Sweet Kids

Today was my first day back to school after everything last week and Thanksgiving. I was so happy to receive the news that my kids (as in class) were amazingly well behaved for the sub. I truly do have some of the sweetest kids. Sure, they may get into little bouts of trouble, but what 3rd grader doesn't? Today I had 3 of my kids come up and tell me how sorry they were that my Grandpa had passed away. (Although they may have not said it that eloquently..think 8 year old here). They also said that they tried really hard to behave so that they didn't "stress me out" more than I already would be.
Teaching is exhausting, but today was one of the amazing benefits of the job: Watching your kids grow into little adults and truly becoming a classroom "family".

I am so lucky.

Molly and Me

After reading the book Marley and Me on the way to Wisconsin over Thanksgiving, I began to feel like a bad puppy parent for having only taken Molly swimming twice since we got her 4 months ago. So, our first morning back in Florida I decided to set out to find a pristine beach where Molly could do what dogs do.....RUN WITHOUT A LEASH AND SWIM. This task proved to be harder than expected. Evidently the people in Florida have made it their personal goal to leave not an acre of state park, public beach, National Wildlife preserve, of National wildlife management area where you can let your dog run off leash. I understand the rationale behind leashing your dog in neighborhoods, along busy roadways, and other crowded venues but something is wrong when you can take your Labrador Retriever to the beach for a run/swim. I know I stress poor Heather out when I conveniently overlook the county ordinance at a desolate beach or isolated hiking trail and let Molly run off leash but when it comes to some things, if you don't get caught then you weren't breaking a rule ;-) Anyway, we had a blast and I am SO excited to have my rough and tumble outdoor/water dog and I'm really glad that I wasn't one of the few lab owners that are shocked and disappointed when their "water dog" is hydrophobic. I'm so proud of Molly and can't wait to take her out in the boat fishing and one day getting her on the end of a 10 foot long board for some surfing lessons!

Back in Florida, Back to the Beach

Matt and I were excited to be back in Florida and reunited with our little pups. :) Molly woke up full of energy today, so Matt decided she needed a little running. After trying 3 different state parks (all which were strict on "leash laws" or no dogs because of controlling nincapoops who are afraid of dogs) we finally found a secluded little beach on Nassau Sound. There were a couple people fishing, but once we got past them, we were able to let Molly off leash to run and swim. She did a wonderful job swimming (even though the water is probably in the 60's) and loved all the smells and birds to chase.
It was a very relaxing and enjoyable morning with my hubby and puppy. I hope we get to do it more often.

Farewell Grandpa, Until we Meet again

Matt and I just returned home from a emotional trip back home to Wisconsin this week. On Sunday, my grandpa Witbro died from cancer and gulf war syndrome. He was always my hero and my support growing up. I was so lucky to be able to share the memory of dancing with him at Matt and I's wedding. Those are truly memories I will never forget.
The funeral was hard and yet amazingly beautiful. There was so much to celebrate about my grandpa's time on earth. He had such an impact on people and helped everyone he came across. We had a military funeral for him. It was hard to watch the veteran's salute his coffin one last time, and to listen to the gun salute. Perhaps watching the flag being folded was the hardest thing I've ever watched. It was like wrapping up all the memories into a single flag. I learned so much about my grandpa, and he will always be my hero. I hope he watches over me every day of my life...and I hope I can make him proud. ALWAYS.


Grandpa's ObituaryBruce W. Witbro, 71, Suamico, passed away at home on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, with his family at his side after a courageous battle with health complications due to Desert Storm. Bruce was born June 12, 1937, in Green Bay, the son of John "Red" and Doris (Duquaine) Witbro. After graduating from West High School in 1955, he joined the military. Bruce proudly served 35 years, 10 months and 21 days in the Marines, Navy and Army, but most of his time in the Army, retiring from the 432nd Civil Affairs Unit. He was a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4). Bruce also worked for the Dept. of Army as a supervisor of the Area Maintenance Support Activity (AMSA) #51 shop in DePere until his retirement. Bruce is a lifetime member of VFW Howard Post #7534, Disabled American Vets (DAV) Chapter #3 and the American Legion post #0518.

