Dream Vacation Commenting Challenge Final Day!

Today's Topic:

Tell us about your dream vacation!

Where would you go? Have you been there before? Who would go with you? What about it draws you in?

I have a few dream destinations, but right now it's a visit to New York. I want to have an extended stay in New York and just do and live everything about it. I've never been. I am planning for it to be my birthday getaway in a couple of years. I am planning on it being a family trip. My kids are young adults and I know they would really enjoy it!

Another dream destination would be Bora Bora and stay in one of those Villas over the water. I am a beach, sand, water kind of girl so something like that would be so ideal.


I've really enjoyed this challenge and really glad it was reasonable enough to finish! Thanks to Jenna! I look forward to returning next summer! :)

Hobbies and such Commenting Challenge Day 4

Today's Topic:

Tell us about your hobbies! What do you do in your free time? What are your favorite books, movies, music etc?

I enjoy reading and have a love for books. I am always buying them even before I'm finished with one I'm reading. I'm planning to have a "library" in my home when we move. I love listening to my music, blogging, cooking, writing, and photography.

As a child I was so into Judy Blume books. I've managed over the years to purchase just about every copy of her books from Are you there God It's Me Margaret to Tiger Eyes to Summer Sisters. I love that she had a book for just about every stage of my life. As an adult I've really enjoy books by Nicholas Sparks, Jodi Picoult and James Wright. My favorites from each right now are The Notebook, The Pact and Wednesday Letters. I love books about life, family, love, drama etc... I always enjoy the book way more than the movie, but don't we all?

My favorite movies tend to lend themselves to the same category as my books. Steel Magnolias is my all time favorite and I can watch that over and over again as well as repeat most lines! Some other honorable mentions include The Notebook (surprised?), A Walk to Remember, The Titanic, Country Strong, Sex and the City, Couples Retreat. Let's not forget my most treasured animated movies...Toy Story and Finding Nemo. I'm not big on watching a movie over again once I've watched it nor am I a big movie buff, so if it makes the cut I must really like it and can watch over again.

As for music I love all things country. Anyone who knows me knows I have a love for Kenny Chesney's music. It is just downright music you play when you relax in a beach watching the sun set. I also am into Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Zac Brown, Darius Rucker, Chris Young...okay....this list could get really long if I keep going so I will stop there. You get the point. Country music gets a bad rap for most people who don't get it or who just don't prefer it, but I love it! It just about all I listen other than the top 40 music and occasional Rock.

Okay maybe this was more than I had anticipated on sharing, but there you have it... A bit more about me.

Grey's Addiction

No, this isn't a blog post on the 50 Shades of Grey.  I have the first book, but I have not really started reading it.  This is about my addiction and marathon to the Grey's Anatomy series.  I watched the most recent and last episode of season 8.  It had a snippet from the first episode from season 1.  I was curious to watch the first episode that got this all started.  I hit Netflix, watched the first episode and VOILA- hooked!  I am currently on season 3 episode 4.  I can't stop watching.  It's like a good book!  I was into this series a while back, but stopped watching when it became inconsistent when there was a new episode coming on.  Season 1 had like 10 episodes and season 2 jumped to like 20 something episodes.  See the inconsistency?  So, now I get to watch one after another with no interruptions unless I want the interruption.  I have it on while I clean and it helps the cleaning go faster.  :)  I have laundry to do now so that will definitely be what I get to watch while I fold clothes. :)  I'm hoping to be all caught up before the next season begins which looks to be a really good one!  Some of my favorite characters may not be on anymore unfortunately, but I am curious to see how it all plays out.  

So, do you have an addiction to a show?  What is it and why? 

Social Media and Websites Commenting Challenge Day 3

Welcome to Day 3! Our topic today is two-fold:

Tell us about your social media! Where can we find you? Link to your twitter, pinterest, Facebook, instagram, or google +. If you don't use those sites, then tell us why not!

Also, what are your favorite websites? Are there any that you check daily? What do you like about them?

I do have Facebook and Instagram that I am connected to with family and close friends.  I don't have a twitter account mostly because I never could understand it or maybe I just thought FB was enough.  

