Traveling Adventures

Aubrey and I (and my mom) have just returned from almost a week in Florida. This past year I have had the amazing opportunity to participate in a committee for the International Reading Association's Teachers' Choices Project. The purpose of this committee was to review almost 400 books ( with help from teacher readers) and be helpful in choosing the top 30 of the books we received.

We flew into Orlando around 7:00 on Saturday evening. On Sunday, we went to Sea World and it was hot; I got a sunburn ;(,



As part of this project, we presented a panel discussion at the IRA conference with Elizabeth Partridge, Loreen Leedy, and Jon Scieszka, whom I got to introduce.

Below is a picture of Jon and me!



Later on Monday, I was to attend a dinner reception with author and illustrators from Holiday House, I rode there in Loreen Leedy's vehicle, a Ford Escape (I used to drive one!)

Tuesday was another presentation, this time book talking the 30 winners of the Teachers' Choices awards. I had dinner with authors from Penguin, Gayle Forman, Gennifer Choldenko, and Judy Schachner, of Skippyjon Jones fame. Someone else took the pictures and I have to wait until they email them to me to post them!

Wednesday was the final day of the conference and I actually got to attend a few presentations. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney on Wednesday evening, that was fun!

Thursday we went to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and spent much of our day in Seuss land. Aubrey enjoyed her time there.



-A

Moving Forward

Good Evening,
Aubrey and I have been very busy lately. My sister-in-law, Rachel, sent me a mother's day card explaining that mom is spelled backwards because sometimes moms don't know if they're coming or going - it is perfect for me right now!

We got a call from Russell a week ago and he has gotten the go ahead from his lender to prepare for a closing on the partnership. We have a closing date set for May 16; following that, I will still have some issues to take care of to completely close Ryan's estate, but we'll be able to move forward a little faster on the new house.

Speaking of the new house, the new floor went in earlier this week, we are still figuring out what we're going to do with putting the old trim back up, so it isn't quite completed yet, but the floor looks good! Now, I'll have to get my dad back up there to put the toilet back in and install my new sink, mirror, and lights in the half bathroom.

It looks like we might begin moving at the first of June, with the big "moving day" being Saturday, June 4. This isn't set in stone yet, but it is what we're hoping for. I've started packing things upstairs. It appears that I have more things to pack than I thought I did!

We appreciate everyone who continues to remember us in your prayers. We have enjoyed the sunshine the last couple of days and even played outside some this afternoon!

-A