A Photo Session for Yours Truly

I had the opportunity to step in front of the camera for the first time in a while and to take it even better my husband wanted to take some pictures with me! For those who don't know, my Hubby does not enjoy taking pictures so for him to do this is a BIG DEAL! I love him and I want that portrayed in photos on my wall!

My two friends, Tina and Helen, did the photo session for us! We picked a theme and locale and hit Pinterest for ideas. All three of us love photography and enjoy getting the opportunity to share, collaborate and learn through experiences like this one. I think that they did an amazing job. I felt so comfortable and at ease. And when someone can capture a smile from my Hubby...a genuine smile...they are worth their weight in gold!

I definitely have some favorites and I've only seen a couple pictures so far! I think I will be using them to update my blog and Facebook page. What do you think? Do you see a picture you are loving? You see that is the thing about pictures. We all see and love different things about them. Photos capture moments and memories. Not only that, they can show personality in unique and beautiful ways. Simple Significance at its best. 

{30 Before 30} Family Vacation

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite photos from our family vacation this year. Our first family vacation by the way! We spent a lovely time at the beach. It was Little Miss' first time and she was a little nervous at first, but slowly came around to exploring and having fun. 

I'll tell you what...we rented a house instead of a hotel and it was FAN-FLIPPING-TASTIC!! I don't think I'll want to be in a hotel for an extended stay if I can prevent it. I did over pack in regards to food and I didn't wear a stitch of makeup. 

We ate at a lovely seafood restaurant overlooking the beach. Everyone of us cleared our plate without complaint. For the Hubs, that is a big deal because he doesn't "trust" new restaurants that often. 

I am happy that we made the effort to go and get out the house. To break our boring everyday routine with a new adventure. 

For more posts on my 30 before 30 check these out: the wizard world,  painting and buying a new dog, bible studies, or my valentine's day adventure. 

My Valentine's Day Bucket List Adventure

What do you want for Valentine's Day he asked? My response?

Let's cross some things off my 30 before 30 bucket list! He said okay. Our adventure began.

Our first course stop of the night took us to a restaurant featured on Diners. Drive Ins and Dives. This place is kind of off the grind, road side place that is easily looked over, but that's part of the adventure right?

We had to sit outside and it was a little chilly. The Hubs and I both ordered the Triple D Sandwich. I chose this because I wanted to eat something I've never had before (bucket list) and I wanted it to be apart of what Guy Fieri ate on his visit.

The sandwich itself was a large portion. It better of been for almost $10 each. I thought it was very tasty, but honestly it wasn't the best sandwich in the world. The flavors were a very nice combo, but if you didn't eat it quickly it did get soggy. Yuck! I was kind of proud of the Hubby for trying something new too! He is a picky eater and not always willing to try things that he's never had before. I can'y blame him. Meals should be enjoyable and over all this one was for our Valentines Day dinner. 

Next we went to the shooting range. I was scared because I have never shot a real gun before. My Hubby loves shooting!  

Here is the lovely wall decor!

 Like I said before, my Hubby loves to go shooting and he is pretty good at it. We used a couple different targets. Again, I was very nervous. This was a very powerful gun. I think it would have been more enjoyable for me if I used a lower caliber, but this was a spur of the moment trip so we used what we had.

 I on the other hand was not as accurate. Can't you tell?

 It made me quite nervous of the bullet casings kept popping out of the gun after each shot. That is not how it looks in the movies!

Would I go back? I think I would go back with the Hubs, but like I said another gun would be preferred and I think I would also like to have a mouth guard because I was biting down really hard.

Side note: I really like the complimentary coffee station! It was a perfect ending to my first visit to a gun range.

Another Simple Moment: Christmas Time, Photo Time

{my simple moment} – A new ritual. A single photo, maybe two – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, significant, blessed moment. A moment I want to treasure and remember

inspired by SouleMama
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"Christmas Time, Photo Time"

Turning 29

My 29th birthday is tomorrow. No, I am not sad or freaking out it's the last birthday of my twenties. It really is just another birthday to me. In fact, I love birthdays! Bring on the happy birthday's, sweet treats and presents! The Hubby has some stashed somewhere in the house. I know they are there, but I love surprises so I have been waiting to see what bought me.

On my Facebook page, I posed the following question, "Any suggestions or ideas for a must do before the big 30?" My Hubby says I should want to try and climb Mt. Everest. Um...no. I'm not really a death defying risk taker. Let's be honest.

