The Graduate

Today I walked proudly across the stage of Converse College to receive my MEd of Education in Administration and Supervision.   What a feeling of accomplishment, relief, and satisfaction!  This day would not have been possible without the love, support, and encouragement from my family.  Both sets of grandparents (along with my sister) have assisted with many hours of babysitting over the past 3 years, and their sacrifice was never taken for granted.  Mickey, my wonderful husband,  was nothing but understanding when school work came before laundry, dishes, and cooking.   Mackaylan, on the other hand, didn’t always understand why I couldn’t play Barbies or watch a movie every time she asked, but was very proud of her Mama, “the graduate.”  This degree was definitely a joint effort.  I do not know what the future holds now that I have obtained this degree except for a well-deserved and much needed pay increase!  What I do know (in the words of Dr. T.R. McDaniel in his closing remarks today) is that “I. am. finished.”  

After the ceremony we were all treated to lunch at the Olive Garden by my wonderful Daddy!  The meal was delicious, but having the time to celebrate this accomplishment with my family was worth even more!

What a special Saturday!

Flip Flop Friday

Probably one of my favorite things about warm weather is flip flops, and in my opinion you could never have too many pairs!  So, a few weeks ago Mackaylan and I had a craft night and added to our collection.  We made our own matching flip flops!  It was a fun, inexpensive way to spend some quality time together and the end result was adorable.  All you need is a pair of cheap flip flops, a few rolls of your favorite ribbon, and a little time. Happy crafting!

Ziippety “ZOO"-da

Today the girls and I piled into the car with my mom, my sister, and her boys for a fun day at the Greenville Zoo.  The weather was perfect. Most of the morning it was overcast which kept the temperature down yet it didn’t rain either.  After the zoo we went out to eat for lunch and then did a little shopping.  I love spending time with my family and making memories!

Ok.. so a quick story about the newest addition to our family, “Pandy.” While walking through the gift shop to cool off Mackaylan spotted this Panda Bear and decided she needed it to come home with us.  After explaining to her that if she purchased this stuffed animal she would not be allowed to get anything from Target and she would have to give me the money she had in her purse when we got back to the car she decided “Pandy” was going to be her purchase for the day.  All was well in Mackaylan’s world…. for a few minutes.  Once we got back to the car to head to lunch she decided she had, “made a mistake about the Panda Bear.”  When she realized that she had to give me the money from her purse (which was only $3 by the way) she didn’t want it anymore.  Needless to say, I kind of chuckled to myself because of her choice or words, and told her she could keep her $3.  That was all it took to bring a smile back to her face.  I know.  I’m a sucker!!  Admitting it is the first step, right?! ha

Christmas in July

On Monday night, July 25th, the O’Shields family celebrated Christmas in July.  Some one say that it was a way that I could indulge in my habitual shopping hobby, but I like to think of it as fun, memorable  way to express my love to my family! 

So, with that in mind, I climbed into the attic and brought down a tabletop tree,

set out a few decorations on the kitchen counter,

and lit a Christmas candle to stimulate the senses and add a little ambiance.

After dinner we each opened one present.  Mackaylan received a pair of Hello Kitty texting devices (I told you she was like her mama!)

Mickey got the first season of Friday Night Lights on DVD.

And with her big sisters’s help, Lydia “opened” up a fun bedtime toy. 

Lydia was feeling a little under the weather this week, but seems to be getting better.  She has had a runny nose and a cough since we have returned from the beach.  However a humidifier, saline drops, and lots of TLC seem to be doing the trick!

As you can see, we all enjoyed this fun, memorable night together. We are already looking forward to next year!

Litchfield Beach ‘11

This time last week we were sitting on the sunny coast of South Carolina with the sand between our toes.  We had such a wonderful time with our family and friends!  This was the first time in 9 years that Mickey has been able to take the entire week off and we did not take that for granted.  What did we do?  A lot of nothing.  That’s what you are supposed to do on vacation, right?!  When we go to the beach that’s what we do- go. to. the. beach!  Here are a few more pics from our wonderful week!

The traditional family shot:

In keeping with true Lana fashion, the crazy shot:

Lydia relaxing in her Bumbo by the pool:

Mackaylan and Mom:

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree:

Another cutie:

Mackaylan and Pop-O rockin’ the pool:

Despite the look on their faces, these two really were having a good time:

Probably our favorite night of the week is when we all gather around the table for some Low Country Boil:

Our ocean-front home for the week:

From the breathtaking view of an early more sunrise,

to the stillness of a beautiful sunset as the day comes to a close,

nothing could be finer than the coast of Carolina!!!!

Oops! I did it again.

 

Oops!  I did it again.  Social media has gotten the best of me.  First it was blogging.  Then it was Twitter.  After that it was Pinterest.  And now I am an official user of Facebook! 

Happy Thursday!