I Know What You're Thinking...

So, I'm sure you are wondering where I've been...well I've been busy having a fun summer. I haven't done too well on my challenge huh? Well, unfortunately that is one of my bad habits...I start things and don't finish them!! So sorry to anyone who was following me...I hope you will keep following :)

Not a whole lot has happened since my last post. We've been enjoying our lazy summer days. Last week I took Mason to get his school shots...I don't know who it was worse on...me or him! So glad that is over!

We are also preparing for Mason's first trip to the beach..yay!! I can't wait to make some awesome beach memories and hopefully get a couple of good pictures and of course eat some good seafood.

So, do you have a favorite beach memory??

Until next time..

Heather

Day #4 of My Challenge...Happy Birthday Little Brother!

Since today is my little brother's 17th birthday, I'm dedicating my blog to him. Even though he now wants to be known as "Bubba" I still love him :) Anyway, I'm so proud of him. To say he's had a rough couple of years would be an understatement! Thankfully he is now doing so much better. He currently attends French Camp Academy and is doing really well. He is working out with the football team and if he can pull a B in his summer school class he will be a proud member of French Camp's football team. He should be pretty good based on his size. I only come up to his chest...he is huge! He is now about an inch taller than my dad also.

I'm looking forward to taking road trips to see him play. Yes, I'm assuming he will pull a B in his summer school class. He only has one class so I'm really expecting an A...no pressure "Bubba"!

Anyway, as I close for tonight I just want to say...Happy Birthday little brother! I love you and am so proud of you!

Day #3 of My Challenge...It's the Simple Things

Since I'm on summer vacation Mason and I are able to take it easy. It is so nice waking up in the morning and just take it easy instead of rush, rush, rush like we do during the school year! I love not having to be anywhere at any certain time. This is a big stress relief for me since I tend to be constantly running late! Anyway, we were able to go to lunch with my mom which was very nice. Lunch dates are one of my favorite things to do in the summer since all school year long I'm eating lunch with my students in the school cafeteria. It's a simple thing that makes me happy...then I started wondering. What are some other simple things that make me happy?

*spending time with the ones I love
*homegrown tomato sandwiches
*the smell of the grill when its fired up (charcoal)
*the smell of fresh cut grass
*listening to Mason laugh

I'm sure I could think of some more but instead I want to hear about the simple things that make you happy. Please share them because another simple thing that makes me happy is when people leave me comments! ;)

Happy Thursday everyone! Until next time...

Heather

Day #2 of My Challenge...I'm Getting the Travel Bug!

Hello Again! I'm back for Day 2 of my challenge. I figured it up this morning and I have 41 days left of my summer vacation so that means 41 days of blogging!! I can do it!!

Today I have the travel bug. I guess all these beach pictures I've been seeing are to blame. We usually don't take a summer trip. Our big trip is in December when we go to Gatlinburg every year. However, we are taking Mason to the beach this summer. It will be his first trip to the beach and he seems excited! With that being said...we have GOT to work on our tan or I know 2 people that will come back looking like little red crabs!!

I've also been thinking of my top 5 places I've ever traveled. I LOVE to travel although I don't have much opportunity to. My goal in life is to visit all 50 states. I better get a move on!!

Here are the top 5 places I've traveled to:

1. Gatlinburg, TN (my favorite so far)
2. New York City
3. Estes Park, CO
4. Minneapolis, MN
5. Memphis, TN (before Mason came along John and I used to love to take a weekend trip to Memphis. We really enjoyed Mud Island)

So this leaves me wondering...what are your top 5 places you've traveled to?

Happy Wednesday! Until next time...

Heather

My Challenge to Myself...

Ok, so once again I have slacked in my Blogging...I know, shock right? So here is my commitment. I will post every day of my summer vacation-starting today! One of my problems in the past was that I was getting NO input. I hope that changes so that I can stay motivated. With that said...leave me a little comment so I know you came by.

One more thing...I want to re-name my blog. I want it to be something interesting and different. Any suggestions?

Until then...

Heather

The Polar Express

We took Mason to the Polar Express tonight and it was AWEDOME!! Mason had so much fun! I got a great picture with Mason, Santa, and Mrs. Claus. I plan to use it for our Christmas cards this year. I asked Mason what was his favorite part and he said, "Eating the cookies!" Go figure!! If you have never been I would highly recommend it. We sat in the Silver Maple car...oh and go at night so you can see the lights!!!

Whoo-Hoo!!

Make that 15 pounds and counting! I would like to share a yummy receipe that I got from my good friend Michele Shepherd. I'm not sure how many points it would be (if you are doing Weight Watchers) but I'm sure it wouldn't be many! Enjoy....

Taco Soup:

1 lb lean hamburger meat or deer meat
1 packet of ranch seasoning
1 packet of taco seasoning
1 can of whole kernal corn
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of rotel tomatoes
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of black beans
1 can of water

Brown meat and drain. The black beans and the kidney beans will need to be drained as well. Combine all ingredients in a pot and heat. I let mine cook on medium heat for about 30 minutes or so. Serve over Tortilla Chips or Fritos and top with cheese ( I used Fat Free cheese). It is so yummy and very quick! Perfect for these cold nights!! If you try this let me know what you think!