Lovin' this Summertime Feeling!

I hate that I am not updating this as much as I should. I think there is just something about Summer that seems to continually keep you busy. So I thought I would share a little of what has kept us busy over the past few weeks.

This is Destiny working on one of her summer goals, which is to find a job. She is filling out her first application at Publix. 

Work has been just as busy. This is my first fund-raising event from start to finish and my first golf outing...EVER. I couldn't have done it without my hubby! He is just so great!

Because of all my hard work on the golf outing. My wonderful boss let me take the following Friday off for a "Girls Only" day. Josh had to work, which was probably a good thing. Destiny and I did things like get her teeth cleaned, went to Waffle House, Ulta, and Old Navy (to buy a new bathing suit- which is supa cute!). We also went to get our nails done.

We also went to see Brave- cutest movie EVA!

And...we had to try out our new bathing suits We have to get them broken in for our beach trip in July.

I remember my Mom spending days like this with me and I will never forget all the fun we used to have. It also helped us bond and talk about things that you normally don't have time for. I had a great time, and I know Destiny did too, because she won't stop asking me when the next "Girls Only" day will be. Those are special days that I won't ever forget.

We also have been spending lots of time at the pool. It's a place that everyone enjoys. Which I am finding is becoming harder and harder to do. Here are a few of our pics at the pool.

Miss Cool even came for a dip or two.

 Confidence issues? I think not! Love her sense of humor!

She is probably going to kill me for putting this up here, but I have tried telling so many of you about her wonderful dance moves. However, I can't ever describe it with the right words. In matter of fact, there are no words to describe this. If you think she is goofing off- no this is how she really dances. Please enjoy every minute of it because as soon as she's ungrounded she will make me take this down. It's hilarious!

Another goal that I have for myself is to go through my teaching stuff- such a bitter-sweet task. I am tired of seeing it just sit in my garage. I am in the process of selling most of it or finding people to give it away to. Some of the things given to me were meant to be used to do great things with and they need to be given to someone who will appreciate them and use them. So I have decided to sell the things that me or my family bought and give away the things given to me. If you are a teacher or an education student and you are interested in coming to look. Please let me know!!

We most certainly cannot forget about our Bella Roo. Even though we have so much going on this summer, we try and make a little time for her too. Somehow we fit in her schedule too. These are too cute to not share!

So, as you can tell we have really been enjoying every ounce of our summer and we will continue to do so. We hope that you are all finding your own way to beat the heat and enjoy your summer too! Much LOVES!

The Dreaded Summer Workbook

As a teacher at heart, it pains me to see the gaps that Destiny has educationally. So after seeing the troubles we had in 8th grade, I decided to make a Summer Workbook. She was just thrilled, NOT. However, she sees the gaps that she has and how those gaps can set her even further back in school. We all know that her not being exposed to this material when she was supposed to isn't her fault; however, she has to do what she can to change that for her future so that she can be a successful well-rounded individual.

This workbook consists of Spelling, Reading Comprehension, Writing, English, and Math. All of which she needs help. We also are encouraging her to complete a logic book and a grade-level story each month. So needless to say, she is one busy girl. However, it causes me to be one busy tutor/guardian. It does her no good if she doesn't understand why she's doing it. So every night, we sit down together and discuss what she did that day and what she will be doing tomorrow. So she understands the whole concept and not just the steps.

In 2008 I graduated with my Elementary Education degree and had the worst luck in finding a job. I really didn't understand why God put such a calling on my life only to not be able to make any money at it. Well, now I know exactly why I have my degree in Education. Now, don't get me wrong, I absolutely love what I do and I love the people I work with. God has truly blessed me with my dream position; however, I do still have a calling on my life to teach. And now, I am truly understanding what it's like to teach and make a difference in a child's life in more ways than one. I am able to use all of those techniques that I learned and had experience with in school and apply them to my teaching Destiny.

I am so happy with my job, it would take a small miracle for me to go back to teaching as a profession. However, I am thankful for seeing what God has made of my degree and my calling on life. I honestly wouldn't know where to begin to close in those gaps if it weren't for my degree.

We are making small gains, but small gains end up to be big ones in the end. So continue your prayers...we still need them as we are accomplishing new tasks at the Wood Estate!

Weekend with the Bestie

Many of you know Ashleigh, my bestie. Ashleigh and I met while in college and have been friends ever since. We were each others Maids/Matrons of Honor, and even though we live several miles away from each other, we still have a friendship that can never be forged.  Now she is a wonderful mother of a beautiful little boy and me...well... you know the story. It's amazing to think of how we used to be and now how we are. Usually our bestie weekends are spent binging on all the chocolate we can find and dishing on the most recent gossip. This weekend was spent chasing kids (hers) and telling them no (mine). We were able to get a little gossip in, but it was at 2am and there is no telling what we were actually saying being that the deliriousness had set in. It was a much different experience than what we are used to, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Destiny was able to get to go to Trade-Day, which really brings out a whole new breed of Alabamians. Destiny even mentioned that she "was out of her element". (LOL) It still was a life experience! We ate way too much funnel cakes and corn dogs. We were even nice enough to bring Josh some boiled peanuts.

  I love how Destiny looks scared in this pic!!

I loved the time with the bestie, but the best time this weekend was really spent in the car. Destiny's phone died on the way home and it was rare chance to really get to know each other. It was nice to really look into her view on things that are happening, has happened, and will happen. We talked a little about some fears that she has. We even touched a little on the infamous change before high school. Overall, this weekend was a huge success and can't wait for the next one!

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!!