Summer Craziness; But In A Good Way ☺

June was quite the month. First of all I hit the big 4-0! (I know..depressing huh?!) Oh well, at least I'm still alive and I'll always be 2 years younger that Greg! That's always a big plus!! Ü
The week after my b-day, I unexpectedly lost my job. NOT GOOD! So I'm now trying hard to find something so that we can get by. I know God is aware of my concerns and needs and I'm sure somehow all will be well. If anyone knows of any job openings, I would appreciate if you could let me know.

Greg & I stayed overnight in Orlando on June 12th to watch the Space Shuttle launch on June 13th...however as luck would have it for us; the shuttle launch was scrapped. It was still a beautiful morning and we had a good time spending time together.
June 15th-20th was YW Girls Camp. Jordan is a 4th year, so she went on High Adventure. This year the High Adventure girls went sailing from Fort Myers to Cayo Costa State Park in the Florida Keys. They started out w/4 sailboats, but in the end only had 1 that made it back w/all the girls. Two broke down and one was damaged in a storm. It was a great experience for Jordan & she loved it.
This was Jaycee's first year at Girls Camp. Other than it being horribly hot and humid that week, she had a fun time. She got to spend time with some of her friends in the Cape Coral Ward, so she was happy about that. I went down w/the girls Wednesday night to watch the skits and Friday. It was fun.
June 25th-27th was the Fort Myers Stake Youth Conference. Our theme was S.T.A.N.D.- Stay True And Never Depart. We were blessed enough to have Kenneth Cope & Bishop Troy Dunn with us.
Sis Allen(Stake YW Pres-Fort Myers) and I went up Wednesday afternoon to get things ready and to pick up Kenneth Cope from the airport. Kenneth Cope & Troy Dunn were our two guest speakers. Wed night Mary, Kenneth & I went to dinner and had a fun time talking and hanging out for a while.
Such an awesome guy; I can't thank him enough for taking time out to help strengthen our youth as well as leaders. The spirit was AMAZING and the YM/YW loved it. This is one of our final activities w/the Fort Myers Stake. Our ward along w/two others are now part of the Bradenton Stake; a brand new Stake that was formed in May. It will be interesting to see the changes. I will so miss serving w/the Stake YW/YM Pres. of Fort Myers. It was been a short but wonderful 6 months.
I'm looking forward to July and am so thankful for my hubby & girls who are so good to me. I love my life and am very blessed! Ü

Sharks Are Friends....NOT!

Today Greg had the opportunity to go deep sea fishing in the Gulf with someone from work. He had such a good time. They caught a few grouper, a sea turtle (don't worry they let him go) and 3 SHARKS!! SOOOOO COOL! They let them go, but the thrill of the catch for Greg was awesome.

Greg caught a Bull Shark and fought him for 1 1/2 hrs..VERY COOL GREG,I'm excited for ya...How FUN!!! Greg said that his friend would take me and the girls next time Greg wanted to go. Jordan & I are in, Jaycee...not so much.

Here are pics of Greg day in the Gulf of Mexico.

More wildlife pictures...

Here are a few more wildlife photos. Last week at work one of the girls in our office looked out the window and saw a coyote. She got a pretty cool picture of it.The next picture is a turtle that Greg & I saw on our way home from our drive Sunday. It was so funny. The little guy was sitting in the road when I got out to get a pic of him he took off running, as fast as hit little turtle legs could carry him. Sooo funny!
The last pic is of three Sandhill Cranes that were at my work yesterday as I was leaving for the day. So much to see in Florida..Very cool

Summer rainy season

It is the beginning of the rainy season/hurricane season in Florida. My favorite time of year..as long as the hurricanes stay away. The other day on my way home from work, I was driving into a huge storm. The black & gray clouds were huge and it almost looked like a tornado was going to form, but it didn't. Here are a few pics.

End of soccer season...

