Charlotte's Web

I wanted to read Raegan a "real" book instead of the short stories that we usually read. So today, I took her to the book store and we bought Charlotte's Web. At nap time (because we couldn't wait til bed time) we read 2 chapters. She listened intently...repeating every detail of the story. I asked her questions to be sure she was really paying attention and comprehending the story ;0)....the teacher in me I guess. I can tell this girl is going to have a heart for good reading and I am so glad to get to share it with her. The plan was to read a chapter a day and finish it before summer. It looks like we'll finish it sooner than later and be making a trip back to the bookstore. Love it!!!!!!!!!!

Summer Update....

We returned home this weekend from a fabulous beach vacation in Orange Beach. I will post pics soon. We all had an incredible time. We went to see the lighthouse in Pensacola and it was definitely a sight to see. After 177 steps it was worth the wait for the incredible view. We went on a dolphin cruise and it was the best we've had in 10 years. The beaches were more beautiful than we anticipated with the media hype.

I received a phone call from my grad school professor that I had passsed my comprehensive finals which was a huge relief since it was pass/fail and the final requirement for graduation. I will graduate in August. I am thankful to all who have made this dream possible for me, especially my family.

Next week sweet Raegan will turn 3! I can't believe it. She will be starting swim lessons which are greatly needed since she has spent most of the summer in the pool. I hope she enjoys it! She will also start preschool in the fall. This a bittersweet moment for us because it she's growing up way too fast. She is ready to make new friends and learn lots of new things. She has picked out some new school shoes already and we got her a Dora lunch box and backpack for her birthday. This girl really loves Dora.

Many changes are happening at work. Our principal retired and a new one has been hired so things will be different for us. At first I was sad about the change but I am now looking forward to what is in store. I will be teaching both honors and regular biology next semester so that means I will have to do a little summer planning to be on track. With less than a month left it seems like the summer has almost passed me by. I am looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity.

So what's going on with you....blog readers? How has your summer been?

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Our Trip to the "Gatlinburger" Aquarium

A Special Weekend

This weekend was so special. Saturday Scott and I celebrated our anniversary and then Mother's Day was Sunday. We got to spend some quality time with our family and enjoyed great food. It was just a peaceful time. This time of year is really busy for me at work. It has been hectic as usual but rewarding at the same time. This weekend also marked a special event in my life. It was 20 years ago this Sunday that I asked Jesus Christ to be my Lord and Savior. I'm far from perfect but I am HIS. I am thankful to be his child and I hope to always share his LOVE with my own daughter. Being a mother is a tough, endless job but one of the BEST in the world. I am blessed beyond measure. She has brought so much joy to all of our lives. I never imagined that such a little person could be such a big part of our lives. Being a mother is truly amazing. I definitely felt the love from my family from heartfelt sentiments,flowers, and cards......way more than I ever expected or deserved. It never fails that I get a Mother's Day card from my baby brother and this year was no different. My grandparents also share this day with me and this year it was hard not having Grandaddy with us but he was missed. I will think of him when I plant my new rose bush from Grammy. Our conversations were filled with much laughter and remembrance of him. My sweet daddy gave me the best card....a real tear jerker. And of course, Scott out did himself as always. He recognizes how stressed and tired I have been so he treated me to a spa gift certificate. I'm holding out until the end of the semester. My daughter was precious, telling me "Happy Mudders Day" every chance she got. Wow! I can't believe she's almost 3. Where does the time go? Her growing up is bittersweet. Time is just too precious to take for granted.