Two Little Magnolias

During a recent Ladies Night- In event with some friends, the topic of “man’s work” came about. You see, “man’s work” are task that are considered masculine and therefore completed by men. These are things like mowing the lawn, taking out the trash, and anything to do with fixing something around the house. You know, manly things. But, that’s not always the case. The women around me were shocked to find out, I am usually the person in our family that takes care of the lawn. Just a few days before I had mowed the lawn, edged, trimmed the bushes and trees, and sprayed the flower beds with weed killer. Our yard looks lovely if I do say so myself. The act of mowing the lawn had never crossed my mind but as I spoke the words, my friends looked at me in utter shock. “You, mow the lawn?” one friend asked. “Why in the hell would you willingly do that?” asked another. I’d love to answer these questions with something amazing like, “Because, I am a strong and independent woman and I can mow...

 To my very best friend from high school, First let me say, I love and miss you, and thank you for all of the wonderful memories. You see, high school for me, was wonderful, because I had you. Of course we had other friends, but you and I had something special. We understood each other. The things we found funny, what made us mad, what made us sad and you were there for me when I needed you the most. Even though we have been out of high school for well over 12 years, there are days that I still feel like I'm 16. I hear a song, one that we would sing as loud as humanly possible, while we drove around in my old Chevy Malibu, through the Indiana countryside, and it instantly takes me back. Times were very different then. I was the blonde, you were the brunette. Where I went, so did you. The football game, the dance, the mall, and of course to eat...everywhere! We worked together, we laughed together, we cried together. We had the same wardrobe and too many inside jokes to...

It's summer and I know what you're thinking. Your child's teachers are all sipping mojito's on a beach somewhere or possibly sleeping their days away and you know what.. you're kinda right. I have been to the beach, I have taken a nap- side note, I'm super impressed by this because I'm not only a teacher, I'm a mom and let's face it, no matter what you do, it's nearly impossible for a mom to take a nap! Anyways, the fact of the matter is, when I'm on summer break I go on vacation, I drink.. a lot (shh) and I spend some very much needed time with my family. What you most likely don't think about though is that I take at least 2 hours a days, often much more, and devote that to improving my teaching Yep, you heard me, I work... during the summer! And guess what, it's also unpaid work! Why on earth would I work for free during summer? Well, the answer to that is extremely simple. I work so that I can make the year better for my ...

We have made going to the Florida Keys an annual summer vacation spot. We rent a house, make home cooked meals, fish, swim, sing, dance, and so much more. For our family, its the perfect place to just get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday and just RELAX! Sometimes, it is hard to break away from our busy routine but when I am old and grey, I want to look back at my life and see that I have enjoyed my family and I have enjoyed my life. Vacations are so important to our family because we make memories, together and for for me, seeing the faces of my smiling family is worth every dime that we spend. There is a popular saying... "You can always make more money but you can't make more time with your family." It's a simple reminder that no one lives forever so make this life count by spending it with the people that matter the most! In a time where everything is go, go, go vacations are a time to slow down and to really enjoy the people arou...

How to keep kids entertained WITHOUT technology. If you have children, chances are you are going to take a long trip, in a car, at some point. It can save a lot of money and it can also be a fun family bonding experience. I remember back to my childhood taking our annual family vacation to the beach and loving spending time in the car with my family. Why? Because my mom always made it fun! We had snacks, listened to music and sang...horribly, and my mom always had several blind bags handy. They were full of awesome little games, toys, and treats. I absolutely loved them as a kid and really looked forward to our trips because of them. Now as an adult, I make blind bags for my own kids! It's a fun way to keep the kids entertained without the use of technology!  First things first, when we are on a road-trip, snacks are a must! The only problem was they kept dropping their toys and their snacks and either my husband or myself were turning into contortionist trying to retrieve...

What is it really like to live in Florida? Living in coastal Florida means that we are surrounded by water, seriously its everywhere! You would think that we would go to the beach constantly or at least do fun water related activities but no, we didn't. The first year that we lived here, my husband and I rarely went to the beach with our kids or really partook in any water related activities. And to be honest, I'm not really sure why. It's not like we didn't know how to swim or had any sort of phobia, we just didn't go often. Towards the beginning of our second summer in Florida, Rick and I decided to take the girls to a beach-side restaurant for dinner. It was absolutely gorgeous! The weather was perfect, a nice warm, salty, breeze and there was music in the background as the sun was setting. Our girls danced along to the sound of the music and the sky was painted in the most beautiful colors you'd ever see. While we sat there, we talked reflected on ...

It comes to no surprise for those of you that know me, I love to write. Unfortunately, my writing has taken a back seat lately because I have been busy being a mom, finishing my degree, and working as a 6th grade teacher. This has left me with hardly any time to write, but to be honest it wasn't the schedule that was too demanding, it was the mom guilt.  I honestly felt guilty for taking any time to myself, even to do something that I love. I felt bad for finishing my degree and working, I felt bad for having to take the time to cook dinner and clean the house, I just felt guilty...all the time! I felt like no matter what I did, I was taking away the precious time with my children and that I was loosing potential memories with my children. I would look at pictures of my friends on Facebook and see all of the amazing post and think "wow, look at how much fun her children are having!" It's not that my children weren't having fun, believe me they are spoiled rotten...