Summer is unofficially here!

Well not really... For this teacher summer begins June 13th but on Thursday the unofficial start to summer began. That's right, Kenny Chesney came to town. Each summer my friend and fellow teacher go to see him! For us summer isn't really summer without a little Kenny! 

That is the face of a mama that doesn't get out much! 

It is a highlight of every summer and it is one tradition we won't be giving up any time soon! 

Mid Week Confessions

Elizabeth over at E, Myself, and I has midweek confessions each Wednesday that I love!  They usually relate to either motherhood or being a teacher so let's just say I can relate.  After reading I leave her post feeling like I am not alone in the craziness of being a young working mom.  I thought I would give my own confessions a shot.  Here goes nothing, even if I am fashionably a day late!

1. Sometimes I let my grandma (aka my amazing babysitter) make my bed.  I am not proud of this and I feel totally guilty when I do.

2.  I cried twice this week.  I am talking, out loud, ugly crying.  Once when I was watching the end of Safe Haven (sweet movie that was filmed in my home state, in one of my favorite places, see this post for more on that) and again last night when I finished the amazing book below.  If you haven't read it add it to your summer reading list!   I hadn't cried that hard since Lady Sybil died in an episode Downton Abbey!

3. I loath assessment time at the end of the year.  I think it is entirely unfair to ask a 9 year old to sit in a desk for 4 hours and take a test one week from the last day of school.  I also think it is cruel and unusual punishment to ask their teacher to administer such a test.  That being said, the countdown to summer break is ON!

4. I am the only girl in America that does not watch dating and singing shows.  By this I mean shows like The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, or America Idol.  I am a pretty old fashion gal that still believes in things like fate, love at first sight, and kissing and NOT telling (on national television).

5. My child may or may not have bathed played in the mud TWICE this week.  Let's just say one "adventure" ended with a bath was outside and one with a water hose.

Green Thumb? Probably not.

I am certainly not claiming to be a "green thumb" but I am pretty proud of myself for making it a couple weeks without killing my mini garden.  I know I am probably getting way ahead of myself but I thought I would give a window box a try.  Although we live (literally) in the middle of no where with really no one to see them I think they are pretty and that is all that really matters right?  Plus it gives me a chance to have a little science lesson with the toddler.  Can you tell I am trying to make myself feel better about the $40 I spent?  I am positive they look nothing like the Pinterest inspirations I found but I am pretty excited about how they turned out!  Especially considering they were my first attempt!

I started with a few local supplies from Lowe's.  I couldn't believe the boxes were only $10!  Score!

The final product... 

Daddy's Girl

Without a doubt ER loves her daddy.  The other night after he came off a 48 hour shift she was missing him like crazy (mama was too)!  She didn't leave his side all night.  In fact, she was loving daddy so much she wanted to be just like him while he recovered from his softball injury.  I thought it was too incredibly cute not to share.

"Look mommy, I am just like daddy!"  

Lock up your daughters...

Ever since we found out we were having a little girl Preston has been extra protective. When I called him on Friday to tell him she had her first "date" with her buddy Jacob he was quick to remind me, "no holding hands." Needless to say she eagerly broke that role when I egged her on. Shhh... Don't tell Dad! 

Jacob is the adorable son of one of my oldest and best friends, Kristen. She and I recently reconnected when I moved to the school she also teaches in. God sure does have a funny way of keeping special people in our lives and for that I am so thankful! 

Our "date" consisted of hot dogs at Al's and mommy's school carnival. The kids had a blast and tried everything! 

Pirates and Fairies

On Saturday we ventured out to celebrate two of our favorite people's birthdays.  The theme was Pirates and Fairies. Preston's precious cousin Elizabeth dressed up and surprised the kids as Tinker Bell. ER was super excited to say the least. Next June ER will be a flower girl in her wedding! 

Of course ER wanted to join the the fun too. We just may have a future ECU fan on our hands! 