This past Friday was the end of the spring soccer season. They do a big soccer party for the kids. Pizza, games, rock climbing, music etc. Jaycee won her last game 7-5, Jordan...not so lucky.
Here is a picture of Jaycee with her friends. Jordan didn't want to cooperate. Oh well.

Mission: Chili Sauce (Accomplished)

So for about two years now I've been wanting to get salsa, chili sauce & tomatoes canned again. I haven't done any canning since we moved to Florida.

Today I finally got a good start on it. I made & canned chili sauce. I got 21 pints and 5 quarts. SOOO HAPPY! This morning Greg, Jaycee & I went to Sarasota to Fruitville Market and got tomatoes, more fruit and YUMMY Key Lime pie.

We got home around 1:30, so I got started with the tomatoes and just finished about 30 minutes ago. I know I'm a nerd, but I love the look of the mason jars when it is all finished. Feel like I'm actually productive and accomplished something good. Don't feel like that most days.

Here are some pics....I know, I'm such a geek, but like I said I love days where I feel like I actually get something done.
It starts w/a sink full of tomatoes..
Lots of chopping and mixing..cookin' for a couple hours. And TA-DAAAA!! Three words...BEAU-TI-FUL!! lol Mission Accomplished!! Sooo happy!!

Do The Right Thing..

My girls never cease to amaze me. Today Jaycee was awarded the "Do The Right Thing" award from the City of Punta Gorda. Five students are awarded this award each month for various good things they have done. They are nominated by a teacher or principal at their school. She was chosen as one of 5 finalists in April.Through her hard work in making the right choices, being a good influence and role model to other in our community, she was honored at today's presentation. She received a $50 savings bond, several coupons and certificates for free things like mini-golfing, bowling, kayak rental, a plane ride, free food at local eating establishments etc. PLUS a huge trophy and a Key to the City of Punta Gorda. It was a neat very event.

They will have an article and picture in several of our local newspapers. She was very excited.
Here is what they read when she got her award today:

"Jaycee Morrill is part of the Conflict/Violence Prevention Group that is aimed at reducing violence at Punta Gorda Middle School.

Jaycee has offered her time to help in fund raisers and intervention programs with fellow students to help get them back on track to being a better student and overall citizen. Jaycee is an intricate part of helping make the Conflict/Violence Prevention Group program a success. She continues to help turn student's behavior around and improve their level of wellness.

Jaycee also helps to raise money to bring motivational speakers to the school. Jaycee also continues to intervene in situations that involve conflict and violence always having the mission of prevention foremost in her mind.

Jaycee is also an "A" Honor roll student who loves the arts (drama & art). She was recently honored with a Presidential award for her academics. It is with great price that I present Jaycee Morrill for your recognition this afternoon."

Awesome job Jaycee!!! We are so proud of you and all you are involved with! Can't wait to see you in the newspaper..how fun for ya! Congrats!!!

If your a Mom & Wife you can relate...

At Time Out For Women this year, Hilary Weeks was there. She was soooo wonderful. Here is one of the songs she sang. SOOOOO funny and true!!!

Jaycee-Newest Member of the National Junior Honor Society

Tonight Jaycee was inducted to the National Junior Honor Soceity! Congrats Jaycee! We are so proud of you and all you do! You work hard on your grades without us even asking you too. You are awesome!

Thanks for being such a fun, sweet, and wonderful girl!

I love you with all my heart!

Fiddler on the Roof--Was AWESOME!

Saturday Greg took all his girls to the theater. It was awesome. We went to see 'Fiddler on the Roof', which is my FAVORITE all time show. The cool thing is that Topol; the actor who plays Teyve in the original movie, was performing as Tevye in the play. It is his farewell performance. I wish sooooo bad that my fellow Jewish wanna be buddy; Susan was there. She would have loved it. I'm sending the playbill and ticket Susan. I thought about you the WHOLE time!!

It was AMAZING!!! We loved it. Here are a few pics (not good) but still a few pics of the show.

