Five on Friday

Happy Friday friends! With it being a four day work week Friday got here a little bit quicker than normal. Let's just take a minute to say thank goodness for that. With it nearing the end of the school year my first graders are getting very antsy and I think the teachers are too. Only 13 more days to go until we are in full out summer mode! Today I'm linking up today for Five on Friday with 4 of my favorite blogs. Thanks for hosting  April,  Christina, Darci and Natasha! 

One. NEW job! 
I have some very exciting news! About a month ago I accepted a position teaching at an elementary school in Shallotte. This is SO much closer to where Justin lives. I am beyond thrilled to start this next chapter of my life!! No more 3 hour drives every single weekend trying to make long distance work! [insert huge grin] To make it even better it is one of the best elementary schools in the area. I have been trying to move out of Greenville for about 2 years now but for whatever reason it just never worked out. God works in mysterious ways and I truly believe I was kept here for a reason. Everything works out in His time. 

Two. Moving 
My new job will begin in August at the start of the next school year. I hope to officially move down the first of July though. I can't believe it's already almost June! Justin and I are spending this weekend checking out the area and looking for a place to live. Fingers crossed we are able to find something!

Three. Porch time 
Spring is by far my favorite season. I have been able to spend my evenings this week on our screened in porch. It's been so nice.. I just love it! 

Four. Beach trip
I have been blessed to get to know and work with the absolute best group of girls the past two years. They have become my very best friends. Since two of the five of us are moving after this school year, we decided to take a girls beach trip one weekend. We had the BEST time. I'm so thankful for their friendship!

Five. Blackbox
Has anyone else been watching ABC's Blackbox? It's a little eccentric and not my normal type of go to show but I am hooked! 

Graduation festivities

I had my first true "OMG, I'm old.." moment a few weeks ago. My little, but no so little, sister graduated from East Carolina University! To say I am proud of her would be an understatement. I'm so very happy I could spend the weekend sharing this special moment with her! Graduating is definitely just a stepping stone in God's journey for her. I know she is off to big things in her future. I mean she has already scored a summer internship doing mission work in Taiwan/Raleigh/New York. Told ya, big things! 

We started the weekend off at the commencement ceremony where all 2014 graduates were honored. It took place in Dowdy Ficklen football stadium so I felt right at home. So many good memories in that stadium! Countless Pirate football games, my college graduation and now Ginny's! 

After the ceremony we headed home to have a joint BBQ grad party with a close family friend who was also graduating. Caroline is like a second sister to me so it was very exciting to share the moment with her as well! We had the best time taking it easy that day sipping champagne and sharing stories. 

The next day my sister had her smaller departmental graduation. I might have shed a tear as she walked across the stage. Bittersweet moment for me. That evening I was able to have dinner with some close friends that were in town for my grand little's graduation. So many people to celebrate in one weekend! 

 so blurry :( 

It was such a fun weekend! Congratulations Ginny Lynn.. I am SO proud of the amazing woman you have become! 

Beach Bag Essentials

The weather is warming up and it's time to hit the beach! I know that when I get to the beach I like to be prepared. Once I sit in my chair and sigh my first "aah", I know that I don't plan on moving anytime soon. No one likes to have to leave just because they are sun burnt or lacking something they need! Here is what you will currently find in my beach bag. 

1. Beach towel- everyone needs the perfect beach towel. Preferably one that is soft, extra large and a fun print. I just got a new one from target that I am in love with! 

2. Sunscreen- For me there isn't a one size fits all when it comes to SPF. I have a very odd routine when lathering up. SPF 30 always goes on my face, chest and shoulders. The rest of my arms and stomach gets SPF 15 and then my legs go for the tanning oil. Does anyone else your multiple SPF's? I have 30, 15, 6 and oil in my bag at all times!  

3. Book- this is an important one! You need a good book to get captured in. 

4. Chap stick with SPF- there is nothing worse than sun burnt lips. 

5. Drink spike- beach and drinks just go together. Now you can sip your beverage of choice without worrying about sand touching it! 

6. Baseball cap- I know when I am spending a full day on the beach, my face eventually need a break from the sun and a baseball cap provides the perfect shelter. 

7. Sunglasses- I prefer to keep a cheaper pair of sunglasses in my beach bag. This way I don't have to worry if they get scratched by the sand, fogged from the salt water or lost in the ocean. I save my nicer sunglasses for normal day to day wear. 

8. Leave in conditioner- The beach can leave your hair very dry and tangled. Having a leave in conditioner on hand makes my hair so much more manageable.

What's in your beach bag?

Wedding Season

It's no secret I have been a little very MIA lately. I've missed this little ole' blog so very much. I'm excited to be back to share all of the happenings going on in my world! 

Wedding season is in full swing. Justin and I will have attended four weddings in a two month time frame before this spring ends. We have been to two so far and have two more to go. I have no complaints about it though. It's so fun to get dressed up and see old friends all while sharing such a special day with the bride and groom. Having an excuse to travel doesn't hurt either! We ventured to Greensboro for one wedding and Wilmington for the other. 

Oh and you know what makes weddings even better? It's the perfect excuse to shop! I got both the first Lilly dress and the second J-Crew dress for over half off. Win in my book!