A few more 'back to school' photos #kindergarten!

I am so proud of my big girl!  She was up in a flash at 6:30 this morning. She was thrilled to have breakfast with Daddy; he has always been gone before we rolled out of bed - now we are up with him! She happily ate all of her muffins and milk, and smiled for the camera as we captured some special moments. Then she urged us to "hurry up" so we could get to school - she was really excited!

Walking into school, I was touched by her sweetness. Each of her hands was in one of ours, and our family of three entered her new big kid adventure together. I know one day, she will be embarrassed to have me walk into school. She will be mortified if I reach for her hand. So I will savor today's special touch. She is growing up, but she's still my little one for a while longer!

#WW: Pinterest-Inspired Back to School

This is why I do not often attempt the fabulous things I see on Pinterest. Original pins that inspired my attempt can be found HERE and HERE (theirs are MUCH better than mine!)

I loved the Kindergarten chalk photos and tried to recreate. Some things I learned:

• Much better if you use HUGE letters and only the darkest colors 
• Would work best on black pavement vs. white concrete
• Tire marks show on white concrete
• Kids squint when told to look up and the sun is out

Some of these are still pretty cute! I took these Tuesday night, since the first day of school is going to be quite early and a mad rush.

I'll post a few less-involved first day photos soon! You know, holding a paper sign that I wrote on with markers - a better match to my level of talent.

Tax-free weekend in GA & TX #backtoschool

Several states had a tax-free weekend last week, with savings on back-to-school necessities. This weekend, August 9-10, Georgia and Texas will follow suit. It is a perfect time to grab the new things your kids need while saving some money in the process!

The Texas weekend was originally scheduled one week later, but it has been moved to this coming weekend. Clothing, backpacks, and school supplies are on the list of tax-exempt items. The Texas exemption runs an extra day, through Sunday, August 11.

In Georgia, parents can save on clothing, including outerwear, dresses, sleepwear, and casual attire. Some athletic gear as well. Clothing and athletic items must be under $100 each to qualify. In addition, computers, printers, and related equipment are tax-free as long as each item is priced under $1,000.

School supplies have savings too! Any school supply item under $20 is exempt from state sales tax also. Now is a great time to stock up on all those things we need while saving some money.

For more details on the Georgia exemptions, click through to the Fact Sheet.

What will you look for on tax-free weekend?

A post about... nothing?

I don't know what it is lately, but I just feel bored. I have plenty going on - pregnancy, kindergarten in a couple days, new house - but I do not feel motivated to post or share much. Nothing seems very interesting!

What do you do when you are stuck in a rut?

I must need a vacation. Dreaming of ocean blues and puffy clouds, somewhere tropical. Wishing for fun activities for Amelia so I can lounge and breathe in the happiness of a getaway. No such plan in the near future, I fear... but one can dream!