Bruce enjoyed many things during his life such as square and round dancing, woodworking and a craft business, camping and traveling. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR racing and the Chicago Cub games. When he accepted his Savior Jesus Christ, he enjoyed reading his Bible and spending time with the Men's Bible study group. He also enjoyed the monthly luncheons with his West High classmates of '55 and all of the visits from his army buddies.

The most important things in Bruce's life were his faith, spending time with his family, his friends and a good sense of humor. Bruce will always be known as "the most unforgettable person you will ever have met".

He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Suzanne "Sue" (Ruf); two sons, Scott (Irene) Witbro, Waukesha; Brad (Michelle) Witbro, Green Bay; and one daughter, Melinda Witbro, Suamico; two grandchildren, Heather (Matthew) Bennett, Fla.; A1C Andrew Witbro in the Air Force, Kansas; and one brother, Jerry (Janice) Witbro, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his faithful dog, Radar; and cat, Rascal.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Friends may also call from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Heartland Church, 3340 Lineville Road, Howard. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church with Pastor Scott Werlein officiating. Military Honors will follow the funeral services. Inurnment will be in Arlington National Cemetery.

To send on-line condolences, please visit www BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

It's been awhile...

Well, we haven't posted in awhile, but that does not mean that a lot hasn't been happening!! Matt and I have been settling into our new life together. We have started to decorate more around the house. We also have been having a lot of company! My parents just came for an 8 day visit. We had a great time going to Sea World, Universal Studios, and Bike Week. I will post pictures soon. :) Next up we have Matt's Mom coming for a visit for her birthday! :) We are looking foward to her visit.

Married life is great. We are loving raising our two dogs and settling into a routine together.

Labor Day Weekend

Well, week 2 of teaching is over! :) Everyday I feel a little more confident and a little more put together! But I do get exhausted after the long week. Now I am home and relaxing on this beautiful Saturday! Matt is out of town in Pensacola for the CAP and should be back later tonight! Then tomorrow night we have a concert to go to! YEA!!!!

Looking forward to a fun weekend!

Some Fun Photos of our Big Day!

AHHHH.... Relaxation

Well, we're back (obviously). The trip back from Jamaica on Monday was nothing less than an adventure! We were delayed again and then even when we got back American had lost my bag and torn the other one clear apart: to the point of losing stuff out of it!
That week we basically spent the whole week cleaning house and putting stuff up around the house. Starting Monday it was off to the races! I spent the entire week setting up my classroom. The theme is FROGS and it is definitly GREEN!! :) I will post a picture soon! Matt was so sweet and was there almost everyday to help me set up. Not only that, but then he surprised me with a wonderful 1/2 day at the spa today! OMG, talk about amazing! I got a manicure, pedicure, and an hour deep tissue massage!! WOW. I feel like jello right now.

I plan on relaxing the rest of the evening and watching the olympics!! GO PHELPS!!!

Third Day in Paradise ~ Matt and Heather

Today was absolutly amazing. We would not change a single thing. We woke up around 9:00 to breakfast in bed (some amazing banana bread and tropical fruit). Then we both chilled and read our books for awhile. After a slow morning we decided to go sailing again. The water was a little rougher, but still beautiful. There was one point where Matt had started to turn the boat without Heather realizing it was happening... (probably the one thing we would change) and the sail hit Heather smack in the side of the ear... and then whacked her again in the forehead on the way back through.. (Don't worry, Matt got smacked by the sail the second time too!). So that ended the sailing adventure for the day, but we'll be back at it tomorrow.

The afternoon brought rain showers again, actually pretty good showers with some CRAZY lightening! Matt and I curled up in our little hammock outside our door and read some more and then ended up retreating from the rain to our porch for about 1 1/2 hours.

At four o'clock, we went on a catamaran cruise. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL ADVENTURE!! We got to see dolphins, jumping fish, and a beautiful sunset. The catamaran took us to a great little spot where we were able to jump off the boat (literally) and explore some caves and swim around. We even got to go down the slide that was attached to the boat! Talk about fun! We couldln't have asked for a more beautiful sight and a better time.

