June Books

I'm having another "slow" reading month.  I really thought that once summer started, the books would fly off my shelf!  Alas, they have not.  I blame part of this to a slightly new addiction called watching "Scandal".  If you don't watch this show...go watch it.  It's awesome.

I was able to complete two novels!  Both are classics in their own rights.  And I credit my friend Lexie for getting me to read both of them.  One more than the other, but I was afraid she would condemn and end our friendship if I didn't read The Great Gatsby.  So, way to go Lexie!

1. Fight Club - Chuck Palahniuk

This is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting books I've ever read.  As said before, Lexie wanted me to read this for a long time.  It's her all time favorite book.  I felt like I needed to give it a chance.  I had also always wanted to see the film version, but usually have the strict rule of reading before viewing.  If you are a person that doesn't mind confusion, mind twists, language, thinking A LOT, and interesting...really interesting...characters, you should definitely give this book a try.  I definitely think it's worth it.  It is most definitely a page turner as the reader tries to process what is going on and what the characters are doing.  The story centers around the main (nameless) protagonist and his new "friend" Tyler.  They begin the "fight club" and the rest spirals from there.  I was eager to watch the film after finishing reading it.  Very entertaining, some subtle differences though.  I recommend, but only with a very open mind!

2. The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald

I am quite ashamed that I've never read this.  After watching the movie (I know, I know...I broke my rule), I knew I had to read it.  It's a quick read, but oh, how rich.  The characters are so powerful in the story.  The reader is immediately transported into this time period in America.  I found myself longing to meet Daisy and spend time with Jay Gatsby.  I wanted to slap Tom and warn Nick that he was heading down a dangerous road with these people.  But more than that, the language of Fitzgerald is simply magical.  He writes so beautifully.  I think I was even more entranced because of reading Call Me Zelda last month.  It really helped me to see how much of Zelda that Scott put in Daisy.  The language, setting, and rich characters make this a powerful and unforgettable read.  I actually didn't think I'd be able to teach this, but am rearranging my AP syllabus to fit this in!  Highly, highly recommend!!

I hope to read more in July!  I've started a really good book, but keep getting caught up in my tv addictions! I hope to have more reads for next month :)

My Little Man

I wasn't sure what emotions would come forth when I walked into the room to first see my nephew.  I knew I would be overwhelmed and excited, but it's almost an indescribable moment.  How do you define seeing this little being that came from the womb of your sister?  All I felt was an overwhelming sense of love and surge of being proud of my baby sister.

Holding Rex for the first time is a moment that I will treasure forever.  His tiny body cradled into my arms, little eyes closed, big lips puckered, and swaddled underneath a warm blanket.  He was calm and rested peacefully in my arms.  I kept on telling my sister what a cute baby he was, and she smiled in agreement.

Rex is so loved!  Here are some pictures from his first week :)

My little nephew

Light of my life

My charm for Rex

Loved already by so many!

Going home!  Look at those toes!!

Can't wait to watch this little one grow!  I love him so much!

Baby Love

(This was originally written on Sunday, May 5th, 2013 after hearing the good news!)

This blog won't be able to be seen for another month or so, but I want to document the excitement.  I wish I had had enough forethought to have done this last October when I got the call from my sister, but alas, I am prepared now.

The past year has been a year of many surprises.  Lots of happy little announcements that have left my heart full and smiling.

It began last July when I got a sweet little text that read, "Oh looky, Nit Nang" followed by a little black and white grainy sonogram revealing that I'd soon have another little cousin to love!  Katy's news was just the beginning of the happy baby boom that's happened within my little world.

A few months later, while driving to a meeting, I returned my sister's 3 missed calls.  I was anxious (shocking, I know) to find out what was up.  Did she decide to take another semester to finish up classes?  Did she want me to come visit this week?  No...a bigger surprise than I could have ever dreamed of - she was pregnant!  My first little niece or nephew was going to be welcomed into the world the following summer.  My heart swelled with love and excitement.