Another FB fan, Marlena suggested I cross something off my bucket list. This got me thinking about what would be on my list of wants, adventures, and ideas for my 29th year of being me. 

I am not very good at large challenges like this. I totally flaked out on the September photo challenge. As you will see, the list I created is very realistic overall. Additionally, this list can be done even after the big 3-0!

In no particular order, here is my 30 before 30:

1. Go to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal studies
2. Drink butter beer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
3. Take a family vacation
4. Take another photography class
5. Enter a photography contest
6. Have a girls night at Painting with a Twist
7. Finish painting and decorating the home office and bathrooms
8. Go to a fancy makeup store and learn how to do my makeup better.
9. Eat at a restaurant featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives
10. Take daughter to Disney World
11. Family trip to go see  and play in snow. Do you want to build a snowman?
12. Meet a celebrity TV/Movie
13. Attend an event which requires a fancy dress
14. Drink champagne
15. Have a staycation at the Gaylord Palms Resort
16. Go to the shooting range with The Hubs (a first for me and he would love it)
17. Go to a sporting event with a sports enthusiast (more fun)
18. Make a Vlog Post
19. Meet an author of a book I have read
    
20. Go to a blog conference
21. Maybe get another dog. I think I would like a Corgi.
22. Eat a food that I've never eaten before
23. Do a girls weekend away maybe at the beach
24. Go back to the place where the Hubs and I went on our honeymoon for a little getaway.
25. Stay out late with friends just talking and hanging without getting tired before 12 am!
26. Ride in a limo
27. Go to a comedy club for the first time (not vulgar though)
28. Pay for a strangers meal in a random act of kindness
29. Do something brave
30. Participate in a good book club or bible study

So what do you think? Where should I start? Do you see anything you want to do with me? Regardless of whether I do just one or two dozen of things on this list I know it's going to be a great year!

Momma's Gonna Blow Her Gasket

I could feel myself getting angry.
I am not a 100% sure why.
Was it the fact that Little Miss refused to eat her dinner?
Is it s combination of things?

I really kind of want to yell....really LOUD.
I don't. I want to, but I don't.
I can feel the tenseness rising within me
Ready to erupt in an undeserved explosion of emotion.
My family the victims of this emotional mess.

Is my voice scratchy?
Oh God, I hope not. Just my luck sickness.

Man, I am in a crappy mood.
The Hubs has noticed.
Little Miss hasn't. She just wants to play.
Where did my joy go?

I want to run and lock myself in my room.
Breathe.
Stay calm.
This too shall pass.
Don't loose it.
Don't take your bad mood out on other people.

This evening "feels" tough.
It started out fine.
Idk
I hope some quiet time and sleep calm my
Inner storm of stress and frustrations of
No definitive source.

Parenthood is not simple.
Life is not simple.
Both can be good--just not 100% of the time.

Back to School 2014

Thursday and Friday of this week students returned to school. As for us teachers, we've been cleaning, planning, meeting, a little stressing since the 1st of the month.

I always look forward to the start of a new year with mixed emotions. I am excited to get back to the old grindstone, but part of me will miss being home with Little Miss and taking naps. Yea, I liked naps this summer (and junk food, but I don't feel the need to elaborate on that point).

So what's new in my school neck of the woods?

I was named the new Department Chair! It was very quick and kind of last minute because of some unexpected school changes. I am excited. The Hubs sent me some gorgeous flowers for my first official week! There's a story behind those flowers.

This is something I've been wanting to do for a while. I am glad for the opportunity even if it means extra work. I spent most of my preplanning helping out our new teacher or sitting in meetings.

I got a flat tire on the first day of school and was a little late getting to work. Not how I was hoping to start my day, but it all worked out in the end.

I put together my first teacher appreciation gift for my department. I got this idea and printable from Pinterest! I did my best to sneak into my colleagues' classrooms and leave them as a surprise!

I am teaching five preps this year. This seems to be my average. Honestly, I would love to lighten my load in regards to this a little bit. I have the highest prep number in the department. Maybe next year I can work on this when I help with the department master schedule?

I co-lead my first professional development with my co worker Hannah! We helped other teachers get  familiar with an online website our district provides for us to use to create class websites. I think it went well. We received pretty good feedback.