I love reading and check into the Barnes and Noble or Amazon website for my latest books I want.  I enjoy Reality Steve as well since I am a fan of the Bachelor series.  I don't always like to find out the endings to things, but I do like reading about what may happen so that I can see how things get there.  I also go to YouTube to find my latest country music favorites.  Lately, I spend my web time on blogs, Pinterest and/or FB though.  I'd be glad to hear of any interesting websites that you follow!   

Day 3...not too bad!  I'm enjoying this challenge! :) 

  

Why Blog? Commenting Challenge Day 2

Day 2:

Tell us about your blog. What do you blog about? Why do you blog? How did you start blogging? What kinds of things do you/are you willing to share with the world? Where do you find your topic inspiration? (Hint: Don't share about your social media just yet!)

I began blogging 3 years ago after reading my friend's daughter's blog about a trip to Spain.  I was amazed at the detail in her writing.  I felt like I was there!  


I always loved writing and did lots of it journal style as I was growing up.  My blog topics at first began with my daily thoughts that ran through my mind as I was facing the realization that my children were no longer "children' anymore and that they were growing up.  Too fast...might I add.  My blog evolved to be about my daily life and just those random things that go on in life.  Some days you will also see the occasional sharing of celebrations and proud moments as well as the occasional weekly/monthly meme or challenge.  I enjoy reading other blogs and besides getting my inspiration from favorite blogs, I also get my inspiration from life.  It is funny how much more you pay close attention to the little things in life when you know you want to blog about it. :)  This is my break from the real world and I love reading about how others get through their journeys whether that is their daily anecdotes, life in pictures, cooking lessons, things their babies do, married life, crafty inspirations...etc... It is great to see how many blessings there are going on in the world.  

Commenting Challenge Day 1

As I stumbled across the blog world last night, I came across Jenna's Journey blog.  She is having a blog challenge and I do love challenges.  I attempted the A to Z one, but was not quite successful.  So, I am going to try this one to see how it goes.  The fun part is meeting new bloggers. :)  Besides it is just for one week!  How hard can that be?  I'm starting late, but will catch up.  If you are interested please go here to find out more.

Todays Topic:

Tell us about YOU! What's your name? Where do you live? Who lives with you? Do you work outside the home? Have kids? Pets? (Psst! Don't spill the beans about your blog or hobbies quite yet!).

If you have not been here to my blog, Welcome!  I am Michelle.  I am married to a wonderful, fun loving, adventurous man who was also my high school sweetheart.  He keeps our life fun and interesting!  I have two children.  My daughter is about to turn 21 and my son just had his 14th birthday.  I live with my 3 characters in the hot state of Texas.  (By the way, it is VERY HOT right now!  We are having 3 digit degree heat!)  I do work in the education field.  I lead a school of approximately 850 students in grades PK-5th grade.  I love what I do and could not see myself doing anything else.  I knew at a very young age that I would have a career that involved kids, so I am blessed to be living my dream.  So, there you have it...a bit about me.

Simple Things Sunday-Birthday edition

I am having a special edition to the Simple Things Sunday.  My son turns 14 Monday and I want to celebrate the simple things about him.  

(If you want to find out about Simple Things Sunday-click here thanks to Rebecca at Simple As That)

My son was born 14 years ago and has been a blessing to our lives.  He is our second born and baby of the family.  I had the fortunate opportunity to stay home with him when he was born.  I enjoyed every minute of it and feel that was the best thing I could have ever done for him.  I loved being a mom and never minded having to wake up in the middle of the night to get his bottle or comfort him.  Until the age of 5, he only was allowed to watch PBS/PBS kids on TV.  That turned to be a great thing because he ended up acquiring so much from the learning channel.  Five wasn't a magical age, however it was the age where he started to discover other cartoon related channels and wanted to watch those too.  I just made those not as accessible.  He has grown to be one that is very fond of fortune and knows what he wants as well as what he doesn't want.  He is a private person for the most part and will let you in when he wants you to let you in.  He is a whiz with the computer and all things technical.  He was a huge video game player, but lately its seems to be taking less and less of his time.  

When he began middle school I was so afraid of how he would fit in or get along in school.  Amazingly, he handled middle school quite fine.  He tried everything! From Odyssey of the Mind, choir, band, football, soccer, Honor Society, you name it...he tried it and did quite well.  Now he is about to enter high school and has selected to be a part of the band on the Drumline and continue with choir.  I know he will do wonders in high school.  

