Baby in a tub!

Here's another tradition....

2011

2012

2013

This years photo was a lot of work.  A lot of tears went into the making of this photo!  Plus, I had to change the location to the other side of the building, the plant looks so pretty on this side and there was this crazy looking tomato plant that looked...well, CRAZY.  This is how most of the photos looked:

God love my Mom's heart for putting up with us! 

The Final Countdown...

Today Emma and I went to the local children's museum.  It's kinda small, but does the entertainment trick for Emma.

In the "baby" room.  She didn't stay long. 

Piloting an airplane.  Not so great photo.

Banker

Dollywood take 3 (and other mumbo jumbo)

Tuesday I took Emma to Dollywood solo.  I was proud that I got her, stroller, Kavu bag, and her bag on the trolley and off.  When we met up with our friends she shut down!  The cars were the first ride so I pretty much forced her to ride thinking she'd love it. (did the same thing with the carousel during trip 1!)

Friday, Justin happened to luck up and have the day off so we tried with him. She did so much better.  Didn't ride very much but got in the car on her own free will and drove her dad and waved to me as we passed.  It was a fun trip and we have a few more times to go to get her Disney ready!

Today we enjoyed the pool.  This starts my last week of vacation. Emma and I both head back to "school" next week.

This is E tanning like her daddy by covering her face with the towel.  She just covers more than her face.  Cracks me up! 

Day 5: Commenting Challenge

I'm so in decisive I can't decide on my favorite meal.  I know my favorite food is CUPCAKES.  It's so bad that I look for a cupcakery when I go to different places.  It may be while I have gained some poundage this summer!  We are heading back to my parent's camper and I plan to enjoy some GiGis cupcakes!

Part is missing because I have already taken a mental bite! haahaa!

Day 4: Commenting Challenge

If this is your first day to my blog, please go back and check the other days!
Day one
Day two
Day three

Guess who is back in wifi land!  We had an interesting visit to Dollywood.  I don't know if Emma will ever warm up to rides, BUT this girl loves to swing!!! I could have saved myself the sweat if I'd just stayed at the campground and let her play on the playground all day! (I like to play around with the Beautiful Mess app, but I'm not very crafty with it)

Christmas!?!  I am not really thinking or planning for Christmas.  I save that for colder weather, I'm on summer break and I want to enjoy my sweet little girl for another week before I head back to work!

I do think I'm going to invest in some Sabika earrings for my sister-in-laws and Mom for Christmas, but that is the extent of thinking ahead!  I have to plan a trip to Disney, celebrate Emma's 3rd birthday, and turn 35 before I can even dream of being in the Christmas spirit!

Day 3: Commenting Challenge

I'm heading back to civilization! I promise to check out everyone's blogs and comment and add.  Thanks again for commenting along!

Pinterest. I had a strong love affair with it then it kinda fizzled.  I did some projects, and I still head over and check it out every now and again when I need inspiration!  I use it mostly for dinner ideas.  My favorite one is so simple I can quote it from memory...

Taco Chicken
Chicken tenders or breast
1 package of taco seasoning
salsa
cheese

Put the taco mix in a ziploc bag and then add chicken a piece or two at a time and shake it to coat the chicken.  Place on a baking pan or dish and cook for 30 min.  When there's 10 minutes add some salsa to the top and cheese.  That's it!  You can serve over rice or you can eat it as a wrap.  Emma loves corn so I always add corn to any taco meal I do!

Sorry for the lack of pictures but I hope you will give this a try and you can check me out on Pinterest at (well I will have to add that later when I get some connection!)

Comment Challenge Day 2

I'm sorry my posts will be boring the next few days since I'm on a SLOW internet!

Welcome or welcome back!  I enjoyed my comments for day 1, but I can't reply to them as of right now!  Emma and I loaded up and headed to spend sometime with my mom at her camper in Pigeon Forge, TN.  Today we are heading to Dollywood to attempt the dreaded carousel again!  LOL.  Back to today's topic....

