Summer

As any teacher can tell you, summer vacation is one of the (increasingly few) perks that come with the job.  No, that is not why most of us chose this profession and no we are not paid for this time out of school.  It's a perk - the same as getting a discount on a new car because you work for Nissan or saving x% every time you buy groceries because you work at Kroger.  I don't begrudge your perk and you shouldn't mine either.

Summer vacation is an even bigger perk if you have a family.  Now, that could very well be a reason many go into teaching.  I love being on the same schedule as my kids.  It's truly a blessing knowing I will be home when they are home. 

One of the downsides, though, to having such a regular, lengthy break from work- for me, at least - is that it tends to cause me to take time for granted.  If I don't finish that project this summer, there's always next summer.  If we don't go on that trip this summer, there's always next summer.  You get the idea.  And now projects are backing up, trips are going untaken, and time is running out.  Time is running out.

No, I've not been diagnosed with any life-threatening illness and I hope I never am.  But even if I live to be a ripe, old age I will never again have this time back, this summer back, or my kids at their present ages back. 

Ren is now driving and will be a senior next year.  A senior.  I am still having trouble fathoming that one.  John-Heath will be in the second grade.  Yes, he still has many years of school left but he is no longer my baby boy.  Okay, he will always be my baby boy, but his little curls have given way to a more boyish haircut and when he calls my name "mommy" has been replaced by "mom".

So, over the course of these next couple months I want time to count, which could include taking a trip, finishing a project or two, and even just snuggling together in the bonus room with popcorn and a movie. 

Time to start working on a bucket list for summer.

Today's Memorial Day Events Brought to You by...

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Thank you.

School's Out for Summer!

And in the words of Madea, "Hallelujer!"

Mother's Day and More

Hello and happy Mother's Day to all my family and friends who are moms.  I am especially grateful to have two very special women in my life whom I can honor on this day...my mother, Betty, and my sister, Shelia, who has been like a second mother to me throughout my life. You can look no further than these two to blame for the fact that I turned out rather spoiled. ;)

Momma

The past couple weeks have been busy ones around my house and I will be sooo glad when the next couple weeks are finished, as well.  I know we're told not to wish our lives away but I will be glad when the next couple weeks are history.

Ren was in a pageant this weekend.  She was there to crown in the 13-15 year age group, which she won last year, and to compete in the upper division.  I'm a very biased mom, I know, but I thought she looked beautiful.  I love coral on her and her hair was probably the best it's looked at one of these type events. 

She placed in the top ten and I have to put the blame fully on myself for her not advancing any higher.  She did an awesome job in casual and, initially, in the formal part of the competition.  Then when the girls were brought back out in groups of five I noticed she failed to stand like she normally does - she wasn't popping her pose, so to speak. 

A little later on when they announced the top ten and brought the girls out to narrow it down to a final six I knew I had slipped up.  You see, it was now about 8 o'clock in the evening and Ren, who happens to have anemia, hadn't eaten since that morning.  She always eats a little between having her hair and make-up done but, this time, I forgot to remind her to eat something.  So, when they were standing on stage in the top ten group (for what seemed like an eternity) I knew she wasn't going any further.  She managed to keep a rather glazed smile on her face but her arms just sort of hung there and her right shoulder slumped downward.  When I saw her contestant number card begin to shake in her hand I became worried she might be about to topple of the edge of the stage.  Luckily, that didn't happen. 

Top left: Out like a light just minutes after arriving home.  Lower left:  Ren in her casual outfit with Megan. Middle: During the 13-15 competition as the reigning queen.  Right:  In her gown for the 16-19 year age group.

Last weekend was also a busy one.  My favorite niece, Megan, is now an RN, having graduated from Cumberland University with her BSN.  So, that whole weekend belonged to her (and considering what a difficult degree a BSN is to obtain she deserved it!).  Friday night, we sat through a very nice (and very long) pinning ceremony, followed by a beautiful graduation on the lawn of historic Cumberland on Saturday, and topped it off on Sunday with a celebratory meal with extended family.  I could not be more proud of my niece and know she will be an awesome nurse, which is something I don't ever think I could do.

Megan, BSN 

Time to celebrate!

You know I couldn't post without telling something about John-Heath...well, my little boy has found a love of fishing.  He caught his first while fishing in the pond below our house with his Aunt Paula, Uncle Mark, and Cousin Makayla.  According to him, he's a good catfisher.

Barefoot and shirtless on the bank of the pond.

Have a great week!



Her Junior Prom

Well, hello again, blogging world.  Mr daughter's Junior/Senior prom was this past Saturday evening.  This was her first to attend and she had a ball, and one of the best parts for me was that I was able to witness most of it - thanks to the hubby's job as AP at her school!  Of course, Ren was less than thrilled when she first learned we would be there but, in the end, she really didn't mind it so much.

She invited Jay, one of her good friends on the football team, to be her guest.  Now, I know I am biased - a lot -but I thought they made a handsome pair.

I also think we may have found Ren's signature color...coral.  I really like how the color just meshed so well with her skin tone and hair.  In case you're wondering, the dress is by Sherri Hill.  I didn't think I would ever like one on her as much as I did her last formal, the white La Femme, but I do think this is my new favorite.

Well, I'm off to bed.  I think I may enjoy falling asleep listening to this nice spring storm - so long as it doesn't get too stormy.



P.S.  You know I can't pass up an opportunity to include a John-Heath moment...On Saturday, he was asked if he thought his sister was pretty.  He said he did but he also let it be known he preferred one of her friends.  According to him, she was one smoking hot lady.  Smoking hot.  Not sure where he heard that.  Andy Griffith, Spongebob, or iCarly?