Bald Head Island

I love the state we live in.  It seems just when you think you have seen it all, there is something new to discover.  Over spring break we were fortunate enough to discover a special island, Bald Head Island.  Located off the coast of Southport, BHI is a quant island that is car free and extremely relaxing!  Other than taking the golf cart out for lunch and a bit of exploring we basically stayed around the amazing house that had been rented for the wedding we were going to.  The kids had a great time playing on the beach and the adults had a great time being kids adults.  

Our amazing room that felt more like a suite!

Old Baldy (also the site of the wedding)

Cousins 

Easter Egg Hunt on the Beach

The Easter Bunny found us!  He brought fun treats to take to Disney!

April Babies

Preston and I were born 22 days a part.  This makes for a very fun April!  For Preston's big day I attempted to throw him a surprise party.  I kinda pulled it off although he figured out something was up right before.  We went to a local restaurant and heard a surprisingly good blue grass band.  Fun was had by all.  We may or may not have kept our 2 year old out until 11:00.  #nojudgementplease

For my birthday my sweet in laws and hubby pulled together a family gathering at the Soda Shoppe.  It was delicious and super fun.  Again, I really felt the love!  I am so thankful for a second family that has "adopted" me as one of their own!

An end of an era...

In 2002 a special place came into my life... Meredith College.  In 2006 I graduated and began my career as a kindergarten teacher.  While teaching I realized that my true passion was in teaching children to read.  In 2009 I decided to begin the journey into graduate school.  I re-enrolled back at Meredith in the Masters of Education program with a concentration on reading.  Four years and a baby later I can proudly say as of May 11th I am a graduate!

During graduate school I learned more than I ever thought I would about the field of education (reading especially).  I feel more confident as a teacher and now see myself as more of a professional.  As cheesy as it sounds I really did get my my awesome, giving, sweet parents' money's worth.  I am so thankful and feel blessed to have had this opportunity.  I am also pretty dang proud of myself for actually finishing!  After ER was born I had a moment of wanting to quit.  My family kept me motivated to not give up and I am so glad I did not.

All weekend we celebrated!  Friday night I was COMPLETELY blown away by an awesome surprise party thrown by my hubby.  I must say, he inherited his mama's party planning genes because he did a great job!  I was so touched by all the friends and family who came out to celebrate with us.  I felt the love for sure!

On Saturday I graduated.  My favorite moment of the night was when ER ran up to me after graduating saying, "Congratulations!  I am so proud of you!"

Green Thumbs

Spring is in full swing at the Parks'.  With graduate school behind me (more on that later) I have decided to try a new hobby... gardening.  If you know me, you are laughing out loud right about now but it is true.  I am going to try my hand at starting a (very small) garden.

A couple weeks ago I started with herbs and I am proud to say they are not dead yet.  I have a small pot with rosemary, mint, parsley, oregano, and thyme.

This week we decided to plant a few container gardeners.  Using three galvanized buckets we planted tomatoes, peppers (green and yellow), and cilantro.  Not much I know but remember... we are starting small!  Thankfully the rabbits haven't found the plants yet!  If they do not eat the plants I also plan on planting lettuce.

To help us I began by logging onto Pinterest researching the best ways to plant in containers.  I found a great "how to" but for whatever reason I cannot seem to find it now.  I will give it the credit it is due as soon as I can find it.  For now, here is my version.

First, drill holes into the bottom of your container about 4 inches apart.

Next, line the bottom of the container with coffee filters making sure to cover each hole you made.

Cover the filters with a layer of gravel.  These steps insure proper filtration.

Place a layer of sand or plain old dirt on top of the gravel.  We used sand from an old sand box.

Fill pot 3/4 of the way full of potting soil.  We need all the help we can get so we used Miracle Grow. 

Position your plants and fill in potting soil around them.  When using toddlers as helpers, use the words "gentle" and "easy" repeatedly.  If a four legged friend is your helper, don't let them eat the dirt.

Lastly, water the plants and say a little prayer that they actually grow so that you did not just waste $40.