Happy Fourth of July Week and Welcoming a New Puppy

During the past several weeks, I have (obviously) not been posting as often as usual. The month of June has been very busy at our house--in the last 30 days, I have planned and presented a mini-lesson for my monthly critique group, worked at and/or attended many swim meets and practices, organized a baby shower for a friend, hung out with and chauffeured my wonderful boys to various activities, planned for and taught Vacation Bible School, created a book of poems and led a poetry workshop for elementary kids, taught a group of lively preschoolers about rhyme scheme, gotten a new puppy, had my house painted, completely redone one of my boys' rooms (my husband painted the room and built the bed, I sorted and organized), cleaned three closets, made two trips to Good Will, and I know there is more but I can't remember...I am too tired! Although I have been working hard, I've had LOTS of fun, but I'm definitely ready for my "summer break" to begin. And it officially starts tomorrow! = ) 

I look forward to returning to blogging regularly in another week or so when I am rested and restored. Until then, I wish you all a very happy Independence Day week! Just for fun, here is a picture of our sweet new puppy, Gracie--we adopted her from the Greater Charlotte SPCA last Saturday, and we already love her so much. Gracie is an 11-week-old beagle mix puppy and was surrendered to the GCSPCA by her first owner, who decided that she was not ready for a puppy. Sweet Gracie spent a few weeks with a wonderful foster mommy, and then we adopted her through the GCSPCA. We still miss our Ellie, but Gracie has definitely cheered us all up! 


My husband made Gracie a new rope toy, which she absolutely loves!

If you live in or near the Charlotte, NC area and are in need of a new furry friend, consider visiting the GCSPCA website for an adoption event near you. It is a wonderful organization, and there are many animals in need of homes right now.