Summertime & the living's easy

Summer is here and I'm loving every second of it! It's been great going to dinner with friends, relaxing on the deck with my parents, and spending days out in the sun. For the last couple of weeks I have been nannying for four adorable children Monday-Friday. There is little miss Caroline- a 9 year-old girl, 7 year-old Joseph (JoJo), and the sweetest 3 year-old twin girls, Catie and Avery. They are the cutest kids in the world and definitely have been keeping me busy. 

Besides nannying, I have finally moved some things into my classroom to clear up everything that was cluttering our guest room. However, it is still looking pretty empty. I will start decorating and really getting things ready about mid-July! :) I cannot wait! Those that know me, know I LOVE crafting, organizing, and designing anything from a Barbie house to a real-life bedroom (I spent hours as a child playing "The Sims" but we won't go there...) Anyways it will be fun and I will be sure to post pics!

I just got home yesterday from my family's annual summer trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and it was AMAZING!

Every year since my mom was 18, her family has gone to HHI for summer vacation. It is my favorite tradition that has grown from 7 people, to our expanding family of 21. It is my favorite week and one that I anticipate all year long. During our week in paradise, we enjoy laying out in the gorgeous sun, playing water volleyball and competitive games of four-square on the beach, grilling out, shopping at Coliginy Plaza, getting drinks at the Frosty Frog, and eating out at Skull Creek and Scott's Fish Market. Every year I feel like it just keeps getting better and better! Since I have to wake up early tomorrow to return to the nanny life, I will post pictures later with more details on our wonderful week in paradise! Good night! :)

Summer has begun!

Summer has officially started! I kicked it off with UD's annual "Dayton to Daytona" trip to Daytona Beach, Florida. It was a fun week with great weather and great friends. 

After I got back, my family celebrated mother's day at my brother's house. We grilled out and had a wonderful afternoon, relaxing on the deck and soaking up the beautiful sunshine. 

Since then I have enjoyed catching up with high school friends, spending time with Scott, and relaxing with my family.  I start nannying on Friday and have been taking advantage of the time I have off right now -- making various pinterest-inspired crafts! My latest is below:

I am SO very excited to be back home in Louisville and can't wait to see what the rest of summer has in store!

So many reasons to celebrate!

The last couple of weeks have been extremely bittersweet! I've experienced a lot of "lasts" and the realization that I am indeed graduating and moving on to the next chapter of my life. 

One of my first lasts was my last day of student teaching. These kids have taught me so much and helped me to become the best teacher I can possibly be. I love each and every one of them and miss them so much already!

my farewell note to my students...

...and the many notes I received back in return :)

This was our last day of seminar with one of my favorite professors. I still can't believe I'm finished!

As if everything wasn't already exciting enough, I went home last week during finals week (since I didn't have any) and was surprised with this little beauty! This is my graduation present from my mom & dad and I couldn't be more in love!

Graduation weekend begins...

 my loving and supportive family

 so blessed to have ALL four grandparents celebrate with me during this special weekend

 my very best friends the morning before graduation

 Scott & I

forever a flyer!

University of Dayton, Class of 2013

Such an amazing last couple of weeks it has been. I am officially a graduate of UD and couldn't be more happy with the decision I made four years ago in deciding where to attend college. Dayton has truly become my second home and has been a place that has shaped the young woman I am today. I have made lifelong friends, had the most amazing experiences, and received an education so that I can fulfill my dream of becoming a teacher. I feel confident that I am ready for this next chapter in my life, but will never forget the wonderful memories I made these last four years. Thanks to my friends and family and especially my parents for their unconditional love and support. Next step: one last Daytona trip to celebrate! :) 

Spring Break Recap

So a couple weeks ago was my spring break and my parents, aunt and uncle, and I all went to our condo in Hilton Head, South Carolina. We enjoyed a week of sunshine, laying out by the pool, LOTS of delicious dinners, bike rides, and my favorite: shopping! :) 

Below are pictures from our wonderful week at our home away from home...

my wonderful mom & dad

dinner at the harbor 

toasting to my brother and future sister-in-law on their engagement! such exciting news we found out while on vacation! couldn't be more excited for them :) 

the gorgeous harbor

aunt Sandy & uncle Kendal

sunset

momma & me

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect spring break. It was just what I needed to relax after such a busy semester of student teaching. Now that I am well-rested I can get through these last couple of weeks and enjoy them! I dread the day I have to say good-bye to my cooperating teachers and my students! :(

30 Years & Still Going Strong

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." - Corinthians 13:7-8

Yesterday was a very special day in my house - it was my mom and dad's 30th wedding anniversary! My parents marriage has been one of the greatest gifts in my life. They have taught me how to truly love another unconditionally and how to create a loving and lasting marriage. 

With each year that has passed I believe my parents have fallen more and more in love with each other. They are truly best friends and enjoy spending time together. Whether it is playing tennis, watching sports, or just going on a walk around the neighborhood, they always have the best time when they are together. Growing up, I always saw my parents affection towards each other and constantly heard them saying "I love you." It wasn't until I was older that I learned to appreciate this and was able to see just how great their relationship really is. 

My mom and dad have been the greatest example I could ask for. I hope that one day I can have a marriage just as amazing as theirs. They have taught me compassion, forgiveness, perseverance, and the importance of trust and communication. I am so unbelievably thankful for them and proud to be their daughter. 

"The greatest thing a father can do for his daughter is to love her mother."

Happy 30th wedding anniversary, mom & dad! I love you both very much.

Christmas Fun!

Well the last week has been filled with family, food, and fun! On Sunday we went to Indianapolis where both my mom's sister and my dad's parents live.  It is always very convenient on holidays because we are able to see both sides of the family.  On Sunday I was able to see both sets of grandparents, lots of aunts and uncles  and several cousins! 

top: my sister Kelly and her boyfriend Tyler & my brother Ryan and his girlfriend Jenny

bottom left: my aunt Sandy, grandma, & mom

bottom right: my cousin Adam, grandpa, and me

all of the kids with my other grandparents 

On Christmas Eve we went to 5:00 mass as a family at our church.  We then came home and ate a delicious meal and played our family's favorite card game- Euchre! Afterwards we lit a fire, roasted s'mores, and watched Family Man! :) 

mom, dad, and me before heading to church!

and the fun begins...

Christmas Morning! Santa was very good to all of us :) 

Scott was also able to join us on Christmas Day. He is the best present of them all :) 

We had a lovely Christmas and now have New Orleans to look forward to for the University of Louisville bowl game! Scott and the team left today and I will be leaving Saturday with Scott's family! GO CARDS!