Well, that about sums up my first week back besides the fact that I have been quite tired by the end of the day. 9 o' clock has been my bedtime for the past few nights. I am hoping I can manage to stay up long enough tonight to watch Divergent.

Laughable Moment: Flower Delievery

What can you do when a planned surprise goes awry? Here's our story....

Earlier this afternoon, my husband calls me to let me know his ETA home for dinner and then he proceeds to ask me a very odd question, "Did you get anything at work today?"

Besides more paperwork and a piling up to-do list, "No, I didn't."

{Growing perplexed and curious}

The Hubs: "What do you mean? I sent you flowers!!" {You can hear the anger rising and the genuine dismay at a ruined surprise.}

I did my best to reassure him it was more than likely a small accident or oversight and that they are probably in the front office of the school. I was still delighted at the thoughtfulness of his gift. I LOVE GETTING FLOWERS and I LOVE SURPRISES!

But what can you do? Get mad? Sure. Laugh? Why not. Appreciate the love and sentiment of your spouse? Without a doubt---absolutely--hands down!!

I can't wait to go to the front office first thing in the morning and collect my flowers and show them off in my classroom. It warms my heart to know that he was thinking about me. (See my back to school post for more details as to why he sent me flowers later this week!)

It really is the thought that counts! I'll post a picture on Instagram tomorrow of my flowers.

My Summer Bucket List Update

I am really proud of all the little things I have "accomplished" (I do use that loosely) on my bucket list this summer.

1. Go get a manicure or pedicure (I've never had a professional pedicure)
2. Get my hair cut (and maybe colored)
3. Go to Starbucks 
4. Go to the movies with my hubby
5. Trip to Ikea (this is happening this weekend. It's my first time!!!)
6. Continue earn more about GIMP or Photoshop and picture editing 
7. Dinner with girl friends
8. Read a book on the couch uninterrupted for as long as I want. (Check out my summer reading list here).
9. Take a really cute, pretty, fantastic fourth of July picture...maybe with fireworks. 
10. Go on a little shopping spree for some new work clothes and shoes
11. Start gallery wall or personalized office space project (notice I said start....not finish LOL!) 

It's been nice to have little goals here and there for my summer. There are points on my break that I get bored...stir crazy even. At a recent family get together, someone flat out told me I have too much time on my hands. I laughed because it is the opposite in fact because I like to stay a little occupied and not lackadaisical.  

I am grateful for the the time I get with my daughter, but it's nice to have some me time and adult like activities to look forward to. Throughout the summer, I do make plans for me and Little Miss so it's kind of like our mini bucket list. 

So what are my plans to finish more of my list? I think I will save the hair cut and color for closer to the end of summer when I have to go back to work. In order to go the movies with the Hubs, we have to agree on a movie to see and plan for babysitting. Any volunteers? 

I am not sure if I am going to finish book number three on my summer reading list. It has some really weird parts that kind of weird me out a little bit. I'll give it a little longer. I am not one to NOT FINISH a book.

Unfortunately, I don't see the personalized office space and gallery wall happening anytime soon. Maybe that's because those projects take more effort? Perhaps. Maybe these projects are ones I can phone a friend on....make it more fun and a lot more motivating.

Well I think that is all for now. My laptop battery is getting low and I need to get my butt off the couch.

Family Outing Hassles and Hangups

Do to ever feel like a big "fuddy-duddy" hermit who never really feels like going anywhere?  Yeah, as slightly shameful as it is to admit we've got that problem.

Th Hubs and I can come up with a list of excuses or be uninspired when it comes to choosing what to do:

1. That's too long of a drive.
2. Too hot (Florida problems)
3. Too crowded (sorry you won't catch us at Disney world anytime soon)
4. Too expensive
5. Too late in the day
6.  I don't think she's (Little Miss) is old enough for that yet.

Eventually, someone gets mad and we scrap the entire idea and are left with nothing to do, but stew about how we have nothing to do at home. Do you see the pattern? It's a rather sad and frustrating experience especially since we have a small family of three. You would think we would be a lot more flexible. I don't think we're horrible for not wanting to run ourselves ragged. I mean, we both work full time and with an energetic 2.5 year old; we have to be able to have fun and function.

One of this things I have tried doing this summer is to make a list of activities and places I would like to go to and we try and make it happen. Other times, it's more spur of the moment. Both of the options work when we are willing (that's the key isn't it?)