Fast forward to this past week.  There are few things that Case and I keep from each other.  So when she called me one night and said she was headed to Wal-Mart to buy a pregnancy test - just to check - my heart was all a flutter with anxiety and happiness.  I waited and waited...and the next morning she texted to say she decided to wait for a bit to take the test.  I would be lying if I said I didn't think about it, but I knew that it probably was just precaution and nothing happened.  I then thought it odd when she decided to come home randomly to "give Mother's Day gifts" AND THEN she ordered a Sierra Mist at dinner Sat. night.  You have to know this about Case and me - we love us some caffeine - especially while dining at Friday Friends.  Hmm - maybe I was reading too much into this.  But then, when I made my way over for Sunday lunch, Case said she got me a little gift.  I knew it.  I knew what was in it.  I eagerly tore open the tissue paper from the bag, looked at the tiny, sweet picture of Clay and Case holding two POSITIVE pregnancy tests, and I immediately started jumping up and down.  While watching the video'ed reaction later, Casey's sister said it looked like I had just won on "The Price is Right"!

Please know that I was BEYOND thrilled when I found out that my sweet cousin and sister were pregnant, but I've been on this journey with Case for awhile and I knew that this was the "next step" for her and Clay.  It warmed my heart and made me smile from ear to ear to know that their baby journey was about to happen.  After all, I did ask for multiple Godchildren in my maid of honor speech at their wedding.

Case - you are going to be an amazing mom.  This kid - oh man - this kid is so lucky to be born into all this love.  I can't wait to watch your belly grow and consider myself lucky to call myself one of your best friends and get to accompany you on this journey.

Auntie Coco's heart is growing...and my wallet needs to grow a bit more so I can spoil all my little ones!!

Summer Catch Up: End of June

I've been meaning to catch up for several days now, and I really have absolutely no excuse!  I've just honestly been enjoying my summer.  The week of AP training was insane, but for the past almost week, I've been in Atlanta enjoying the company of one of my best friends, Case.

I'll have to allow this to be a big catch up post and write about several things.  The last post I wrote was very special.  I'm still over the moon excited to be an auntie for the first time.  I left a few days after Rex was born to come down to Atlanta, but Megan has been sending me daily pics.  He is the apple of my eye, and I didn't know my heart could love a little being so much.  He is a wonderful baby, and I can't wait to see him in a couple of weeks!!  My sister has transitioned into being a mom really well!  She seems confident and comfortable, both of which I prayed she would be.  Kyle is an awesome dad, too!  I pray everything continues to go well for the new parents. :)

I've been planning my Atlanta trip for a couple months.  I love visiting Case, and it's turned into somewhat of a summer tradition to spend a couple weeks wherever she's currently living.  Last August, Case and her husband Clay moved down to Georgia.  They live in a precious little town called Woodstock.  I admire Case for many reasons, but even more so because she's currently finishing her second degree in nursing.  She's had to take summer classes for the past couple of summers, but she never lets it get her down.  Even though she's studying, she's still my bright and bubbly friend.  So of course we've made time for some shopping and eating :)

Case needing to study has actually worked to my benefit because I've been working on my AP syllabus.  I have the skeleton of the outline done, but there's still a lot of work to do.  Every time I think I have it, or I think that I'm making progress, I realize that there's still a lot to do.  I want to be extra prepared for this class, so the work I'm pouring into it will reap lots of success...I hope, at least.

Pictures speak better than I can type sometimes, so here's the past couple of weeks captured on film.  I'm going to do a separate post on Rex, but that majority are here:

Best part of AP training was getting to visit with Mira, Em, and Carrie!

While in Winston, I also got to visit the sweet Gladd kiddies!  They're so cute and super sweet :)

Waiting on Rex!  Sleeping beauty :)

Sweet Stevie - I miss her so much already!  She's headed back to be a Cali girl :(

My Atlanta cuddle buddy - Hankford

Pretty peonies

Case and I at dinner

Love Woodstock

Researching and taking notes on AP

A-TOWN!

My newest love: Rex

I have been anxiously awaiting to write this blog for about nine months. I'm only the aunt, but oh how a tiny being can change your life. Welcome to the world, Rex!