Thanks GREG!!! I love you tons! You are too good to me and the girls.

Drivin' Me Crazy...

Well, I'm now officially old. Jordan got her driver's permit today! **sob-sob** She is so excited and has studied really hard. I'm proud of her..yet sad for me. I love but hate at the same time that she is growing up!! She's even taller than me.

I stopped on my way home and got her a little "DL Permit" congrats bag. In it I got her a Taylor Swift CD...told her not to tell her Dad I got her a CD to listen to "after" she can prove she is a good driver. :) I also got her some Blistex...gotta have lip stuff in your car. Got her a cute soccer ball key chain, a package of gum & a Porsche..(ok a Hot Wheels Porsche, but still)

She is so excited! I'm proud of her..Just wish she could say little forever and drive her little pink bicycle a little longer instead of a car....Love you Jordan!

Love Weekends...

Today was busy, but nice. I LOVE the weekends!!!! This morning Jaycee and I went grocery shopping. Just about everytime we go we check the pond by the store to see if there are any gators. I should be tired of seeing them but I love it.



Today there were 4 sitting on the bank. I got a picture of two of them, but not the best pictures. Need a better camera and probably a better photographer.

After the grocery store, the girls & I went to a baby shower for Megan Lamb. It was fun. Her Mom & sister made the BEST food and did such an awesome job! They have much more energy than I do.

We came home and then went to Bass Pro Shop in Fort Myers w/Greg and the girls. It is Jordan's favorite place to go with Greg. (It's very cute)

After Bass Pro Shop Greg took his "girls" do dinner to The Ale House.



It was yummy. Now we are relaxing and watching "Fiddler on the Roof". Next Saturday we are going to the broadway show of 'Fiddler' in Fort Myers. Topol, who plays Tevey in the 1977 movie will be in the show in his farewell performance...I can't WAIT!! Anyone who knows me well, knows how much I love this show and the whole Jewish culture..LOVE TRADITION...

Have a good weekend.

He Is Risen

I am so thankful for all Christ suffered through in my behalf. It hurts me to think that I have done things that made Him suffer in Gethesemane, but I know He did it because He loves me and will always love me. This was sent to me from my dear cousin..I am putting her note along with this, because it is how I feel exactly but feel she put into words what is in my heart.

We are so blessed to have this Easter day to celebrate.
Love ya all,
Shalee

" I want to share this beautiful message given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in General Conference last Sunday. It touched my soul so deeply that I get emotional each time I listen to these words. Such love for each one of us is unimaginable to me but I am so grateful for His atonment, His payment for all the ugly things I have done and said, and all the good things I neglect to do every day. I believe in Him, I love Him, and I will continue to strive to be like Him. I'm forever thankful for His grace and love. " Diane Meek

Disney Day @ EPCOT

Today me and the girls went to Epcot. It was a lot of fun. Ashlyn, LaDawn's daughter sent us "Flat Stanley" so we took him to help her with her school project. (Hence a few pics of us with Stanley)

We had a lot of fun shopping in the shops around the world today. The girls found a super deal on a couple of tote bags that were marked down 1/2 price @ Epcot...This never happens so they were very excited.

Here are a few pics of the day.


Jordan & Jaycee in Canada



Jaycee in England w/Stanley



Paris



Jordan the Art'ist in Paris





Shalee in England w/Stanley


Jaycee at EPCOT by sand sculpture



Germany-I loved this stop, it reminded me of my best buddy Linda who is living there right now. I went to every shop possible. Love it!

More Gators...

This is just a pic of a gator that has been hanging out at the pond where I work. I finally remembered to bring my camera so I could get a pic of it. It isn't the best picture, but it will do until I see him again next week.

I love seeing gators now. I remember when Greg first found out we were going to move to FL, all I could picture was gators running amok everywhere. Now I love seeing them (at a distance of course). It is fun to see.