our home.