Rex, 

You are one stubborn little fella. I rushed to the hospital on Thursday night to walk into a room with my sister calmly sitting on a chair and hanging out. She was the epitome of beauty and ease. Even when she would be having contractions, your mom was the picture of grace. She would grip on the sides of her chair and draw in her face, but a few seconds later be back. I can only pray that when your future cousin comes, your auntie is like that. 

You were still cozy after the evening had worn on. Grammy and I decided to go get some sleep at my friend's apartment. Both of us were up at 5:30 ready to go see if any progress had been made. Your mom and dad were very tired, but had gotten a little bit of rest. Throughout the morning, your mom progressed and was eventually able to start pushing. 

I had actually gone out for some lunch with Angie and Katy, but as we were pulling out, I got the best text ever from your Grammy! "We have a boy!!!"  I was officially on cloud nine. 

On Friday, June 21st, 2013, at 11:47 am, all 8 pounds and 11 ounces of you was welcomed into the world. I was thrilled!!! Thaddeus Rex Stephens had officially entered the world. 

Rex, holding you for the first time made my heart melt. You are such a stunningly beautiful baby. I was in awe of your perfect nose and pouty mouth (that is definitely from your mom). You have long fingers, courtesy of both your parents. You already are the apple of everyone's eyes. We love you so much. 

All my Love,

Auntie Coley

They say that a baby changes everything. It does. It makes your heart bigger, your hugs warmer, and life just little sweeter. I can't wait to spoil and visit my little nephew! He's pretty awesome!

Thoughts During AP Training

Going through this AP training has humbled me and helped me to see the English classroom from a student's perspective.  Sometimes...English is hard.

Reading passages that have literary elements, rhetoric style, and tons of difficult vocabulary is so amazingly intense.  I have quickly shifted to that struggling student who is confused.  I'm feeling very inadequate, but everyday I leave class with my brain pulsing with new ideas and excitement.

As thrilled as I am to begin this new AP journey, it is a scary hill to climb with questions that include: "Can I do this?" "Am I smart enough to do this?" "What have I gotten myself into?"

BUT - then there are moments.  The moments that I read and get excited about this material and all that I am learning.  I can envision my kids discussing and reading in the class.  Will they love it?  I'm not sure, but I really hope so!

I always thought I over analyzed everything, but when you get into a classroom full of accomplished, tenured, and impressive English teachers - it can be a bit overwhelming.  Ideas are picked out that I didn't think about, characters are picked through in ways I didn't see, literary elements are shown and pointed out with words that I didn't know existed.  You are certainly in good company with a room full of English teachers!

As I was dining with Em and Mira tonight I realized that the reason we're so exhausted at the end of the day is because we're not just teachers in there.  We're thinking as our students, too.  We're trying to think about whether it will work when given in our classrooms.  Will we be able to produce a top notch class?  Millions of questions racing through my mind.

I'm enjoying it.  It's hard, but I'm enjoying it.  I'm loving it because it's fueling my passion.  I'm getting the chance to embrace my love of literature and teaching.  I can't wait to experience my first AP class.  I know it'll be hard, but I think that's part of the fun!

Big Catch Up Post!!

I've more or less caught up through the end of May. The end of May means the end of school and the start of the glorious two months of summer. Teachers get a lot of grief for having summers off, but I dare anyone with the audacity to say that to go into a classroom for 10 months and tell me we don't need a break. Trust me. We do.

After Memorial Day weekend, I finished my workdays at school, cleaned, organized, and then headed to the mountains for a few days. While at home, I was able to spend a lot of time with my family. Stevie graduated from preschool (where did the time go?!), and I also celebrated a late bday dinner and cake with my family.  We celebrated my mom and her friend Johnese's retirement.  Lots of fun for two special women!  My home church had homecoming, and I was blessed to be able to visit with our former preacher's wife (who is also a preacher) and her daughter.  I babysat for Amelia and her kids while they were at our church, and it was so awesome seeing them!

