Summer Begins!

Goodness, It has been a long time since we have posted. We just thought we were busy when Destiny was still in school. It has been a busy couple of weeks! Destiny has survived eighth grade! to be honest, there were a couple of times, I second guess if I was going to make it. Eighth grade has been a transitional year, to say the least, but WE MADE IT!! And for the cherry on top, as a family, we decided to go ahead and put Destiny through to the ninth grade. As many of you know, we have been struggling with the idea of sending her to 9th grade due to her lack of Math skills. However, she has shown much growth over the past few months, and we have faith that she will continue to grow educationally. This summer will be full of tutoring and life experiences that will only help better prepare her for 9th grade.

Since school has been out and the weather has been great, we have been busy enjoying the time we have together. One of the reasons Josh and I decided to stay in Auburn was the community feel here. For instance, every Thursday night in May they have a "Sundown Concert", which is basically free music and picnic with friends and family from the community. What a great way to unwind from your day and spend quality time with the fam.

That's Destiny loving on some random persons dog...lol- gotta love her!

So summer is upon us and this is the first time we have approached summer with a teenager. It does feel a little weird to wonder during the day what your kid is doing. In matter of fact, Jeremy called me yesterday to ask me where Destiny is supposed to be because he saw her walking to Bruster's Ice Cream down the street. My heart sank a little because I remember being in Destiny's position not too long ago and hearing my Dad's voice saying, " Stephanie, we have eyes everywhere, so don't think we don't know what you are doing." Now I see that they really did have eyes everywhere and for the first time in my life...I like that feeling!

In all honesty, Destiny should be a busy teenager this summer. Josh and I have 3 things that she has to accomplish on her own before she enters 9th grade. 1) Get her Learner's Permit, 2) Become a volunteer somewhere in the community, and 3) Get a job! I personally like the latter, but all are things that will teach her to become a responsible adult. She also will be spending some time at Gami and Poppa T's house (my parent's) and the BEACH, which I think we are all looking forward to!

This past weekend was mine and Josh's 3rd anniversary! We had a staycation at the house and did absolutely nothing! No cleaning, no laundry, no work and best of all, no parenting! Destiny went to stay at our river house with my side of the family. In the words of my brother, she came back with at boyfriend and a sunburn, must have been a good weekend! Needless to say, we all had a blast and a little time away from each other did us some good!

Happy Summer!!