So, here's to my son, the birthday boy!  May he continue to have the courage to try and never give up on all that he wants.  May he have a wonderful 14th birthday! 

Baseball player

 With his big sister....Snowing in Texas! 

Soccer player

  

Dr. Seuss day at school

His surprise look when he got his first cell phone for his 11th birthday-the summer before entering middle school

Friends and cousins around the fire.  The kids were about 10 years old here. 

Drummer Boy-here he and his cousin are demonstrating their music skills they have just acquired in school

At the local baseball game where he sang the National Anthem with his school choir 

Football player-he never likes taking pictures 

14th birthday celebration-Cake time!

Childhood friends-turn teenagers

Wishing you a wonderful simple Sunday! 

Simple Things Sunday

Stumbled across the Simple Things Sunday party and decided to join!  Thanks to Rebecca at Simply as That.  Here is the deal with Simple Things Sunday:

This party is all about celebrating the simple moments and simple joys that make you smile each week. So grab that camera, snap a photo or two and come share with us each Sunday!

Just a few quick rules to play:

1. Grab a button and include it in your simple things post.

2. Link back directly to your simple things post not your blog/website.

No links to other linky parties, giveaways or craft projects pretty please. 

This linky is all about the photos.

3. Be sure to pop by and visit at least 3 other links and leave a comment.

Leave as many as you can. :)




Here are my simple things from this past week.  Yes, I am a bit late for Sunday...but I just found it. :) 
My niece's Cowgirl birthday party.  My darling niece looking on while faces were being painted and balloon monkeys made. 

Big sister having a ball in the moonwalk.  

Hope you can stop and take in the moments and capture them to share too.  Enjoy your week! 

Dads Day

We had a wonderful Father's Day.  We spent the day sleeping in and followed it with a visit to my parents' home for a big Mexican feast.  My mom made tostadas, enchiladas and all the trimmings to satisfy the cravings of all the dads in the family.  I wanted to dedicate this post to my wonderful husband and adorable father to my children.  So many ways I love to love this man...let me count the ways...

Wonderful and Fun loving husband

Adventurous Father

The bEST Uncle

Loyal Friend

  

  Athletic

So, these are just a few of the many things I love to love about this man and why I am forever grateful God placed him in my path to be the father of my children.   

Road Trip

My husband and I took a road trip to Arlington to see the Brothers of the Sun Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw tour.  We had a great time!  Please excuse the lack of clear detail of the photos as I took them with my Iphone-for some reason they look more clear on my phone.  I had left my SLR camera at home-which I won't do again.  I just wanted to pack light for this trip.  

This is a drive in movie theater we saw along the road. 

Along the road is this beautiful untouched land and trees.  I would love to live out here without a worry to the world! 

This is an area full of sunflowers.  This picture does not give it justice.  It was beautiful!  There were people stopping along the road to take pictures with their families.  

The Cowboys Stadium.  It was really huge!  I am not a Cowboys fan, but I really did admire this stadium.  

Up close and personal to the stadium. 

My husband and I right before we went into the stadium. 

My friend who met up with us in Arlington for the concert. 

Inside the stadium early on in the show. 

Us again. :) Inside the stadium. 

Tim McGraw performed first and put on a great show! 

Kenny Chesney performs after and he is so full of energy!  He bounced all over the stage!

On the way back we stop at a "convenience store" called Buccees.  Have you heard of this place? It's like a mini Walmart, but highly priced items. 

The place is fully packed with lots of travelers!  You'd think there was a party going on.

There are loads of shelves with all kinds of flavored dipped fruit, nuts, etc... I bought the praline pecans at $10 a bag.  Quite a high end price, but truly delicious! 

This is where you place your order for just about anything.  There is a deli, bakery, etc... You name it they sell it.

There is also lots of shelf space for  souvenirs- Texas, Buccees, etc...  

We got the kids Buccees shirts.  They loved them. 

I really enjoyed this weekend getaway.  We had a great time in Arlington, Fort Worth and our first visit to the extraordinary Buccees.  I love getaways like this where we just take to the road and enjoy the scenic view along with great conversation.  Can't wait for the next road trip!  

Do you have plans for a road trip or have taken one lately?  How did it go?