I headed back to Reidsville for a week to work on school stuff...the excitement never ends being a teacher!  I enjoyed spending the week in my home away from home.  I won't be in Reidsville a whole lot this summer, so I try to soak in time with my friends there.  I love the house I live in, sleeping in my comfy bed, and driving around the country.  I try to take in moments like that.

I ventured to Raleigh to await my (stubborn) niece or nephew.  He/She (as I write this post one week later) has still not made his or her arrival!  I think he/she might be taking after Auntie Coley.  I was two weeks late!  Megan is scheduled for her induction on Thursday, so I'll be heading back then!

While in Raleigh I was able to see and spend time with lots of people!  I visited with Caro, Amber, Elizabeth, Donna, Zoey, Kelly, Matt, and my sweet sister.  I loved visiting all of them - despite getting locked out of the house - which will be another post.  I enjoyed spending the week relaxing and visiting with everyone.

This week I've begun my AP journey in Winston.  Added bonus - I get to stay with Em and Carrie!  I also got to spend time with my good friend Mira, who is also taking the AP course.  I finally got to meet Megan's baby, Zander.  I was excited to practice for auntie time!  Zander is one loved boy!  He has the best mommy and auntie!

The training has been very intense.  I'm glad that Emily is with me to talk everything over.  It's a lot of information and material to take in.  I have enjoyed learning lots, but I leave everyday with my brain pulsing.  I came back to Em and Carrie's today and took a nap.  Sometimes...it's all you need.

Here are some pics from the last few weeks - warning pic overload.....

Congrats, Stevie!!

I love this little girl so much!

Granny's house- she told me to "check out her jugs" - I was momentarily confused.

Happy Retirement, Momma (and Johnese)!!

Johnese's beautiful backyard

Love these girls!

Worshiped at Duke Chapel with Caro - beautiful.

Bobo and I feel the same about the morning time.

Kelly wanted me to be "outdoorsy" - this is what she got.

Pool time!!

This is what welcomed me to my AP Workshop!!  However, this is some awesome material!

My English Twin Soul - and mob boss - Em

Uncle Boom and Aunt Linds!

Girls visiting Zander!

I'm eagerly awaiting my niece or nephew and will head to Durham on Thursday!  It's been a busy, but wonderful summer so far!!

Memorial Day Weekend Part 2 - Wilmington

While we had the opportunity and free day, Caroline and I ventured up to Wilmington to visit the city for the day. The added bonus is that Caroline has family there and we were able to visit them as well. 

Wilmington is my kind of place. Super laid back, southern, friendly, and near water. All of these add up to it being a spectacular place. 

We spent the afternoon walking around downtown. We were blessed to not have super hot weather. We shopped a bit, ate some snacks, and enjoyed the day. 

Here are some pics:

Memorial Day Weekend Part 1 - The Beach

I'm trying to get somewhat caught up on the ole blog! I've taken off a few weeks as I've gotten acclimated to the summer time.  Pretty awesome.

The girls decided to move up our beach weekend to Memorial Day. We got down there on Friday evening and were able to stay through the weekend til Monday. Caroline and I went to visit her step brother and his wife in Wilmington on Monday. I love Wilmington! 

The weekend was great! Not quite complete without Case. She was getting back from Mexico and was pretty exhausted from her trip. We got to FaceTime with her and we still got our group pic!!

Lots of food, laying around, and of course a puzzle. We realize that our age is catching up with us as we prefer to put together puzzles instead of shopping and making reservations at restaurants instead of taking chances with last minute decisions. But, I have to share the ultimate "we are old" moment. For my birthday, Kelly found solo shot glass size cups. Instead of putting alcohol in them, Kelly and I realized that they were perfect for washing down our nightly meds!!!

Hopefully we can make it down again before the end of the summer. Always a good time. Here are some pics of the weekend. 

On our way!!

Our little vacation spot!!

6 girls. 1 car. Lots of stuff to go to the beach. 

Linds with her "beach chair". 

Perfection. 

Girls before dinner. 

Got our group shot!!

Mmmmmmmm

Puzzle process!!

I will post Wilmington pics in the next post!!