Myrtle Beach with Denise

My sweet Augusta friend, Denise, invited me to come to Myrtle Beach with them for a few days while they were on Spring Break.  Richard had to work.  Kamdyn had school.  I didn't have a babysitter for Karcie.  SOOOO, I packed Karcie and me up and we headed to Myrtle Beach.  It was a short trip because Richard had to leave for a business trip to Mexico, but it was a good trip.  I was so happy to see my sweet friend!!  Karcie had a blast in the heated pool and on the beach.  The weather was icky most of the time we were there, but we did manage to get on the beach for a couple of hours one day while the others shopped.  We hope to make it back to Myrtle Beach in May while Kamdyn is tracked out.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate!

Heated indoor kiddie pool!

Cloudy, but beautiful view.

Sassy Karcie!

Ana Blake at Joe's Crab Shack

Two of my faves.  I absolutely cannot believe that Ana Blake graduates from high school this year!  She is so beautiful, inside and out, just like her Mommy!

Me and my precious girl!

We love Ms. Denise!!

Denise and Sandy

All of us!!

Karcie took a ride with Stuart Little after we had lunch on the boardwalk.

Then, I unleashed her to play in the sand.

She tried to fill her bucket with water, but came back to tell me that the water was too cold and she wanted me to fill her bucket.  Umm, no thanks!

The beach is the perfect place for Karcie....very little boundaries and she can get as dirty as she wants!

My little precious girl!

Photo collage of our night at Joe's Crab Shack.

My FAVORITE TEACHER!!

My trip to Augusta was a surprise for my precious friend, Denise, who was chosen as the Teacher of the Year at her school. After being chose on the school level, you write a 10 page paper describing your adventures in teaching.  The county chooses 5 Top Finalists!  Denise was chosen as a finalist for the 2nd time!  We were bummed a few years ago when she didn't win Teacher of the Year for the County.  I just KNEW that this was HER year!!  When she asked me about getting a ticket, I told her that I didn't see how I could make it work.  I didn't know how scheduling would be for Richard's work and how he would manage to get Kamdyn to and from school and her activities.  After I mulled it over for a while, I decided that I couldn't miss Denise's BIG night.  I had a gut feeling she was going to win!  I secretly purchased my own ticket.  I ran into her husband Al as I was walking into the Riverfront Marriott that night.  He almost fell over when he saw me because no one had an idea that I was coming.  He walked me in to find Denise!  She started screaming and jumping up and down.  My plan was a success!

I cried when they announced her name as the winner.  Denise is so deserving!  She and I have shared so many "teacher" stories along the way. She was the first sweet face that greeted me and took me to lunch when I went completed new teacher orientation in Augusta in 2001.  She was the BEST mentor, friend, and cheerleader to me.  I never would have made it 12 years in Richmond County without this positive and upbeat lady!  People just do not realize what teachers go through on a daily basis.  Her acceptance speech was PERFECT!!  It spoke to all teachers and administrators in a way that only Denise can get away with. :)  She spoke her professional TRUTH!!  Only Denise can tell you the honest truth with a smile on her face and leave you wondering if she was fussing or being nice.  She's a gem and I'm proud to call her FRIEND!!

When she first saw me!

HUGS!!

Pointing to our friend, Suzanne.  She just knew that Suzanne had known I was coming.  I kept a GOOD secreat!

My former principal, Mrs. Bailey, with Denise and me.  Denise is still in shock!  :)

Me, Denise, and Suzanne.  Suzanne is my other AWESOME Augusta friend.  Love these two more than words can describe!

Chatting with Denise's principal prior to the start of the event.

Love my friend!

And this one, too!

The Turner Family. They truly do not make folks more genuine than this family.  I. Love. Them.

Suzanne, Denise, Debra (my former teaching assistant for 8 years!), and me.
My Wheeless Road Elementary friends.  We parted ways several years ago, but our friendships remain. 

My favorite photo of the night!  

So glad I made it to Augusta to witness Denise receiving such a great and well-deserved honor!

Lunch with Denise

On Friday morning, the girls and I hopped in the car to meet my best friend from Augusta, Denise.  She met us in Greenwood at Cracker Barrel.  I was so happy to see her!   It was the first time that we had seen each other since I moved.  I miss her and her sweet family SO much!  Can't wait to see you again, Denise!  Thanks for driving an hour to see us!

Angels Watching Over Me

Sunday night was a night of tears for me.  Thankfully, Kamdyn kept her tears locked away.  She kept telling me, "Don't cry, Mama!  You're being a cry baby!"  :)  

Mr. Al (Denise's husband) came over to visit with the girls and with Richard on Sunday night.  He brought each of them a book which was sweet in and of itself.  Kamdyn has been his little buddy since she was born.  He brought her this book, which made me cry the entire time while reading it.  THEN, he wrote this sweet note in the back.  The tears flowed and wouldn't stop that night.  We have so many that we are leaving behind here.  So many who love us, but REALLY love our kids!  They have become part of our family.  And, Al, he is a big dude that looks all rough and tough on the outside. He is always in camouflage, hat, and with a dip.  But I will tell you, this man has the biggest heart that I have EVER seen.

We are thankful for all of the heavenly and earthly angels that watch over our family every single day!

Happy 18 to Dalton

Dalton turned 18 on Monday. We celebrated at Mi Rancho in downtown Augusta on the River. Not by chance, it was karaoke night. We had a blast singing and celebrating with Dalton and his family and friends.

"Kimberly and The Gang" - this is that name that the DJ gave us!

We were singing Sugarland's "All I Want to Do." Kamdyn sang all the "ooh, ooh, oohs" for us! :) She loves to sing just like her Mommy!

Kamdyn took control of the camera and took lots of close-ups!

Hey Daddy!

And Mommy!

Mr. Al (aka Desert Eagle and Dalton's Dad)

Ana Blake and Ms. Denise

Dalton, The Birthday Boy!

Daddy and Mommy! Wow that's close, Kamdyn!

"Take my picture, Mommy!"

Silly Keith!

And, even sillier, Colby! He gave us an awesome karaoke rendition of "Simple Man!" It was awesome! This dude doesn't have a shy bone in his body. He reminds me of our good buddy, Jon Potter, at that age!! :)