One of the spur of the moment outings we recently did was going to Build-A-Bear and a petting zoo. Build-A-Bear was cute, but very expensive! She very much wanted shoes and skates for Twilight Sparkles, but it would have been another $60 +. We told her next time. She's still hasn't forgotten that promise yet!

 She knew immediately which animal she wanted! That's my girl.

 The Build A Bear experience was cute. The employees made it fun and so interactive.

 Daddy absolutely loves places and outings like this one. Can't you tell?

Little Miss couldn't stop talking about how much she loved her new pony. As big as it is, she's slept with it every night. She has a menagerie of animals in her little toddler bed.

Here are a couple quick shots from the farm. She loved feeding the animals! She would feed them one piece at a time. It was cute.

I suppose the "moral" of this story for us is to stop talking about it and just do it because we had fun each time. Sometimes we must overlook the hassles to make the memories.

My Summer Bucket List

This bucket list idea just popped into my head as I sit here on the couch at 6:45 am. I was on Pinterest  looking a cute Fourth of July manicures. It's funny how those thing happen, right?

These are the things I would like love REALLY enjoy getting a chance to do before going back to work! This list is about me and activities that I would like to do without my "mommy" hat if you know what I mean? For me, it's the little things.....(in no particular order)

1. Go get a manicure or pedicure (I've never had a professional pedicure)
2. Get my hair cut (and maybe colored)
3. Go to Starbucks 
4. Go to the movies with my hubby
5. Trip to Ikea (this is happening this weekend. It's my first time!!!)
6. Continue earn more about GIMP or Photoshop and picture editing 
7. Dinner with girl friends
8. Read a book on the couch uninterrupted for as long as I want. (Check out my summer reading list here).
9. Take a really cute, pretty, fantastic fourth of July picture...maybe with fireworks. 
10. Go on a little shopping spree for some new work clothes and shoes
11. Start gallery wall or personalized office space project (notice I said start....not finish LOL!) 

I know everyone doesn't have summer's off like me, but what's on your summer to-do or "bucket list?" Do we have anything in common?

Weekly Wonderings & Musings 6/1/14

When this momma gets some time to herself to unwind sometime between 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm, I like  to read the latest blog posts from the bloggers I follow, waste time on Pinterest, read a little news or a book, and La-dee-da on Facebook. I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the highlights from my week.

Randomness

These pictures made me laugh out loud this week. You know, the silly,dumb, stupid kind of funny that lightens your load a little bit. 

Simple Moments Captured

Simply Lovin'

Skinny Cow Dark Chocolate Dream Clusters--OMG! They are DELICIOUS! They have been my go to chocolate fix here in the afternoons. Like most women, I appreciate a something sweet.

Grateful Wife 

This week I am grateful for my husband's health. He has been battling a yucky virus for the last two weeks or so and he is finally starting to feel better. There is nothing worse than feeling out of sorts while having to work and be a parent/spouse.

Also, I am grateful for the fact that we both share in the household chores. We had a long list of things to do this weekend. You know the normal things that need to be done mop the floors, clean the bathrooms etc. The kind of things that are very easy to put off because no one really wants to do those things, but it is very noticeable when you do. Yuck.

Significant Scripture Focus

Why is it so easy for "us" to loose faith at the slightest bump in the road? God is so amazing. I mean, he is there with us each and every step of our way out of love and devotion. Sometimes we try and walk by our sight and by worldly ideas and institutions only to find that that path is wrong. Any path without God is the wrong path. It takes conscious effort to keep your faith in the forefront of your heart, mind and soul. May I always remember to walk by faith each and everyday. 

More Conversations With My Husband: The Closer

Here is another snippet from my simple, but significant day to day life with my husband. 

My hubs and I have been married  six years and I love him to pieces and sometimes the conversations we have can be down right hysterical! Here is conversation we had recently:

Hubs: You can call me Kyra Sedgwick because I'm THE CLOSER. I get stuff done! 

I'm not sure if this is original humor on his part, but I thought this was "slap yo' sista" and LOL kind of funny! What's made you laugh this week?

Weekly Wonderings & Musings #7

When this momma gets some time to herself to unwind sometime between 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm, I like  to read the latest blog posts from the bloggers I follow, waste time on Pinterest, read a little news or a book, and La-dee-da on Facebook.  I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the highlights from my week.