We just finished eating at Lychee (the Asian restaurant here). It was beautiful and great food. We also got to have a fun conversation with a Latino couple from Ft. Lauderdale. :)

Now we plan to go back and drink our complementary bottle of champange before some dancing in the piano bar!! :)

Lovin'the Island life!

The Bennetts

Second Day in Paradise ~Matt and Heather

This morning, Heather still wasn't feeling great from last night, just a little trouble adjusting to the food down here or something, but we got up and decided to try to have an adventure and just not think about the tummy. So we went down to the water and got to learn how to sail a hobie cat! Matt did such a great job learning to steer and run the sail. It was great to just coast along the crystal blue water and not have to paddle (like our kayaks!) Afterwards, Matt decided that we just weren't going to let this upset tummy stop our vacation, so we went to the nurse. She told us a lot of people who travel as much as we have in the last week have some difficulties adjusting to the different bacteria in the differnt areas. So she brought in the doctor who gave Heather some shots in the butt of dramamine and zantac. Now the butt is a little sore, but the tummy is doing much much better!! Heather was able to eat and drink normally after a great little nap (thanks to the dramamine).

Around 2 o'clock today, a wonderful rainstorm hit the island. There were some big boomers and lightening. Matt and I decided to go back to the room and read together on the porch while listening and watching the rain. Talk about relaxation!!

At 3:00 we went to a couples massage class...I'm sure the techniques we learned will continue to help us in the future...as our instructor said: PRACTICE EVERY DAY!! :)

We spent the afternoon in the pool, floating around the swim up bar and having some drinks. It was a great afternoon and we met a lot of really nice couples. Tonight we ate at the fancy restaurant and had lobster and steak!!! YUMMY! Gotta love all-inclusives! :)

Overall it was another wonderful day in paradise! We can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring...but I assure you, more sailing will be involved!!! (Matt is a little obsessed and Heather loves sitting and not having to work!!)


WE BE JAMMIN'

The Bennetts

Our first day!! ~ Matt and Heather

Phew! We are finally here in Jamaica and on our honeymoon! It was a long adventure getting here, but after spending 10 hours in the Miami Airport yesterday and waiting in countless lines, American Airlines finally did decide to put us up in the Mariott for the night. The good news is, we have travel insurance so we'll get a refund for one day at Couples, and we got in early today so we were able to fully enjoy our first day at the resort. This place is absolutly beautiful!! The pool alone makes you want to melt...and that's before you see the SWIM UP POOL BAR!!! (Heather's favorite).
They have palm trees on the beach with hammocks hanging in between and they even rake the sand each day just so the beach looks prestine each morning! Our room is awesome~ First floor, walk out right onto the sand AND we have our own private hammock (sort of, we just don't let anyone else on it!)
At 2:30 today we got a 30 minute couples massage in a tree top bungalow! Talk about melting in paradise!! It was awesome...and INCLUDED b/c we are honeymooners! OH LA LA!

Well, it's 11:00 here and although that is early by most standards, we are both TIRED! So it's off to bed to get some good sleep before tomorrow's big adventures (learning to sail, a couples massage class, and jet skiing!)

More tomorrow...

The Bennetts

A new addition to our family ~ Heather

Matt and I can never leave well enough alone!! Life is already crazy, but we decided to do it one better!! :) We just brought home an adorable 9 week old yellow lab puppy. She is quite a handful, but actually is doing GREAT with her training. So far we only have 1 accident in the house and about 20 times going potty outside. She also is sitting on command and starting to recognize her name: Molly!

Although both my parents do not seem pleased with our decision, and I accept that their hesitations are valid (it is a lot harder to get people to watch two dogs vs just one and a lot of work), I know that Matt and I will love this little puppy and raise her just as good as we have our other little baby, Cooper. :)
Amazingly enough, my allergies are not struggling with Molly so far. I'm hoping it will stay that way! :)

I have to say, I love her like crazy. She'll be the first BIG dog that I'll ever have, but so many people own labradors and absolutely LOVE them. :) She is just adorable and I think that she'll fit into Matt and I's lifestyle perfectly. She can go play in the water with Matt, while Cooper and I cuddle and play on the beach!

