Coming to an end...

I cannot believe that summer is almost over! I go back next week to start setting up my classroom... UGH! I do love what I do, really, I do. It is sooo stinkin' hard to get back into a routine. I will miss my lazy days that I have spent poolside, sleeping until my eyes pop open, staying up late, spending quality time with Paige, etc...

Sometimes I feel like a kid again. Do you remember being little and feeling anxious and sad about school starting back? I have always enjoyed summer so much. This summer I have really relaxed, because my body NEEDED it! Now, I am going to join the rat race again.

Paige starts back on the 4th. She found out her schedule and she will be pushed academically this year... YAY! Last year, she wasn't placed in any accelerated classes and she breezed through with little challenges. Paige thrives on a good challenge. She performed well on the state testing and the school placement tests so finally she will be in advanced classes. She is also changing dance studios. It will give her another really great challenge. Without going into it with great detail, she was waaay behind in technique and since she's changed, they are whippin' her little butt into shape. She comes out with a bewildered look on her face, usually saying "I had no idea I could do that!". Once again, YAY!

It's going to be a year full of change, but that's a good thing.

As an aside, I would like to ask for prayer. I'm having a procedure this week. I am hopeful that it will bring about some much needed change personally. Thanks!

Britney

So, I realize that a night out downtown for dinner and a concert doesn't sound all that bad to do with a few moms and daughters, right? Would you still think it was ok if the said concert was Britney Spe@rs? My mom about had a hissy fit when I told her that I was taking Paige, but after a lot of convincing, I got my way.

I have been a fan of some of the most ridiculous entertainers ever as I have grown through the years. I guess it is a quirk of mine that I thoroughly enjoy wonky, kooky types of singers, bands, etc... I love Britney. Paige has grown up listening to "some" of her songs while I drove her to and fro and has developed a liking to her songs, too.

Sooo, my girl is turning 13 next month and I thought it would be fun to surprise her with tickets as an early bday gift. She was so excited, but I think I took the cake with the excitement factor.

I am friends with some great gals whose daughters just happen to be some of Paige's bffs. We jumped at the chance to spend some girl time together. For those of you who have ever visited Nashville, you know it is truly a happening and alive city. We went to eat dinner at The Hard Rock, Nashville and the girls had all of the tables around us singing Britney songs. My daredevil sister decided to start the bandwagon of "planking" after dinner. For those of you who don't know what planking is, google it...so random! Here, in all of her glory, is Paige "planking" aye yi yi!



We had a "rockin'" waiter. He was playing Britney songs for the girls and would get them up and dance with them. Too cute!



As for the concert, it was ALL THAT AND A BAG OF CHIPS!!! She sang some of her best older songs and the best of her newest. Actually, I don't think she "sang", rather did an amazing job of lip syncing. We didn't care, though, as she is one fierce dancer and so are her back up dancers. Paige and I danced and sang the night away. I had a BLAST!!! The night reminded me of when my mom took me to see NSync when I was younger.

Paige woke up this morning still talking about the night. I'll never forget it either.








Fellow in the red, teaches hip hop workshops at Paige's dance studio and is SUCH a nice, Christian guy. Who'd a "thunk" it?!

As a side note, there weren't any curse words or anything too suggestive throughout the entire show. I was impressed!

You mean I have a blog?

I have been so awful about blogging. I feel like I constantly write that when I post. It's not that I don't want to blog anymore, but for some reason, it feels like a chore.

First, I would like to say a sincere thank you for the comments and emails about my last post. We've had a bit of a rough beginning to the summer, but I am happy to say that we have come out on the other side and MAN does it feel GREAT!!!

I don't want to document publicly what actually happened, but I will say that "sista bear" had to come out and it wasn't pretty. I generally take a lot from people. I have been wronged so many times in my life, but I easily forgive. When someone/someones hurt my girl, it's a different story. I have always run from confrontation, but not this time. I feel so much stronger in my convictions, but the most important lesson that has been learned is Paige knows that we have her back and NO ONE will hurt her as long as I have anything to do with it.

Everything is great for us right now! We've enjoyed a very nice, relaxing, sunny summer. Paige has been working at a summer camp as a counselor. The camp is called "Gym and Swim". It's right up her alley. She gets to lead in canoeing sessions, obstacle courses down by the lake, swim games, etc... She has been the leader of her group and the little 5 and 6 year olds LOVE her. She feels like a rock star :)

My sweet, little mama fell a few weeks ago while looking at a cute little pup. She was able to drive herself home, but once I saw her wrist I knew a trip to the ER was iminent. She fractured her wrist, basically shattering it. She has been such a trooper though and is sporting a pink cast that goes above her elbow. She is such a tough cookie. I love her vivaciousness and zest for life. She is such a precious lady and I couldn't love her more if I tried.

As for me, well I have been super busy with photo sessions. I photographed a mid size wedding this evening and lets just say, I will never do that again without a second shooter. I probably sweat off 10 lbs running to and fro, but it was a challenge that I met and I am proud of myself. I have also found a new niche and am photographing mostly newborns. Who'd a thunk it? I'm in the process of building a new website, logo, branding, etc... It's been fun and I am blessed, blessed, BLESSED!

School begins in a few short weeks, so I intend on lounging by the pool as much as possible, drinking my share of fruity drinks, watching my little girl blossom, and just enjoy life!

Aaaah Summer 2011 you have not disappointed!