What's your favorite TV show/series/reality show? If you don't watch TV, what about a favorite movie or book series? 

Hopefully others who read this post will watch the same shows and you can start some wonderful discussions in your comments section!

I'm a recovering reality show junkie, I am most hooked on TLC shows now.  I have also watched True Blood on HBO because I have read the books. The show has drifted to the crazy side, but I still tune in to drool over vampire Eric!  

I LOVE to read!  I read nightly after Emma has gone to sleep.  I just finished the Body Farm series by Jefferson Bass.  Now I'm reading a series that is set in my hometown the book I'm reading right now is titled "Why Natasha?"  I also enjoy young adult series so I can recommend books to my students.  I'm excited to see the second Hunger Games movie this year.  I'm also waiting for the release of "Allegiance" the end of the Divergent trilogy.  

Day 1 of Jenna's blogger challenge!

I found a few blog pals doing last year's challenge and thought I would try it again this year!

Who I am? I'm a wife, mom, and teacher.  I'm a special education teacher to some great 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.  My ultimate career goal is to be a School Counselor.  I finished my Master's degree in 2011 and have been applying to jobs here and there, but still waiting for just the right one!

My daughter is almost 3. She cracks me up and keeps me on my toes every single day! We live in a small city in Virginia.  I teach at the same school I went to as a kid and live just a few houses away from my parents, grandmother, and siblings.  I love being close, yet we can still have our space!

My blog friends I keep up with through Instagram and Facebook as well.  Two are moms to Emma and it is fun to talk Emma shop with them!

Take a look around, I'm not inspirational or exciting.  I'm just a lady that tries to juggle home-life, work and life with some sense of accomplishment!

This is in the running for my Christmas card this year.  Emma did not want her picture made with us, so we just joined along in her protest! 

Week in review!

Sunday we celebrated my Dad's 70th birthday.  We had a cookout and pool day!

Getting some help from Emma

Dad and his kids!

With his grandkids, Emma was not into the pictures! 

Emma wasn't feeling well at the beginning of the week, so we got cleaned up and went to the doctor.  She ended up having a viral infection.  She was feeling up to lovin' on Knox so I couldn't miss the photo opportunity! 

The Clydesdales are in town so we took Emma a few times she was great when they were in their cages but then flipped out when we went back and could get a picture with them...The troubles and trials of a toddler.

Today we met up with a friend and went to a nature park.  The girls had more fun playing in the dirt than looking at the animals.... It was super fun though!

Tomorrow, we may try the Clydesdales one more time before they pack up and head out of town!  

Catch up

Last Thursday I had another ESWL (kidney stone busting) and then I headed to Greenville, SC on Friday and Saturday to see The Black Keys.  I wore myself out and should have rested!  I caught back up on rest and spent today at the doctor with Emma.  She has a viral infection (as far as we know right now) These past few weeks have been filled with too many doctor trips (me and her!) Hopefully after Monday I will be in good shape for awhile (or I'll be broke!)

I also got a new car this week!  It is a 2012 Honda Pilot Touring.  I was pretty excited to find everything I wanted on a car and not a high price tag!  This car just fell into our laps!  I Don't have any pictures but here are some from the inter webs!

33 Months

I'm doing this to 100 months, plain and simple!

Emma will NOT entertain the idea of using the potty.  I am at a loss as to what to do. I feel like a failure, like other moms are going to judge me.  Wasn't it suppose to be easier?!?!?!!?

Vacation 2013

We headed to the beach for the week of July 4th.  Hilton Head was our choice destination for the week. Before leaving Friday I found out I have kidney stones in both kidneys again and I have to have some other tests done.  Then about 45 minutes from HHI we lost air in my car.  It was all kinds of hot.  But we survived the week and had a great time.  Here's some photos:

Hooray for the Red, White, and Blue!

Happy Independence Day!!!  I started out with a run and have been hanging on the beach!

Cookout and fireworks later!