Life on the Runn...

... I Love You! I know that I have mentioned this before, but the Jarvis family came into my life long before I I even have recollection of it, and they have remained a constant in my world throughout my 29 years.  They've seen me through all of my major life accomplishments and are as much a family to me as my own blood relatives.  When we were little, in fact, it was hard for my brother, the Jarvis kids and me to explain our relationship to everyone, so we took it upon ourselves to begin calling each other cousins. And cousins we have remained.    I was really excited to see Elaine this past weekend (more to come on that topic in the next few days) and then, I walk downstairs today and Stevie Wonder was singing "I Just Called To Say I Love You," a song that Maureen used to play for my brother and me when we were itty-bitty.  I sang along just like I had when I was little, but it wasn't quite the same since I was without the rest of the trio, my br...

Though I sure have felt the effects of the humidity while trying to dry my hair in the mornings, I sure am loving the weather as of late.  Nothing beats open windows, flip flops and outdoor activities with the hubbers.  So, thank you SPRING, for this great treat. The first flowers to make an appearance at Casa del Runnells The weather has been so great that we have even been able to squeeze in a few early season motorcycle rides.  Yesterday, we took the bike to the gym.  While it provided a few logistical problems, such as how to get all of the gear we needed on the bike and to the gym and how to ensure that I didn't have to appear in public with helmet hair, it was so nice to plug in my iPod, sit back, turn off all my thoughts and jam out to Adele.  It was so warm and sunny that I wore shorts and a tank top both to and from the gym.  My dad wouldn't be pleased with this (he always made me wear pants when I rode on his bike); he will be happy to know...

 Today, Brian and I went to my parents' house to help Dad with his iPad.  When we got there, Dad had a little surprise for Brian. Over the past year or so, Brian has taken a liking to shooting.  Rumor has it that when Brian and his friends go on 'Man Weekend', they do about as much shooting as climbing.  His friends have been trying to convince Brian to purchase a shotgun of his very own.  Aside from how 'not - us' a shotgun seemed, I really didn't want to rearrange my handbags and shoes to make room for a gun in our designated storage/overflow closet.  But seeing Brian with my dad changed that.  They were so cute talking sports and weapons, and it totally made up for the small amount of organizing I'll need to do to keep our closets clean and orderly.  That, and maybe I can use Brian's new toy as a bit of leverage to get a new toy of my own - I'm thinking puppy, new car, handbag or a short trip to Italy or Spain..seems fair, right?! ...

The past two weekends have been about celebrating some fabulous people in our lives, our grandparents. Two weeks ago, Brian and I joined the rest of the Runnells clan to celebrate Grandpa R's 85th birthday.  We had a fish fry dinner, which was pretty amazingly yummy. The girls spent the better part of the night attracting attention for our very boisterous behavior.  We had lots to discuss and lots and lots to laugh about.  Uncle Jeff sure added to that laughter.  I left the party that evening with such a huge smile on my face - what a wonderful bunch of people I have to call my very own. the birthday boy and his lovely bride, my fabulous Grandparents Runnells the Runnells clan ladies - Jessie, Shannon, Christina, me, Katy, Annie and Becky We plan to take over the man cave (our basement) for weekly workout and wine parties the Runnells kiddos and Grandpa- that's Kelly joining the picture via Face Time We missed you Jason, KJ and Nathan....  ---...

Some days, like today, it's really hard to be an educator. My job, at least to me, goes way beyond the curriculum. More often than not, I find myself feeling very much like the parent of a pack of 33 kids...at a time...and I worry I'm not doing enough to make a difference in all of their lives. But at the end of the day, even the very, very bad ones, I know I'm blessed. To do what I do and love it so much makes sweeping the horribly painful moments under the rug a little easier.

This is a quick shout out to some of my favorite people, my family...especially my cousins. I have a great bunch of cousins on all sides of the family and so many of you have been such great role models over the years. Sara, I aspired to be a teacher like you. Melissa, you were the epitome of a cool, independent woman to me...I wanted to be just like you. Jenna, I loved how athletic you were, how awesome your collection of books was, and you know I envied your Pound Puppy! Beth and Jenny, I wanted you both to be MY sisters! The other evening, I got to spend time with the Runnells family. I have such a great time with all of you cousins and am so grateful that you made me part of the family from the very first time I was with you. What a great, hilarious bunch to be a part of! I'm blessed! And Runnells ladies, I'm searching the video/DVD collection for Tae Bo tapes. I found some Pilates DVDs and finding wine in our house is never a problem, so Wine and Workout Night will b...