See you in 2 weeks!!

Summer school is winding to a close and I can't believe how fast its flown. It's been a really busy but fun summer at work. Usually, I'm kind of on my own, traveling between schools to see the kids on my caseload. But during summer b/c there aren't as many schools open, they assign a group of us therapists to be at one school. Can I just say, I love it! It's been so fun co-treating with my friends. I love having someone around to swap ideas with and to chat with. We've had some really cute kids we're working w/too which always helps.

Now that work is coming to a close, I'm pulling out the suitcases and gearing up for my trip!! My friend Tonnette (mission friend) and I are flying to Amsterdam and are then headed on a Baltic cruise which stops in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia and Estonia!! I'm so excited, can't wait!! I've been talking to family/friends who have lived/visited some of these places to get ideas on must sees. So, if you have any suggestions, feel free! I'm going to try and stop in at some of the internet cafe's along the way to update!

Delish....

one of the things I love about summer is so many things are in season to make yummy salads. i made this one for dinner tonight and it was soooo good, so thought i'd share. side note:hate, hate radishes and avocado and it was still great without.

Mexican Chopped Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
Salad

* 2 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
* 1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, rinsed and well drained
* 3/4 cup chopped seeded tomato
* 3/4 cup chopped peeled jicama
* 3/4 cup fresh corn kernels, uncooked (or frozen or canned)
* 3/4 cup thinly sliced radishes
* Half a ripe avocado, diced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1/4 cup crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese


Honey-Lime Dressing

* 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tbsp honey
* 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro
* 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
* 1 tsp chopped jalapeño pepper (use canned for less heat)

Preparation

Toss all salad ingredients in a large bowl. In separate bowl, mix dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over mixture and toss again. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Kick off the Summer.....

Summer is officially here and it got kicked off in a great way with our Pulley Family Reunion. It was just w/our immediate family, my mom, dad, all 9 of us, spouses and all the nieces and nephews. We figured it has been almost 6 years since we've all been home together at the same time, so needless to say we were all so excited!!

We all packed up the cars and headed up north to the Uintas, to this place called Reid Ranch for the reunion. It was so great, our whole family was able to stay in this huge lodge that had it's own swimming pool and sports court. They had archery, horseback riding, archery, a lake with paddle boats, canoes, etc... and much to the relief of many of the parents, no t.v.'s, no reception for cell phones, no internet, etc.... plus, they took care of all the meals and cleaning. We had campfires every night, where some of the families were in charge of different activities and crafts for the kids. It was seriously so much fun!

At the risk of sounding cheesy, I feel so lucky to have been blessed with the family I have. I love that when we get together, it takes 2 whole days just to get settled down enough to finally talk, I love seeing my brothers and sisters as moms and dads to their own kids, I love that being single, I have a chance to really have quality time w/my cute nieces and nephews, I love that our "in-laws" are just like other brothers and sisters to us, I love that we have a special voice that we revert to when just us girls are together, I love that all of my family are such amazing examples to me, I love that we can make my mom cry by having the grandkids sing a simple primary song, I love that we can laugh, talk, dance like nobody's business when we're together and most of all I love that I can't imagine my life without every single member of my family!