Randomness

In honor of my daughter's love for the movie Frozen and Mother's Day, I wanted to share with you a super cute video I came across on Youtube that kind of summarizes a good chunk of motherhood.

This picture really made me laugh. It has a sweetness about it don't you think? Just looking at it makes me a little happy inside. 

Simple Moments Captured

Mommy, Daddy and Little Miss went to High Five FroYo for the first time! It was delicious and just what I wanted on this hot day. Plus, I played the Mother's Day card! It was a delicious combo of vanilla (sugar free) and butter pecan topped with heath bar crunch. 

Simply Lovin'

It was teacher appreciation week and I got a lot of little goodies from student council and the administration. I love teacher appreciation week, but OMG all the candy and food! I could feel my waist line expanding! One of the highlights of course was receiving some flowers from my student on her AP test day. It was totally unexpected and genuine.

Grateful Wife 

As a grateful wife, I want to recognize my the Hubs for working so hard for our family. He works his day job and then in his spare time he does computer work. His side job really does help our family out financially. Additionally, this weekend he changed my oil and vacuumed out my car. It really needed it. I mean it. I really did because with the toddler my back seat was littered with goldfish, cheerios and other goodies.  

Significant Scripture Focus

Psalm 23 has become apart of my "night-night" prayer routine with Little Miss. I started doing this to myself when we where having battles transitioning from the crib. I found that it really helped to calm me down and lessen by stress and in turn made the whole process of putting the toddler to bed a little easier and peaceful.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest  my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Well that about summarizes some highlights from my week. What stands out about yours? Trust me, if you take some time to sit and reflect on it I am sure you can find something. Have a great weekend! 

The Hubs Hit A Deer

If you know me personally or follow me on Instagram, you know last week my hubby got in an accident. Thank God that no one was hurt! We are truly blessed because this could have been a lot worse. When I got the call and he told me what happened it was a little surreal.

The culprit behind this accident was a buck running across the road. The road just so happened to be a busy highway. Why was the hubby out and about? He was getting me my Sunday morning coupons. I do not blame the coupons. After he hit the deer, it stumbled into the other lane and actually popped an older couples van tire. Do you know what the Hubs did? He helped them change it while waiting for the highway patrol. Yea, that's the kind of guy he is.

And in case you are wondering...no we did not keep the deer. A redneck did pull over and take it away so someone out there has a freezer full of venison.

Lucky for us, the Hubs has great parents that let us borrow one of their vehicles until we got ourselves figured out. We've toyed around with the idea about getting a newer truck---but it was just talk. The accident, however, forced our hand and our wallet. Thank the Lord for emergency funds and good credit.

Things were tense and frustrating around the Simple Significance household. As days passed by, we researched and talked to car dealers and insurance adjusters. The price of used trucks is quite frankly outrageous inflated ridiculous. The first place we went to wanted over $10K for a truck that had 195,000 miles on it! You've got to be smoking some good stuff if you think that's a reasonable price.

I felt for my man....he loved his truck. He put a lot of time and energy into and it ran like a champ. He's had it since high school and in fact, it was the truck he took me on our first date on (insert sappy romantic awh)!

Four days after the accident, we attempted our new truck search again. Honestly, neither he nor I were very hopeful. I mean, the Hubs is usually a glass half empty guy as it is, but you got to give him a little break---he was in mourning.

I don't know what it was about today, but we actually did find a new truck. (It was the first place we stopped at!) Can you believe it? Hallelujah!  It was what we were looking for, but most importantly it was in our price range (winner, winner) This truck was not posted on their website and the sales rep didn't know it was there right off the bat, but there she he it was just sitting there all "pretty."

The Hubs inspected this truck up and down--top to bottom. I got to give him credit he definitely knows his stuff and I trust his judgement completely. We both felt right about the purchase.

The dealership was great. They answered all our questions, they weren't pushy, and they were courteous. A+ service. Plus, we did manage to talk them down a little on the price. It never hurts to haggle right?

All in all everything worked out when it was all said and done. We are still waiting to hear from the insurance adjuster about their assessment. Who knows what they'll say. Those things are tricky. Anywho....thanks for going along with us on this journey. As I am finishing up this post, I realize there are no pictures of the lovely leather interior (yes I am kinda rubbing that in) so I will do an update post as soon as I can. If the Hubs will let me near his new "man toy."