We have our perfect little family now!!

Productivity ~ Heather

I'm trying....

but sometimes I just don't feel like it!

Weather ~ Heather

I love Florida! It's hot and sunny all afternoon and then now, when it's time to go to work you can tell another big storm is brewing!! :) Now, for most people this would be a good thing, but currently I work outside so that does tend to hinder the day at work. However, yesterday it poured and I had a great night!! :) So no worries, life is what you make it.


I've been more obsessed with the wedding lately: watching wedding shows, thinking, planning and mostly stressing out. I suppose it's a little late for big changes so it's all kinda crazy, but it's mostly just wearing me out! I think that I just am going to breath and let it all happen!! After all, the most important part is that I'm marrying the man of my dreams.

Well, time to get ready to work!

The Joys of Homeownership ~ Matt

I used to have my own lawncare business as a teenager in Virginia and even worked at a golf course for 4 years but I don't remember keeping up with a lawn being this much of a pain in the butt! When we moved in back in March, our freshly sodded yard of Saint Augustine grass looked so funny, like a patchwork quilt and I remember Heather and I just hoping "it would set it's roots and fill in a little bit." Well, IT DID, and with all the afternoon T-storms our grass and our WEEDS have flourished. I just bought a new weedeater/edger combo from the stihl dealer and was actually a little excited to use my new toy, so I set out this past weekend to weed all of our mulch beds and get our yard looking good again. Several hours and bucket-fulls of weeds later it was finished and I have to say it does look pretty nice. The only thing is it will need to be mowed again tomorrow :-/ Oh well...

Hopefully I can get all of my honey-do list done this week as Tropical Storm (Soon to be Hurricane) Bertha draws closer to Florida bringing with her LONG period swells and offshore winds which translates to waist to chest high barrels and longboarding fun ;-)

3 weeks 'til the wedding!!

4th of July ~ Heather

Matt and I had a great 4th of July! I had to work in the morning and got off a little late to carry out our original plans of heading down to Jax beach, so we decided to stay up here in Fernandina! We went to the Boardwalk Bash over on the Plantation for $1 beers (although with Sam working it ends up being "discounted" a little) :). After that Matt and I headed over to Walmart's parking lot to buy some fireworks for our own personal display! We even worked out a small deal and got two packages for the price of one!!
Then Joel and Sam came over and we grilled out and lit off fireworks! The boys were like 5 year olds playing with fire!! THey had a great time and some of the fireworks were actually pretty impressive! I recommend the missel launch and the bizzare for next year!! :)

This morning Matt and I got to have a lazy Saturday. We got up late, had breakfast and then went and puttzed around Target and Home Depot for a little while. Now my sweetie is making us a glorious lunch before we both have to head to work tonight!!

What a life!

Ahh, to be home again ~ Heather

Well I just returned home from the Manager's Meeting in Howey in the Hills, Florida. It's so good to be back! I spent today (Sunday) catching up on a ton of stuff for the wedding! (Thank Goodness). I finally got the guest list nailed down and typed in excel, sent out thank you notes that we were behind on, and printed out labels for the bubbles. Ahh.. I love productive nights!

Matt will be home in an hour or so. I'm excited to see him. It's funny how I can be gone for just a weekend and miss that boy! :)

This week is bound to be another busy one. I work a lot of hours at The Surf, but I do have the 4th of July off! I'm psyched to actually have a holiday off with Matt!

Well, nothing too profound.
'Night

First Post ~ Heather

Hey All!
This is Heather! Life sure is busy lately, but I can't complain! The wedding planning is coming along. Thank goodness it is almost done! I can't believe that we get married in UNDER a month!
Matt and I are driving up to the wedding, probably on Tuesday. Then, after the wedding we are going to stop along the way (maybe Chicago and Memphis) and stay in a nice hotel and see the town. On Wednesday, we leave to JAMAICA!!

Whoo hoo!